Seems like the weather is never too predictable in North Texas, but who could have predicted that we’d reach the middle of July without ever reaching 100 degrees — and that our lakes would be full!
The abnormally high rainfall this summer is good news in some respects — but bad news because it has brought a bumper crop of insects and diseases to our area. (Remember to bring us a sample of any plant you’re having problems with, and we’ll diagnose it for you.)
Even with all the rains and saturated soil, I still see homes and businesses that apparently have the automatic sprinkler systems set to run, rain or shine. Folks, this not only wastes money and water, it contributes to the fungus problems in your yard.
Unless you’re going to be out of town for a couple of weeks TURN THAT SPRINKLER SYSTEM OFF and run it manually when the yard is dry! The sprinkler clock does not know if your lawn and shrubs need water (unless it’s way more sophisticated than most). But you can tell by walking across the lawn and checking the soil in the flower beds whether it’s time to run the sprinklers.
Don’t get me wrong — we are certain to have hot, dry weather again, probably very soon. Don’t think that the heavy rains we received in June and July will last till September if the weather reverts to “normal” summertime temperatures. Plants that have put on lush foliage growth early this season will require plenty of water through the hot weather to maintain that foliage.
But you need to monitor the soil and weather conditions and water accordingly. Don’t look at the calendar, look at the soil!
Seems like the weather is never too predictable in North Texas, but who could have predicted that we’d reach the middle of July without ever reaching 100 degrees — and that our lakes would be full!
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If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably younger than I am, and you probably use the internet for information about products and services, maybe even a good bit of shopping.
We’ve been talking about you — the younger, computer generation. Many of you have new homes, but very little knowledge about how to plant and maintain your landscape.
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It’s a shame that climate change/global warming has become a political issue. All the arguing about whether climate change is man-made takes attention away from things that we all should be doing to keep our own neighborhoods clean and save precious resources.
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The good news is — the wildflowers are bursting into full bloom and the lakes and reservoirs are in good shape.
The bad news is — insects and fungus diseases will be rampant this spring.
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Last year, our 60th year in business, we talked a lot about the many loyal customers who had shopped with us for 50 years or more. We are so thankful for the great relationships we’ve had with so many people here over the years.
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My sister-in-law, Karolyn Smith, just came into the nursery to get another bird feeder and seed cyllinder from Wild Birds Unlimited.
“I LOVE watching the birds now. I’m putting up another feeder outside my kitchen window!” she told me.
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Blue watermelon?? Outhouse hollyhock?? Bull’s Blood beet?? How about Lazy Housewife beans??
I’m not making these up. These are some of the varieties of seeds we’ve just received from Seed Savers Exchange. (more…)
I sometimes have a customer ask me, “Did you make this. . . (fill in the blank with some cute gift item). I have to laugh… (more…)
We’ve gotten calls from many people asking about protecting their plants during this coming cold weather. Here are some tips… (more…)
So my nephew walked into the store this afternoon and noticed something new on the front counter — binoculars from Eagle Optics, part of the new Wild Birds Unlimited merchandise we’re just starting to receive. He helped himself to the keys to the case (it’s okay, he’s family), took out a pair of 8×42 binocs, walked out the front door and said, “WHOOOA.”
He wasn’t talking to the miniature horses. He was exclaiming over the terrific quality of these binoculars as he looked to the South.
“I didn’t know you were going to be carrying these! I just bought a pair two weeks ago!. They’re not nearly as good as these, and they cost me more money!”
Of course, I immediately suggested he return the other pair and buy some from the WBU section of Smith’s. But he said he’d already discarded the box and couldn’t return them to the other store.
So please, my friends, learn from Cody’s mistake. Check out our new binoculars (what a great Christmas gift!).
