Composting enriches soil, reduces landfill waste, and stores carbon, benefiting every household. Achieve success with a balanced mix of brown and green materials, maintain moisture, and address common problems, such as heating your pile, to create nutrient-rich compost—your garden’s “black gold.” Join our upcoming class for hands-on experience!
Learn how to care for your trees and ensure they thrive with these resources! Discover tips for planting bare-root trees, mulching, pruning, and choosing the right tree for the right place. Explore this year’s 12 tree varieties from the 49th Annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway on January 25, 2025.
Learn about two trees on the trail that are featured in this year’s Arbor Day Tree Giveaway. When choosing between Willow Oak and Shumard Oak, there are many factors to consider, such as size, growing conditions, and physical appearance. Willow Oak suits smaller, moist areas and grows quickly, while Shumard Oak thrives in larger spaces with well-drained soil, providing lasting shade and vibrant fall colors. Both enhance local wildlife and enrich landscapes effectively. Read on to choose which oak is best suited for your yard!
Holiday plants like poinsettias, amaryllis, paperwhites, cyclamen, and Christmas cacti can enhance seasonal cheer. To keep them thriving in Texas, provide appropriate light, temperature, and watering conditions. These plants, each with unique characteristics and care needs, can be enjoyed year-round with proper attention, enhancing your home’s festive ambiance.
As the holidays nears, many seek the perfect tree for their homes. The Witch Hazel tree, often overlooked, offers winter blooms with its unique yellow-orange flowers. This deciduous shrub thrives in woodland areas and brings color during colder months. Incorporating Witch Hazel into holiday decor can enhance festive arrangements, adding creative flair to centerpieces and outdoor spaces.
Learn about our beloved native plants! Shrubby boneset, or white mistflower, blooms in late fall, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Native to Texas, this perennial thrives in various soils and light conditions, reaching heights of four to six feet. It’s low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it an excellent addition to gardens for visual interest and wildlife.
Composting transformed kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost can be fun! Start by choosing a suitable bin or an open pile, considering factors like sunlight and accessibility. Engage family or friends for teamwork and fun. Attend monthly composting classes and participate in events like Pumpkin Smash to embrace this eco-friendly practice creatively.
Verbesina virginica, known as frostweed, is a native Texas plant that serves as an essential nectar source for pollinators like butterflies and bees. This hardy, low-maintenance perennial thrives in various soil types and partly shaded areas. Its unique “frost flowers” appear in freezing conditions and add an enchanting element to your garden. Frostweed can be grown via seeds or transplants, enhancing gardens and supporting beneficial insects.
A summer storm brings benefits beyond joy for puddle-jumping kids. Rain barrels can help you capture and use rainwater to conserve resources, promote plant growth, and gain rebates. Consider factors like water pressure and mosquito prevention when setting up your barrel. Join a workshop to optimize rainwater usage and watch educational videos for more guidance.
Bunching onions, also known as spring onions or Welsh onions, are a popular and easy-to-grow addition to any garden, thriving in various soil types and climates. With proper care, these onions can be harvested year-round and are rich in essential nutrients. They can be used in a variety of dishes and will be featured in an upcoming gardening class by Tom LeRoy.
