Yuletide Camellia

  Last week I talked about adding color to your fall and winter landscape using misc. annuals. Another great way to add color to the garden this time of year is to plant Yuletide Camellias. They have dark glossy green leaves and flower fall through winter. My Yuletide Camellias always seem to bloom around Christmas giving my backyard an extra colorful look during the holidays.

How To Grow:

• Plant in filtered light filtered light
• Water on a regular basis
• A moderate grower that can get to 10' tall or prune to shape
• Add rich organic matter to the surrounding soil
• Feed with an acidic type fertilizer

Winter Color In The Landscape

  Adding color to your landscaping during the cooler months is a great idea. Today I have added pictures of four of my favorite winter color plants: Allysum, Cyclamen, Pansy, and Snap Dragon. Most nurseries and garden centers should have these. In our area of south Texas these plants will last into March and early April.

Allysum



  Used as a border or edging plant, Allysum comes in white or purple, and has a great fragerance. A single row will produce a 3"-4" wide border of solid color. It likes full sun but can take some filtered light. It can be used as a border for any of the other plants listed below.

How to grow:

• Plant in full to partial sun
• They like average soil but will tolerate dry soil. Water 1-2 times a week.
• Add a general purpose fertilizer once a month

Allysum



Cyclamen

  This plant comes in many bright colors and will do best in filterd light. They are expensive and most gardners just add a few with other winter colors for an extra bright spot in the garden. They get to approx. 6" tall and have dark green leaves. They can be used as a house plant if watered regularly.

How to grow:

• Plant in well drained soil adding a good organic mixture in the bedding area.
• Do not let plants get dry
• Do not plant in full sun



Cyclamen





Pansy

  Pansy comes in a variety of colors and is easy to care for. They are a low growing flower and once planted will give you a show of color. They do best in full sun. The "Majestic" variety produces a larger flower and is the most popular amoung landscapers.

How to grow:

Plant in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Pansies like sun and cooler temperatures.

Space the plants about 7 to 12 inches apart. They will spread about 9 to 12 inches and grow to be about 6 to 9 inches tall.

Apply a general purpose fertilizer once a month

Water at least once a week



Mixed Pansys



Snap Dragons

  Snap Dragons also come in a variety of colors and sizes. Some varieties only grow to 6" while others ("Rockets") can grow to 18".  A very showy flower that will also last into March and April.

How to grow:

• Plant in rich, well drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Grow in full sun.
• Space tall varieties 12" apart, small varieties 6" apart.
• Pinch tips of young plants to encourage branching
• Apply a general purpose fertilizer once a month
• Water weekly

  

Freeze Warnings!

 

  Looks like the Houston area might see the temperatures dropping around freezing on Thursday and Friday night. Take precautions to water your landscaping plants beforehand and try to cover as much as you can. White covers seem to work best as they allow a bright light on the inside during the day and help to radiate any sunlight that is available. These covers are available at most home improvement stores (if you get there ahead of the crowd). As a last resort any plastic trash bag or even bed sheets will work. Don't forget to uncover your plants if the temperatures start climbing back up. Good luck!

Happy New Year

  One of my resolutions for 2012 is to keep this "blog" more up to date. Last year was hectic but I will find time to make regular postings here. Everyone have a great 2012 and we will talk soon.

Mulching No No

OMG!!

  Ok people....what's wrong with this picture?? Looks like a "Mulch Volcano" doesn't it? For some reason a few years ago a lot of landscapers decided this was a good look for mulching around trees. WRONG! This practice will cause discoloration and of the trunk below the mulch line and in some cases causes the tree to die.
  Mulch should be applied to hold moisture, not repel it like shown above. So please add mulch in more of a saucer shape. This will hold moisture, help prevent weeds, and look MUCH BETTER!
  Oh yeah, one more thing.....stop using unsightly Red Mulch!! UGH!

                                               

Spring Tune Up Time

   With Spring upon us it is time to get that yard in shape. In the next few days I will be posting some tips to get you started. Here are a couple:

St. Augustine Lawn

Lawn

   For you who have St. Augustine grass I highly recommend "Scott's Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed. It will kill out that Dollar Weed in your lawn as well as 24 other common lawn weeds. Be sure to apply it with a broadcast spreader while the grass is dry and then water it well. You will notice a difference in 7-10 days.



Sprinkler System

 Sprinkler Systems

   This is also the best time to perform a system check on your sprinkler system. Run each zone and make sure your lawn and landscape is getting full coverage. Doing this now will insure a good start to the growing season.

Spring Planning

   With the current weather we are having many of us are thinking about sprucing up our yards for springtime and beyond. Here are a couple of places to look for ideas and information:

Encore Azalea

   Want great Azaleas that bloom multiple times a year? Look here:   http://www.encoreazalea.com/

 

  

Marigold



  

Ageratum



Need some plant ideas to spruce up your yard this spring? Look here: http://www.monrovia.com/

 Remember to consult a professional landscaper if you have any questions or need to have a design made for you.