Home and Garden
Singing the Blues: Tiny but addictive lobelia shows off its many hues
Lobelia is one of those tiny but addictive plants that you can find at almost any nursery. For a couple bucks, you can get a fix with six small plants to tuck into pots, corners and flower beds. At that price, who can’t help but pop these puffy blue annuals...
Grubs in turf and garden
White grubs are the larval stage of insects known as May or June beetles. While most beetles do not cause significant damage, this is one that is capable of severely damaging turf and some ornamentals. Once a year, from April through May, adult...
Planting shade trees calls for foresight, planning
Shade trees lower electric bills, increase property values, and can prevent soil erosion and run off. These trees provide huge benefits, but they can’t just be placed into the ground without planning and thought. Since many shade trees grow to 25...
Bugs, slugs and snails in the garden
Wow! Look what the rain brought. Slugs and snails are really enjoying those dark damp places where they can feed all night without being disturbed. My sweet potato vine, shown above, is thriving in a shady spot in the garden, but the snails are munching...
Keeping it Green: Summer lawn care is more than just watering
As Rio Grande Valley temperatures soar and the summer months make their presence known, bear in mind even lawns need to hydrate. Instead of drowning your landscape with pails of water, take proper measures in order to maintain a healthy turf. Often...
Giving a tea party for the garden
For many years I have recommended using compost as a valuable soil amendment. Putting organic matter, such as compost, into the soil enriches the soil with nutrients, helps sandy soils retain moisture, loosens tight, heavy clay soils to improve drainage,...
Antique roses love South Texas heat
Of all the roses I have tried, antique roses perform best in the South Texas heat. This group of old garden roses are on their own roots, not grafted. Many of the old roses are strongly scented with that “true rose” scent and are less prone to insect...
Dirt Enrichment: Composting can boost soil quality
One of the easiest ways people can help the environment and their garden is by composting. “Nothing biodegrades or breaks down in a landfill,” said Lars Handley, owner of cleanairgardening.com. Composting allows people to reduce the amount of items...
Plant a Living Fence: Shrubs, bushes and trees can create eco-friendly borders
As Robert Frost once penned, “good fences might make good neighbors.” Too bad they also spoil the view. While keeping intruders or critters out of your yard might sound ideal, traditional fences don’t always provide the backyard ambiance homeowners...
Natives for shade
Shady gardens often present challenges for those who want a bit of color in the garden. Several natives bloom well in shade and have the additional benefit of providing for wildlife. Manzanita, Malpighia glabra, or Barbados cherry, will bloom in...
'Home and Garden' Archives
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