Horticulture

Exercise caution with pesticides

It is scary, but true. Pesticides are abused.

All too often, pesticides affect livestock, pets, wildlife and people. They are often used without a thought given to environmental consequences. And since a majority of pesticides need never be applied, they can be a danger to the very plants that they are supposed to protect. … Read the rest

Try these tough beauties

Part 2 of 2

Landscapes that are designed to save water will fare better in North Central Texas than those that require heavy doses of H2O.

Low-water landscapes, otherwise known as xeriscapes, can be economical, beautiful, highly diverse, wildlife friendly and environmentally beneficial. Some of the best native or well-adapted perennials for area xeriscapes include: … Read the rest

Utilize drought-tolerant plants

Part 1 of 2

North Central Texas towns have a lot to learn from San Antonio, Austin and Denver. These cities are advanced in promoting the use of water efficient landscaping.

Since the early 1980s, thousands of residents in these three cities have embraced the principles of xeriscaping.

A term that is often misunderstood, xeriscape simply means dry landscapes. Described previously as “the art of water sensible landscaping,” “appropriate horticulture,” or “water conservation through creative landscaping”, xeriscape is currently defined as “quality landscaping that conserves water and protects the environment.” … Read the rest