September 24 , 2009
Salvia-fest, spring bulbs & pumpkin decorate!
Salvia greggiiwas my first native perennial , a big deal for me when I nabbed this “ uncommon ” works atZilker Garden Festivalyears ago . Then , we all simply know it as “ cerise sage . ”
Now , you could find this drouth - tolerant , evergreen wildlife - magnet everywhere , and in lots of colors .
The closed book to these guys is pruning , since they blossom on new development .
In January or February , prune strong ( by one-half , or so ) to avoid a sparse , woody plant .
In recent August , give them a light haircut to prompt fall color . The more diligent among us shape them throughout the yr , including works like the silver germander with this red salvia . I am not in that club .
Despite my laxness , when they bloom again in fall , I know it ’s time to watch for another of my first natives : the dayflower ( Tradescantia gigantea ) .
When they emerge in September , I know that we ’re around the bend , and by golly , spring will indeed come again .
For me , gardening is not just about this season , but what ’s to follow . Yea , it ’s the never - terminate to - do list . But when you embed surprises for the future , it ’s like having a new garden all over again every season .
Since it ’s time to get your naturalizing spring bulbs , this week on CTG , Tom and Chris Wiesinger fromSouthern Bulb Companypoint us to a few of the best payoff . They throw in some for other season , too . Here are a few of Chris ’s pictures .
Narcissus tazetta Grand Primo
Narcissus tazetta Golden Dawn
Tulipa clusiana ‘ Tubergen ’s jewel ’
Cluisiana tulips will naturalise for you and do n’t need refrigeration .
ashen rain lily ( Zephyranthes candida )
A rainfall lily that you may bring to your bog or pond !
And lots more !
On tour this workweek , meet the cutie - pie at theLucy Read Pre - Kindergarten Demonstration School . Last spring , we rap them planting their very first tulip . I ’ll never forget those tiny hands carefully patting the soil , and the scheme looks on their facial expression .
It was all thanks to theTexas Flower Bulb Societyand charter member Danny Fowler ’s thought for EAGER , as a way to give back to the community and encourage young hands to connect with the soil . Contact them at texasflowerbulbsociety@yahoo.com .
Since Halloween is just around the corner , get Trisha ’s garden tricks with pumpkins , a real delicacy for everyone !
Until next workweek , Linda
tags :
