Our landscape plants need nitrogen, but they don’t need as much as you think, especially if you practice proper gardening techniques. Research establishes that all plants including grass, shrubs and trees use nutrients applied in the fall more efficiently and to greater effect than those applied in spring and summer. This is especially true regarding …

Our flying friends are coming from near and far. Offer them respite with fresh water, a bountiful buffet and a safe place to stay. October is migration month for bees, butterflies and birds. Of course, I am including migrations from 100 feet to 10,000 miles. The question I pose is what should you have in …

That spot where you can’t get lawn grass to grow? It may be time to put in a pathway or flowerbed instead. A healthy landscape evolves over time and your watering habits should change with it. I recently learned a peculiar term in architecture: Thomasson. It’s a name for any feature that once had a …

Planting Guide for New San Antonians Whether you’re new to San Antonio or just to South Texas gardening — this list will guide you on what to plant and when. San Antonio transplants often experience shock on their arrival to South Texas as they’re faced with dilemmas on what and when to plant. They are …

Whether you’re new to San Antonio or just to South Texas gardening — this list will guide you on what to plant and when. San Antonio transplants often experience shock on their arrival to South Texas as they’re faced with dilemmas on what and when to plant. They are even more surprised to learn that …

Several local plants are uncommonly adept at blocking sunlight and reducing water loss during summer months.Summer is a great time for outdoor activities. As humans we know we need to protect our skin with sunscreen, but did you know plants also use sunblock? No, they don’t apply lotion to one another. But many have adapted …

No matter where your home is located, the key to a thriving, water-saving landscape is one that works with — not against — its natural characteristics. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, San Antonio’s booming northwest side is a prime location for a specific landscaping challenge: thin or shallow soils. But all is not lost. …

Tired of endless watering and changing out bedding plants? There’s likely a perennial salvia that would love to grow in your landscape. There’s a salvia for every occasion in the Texas landscape. The Latin name — salvere or healthy — gives a clue to this genus’ performance in summer, even in the most scorching conditions. …

For green grass yards to thrive (or even survive) in our region, we’re forced to over-fertilize and over-water. But there is a better way. There’s a common misconception that every American home should be accompanied by a perfectly manicured lush lawn. Unfortunately, the reality of this ideology is that our region — with its bouts …

Fertilizers and pesticides can be washed away by rainwater to nearby creeks and rivers. A few simple solutions can prevent this pollution — and save water! From heat to cold, rain to drought, moderation doesn’t apply to the weather in South Texas. Recent rains have been a welcome respite from the drought, but with significant …