The vibrant season of summer brings forth a symphony of changes in nature, offering a fascinating lens through phenology to appreciate the rhythms of plant and animal life. From plant growth to butterfly transformations, observing these seasonal changes deepens our connection to the natural world and reinforces our role as stewards of Earth’s biodiversity.
Texas summers can be harsh on native trees, but proactive maintenance is key. Prioritize a watering plan, using mulch, and monitoring for pests and diseases. Deep watering, native mulches, and timely pruning are crucial. Stay vigilant year-round to ensure healthy, vibrant trees.
Prepare your garden for summer in southeast Texas today! Prioritize selfcare, choose native or adapted plants, water effectively and efficiently, use mulch to your advantage, and use organic fertilizers to create a resilient summer garden!
The white prickly poppy, a native Texas plant, boasts large white flowers and thorny stems. It’s a valuable food source for wildlife and supports local pollinators. Thriving in sandy, gravely soil, it’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Planting new seeds annually is recommended, and its incorporation into landscapes is essential for ecological preservation. Embrace this beautiful native plant in your garden and contribute to the community’s green spaces.
In April, The Woodlands Township celebrates Earth Month with daily activities and events to honor the planet. Volunteer opportunities, educational classes, and outdoor challenges are available, from composting and gardening to birding and sustainable living. The community is encouraged to embrace Earth Day every day with simple actions to protect the environment.
The clover is key part of celebration on St. Patrick’s Day as a symbol of Irish culture. Frequently seen in The Woodlands Township, clover provides erosion control, nitrogen fixation, and supports insect populations, making it a valuable addition to landscapes.
Worm composting, or vermicomposting, is an indoor method using red wiggler worms to break down kitchen food scraps, producing rich compost in weeks. It’s an inexpensive, space-saving, and eco-friendly way to turn food waste into nutrient-rich soil. Maintaining a worm bin and harvesting the compost are essential for successful vermicomposting.
Flowering trees are often considered “ornamentals” leaving many to question their purpose beyond just “looking pretty”. But don’t let these beautiful blooms fool you, these trees offer numerous practical benefits to your landscape. Take advantage of these benefits and plant a flowering tree this year!
The 2024 Arbor Day Tree Giveaway will feature numerous native flowering trees, including Flowering Dogwood and Eastern Redbud, the latest species covered in our Trees on the Trail series. Get your own seedling tomorrow, January 27th, at Rob Fleming Park!
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 before joining us for the 48th Annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway on January 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon at Rob Fleming Park.
Small trees or shrubs offer a wide range of benefits and are valuable additions to every garden’s ecosystem. Shrubs play an integral role in creating bee-, butterfly-, and bird-friendly gardens by providing pollen, nectar, and seeds. They enhance privacy, curb appeal, and property values. With benefits like these, adding small trees and shrubs to your landscape should be a no-brainer!
The 2024 Arbor Day Tree Giveaway will feature two beautiful understory species that can be trained into small trees or multi-stemmed shrubs: false indigo and buttonbush. Keep reading to see which one suits your landscape – or choose both for double the benefits!
