The Art of Pruning Fruit Trees

By Richard Ashton Contributing Writer Pruning fruit trees is an art more than a science. There are general rules and methods that need to be observed when it comes down to making a cut, but knowing where to make that cut is an art. Years…

Swiss Chard: Underrated Garden Star

By Patty Glenn Leander Contributing Writer Cold-hardy greens such as collards, turnips and kale are excellent crops for Texas gardens, but as temperatures begin to warm up in spring, these greens quickly begin to decline. Swiss chard, underutilized and underappreciated in far too many gardens…

Three New Zealand Plants for Texas

By William Scheick Contributing Editor I imagine there might be readers whose eyebrows raised at the topic of this article. Admittedly, there’s good reason for such skepticism. New Zealand is a land of amazing floral diversity. But because of their geographical isolation, most New Zealand…

Basil: It’s Not Just for Italian Food Anymore

By Vicki Blachman Freelance Writer s we approach Valentine’s Day, bouquets of red roses have a tendency to hog the horticultural spotlight. As much as we appreciate receiving flowers, Texas gardeners tend to see the day from a slightly different perspective. It’s the day we…