currently in Austin
Although I’m highly allergic to native Wedelia texana, formerly Zexmenia hispida, I’m thrilled when it seeds itself with abandon in my waterwise wildlife habitat. I simply don heavy-duty elbow-length gloves when I work around them. From spring to frost, crowds of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators dart around its penny-sized golden flowers. It benefits from | read more →
Birds are the best designers! They knew just where a chile pequin was the crowning touch at the end of this narrow bed that’s shady in the morning and sun-blasted in early evening. No doubt they deposited lots of seeds from my various plants, but this one germinated and thrived since it landed in the | read more →
air date: October 20, 2018
What’s the best way to attract butterflies? Nectar plants, for sure, but that’s not the whole equation. Host plants for caterpillars invite residents, not just passersby. Lynne and Jim Weber, Texas Master Naturalists, authors, and informative bloggers, put us in the know with insights from their book Native Host Plants for Texas Butterflies. In Blanco, Sheryl and James Hearn pair structured gardens with native plants for wildlife. To answer your tree questions, certified arborist April Rose, City of Austin Urban Forest Health Coordinator, has your answers. Plus, find out why to plant spring-flowering mountain laurels. To attract bees and butterflies this winter, plant annual calendulas for cheery flowers that bloom until May. Their petals are edible, too. Carla Crownover, co-owner of Springdale Handmade, shows how she and Paula Foore make a healing salve with oil-infused petals.
This month's tips for how to care for your plants, pruning, fertilizing, lawn care, and preping for your garden. Read the entire to do list.
