"Frost Free" this winter

In East Texas the first frost usually doesn't come until closer to Thanksgiving. Then we have "Indian Summer" for a few weeks until Christmas. Now is the time to protect your garden against frost this winter. We all have our favorite plants and flowers that we love to see come back every year. When buying the plants, you should always check the care tags to make sure they are tolerant for the zone we live in. We are in zone 8a/8b. We sort of straddle the border of both zones. So your plants should be tolerant to 15 degrees if you plan to leave them outdoors  .Plant Zone Map  My favorites are Knock Out Roses.  Very hardy and bloom like crazy!

Here is an example of a hedge row of knock out roses. The next picture is an example of frost bitten/frozen plants.

It only takes a few hours to get your garden ready for the whole winter. Every yard has micro climates all around the area. Examine your yard, looking to see which way the sun rises and sets. Look for shady areas and full sun areas. Plants on the North side of the house need more protection than the South side. Pine straw, leaves, mulch and those kinds of things can be used to cover the roots and keep them from the cold. Some bedding plants will come back after the winter if you cover them good with a thick layer of these items. Sometimes this East Texas weather tricks our plants. During Indian Summer where the temps can get back in the 70's, our plants think it's spring. After this a frost comes and shocks them. The yard and plants need to be allowed to go into a dormant stage for winter. Sort of like hibernation. If your plants are in pots, they can be kept in the house until Spring. In front of a window, or a well lit room. If you see signs of frost, do not prune off immediately. Wait until Spring, after the weather warms up to see if there is any new growth. If you don't see any growth at that time, then you can prune it back.

This is what the mulch around the roots of shrubs should look like. A good thick covering. Here is a link to native Texas plants. Native East Texas Plants   It is easier to make the best of your garden if you have chosen the right plants to begin with. In the next 2 weeks we need to start winterizing. Put out the proper protection for your landscape, making sure all your plants are ready for the freezing weather ahead. Then sit back, relax through the winter enjoying your coffee or cocoa until Spring when the fun begins again.

Booo-quets

Halloween....that time of year when adults get to dress up as the favorite character they always wanted to grow up and be. Of course, here we get to create beautiful Boo-quets to fill any table for your party.

One of my favorites is the Spider Bouquet. So much fun to create and looks so cute on a table by your favorite snacks.

Our Boooo-quets can add some giggles to your Halloween Party. Give us a call and let us help you.

Friday Night Lights

Who hasn't seen an episode of this show? The show exemplifies the southern tradition of "Homecoming" and Friday Night Lights. We have homecoming for church, homecoming for schools, reunions etc. Obviously, we love to revel in the nostalgia of what was. In the south, we do everything big and celebrate every occasion and we love our Friday night football games. Our girls start early dreaming of being one of the "big girls" wearing a full length mum and going to the Homecoming dance.

We recently acquired the cutest ceramic boots that we can do arrangements in for the drill team or majorettes. This is an example of a Tyler Junior College Apache Belle drill team boot. It is decked out with trinkets, streamers and school colors. We can personalize it with your girls name. These are really nice keepsake containers that the "Belle" can treasure. We also did a boot for the local High Schools. The kids love it. Recently I was interviewed by The Tyler Morning Telegraph about the tradition of Homecoming Mums. As I stated in that article, "when the tradition started it was about supporting your school. Now it has evolved into a fashionista kind of experience. With every mum being larger and better than everyone else's." History tells us that the first homecoming was held at Baylor University in 1909. With every year being bigger and better than the last. As for the guys, they have boutonnieres, or garters. These are worn around the upper arm over their shirt. They consist of streamers, trinkets, cowbells, etc. Very similar to a mum, but smaller. So, come join us for a football game that is an "experience." Register to win 1 doz roses arranged at winner@theflowerboxtyler.com (drawing held each Friday)