Garden Do’s and Don’ts
Garden Do’s: Do prune back plants now 1/3 to 1/2 before the flush of new spring growth. Do prune back roses, removing all twiggy growth and dead canes. Do apply Weed & Grass Stopper with Dimension or Amaze granules (pre-emergents) to prevent more weeds from sprouting. Do spray lawns for broadleaf weeds now with Weed-B-Gon […]
February is Time to Prune Roses!
Valentine’s Day is a time to remember our loved ones with candy and flowers. It also is the perfect time to prune roses. Late January to mid February is the best time. Prune established hybrid teas, removing dead and small twiggy growth, leaving strong healthy canes to a plant height of 18-24 inches. Try to […]
James’ South Seas Adventure
I am so happy I inherited “nature-loving” and “adventure-loving” genes from my mother, Ruth Gill. Plants and animals and fish and clouds and oceans and ecosystems and weather, etc…. Just Wow!!!!! So I started my 63rd year with a marvelous adventure to Pohnpei, Micronesia, a tiny speck of an island well west of Hawaii, but […]
Got Spring Fever?
Beautiful weather; makes us want to get out and do yard work, right? It’s time to prune your hardy shrubs and groundcovers like Lantana, Firebush, Esperanza and more. Wait for indian hawthorne to bloom before pruning in March. Also, hold off a few more weeks on the tender tropicals like Hibiscus and Bougainvilleas. Roses should […]
Fruit Trees & Citrus In Your Own Backyard!
Fruit trees such as peaches, plums and avocados are easy to grow in South Texas. Peaches and plums require colder weather for fruit production and with our mild winters we have to look for low chilling hour varieties. Somewhere between 100-250 hours is best. We make sure the varieties we sell are self pollinating so you […]
Fertilize Your Citrus in February!
January-February is prime time to fertilize your citrus plants. We recommend Espoma Citrus-tone for organic gardening. It is long lasting and it feeds the soil and the tree. Citrus-tone recommends to feed Jan-Feb as a pre-bloom application to enhance flowering and May-June as an after bloom application to encourage better fruit set. Apply at the […]
Vietnam, A Visual & Culinary Feast!
During the holidays, I made an exciting trek to Vietnam to visit my son and grandchildren. I use the word trek because of the hundreds of stairs and cavern climbing involved. Needless to say it jump started my resolution to get in shape! The country was breathtaking and full of heritage. Each place we visited […]
Growing Veggies In Containers
Not everyone has a large area in the backyard to garden, but did you know that most vegetables can be grown in containers. Clay pots, plastic pots, hanging baskets or even the new trendy Grow Bagz. Burpee Seed packets show a small pot on the label to show which varieties are easily grown in containers. […]
Get ready to garden!
It’s time to start planting your spring garden. This week we will have a fresh shipment of onion sets, seed potatoes, and a few varieties of tomatoes. There is also time to get another round of broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower going before it gets too late. New shipment of 2016 seeds are here if you […]
Free soil testing for Nueces County Homeowners is back!
The City of Corpus Christi and Texas Agrilife Extension have joined together for another free soil testing campaign. Have you had your soil tested lately? If not, please take advantage of this opportunity. The report will tell you your soil nitrogen, phosphorus & potassium levels and acidity level and can help you select the right fertilizer […]
Pre-Spring Do’s and Don’ts
Pre Spring tips…do now & save time later! Do Apply Pre-emergents Amaze or Hi Yield Weed and Grass Preventor with Dimension to prevent spring weeds. Spray All Seasons Oil to kill and prevent scale insects this spring on flax lily, cast iron plant, irises, pittosporums & hollies. Treat for lawn fungus as a cure and […]
Nature’s Blend: Our Secret Ingredient for a Happy Lawn
This time of year your lawn might not be looking so great. It might be patchy, or pale yellow, or just unhappy. Since St. Augustine grass goes dormant in the winter, fertilizer might not be the best choice. Instead try using Nature’s Blend compost. It’s an alfalfa humate blend that helps your lawn against fungus […]
January Do’s and Don’ts:
Do: Sharpen your Garden Tools – mower blades, pruning clippers, loppers, etc. Trim Shade Trees – woody shrubs, including roses Be Armed and Ready – keep a close eye on the weather, be ready to protect tender plants with sheets & blankets, or come see us for N-Sulate Frost Blankets (now $9.99!) Don’t: Trim Plants […]
Stocking Stuffers for Gardeners
Do you have a gardener in your family that you just don’t know what to buy them? Think about a new pair of pruners. Or rose gloves that reach up to your elbows. They’re great for pruning thorny plants like roses, bougainvilleas or pyracantha. We also have moisture meters, rain gauges, outdoor thermometers, candles, windchimes, […]
Natural Ornaments For Your Outdoors
Here’s a fun project kids can do to attract birds to your landscape. Take natural pinecones, roll in peanut butter, and then roll in bird seed. It’s a little messy….just right for kids! Attach a hanger and place them in your trees. Birds come and feed on them and everyone gets to enjoy watching! -DeAnna
Christmas Wreath Chandelier
We’ve all seen Christmas wreath vertically, but how about horizontally? Hanging multiple layers together can have a great ‘chandelier’ like effect. Just get at least two sizes and hang them from the ceiling with gorgeous thick ribbon. Then hang ornaments, lights, and sprigs of berries or mistletoe and Voila! But make sure you don’t use […]
Christmas Cactus
A beautiful holiday plant, the Christmas Cactus blooms at Christmas and also sometimes around Easter if cared for properly. A month prior to Christmas you will be able to watch the tips of the leaves beginning to grow. The tips grow darker as each day passes, until a bud forms. At Christmas time, as if […]
How to Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh
Keep water in your tree reservoir at all times. Make a fresh cut on your tree if it’s out of water for more than 15 minutes. If you cannot put your tree in your home right away, keep it in a cool shady area outside in water. Place your tree away from the heater/ac vents […]
A Great Recycle Idea For Your Older Holiday Ornaments!
If you are like me, then the day after Thanksgiving is when the Christmas decorations come down from the attic. Of course, at the bottom of the box are ornaments that for some reason or another don’t end up getting used. Instead of throwing them out or repacking them for another year, use them in […]
Rust on Plumeria
Plumeria are suffering from rust fungus caused by our wet conditions. The undersides of the leaves have yellow- orange or reddish brown pustules. Since you should be withholding water from the plumeria so they can go dormant for the winter, be sure to gather up the leaves as they drop and discard in the trash. […]
How to Care for Your Poinsettias
Care Of 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 your poinsettia be wrapped in foil, punch a hole in the bottom to provide good drainage and place pot in a saucer. An easy way to water poinsettias is […]
Oak Tree Caterpillars and Powdery Mildew
Oak Tree Caterpillars Be on the look-out for oak tree caterpillars in your oak trees. They cluster together in large groups feeding on the leaves of your trees or you may notice poop under your tree (on your patio or walk.) They can be killed with Thuricide sprayed onto the leaves or with Spinosad. If […]
Clover Imposter!
Growing up on a farm, I learned that Clover is a good thing. It adds nitrogen back into your soil, has adorable ball-like flowers, and covers your field in gorgeous green. However, there’s also a weed called Oxalis that has Clover-like leaves, and is deep dark green. Oxalis is a weed through and through, and […]
To Prune or Not to Prune?
I spent much of last Saturday cleaning up the front yard, making plans to hang Christmas lights in another week or two. I had someone stop and ask me about my cutting back the Purple Showers ruellia along the sidewalk. It has taken over about half the sidewalk. I explained that this plant can take […]
Growing Onions!
“What smells so good in the kitchen?” my family asks. “Just sautéing the onions.” I reply. Funny how the pungent tear evoking root awakens our noses and our stomachs that something incredibly good is bound to come from of it. Its onion planting time and the first ones are here and ready to plant…just in […]
Sunday Gardening With My Young Neighbors!
I am an honorary aunt to two adorable little girls who enjoy games and craft projects. Every Sunday I try to find a fun activity that will teach and entertain them. I came across these ideas that incorporate my love of gardening and responsibility to do my part to recycle. Ever wonder what to do […]
November To-Do’s
Anything that didn’t get done in October, do it now! If you need to fertilize, prevent weeds, check for insects or think about preventing fungus caused by heavy rains or overwatering, we have everything you need and we can help identify any problems you may have. James also did a great you tube video on […]
Artichokes
Artichokes are gorgeous plants. They’re just pretty! They have large arching silver spiked leaves, and add drama to any landscape. If you want a good crop of artichokes, try these tips to improve your harvest. Artichokes are deep rooted, so prep your soil at least 8 inches deep with Cattle Manure or Cotton Burr Compost […]
What’s Galling You?
Folks have been bringing in oak leaves with lumps, bumps, and fuzzies, wanting to know, what is this and what do I do about it? Several different insects can cause galls, but predominantly it is different species of small wasps. I collected these three most common types of oak leaf galls off just one branch […]
New Product Alert! Burn Out Weed Killer
This stuff works! We tried it out last week on a patch of weeds here in the nursery in a side by side comparison with 20% Vinegar. Within about 5 minutes (I kid you not!) the weeds started drooping. They were dead within an hour. It was amazing! I was floored by its effects. Not only did […]
Texas Tarragon
Whether you call it Texas Tarragon, Mexican Mint Marigold, or Tagetes lucida, I call it an absolute beauty for fragrance, flavor, and color every South Texas Autumn! Known for its liquorish anise flavor, it makes the perfect sub for true tarragon that struggles to grow in our area. I love it just as much for the golden flowers […]
Best For Bees!
A lot of folks are asking how to get their tomatoes, peppers, squash and cucumbers to put on more fruit. The answer might be as simple as you need more bees! Pollinators like bees and butterflies are a critical part of any successful garden, so make some space for bee attracting plants. Some of our […]
Geraniums – One of My Favorites!!
It is time to get all your fall flowers planted before the days become shorter and weather gets cooler. October is the perfect month to transition your flowers for a new season. One of my favorites is geraniums. Geraniums make a great winter flower. Most of us think of geraniums for the spring, but they […]
My Veggie Garden, Week # 3
The weather was warm & dry last week and I have been watering a little each morning and evening. It is keeping our plants perky. I did our first Hastagro feeding on October 17th, after fixing my cutoff hose with a new end and invested in a new hand sprinkler. My old one was used as […]
Adventures in Nova Scotia
Oh my goodness, James and I just got back from a quick trip to Nova Scotia; what a treat! James did a few days of surfing before I arrived, and then we headed up to Cape Breton (the northern most island of Nova Scotia) to get in on the amazing Celtic Colours International Festival. This […]
Marigolds and Día de los Muertos
Nothing says Fall like a bed of beautiful orange and yellow marigolds. We try to plant them every fall in front of the Alameda Store for a show- stopping pop of color. By now the grower is usually out of them for the season, but this year we still have them in stock for you […]
Something We’re Excited About!!
We got a new product line called “Grow Bagz” made by Bloem, and we’re really excited to have them here! These containers are made of 100% recycled material, like plastic water bottles, but they feel like really thick wool. They’re very lightweight, but durable, and come with handles. Trust me, these handles are tough! We […]
Debbie’s Veggie Garden Pt. 2 – Plant, Mulched, Fertilized!
Last week, I shared my before & after soil prep of our veggie garden at home. I tried to plant before last Friday’s rain but did not make it. Good thing, as I realized I had a few areas holding too much water. So after some shoveling to correct the problem, we planted our hearts […]
A Goddess In The Garden
Golden Goddess Bamboo is one of our favorites! This clumping style bamboo doesn’t put out runners, so it stays where you put it. Great for screening out nosey neighbors, it grows to about 10-12’ tall, but can be kept to about 3 feet wide. It naturally grows in the sun, but can do very well […]
Fall And Winter Lawn Care
October is the month to do your fall lawn fertilizing and weed prevention. After that it is getting late to have maximum effect. If weeds are a problem every winter and spring, use a pre-emergent to prevent the weeds from sprouting. Amaze granules or Weed and Grass Stopper with Dimension are the best to use […]
October is Time To Fertilize For Fall!
Anytime between mid-September and mid-October is prime time to fertilize the lawn, trees, shrubs, vines and groundcovers. Fertilizing while it is still warm is best because plants are still in their active growing season and taking up the nutrients provided. Here’s a repost of DeAnna’s fertilizing guide from earlier this year: “Anytime between mid-September and mid-October is […]
Malabar Spinach
This beautiful vine is our climbing spinach we planted this past April. It’s not really spinach but the leaves look like and taste a lot like spinach. It is delicious fresh or steamed. Basella rubra aka Malabar spinach is a fast growing edible vine found in temperate climates around the world. It loves spring summer […]
How to Keep Your Vegetable Garden Healthy this Fall
Remember to rotate your crops from last season if possible. Also do not crowd your plants. Insects and disease love places that are overcrowded with no air circulation. Spacing your plants will limit the areas for the bugs to hide. There are many organic options to keep insects and disease under control. For insects, use […]
Marigolds & Mums!
Oh my goodness, our nurseries are filling up with beautiful mums & marigolds! Marigolds come in oranges and yellows and grow to around 10″-15″ tall. They love the sun and do great in pots around your garden or in the ground. If planting in a pot, plant with our MiracleGro potting mix and then fertilize […]
Elevated Chlorine Levels OK for Plants…
Good news! We contacted our biggest & best grower about higher doses of chlorine in our water and if it could damage plants in our landscape. They said if it’s good to drink, it’s good for the plants. One less thing to worry about! -Sally
Lawn Looking Tired and Worn?
After all the spring rains giving us lush green lawns, it sure didn’t take long for the dog days of summer to take its toll on some. We are diagnosing lots of chinch bugs and grub worm damage. James has a couple of videos on our website and You Tube about lawns. Be sure to […]
Sweet Peas!
This sign outside a Dublin flower shop reminded me it’s time to plant my favorite flower, Sweet pea! Sweet peas are the official flower for April and very easy to grow. Just remember to plant seeds in September or October in South Texas and ignore the package directions to plant in spring. My dad started me […]
Recap: Hummingbird Garden Talk
This past Saturday, I gave a quick talk about attracting Hummingbirds into your garden, so I figured I’d give a quick recap of hummingbird gardens in case you missed it! We are lucky enough to have 18 different kinds of hummingbirds in our area when they migrate, so make sure you add these plants to […]
Grow-Web
GROW-WEB also known as row cover acts like a greenhouse producing a micro-climate which encourages plant growth and development and also provides protection from insects, birds, diseases and frosts. Grow-web is air and water permeable and allows for ventilation. Because of its exceptional air flow and light penetration , it can be left on a […]
We’re Always Learning At Gill’s
Recently, we got some Taishan Marigolds in with an unusual stem growth. Well, it turns out these knobby little growths were actually aerial roots. So, naturally, we experimented! We potted them deep in larger containers and BAM! They’re beautiful! Who knew that Marigolds could be planted deep like you would a tomato? That’s one thing […]
September: Time is Running Out for Fall Tomatoes and Peppers!!
Yes, I know. We just got our first shot of cooler weather so you’re just now ready to get out and garden. Timing is everything when it comes to success with vegetables. The growers are running out of tomatoes and peppers already also. We do still have some 4 inch and 1 gal. available so […]
Plan Ahead for Fall Color
Fall will be here before you know it! So now’s the time to prepare your beds for fresh Fall color. We have garden mums, marigolds, dianthus and petunias, and we’ll be getting cooler season annuals in soon. So if your Summer flowers are looking spent, make sure you put fresh compost down, like Cotton Burr […]
Time to fertilize for the Fall
Anytime between mid-September and mid-October is prime time to fertilize the lawn, trees, shrubs, vines and groundcovers. Fertilizing while it is still warm is best because plants are still in their active growing season and taking up the nutrients provided. Once the weather starts cooling down plants begin going into dormancy and therefore are not […]
Hummingbird Feeder How-To
Pop Quiz! How often should you change the nectar on a hummingbird feeder? Is red food dye good or bad? How are you supposed to clean it? Don’t worry if you don’t know the answers. We’ve got you covered. A hummingbird feeder is a great supplement for nectar-rich plants like Turk’s Cap and Firebush, but […]
Fall Is Wildflower Time
That first cool front in September 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 October is the best time to spread wildflower seeds. With the prediction of a wetter and cooler fall, this is a perfect time to […]
Sharing Our Gardening Knowledge
If you’ve evenoticed at the bottom of our advertising, we say “Over 400 Collective Years of Gardening with Gills!” This comes from the number of years we have worked here combined…I think we are at just over 40 staff members so we average around 10 years per person although some of us are 20 years […]
Homegrown Tastes Best!
We’ve talked about weeding and prepping the soil. You should also have a plan on where to plant since we discussed crop rotation. So now the fun begins. Time to get those tomatoes and peppers in the ground or into pots. Add Bio-Tone to the soil when planting. It helps promote strong, healthy plants with larger […]
Kathy in The Gardens of Kilkenny!
Kathy Hubner, one of our landscape designers, went on a tour of Irish gardens in July with the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. These photos were taken at the lake at Castletown Cox in the county of Kilkenny. “In July I had the good fortune to escape the summer heat and tour Irish Gardens. I […]
Our Family Is Growing!
Some of you remember Stuart as an infant in his baby carrier, plopped on the sales counter at our Airline store while I ran the cash register. Some of you remember his working in your garden or helping you select your Christmas tree or coming to your home with James on a house call. We […]
Asps + Leafcutter Bees
The asps are out! It’s been years since we’ve had a big asp outbreak. These stinging hump back caterpillars love oak trees, yaupons hollies, burford hollies, hawthorns, altheas, and hibiscus. I saw a fresh hatching no bigger than a pea on some hollies the other day. Take a close look at your plants and see […]
Crazy About Crotons!
Of the many great reasons to live in South Texas, one of my favorites is we get to enjoy the tropical splendor of colorful plants from temperate regions of the world. Croton plants are recognized by their colorful fall colored foliage. Reds, yellows, and oranges paint their leaves that can be large, small, and even […]
Lily & Heath, Airline’s Two Kitty Cats!
Lily & Heath, Airline’s 2 kitty cats! If you have spent any time at our Airline store, you are sure to have spied 2 tabby cats sauntering around meeting and greeting our patrons. Heath, a super-sized lean tabby cat can be found lounging at the checkout, curled up on a mat, in a pot, sprawled in a birdbath, […]
Help! My Roses Aren’t Blooming!
You had beautiful roses in the spring, but now they’re looking like they might croak. Don’t worry! This is totally normal. Large flowering plants like roses or hibiscus can get stressed from this summer heat, so they might stop blooming, or even stop growing. Continue watering them through this heat spell, and when the temperatures drop in the fall […]
The Importance of Crop Rotation
Last week we talked about preparing the vegetable garden by pulling the leftover plants and weeds and turning in plenty of new compost. Next we need to think about what we are going to plant this fall and where in the garden we are going to plant it. Each season is a challenge to grow everything you want […]
Not Quite Ready to Plant?
If you are not going to plant into your newly prepped vegetable gardens right away, please be sure to keep them moist and mulched. By doing this, you will prevent the heat from removing all that great organic material you’ve just mixed into your beds. Water is a staple of life, for both plants and the little microorganisms […]
Fire Ants!
It’s one of the many reasons summer in South Texas is harsh. Even if you slather yourself in sunscreen and try to stay in the shade, inevitably you’ll run into a swarm of fire ants. These ants are actually an invasive species brought to North America from Brazil, and have a hard-crusted large mound that […]
Time to Prepare Vegetable Gardens!
Fall vegetable gardening is right around the corner. It seems too hot to even think about gardening, but you should start now to ensure a successful crop this fall. It is recommended to begin planting tomatoes and peppers mid- August. Many seeds begin the first week of September. I usually plant my tomatoes in September, […]
If You Have a Lawn Irrigation System…
It likely is not working properly! Just like your mower needs the sparkplug adjusted, oil changed, blade sharpened, and maybe a wheel or starter rope replaced, things will go wrong with your irrigation system. But since it operates while you are in bed, you don’t know what needs fixing. I had not operated my sprinkler […]
Organic Gardening 101 – What’s Buggin Ya?!
It seems everywhere I turn I see bugs. Chinch bugs in the grass, worms eating bougainvilleas, scale on irises and lilies, mealy bugs on tropicals. To spray, or not to spray? That is the question. We need to raise our tolerance of what is acceptable in our landscapes. A few bugs here or there or […]
Dedicated To Successful Gardening, On And Off Duty
(DeAnna’s truck – always there, at 6:30am!) In a few weeks we’ll be closing the stores early on a Saturday to have a pool party at our home to celebrate our Gill’s nursery & landscape staff. We recognize those who have been with Gill’s 1 year, 5 years, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years. This […]
Staff Pick: Mike’s Chinese Hat
Chinese Hat aka Holmskioldia tettensis (that’s a mouthful☺) The Chinese Hat has become one of our favorite plants since we purchased one to try 5 or 6 years ago. It grew 3 to 4 feet its first year, and another 3 to 4 feet the following. It now stands above our 6 foot fence covered with […]
Summer is Here – Time to Resume Watering
We had a wonderful long wet spring, but now the heat has hit and rains have reduced; it’s time to get back to once a week lawn watering. We need to maintain moisture to keep our plants happy and healthy. Watering slow and deep, at least 1 inch a week is good. We recommend using […]
Oh, The Joys of Terrariums!
When you set them up correctly, they are the easiest things to take care of because they take care of themselves. But before we get into the nitty gritty of terrariums, let’s go over some basics. There are two kinds of terrariums, open and closed. Open terrariums are ones without lids, or that have holes. […]
A True Gardener: Cherry Green
I’ve always known Cherry Green is an avid gardener. Year round, no matter how hot or cold it is, she remains a gardener. Whenever I see her about town, she asks if we have this or that, and most of the time it’s not your ordinary ligustrum or Asian jasmine. A few weeks ago, she […]
Organic Gardening 101: Got Weeds?
Here is a couple of natural products to kill those weeds without using pesticides. Try Vinegar to kill those unwanted weeds in flowerbeds and cracks of the sidewalk or driveway. The vinegar at the grocery store is usually 5%. You will need 20% vinegar (acetic acid ) to kill weeds effectively. We carry Natures Guide […]
Heat Wilt
As our days get hotter, your plants might start drooping during the middle of the day. Now, this could be caused by one of two things. Either it’s very dry, and needs to be watered immediately, OR it is in heat wilt, and needs to be left alone! Some plants wilt during the middle of […]
Organic Gardening 101 – Organic Fungicide
We’ve covered organic fertilizers and organic insecticides. This week we will talk about organic fungicides. Serenade Garden Disease Control can be used on roses, vegetables, fruits, flowering plants, trees, shrubs and lawns. Use prior to disease development or at the first sign of foliar disease infection. Serenade prevents and controls black spot, leaf spot, powdery […]
A Blank Slate: Starting A New Landscape
I recently moved into a new house, and after living in apartments for years, I was so excited to have a real garden! Our new home had green plants, but only of the weed variety. I figured since I help people plan their gardens all day here at the nursery that it would be a snap […]
Henry C. Brooks
Back in the late 70’s, when we first opened our Airline store, we met Henry. He was strikingly handsome, riding his beautiful horse, and had an amazingly warm and wonderful smile. And still does as shown in this picture taken in May! Henry, upon returning from the Vietnam War in the late 60’s, joined his […]
Organic Gardening 101 – Insecticidal Soap
Organic Insecticide: Insecticidal Soap is based on potassium fatty acids and is used to control many plant pests. Because insecticidal soap only works on direct contact with the pests, it is important to thoroughly spray the entire area of the plant where you see the pests. It is used to kill aphids, scales, whitefly, mealybugs […]
Watch Out! Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar Eggs
If your citrus looks like it is getting munched on, make sure you look for Swallowtail caterpillars before you grab your insecticides. Giant Swallowtail butterflies lay their eggs on lemons, limes and even grapefruit trees this time of year, and the caterpillars literally look like bird poop (as their camouflage). So if you see moving […]
Organic Gardening 101 – Organic Fertilizers
Did you know that soil is a living thing? We have all heard of microbes. The real deal is that without soil microbes, we would all die. The work they do in our soil is incredibly complex but it all boils down to this: microbes eat, thus we eat. Plants are unable to take from […]
“My dad, Mr. Roy M. Munroe” – Celebrating Fathers
My dad, Mr. Roy M. Munroe Shortly after graduating from the University of Texas, I began dating a handsome young man, our very own James Gill. Months after we started dating, we got the idea (from one of James’ friends, honestly) of starting a landscape business. I went to my parents and told them of […]
“Just Like Magic!” + Top Plant Picks For Summer
Our Top Plant Picks For Summer Of all the plants that we sell throughout the year, there are always those the really rise above the rest for each season. For summer these are the plants we think outshine many for their blooms, toughness, carefree maintenance, and best of all, they will look beautiful in your […]
Back To The Basics: Organic Gardening 101 – Pt. 1
Organic gardening is much more than merely a method of growing tomatoes and other food crops. It’s about growing all plants a more natural and safe way. It’s a way of life. It’s about paying attention to nature. It’s about understanding how everything in nature is related. It’s about working within nature’s perfectly designed system. […]
Living With Snakes + Time For Vinca?
Living With Snakes First and foremost, I want to say that gardeners should love snakes! Snakes are a very important part of our ecosystem, and they keep away rats, mice, and other pests from our houses and gardens. With all this rain, you have a much higher chance of running into snakes in your yards […]
Backyard Drainage Problems + Solutions
I’ve had quite a few calls recently about back yard drainage problems. The first two solutions people tend to ask about are “French drains” or filling the low spots. These might end up being part of the solution, but are not the best place to start. The best solution is usually a swale, which is […]
You DO Have A Green Thumb! + Periwinkle Update
You DO Have A Green Thumb! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say “oh no, I can’t grow anything! I don’t have a green thumb.” Well, I’m here to tell you that you most certainly do! Everyone, and I mean everyone, has killed a plant in their gardening career. But don’t let […]
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 shaker,for larger ponds or ditches, Mosquito Dunks, both totally safe for birds and frogs. We have several ways to kill, control and repel them.Mosquito Beater […]
Create Your Own Garden Paradise
Sights, sounds, and smells of nature are all relaxing. For sights, think about plants to attract birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They are so fun to watch as they move from plant to plant gathering nectar. Hamelia, Firecracker Plant, Hummingbird Bush, Shrimp Plant, Cape Honeysuckle, Lantana and many more are available to bring nature to your […]
Top 10 Things To Do Before Summer!
You may have already done several items on this list, but with all the recent rains they may have been depleted or washed away, therefore another application may be necessary. Fertilize the lawn, shrubs, trees and tropicals again with Gill Lawn & Garden or Milorganite. Continue to feed vegetables and herbs with Espoma Plant Tone. Citrus […]
“I Love Growing Squash For My Family”
I love growing squash because it’s so easy to grow. I planted mine in mid- February from starters I got here at Gill’s. They are heavy feeders so I worked plenty of Nature’s Blend Compost into the soil before planting for a rich soil base, and later applied liquid seaweed extract. I particularly enjoy growing […]
“My Earliest Childhood Memories Are Of Flowers”
My earliest childhood memories are of flowers. My dad taught me to grow them from seeds–Zinnias, Sweet Peas, Calendulas, Giant Sunflowers. As a mother I gardened with my sons. We grew tomatoes, peppers, squash and, of course, flowers. Now I reap the reward of watching my son and his wife teach their young son the joy of […]
Watch Out For Chinch Bugs + Periwinkle Update
Watch out for Chinch Bugs! Seems a little early with all the rain, but the temperatures are right on up there where they should be for May. I am seeing lots of damage to the lawns and finding chinch bugs. Areas of the lawn will look dry, especially near the sidewalk or driveway where it […]
Windy City Living: Pros and Cons
Pros! It isn’t so stifling hot! We can almost always count on a breeze to cool us down when we’re working in the garden Wind chimes always give us music outdoors Mosquitos aren’t so bad. In cities like Houston, where there isn’t as much wind, mosquitos run rampant. And while we aren’t mosquito free, we can […]
Seeing Lots Of June Bugs? + Mom’s Favorite Flower
Time To Treat For Grub Worms Time to treat for grub worms. Did you know, grub worms come from June bugs? Grubs are the larval stage of the brown June Beetle that flies around your porch light every Spring. If you notice a large number of these beetles, you may want to consider treating your yard with Bayer […]
The Quirky Gardener
My mother, Ruth Gill, was a quirky but elegant, courageous yet tender, intelligent and curious woman. And I can put that in this blog because its Mother’s Day! But back to gardening, with just a few of her quirky twists. When I was little, we lived on Hewit Drive, at that time the “fancy” neighborhood. […]
Staff Pick: Water Lily
Water lilies are a wonderful way to add color and the coolness of water to your patio or landscape. A large pond or lake is not necessary for these floating beauties, they can be enjoyed in any container that holds water. They only need a depth of 18 inches and around 24 inches across. They come in submersible pots. […]