Click on the link and print it out!!! Bud Spring Ad 2013 … Read more about Boing!!!!
Trees, trees, trees
What it takes Trees...uh...don't grow on trees. Growing trees is an art and a science. The trees you see for sale have years of fertilizing, pruning, watering and repotting behind them. Every aspect is carefully monitored. The soil mix needs to be formulated, pots need to be selected, water needs … Read more about Trees, trees, trees
What’s with that bark?
Woof, woof...is not what we mean The bark of a seedling is little more than a crêpe paper thin covering. The bark of a Cork Oak can be 8 inches thick and Redwoods can have 1 foot thick bark. The thickest bark is on ancient, giant Sequoia trees and is around 3 feet thick. Bark not only … Read more about What’s with that bark?
Roses for 2013
It's that time again! Every year I struggle with the rose order, this year was no different. Did I order the right ones? Did I order enough? I dread getting the job done, but at the same time get excited over the fact that it means spring is on the way. There are 17 new (or new for … Read more about Roses for 2013
Don’t kill that insect!
Twice-stabbed lady beetle What's black, red and on your plants? I bet you automatically thought "Lady Bug" (which isn't actually a "bug", but is a true beetle). Today's insect du jour is a Twice-stabbed lady beetle. The Twice-stabbed lady beetle is a cousin of the Lady Beetle, only their … Read more about Don’t kill that insect!
How far south is Houston?
Geography lesson We hear, on a regular basis, "It grows in California, why not here?". Last week we got "It grows in Oklahoma." Ok, let's keep it simple...Houston is located further south than all of California (dry heat because it's sandwiched between 2 deserts, yes the Pacific Ocean is a … Read more about How far south is Houston?
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?