Dreaming of a lounge-worthy, low maintenance landscape? A xeriscape may be the answer. Just keep these seven principles in mind. Coined in 1981 by Denver Water, xeriscape (xeris is Greek for dry) refers to combining a low maintenance landscape with low water use. A xeriscape is not rocks, decomposed granite, cactus, agaves, or rain barrels …

If you’re watering just once a week with an irrigation system, don’t be surprised when your water bill doubles — or triples. Although we are currently in Stage 1 watering rules, don’t be fooled into thinking your bill will not increase significantly. Even once a week watering could double your water bill. Don’t believe me? …

First tip: native plants are the non-gardener’s dream come true. Have you ever tried to grow plants, but constantly kill them? Or maybe you love the idea of plants, but are fully aware you don’t have the time or attention span to do it properly? I’m not going to lie, I’ve done some abominable things …

Turns out it’s no contest, and the answer may surprise you. Read this before you put in that new lawn. Turf installation may be the single biggest water user in the lifetime of a residential property. Hands down, putting in a new lawn uses way more water than filling a swimming pool. Even in San …

Under Stage 1 rules, outdoor watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system is allowed only before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m., one day per week. Unseasonably dry weather has lingered on for months now — triggering Stage 1 watering rules. SAWS has significantly diversified San Antonio’s water supplies. As a result, the Edwards Aquifer …

Look for the 2022 San Antonio Rodeo Tomato STM2255 on sale next week at Milbergers’s Nursery. The variety selected this year is a determinate plant that produces a generous crop of large, globe-shaped tasty fruit with considerable disease resistance to alternaria, fusarium, verticillium and gray leaf spot. With all the cold weather we have had …

If you’ve got freshly cut oaks with unpainted wounds, beware. A fungal fiend could feast on your trees. There’s not much time left to prune your oak trees this winter, especially if you want to minimize the chance of oak wilt. Caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum, oak wilt is a disease that affects the …

As below-freezing temperatures head our way, keep in mind how our landscapes fared after last year’s brutal winter weather. Nearly one year ago we experienced some of the harshest winter weather on record, as well as power and water outages, icy roads and pipes frozen solid. Some of our plants suffered too. Now as below-freezing …

Create a calm, soothing outdoor environment by incorporating blue hues into your lush green landscape. Classic blue was the Pantone color of 2020, but I never got a chance to write an article praising blue in the landscape or offer my favorite blue plant suggestions. Even though it’s two years late, I’m sharing my thoughts …

Bulbs, rhizomes and corms all have different planting requirements, but with a little TLC you can get them into the ground in winter and appreciate their color and beauty come spring. For those of us who greatly miss tulip time in the Midwest, there are opportunities for a South Texas spring bouquet of tulips, daffodils …