Central Texas Gardening

Flowers, Shrubs & More
Roses
Lawns & Landscapes
Trees

FLOWERS

Suggested Landscape Plants

HERBS

Suggested Herbs for Brazos County (PDF)

POLLINATORS

TEXAS SUPERSTARS

20202 Texas Superstar Brochure - Strong and Stunning Plants for Texans

ROSES

What are Earth-Kind Roses
Examples of Earth-Kind Roses
Earth-Kind® – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
10 Ways to Make your Landscape Earth-Kind

Taking Care of Your Roses

Rose Rosette Disease (RRD) is a devastating disease of roses. It makes the rose unsightly because of abnormal growth of the rose plant tissue. Symptoms such as witches’ brooms, excessive thorniness, enlarged canes, malformed leaves and flowers are associated with this disease. This disease has been reported since the early 1940s but only in 2011 did research demonstrate that it is caused by a virus, aptly named the Rose Rosette Virus (RRV). For more information and current research results, go to:

Roserosette.org
Rose Rosette Demystified (PDF Published 2014)
Rose Diseases (6 Page PDF)

What is Earth-Kind Landscaping

Earth-Kind Landscaping is the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program that combines the best of organic and traditional gardening practices to achieve attractive, healthy landscapes. These methods embrace research-proven techniques that reduce maintenance yet still preserve and protect the environment. Earth-Kind Landscaping Encourages:

Water conservation
Reduction of fertilizer and pesticide use
Energy Conservation
Reduction of landscape wastes entering landfills

LAWNS

Turfgrass is an important part of lawns and landscapes. A healthy home lawn can prevent erosion, reduce noise, add visual appeal and provide a site for family recreation. In central Texas, lawns are typically planted with Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia or occasionally Centipede grass. Lawns are the most "managed" portion of urban and commercial landscapes. Turfgrass needs to be mowed, watered, fertilized and sometimes needs management of weeds, insects and diseases. That's a big investment of time and resources, so to help you out, here are some publications and also, our Extension website.

Turf - Timely Tips for the Brazos Valley:

When to water?
Deeply and infrequently during the growing season, 4am to 9am and only if needed.
Do lawns need fertilization?
Maybe, soil test to find out and if yes, exactly what and how much to apply.
When to fertilize?
If needed, after April 1 and by early October.
When to prevent weeds?
apply pre-emergence herbicides late August to early September and mid-February to early March. Note that time varies based on location and weather conditions.
When to manage weeds?
When they are small and immature, but first identify the weed and use an appropriate herbicide, carefully following label directions.
When to mow?
As needed and avoid removing more than 1/3 of the total turfgrass height at one time.

Helpful Links:

Starting a New Lawn (PDF)
10 Ways to make your Landscape Earth-Kind (PDF)
All About Bermuda Grass
Bermuda Grass Lawn Management Calendar (PDF)
St. Augustine Grass
Zoysiagrass
Turfgrass Weeds
Landscape Plants