Kimberly Toscano
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Southern Plains Regional Reports
Pretty Penstemon Varieties for Pollinators in the Southern Plains
When it comes to underappreciated perennials that deserve more attention, penstemon, or beardtongue (Penstemon spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9) is among those at the top of my list. This genus…
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Southern Plains Regional Reports
Grow 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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Southern Plains Regional Reports
6 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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Southern Plains Regional Reports
Plants for the Southern Plains to Add to Your Shopping List
Whether you’re walking through your local garden center, flipping through the pages of your favorite catalog, or scrolling the website of an online retailer, the sheer number of plant choices…
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Southern Plains Regional Reports
Perennials 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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How-To
This Versatile Mattock Can Break Up the Densest Soil
I affectionately call my mattock the “Mad Axe” because of its incredible strength. It has a sturdy fiberglass handle and a stout steel head with a horizontal adze on one…
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Southern Plains Regional Reports
Tips 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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Southern Plains Regional Reports
Drainage 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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Southern Plains Regional Reports
Protecting Trees From Winter Injury in the Southern Plains
Extreme temperature fluctuations in winter are common on the Southern Plains and can cause damage to young trees. Alternate freezing and thawing of water in the trunk can cause cracks…
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Article
A Gadget That Takes the Guesswork Out of Watering
While it may seem like a simple tool, I’ve recommended this Mosser Lee Soil Master moisture, light, and pH meter more than any other garden tool. The soil in my…