Spring and Fall Plant Sale Growing Guides
Annuals typically live a whole life span in one season and produce many blooms. Fertilizer at planting gives them an extra boost and mulch around plants insulates in cold weather. Annuals need well-drained soil because water-logged plants can’t take in water or nutrients, and wet soil encourages disease. Cool season annuals thrive in the Texas fall and winter and can handle cold temps. They may need a little protection in freezing temperatures, like a layer of mulch around the plant, or a freeze cloth over the top. Click here to read the page of advice for individual annual plants.
Perennials live several years and produce flowers at certain times of the year. Many perennials protect themselves in winter by going dormant on top of the ground and using that time to grow strong root systems under the soil. Native plants rarely, if ever, need fertilizer and/or soil amendments. Water regularly when first planted. Drought tolerance happens after a plant is established (1-2 growing seasons). Plants that dieback to the ground in winter can be pruned before new growth emerges in spring. Click here to read the page of advice for individual perennial plants.
Ornamental grasses are low-maintenance plants that are resilient, drought tolerant, have few pests and problems, and provide good wildlife habitat. They also provide winter interest, adding structure and texture to the landscape all year round. Click here to read the page of advice for individual ornamental grasses.
Daylilies, day lily or ditch-lily is a flowering plant native to Asia. Despite the common name, it is not taxonomically classified in the lily genus, Lilium (herbaceous plants growing from bulbs), but rather the genus Hemerocallis (herbaceous perennials growing from rhizomes). Click here to read the page of advice for daylilies.
Cut flowers bring beauty indoors and out. They attract pollinators, encourage more blooms when cut, and make lovely home arrangements. Click here to read when and how to seed your cut flowers.
Heirloom and perennial bulbs return year after year, bringing reliable color and seasonal beauty to your garden. Once planted, they require minimal care and reward you with blooms that brighten your landscape each season. Click here for tips on planting, storing and caring for perennial bulbs.