TEXAS
Blooms From Bulbs
Lay out stages of color for late winter and spring displays now. First
set out bulbs of narcissus, Dutch iris, snowflakes (shown at right),
ranunculus, and anemones. Plant these in well-prepared soil, and feed
with a slow-release fertilizer, cotton seed, or alfalfa meal. Narcissus
such as 'Golden Dawn,' 'Erlicheer,' 'Grand Primo,' and 'Yellow
Cheerfulness' are often perennials in our part of the South as are
snowflakes (Leucojum aestivum). Dutch irises are inexpensive, easy, and
come in blues, yellows, bronzes, whites, and bicolors. Ranunculus and
anemones are noted for their brilliant reds, blues, yellows, and pinks.
As the temperatures cool, add layers of pansies, violas, sweet alyssums,
stocks, snapdragons, and columbines.
Panhandle
Grass--Sow seeds of cool-season grasses such as annual or
perennial ryegrass and fescue using a seed spreader. Begin by mowing
existing grass close to the ground. Evenly distribute 5 to 8 pounds of
seed per 1,000 square feet. Fescue grass can be a permanent lawn and
works well in shady spots.
Entire State
Dividing perennials--Daylilies, bearded irises, Shasta daisies,
yarrows (left), coreopsis, and phlox can be dug now and easily separated
into single plants. Replant into soil that has been amended with several
inches of organic matter such as compost or peat. Use a slow-release
organic or inorganic fertilizer.
Central, East, and South
Sowing wildflowers--Seeds of native wildflowers are ready to sow
now for months of color next spring and summer. Begin by lightly tilling
the soil, and then mix equal parts of cornmeal or coarse sand with the
seed to help provide even distribution. Rake in the seed lightly to
provide good contact between seeds and soil.
South
Sweet strawberries--Set out transplants of strawberries for early
spring harvest. Space them 12 inches apart in rows or masses in sunny
areas. Mulch with coastal Bermuda hay to discourage weeds and keep the
berries clean and dry.
North and East
Camellias--These beautiful evergreens thrive in the acid,
well-drained soil of our area. They prefer partial shade. Sasanqua
camellias have smaller flowers than traditional common camellias but
bloom earlier and make handsome hedges or specimens. Selections such as
'Yuletide' (red), 'Cleopatra' (pink), and 'Mine-No-Yuki' (white) are
among the choices. Larger flowering common camellias such as 'Purple
Dawn' (reddish), 'Pink Perfection,' 'Professor Charles S. Sargent'
(red), and 'Governor Mouton' (red splotched with white) are among the
best and often flower from January through April.
Central, West, and South
Vegetables--Transplants of broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower,
chard, and onions can be planted now. Direct seed favorites such as
lettuce, mustard and turnip greens, radishes, carrots, parsley, beets,
and arugula. When the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them so
that each plant has room to develop well.
"Around Your Garden" is from the October 2007 issue of Southern Living.
