2021 Spring Home & Garden special section from the Tyler Morning Telegraph

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Garden Special Supplement Section B Friday, March 26, 2021 © M. Roberts Media

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How to care for azaleas & roses after the freeze

It doesn’t take a genius or even a gardener to tell that our azaleas and roses suffered mightily during this winter’s deep freeze. Many other plants from southeast Asia suffered damage as well, including Asian jasmine, banana shrub, camellia, citrus, fatsia, fig ivy, gardenia, loquat, loropetalum, pittosporum, privet, rose, sago palm, sasanqua, star jasmine, sweet olive and wax leaf ligustrum.

By Greg Grant It’s still too early to tell the full extent of the damage, but the best advice that I can give you is to wait and let the plants tell you what portions to cut off and what portions to leave. It’s likely that many plants will sprout back from existing stems or crowns, most at least below the snow line, and others, possibly from the ground.

Splitting stems and brown leaves indicate that those branches are dead.

Swelling buds and green shoots mean that those branches are alive.

Once your azaleas, roses, and other shrubs start to grow back, use hand pruners, loppers, hedge shears, or hand saws (even chain saws on larger specimens) to cut away the dead branches. Instead of daily scratching of stems and whittling away at branches, I’d personally wait until the plant clearly shows the growing portions and do all my pruning at the same time to save labor and the chance of cuttings off live stems.

After all, just because the leaves are brown, doesn’t mean the stems are dead. Loropetalum (Chinese fringe flower) is a good example of a plant where some just lost all the foliage and none of the stems. In this case, new leaves will soon cloak the bare branches and all will appear normal. Because of microclimates, all plants will be different, depending on the species, location, and how protected they were. Be patient and selective. I think most plants in our landscapes, even cut back to several feet, will easily attain the size of five gallon nursery stock by mid-summer and fall.

Once you cut your azaleas back to live wood, you can fertilize them to help them recover. The most important factor in feeding azaleas is to use small amounts per application.

Use any of the commercial granular azalea/camellia/gardenia fertilizers made for acid-loving plants and follow directions on the label. Larger plantings might find ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) more cost effective. Above all, evenly distribute the fertilizer throughout the bed, never in concentrated piles, and water in after applying (or apply before a rain) to make sure the fertilizer isn’t still on the foliage which will cause burning.

On roses and other shrubs you cut back, you can use a light sprinkling of a general lawn fertilizer like 15-5-10 or even better, one with slow release nitrogen like 28-3-12.

Greg Grant is the Smith County horticulturist for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. He is author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, read his “In Greg’s Garden” in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), and follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.

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Spring Home & Garden

Friday, March 26, 2021

Longview Arboretum a chance to view East Texas

Beauty

By Christina Cavazos ccavazos@news-journal.com At the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center, this is Steven Chamblee’s favorite time of year because “nature is waking up.”

“I love to see the trees budding, particularly the Japanese maples. I also love to see the perennials just starting to break their dormancy and swell and put out that rosette of leaves,” said Chamblee, who is the facility’s executive director.

Chamblee and a team at the arboretum recently worked to evaluate plants damaged from the winter storm and began positioning new plants for the spring.

Right now, the arboretum is filled with blooming tulips, some daffodils and evergreens. Arboretum staff worked to plant azaleas, camellias, gardenias, hollies and other plant varieties recently.

“We’ll have a wonderful spring coming up,” Chamblee said.

Spring will include a weekly concert series on Thursdays in May in which arboretum patrons will be invited to visit the arboretum to enjoy live music and take in the natural beauty of the landscape.

Chamblee said the arboretum already was undergoing “extensive bed renovations” this winter before the snow storm, which set staff members back a few weeks in terms of having everything ready. So many of the plants in the beds already would have changed or been replenished, despite the storm.

However, many plants still sustained damaged.

Chamblee said a tactic the arboretum is using to determine whether to save or cut back plants also can be used by homeowners.

“The most interesting thing about this whole winter was that we go 10 to 12 inches of snow, and it actually insulated the plants right near the ground,” he said. “As you look around, you’ll see that right next to the ground, the plants are green; they’re blooming; they’re fine. It’s the upper part that looks dead.”

Many people may be confused as to a plant’s vitality because the base of the plant looks healthy while the upper part does not, he said.

As he pointed to a plant with bright, green leaves at the base and brown leaves at the top, he said, “This is a good example of whether we should cut it back or not. The foliage up top looks completely toasted, but there’s some green on the stem; these plants naturally have green stems and you can see down low on the normal part how green they are. So do these have damage or not?”

He demonstrated cutting off a piece of the stem, then scraping off a bit of the outer layer. If the inside is green, the plant can be saved; if it’s brown, it should be cut back, he said. On the plant upon which Chamblee demonstrated, the stem showed to be brown with a hint of green around it. As summer heat sets in, he explained, it will kill the remaining plant. Chamblee said he planned to cut the plant back using sharp pruners to leave only the part of the plant that is viable.

With several days this month in which the temperature reached or neared 80 degrees, Chamblee said enough time has passed to know what plants can be saved at the arbore-

Tulips in bloom at Longview Arboretum and Nature Center.

tum and which should be cut back. The same can be said for many plants at people’s homes.

As spring arrives and the new and old plants begin to bloom, Chamblee said there will continue to be much for people to see in the arboretum. In addition to plants, he’s continued to add new features to the facility. For example, he recently sanded down and shellacked several Shumard oak logs. In the arboretum, they look like a nicely varnished tree stump on which a person can sit to enjoy nature’s beauty.

With new pavilions and working bathrooms in the garden, Chamblee is hoping to see many visitors this spring.

“There’s kind of a bareness to the winter that allows you to see what people call the bones of the garden,” he said. “Once it leafs out, a lot of it will become less defined. As far as visiting a garden and seeing what’s pretty in it, any day of the year you can find something.”

If You Go What: Longview Arboretum and Nature Center When: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday Where: 706 W. Cotton St., Longview Cost: Members are admitted for free; general admission is $5; children 3 and younger are admitted for free; $3 for seniors and military; and $18 for families up to six people

Executive Director Steven Chamblee determines what plants have or have not survived the winter freeze at the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center.

Photos by Michael Cavazos/Longview News-Journal & Tyler Morning Telegraph

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Spring Home & Garden

Friday, March 26, 2021

Tyler

Azalea Trails opportunity to view

spring blooms

By Zak Wellerman zwellerman@tylerpaper.com

As beauty begins to bloom across East Texas, residents are invited to stroll and drive along the brick streets of Tyler’s Azalea District for the annual flower trail through April 4.

The 62nd annual Azalea and Spring Flower Trail, located in more than 10 miles of residential gardens and historic homes in Tyler, is in bloom — though it may look a bit different this spring.

Susan Travis, Visit Tyler vice president of tourism and servicing, said the annual Azalea Spring and Flower Trail annually draws thousands of visitors to Tyler to see the blooms.

“We’re going to have a lot of visitors … coming to Tyler people that are planning trips. They’re ready to get out,” Travis said. “They’re ready to travel, but the Azalea Trail has always brought in thousands and thousands of people into our city to see the beauty of the azalea flowers.”

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, weekend events typically held during the Azalea Trails season were canceled last year and some events for this year have been postponed until May. Travis added after the trails were featured in AAA Explorer Magazine, many people have shown interest in coming to Tyler.

“We have been bombarded with calls of people wanting to come to Tyler, but a lot of people are like ‘We don’t want to come to Tyler until we know if they are going to be azaleas,’” Travis said.

Because of the February winter freeze and storm, Travis said Visit Tyler officials consulted with Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Greg Grant to see what the blooms would look like.

Susan Travis, Visit Tyler vice president of tourism and servicing, speaks about the 62nd celebration of Azalea & Spring Flower Trail.

Photos by Ana Conejo/Tyler Morning Telegraph

Travis said right now some blooms are coming around the bottom of bushes that were insulated by the snow.

When people come to visit the trails, Travis said they also can visit restaurants, museums and other attractions. Travis said she and those involved with Visit Tyler are excited to see people coming to the city.

“We’re definitely seeing a lot of interest in Tyler because it is Azalea Trail time and it is spring in Tyler and spring in Tyler is beautiful,” she said.

In addition to strolling, people coming to the trails also can hunt for bunnies and eggs to win special prizes, such as a $25 gift card from a business.

Pollard United Methodist Church and Visit Tyler teamed up to host an egg hunt. When people find the egg, they’ll get information on how to get their $25 gift card from a Tyler business. New eggs will be placed each weekend of the Azalea Trails celebration.

People can use a sheet of clues to try to locate 10 bunnies through the trails. For information about the egg hunt or to download the clues, go to visittyler.com/azaleatrail.

“We encourage people to get out and find those bunnies and find those eggs,” Travis said. “We want everybody to get out and fun to enjoy the spring.”

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LET US HELP GET YOU READY! We conduct COVIDsafe appointments and installs.

The benefits of working with an

interior designer Home is where the heart is, and it’s also where homeowners express their style.

Though interior design may come naturally to some homeowners, many more can benefit from a little help defining their style and translating that style into a beautiful home. In such instances, interior designers can be the most valuable investments homeowners make in their homes.

Homeowners may hear “interior designer” and immediately hear the sound of cash registers ringing in their heads.

However, many interior designers offer various services, including hourly consultations, that can make them cost-effective, especially for homeowners who are still trying to define their style and decide just how they want their homes to look. That’s just one of the many benefits of working with interior design professionals.

Interior designers can save homeowners money. Much like it’s best for homeowners with no DIY experience to hire professional contractors when renovating their homes, paying an interior designer when you have little experience with design can help you avoid potentially costly mistakes. Interior designers are skilled at transforming homeowners’ visions into finished products, and that’s a valuable skill homeowners don’t necessarily have. Trial and error when designing a home’s interior can be costly, even if you’re not knocking down any walls or swinging any hammers.

For example, after renovating on their own, homeowners may find they need to replace a new couch or dining table that they realize contradicts their design scheme. Interior designers can help homeowners avoid such costly mistakes and get it right the first time.

Interior designers can help you coordinate your style. Each and every component of a home’s interior says

something about its owner. Whether it’s their choice of lighting fixtures, furniture or even appliances, homeowners make a statement any time they choose a design component for their homes. Interior designers can help homeowners coordinate their styles so each room seamlessly transitions to the next one.

An ultra-modern living room may stick out like a sore thumb in a home that’s predominantly rustic, and interior designers can help homeowners avoid such mistakes.

Interior designers recognize what’s trending. Interior designers tend to be up-to-date on the latest trends. That can be incredibly valuable, especially for homeowners who are anticipating putting their homes on the market in the near future. In such instances, designers can help homeowners invest in updates or renovations that will appeal to today’s buyers, increasing the likelihood that their homes will sell more quickly, and potentially for more money.

Interior designers are wellconnected. Interior designers often collaborate with contractors. Those professional relationships can help homeowners avoid the headaches of finding the right professionals to work with when renovating their homes.

Many a homeowner has benefitted from working with interior designers. Such partnerships can help homeowners transform their residences into the home of their dreams. © Metro Media

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Spring Home & Garden

Friday, March 26, 2021

Exploring different

backyard structures Designing an ideal backyard space requires forethought and an eye for style. Knowing which features to include in a yard often boils down to what homeowners want to achieve in the space.

Will it be a relaxing oasis or a central entertaining focal point?

People often look to various structures to add height and visual interest to outdoor spaces.

Homeowners will likely come across structures like arbors, gazebos, pergolas, and even trellises as they wade through the variety of features they can incorporate into backyard plans. Each of these structures can add appeal, but they also can offer shelter from the sun and privacy when enjoying the yard. There are significant differences between each structure, so hereÕs an in-depth look at what sets them apart.

Arbor: An arbor is one of the more simple garden structures. It is usually a frame that is arched or square-cornered. Most homeowners use it as an entryway to a garden or even the front of the home. Those with green thumbs may cover the arbor with climbing and trailing plants. The Spruce says arbors date back to early Egyptian and Roman gardens and were used throughout Europe by the late 16th century.

Pergola: The words arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but to suggest the two structures are the same would not be accurate. Pergola comes from the Italian word “pergula,” which means “projection.” Pergolas were once projected from exterior walls and supported on

one side by pillars or columns. Today, arbors are usually freestanding units with two or four posts. Pergolas may be connected on one side to a home or another structure.

Some are freestanding units supported by four posts.

Pergolas tend to be larger and offer more privacy and shade than arbors.

Gazebo: Gazebos are more defined garden buildings, states the contractor referral site Network. Gazebos are freestanding units that can be built in various shapes. Some are octagonal, others are square. Like a pergola, a gazebo is supported by columns and may have low railings or built-in benches. Gazebos also may have a more solid roof than arbors or pergolas, providing sun and other weather protection. The roof may have added architectural appeal, like a cupola.

Trellis: A trellis is a simple, geometrically-shaped structure that provides a surface for climbing plants. A trellis also may support fruit-bearing trees. Trellis work may be used in conjunction with an arbor or pergola, or be installed on fencing.

Incorporating structures into backyard designs can provide functionality and appeal. © Metro Media

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Exterior Lighting HAS WINTER

adds ambiance GOT YOUR TREES DOWN? to a property The value of the right lighting in a home is undeniable. Lighting can instantly transform a room and create the ambiance homeowners are looking to establish.

Though it might be mostly seen as a way to create mood inside a home, lighting also can do much for lawns and gardens.

When installing exterior lighting around their landscapes, homeowners can keep various tips in mind to create a relaxing, awe-inspiring mood on their properties at night.

Consider uplights. Uplights are installed in the ground and direct light up at a tree, focusing on its trunk or canopy.

This creates a dramatic effect that makes it possible to enjoy majestic trees at night just like you might when spending time in the yard during the day.

Focus on trees. Many homeowners already have exterior lighting lining their walkways and patios, but focusing on trees can create an entirely different look. Though it’s possible to install exterior tree lighting on your own, landscaping professionals with lighting experience know which fixtures will pair most effectively with the trees around

your property and how to arrange them for maximum effect.

Opt for warm light. Warm white light creates an inviting feel around the property.

The exterior lighting experts at Utah Lights acknowledge that choice of lighting is up to homeowners but also note that, in situations with lower levels of ambient light, such as in exterior lights around a property, people typically prefer warmer light. That’s because warm light tends to be easier on the eyes and directs attention to the features of the landscape, which is many homeowners’ goal when installing exterior lighting in their yards.

Utilize a timer. Modern exterior lighting timers make it easier than ever to control the lights outside a home. Many such timers even adjust for the changing seasons and the shifting hours of daylight.

That means homeowners shouldn’t have to tinker with the timer once it’s set.

Exterior lighting can add significant appeal to a property without breaking the bank. © Metro Media

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Spring Home & Garden

Friday, March 26, 2021

Stay safe when working in the yard this

spring&summer A day spent working in the yard is an ideal way to pass the time on spring and summer afternoons.

A pristine landscape can add value to a property and instill pride in homeowners who put a lot of thought and effort into their lawns and gardens.

A sun-soaked day can make it easy to overlook potential threats when working in a lawn or garden. But safety precautions are of the utmost necessity when working in the yard, where the risk for serious injury is considerable. For example, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that, in 2016, more than 90,000 patients, including nearly 5,000 children, were treated in hospital emergency rooms for lawn mower-related injuries.

Lawn-and garden-related injuries can be prevented without going to great lengths.

Know your terrain before mowing. Knowing the terrain in your own yard can reduce the risk for accident or injury.

This can be especially important when mowing the lawn with a riding mower. Adhere to manufacturers’ recommendations regarding inclines to reduce tip-over accidents that can pin riders beneath the mower. Study hilly areas of the yard prior to mowing so you know which areas are safe to mow with a riding mower and which areas are best mowed with a walkbehind mower. For greater control when using a walk-behind mower on an incline, mow parallel to the slope.

Apply and reapply sunscreen. Sunburns may not require trips to the emergency room, but they can still be serious.

In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation notes that sunburn is a leading cause in the majority of cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. The SCF recommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside to allow the sunscreen to bond to your skin. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more often if you’re sweating excessively. The

SCF recommends broad spectrum sunscreens, which protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Though a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is acceptable when walking the dog or driving to work, the SCF advises using a product with an SPF of 30 or higher when engaging in extended outdoor activities like gardening or mowing.

Employ the buddy system. Use the buddy system when pruning tall trees or performing any tasks that require a ladder. The Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania reports that more than 164,000 people are injured each year falling off a ladder. Ask a significant other or neighbor to hold the ladder in place while you climb up to reduce your risk of falling. If cutting large branches, cut them piecemeal to reduce the risk of being injured by heavy falling branches.

Inspect the property for insect hives. The OIP notes that the most common insect stings in spring come from bees, wasps and hornets. Homeowners who are not careful can inadvertently come across hives when doing spring cleanup, making them vulnerable to bites and stings. That can be very dangerous for anyone, and especially so for people with a history of allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. Inspect areas where you’ll be working to make sure insects haven’t put down roots in your property. If you discover any hives and are hesitant to remove them on your own, contact a local landscaping firm. Lawn and garden accidents and injuries can be serious. Thankfully, accidents and injuries are easily prevented when homeowners take a few simple safety precautions while tending to their lawns and gardens. © Metro Media

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