Landscaping Tips

Timely Tip for July Gardeners from Calloway’s Nursery

Watering in Texas Summers

If you have lived through a Summer in Texas, then you know how valuable water is to our landscapes. It is our responsibility to conserve water yet keep our gardens thriving through the heat. If you own a sprinkler system, each zone should be programmed differently depending on the needs of that area and you should always operate it manually.

Established lawns should be watered once every five to seven days, applying about one inch of water each time.  This soaking encourages deeper rooting which leads to stronger, healthier plants. Landscape irrigation can account for more than 50% of all water used in Texas during the Summer. Unfortunately, half of that water is lost to run-off or over-watering. So, avoid this loss by monitoring how long you water each area and that all your equipment is functioning correctly.

Shrubs and flowerbeds may require more watering depending on the age of the plant material.  A good test is to dig down 4 to 6 inches and feel the soil.  If the soil is dry, a good deep watering is in order.  Plants in full sun will require more moisture as well as those growing in containers.  Please remember, any newly planted tree or shrub requires hand watering for that first year.

The best time of day to water is early morning before the temperatures begin to rise.  Also, early mornings tend to be a time of lower winds and thus reduced evaporation.

Mulching is an excellent way to retain moisture.  It will also insulate the soil surface from the direct rays of the sun and prevent weeds from germinating. Apply a two to three inch layer of mulch to all beds, plantings and containers.

We can all enjoy a colorful and green landscape during the Summer! For more information, stop by any of our Calloway’s stores or visit our website, www.calloways.com.  

Timely Tip for June Gardeners from Calloway’s Nursery

Some plants like it hot so welcome the Summer days with heat-loving color! We have partnered with the Dallas Arboretum in sponsoring trial gardens where over 3,000 plant varieties are tested each year. These plants must be able to survive our hot Summer days plus they must look good doing so!  The plants which excel in these conditions are honored with the coveted “FlameProof™” award. This collection of “hot color” is represented with colorful blooms as well as brilliant foliage. Watch for the introduction of a new “FlameProof” variety each week this Summer!

Keep those colors vivid by fertilizing regularly. Water soluble fertilizers can be mixed and applied with each watering. Controlled-released fertilizers can be worked into the soil and are activated by heat. Remember to check daily and water in the mornings when possible. Always top off any exposed soil with 2 to 3 inches of mulch!
We will be hosting free clinics every Saturday in June.  Our clinic on June 25th at 10:15 am is titled “FlameProof™ Plants for Summer!” Join us to learn more about this special collection of heat-loving Summer plants.

Visit www.calloways.com for more gardening tips, information and to become a member of our Garden Club! Success in the garden made fun and easy at Calloway’s Nursery!

Timely Tip for May Gardeners From Calloway’s Nursery

Color in May comes from more than a bouquet of blossoms for Mom on Mother’s Day! Plan ahead and give Mom a living bouquet that changes with the seasons. Blooming shrubs can provide a “pop” of color as well as being a staple item in your landscape.

Ever since the Encore® Azalea arrived on the scene, gardens have been graced with the beautiful blooms of Azaleas from Spring through Fall. This collection tolerates more sun and is more cold tolerant than the average Azalea. Another winner to the plant scene is the Knock Out® Rose and all its siblings. From single to double blooms, this family provides continuous flowers until the first freeze. Low maintenance and attractive foliage, this winner will be here to stay! Hydrangeas offer another look with their large clusters of tiny flowers. There are many new varieties that will rebloom on old or new wood thus extending the season of flowers. Glossy green foliage makes a lovely background for the Winter blooming Camellia. The showy, sometimes fragrant, flowers add a colorful touch to somewhat drab surroundings. With this line-up of winners there is no reason to have a boring landscape!

We will be hosting a free clinic in every store on Saturday, May 14th at 10:15 am titled “Those Blooming Shrubs!” Join us to learn more about these bloomers and other flowering shrubs.

Visit www.mytexasgarden.com for more gardening tips, information and to become a member of our Garden Club! Success in the garden made fun and easy at Calloway’s Nursery!