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There are lots of plants with some degree of toxicity to pets, but most are not a threat except in extreme cases of allergy or unusual consumption.  By Calvin Finch, Ph.D. If your experience with [...]

By Calvin Finch Ph.D., Guest Author Entice the widest selection of feathered finery with thickets and tangles. The most attractive landscape to the widest selection of birds is one that offers [...]

One of the many great things about South Texas is that the growing season comes only a couple of months after the holiday season. So if you’re looking for a last minute garden gift idea, [...]

If you’re an early riser, there are a few odds and ends you can tackle in your landscape — even during these sizzling summer days. By Calvin Finch, Ph. D. Even during the hottest times of the [...]

Wishing there was a bit more color in your winter garden? Feed the birds! This simple activity is a fun and easy way to liven up your landscape. By Calvin Finch, Ph.D. Bird feeding is a fun and [...]

In South Texas, mint thrives in partial-to-heavy shade. That makes it perfect as a groundcover or as an accent between stepping stones. The mint family (Lamiaceae) contains more than 236 Genera [...]

Add a flourish of Mediterranean panache to your landscape — and say, “Ciao!” to pesky mosquitoes — by planting lavender. Lavender, a native to the Mediterranean region, enjoys hot [...]

The water that comes from your showers, bathtubs, sinks and washing machines doesn’t have to go to waste. Your landscape could benefit from it! We occasionally get phone calls from [...]

These two prolific-but-often-misunderstood vines are quite swell once you get to know them. Best of all, they are both drought-tolerant and popular with winged wildlife. As I make my way around [...]

Making the jump from a turf-blanketed landscape to a xeric one can be intimidating. It helps to think about the process in baby steps — and also about how much time, energy and water you’ll save. [...]