Spring in Tyler-The Azalea Trails

If you did not grow up in Tyler you may be wondering what is an Azalea Trail, or an Azalea Belle?  In Tyler we have celebrated the spring show of beautiful blooming plants for 56 years.  We have a queen, a parade, a tea and numerous other events.  Many festivities and much hoopla are enjoyed surrounding the trails.
Historic home tours are my favorite.  Families that live on the trails open their homes to hundreds of people.  Allowing us a brief glimpse into their home, a docent tells the history of the neighborhood and their home.  There are many historical places on the tour.  Typically, the houses are close together and you can walk from one to the other.
Timing is everything for the trails.  From year to year the weather is always a major event.  We all hope that for the 3 weeks of the blooms there will be no wind, hail or other damaging weather.  I have seen all kinds, and then the poor plants are pitiful with their blooms barely hanging on.

Below is a link that gives all the details for dates and times of the trail.  There are many special events that you can enjoy.

http://www.tylertexasonline.com/tyler-texas-azalea-trail.htm










This is a group photo of the Azalea Bells.  They provide much to the atmosphere of the trails.  Dressed in Victorian era gowns, they smile and wave with their fans while the tourists are passing by.  All the little girls want to get their picture taken with the "princess".

Our shop is located right off one of the starting points of the trail.  We have been at this location since 1940, so we have seen every year.  It has been amazing to watch through the years.  The residents on the trail take great pride in their yards.  It really is like walking through a garden paradise.

Azaleas and other blooming plants do very well in East Texas due to the high humidity and lots of sunshine and our winters being somewhat mild.  They need to be planted in well drained soil.  You can use pine straw on top of the roots under the bush to protect the roots from drought and frost.  Your most important step in planting azaleas is to make sure the soil is ready.  Use a garden soil and add plenty of peat moss, or finely ground pine bark mulch.  Their favorite spot is in partial sun.  Too much afternoon sun and it will scorch the leaves, too little sun and they will not bloom.  There are numerous kinds and colors to choose from.  With a little shopping around you should be able to find something that fits with your garden perfectly.

Sherry