Red spider lilies are one of many bulbs that will survive on rainfall alone in East Texas.
July 29, 2024 - Although it has been a relatively mild and moist summer, we all know that drought constantly lurks around the corner in Texas when water is the limiting factor in growing and keeping gardens, landscapes, and lawns alive. This time of year generally divides us into two distinct groups: those that use too much water and those that do not use enough. The kind of heat and drought that we often experience shows us which plants are heat and drought tolerant and which ones are not. It is a learning opportunity for all.
If you would like to learn even more about dealing with summer heat and drought in the landscape and which plants are most adapted to our conditions here, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Earth-Kind Environmental Education committee will be presenting an Earth-Kind Water Wise program Friday August 9, 2024, from 9am until noon in the Tyler Rose Center (420, Rose Park Dr. Tyler, Texas 75702). The cost of the program is $20 (cash or check only) payable at the door.
Speakers and topics include:
- Luke Alfaro (City of Tyler Urban Forester and Arborist): “Different Tree Stressors.” Luke received his bachelor’s degree in forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University. He is active with the Tyler Tree Committee and with Tyler being recognized as a Tree City USA.
- Dr. David Creech (Professor Emeritus and Director of SFA Gardens, Nacogdoches, Texas): “Zero Irrigation Trees and Shrubs for the Pineywoods.”
Dr. Creech received his bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Texas A&M University, his master’s degree in horticulture from Colorado State University, and his PhD in horticulture from Texas A&M University. He speaks throughout the U.S., writes for Texas Gardener magazine, and has received numerous awards including the Outstanding International Horticulturist Award from the American Society for Horticultural Science, recognizing his decades-long contributions to international horticultural science, education, research, and outreach. - Greg Grant (Smith County Horticulturist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service): “Zero Irrigation Earth-Kind Bulbs for East Texas.”
In case you do not know me, I received my bachelor’s degree in floriculture from Texas A&M University, my master’s degree in horticulture from Texas A&M University, and I am working on a PhD in Forestry at Stephen F. Austin State University. I am also in love with bulbs, and I am a part time bulb farmer.
This program is sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Earth-Kind Environmental Education Committee and the City of Tyler Water Utilities Department. The Earth-Kind Environmental Education Committee is a group of dedicated volunteers who work passionately to provide the citizens of Smith County with sustainable Extension programs that support the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service mission by delivering research-based, locally relevant programing to promote the protection of Texas’ natural resources. For more information on the program please contact the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office at 903-590-2980.
Greg Grant is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, read his “In Greg’s Garden” in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.
