TEXAS
Cool Fall Flowers
Aromatic asters, chrysanthemums, petunias,
and Mexican bush sage offer purple blooms to greet the season. Silvery
foliage contrasted with purple flowers and leaves make a classical
combination for fall borders and containers. These groupings blend with
most brick, stone, or stucco colors. Some of the best silver foliage
plants include 'Big Ears' lamb's ears, 'Powis Castle' artemisias, and
dusty millers with lacy, cut foliage. Mulleins, especially the moth
mullein, will reseed for many years in the garden. For purple foliage,
consider purple heart, purple basils, purple fountain grass, ajuga, and
'Purpurascens' sage (Salvia officinalis).
Entire State
Fall vegetables--Transplants to set out
now include cabbage, bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, parsley, collards,
Swiss chard green onions, leeks, and garlic. Seeds to plant directly
into the soil include lettuces, spinach, carrots, mustards, turnips,
radishes, arugula, and mesclun mixtures.
Central, East, and South
Perennials--Divide and reset
spring-blooming perennials such as daylilies, coreopsis, ox-eye daisies,
yarrows, and Louisiana and bearded irises. Begin dividing existing
clumps as you clean up and reorganize flowerbeds. Separate clumps into
individual plants, and share the extras with friends.
Central, West, and South
Bulbs--Old-fashioned
narcissus that thrive in the heat and humidity of this area include
'Grand Primo,' 'Campernelle,' and 'Chinese Sacred Lily.' All are good
investments because they return and increase in our gardens. Order these
from The Southern Bulb Company located in Golden, Texas,
www.southernbulbs.com or (903) 768-2530.
South
Fruit and nut trees--As fall approaches, be sure
to water citrus, pecans, persimmons, and other fruit-bearing trees to
ensure well-filled nut meats and prevent premature dropping.
North and East
Hydrangeas--These beautiful shrubs are
an old-time favorite that can be planted now in the region. Native
oakleaf forms are available in double-('Snowflake') and single-flowering
types and thrive in the same type of partially shaded areas as their
mophead relatives. Newer hydrangeas include reblooming selections, such
as 'Endless Summer,' that continue to bloom on both new and old wood
through the warm seasons.
Panhandle
Lawn--Seed ryegrass now while the weather is
still warm. Begin by mowing your permanent grass, and then use 5 to 8
pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet. Perennial or annual ryegrass may
be used. The perennial type is finer textured and easier to mow. Fescue
is a permanent grass that may also be seeded at this time. Seed at a
rate of 3 to 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet, or use 7 to 9 pounds for
new sod.
"Around Your Garden" is from the September 2007 issue of Southern Living.
