It has begun... Now, that the weather has decided to be more "normal", we are starting to see the usual suspects showing up. Leaffooted bugs, snails, slugs and the gambit of other hardened criminals, have ridden back into town. Determined to "do their thing" and have their way with our yards, … Read more about Go on the prowl!
Giant, Curly or Spotted…Pick one!
What's in a name? I had always heard it called Ligularia, then for some reason (only known to a select group of plant nerds...no offense intended, nerds are an important part of society...we would still be in the stone age without them) it was changed to Farfugium. You can read more about how … Read more about Giant, Curly or Spotted…Pick one!
Arachnid microscopicus
Last week, while trying to avoid sitting at my desk and dealing with a stack of papers, catalogues and trade mags, I opted to do some watering. It's surprising how relaxing dragging a hose can be. It doesn't cause friction between the remaining brain cells and I get a nice long look at all the … Read more about Arachnid microscopicus
Even in the nicest neighborhoods…
The worst gardening practices occur... I had to run some plants over to a landscaping job last week. The gated community has a beautiful entrance, really 1st class plantings. I was impressed with the lake, no floating trash...no weird green or blue dye added. As I headed to the address, I … Read more about Even in the nicest neighborhoods…
How cool are these?
What's new? That depends on your perspective. If you're a new gardener, everything is. If you've been around the garden a few times, it takes more to make you say "Oh, I want that!" After a few decades in the industry, it's hard for me to get excited about boxwood and yaupons any more. Some of … Read more about How cool are these?
Really? A toad and frog blog?
Froggy fun I don't know what it is about frogs and toads, but I just like them. I have never met one, seen one or held one, in any form, whether it was live, painted, molded, carved or drawn, that I didn't just say "Awww" to... (served on a plate is another thing all togetherand gets more of an … Read more about Really? A toad and frog blog?
Smut…not what your Granny warned about.
Help! It has a disease One of the reasons I love my job, is that I learn something every day. A few days ago, I was looking through one of my favorite books, Diseases of Trees and Shrubs (Sinclair, Lyon and Johnson...Comstock Publishing, 1987). Since I didn't know the name of what I was … Read more about Smut…not what your Granny warned about.
What caused that?
Hole Puncher? The crazy holes in this redbud should probably be viewed as a more of a curiosity than a true problem in the Houston area. Damage like this is either caused by a Leaf Cutter Bee or a Leaf Cutter Ant. If the entire plant is being stripped...then you got a … Read more about What caused that?