Protect Garden-Friendly Creatures
On occasion, we hear new gardeners (kids and adults) being fearful of the creatures that live in our outdoor spaces. Almost everyone loves birds & butterflies – I’m talking about […]
Easy to Grow, Happy in Your Home – Zinnias!
As a young girl, I loved going out into the garden and cutting Zinnia flowers. They were such prolific bloomers and in so many different colors – reds, salmons, roses, […]
Memorable Gift Ideas for Mom
We’re thankful that many of you come to Gill’s to look for special gifts – we want to help you find something memorable for Mom! Here are a few ideas. […]
COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Health and Safety Practices: If you’re feeling sick, please do not come in Face coverings required Only enter in groups of 1 or 2 Maintain a 6ft. physical distance from others Wash […]
Plant Texas Natives to Support Wildlife
Choosing Texas native plants provides you with a beautiful, resilient landscape, and provides native wildlife with food and habitat. Native plants attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, lizards, frogs – all of […]
What’s Eating My Food Garden? 3 Bad Bugs, 1 Solution
These three insect groups are or will be the source of many gardeners’ angst this Spring. All three can do serious damage to food gardens from chowing on leaves to […]
Fun and Festive Virtual Gatherings
Family holidays, like Easter this Sunday, are different this year. BUT, special meals and (virtual) gatherings with family and friends are still on! We’re offering reduced pricing on in-town delivery […]
Now’s the Time for Food, Flowers, and Fresh Air
As we continue to monitor public health guidance and talk to our friends at other garden centers across the country, we’re reminded how important gardening is right now, at a […]
3 Steps to Great Grass
Spring is in full swing and everyone is ready to get their lawn and landscape in shape for the season. Take these 3 steps to healthy grass that looks and […]
Pro Planting Tip: Not Too Deep!
Whether you are potting up new flowers for Spring or planting a new veggie garden, proper planting depth is critical to the success of your plant. All plants have surface […]
Gardening for Newcomers with James Gill and Wyatt Page
We have a passion for teaching and seeing your gardening success, and we know that gardening can seem challenging to the beginner since there’s so much to learn. That’s also […]
Keith’s Swiss Chard Success Story
Last week Keith shared with me his Swiss Chard success story. Years ago, he remembers (I don’t) James and I gave Sandy & Keith a pot of Swiss Chard for […]
Get Your Tools Sharpened!
Thanks to your appreciation for good sharp tools, tool sharpening is now an everyday service here! Bring ‘em now for Spring projects. Pruners, loppers, & axes: $10 ea Hedge shears: […]
Get Ready for Spring – James’ Tips for Lawns, Pruning, and Citrus
James Gill had his annual Get Ready for Spring garden talk here at Gill’s last weekend. As always, it was a big hit – standing room only! In case you […]
Grateful for 2019 and Excited for 2020!
We’re grateful for each other, our growers and suppliers, and most of all – YOU! We’re excited about 2020 and continuing to bring you the best. Happy Holidays and Happy […]
A Sure Lift to the Spirits
Even though I love flowers in the garden all year long, for sure Fall and Winter annuals are my favorite. I think it’s because they thrive in cooler temperatures (just […]
Quick Care Tips for Your Holiday Plants!
We love this time of year here in the garden center, and we want to make sure you get the very best out of your holiday favorites! So, we made […]
Who Knew – Another South Texas Treasure at our Backdoor!
Our son Trevor flew in this week from the Northwest for a week of family time. One of his favorite pastimes in Portland, Oregon is disc golf. Who knew, Ingleside, […]
Treat For Take-All Patch In Lawns
If your lawn is showing symptoms of this disease (see last week’s blog), you can treat with Disease EX fungicide with the active ingredient Azoxystrobin. Or treat organically by top […]
Protect Your Lawn – Recent Take-All Root Rot Sightings
Take-All Root Rot (TARR), or Take-All Patch, is a serious fungal disease affecting St. Augustine and Bermuda grass lawns in the Coastal Bend. I have diagnosed 4 cases in the […]
Get Your Greens! Sally’s Kale Smoothie Recipe
Over the years, my trough garden has seen mostly flowers and herbs. I’ve tried tomatoes a few times, but this year I decided to try kale. I started eating kale […]
You Gotta Do It… Fertilize Now… For A Beautiful Lawn & Garden!
Feeding your lawn and garden during Fall (mid-September thru early November) provides the nutrients needed for Fall & Winter; AND a healthy start for next Spring. While the soil […]
Larry’s Organic Veggie Garden
My two goals for my garden are to only use organics and to constantly be eating! Check out the harvest: wax beans, eggplant, cucumbers, banana peppers, tangerine peppers, purple string […]
Burr Oak – an Awesome South Texas Tree
The Burr Oak is one of the fastest-growing and largest of all the Oaks in Texas. Aside from Cottonwoods, Burr Oaks are the only deciduous tree in Texas that can […]
Tips For Beautiful Flowers
As the Fall season comes around, so does a breath of new flowers to plant. Annuals like Impatiens, Violas, Begonia, Petunias, Snapdragons, & Lobelia are some local favorites. Warm days […]
Best Tips for Planting Trees this Fall
Trees, shrubs, and perennials get a great bonus when planted in Fall. South Texas enjoys relatively warm soil temperatures through Fall and Winter, and cooler air temperatures direct the new […]
How to Fuel Your Hungry Hummingbirds
If you spend any time outdoors and have anything blooming red, there’s a good chance you’ve got hummingbirds buzzing around. It’s that time of year when hummers begin their migratory […]
Organic Gardening Tips: Feed Your Soil First
“Organic gardening” is a broad term that in its simplest form means caring for your garden or landscape without the use of synthetic fertilizers or harsh pesticides, but for many […]
It’s Time For Fall Tomatoes!
Tomatoes are by far the most sought-after fruit in the country, and we are lucky to have two growing seasons to enjoy their goodness! It’s time to get your fall […]
Indoor Gardening: EZ as a ZZ!
While there’s plenty of prep to be done outside, why not add some fresh green to your indoors too? Check out ZZ plants (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia). It’s tough and easy, making […]
Coming Soon… Food To Grow!
We’re all ready to start our edible gardens. Early veggies & herbs are coming next week beginning August 13th! Starting with fresh peppers, tomatoes, and herbs that can take summer […]
Creating Spaces To Gather, Have Fun, Relax & Retreat!
At Gill’s, we spend our days designing private gardens, courtyards, backyards – places for families to gather, have fun, relax and retreat. We’re so happy to see our downtown Corpus […]
Top 5 Must Do’s for August
August is the homestretch to that next great planting season…Fall! So, no surprise August is about getting ready for cooler days ahead while keeping everything hydrated and pretty. Check out […]
Comfort for Summer: Shade Cloth!
Looking for some summer relief? Shade cloth easily reduces air temperatures and allows air flow. It can be as easy as tacking a piece to a wood frame or structure. […]
Weird and Wild Conversation Plants at Gill’s!
Are you looking for a conversation plant? Something out of the ordinary? Well check out these weird and wild plants to spark a conversation with all your plant friends! Dwarf […]
Come Relax in The Nursery!
Be Inspired! Take a stroll around our garden, enjoy the sounds of water & nature, discover the beauty a summer landscape has to offer! Rest under one of our shade […]
Summer Bugs: To Treat or Not to Treat?
Webbing on tree bark, white stuff on plants, & what’s cutting circles in my leaves? Bark Lice: Good We get lots of calls about webbing on tree trunks this time […]
Unique Port A History: The Farley Boat Planters
On Mother’s Day, James and I got up before the sun to head to the beach to catch some early morning waves at Packery. After an hour or so, as […]
Mr. Rogers’ Day of Kindness: Update!
A few weeks ago, we held an event in the garden center in honor of Mr. Rogers’ Day of Kindness. We gave away small flowering plants to kids for them […]
Happy Father’s Day – The Gill’s Team Remembers Gardening with Dad!
This Father’s Day weekend, several members of the Gill’s team take time to share a fond memory of gardening, landscaping, or just being out in nature with their dads. Happy […]
Staff Pick: Stacy’s Monarch Butterflies
I’m usually hard at work in the accounting office here at Gill’s, but I’m the first one outside to greet a new truck of plants to pick things to try […]
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
This Saturday, May 25th, bring the kids and we will give them a small blooming plant for them to give to a friend or relative in need of a little […]
Staff Picks: Wyatt’s Vitex Tree
As we get into summertime, there are quite a few blooming plants that have yet to show their color. When I first moved into my apartment, I always wondered what […]
Mother’s Day Message in a Bottle!
Years ago, my mother-in-law, Ruth Bayne Gill, aka “Bayne”, bought a parcel of land on Mill Creek, between Vanderpool and Medina, Texas. It’s a beautiful piece of Texas Hill Country, […]
Possumhaw: No Flashy Blooms, but Oh My Gosh, What Pleasure This Tree Brings Me!
James and I have a small courtyard off our kitchen and master bath, thanks to an architect friend’s brilliant idea some 20 years ago. Once construction was complete, James laid […]
It’s Arbor Day – Find the Right Trees and Start Planting!
The saying goes “the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, the second-best time is now.” Well we say it is always time to plant a tree! […]
Enjoy Your Time with Family and Friends!
With Passover starting Friday & Easter this Sunday, many will be gathering with family & friends to cook, eat, play games, and visit. Wonderful times for relaxing outside! We’ve filled […]
Free Soil Testing Program
The City of Corpus Christi and Texas Agrilife Extension have joined together for a free soil testing campaign. Have you had your soil tested lately? If not, please take advantage […]
Landscape Designer Kathy Hubner’s National Recognition
We are excited to share that Kathy Hubner, one of our landscape designers here at Gill Landscape Nursery, has become only the second Texan and first from Corpus Christi to […]
Free Soil Testing Program
The City of Corpus Christi and Texas Agrilife Extension have joined together for a free soil testing campaign. Have you had your soil tested lately? If not, please take advantage […]
Caterpillar Alert!
I have had several customers bring me Tussock Moth Caterpillars they found munching on their oak tree leaves. The creamy white hairs on the caterpillar are long and bristle-like and […]
No Sun Needed for Instant Feel Good in the Garden!
As the spring equinox arrives, I’m wondering if Mr. Sunshine is ever coming back from his southern hemisphere vacation? Well, there’s no time to wait for the sun; I’m making […]
Beneficial Bugs to Safely Eliminate Pests!
Spring is here again, and as plants and flowers wake up, so do unwanted guests such as aphids and fleas. Some of the most effective ways to eliminate these pests […]
Spring Break Project: Gardening with Kids!
We’ve met so many kids over the years (as young as 10 months old) who really get a kick out of gardening. While kids and teachers are on a much-needed […]
Staff Picks: Barbara’s Mangave
Mangave, a hybrid of the Agave and Manfreda, is a beautiful and easy plant that stands out, requires little maintenance, and does not have any spines or points. They are […]
New Organic Potting Soil for 2019!
We are now pleased to offer Nature’s Creation Organic Potting Soil with Mycorrhizal Fungi for our 2019 garden season! Some of our good friends in the green industry, Mr. […]
Debbie’s Backyard Bounty
It’s harvest time around my house and I have to admit the bounty is big this winter. This past fall, I planted later than usual (Oct 13th) due to rainy […]
What Does Xeriscape Mean to You?
What does Xeriscape mean to you? Cactus and rocks? Yes, it could be that, but it can be much more! Texas native plants? Yes, many Texas natives fit a xeriscape, […]
Looking Sharp for Spring!
Each year in January and February, I give my pre-spring “Get Ready for Spring” garden talk. I always start the talk with pre-spring pruning and the importance of sharp tools. […]
Plants, The Perfect Rx For Clean Air!
There are a wide variety of pollutants released in your home by furniture, paint, carpet, household cleansers, even gas cooktops and hot water in the shower, that can trigger illnesses, […]
Trimming Ornamental Grasses
The last week of January to first week of February is the best time to prune ornamental grasses. New spring growth will not emerge properly and abundantly if plants are […]
Why Is There Mold On My Citrus?
It’s the time of year we are scurrying around the garden, picking delicious ripening citrus. Perfect gift giving for the holidays! A few days ago, I noticed that some of […]
Quick Weed Clean-up Before The Guests Arrive!
A friend texted me this week-end and asked how she can get rid of her winter weeds. Probably like everyone, she’s getting ready for her family to arrive! She has […]
Flowering Cabbage & Kale, Another Winter Treasure!
Spectacular is the best word for Flowering Cabbage & Kale, with its purple hues on sage green leaves. These ornamentals are in the same family as edible cabbage and kale, […]
Succulents – Our Winter Surprise!
Just when you think things are going monochromatic for the winter, a bright stalk appears in the landscape, then another and another… the aloe plants have gone into bloom. Torches of red, […]
Living Christmas Trees
There are some great alternatives to cut Christmas trees. Norfolk Island Pines are one of the most popular because of their look. They are layered like many fir trees and […]
All About Poinsettias!
How to Care for Your Poinsettias Place the plant in an area where it will receive as much indirect light as possible and do not place it in a draft. Should […]
How to Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh and Beautiful!
It’s a wonderful crazy time each year as we ready for the arrival of Christmas trees. This year they are extra pretty and fresh! We look forward to helping you […]
It’s Time for Paperwhites & Amaryllis!
It’s time to think about getting your fall bulbs. Amaryllis is one of the easiest bulbs to grow that will bloom for you year after year. They can be planted in […]
Two Steps To Cold Weather Preparedness
1. Water. Make sure all plants are watered thoroughly before a cold front blows in, especially a dry cold front. You will also have to water after the cold front, […]
Secrets Under The Dark Side Of The Moon
Root veggies like carrots, beets, potatoes and onions make for a great fall and winter crop, but there are a few things to be said about them in order to […]
Plant Flowers Now For Winter WOW!
We’ve finally had some great sunshine! So, with the time change this weekend and cooler temps, it’s the best time to get your fall and winter flowers planted. Planting now […]
Fall Is Wildflower Planting Time
That first cool front in fall sure does feel good, and with the new season comes new flowers and time to get back outside and garden. In South Texas September and […]
Army Worms In Your Lawn – You Can Treat…Or Not
Army worms are common every fall with little notice from homeowners. Rarely do they do much damage to lawns and plants but sometimes the weather is just right and they […]
Fall Lawn Care
Lawn’s green, no weeds, so why do anything? Our lawns are so green after all this rain! You’re probably thinking “Well shoot, do I have to fertilize or worry about […]
Gill’s Celebrates 40 Bloomin’ Years!
This Saturday, October 6th, Gill Landscape Nursery invites the community to come celebrate with our staff 40 Bloomin’ Years in business! Enter to win Gill’s gift cards, enjoy a cool […]
Diversity By Design!
An International Landscape Conference Worth Traveling 3,000 Miles to Experience! That’s right, last week I flew 3,000 miles round trip to Toronto, Canada to meet with 137 landscape design colleagues […]
What To Do About Waterlogged Plants?
We have less control over our plants during prolonged periods of rain or flooding than during drought. Unless they are in moveable containers, there is little we can do except […]
Food for Our Hummingbirds!
Whether your hummingbirds are just passing through or they’re residents to our area, you can be sure they’re hungry! Hummingbirds are most attracted to orange & red blooming plants with […]
Too Much Rain?
We’ve had abundant, much needed rain this past week! Soils are well hydrated. There may be issues with too much rain with the forecast of more tropical downpours coming over […]
Now That’s Some Good Food!
Growing food is all the trend as farmers markets, farm to table restaurants, and the phrase “locally grown” gives credit that the food will be the freshest available! But to […]
Planning Your Perfect Landscape
What can a well-planned landscape do for you? First it gives you a place to retreat from hectic daily schedules. Studies confirm the benefits of getting outside at least fifteen […]
Is it time to start your veggies? You bet!
It’s the best time to plant your early fall veggies and herbs! Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, and zucchini have plenty of time to produce a nice harvest. Fresh herbs like […]
Looking For New Plants, New Ideas, New Solutions At Texas Nursery & Landscape Association Show!
As gardeners, we know you want the most up to date solutions and newest plant varieties that will thrive in our part of South Texas. That’s why we make a […]
Ready, Set, Get Your Garden Going!
Yes, it is time to begin preparing the vegetable gardens for your tomatoes and peppers! Work in Cotton Burr compost or Natures Blend to enrich your garden for the new […]
More on Whitefly
Last week James and I were visiting some friends of ours, Anita & Rolf Nelson, also in the garden center business. They own Nelson’s Water Gardens in Katy, Texas. Anita […]
My Sunshine Flower!
I get my green thumb from my sweet, sweet grandma. She was an avid organic gardener long before the term was coined. Her beautiful vegetable and flower gardens mesmerized me […]
Whitefly, Oh My!
Saturday morning, I went out into my cutting garden to harvest some fresh zinnia and sunflower blooms for our home. Upon touching the stems, I was immediately swarmed with whitefly. […]
What A Stark Contrast!
What a stark contrast! The owners of these three homes in Denver, one next to the other, each have a very different look. The home on the bottom has grass, […]
Easy and Spectacular… Bromeliads!
I was blown away by the bromeliads that came in our last order from Florida. I wasn’t shopping for anything new but couldn’t resist their breathtaking beauty. Sometimes you’re only […]
Bees In Action At Gill’s!
Because we have a lot of flowers and reservoirs of water at Gill’s, we also have a wonderfully large population of butterflies, dragonflies and bees. This past 4th of July, […]
A Little Gem & Generous Gift!
We were walking with our family in West Seattle on Harbor Avenue, looking across Puget Sound to downtown Seattle. The esplanade opposite the water was lined with multi-level, concrete condominiums, […]
Mosquito Solutions
With all the recent rains, mosquitoes are here. First of all, remove any sources of standing water (that’s where they breed). For your favorite birdbath, use Mosquito Bits in the […]
A Few More Summer Tips
If your watering hose is in the sun, make sure to let the water run through for a little while before watering your plants. Hot hoses make for hot water! […]
Got Webbing on Your Trees?
It is not webworms! Webbing on the bark of trunks and branches is a good thing. Don’t spray!! Bark lice is natures clean-up crew. These tiny creatures are scouring the […]
Two Sprinklers, One Water Faucet!
Water! It’s a vital part of having a healthy lawn and landscape. Rain is always our best source of water but since summer is here and rain is scarce, I […]
Is Your Lawn and Landscape Prepared for Summer?
Watering slow and deep but not too often is the key to a strong and deep root system. By contrast, frequent, short watering encourages roots to stay shallow, in a […]
