TEXAS

Quick Spring Arrangements
Daffodils are some of the favorite flowers of the season. If you do not have any growing in your yard, you can purchase bunches at the grocery store or flower shop. Select stems with buds that are just beginning to open. Wash the vase you plan to use with soapy water, and rinse it clean. Then fill it with lukewarm water, and add a floral preservative. Cut stems at an angle underwater to improve water uptake and maximize vase life. Daffodils secrete a substance that prevents other flowers from taking in water, so mix them only with other daffodils. Arrange your blooms as you like in the vase, using the leaves as part of the design. Place the arrangement in a cool area away from vents and direct sunlight, and be sure to change the water every couple of days. Enjoy!

Entire State
Cool-weather flowers--Petunias such as the Shock Wave and Easy Wave Series provide spreading masses in all the usual petunia colors. Gladiolus introduce flower spikes that blend nicely with petunias. Plant them in drifts (elongated masses) of 12 to 15 bulbs. (The planting of glads can be timed from February to early April.) Nasturtiums have a short window of opportunity. They do not tolerate much frost or heat but can be set out near the end of winter for late-spring and early-summer color. Nasturtium leaves and blooms are peppery, which makes them tasty additions to salads. They are easily started from seeds or transplants.

Panhandle
Planting--Set out container-grown trees and shrubs so they will have adequate time to become established before hot weather arrives.

Central, East, And South
Transplants--Add a row of leaf lettuces as a border in the garden. Full-sun locations are best for vegetables. Run the garden rows from east to west to maximize exposure to sunlight. Be sure to incorporate several inches of organic matter such as compost, composted pine bark, or peat into the soil.

North and East
Azaleas--Select these beautiful shrubs while they are blooming to ensure you get the colors you prefer. The Kurume Hybrids are considered dwarf and are some of the first to bloom. Well-known types include 'Coral Bells' (pink), 'Hershey's Red' (bright red), 'Hinodegiri' (red-violet), 'Sherwood Red' (orange-red), and 'Christmas Cheer' (red). Southern Indica Hybrids, some of the largest azaleas, bloom next and include 'George Lindley Taber' (light pink), 'Mrs. G.G. Gerbing' (white), 'Pride of Mobile' (deep rose pink), and 'Formosa' (magenta).

Central, West, and South
Perennials--Daylilies, salvias, coneflowers, and hardy hibiscus are easily adapted to our area and provide many months of color. Salvias such as 'Indigo Spires,' autumn sage, and anise-scented sage provide many months of low-maintenance color.

"Around Your Garden" is from the March 2008 issue of Southern Living.