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April Tip: Succulents in Heat and Drought

House of Succulents

Some of the most drought tolerant plants available to help us achieve those goals are succulent plants. Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems and/or roots and can tolerate extreme drought and heat. Succulents are also ideal for gardeners with limited space and limited time. They are easy-care free plants requiring almost no maintenance.

While succulents are low maintenance, they are prone to rot if overwatered, a common occurrence when gardeners water them on the same schedule as their other plants. According to Casey Limerick, of East Austin Succulents, “the biggest mistakes people make with succulents is giving them too much water and too much sun.” The correct soil is important, too. “We make our own soil blend here,” said Limerick.

Limerick recommends planting succulents in a fast-draining soil mixed with a little bit of sand (not much) and a little decomposed granite.

By Diana C. Kirby|2017-11-29T23:27:14-06:00April 26th, 2013|Tips|0 Comments

March Tip: Drought-Resistant Salvia

Drought-Resistant Salvia

Versatile, drought tolerant as well as deer and critter resistant, there is a salvia perfect for your garden. Whether you need plants that are tall or short, need sun or shade, or you want a certain color, you can find a type of salvia to meet your needs. Find out more about the salvias that thrive in our often difficult climate and conditions.

Although most salvias appropriate for our area are drought tolerant or have moderate water needs, it’s important to remember, as with all plants, that they are only drought tolerant once established. New plantings require a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish the deep, healthy roots that will make them water-wise as mature plants.

By Diana C. Kirby|2017-11-29T23:27:14-06:00March 23rd, 2013|Tips|0 Comments

February Tip: Alternative Lawns

Xeriscaped Alternative Lawn

Our recent drought has made more than a few homeowners reconsider the composition of their landscape. Lawn replacement choices run the gamut from low-maintenance beds to welcoming patios, paths ad dry creeks to enticing features like water features, play spaces, gazebos and fire pits.

While xeric or drought-tolerant plants require less water, all plants need to be watered. When planted, they will require regular watering for several months to get them started, but will then be less thirsty than other non-native or adapted plants. In addition to flowering plants like lantana, salvia, yellow bell, damianita, skullcap, plumbago, catmint, and blackfoot daisy, to name just a few, many xeric grasses and sedges can also be used in a smaller area en mass to create a grassy, non-traditional green space. Groundcovers and creeping plants can also be used to take up lawn space – some of those that work well here include Asian jasmine, sweet potato vine, silver ponyfoot, purple heart, wooly stemodia and a variety of thymes.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (www.wildflower.org) center maintains an excellent database of native plants — their needs and characteristics – that grow well in Central Texas.

By Diana C. Kirby|2017-11-29T23:27:15-06:00February 23rd, 2013|Tips|0 Comments

December tip: Plant bare root roses now

Now it’s officially what passes for winter here in Central Texas and that means it’s time to think about planting bare root roses for your spring garden. “Bare root” refers to the way the plants are shipped while they are dormant and doesn’t have anything to do with the different types of roses. Planting these roses now gives them time to develop a strong root system before they begin putting on foliage in the spring and prepare for the hot summer that surely lies ahead. It’s important to remember that roses need 6 full hours of sunlight to thrive and they do best in a loose, loamy soil with good drainage. As soon as you bring them home, you should trim off any dead roots or stems. Then put them in a bucket of water for several hours to revive the roots. If you are not going to plant them in their permanent place, plant them temporarily in another part of the garden until their plot is ready. The roots should not be allowed to dry out. The wax coating on the root tips is put on by the growers – don’t worry about it – it will wear off once you plant the rose.

By Diana C. Kirby|2017-11-29T23:27:15-06:00January 21st, 2013|Tips|0 Comments

November Tip: Sharp ideas from Tucson’s arid climate

Extended droughts and excessive heat seem to be becoming the norm in Central Texas and many other parts of the country. So gardeners are doing what gardeners do – trying to second-guess the weather conditions to achieve gardening success. I recently traveled to Tucson, where I was eager to learn more about their approach in a hotter climate – their gardening techniques and the plants they use.

By Diana C. Kirby|2012-11-28T18:01:43-06:00November 24th, 2012|Tips|0 Comments

October Tip: October is perfect time to plant wildflower seeds

You can plant your own beautiful patch of wildflowers. They’ll need a lot of sun and a patch of earth where they can get direct soil contact. Seeds don’t like mulch – it prevents the ground contact they require to germinate. Once you have a spot, sprinkle the ground, sprinkle the seeds and you’re on your way. Just be sure to water them delicately and keep them moist until they come up and the seedlings grow a little. Then you can cut back to watering periodically, depending on how much rain we get.

By Diana C. Kirby|2012-11-09T17:16:31-06:00October 6th, 2012|Tips|0 Comments

Tips

April Tip: Succulents in Heat and Drought

March Tip: Drought-Resistant Salvia

February Tip: Alternative Lawns

December tip: Plant bare root roses now

November Tip: Sharp ideas from Tucson’s arid climate

October Tip: October is perfect time to plant wildflower seeds

Escape in the garden