GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE

BEXAR COUNTY BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

June 28, 2008

• Consider planting hardy, colorful drought-tolerant plants such as Gold Star esperanza, Mexican firebush, Pride of Barbados, Yellow Showers Thyrallis, Butterfly pentas, and Red Firecracker rosella.
• Landscape palms require warm soil to establish their root systems. Bush palms include Mediterranean Fan palm and the palm-like Sago. Straight, upright selections include Windmill, Sabal, and the enormous California Fan palm.
• Give special attention to water requirements of leafy garden plants such as coleus, caladiums, and elephant ears during hot, sunny periods. Mulch heavily throughout your landscape and gardens to reduce water needs and eliminate weeding.
• Convert troublesome turfgrass areas into low-maintenance hardscapes. Try using bark, gravel, wood decking or an organic mulch along with decorative pottery planted with seasonal color.
• Work in the gardens early in the morning or late in the evening and drink plenty of water, use sunscreen and wear a long-sleeved shirt. Take plenty of breaks and don’t get overheated.

David Rodriguez is the County Extension Agent-Horticulture with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Bexar Co