Brochure10-5-2023rev1Columns written by Greg Grant and a Smith Co. Master Gardener which appear each Sunday on the Gardening page in the Tyler Morning Telegraph, are posted here.
Ecological Gardening
Greg Grant, Smith County Horticulturist for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
featured in Tyler Morning Telegraph, April 21, 2024
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of ecological gardening—a practice that seeks to harmonize human habitation with the natural world. Rather than viewing gardens as isolated patches of flowers, shrubs, and lawns, ecological gardening recognizes them as integral components of larger ecosystems, with the potential to support biodiversity, conserve resources, and promote environmental sustainability.
A cornerstone of ecological gardening is the use of native plants, which are naturally adapted to the local climate, soil conditions, and wildlife. By incorporating native species (those growing in Texas before humans entered the landscape) into your garden, you can create habitats for native pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, while reducing the need for water, pesticides, and fertilizers. From vibrant wildflowers to truly adapted small and large trees, native plants add beauty and diversity to the landscape while supporting the health of local ecosystems.
Water is a precious resource, especially in drought-prone regions like Texas. Ecological gardening emphasizes water conservation through practices such as mulching, rainwater harvesting, and selecting drought-tolerant plants. By minimizing water usage and maximizing efficiency, you can create a garden that thrives while minimizing its environmental impact. Additionally, incorporating water features such as rain gardens and ponds can attract wildlife and enhance the beauty of your outdoor space.
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden, providing essential nutrients and support for plant growth. Ecological gardening promotes soil health through practices such as composting, mulching, and avoiding chemical pesticides and fertilizers. By nurturing the soil ecosystem and fostering beneficial microorganisms, you can create a resilient and sustainable garden that flourishes year after year.
One of the joys of ecological gardening is the opportunity to create a welcoming habitat for wildlife. By providing food, water, and shelter, you can attract a diverse array of birds, butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects to your garden. Incorporating native plants, creating wildlife-friendly features such as bird feeders, bird baths, and nesting boxes, and minimizing chemical inputs can all contribute to a thriving wildlife habitat in your backyard.
Beyond the practical aspects of gardening, ecological gardening fosters a deeper connection to the natural world. By observing the rhythms of the seasons, paying attention to the needs of plants and wildlife, and practicing mindful stewardship of the land, you can cultivate a greater appreciation for the beauty and complexity of nature. Through gardening, we have the opportunity to become active participants in the ecological community, working in harmony with the land to create a more sustainable and resilient future.
By embracing ecological gardening, we have the power to transform our outdoor spaces into vibrant sanctuaries of biodiversity and beauty. Cultivating native plants, conserving water, nurturing healthy soil, creating wildlife habitat, and fostering ecological awareness, creates gardens that not only enrich our lives but also contribute to the health and resiliency of the planet.
Greg Grant is the Smith County horticulturist for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com and read his “In Greg’s Garden” in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com). More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.
The Lion in Your Backyard
By: James “Jim” McLain , Smith County Master Gardener
featured in Tyler Morning Telegraph, April 21, 2024
Spring is here and you are probably looking at your lawn wondering how to get rid of those dandelions. But have you ever really thought about that lion in your yard? Such as why was it named dandelion? The name comes from the French term ‘dent de lion’ meaning ‘tooth of the lion’ because of the leaf’s resemblance to the teeth of a lion. The flower stalk can reach heights of 6 to 24 inches. The flowering head contain 100 to 300 individual flowers that eventually form the characteristic puffball of seeds. Dandelion seed do not need to be in the soil to germinate and can self-germinate if conditions are moist enough.
First a history lesson. Dandelions (Taxacum officinale) are not native to North America. Historians believe that they were brought here, from Europe where it is native, by the Pilgrims along with other food crops. After its introduction to North America the Native American tribes began to use the dandelion as both a food source and for medicine. Speaking of medicine, the dandelion is being studied for its ability to promote apoptosis in cancerous cells. There was a study that also looked at the dandelions ability to raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. In areas such as Turkey it is prescribed as a holistic remedy for diabetes.
Food crops you say?!? Yes. Did you know that every part of the Dandelion is edible? Dandelion greens are a nice addition to salads, especially the French and are quite fond of them in salads, are more nutritious than spinach containing many minerals and nutrients particularly vitamins A and K and the taste is very similar to endive. The flowers are used to make a tea infusion. The blossoms when added to honey give it a nice herbal note and have the same effect when added to vinegar. And the blossoms are used to make Dandelion wine. The long tap root can be used to make tea and, once dried and roasted, can be used to make a caffeine-free coffee substitute.
Speaking of the tap root, the deep tap root of the dandelion can go up to 10 – 15 feet into the soil, to bring important minerals and nutrients to the surface thus making them more available to your lawn. Think about that the next time you try to dig one out of your yard. The roots also help in aerating your soil and helping the roots of your lawn breathe; yes, plants do breathe through their roots as well as their leaves.
Besides all these benefits the dandelion is also an important early source of nectar for honeybees and other pollinators. Pollinators who will hang around and pollinate your other flowers as they bloom as well as your flowering shrubs, think azaleas. And the trees making sure that they are healthy and adding to the biodiversity of your neighborhood.
Take care of those Dany Lions because that dandelion can make your yard the Pride of the neighborhood!
Smith County Master Gardeners are volunteer educators certified and coordinated by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
James “Jim” McLain
Smith County Master Gardener