Brad has released the latest edition of Bulb Hunter Monthly, that offers free shipping on our spring products. Be on the look out for Zephyrantes grandiflora and Zephyranthes ‘Prairie Sunset.’ We also posted a new video with Dr. Welch talking about the Lycoris squamigera blooming at his garden in Louisiana. I don't think the video captures the blue, but here is one more shot of the Lycoris against a hydrangea offering a good comparison.



I walked out yesterday afternoon to find that all of the guineas had flown the coop! There were three in the corner of the pole barn, chirping away, but the other nine were no where to be found. After putting the other three into their home, I walked the field looking for the missing. I had given up when I heard an old familiar chirp. I cupped my ears and moved real slow, and then I pinpointed them, huddled together beneath a cedar tree on the fence line. They did not want to be caught. I ran around the farm in a way that reminded me of the Houston Rodeo when all of the kids try to grab a cow by the tail and take it as their own.

All but five where back in the cage when they decided to run in amongst the high grass in the field next to ours. That is when it became difficult. I could walk within inches of them and they would not move. I had to wait for them to start chirping for each other (guineas HATE to be alone) and look in the general chirping area and wait for the grass to move. When I spotted one, I would quickly run to the area, drop to my hands and knees, and begin the hunt in the 2 square feet of grass I had now quarantined. After about 30 seconds of searching I’d spot an eye peaking through the grass and grab it as quick as I could. Then it would start the panicked chirp all the way back to the cage. Collected all but 1 and I hope he comes back today sometime.


The week before last I was in Austin and Fredericksburg and had a chance to tour some wonderful gardens. Of course, we ran by Wildseed Farms and the Blackeyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) were amazing. They also have a retail area, and were sporting some of the hottest items in the horticulture world, such as the chili petins. And after we toured the farm, we stopped by the Brew Bonnet for a look inside, and then it was off to Austin.

Austin’s eclectic crowd is evidenced in so many ways, which includes their gardens. This one was particularly fun. The stone entry way is filled with personal items from their family, travels, etc. People also come to the entrance of their garden and take different items from the little bird cage on the front steps while leaving something in its place. It’s interactive gardening that captures the neighborhood and Austin spirit. Jill Nokes has an MS from Texas A&M University. She has written a book on growing Texas natives: How to Grow Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest. She is a landscape contractor in Austin and has a new book coming out. Rumor has it she is talking about “sense of place” in the garden, a vogue idea in the world of gardening. Included in the garden was St. Francis of Assisi, and a nice little bottle tree tucked away in the corner.



A special thanks to Linda Lehmusvirta of for organizing such a wonderful tour. Linda is the producer of Central Texas Gardener with KLRU in Austin (first debuted in 1988) and organized our appearance on the show last August. What a fun host and delight to be around! Plus, she knows EVERY garden in Austin you could ever hope to see.