It's Azalea Time!

Ah...spring is near and nothing says 'spring' quite like azaleas in bloom. Fortunately, for us in Texas, if we don't have an azalea bush in our own yard there are plenty around for us to catch a glimpse of these seasonal blooms.  In fact, Texas is home to a number of azalea festivals and trails that run in early spring.  If you are looking for a fantastic picture taking opportunity or simply want to see an eye-catching variety of some of the most beautifully groomed azaleas in our state, you might consider taking a road trip to check out one of these events:

• Nacogdoches Azalea Trail home of "Texas' Largest Azalea Garden" (March 12-April 2, 2011) http://www.nacogdochesazaleas.com/

• Tyler Azalea Trail (March 25-April 10, 2011) http://www.tylerazaleatrail.com/index.htm

At both events, there are plenty of family activities and miles of azalea filled trails to keep you entertained.  Check each of their websites for a calendar of events and a current update on the blooms.

If you do make the trip or just snap a great picture of some blooming azaleas in your own neighborhood, upload your favorite to our social media pages (or send to us to share) so that the rest of us can enjoy!

Happy Spring from your friends at Greenleaf Gardening Services, Inc.

Thanks to Our Friend Misty Crowley

Greenleaf Gardening Services, Inc. would like to thank our friend Misty Crowley for allowing us to post these photographs that she took at the Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens in Humble, Texas.

See these flowers and more at the Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens 
http://www.hcp4.net/mercer/

All images © 2011 Misty Crowley

“Don’t Hate Me Because I’m Beautiful,” said the Texas Narcissus

Yes, we’re talking about the Daffodil.  It’s March and, to us, that means it’s time for those trumpet-shaped head turners from the Amaryllis family to bloom.  But, don’t let their beauty (or their scientific name) discourage you.  Daffodils are actually low maintenance perennials that are considered some of the easiest flowers to care for.  In fact, the Texas Daffodil Society calls them “ideal” for the beginning gardener.  Typically, the blooms of these bulbous plants are white or a shade of yellow but occasionally you will find some bearing multiple colors.  No matter the variation, daffodils are certain to look great in your garden or favorite vase this season.

For our Austin area friends, Round Rock has been dubbed the Daffodil Capital of Texas.  Each year, in honor of its title, Round Rock hosts a family friendly “Daffodil Festival” that boasts live entertainment, kids’ games and prizes, raffles, food booths, and a variety of other activities.  The 17th Annual Round Rock Daffodil Festival is taking place today, March 5, 2011 from 9am-4pm at the Allen R. Baca Center for Seniors and Community Activities (301 W. Bagdad Ave., Bldg. 2).  All proceeds are used by the Round Rock Senior Citizens Foundation to benefit facilities and programs for seniors in the Round Rock area.

Notable Links/Credits:

The Texas Daffodil Society (http://www.texasdaffodilsociety.org/)

Round Rock, Texas – Daffodil Festival (http://rrdaffodilcapitaltx.us/)

Nature Hills Nursery (http://www.naturehills.com)

Image:  http://www.naturehills.com/product/daffodil_trumpet_orange_progress.aspx

Cost Saving Landscape Tip: Don't Ignore the Maintenance!

Rising gas prices have us thinking about budgets.  So, we wanted to pass along one cost saving tip to you:

Don’t fall behind on your yard maintenance!

Not keeping the lawn maintained on a regular basis results in a bigger job (i.e. more costs) when you do decide to give it some attention.  Just because you don’t intend to lie in the backyard hammock, spend an afternoon at the pool, or barbecue this weekend, doesn’t mean you should ignore your lawn until you do.  You must continue to weed, fertilize, prune, control pests, and protect your soil (among other maintenance tasks) year round or else you risk a heavy hit to your bank account come spring or other outdoor season.

Properly maintaining your yard year round ensures you can jump right into the growing or general outdoor entertaining season without having to make up for time lost…IN CASH!

Talk to your landscaper or consult the Web for year round maintenance tips and strategies.