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Make us something like the low green moss
When I lived out in the country, I cut a short trail through the woods that were behind my home, a little stretch of about twenty yards. There was some dapple shade and it was there I’d planned to plant wild azaleas, a few camellias, and who knows what else…plants that would be happy living…
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Strike Three and the Crape Myrtle is out!
‘Strike two!” says the umpire. Our favorite batter is at the plate, faithfully doing his best. But the pitcher seems to be in control of the situation. No balls. Two strikes. Ugh! The horticultural nemesis of the crape myrtle is on the mound and seems to have the situation well in hand. Fastballs, curve balls,…
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Corn is legendary in Texas.
Nacogdoches unveiled a new sculpture of a Texas Revolutionary solider yesterday in our downtown’s historic district. The sculpture is in honor of the men from Nacogdoches who fought in the Texas Revolutionary war with Mexico. It reminded me afresh of the legend of San Jacinto corn. When important events transpire, wonderful stories grow like…
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They are a self-authenticating glory!
It is only right that we love our azaleas. One would need to be wicked not to like them. It would be like not believing in Santa Claus. Or despising him because he brought children presents only at Christmas. Azaleas are Christmastime, in the spring. When they are in bloom across the American South, they…
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“A Greek Chorus”
For the last couple of weeks we have been considering the harbingers and heralds of spring, plants which foretell, predict, and prophesy springs soon rival. These are plants that bloom in late winter, well in advance of spring, but tell us that its arrival is just at the door. This week let’s consider a…
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“Heralds of Spring”
Spirea and the reds of the quince are breathtaking. Ah, springtime! Ah, springtime! Early blooming plants are heralding its soon arrival. I’m not for sure that we have had our last frost, but the warm days of spring are surely ahead. They say only fools predict Texas weather, but you know gardeners are hopeful…
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The Hibiscus Tribe
Last week we talked a bit about the Confederate Rose, which is not a rose at all but rather a hibiscus. There are several plants of the hibiscus genus that are wonderful plants for the Texas Gardener who is on the lookout for showy yet easy-to-grow plants . I must mention another hibiscus that Texan gardeners…
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The Bluebonnet and the Fair Ladies of Texas
When politicians come into conflict with the members of a women’s lineage society, you know that they will lose. It happened in March 1901. According to the Texas Handbook, the 27th Texas Legislature was considering what would be named as the Texas State Flower. You and I, today, have become quite comfortable with the bluebonnet…
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“War and Peace”… In Tolstoy’s house with Ab Abernethy
If you ever go to Russia, you will want to visit the home of Tolstoy and see the actual desk where he wrote so many great novels. It sends chills up your spine. …just finished finishing watching the new BBC mini-series of Leo Tolstoy’s timeless novel “War and Peace”. It was real binge…