Erin Conant

SPECIALTY: Urban Farming

ABOUT:

Erin Conant has a passion for all things related to plants. Our former SAWS conservation consultant is now at home with her family passionately establishing their own urban farm and spreading the word of water conservation.

Do Your Garden Beds Measure Up?

Mapping out your 200-square-foot plot for the WaterSaver Landscape Coupon is easier than you think, thanks to some obvious and not-so-obvious measuring tools you probably already own. Over the past several years, I can say we’ve all learned a lot about coupons and the preparation for them. If you participated before, you know that landscaping […]
5 Facts About Texas Wildflowers

The autumn months are the best time to sow wildflowers for spring. But before you start planting, get to know a few particulars first. This may be fallen leaves and pumpkin everything season, but now is the perfect time to look ahead to what spring will bring — when open fields along highways abound with […]
Selecting and Measuring 200 Square Feet

Need to lay out a planting bed for the next WaterSaver coupon? Measuring wheels and tapes are obvious choices. But you can also get creative with other, more handy tools from your garden shed. I can say we’ve all learned a lot from previous coupon seasons. And if you participated, you know that landscaping is […]
Hot Colors = Cool Landscape

Turn up the heat in your landscape. Incorporate plants in hot colors to add a little spice to your garden. Heat is probably the last thing you want to think about in the middle of a scorching Texas summer. But I’m talking about adding a little heat to your garden in terms of hot colors. […]
Living Garden Gifts

Whether you’re the recipient or giver of a living gift, follow our tips to keep those gifts giving long after the holidays are over. Several years ago I received a special gift for Christmas – a little amaryllis bulb that was about the size of a marble. It lacked much bravado with its two puny […]
The Top 5 Herbs You Should Be Growing in your Garden

Harvesting food from our own gardens is an activity humans have been savoring for centuries. And it’s truly not difficult to do. Forget fighting the crowds at the grocery store in search of fresh herbs for your Thanksgiving meal. Imagine instead being able to harvest generous clippings of your own homegrown herbs for your holiday […]
Take Your Thyme

I’ve learned there are few plants that can survive the neglect that many of us can cast on our garden. Thyme is one of them. Nothing weathers the storm with such grace and tenacity as thyme. I have gone weeks in the summer without even considering its existence – much less its well-being – and mine still looks […]
Awash with Lavender

Looking to landscape with lavender? One of the best things about this sweet-smelling herb is its love for the dry climate and rocky soils of the Texas Hill Country. From perfume to insect repellent to food flavoring, lavender’s everyday use dates back more than 2,500 years to the Egyptians, Phoenicians and the people of Arabia. […]
Shade Love

How much do I love trees? Let me count the ways… they reduce your cooling needs. They purify the air. They provide much-needed shade. What’s not to love? Have you ever taken the time to understand what’s so wonderful about trees? Why do we love them so much? I know that when we were looking […]
Embrace the Shade

If you have a tendency to complain about having immense amounts of shade in your yard, you won’t get any sympathy from me – not this native Texan. Shade is a priceless commodity in South Texas, but it’s understandable to have a little bit of frustration toward it. If you’re stumped about what can be […]
Waste Not, Want Not

Are your K–cup empties piling up because you can’t bear to toss ’em? Well, those petite pods are perfect for plant propagation! I read recently that the inventor of Keurig’s K-Cup absolutely regretted its creation. A coffee drinker myself, I immediately understood why. Those cute little pods are used once and then dumped in the trash […]
Crooked Tree? Stake it Straight.

Has your newly planted tree sunk and tilted as the soil settled? Follow these steps to help stake it straight. The first tree my hubby and I ever planted was a lanky Chinquapin oak on the southwest side of our new-to-us home. Considering it came root-bound in a tiny three-gallon pot and spent its first winter enduring […]
Propagate the Frugal Way

I love to visit our local nurseries and window shop. At my stage in life, plants are a bit of a luxury item and if I come away with a cute 4-inch perennial or a couple of packets of seeds it’s a big deal. I’ve often wondered how folks grew their gardens before there were […]
Lisa’s Water Lily Succulent Bowl

My dearest friend Lisa loves to garden. She also has a knack for turning everyday junk into unique containers, like this one: But I have to say, her latest project is my absolute favorite. With her personal collection of succulents plus a few scoops of soil, a couple bags of glass gems and a miniature […]
What Your Landscape is Trying to Tell You

Large expanses of lawn simply aren’t practical here in South Texas. But for decades it’s been the standard in landscape design. The truth is a lawn demands an absurd amount of upkeep in the form of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and ritualistic cutting with carbon-spewing machines, creating an environmental monoculture that robs pollinators of valuable food. Do you […]
Tips on Using Coupons

I can say we’ve all learned a lot as we’ve offered the WaterSaver Landscape coupons. And if you participated, you know that landscaping is hard work! Deciding on a design, clearing away the existing grass and simply figuring out how each bed is going to meet the 200-square-foot requirement can be more challenging than expected. A 200-square-foot garden […]
Made for the Shade

If you have a tendency to complain about having immense amounts of shade in your yard, you won’t get any sympathy from me – not this native Texan. Shade is a priceless commodity here in South Texas, but it’s understandable to have a little bit of frustration toward it. Let me walk you through some […]
Moonlit Garden Design

Even though I’ve yet to make one, having a moonlit garden is a personal dream of mine. A moonlit garden is one that’s enjoyed late in the evening and through the night as the bright white light of the moon is reflected by foliage and petals of various whites and yellows. Picture yourself strolling down […]
Refresh Your Landscape

This is the time of year that many gardeners start to ache for the color and inspiration that a spring garden in full bloom emanates. While it’s true that the bloom-to-brown ratio is far more appealing in the warmer seasons, it is possible to have attractive, appealing gardens throughout the year. Creating year-round interest in the landscape […]
Three Principles of Landscape Design

Since we started offering the WaterSaver Landscape Coupon in the summer of 2013, I’ve heard one of the most intimidating factors of completing these beds is choosing the plant’s placement within the bed. The truth is,landscape design is very much like art — it’s personal and up to interpretation. Follow these basic principles to guide you as you […]
Backbone Plants

“Backbone” or “anchor” plants establish a solid framework for your landscape that’s essential to achieving balance with an attractive flow. They typically consist of large trees and shrubs, whose thoughtful placement is the first step in creating a design that works. Large trees and shrubs do more than just create structure — they make the spaces throughout […]
Herbs to Fall For

Unless you adore the heat, most Texans live to bask in the gentler rays of a fall sun. And, many of us know this is the perfect time of year to get some planting done, particularly herbs. Herbs are beautiful and easy to grow. Plus, not having to buy the herbs I need for cooking is […]
Side Yard Design

Our side yard is probably the most ignored space in our landscape. This ‘no man’s land’ often becomes the collection ground for garden tools, garbage cans and is the weedy causeway only traversed when taking the trash out to the curb or mowing the lawn. Have you ever thought about turning that space into something attractive and […]
Cut Flower Gardening

Nothing instantly beautifies a space like a colorful bouquet of flowers. The only real problem is they’re a little costly to have around all the time. So what if I told you that those fresh flowers don’t have to come from the florist or grocery store? That you could have a wide variety of them […]
Awesome and Under-used Natives

It’s time to branch out and try something new. Renew your landscape with natives. Now, those of you who have been gardening in south central Texas for a while may not be surprised by the selections I’m about to mention. But those who are relatively new to gardening or new to the area may be […]
Measure First, Then Plant

You have heard the old saying “measure twice, cut once”. Well, this is appropriate for your landscape too. If you’ve taken advantage of any of our WaterSaver Landscape Coupon programs, you know that landscaping is hard work. Settling on a design, clearing away existing grass and simply figuring out how each bed will meet the 200-square-foot requirement can be […]
Garden by Moonlight – It’s Cool(er)

Gardening is a pastime that’s been enjoyed for centuries. Of course, not everyone finds it pleasant to garden when it’s 100 degrees or more outside. Sidestep the unbearable heat with a moonlight garden! When you garden by moonlight, it is a much more enjoyable experience. Here are a few elements to get you started: Choose plants […]
Pick Your Plants Prudently

Are you pondering new plantings for your spring landscape? Nurseries offer a range of plant sizes to accommodate your varying needs, including budget and landscaping goals. Before you begin your project, consider the advantages and disadvantages, such as plant watering requirements, of your options. Small plants are budget-friendly. Four-inch perennials can be purchased for less than […]
Seven Principles of Xeriscape

When I don’t quite understand something new or different, I break it up into manageable pieces. Take xeriscape gardening. It isn’t a new idea, but environmentally conscious citizens everywhere are opening their eyes to its practical and aesthetic possibilities. If xeriscaping is your goal, you can break the idea down into seven manageable pieces. First, […]
Is Your Landscape Sheltered from the Sun? Pick Plants Made for the Shade

Gardening, like life, sometimes presents us with challenges. Sunless voids in our landscape – aka shady spots – are prime examples. Shade rules out several plants ranging from vegetables and annuals to roses and lots of well-loved Texas perennials. Thankfully, there are several shade-loving, leafy selections that are sure to win you over. First, determine […]
Plant Roses for Your Garden’s Future

Throughout history, roses have been quintessential symbols of beauty and often represent some of life’s most intimate and cherished moments. In San Antonio, roses are the epitome of perseverance. While many lawns, shrubs and trees perish in long droughts, old roses rebound in full bloom. Old (aka antique) roses are treasured for their resilience including tolerance to cold, heat […]
Oldies But Goodies; Antique Roses

They’re quintessential symbols of beauty and romance. They often represent some of life’s most intimate and cherished moments. And they’ve been the object of adoration in gardens all over the world for centuries. I’m talking about roses. Although our hearts belong to the bluebonnets, Texans adore roses just the same and proudly lay claim as the originator […]
Don’t Let Weeds Succeed: Try These Organic Methods

I think we all look forward to a distinct spring season paired with plentiful rainfall to awash our city in green. Unfortunately, that usually results in fast growing weeds up to our knees! Organic weed control is one of the safest ways to remove and prevent undesired plants. Here are a few suggestions for tackling the oodles of […]
More Great Inspirations — Wonderful Websites

We’ve never had more opportunities for searching, finding and gathering information than with the evolution of technology — especially on the World Wide Web. Websites happen to be one of my favorite sources of gardening information, allowing millions to share their knowledge and experiences. And because it can be difficult to decipher which sources are […]
Plant Selection Perfection

There are times when we think too much, and times when we just don’t think enough. But when it comes to creating the landscape you truly want, precise plant selection, planning, and thoughtfulness are key to rendering the terrain your senses desire. And, it all starts with being realistic about what you have to work […]
Great Inspirations

What resource do you turn to when you need great gardening information and inspiration? Do you look for a good book, browse the Internet or visit with the experts in person? This series will guide you to some of the most valuable sources of information available on gardening and landscaping in our area and climate. […]
Groundcover Superstars

Sometimes you just need to shake things up, especially when it comes to groundcover. We’ve become so accustomed to the same old English ivy or Asiatic jasmine, that we often overlook the many superstar turf substitutes out there. Here are a few groundcover options that you might like to incorporate into your landscape as turf substitutes: Clover Fern – […]
Before You Banish Bugs, Consider the Benefits

Helpers in the garden come in many forms: the friend who comes over to help pull weeds or that nifty new watering timer for your outdoor faucet. But did you know bugs can be helpful, too? There are thousands of beneficial insects that play an important role in keeping plants and soil healthy. Here are […]
Get to Know Your Garden

The scents and colors of our blooming landscapes tend to woo us outdoors. Of course, the lack of efflorescence might also lead us outdoors – to investigate why our garden doesn’t grow. Get to know your garden and what makes it work or not. Familiarizing yourself with the plants in your landscape is one of […]
Early Bloomers: Harbingers of Spring

Even if spring isn’t your favorite season, one can’t help but feel giddy at the sight of the season’s first flush of color. There are some early bloomers that let us know that spring is right around the corner. If you’re a veteran gardener or you’ve kept a garden journal of sorts, you may know exactly what […]
A Backyard That Beckons

Urban development is happening all around us. As our city grows and we build more homes and businesses, native wildlife is often displaced. For some of us, this change is difficult to watch. But there are ways to recoup some of the natural habitat areas lost to progress and rebuild a practical, beautiful home for a variety […]
Garden Ready for Spring

If you’re like me, by the end of January you’re weary of the handful of cold winter days we have in South Texas and ready to be back outside working in the garden, enjoying warmer weather and all the other activities that make spring and summer fun. In the meantime, there are plenty of garden activities that […]
Friends in Low Places

Like a friend who lends a hand pulling weeds or installing a new watering timer for your outdoor faucet, garden helpers come in various forms – each with their own talent. There are thousands of beneficial insects that play an important role in keeping plants and soil healthy. Some of them include: Parasitic wasps in the […]
There’s Something About Rosemary

In celebration of the fall growing season, we’re highlighting some of our favorite herbs. Kicking it off is rosemary, a very “in” herb. Check out its versatility: In the garden – Rosemary thrives in dry, calcareous soil and full sun, making it the perfect choice for a xeric garden. In the kitchen – Rosemary’s culinary value has been known for centuries. Commonly used […]
Plant Some Pigment

Pigment aka color is one of the first things we notice when we cast our eyes on a new place. Dark, light, bold, muted, bright, rich and soft are all words we use to describe the color palette of a space. In landscape design, pigment truly dictates the character of a garden and sets the stage for […]
Hydrozone – Get in It!

We attempt to save water in many ways, such as collecting rain water or installing water-efficient fixtures in our homes. But putting extra thought into your landscape’s design can save water, too. You can do that with creating a hydrozone in the landscape. Hydrozoning is a technique that groups plants according to the amount of water they require. […]
Plant a Panorama

Creating a landscape that is both functional and pleasing to the eye requires some basic knowledge of design principles, including texture, form, and color. But to produce a landscape that reads like a panorama, you need elements that serve as connectors. I’m talking about plants with trailing or cascading qualities. Here are a few examples: […]
Drought Savvy Plants – Tried and True

Ever heard the phrase “trial by fire?” San Antonio’s hot, dry, drought conditions frequently test our plants’ abilities to perform well under pressure. And extreme conditions are very telling of a plant’s capacity to survive. You may be less familiar with these beauties, but they’re tough as nails! Consider incorporating any or all of them into […]
Common Gardening Myths Debunked

Not knowing the facts in any situation can be harmful. When it comes to gardening myths, misunderstandings or a lack of knowledge can lead to plant damage, excessive use of chemicals, and expensive mistakes. Enter gardening myths, old wives tales and folklore. Here are a few of the more common gardening fables: Myth: Watering before […]
Fall Back on Winter Watering

For many of us, fall is the best time of the year. It comes in the form of cooler, more pleasing temperatures and the end to daylight saving time. Without a doubt you’ve already set all your usual timepieces back one hour. But don’t forget to reset the most important clock – the one on […]
Weed Wars

Aren’t weeds the eternal gardening problem? We create a new bed, plant new grass or spend hours pulling up weeds only to find new ones taking root a week later. Don’t feel discouraged if this happens to you. As a gardener you’ll always have to contend with unwanted vegetation of all kinds in your landscape. […]
Moonlight in Your Garden

Gardening has been enjoyed for centuries, but who enjoys gardening when it’s 100 degrees or more outside? Not many folks I know. Maybe it’s time to enjoy a little moonlight in your garden. There’s no rule that says gardening is a daylight-only activity. Enter the moonlight garden. Here are a few elements to get you […]
Hot Colors for a Cool Landscape

Heat is probably the last thing you want to think about in the middle of a scorching Texas summer. But I’m talking about adding a little heat to your garden in terms of hot colors. Yellow, red, orange — all of these colors are bright, cheery and grab your attention quickly. Here are a few […]
Keep Your Cool Colors

Garden design, in essence, is the pleasing arrangement of attractive plants. Characteristics of attractive plants range from leaf texture and bloom size to overall shape and mature height. But a plant’s leaf and flower color are the most powerful design elements in a landscape. Green, blue and violet are considered cool colors, and when used correctly they have […]
Winter Wildlife

Beneath the fallen leaves, atop bare branches and deep within the soil exists the kind of life we don’t normally notice in the midst of wintry weather. While we retreat to the toasty confines of our homes from the seemingly dormant winter outdoors, vegetation continues to grow and bloom and wildlife still scurry about the […]
Spruce Up Your Winter Garden

During the winter season many gardeners start to ache for the color and inspiration that burst forth from a blooming spring garden. While the “bloom to brown” ratio is far more appealing during the warmer seasons, it is possible to have attractive, appealing gardens throughout the year. It’s time to spruce up that winter garden. Creating year-round […]
Watch the Winter Wildlife

Keep a watchful eye on the world around you this winter. Beneath the fallen leaves, perched on cold, bare branches, and deep within the soil exists the kind of life we don’t normally recognize in the chill of wintry weather. While we hurry inside to the warmth of a fire, Mother Nature continues to bloom […]
Winter Watering

While there’s no perfect answer to how much you should water in winter, there are some key conditions and observations to consider. As homeowners watch their landscapes enter winter dormancy, many wonder, “How much do I need to water my landscape this winter?” While there’s no perfect answer, there are some key conditions and observations […]
Fond of Fresh Fruit? Plant Fruit Trees Now!

Mid-winter is the best time to plant fruit trees in our area. Planting during that time period allows trees to focus on growing a strong root system before leaf, flower and fruit production begin. If you’ve always wanted to grow your own fruit, take a look at these San Antonio-specific recommendations. In the meantime, here are a few […]
This Holiday Season Go Green – Evergreen

Several years ago I received a very special Christmas gift – a little amaryllis bulb about the size of a marble. It lacked much bravado with its two puny leaves and I knew several years would pass before it revealed even one magnificent bloom. Still, I managed to keep it alive. Then much to my […]
Winter Gardening Chores

When it comes to chores, Mom never missed an opportunity to remind me of just how endless they are. You can bet that the same rules apply to the garden. So, as winter approaches, bear in mind there are some important chores we should consider because those sleepy plants still need your care and attention. […]
Time to Tackle Transplanting

Fall in San Antonio is generally beautiful and happens to be the most favorable time of the year to relocate your existing plants. Both the weather and the soil are cooler, creating a less stressful environment. Here are a few basic guidelines that apply to most transplanting situations. Timing – Mild temperatures mean less stress on the […]
Daylight Savings Time Ends, Turn Back Irrigation Clocks, Too

For many of us, fall is the best time of the year. It comes in the form of cooler and more pleasing temperatures. As you go through the normal routine of changing the clocks, don’t forget turn back irrigation clocks too. And, while you’re there, take a moment to size up your landscape’s water needs. The days are shorter, […]
Preparing for a Fall Garden

Perhaps you found this years’ growing season to be a struggle. The days were long and hot as usual and watering just to keep your garden alive became a part-time career. Breathe a deep sigh of relief as the fall season is upon us. This mild time of year brings an added dimension of delight […]
When a Rose is (Not Exactly) a Rose

Throughout history, a rose has been the quintessential symbols of beauty and romance, and they often represent some of life’s most intimate, cherished moments. I’ll share some tips to help you identify plants in the rose family, which encompasses more than the beautiful floral bushes we’ve come to know. They include herbs, shrubs and trees […]
Xeriscape = Zero Hassle

Making the jump from a turf-blanketed landscape to a xeric one can be daunting. Daily, I speak with folks who are tossing around the idea of minimizing the amount of grass they must maintain, but don’t know how to get started. Xeriscape doesn’t mean ugly. It just means zero hassle. Here are some things to […]
Mint Condition

Let’s learn the easiest ways to identify members of the mint, or Lamiaceae, family – a culinary favorite! Peppermint, lavender, oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme are some of the superstars in this group of strong-scented, drought-tolerant plants. Their common features make it almost effortless to determine who their relatives are. Leaves are opposite from each other on the stem and are usually in […]
Pass Up These Invasive Plants

These non-native plants have the frightening ability to infest and destroy entire ecosystems in a short period of time. Here are a few examples of pushy plants to avoid: Chinese Tallowtree (Sapium sebifera) – This tree is liked for its unique, heart-shaped leaves, fast growth and lovely fall color. However, the seeds choke riverbanks, pastures and […]
Pretty Plants with Poisonous Ways

Nothing makes you more aware of the dangers that surround us day to day than having young children in your life. They’re curious, uninhibited, and love to explore the world around them using all of their senses. Just as some of the chemicals in our homes pose a threat to our kids, so do some […]
Name That Plant

In the world of science, all plants are identified and classified by their unique characteristics. Known as plant taxonomy, it represents the relationships between plants. In school, we all learned about the hierarchy of that identification system: kingdom, division, class, order, family, genus and species. One of the easiest ways to learn plant identification on your […]
Awash with Lavender

From perfume and insect repellant to food flavoring, lavender’s everyday use dates back more than 2,500 years to the Egyptians, Phoenicians and the people of Arabia. Derived from the Latin word lavare, meaning “to wash,” the essential oil of lavender is used to scent bath and body care products, soaps, candles and even household cleansers […]

Erin Conant

SPECIALTY: Urban Farming

ABOUT:

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