TEXAS

Native hollies such as possumhaw and yaupon will thrive in most of the state and attract birds while brightening your garden. Possumhaws lose their leaves in the winter, exposing the bright red or orange fruit that remains until spring or whenever the birds get hungry. 'Dwarf Burford' holly is of Asian origin and a more compact version of the older type. It can be maintained at 6 feet tall or less with occasional pruning. The ideal time to prune hollies is when they are in fruit. Burford hollies are self-pollinating, which means that you don't need a male holly in the area to set fruit. Yaupon and possumhaw hollies set fruit only on female plants so be sure to purchase plants that have berries on them. American holly (Ilex opaca) is native to the eastern third of Texas and are best adapted to that area of the state. Red berries adorn the evergreen foliage of the pyramidal shaped plants.

Entire State
Containers of greens--Add pots of colorful, 'Red Russian' kale, ornamental cabbage, lettuce, and Swiss chard to your porch or patio garden. Parsley, arugula, chives, and mint also thrive during our cool seasons. Start with 4-inch-size plants for a quick effect.

Panhandle
Birds--Provide food and water for them daily. Birds add color and interest to the landscape all year long. Locate birdbaths in open spaces where predators can easily be detected, and change the water often. Encourage and supplement native vegetation to help give sheltered locations for the birds. Allow native grasses to mature and ripen their seeds because these are important natural sources of food and nesting materials for the birds.

Central, East, and South
Vegetables--Plant seeds of turnips and mustards. Begin by adding organic material, such as compost, to the soil. Sow seeds in rows, or scatter them over the area. Thin the seedlings 4 to 6 inches apart, and begin harvesting the foliage as soon as the leaves are 4 to 6 inches long. Root turnips will begin to form about two months after seeding.

Central, West, and South
Holiday herb--Rosemary is widely available in cone-shaped forms, standards, or trailing types. Select topiaries for seasonal holiday decor. All types are useful planted directly into the garden or in containers. They prefer sunny, well-drained locations.

North and East
Spring bulbs--Finish planting spring-flowering bulbs this month. Narcissus such as 'Erlicheer' and 'Golden Dawn' become dependable perennials. Dutch irises and snowflakes (Leucojum aestivum) may also be planted now for blooms in March and April.

"Around Your Garden" is from the December 2007 issue of Southern Living.