September 27 , 2012
Fall in love with autumn bulbs and grasses
with child day in my garden ! The autumn daffodils ( Sternbergia lutea ) crop up up dependably a year after planting .
These small crocus - like plants , aboriginal to the Mediterranean , are cunning companion for red oxblood lilies and wanderer lily ( Lycoris radiata ) .
Last fall on CTG , Chris Wiesinger , author ofHeirloom Bulbs for Today , introduced me to these beauties that will cultivate in my Blackland soil , even in part shade ! I blow no time tell these punishing - to - find bulbs online .
Mostly though , I get plant from local nurseries supplied by local / regional growers ( or grow themselves ) , along with passalongs from ally . My native Plumbago scandens has been in non - stop musical mode for months against evergreen Texas sedge ( Carex texensis ) . The plumbago will die out to the ground this winter but render even stronger next spring .
Mine came from theLady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center sales — coming up again Oct. 13 & 14 ( member ’s preview Oct. 12 ) . you may even join that daytime to ticktock the boot for superb natives , include ones that do n’t often show up in greenhouse .
These days , many nurseries do have aboriginal grasses like Lindheimer muhly ( on the left hand ) and deer muhly ( on the right ): this prominent duo inAnne Bellomy ’s garden .
Native skunk , in the fields and in our gardens , are both adorable and good . Many send down cryptical roots , benefiting aeration , stabilizing the soil , and meliorate fertility — along with providing shelter and nutrient for wildlife . And in declension , they are the ultimate drama queen ! My Lindheimer was our favorite autumn standout until it got too much shade and withered away . Until I find a sunny smear , I ’ll just revel Anne ’s .
This hebdomad , Tom meet with Shirley and Brian Loflin , who observe that grasses once prevail the Hill Country and the Blackland prairie .
Their book , Grasses of the Texas Hill Country , is a well-disposed hands - on guidebook to identify and see about both cool and warm weather grasses in our flying field and for our gardens . This pop book is currently in separate , available for pre - order from Texas A&M University Press .
presently , it is uncommitted as aGoogle ebook , too .
Brian ’s photography avail make it easier to identify the grasses that soon will be in show - off mode , like curly mesquite . This one ’s part of theHabiturf mixthat includes buffalo grass and blue gramma grass for a native lawn in sun . By the way , the Habiturf triad is available at theWildflower Centerand online .
Little blue stem is another aboriginal beauty that you ’ll be seeing presently .
Artist Shirley also creates beautiful framed botanicals with grasses , perfect for that wall you ’ve wanted to adorn !
you may order online from their land site , The Nature Connection , and also find out about their workshops , field tripper , and see Brian ’s extensive picture taking of dirt ball , animals , plants , and wonders of the rude world .
require to know more about cactus , too ? !
Since we ’re heading into select sentence planting season for grasses , shrub , perennial and wild flower , get inspired with avisit to Betty & Gerald Ronga’sgarden where nutrient , wildflowers and wildlife unite on this bouldered hilltop in Leander .
Many of us face lachrymation restrictions , likeSheila C. , who asks if fungal disease is a job if we must irrigate at dark .
Daphne explainshow it depends on the time of year and the site .
It ’s punishing to think that we ’re just weeks away from losing our summertime annual herbs . Get ready now withTrisha ’s tips and tricksfor freezing herbs in rock oil and butter , along with formula and making herbal vinegar .
Note : to watch an single segment online , select the vertical chapter marking above the play ginmill !
Happy planting and see you next week , Linda
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