GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE

BEXAR COUNTY  BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

May 30, 2009

Take a critical look at your landscape while at the height of summer development. Make notes of how you think it can be better arranged, plants that need replacement, overgrown plants that need to be removed, and possible activity areas that can be enjoyed by family members.

Replace or replenish mulch material in flower beds and shrub borders to conserve moisture and reduce weed growth. A thin two inch layer of a finely shredded native hardwood or cedar material is preferred.

Check for insects and diseases. Destroy badly infested plants. Spider mites can be especially troublesome at this time. Select a chemical or organic control, or use a Horticulture grade insecticidal soap.

Crape Myrtles are referred to as the ‘Lilac of the South’. They come in a large array of different colors and grow to various sizes, from 18 to 24 miniatures up to large 20′ plus tree types. For a comprehensive list of varieties which grow best in Central/South Texas, please visit this site at: http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/trees/crapemyrtle/crape_myrtle_varietieshtml

David Rodriguez is the County Extension Agent-Horticulture with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Bexar County. For more information, call the Master Gardener “Hotline” (210) 467-6575 or visit our County Extension website at http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu.