Mary Mary Quite Contrary used silver bells, cockle shells and pretty maids to help her garden grow, but Houstonians need sufficient irrigation, efficient drainage and hardy plants.
Or do they?
Darrin Duling, director of Mercer Arboretum Botanic Gardens in Humble, said people are often surprised to learn they can successfully plant a traditional Easter favorite – daffodils.
“For a long time people didn’t think daffodils could make it here, but now there’s quite a selection that has proven to be completely tolerant of humidity and blooms beautifully,” Duling said.
One such daffodil is the Tazetta, which ranges in color from rich gold to pale yellow and white.
Duling often recommends plants that have already been around the block a few times and survived at Mercer. For shrubs, he’s particularly pleased with a new group of azaleas called “Bloom-a-thon.” Not only are they relatively compact, he said, they’re quite floriferous.
If you’re into fauna, native mallow plants and salvias are the way to go. Drummond’s hibiscus is a particularly beautiful plant with red flowers.
Salvias flower almost year round, Duling said, but when it comes to waiting for other plants to bloom, patience is a virtue.
Now is the time to plant magnolias, although you won’t see the fruits of your labor until they flower, typically January through April.
‘They are graceful, spectacular, fast growing, very tough, and come in all sorts of colors,” Duling said.
Whatever you dig, here’s a general rule of thumb for green thumbs.
“Plan for the future,” Duling said. “Try to imagine how big some plants are going to be 20 years from now. If you choose something small because it will look gorgeous near the front door, 10 years later it might be eating your front door. Do a little homework first.”
Or you can leave it to the pros. Landscape architects will design and construct something beautiful yet functional.
Jeffrey Halper, president of Exterior Worlds, 1717 Oak Tree Drive in Houston, said there are a few steps to take before choosing plants. Is the purpose to provide screening? Shade? Backdrop beauty? The condition of a yard’s soil must also be considered, not to mention drainage and irrigation.
“On a residential landscape job, the actual planting aspect is typically only 30-40 percent,” Halper said.
And just because everything’s in the ground doesn’t mean the job is done. Regular and continued maintenance is necessary.
“Landscaping is not analogous to building a driveway where you pour it, walk away, and you’re done for 20 years,” Halper said. “It changes over time. It’s a living thing, so you have to keep working on it.”
Halper said the phrase “low-maintenance garden” is a little misunderstood, although there are several tips and tricks to pave the way. Visit the Galleria, 5085 Westheimer, for a cornucopia of information March 28-April 7during Primavera, a garden and floral celebration.
The event is free and open to the public Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. For more information, call 713-622-0663 or visit www.galleriahouston.com and www.facebook.com/HoustonGalleria.
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