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 …

Those yuccas, sages and muhly grasses likely don’t need all that extra water, even on the hottest summer day. In newer subdivisions, when it’s done right, irrigation is carefully laid out to water the grass and the landscape beds separately. This hydrozoning technique groups plants with similar water needs so thirsty plants (like grass) can …

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 …

Stop swatting and start enjoying your great outdoors. Use these methods to help prevent these biting bloodsuckers from hanging around. All the weeks of drought-busting rain showers this spring have been great for landscapes and wildflowers. But they’ve also ushered in an unwelcome pest: mosquitos by the millions. Many myths surround the management of mosquitos. …