Winter’s Dearth
As we are passing the middle of January, it is clear that we are in the middle of the winter dearth.
Dearth - noun: a scarcity or lack of something.
I learned this word when I...
Continuing Last Year’s Garden Plans
Thinking back over 2020 -
One thing that really stood out to me was the incredible interest in gardening, in landscaping, in raising chickens, and in all things outside during the time that we...
Developing an Excellent Soil
If you are reading this, it is obvious that you probably enjoy messing around outside. Be it your yard, landscape, or vegetable garden, you couldn’t wait for the sun to shine and your ground...
When to Use Fallen Leaves Around Your Landscape
Our abundance of trees provides us with an abundance of fallen leaves at this time. What you do with them matters, as not all leaves (or needles!) are the same and should not be...
Starting Fruit Tree from Seed
An old friend of mine, Joe Noel, asked me how to germinate a seed from some fruit he had. That is a request that I tend to get frequently. “I had the best peach...
Fall Foliage – Explained
Trees are remarkable plants, and at no time is that more apparent than in the fall, when deciduous trees—bracing themselves for the winter—begin their transition into dormancy. The result is a vibrant and magnificent...
Fall Leaf Management
It's at this time of year that we clearly understand why another term for autumn is "fall"! The slightest breeze brings down a shower of leaves from shade and ornamental trees. Blessed with an...
Texans Can Take Steps to Prevent the Spread of Oak Wilt Disease
Oak wilt is one of the most destructive tree diseases in the United States, and has been killing oak trees in Central Texas at epidemic proportions. Texas A&M Forest Service urges all Texans, particularly...
Planting Trees Best Done in the Fall
Looking at the weather outside, we are definitively still in a fall season and winter is nowhere to be seen. My ten-day weather forecast shows a low of 42 for the Lufkin area early...
Insect Calls Over the Past Week
With fall upon us and getting closer to winter, my week was filled with questions about bugs. Bumble bees, honeybees, armyworms, and a potential sighting of the Asian giant hornet are among the questions...