Category: Landscaping

Gardening Guide For Texas Winters

Anyone from Texas can tell you that we have unique weather patterns. There are few other places where you can experience all four seasons in just one day. The running joke of “if you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute” rings true to many of us. While it can be nice to experience summer weather on a December day here in Texas, winter flowers can pose a challenge for even most experienced gardeners. Below you’ll find our top tips for Texas residents on how to “winterize” your garden in Texas and satisfy your winter gardening cravings.

Preparing Your Garden

Protect your garden from pests

Ensuring that you have a healthy garden before winter begins is especially important if you plan on minimal garden maintenance during the winter months. In Texas, you’ll start to get some serious (by Texas standards) cold weather toward the end of November. These cold fronts typically last until the end of February. Your pre-winter garden cleanup should also include the removal of any dead plant debris or stalks, as these can be a breeding ground for harmful diseases and other pests. If you have plants that you know are finishing annuals, remove them at the start of winter for a clean slate of soil when spring rolls around.

Prepare the beds

Winter is a great time to let nutrients really soak into the ground so that when prime gardening time rolls around during the spring, your soil is healthy and nutrient-rich from months of decomposition.  Before the winter rains start, add around 3 inches of compost to your beds. Over time, the compost will decompose into crucial nutrients in the soil, making springtime gardening a breeze. Most of central and southern Texas won’t experience steady freezing temperatures throughout the winter that would make it worthwhile to try to keep the garden frozen with mulch. However, based on last year’s winter storm and the prediction of this year being the same if not worse, mulching your gardens at the beginning of the winter might be beneficial.

Freezing temperature planning

In Texas, below-freezing temperatures are spread out throughout the wintertime. You might experience your first isolated freeze toward the middle of November. Freezes will become more frequent as the winter progresses; however, they are rarely constant. It’s a good idea to have a plan in place for when freezes do come to make sure that your perennials (plants that survive winter) are protected for re-blooming in the spring. Since freezes are quite sporadic during a Texas winter, it’s feasible for you to pull out all the stops when you hear news of a freezing cold front. Be prepared to take the following actions when a freeze is imminent:

  • Cover shrubs and other tender plants with some sort of fabric (burlap, sheets, etc.). Do not use plastic to cover your plants.
  • If high winds are expected, plan to cover evergreen plants as well.
  • Cut back perennials to a few inches above where the stem meets the plant’s crown at soil level (with the exception of hardier perennials, which should be left unpruned).

How To Water During Winter in Texas

Watering your garden

There are several tips to keep in mind when watering your garden during the winter. You’ll want to water your plants once or twice a month unless Texas is experiencing a particularly dry winter. Your plants are likely to absorb more water during the earlier hours of the day; however, try to make sure that the temperatures are above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. For most days, this shouldn’t be an issue in Texas, but every once in a while, you’ll get a cold snap during which temperatures dip below normal. Make sure to water both winter plants as well as perennials that might be dormant, as their roots will still need water to stay alive until spring. Only water until the soil of your garden is moist, and try to avoid watering when you are expecting a freeze!

Watering your lawn

Though it may be tempting, make sure to remain on a consistent watering schedule until temperatures drop below freezing. You can typically expect this to happen during some point in November, so plan to continue with your regular watering schedule until the days start to get significantly shorter. Truly frozen lawns aren’t a huge concern in Texas, as it typically doesn’t stay below freezing for more than a night or two. You should plan to stay on a fairly consistent watering schedule when you are experiencing a dry winter. Barring frozen soil, we recommend watering your lawn every two to three weeks for 15 to 20 minutes during the winter months. 

It’s especially important to water your lawn earlier during the day in the winter so that it has adequate time to dry before the evening rolls around. For ease of watering your lawn during the cold winter months, we recommend using a sprinkler system that you can simply schedule to turn on in the morning for 15 minutes, minimizing time spent outside in the chilly weather. Check out our favorite Rainbird ESP-ME below.

 

Don’t have a sprinkler system in place? Give us a call to schedule your FREE in-person consultation at (512)260-1430.

 

Serving Austin and it’s greater areas including: Leander, Liberty Hill, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Marble Falls, Burnet, and Bertram

BOT MARCH BLOG

Creating Your Personal Oasis

Have you ever seen a backyard swimming pool so nice that it felt as though you were swept off to a luxury resort? We have … in fact, we’ve installed a few! A beautiful and functional backyard pool environment is a pleasure to behold. Not only is a pool the perfect place to entertain guests, but it becomes your own, private oasis to escape to at any time.


When renovating your backyard and adding a pool, you want to take into account both your preference on aesthetics and functionality. Consider all of the elements that will go into your new, private oasis. Your luxury pool will be the focal point of the yard, but feel free to gather inspiration from your home when completing the design. Landscaping and hardscaping always work well together, in order to create an attractive, cohesive space around the pool and your yard.

Plants by the Pool

Plants balance the hard surfaces around your pool, with the softening effects of landscaping. They also add liveliness to your oasis through height, color, and movement. If you have existing trees or plants in your backyard, we will evaluate them and do our best to incorporate them into your new design. Besides, why take out what you already have, if it will work within the space? It is important to surround yourself with plants you love;that way when you are relaxing poolside, you’re all smiles.

modern backyard landscape design with horizontal fence, spruce trees along fence line, and in-ground pool

Building Privacy

The last element to bringing YOUR luxury resort to life… privacy! There are an exuberant amount of  ways to add an element of privacy to your backyard oasis. Trees can provide shade for meals or lounging out on the patio. Bushes screen box decks and keep unsightly pool equipment hidden away. Enclosing your backyard with a pergola or walls creates a sense of seclusion and intimacy; keeping distractions and neighbors at bay.

Complete YOUR Oasis

Wouldn’t you love to have your own private, luxury oasis? A place to entertain friends and family? A place to relax and unwind after a long week? If so, give us a call to set up your consultation.

SPRING 2021

Preparing For Spring

A healthy green lawn, colorful flowers, and lush shrubs and trees are key components in an attractive landscape design. Whether you have just moved into a new build or are wanting to spruce up your existing home, focusing on your landscaping is smart.

Good landscape design not only makes your home more appealing but it also adds value. In some instances, landscaping can add a 215% return on your investment. We understand that choosing what elements to include in your landscaping can be a bit overwhelming. That’s what we are here for: to help you choose the best elements that compliment both your style and your home.

Shade Producing Drought Tolerant Trees

We all know Texas gets pretty hot, but that’s not the only thing you need to think about when choosing the proper trees. Drought is  a major concern during certain parts of the year; so you’ll want to consider installing shade producing trees that don’t require a great deal of water

The Lacebark Elm is a small leafed tree that has a unique, exfoliating “lace” pattern bark, which gives it an unmistakable presence. The bark peels off in a puzzle piece pattern, revealing beautiful patterns of multiple underlying colors (grey, green, brown, orange). This tree can handle harsh conditions, including poor quality soils and harsh winds. During the Fall months, the Lacebark Elm tree leaves turn a bright, fiery reddish-orange –  perfect addition to any landscape.

If you are looking for an Oak tree look no further than the Monterrey Oak. This sturdy tree is a medium sized oak that is tolerant to Oak Wilt (a fungal disease that makes the foliage wilt and eventually kills the tree.) It thrives on extra sunlight, which is why it’s perfect for Texas summers. The leaves are a bright and shiny green that transform to a soft shade of yellow in the Fall.

Heat Loving Shrubs

Trees are great investments, but shrubs are also important elements when it comes to landscape design. Shrubs can enhance your curb appeal by accentuating the front of your home; all while creating borders and adding pops of color or texture in flowerbed

The Texas Red Yucca is a hummingbird favorite that produces talk spikes of reddish-pink flowers, whichcontinue to bloom all Summer long. It is also one of the most drought tolerant, flowering succulent plants.

When it comes to ersatile shrubs, the Boxwood is as good as it comes. They bring year round color to your front yard landscape; creating bright moments during those dreary winter months. Their ability to bounce back and withstand regular shearing makes them perfect for hedges and topiaries.

Durable Flowers

Trees and shrubs are beautiful for your yard, but adding some flowers is important for softening up the greenery in your landscape design.

Unfortunately, not all flowers are suited for the sun and heat of Texas; so it is key to know which ones are durable enough to withstand the climate.

Perennial flowers are plants that return year after year. In most cases they die off in the Winter and return to life in the Spring. There is considerable variety when it comes to perennial color; making it possible to have something of interest throughout the year.

For fun and whimsy that will stand the test of time, make sure to include Gerbera Daisies in your flowerbeds or pots. These flowers need full sun; and with proper care, they will thrive.

Columbine flowers are another well suited option. They love the heat, (but will also grow in partial shade) so they work well in flowerbeds with trees and shrubs. They come in many vibrant colors and have an attractive, clover-like foliage. 

HARDSCAPES and NATURE

Hardscapes and Nature

When you think about landscaping you might imagine lush green lawns, vibrant colorful flowers, and wispy grasses blowing in the breeze. It’s not as often that we consider the structures within the setting — your hardscapes.

Hardscapes are an important part of your landscape design. They are paths, walls, patios, and any other “hard” features made of concrete, brick, or rock. Paths and patios can tie your design together; while  adding a fire element such as a fire pit or fireplace can create that cozy or romantic ambiance you’re searching for. There are four main elements you can incorporate into your landscaping: fire, water, earth, and air.

FIRE

One of the most popular hardscape elements is fire. Whether it’s a fireplace or a fire pit, you can be sure this will be THE place of gathering for friends and family. They both offer lighting and warmth once the sun starts to set, and the ambiance will keep everyone gathered around, chatting into the wee hours of the night. Not only are there many different sizes and shapes, but fire pits allow you the choice to burn wood or gas and to have colored glass or decorative rock fill the space – creating a stunning, more modern look.

WATER

Adding a water feature to your hardscape increases the aesthetics tenfold. Not only are they beautiful and mesmerizing to watch, but the sound of water flowing creates a relaxing atmosphere anyone can find serenity in. All you need to complete the flow is a comfy chair to curl up in and a little bit of time to close your eyes and relax.

EARTH

The perfect addition to a hardscape is the surrounding landscape. Adding trees allows for privacy, shade, and even a little burst of color. Bordering pathways with vibrant flowers and other small greenery can expand the hardscape while adding texture and color. You can also, easily, transition from the hardscape into the lawn by incorporating decorative rock or mulch.

AIR

We couldn’t leave out Pergolas! A quickly growing trend, especially here in Texas, pergolas provide shade, lighting, privacy, and a place to hang your favorite flowery baskets. It provides an excellent place to have your patio furniture for outdoor meals or a full outdoor kitchen. Surround your pergola with tall, flowy grasses and you’ll be able to hear the whisperings of the wind as you enjoy the cooler temperatures of your shady oasis. Air elements are all about finding unique ways for the senses to experience natural air and cooling elements; and these are sure to have you covered.

Whether you choose one or multiple elements to include in your hardscape, adding these components will definitely have you spending more time outdoors with your family, friends, and self.

Featured Image for Blog, Backyard Ideas for Central Texas Homeowners, by Best of Texas Landscapes

Backyard Ideas for Central Texas Homeowners

Enjoy Your Yard in the Heart of Texas

While we love our great state, and try to act like it's not really that bad to "outsiders," let's all just admit that the Texas heat can be sweltering.

Without the right elements in your backyard, it can be easy to find yourself staying in the safety and comfort of the AC. The problem is, it's good for you to be outside. It's good for your mental and physical health. It's good for your Vitamin D levels and your sleep cycle. And it's not just good for the kids to "go outside and play" (or us for that matter) it's necessary.

So how do you make yourself go outside when it's sooo hot? How do you create a happy space for you and your kids? We've got a few tips just for you.

Covered patio and outdoor kitchen by Best of Texas Landscapes in Leander, Texas

Stay Cool in the Shade

Who wants to sit and bake in the sun (if you're over the age of 18)? For the most part, we only enjoy a full-sun experience when we're moving around.

When designing the layout of your backyard, make sure you have a shady area to give you some relief during the heat of the day. This can be as simple as utilizing a large tree in your yard or adding a sail cover. If you'd like to take a little more advantage of your space, you can construct a more durable cover to make space for a more refined lounge area or outdoor kitchen.

Take things up a notch and install a fan or water cooling system around the border of your cover for a refreshing breeze.

Make it Cozy & Private

Give your yard a more cozy appeal with a privacy feature.

Add lattice or create living walls with creeping plants. Create a private nook in your yard by utilizing an existing corner or side-wall, or place it where you want to spend more time, like near your garden or a naturally scenic space.

To give your backyard nook a cohesive feel, build a patio of wood or stone, or use small pebbles to define the boundaries of your space.

Bring on the Entertainment

One small problem with spending more time outdoors is that it's so hard for us to disconnect. We can approach this in a number of ways. One way would be to cut off your media when you go outside. Let your battery on your phone die and forget the TV for a few hours.

Or - you can succumb to your 1st world self and install the basics to keep you entertained.

Add electric outlets near your sitting area or back patio. Make it easy on yourself and get the plug-ins that already include the USB port.

Install a fan and some outdoor speakers.

Mount a TV under your new patio cover.

Now pop open a cold one, sit back and relax.

 

Don't Be Scared of The Dark

Let's not forget lighting!

Lighting is not just a great idea for your backyard to give focus and depth to your favorite elements, it's also great for safety and your own sense of security.

Install outdoor lighting in your backyard where you want to hang out, walk freely, or keep any would-be burglars from prowling around.

Sprinkler Systems

You may not immediately think of sprinkler systems as being your ticket to an outdoor wonderland. But have you ever tried to walk barefoot or do a cartwheel in dead grass? It doesn't feel good.

Watering your lawn on a regular basis is time-consuming. We get it. By installing a smart watering system in your yard, you'll not only save yourself time and water, you'll give yourself the gift of a lawn you love to look at and one your kids can tumble on without a fuss.

These are just a few ideas for your backyard to help you beat the Texas heat and get some fun in the sun this summer. If you're looking for help to design your outdoor destination or makeover your backyard, contact us for a free consulation.