Gardening
- Indoors
- Outdoors
- Flowers (Perrenials)
- Shrubs
- Holly
- Indian Hawthorne (unknown color)
- Nandina "Firewpower"
- Trees
- Crepe Myrtle -- three (2 are white, 1 is light pink -- almost lavender)
- Oak, not Live Oak -- two
- Oak, some type of Live Oak -- one
- Future Plants
- Full Sun
- Partial/Full Shade
- Plant Zone of Frisco, TX
- Plants Recommended by Frisco Lakes
-
Tree and Plant List, Draft @ friscolakes.net
(02/25)
- Frisco Lakes Garden Club
- They have gardens at the Westside Center
- Club meets twice a year, Jan and Oct
- They have an email list for all participants
- There is a waiting list to get a garden bed; list costs $5 per year
- This would get me on the main mailing list where they exchange gardening information
- Gene (genevano@aol.com) is the Garden Club President
- Suggested/Approved Plants
- Courtyard
- Length of patio: 12 feet + 2 feet (stone pillar)
- South hedge
- North edge is in the middle of the stone pillar
- Gap between hedge and stone pillar: 20"
- North hedge
- SE corner of patio is 5" from bender board
- South hedge is 4" from patio
- Plants
- Firepower Nandina for perimeter hedge
- White Crapemyrtle multi-trunk tree for center
- Tall Planter
- Outdoor Furniture
- Firepit
- Solar Lights
- Patio
- Stabilizer for decomposed granite
- Crepe Myrtle Roots
- Avoid cutting roots larger than 3 inches in diameter.
-
How Do I Stop the Sap Suckers from a Removed Crape Myrtle @ familyplotgarden.com
(08/25)
- To stop the crape myrtle from coming up from the roots, you can apply a
phenoxy herbicide product like Dicamba or 2,4D. The herbicide will kill the roots
too. You can also use sucker stopper which is a plant growth regulator.
- Spray shoots with a broadleaf herbicide
- Small roots are feeder roots (as opposed to structural roots that hold the tree up)
- Roundup
- One of the best root killers for trees is Round-Up (glyphosate)
- Glyphosate may be absorbed through young bark or exposed roots.
- Glyphosate is non-selective, meaning all types of plants are susceptible
- Roundup will kill Lantana
- Vinegar
- Mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar and pour it into the holes
drilled into the tree stumps. This is a very old method of killing tree stumps.
- GoGreen Outdoor Services LLC
- Alex Chavez (214-554-6071)
- PO Box 1471 Rowlett, TX 75030
- Email: go.greenservices@icloud.com
- Phone: (214) 971-9818 (Virginia in the office)
- Phone for Zelle: 214-554-6071
- Big Bowl Planter
- Door wreath: 18" diameter with 3" loop
- Flower box: 36" W x 24" H
- Patio wall art
- Calloway's Garden Center & Nursery
- Calloway's Garden Center & Nursery (Little Elm, TX)
- 1801 FM 423, Little Elm, TX 75068
- SE corner of FM 423 and Martin Way
- ~2000 feet north of Frisco Main Street
- Daily: 9am-6pm
- Phone: 214-436-8973
- Calloway's Garden Center (Carrollton, TX)
- 2415 W Parker Rd, Carrollton, TX 75010
- East of FM 423 on Parker (east of Plano Pkway)
- Phone: 469-346-2989
- Calloway's Garden Center (Prosper, TX)
- 201 Richland Blvd, Prosper, TX 75078
- North of 380; west of Preston Rd; north of Richland Blvd
- Phone: 469-296-2796
- Calloway's Garden Center (Plano, TX)
- 2460 State Hiway 121, Plano, TX
- South side of 121; east of Preston Rd & Kathryn Ln; west of Custer Rd
- Phone: 972-649-6228
-
Cristina's Garden Center
(11/24)
- 14400 Preston Rd, Frisco, TX 75034
- Mon-Sat: 8:00am-4:00pm; Sun: 10:00am-4:00pm
- NE corner of Preston Rd and Corinth Ln
- E on Eldorado Pkway ==> Preston Rd N ==>
past Panther Creek Pkway ==> north of Corinth Lane
- Christina's North Dallas
- 6250 Mapleshade Ln, Dallas, TX 75252
- 972-599-2033
- Christina's Central Dallas
- 4617 W Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75209
- Phone: 214-357-5626
- Plants
-
Lowe's Plants, Bulbs & Seeds
(02/25)
- Moon Valley Nursery
-
Frisco, TX
(05/26)
- 7401 Coit Rd, Frisco, TX (NW corner of Rolator Rd & Coit Rd)
- Hours: Mon-Sat: 7:30am-6pm; Sun: 9am-5pm
- Brian Johnson: 469-592-6295 (consultation)
-
Purple Lantana
(05/26)
-
Carrollton, TX
(05/26)
- 1900 I-35E, Carrollton, TX 75006
- On the northbound access road of I-35, just north of Luna Rd
- Phone: 469-954-8870
- Hours: Mon-Sat: 7:30am-6:00pm; Sun: 9:00am-5:00pm
- They do NOT carry Nandina Firepower
-
Outdoor Warehouse
(04/25)
- Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30-5:00; Sat: 8:00-1:00
- Plano
- Plano: 972-423-4001
- 1212 Municipal Ave, Plano, TX 75074
- East of 75; South of 14th St
- Lewisville
- Phone: 469-807-8663
- 2791 S Stemmons Fwy, Lewisville, TX 75067
- West of 35E; South of 121 and North of George Bush
- FM 423 S ==> Hebron W ==> I-35 S ==> behind Crash Champions Collision Repair
- I-35 S ==> Frankford loop E ==> Josey Rd N ==> Frisco
- THEY have Nandina Firepower (2-3' x 2-3'; 3 gal; $22.50) -- not in Plano
- Plants
- Pardner's Garden & Feed Store
- 8960 Alpha Ave, Frisco, TX 75034
- Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00am-6:00pm; Sat: 8:00am-12:00pm; Sun: closed
- May not have that many actual plants; lots of pots
-
Ruibal's Plants of Texas
(02/25)
- 3646 Rosemeade Pkway, Dallas, TX 75287
- SE corner of Marsh Lane and Rosemeade Pkway
- You can buy mint for $3
- Shades of Green
- Celina
- 1213 E Sunset Blvd, Celina, TX 75009
- North on Preston Rd ==> past 380 ==> past Prosper Trail ==> past Outer Loop ==>
E on Sunset Blvd (Brookshire's)
- Tractor Supply Co is across Preston Rd
- Hours: Mon: closed; Tue-Sat: 8:00am-4:30pm; Sun: closed
- Plants
- Nandina, Fire Power: 3-gallon pot for $35.00
- Lantana: yellow, cream, pink, lavender, New Gold, Texas
-
St. John's Wort
- Vincas
- Walmart
- Brown Paper Leaf Bags
- Mulch
- Potting Mix
- Bender Board Edging
- Hardscape
- Garden Hose
- Gnomes & Pots
- Rodent Repellent
- Mosquitoes
- Mosquito-repellent flowers: lavender, marigold, lemongrass, catnip, rosemary,
basil, scented geranium (Citronella), Bee Balm, mint, flossflower, sage, and Allium
-
Mosquito Repelling Gardens @ massaudubon.org
(03/25)
- Lemon Balm, Marigold, Lemon Verbena, Scented Geranium, Nasturtium,
Catmint nepeta, Sweet Annie, Lemongrass
- Rabbits & Flowers
-
Toxic Plants @ medirabbit.com
(07/26)
- Article in "Frisco Lakes Lifestyle"
- Rabbits don't like geraniums
- In N21, rabbits ate pansies, petunias, and marigolds
- Rabbits did not eat lavender, sage, lemon grass, and rosemary
- Rabbits like marigolds, pansies, petunias, and gazanias
- Rabbits are repelled by pentas, caladiums, hibiscus, bacopa, and perilla
- Shnaubelt lists mistflower, wild bergamot, horsemint, lemon mint, Blackfoot daisy,
purple or pink skullcap, shrubby boneset (white mistflower), azure sage, autumn sage,
black-eyed Susan, blanket flower, butterfly weed, candytuft, Texas Lantana, and
mealy cup sage
-
Battling Bunnies in the Garden @ northerngardener.org
(04/25)
- Many gardeners swear by human or animal hair and human urine
- Many commercial repellents are infused with the scent of fox urine
- The problem with smell- and taste-related solutions is that they dissipate
after rain, so they often need to be reapplied
- Onions, garlic, marigolds, lavender, catnip -- many plants are credited with
being deterrents to rabbits
-
Bee Better Natural, War on Rabbits, Goodbye Rudbeckia @ beebetternatually.com
(05/25)
- Rabbits like black- and brown-eyed Susans, Echinacea spp., coneflowers,
Zinnia elegans, zinnias, Coreopsis spp., tickseed, and lettuce
- "I've yet to lose baptisia, bee balm, catmint, daffodils, daylilies, foxglove,
fritillary, hellebore, iris, lamb's ear, lavender, lungwort, peony, salvia, and yarrow"
-
Rabbits @ gardendesign.com
(04/25)
- Young rabbits will sample and eat many plants that their parents would not touch
- Rubber snakes
- Rabbits will eat just about anything, and they will adapt and adjust
to what's available
- It's hard to classify any plant as truly rabbit proof
-
Plants that Rabbits Love to Eat and Plants that Repel Rabbits @ thespruce.com
(03/25)
- Rabbits love: pansy, petunia, snapdragon, zinnas, Daylily, Iris, Daisy, Tulip
- Rabbits love: Hawthorn, rose
- Plants that repel rabbits: Azelae, Boxwood, Butterfly bush
- Plants that repel rabbits: Peony, Primrose
- Plants that repel rabbits: Geranium, Pot Marigold, Vinca, Wax Begonia
- Bulbs that repel rabbits: Daffodil, Hyacinth
-
Azalea @ eatingguide.rabbitholehay.com
(03/25)
- Rhododendrons, including azaleas, are highly toxic to rabbits and other small pets.
Wild rabbits know to stay away from azaleas. All parts of the plant are toxic
including leaves, stems, flowers, and roots.
-
19 Rabbit-Resistant Plants for Your Flower Garden @ bhg.com
(04/25)
- Rabbit-resistant perennials such as salvia, the groundcover vinca and colorful
flowers such as snapdragon
- Lantana, sweet alyssum, French marigolds, Ageratum (floss flower), Cleome,
Geraniums, Strawflower, Milkweed
-
20 Plants and Flowers that Rabbits Don't Eat @ hgtv.com
(04/25)
- Allium (Ornamental Onions) -- perennial (bulbs)
- Anise Hyssop (2-6 feet tall)
- Bee Balm (1-3 feet tall)
- Catmint (1-2 feet tall)
- Daffodil (rabbits avoid the bulbs)
- Daylily (2-6 feet tall)
- Iris (1-3 feet tall)
- Lamb's Ear (18" tall)
- Lavender (1-2 feet tall)
- Peony (2-7 feet tall)
- Salvia (1-5 feet tall)
- Veronica (1-2 feet tall)
- Yarrow (2-3 feet tall)
-
12 Deer-Resistant Perennials @ pettittigardencenter.com
(05/25)
- Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Coreopsis
- Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
- Leucanteumum (Shasta Daisy) -- deer and rabbit resistant; use a lot of water
- Lenten Rose (Helleborus)
- Fragrant Dianthus (small carnations) -- deer and rabbit resistant
- Lavendula (Lavender) -- deer and rabbit resistant
- Lupine
- Perovskia (Russian Sage)
- Nepeta (Catmint) -- also Bee Balm, Agstache, and Salvia
- Campanula (Bellflower)
-
Humane Way to Keep Critters Out of Your Yard @ housedigest.com
(03/25)
- A little bit of unwashed human hair can be enough to convince critters that
predators are nearby and your yard should be avoided
- Spread the hair liberally around the perimeter of your yard to keep the
bunnies at bay
- The scent of human hair doesn't last very long, so replace it regularly
- For more options, you can also throw dog and cat hair into the mix
-
Our Favorite Rabbit-Resistant Plants @ hgtv.com
(02/25)
- Lantana, Sweet Alyssum, Marigolds, Snapdragons, Geraniums, Vincas,
Salvia, Milkweed
-
Plan a Landscape that Rabbits Hate @ artitree.com
(02/25)
- Rodents
-
Humane Ways to Keep Critters Out of Your Yard @ housedigest.com
(03/25)
- Mice, voles, and squirrels find daffodil bulbs toxically repellent
- Purple coneflower and lemongrass also keep rodents out
-
Plants and Herbs that Repel Mice @ backyardboss.net
(03/25)
- Mint (mice, rats, and squirrels), Catnip, Lavender, Daffodils (mice and rabbits)
- Peppermint, Lavender, Oregano, Garlic, Daffoldils, Onions, Marigolds,
Rosemary
- Rabbits don't eat Alocasia because it contains Calcium Oxalate Crystals,
just like Caladiums
- Alocasia, Caladium, and Colocasia are all considered part of the
Elephant Ear family; they are all shade-tolerant and prefer moist soil.
They like to stay dry when dormant, and are heavy feeders (need compost).
- Alocasia
- Is an upward-facing Elephant Ear.
- Is slightly shade tolerant, but they do grow better in full sun.
- They prefer extremely rich soil, and they grow great in containers.
- They can be dug up when frost hits and placed in a plastic garbage
bag over winter.
- Just make sure there is soil on their roots and they don't dry out
completely.
- They can withstand wind, rain and can grow into serious giants.
- Their foliage is primarily dark green, and they produce a cone-like
cluster of red-berried fruits (not edible).
- Rabbits don't eat begonias because they contain Calcium Oxalate crystals.
-
Do Rabbits Eat Begonia Plants? @ longfield-gardens.com
(07/26)
-
How to Grow Begonias @ oaksill.com
(07/26)
- Begonias as shade annuals
- I probably have a Wax Begonia
- Water should move freely through the growing medium, and the mix should
never stay soggy between waterings
- The crown should set level or slightly above the finished soil line
- A pot that is too large with dry slowly and increase the risk of root rot
- Partial shade is ideal for most begonias
- Aim for about 4-6 hours of direct sun, with protection during the hottest
part of the day
- Begonias like evenly moist soil, but constantly wet roots are a problem
- Always water at soil level, and try to keep the flowers dry
- Begonias need a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (Osmocote 14-14-14)
- Fertilize at half-strength every week
- Begonias are toxic to cats and dogs
- Deadhead and groom begonias, and clear the canopy floor
- You can bring begonias inside during the winter (alive and slow-growing)
- Rabbits don't eat Burford Holly
-
Burford Holly @ plantingtree.com
(03/25)
- Mature Size: 6-8 ft tall; 8-10 ft wide
- White blooms and red berries
- It has high deer, rabbit, insect, and disease resistance
- This holly does not require pruning, but they tolerate it well if you prefer
to keep them a certain size or shape
- Plant your Dwarf Burford Holly hedge anytime of the year
- It has a naturally round, fat shape
- Buy Dwarf Burford Holly
-
Dwarf Burford Holly @ lowes.com
(03/25)
- Rabbits don't eat caladiums
- Rabbits generally avoid eating caladiums because the leaves, stems, and
tubers contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals. If a rabbit tries to chew
them, these crystals cause severe mouth and throat irritation
- Caladiums are actively toxic to rabbits. Ingesting the plant causes painful
swelling, excessive drooling, and digestive distress.
- If your caladiums are being eaten, it is more likely the work of insects
(like caterpillars or mealybugs), squirrels, or voles.
- Sun-tolerant caladiums
-
Sun Tolerant Caladiums @ caladiumbulb.com
(07/26)
- Aaron
- White hearts and bright green edges
- Large plants with tall stems and large leaves
- Carolyn Whorton
- Bright pink leaves with red veins and dark green edges
- Large plants with tall stems and large leaves
- Gingerland
- Creamy white leaves dappled generously with red and lined with light green
- Medium-size plant with medium-size stems and small leaves
- Postman Joyner
- Deep red leaves with green splotchy edges
- Large plants with tall stems and large leaves
- Red Ruffles
- Bright red leaves with green ruffles
- Small plant with short stems and small leaves
- White Queen
- Show-off white leaves with bright red veins and green edges
- Large plants with tall stems and large leaves
- All caladiums are shade or filtered sun lovers
- Overwintering Caladiums
-
Overwintering Caladiums @ homesandgardens.com
(07/26)
- Caladiums are perennials in US Zones 9-11
- If you have wet winters or a heavy soil type that holds onto moisture, it is
better to lift and store caladium bulbs, as they risk rotting in sodden ground
over the winter
- Caladiums develop leaves from spring to fall only and require a resting period
of about five months to recharge and sprout again during spring.
- Pot-in-Pot Method of Planting Caladiums
- To protect your caladiums so you can easily move them indoors for the winter,
you can use the "Pot-in-Pot" method. This technique gives you the
temperature-regulating benefits of the earth while preventing the roots from
locking into the surrounding soil.
- Bury an empty guide pot
- Insert the planted pot
- Hide the rims
- When temperatures drop below 55 deg F, you can simply lift the inner pot
out without digging or damaging the roots.
- Potting Mix for Caladiums
- 40% peat moss or coco coir for moisture
- 30% perlite for aeration
- 20% compost or worm castings for nutrients
- 10% sand to prevent waterlogging
- Caladiums vs Hostas
- Rabbits don't eat caladiums and they LOVE hostas
- Rabbits eat coleus, except for Coleus canina, the "Scaredy Cat" plant;
this variety has a very strong skunk-like, or minty-marijuana smell
- Hostas are cold-hardy perennials that boast thick, textured, blue-green leaves.
Caladiums are highly vibrant, tropical tubers treated as annuals that feature thin,
paper-like, heart-shaped leaves marbled in bright pinks, reds, and whites.
- Hostas are extremely cold-hardy perennials (USDA Zones 3–9) that come back every
year and get larger over time.
- Hostas have thick, ribbed, oval or spear-shaped leaves that handle foot traffic
or light better.
- Hostas mainly come in greens, blues, yellows, and white margins. Caladiums provide
intense, multi-color patterns with bright pinks, vivid reds, and translucent white veins.
- Hostas send up tall, lily-like spikes with trumpet-shaped blooms (typically
lavender or white) in mid-summer. Caladium flowers are small, insignificant, and usually
hidden beneath the foliage.
- Caladiums contain calcium oxalate crystals, making them highly toxic to pets and
humans if ingested. Hostas are considered generally safe for dogs and cats, though they
can cause mild stomach upset.
-
5 Reasons to Grow Dianthus (Pinks) @ rootsplants.co.uk
(10/25)
- Most dianthus species will bloom from May or early June
- A breeder successfully developed varieties that don't set seed and
therefore bloom for months
- Dianthus smell like warm spice, vanilla or cloves
- Some of the most strongly scented varieties include 'Memories', "Tickled Pink',
and 'Passion"
- Dianthus petals have a sweet, spicy flavor; their stems are quite bitter
- Dianthus prefer full sun (England) with well-drained soil
- They have no pests or diseases, dont't need feeding, and have excellent
drought tolerance
- Dianthus are perennials, but they do get a little woody after six years or so
- You can take cuttings from existing plants
- Cut down the dead stems and foliage to around 1 inch in late autumn or
early winter (England)
- Dianthus barbatus is commonly called Garden Pinks (as in pinking shears)
- Pinks come in white, red, purple, yellow, and even green
- Dianthus doesn't need any frost protection in the UK
-
Bath's Hardy Pinks Love Texas @ neilsperry.com
(10/25)
- Hardy to Zones 3-9
- Dianthus gratianopolitanus (cheddar pinks)
- It has a clove-like fragrance
- Winter-hardy from Texas clear into Canada
- Summer-hardy from Canada clear into Texas
- Flowers in mid-spring with single lavender-pink, quarter-sized blooms
- Extremely fragrant; clove-like aroma
-
Dianthus 'Ideal Mix' @ txmg.org
(10/25)
- Annual, Short-lived Perennial
- Zone: 6a – 8b
- Bloom Time: May to Frost
- Tolerates: Deer, Rabbits
-
Dianthus @ plants,ces.ncsu.edu
(10/25)
- This plant is resistant to damage by deer but will be eaten by rabbits
- Rabbits eat Indian Hawthorn
- Sources
- Characteristics
- Basic information
- Indian Hawthorn is winter hardy from hardiness zones 8 to 10
- It is not cold tolerant
- This shrub prefers full sun
- It is a member of the Rosaceae or rose family
- Moist, well-drained soils are needed although established shrubs have
some drought tolerance
- Pruning is best done after flowering in the spring
- This shrub is browsed and enjoyed by deer
-
Indian Hawthorn in North Texas @ convingtonnursery.com
(09/25)
-
How to Grow and Care for Indian Hawthorn @ thespruce.com
(09/25)
- This shrub has a relatively slow growth rate and should be planted
in the early spring
- Rabbits
- Pruning
-
Pruning Indian Hawthorn @ plantaddicts.com
(02/25)
- Perform rejuvenation pruning in early spring if necessary
- If a plant that has been neglected or badly pruned in the past, you can cut it
back hard to encourage more dense growth
- Hard pruning needs to be done early in the growing season so the shrub has
adequate time to recover before the winter
- Between February and March is the recommended time for hard pruning
- Cut back growth by half during these months to encourage new growth
-
Indian Hawthorn Growing Profile @ thespruce.com
(02/25)
- This shrub does best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight
on most days
- Leaf Spot Disease
-
Leaf Spot Disease Appearing on Indian Hawthorn @ lsuagcenter.com
(03/25)
-
Treating Leaf Spot on Indian Hawthorns @ nola.com
(03/25)
- The disease needs wet foliage to infect the leaves
- Young, expanding leaves are most susceptible to infection
- Avoid wetting the foliage when you irrigate, plant in sunny spots where the
foliage will dry fast, and avoid locations with limited airflow
- Practice good sanitation by raking up the leaves on the ground
- Choose resistant varieties -- Eleanor Tabor (light pink), Sonata Spring (white),
Snow White or Snow (white), and Clara (white)
- Begin fungicide applications as soon as new growth is evident during spring,
and make repeated applications every 10 to 14 days until hot weather sets in
- Information
- Tips
- Roundup will kill Lantana
-
Planting Lantana @ plantaddicts.com
(09/25)
- You can transplant lantana with some special care. Springtime or Autumn is the
best time to do this. Make sure the weather is cool. You will also have to water your
plants well until they are established again in their new spot.
- If you prune them, leave at least one third of the plant. Prune them in the spring.
- You can propagate new plants from cuttings. Cut off a section of new growth and
remove the lower stems. Plant in a seed starting mix. You can also place cuttings in
a jar of water and plant in soil one roots have formed and are about 2 inches long.
- Transplanting
-
Transplanting Lantana @ youtube.com
(09/25)
- He reduced the size of the plant before transplanting
- He uses a trenching shovel (lighter than regular shovel)
- Cut down, not in at an angle
- Slide the big root ball on a sheet; don't lift it up (dirt falls off)
- Plant the crown at the same height as before
- Tamp down the dirt to remove any air pockets
- Water very well
- If the plant wilts, reduce the size of the plant some more
- Tips
- Transplant lantana in mid to late spring or mid to late fall for the best results
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and as deep as its height
- Water the plant well before and after transplanting, ensure proper soil preparation,
and avoid direct sun exposure during the process
- Trim a few of the longer branches to balance root loss, but avoid severe pruning
that may stress the plant further
-
The Dark Curse of Lantana @ thesaturdaypaper.com.au
(06/25)
- Every part of the common lantana plant is poisonous
- The substance in question is triterpene
- Lantana releases a chemical into the soil that prevents other things from growing
- It can spread into huge thickets, crowding out other life
- When the flowers die, there are seed pods
-
3 Amazing Ways to propagate Lantana in Your Garden @ youtube.com
(09/25)
-
How to Prune Lantana @ youtube.com
(09/25)
- Gold/Yellow Lantana
-
How to Grow New Gold Lantana @ youtube.com
(09/25)
- Can grow 2-3 ft high and 3-4 ft wide
- In zones 7-9, it is a perennial
- They go from dormancy to full size on one season
- It needs full sun and mid-day sun
- It comes back from the ground in late April to late May
- It shouldn't be abnormally wet in the winter; elevate the crown
- Mix something with the clay soil
- Don't bury the plant in mulch
- If the plant is dry, the new growth and flowers won't be produced
- Drown and then forget
- Flower Tone fertilizer or Miracle Gro in the spring; use slow release fertilizer
- You can prune any time, any season
- When these go dormant, don't prune until you are past the worst of the winter
- They get every bug there is; they need breeze
-
Lantana New Gold @ newgardenplants.com
(04/25)
- Growing Zones: 7-11; Cold Hardy to 10 deg F
- 'New Gold' is preferred for its seedless nature, longer and more prolific blooming season,
and superior cold tolerance
- 'New Gold' is one of the more compact Lantanas
-
Unveiling the New Gold Lantana @ youtube.com
(04/25)
- Don't cut the stems back to the ground before winter
- Hollow stems will fill with water, then freeze
- Leave the brown stems until early spring; THEN cut the stems back
- Red Lantana
-
Lantana 'Dallas Red' @ newgardenplants.com
(04/25)
-
Lantana Dallas Red @ txmg.org
(04/25)
- Plant Height: 24 Inches; Spread: 24 Inches
- When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be
spaced approximately 16 inches apart
- It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live
for approximately 20 years
- It is not particular as to soil type or pH
- Parts of the plant are known to be toxic to humans and animals
- Never spray it with insecticidal soap; that common pest treatment can kill a lantana
-
Lantana Dallas Red, 2.5 qt Plant @ homedepot.com ($19.59)
(04/25)
- Shades of Green should have it in stock
- Purple Trailing Lantana
- White Trailing Lantana
- Types of marigolds
- French marigolds (Tagetes patula) -- 6-12" tall and 6-9" wide; double flowerheads;
bitter
- African/Aztec/Mexican marigolds (Tagetes erecta) -- 1-4' tall and 1-2' wide;
densely double flowerhead can span up to 5 inches across; bitter
- Signet marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia) -- 12" tall and 12" wide; pleasant taste
Marigolds can self seed
-
Battling Bunnies in the Garden @ northngardener.org
(11/25)
- Blogger swears by a combination of 'Taishon' marigolds and spicy globe basil
-
Outsidepride Taishan Mix African Marigold Seeds @ amazon.com
(11/25)
- Nandina is deer and rabbit resistant
- How to Grow Nandina
-
How to Prune Nandinas @ southernlivingplants.com
(02/25)
- Compact nandinas, such as Flirt, Blush Pink, or Obsession, remain tidy
with little or no pruning
- Maintain a natural appearance by pruning each stalk to a different height,
cutting back to a tuft of foliage
- Remove old and weak branches to encourage new growth
- Renew neglected clumps by cutting one-third of the main stalks to the ground
every year for three years
- Nandina Varieties
- Fire Power (National Plant)
- Suggestions
- Pentas prefer consistent moisture and can be planted in flower beds or containers
- When plants are just getting started, deadhead the flowers to prevent the
plant from setting fruits and seed.
- Cut down to a leaf node, snipping just above a healthy pair of leaves.
This will keep your plants looking verdant and colorful, and this may generate a
few additional blooms later in the year
- Seeds may spread from things like the wind and birds, resulting in new pentas
plants popping up in your yard
- You'll know it's time to cut these plants back when a few of the branches are
taller than the rest of the shrub. You can cut leggy stems back by cutting down
to a leaf node, just above healthy leaves. This will tidy up your pentas shrub
and encourage new, healthy growth.
- Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases
-
How to Plant and Grow Pentas @ bhg.com
(06/25)
- Sources
- Home Depot
- Shades of Green
- Walmart
-
Rock Rose Mallow @ greenhavennursery.com
(08/26)
- Hardiness zone: 8-11
- Soil type: well-draining soil (consistently moist, but not waterlogged)
- Sunlight: full sun (6+ hours) to partial sun (afternoon shade)
- It can tolerate a range of conditions once established
- Use balanced slow-release fertilizer every 2-4 weeks
- Prune in late winter or eary spring
- Deadheading promotes continuous flowering
- Full size: 3-6 ft tall and wide
- Characteristics
- Vincas do great in Frisco Lakes and the bunnies don't eat them
-
Vinca @ rainbowgardens.biz
(10/25)
- You can find standard vinca that grow in an upright form, and trailing vinca
that grow in a cascading form
- Wet feet (roots sitting in soggy soil) are simply not tolerated
- If you find your plants look a little "leggy" (kind of stretched out),
shear them back. They'll grow back in fuller and healthier.
- If they grow leggy pretty quickly, double check your sun exposure.
Maybe your vinca just aren't getting enough sun.
- Summer is the season for vinca to shine
-
Vinca Stem Canker @ misouribotanicalgarden.org
(06/25)
- Vinca stem canker, Phoma exigua, is a fungal disease that is almost always
prevalent during very rainy seasons
- Damage is most prevalent in cool wet weather in spring and in autumn when
soil moisture is high
- Incidence of the disease tapers off during the hot dry weather of summer;
however, in prolonged periods of cool wet weather, new infections can occur
- The fungus grows and persists indefinitely in moist soil and plant debris.
- It is not unusual for new plants to appear healthy when purchased only to
become diseased when planted
- Plants
- Information
-
EWG's Tap Water Database for Frisco, TX
(07/26)
- Contaminants Exceed EWG's Health Guidelines
-
Why Using Tap water is an Awful Idea @ youtube.com
(07/26)
- Chlorine will kill Calathea
- You should neutralize chlorine with the chemicals used in aquariums,
OR you use distilled water (no minerals at all)
- A LOT of plants get some crispy leaf tips from carbonates and other
minerals in water.
- Use a water conditioner for aquariums (API Stress Coat+); you only
need a couple of drops in a watering can
- You can't over-dose; you need 2 drops per 1-liter watering can
- When a plant absorbs excessive chlorine, the chemical accumulates in the
tissue and causes structural damage. This manifests as necrosis (brown, crispy,
or scorched leaf edges), severe leaf yellowing (chlorosis), leaf drop, and
stunted growth.
- To neutralize chlorine and chloramine in tap water coming out of a garden hose,
use an inline carbon hose filter, add vitamin C powder (ascorbic acid), or mix in
a liquid aquarium/pond dechlorinator.
- Sources
- Flowering Plants
- MiracleGro Bloom Booster Flower Food
- Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food (15-30-15 N-P-K) is a
fast-acting, high-phosphorus fertilizer designed to promote abundant, vibrant
flowers on all annuals and perennials. It feeds instantly and is ideal for both
in-ground beds and container gardens.
-
5.5-lb Bag @ homedepot.com ($20.97)
(07/26)
- Butterfly Bushes
- Butterfly bushes (Buddleja) thrive in lean, well-draining soils and rarely
require feeding. If your soil is poor or you want to boost blooms, apply a
balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 or 5-5-5) or organic
compost once in early spring. Always apply along the plant's drip line.
- Too much nitrogen leads to excessive leaf growth at the expense of blooms and
produces weak, floppy stems.
- Only fertilize in the early spring. Never apply fertilizer after mid-July, as
this encourages vulnerable new growth that can be damaged by early fall frosts.
-
Don't Pannic! Your Butterfly Bush Isn't Dead @ youtube.com
(07/26)
- Lantana
- Lantana plants are light feeders that actually bloom less if given too much nitrogen.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) once in early spring.
For in-ground plants, this single spring application is usually enough.
- Nandina
- Feed your Nandina Firepower in early spring with an acid-loving, slow-release
fertilizer (e.g., Azalea/Camellia formulas or Holly-tone). Because it is a dwarf shrub,
it is not a heavy feeder; a single light, balanced feeding as new growth appears is
usually all it needs for the year.
- Never fertilize after mid-summer.
- Nandinas of all types really do appreciate additional feedings with chelated or
acidified iron.
- Pot-in-Pot Method
- To protect your caladiums so you can easily move them indoors for the winter,
you can use the "Pot-in-Pot" method. This technique gives you the
temperature-regulating benefits of the earth while preventing the roots from
locking into the surrounding soil.
- Bury an empty guide pot
- Dig a hole and bury an empty plastic pot halfway into the ground.
(Other people say the pot should be buried in the ground up to the rim.)
- This permanent "sleeve" stays in the garden year-round.
- Insert the planted pot
- Plant your caladiums in a slightly smaller plastic pot with excellent drainage.
- Drop this inner pot directly into the buried guide pot.
- Hide the rims
- Cover the exposed rims with a thin layer of mulch or moss to make it
look seamless
- When temperatures drop below 55 deg F, you can simply lift the inner pot
out without digging or damaging the roots.
- More Information
- Self-Watering Pots
-
6-inch Wick & Grow Self-Watering Pots @ costafarms.com
(07/26)
- Lift the grower pot from the decorative pot
- Fill the reservoir up to the top of the little window
- The end of the wick should hang down into the water reservoir
- As the plant grows, it pull moisture through the wick and into the soil
-
Twist, Lift & Water @ youtube.com
(07/26)
- To use a Costa Farms self-watering pot (Lift & Water), check the water level
weekly through the viewing window, lift or remove the inner grower pot, fill the
base reservoir with room-temperature water up to the max line/window top, and
ensure the blue-and-white wick hangs into the water without letting the water
touch the bottom of the inner pot.
- Home Depot
- Lowe's
- Walmart
- Miscellaneous
- Fertilizer & Insecticide
-
BioAdvanced Tree & Shrub 12-Month Protect and Feed @ lowes.com
(05/25)
- Use on trees, multi-trunk trees, shrubs, and containerized plants
- Lasts up to 12 months
- Mix with water
- Kills tree-destroying insects and pests such as aphids
- Slow-release fertilizer
- There is a measuring cup included on the top of the bottle
-
Product Label for GRANULES @ lowes.com (PDF for GRANULES)
(05/25)
-
Product Label for LIQUID
(05/25)
- How much to apply (GRANULES and LIQUID):
- Single-trunk tree:
- Approximately 4.5 feet above the ground, measure the circumference in inches
- For each inch, apply 1/4 cup granules OR 1 ounce liquid around the tree trunk
- Multi-trunk tree:
- Approximately 4.5 feet above the ground, measure the circumference of each trunk
- Add these measurements together, and multiply by 0.75
- For each inch, apply 1/4 cup granules OR 1 ounce liquid around the tree trunk
- Shrubs:
- Measure the height of the shrub to the nearest foot
- For each foot of height, apply 1/4 cup granules OR 3 ounces liquid around the shrub base
- How to apply:
- For trees with circumference <30", apply in a 2-foot circle around the tree
- For trees with circumference >30", apply in a 3-4 foot circle around the tree
- For shrubs <3 feet tall, apply in a 1-foot circle around the shrub
- For shrubs >3 feet tall, apply in a 2-foot circle around the tree
- Pull back the mulch around the tree before applying
- For GRANULES: sprinkle around the tree
- For LIQUID: pour into bucket, add water, and pour diluted mixture around the tree
- Merit Insecticide for Crape Myrtles
-
Ortho ORTHENE Fireant Killer @ lowes.com (12 oz; $11.98)
(05/25)
- Scott Preen Halts (pre-emergant; NOT for use on lawns)
- Scott(?) Biosol Forte
- March, May, and September: Halts, Preem post-emergant
- You want a slow-release fertilizer three times a year
- Tree ring should be 2-3" of mulch -- to protect the tree from Weedeaters
-
Earth Science Gypsum, 2.5 lb bag @ walmart.com (Aisle I14; $5.96)
(05/25)
- Gypsum (CaSO4) for alkali spots in the ground (granular gypsum)
- 2 pounds per 100 sq ft; till; water in good; twice a year in the yard
-
Dr. Moon Constulting
(05/25)
- Dr. Moon suggests Iris and Daylillies, Shasta Daisies
- Shasta Daisies are rabbit resistant
- Nutsedge, Nutgrass
-
How to Get Rid of Nutsedge Weed @ lawndoctor.com
(05/25)
-
Identify and Kill Nutsedge @ imageforweeds.com
(04/25)
- Roundup will kill nutsedge if applied correctly
- Image Nutsedge Killer
-
Top Two Mistakes When Using Image Herbicide @ youtube.com
(05/25)
- Do NOT mow immeditely before or for 48 hours after application
- Do NOT use on tall fescue
- Do NOT use on newly planted or plugged lawns
- Water within 1-7 days after application to wash this produce into the root zone;
Image works by getting into the roots of weeds
-
Image @ epa.gov
(05/25)
- Controls dovetail/Carolina (crane's bill) geranium, wild garlic, wild onion, chickweed, violets
- Avoid application to soil where annual bedding plants may be planted the following YEAR
- Avoid drift onto vegetables, flowers, and unlabeled ornamental shrubs and plants
- Ornamentals which are known to be severely injured by IMAGE include azalea,
ligustrum (privet), viburnum, pieris, abelia and roses
- APPLICATION TO THE FOLIAGE OR ROOT ZONE OF UNLABELED ORNAMENTALS,
PERENNIALS, OR ANNUAL BEDDING PLANTS MAY RESULT IN SEVERE PLANT INJURY
-
Image Nutsege 32-oz Ready-to-Spray @ walmart.com (Aisle I12; $24.88)
(04/25)
-
IMAGE Nutsedge 32-oz Hose and Sprayer @ lowes.com (Aisle 23 | Bay 18; $24.98)
(04/25)
- Downspout Extensions Near the Side Patio (05/2026)
- Downspout Extensions on Roger's House (05/2026)
- Other Items
- Other Downspouts, Etc
- French Drain
- Dry Creek Bed / Open Swale
- The cheapest, most DIY-friendly alternative to a French drain is an
open swale or a dry creek bed. By avoiding pipes and heavy gravel hauling,
you simply dig a shallow, sloping trench filled with decorative rock or
planted with deep-rooted grass to divert water away from your foundation
- A shallow, broad, sloped ditch that naturally channels surface water
away from your home or pooling spots. It can be left as grass (swale) or
lined with landscape fabric and river stones for an attractive garden feature
- Best for: Surface water pooling in the middle of a yard or running off a slope
-
French Drain Alternatives @ homesandgardens.com
(05/26)
- Build a dry creek bed
- Create a swale
- Add a trench drain
- Open French Drain (Surface French Drain)
- An open French drain (also known as a surface French drain) features
exposed gravel at the top rather than a layer of grass or soil. It is
specifically designed to catch both subsurface groundwater and heavy
surface runoff from roof valleys or paved areas, preventing it from pooling
against your foundation
- Steps to Install an Open French Drain
- Plan your route and slope (1" of drop for every 10 feet of run to a safe
discharge spot)
- Mark and dig the trench (12-18" deep and 9-12" wide)
- Line with non-woven geotextile filter fiber
- Place a base layer of washed gravel at the bottom
- Lay slotted perforated drain pipe on top of the gravel
- Backfill trench with washed rock or river stones
- Fold the excess filter fabric over the top of the gravel to completely
encase the system
-
French Drain, Open vs Closed @ youtube.com
(05/26)
- Closed French Drain works slower than an open French Drain
-
French Drain 101 @ youtube.com
(05/26)
- Use 3 1/2" pipe
- Never put the dirt back in
- Put the fabric around the stone, not just the pipe
- You need to use drainage sand
- He uses 3/4" round rock that has been washed
- You need a clean-out at the high point of the system
- Rain Drain Components
- Contacts
- Go Green Outdoor Services
- Alex Chavez (go.greenservies@icloud.com) and his crew
- Virginia in the office (214-971-9818)
- Main Phone: 214-554-6071 (use for Zelle)
- Skip Cannon
- Phone: 214-226-6268
- Email: mrskipcannon@gmail.com
- Irrigation License #8045
- My Sprinkler System
- Stations
- Station 1: J, Boot, Courtyard, and Crape Myrtle
- Station 2: Eastern trees -- Peruvian and Street
- Station 3: Western trees -- Mel's and Woodie's Crape Myrtle
- Station 4: Woodie's flowerbed (SW corner of house)
- Station 5: NW big tree, north flowerbeds, 2 Crape Myrtles
- Station 6: Foundation drip (all around the house)
- Station 7: Front right yard sprayers (north of Mel's tree)
- Station 8: Street yard sprayers (SE corner)
- Station 9: Mailbox yard sprayers (SW corner)
- Station 10: Left side (near Mel's tree) sprayers
- Station 11: Right side (east side) sprayers along the house
- Station 12: Backyard (north side) sprayers
- Station 13: Left side (west side) sprayers along the house
- Soaker Hose
- Information from Frisco, TX
- Hunter X2-1400 14-Zone
- Miscellaneous
- Earth Kind Lectures (Collin County)
-
Earth Kind Summer Ready Lawns, Part 1 @ youtube.com (recorded on April 14, 2026)
(04/26)
-
Earth Kind, Weeds and Water, Part 1 @ youtube.com (recorded on May 12, 2026)
(05/26)
-
Earth Kind, Weeds and Water, Part 2 (recorded on June 9, 2026)
(06/26)
- Heat & Hydration: Texas Irrigation Done Right (July 14, 2026)
- Fall Lawn Prep in the Dog Days of Summer (August 11, 2026)
Bonnie's Links
created by Bonnie Lee Hill,
bonniehill@verizon.net
last modified on August 6, 2026
URL: http://www.bonniehill.net/pages/gardening.html
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