Here’s what’s new in the garden this week at the Earth-Kind® Demonstration garden at Travis County AgriLife Extension.

French Sorrel Thriving in the Herb Garden

Pat Cabella, Master Gardener for the herb area in the AgriLife garden, cut back the French Sorrel (Rumex scutatus) a while ago. It is now flush with growth and ready to pick again. French Sorrel can be tricky to grow here in Austin because it wants regular irrigation and shade. Luckily it has both in the herb garden bed here at AgriLife.

Dahlia Blooms Persist Despite Cold

A surprise bloom peeks out of  the layered garden managed by Master Gardener Jane Peart. Jane planted several Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata) seeds and tubers in her area this year, and right now ‘Karma Lagoon’ is still blooming. It’s a shock of pink color that has caught the attention of the bees that are still hanging about. You can see what else Jane has planted by visiting the Earth-Kind® Demonstration Garden plant list.

Perfumed Air Courtesy of Mistflower

The White Greg’s Mistflower (Eupatorium havanensis) is covered in blooms and scent. It’s right by the sidewalk and the sweet perfume catches you off guard as you come into the office. The tiny white blooms are a favorite of all sorts of native bees, including some impressive black bumblebees. This shrub can also be a important source of nectar for migrating Monarch butterflies.

New Plants at Pfluger Bridge Garden

A renovation is underway at the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge garden,. The bridge spans Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin and connects up the north and south sides of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. The initial planting from a few years ago outgrew the space.  The new plants are primarily from the Texas Superstar® list. Texas Superstar® plants have been tested by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and have proven to be good performers under the tough growing conditions throughout Texas. You can see a list of what has been planted here: Pfluger Bridge Plant List