Monthly Archives: January 2015

Christine's avatar

How to Plant Daffodils for EARLY Spring Color

. Daffodil, News .
2014-03-20 narcissus

Narcissus, first day of Spring, 2014

Last July, I dug several clumps of daffodil bulbs — narcissus x golden Dawn (pictured left) to save for pass along plants as well as to re-plant in a few new areas. This year, I decided a few need to accent a corner rose bed. Late December to Early January is a great time to plants these bulbs.

While there are a number of varieties of Daffodils (or Narcissus), few tolerate the heat experienced in zone 8b Texas. I’ve had great luck with narcissus x golden Dawn growing, blooming and proliferating each year for at least the past 6 years. Other Narcissus varieties that grow in this area are; Narcissus jonquilla, Narcissus ‘Grand Primo’, and Narcissus x odorus. Continue reading →

Christine's avatar

How to Prepare Compost from Trimmed Tree Materials

. Compost .
Trimmed Branches of Live Oak

Trimmed Branches of Live Oak, Jan 2014

Composting plant materials is one of the best sources for Spring garden nutrition and soil amendment. After trimming dead and unruly branches from trees in winter, use that material for compost to revive Spring gardens. The Photo (left) shows the cut branches of live oak, ready for the shredding process.

This post briefly describes composting and how to use the trimmed tree and shrub material for a Spring garden that will reward the efforts! Before trimming trees and/or shrubs, always consult a tree expert for advice—and possibly for the trimming service. (You’ll do the trees a favor and potentially save yourself a bit of grief.) Continue reading →