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Tag Archives: AgriLife Extension
Store Iris Rhizomes for Later by Yvonne Schneider
What to do with all those Iris? It’s bounty time when you divide your iris clumps, but how do you store iris rhizomes and keep them healthy if you can’t relocate them immediately? After dividing my irises, I called on friends and family to donate for their beds, but my garage was still full of rhizomes. I have a few friends who want starters for future planting, so I have put them to rest until they could be relocated. If stored properly, the rhizomes will last a year…. Read More →
In the November Vegetable Garden by Patty Leander
So long, mosquitoes! One of the reasons that the November vegetable garden is so wonderful is because most pests tend to fade away this time of year. The one I am happiest to see go is the mosquito. It’s hard to think of anything that sucks the joy out of being outside more than a single, determined mosquito. Good riddance. I hope their annoying buzz and bite is waning in your outdoor environment as well. Add Flowers to Your November Vegetable Garden The transition to cool season vegetables… Read More →
Time to Plant Ranunculus by Yvonne Schneider
Fall is the Time to Plant Ranunculus Plant ranunculus tuberous roots now and you won’t have to wait to find plants in late spring. The other advantage of buying tuberous roots from a nursery or online seller is that you can locate the color you want. Even better, ranunculus roots are about 1/5 the price of a full plant. The bloom options are wide and varied, so the biggest problem you’ll have is deciding on just a few! I saw a pink/salmon variety called ‘Elegance Salmon’ which touts… Read More →
Divide Agapanthus Now for Spring Blooms by Yvonne Schneider
Divide Agapanthus Now It can take four years or more for Agapanthus bulbs (Agapanthus africanus), to multiply or naturalize. Eventually you’ll want to tackle large bunches and divide Agapanthus to ensure your lilies continue to produce those lovely blue or white bloom clusters. In the Austin area, these lilies bloom in mid-to-late spring, typically around Mother’s Day. As these are also great container bulbs, you can pot extras to gift to family and friends, or to enjoy on your patio. Easy Dividing Technique Grab your gloves, a spade,… Read More →
Giant Sea Squill – a Fall Bulb to Try by Yvonne Schneider
Late Summer Surprise Last fall, I had seen bulbs called Giant Sea Squill (Urginea Maritima a syn. for Drimia maritima) that were perfect for the desert/arid air areas that bloom in the fall and go dormant in the summer. The online description said they would grow in sand and prefer to grow in a dry area. The site also claims that all I have to do to is dig a hole, water it in, and walk away. Could that work in Travis County? Looking for more late fall/winter… Read More →
Oxblood Lilies Require Patience by Yvonne Schneider
Oxblood Lilies: Plant and Forget I admit it, I am not patient. I couldn’t wait for the temperatures to dip so I could begin the fall gardening rituals. And then I saw a White (Fragrant) Mistflower just delivered to a local nursery and had to have it. I had the perfect spot – where I had planted three pink Oxblood lily (Rhodophiala bifida) bulbs in the spring, and nothing was materializing. As lilies go, Oxblood bulbs are the ‘plant it and forget it’ type. And I truly had… Read More →
Iris Dividing Time by Yvonne Schneider
Iris Dividing is Easy Now that temperatures are out of the 100+ category, it’s time to get out there and begin dividing iris. Irises have no issues with being divided, making them the perfect plant to spread around your yard or share with neighbors. Here is how to divide overcrowded clumps. You’ll need a pair of gloves, a digging fork, a spade, hand pruners, and a bucket to store your extra rhizomes. How to Identify Overcrowding You can tell that your irises are crowded when the larger rhizomes… Read More →
Don’t Plant Unidentified Seeds – Mystery Seeds Arriving Through the Mail
Over the last several days, residents have been receiving packages of unidentified seeds that they did not order. They arrive from China labeled as jewelry or other items. The USDA is investigating and is asking everyone for help tracking packages. It’s also important that you don’t plant unidentified seeds, no matter what the source. Do This if You Get This Package If you receive one of these packages, or knows of someone who does, please do the following: Do not open or plant the contents. Keep contents contained… Read More →
It’s Time to Garden in Austin!
Spring has Sprung in Travis County St. Valentine’s Day is the first day of spring for many gardeners in Travis County. February 14th is usually the start of milder weather and with any luck, the hard freezes are over. Now is the time to garden: prune your roses, start your spring vegetable garden, restart your compost, and get a jump on weeds these few weeks before warmer air arrives in April. Get Expert Advice from Master Gardeners at These Events Travis County Master Gardeners are out and about… Read More →
Leaf Landscape Supply Rescues Pfluger Bridge Demonstration Garden
Pfluger Bridge Plants Replaced – Thank you Leaf Landscape Supply! Last month someone stole several plants from our adopted bed on the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge. Sadly, these sort of things happen in public gardening spaces. When Cathy, the Manager of Leaf Landscape Supply North, heard the story, she arranged for Leaf to donate several plants as replacements. The new plants went into the planting bed over President’s Day weekend. Texas Superstar® Plants and “Bling” Leaf’s donation includes several Texas Superstar® plants and a few flats of annuals to… Read More →