Texas
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DesignGrow a Rock Garden in a Challenging Area
A rock garden can help you overcome a number of challenges in the landscape of the Southern Plains—from poorly drained soil to hot, dry, rocky areas. It provides a means…
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Design6 Great Plants That Tolerate Both Full-Sun and Shade Conditions
When designing a garden, I am often looking for plant material that tolerates both full-sun and shade conditions. Perhaps the garden bed includes a young tree that currently provides very…
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DesignPerennials for Dry Shade in the Southern Plains
Gardening in dry shady locations can be a challenge. Even when rain does fall, thirsty tree roots quickly suck up soil moisture. To ensure understory plants thrive, I seek out…
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DesignSmall-Space Gardening in Texas
Today we’re off to Texas to visit a gardener who makes the most of a small garden space, filling it with a collection of lovely, cottage-style blooms. A small garden…
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How-ToTips for Growing Broccoli and Cabbage in Hot Climates
We are blessed with a long growing season on the Southern Plains, but getting a good crop of cool-season vegetables is not always easy. This is especially true for spring-sown…
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How-ToMarch Garden To-Do List for the Southern Plains
March is a golden month of opportunities in the Southern Plains garden. While the early summer months may be filled with more actual growth, March is the month when anything…
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How-ToDrainage Solutions for Heavy Clay Soil
I recently renovated my courtyard, carefully double digging the clay soil and adding plenty of organic matter. When heavy spring rains arrived, I discovered I had created a giant bathtub.…
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DesignThe Best Roses for Your Garden
Gertrude Stein once wrote, "A rose is a rose is a rose." But when it comes to growing them, not all roses are equal. Since many roses put on their…
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ArticleYour Favorite Plants Improved for the Southern Plains
In Paul Westervelt's article on perennial upgrades, he explains the benefit of stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new versions of tried-and-true plants: "After whiffing a few times,…
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How-ToSouthern Plains: February Garden To-Do List
Transplant spring- and summer-blooming perennials such as ‘Henry Duelberg’ mealy blue sage (Salvia farinacea ‘Henry Duelberg’, Zones 8–10), spring obedient plant (Physostegia intermedia, Zones 6–9), and square-bud primrose (Calylophus berlandieri,…
