Learn when traveling during your summer vacation time

GARDEN PATCH

Phyllis Webster earned a degree in journalism before embarking on a long career in public relations and marketing. A Granbury resident since 1998, she has been deeply involved in the community. She is an award-winning writer and photographer, as well as a Master Gardener. She has authored Garden Patch since 2001.

   With schools out, summer vacation season is well underway. While many enjoy “at home” holidays, countless others elect to travel, perhaps flying to exotic destinations, driving to see family, camping at parks or taking arranged tours. No matter the locale, opportunities to learn more about gardening abound. Plants grow almost everywhere!

   Within a few hours of home, soils, temperatures and moisture levels change dramatically. Tyler in East Texas, for instance, enjoys far more rainfall than Granbury. The town’s soils are more acidic (lower pH), which is why plants like azaleas and dogwoods thrive. And East Texas is lush with forested land, rather than prairie grasses. Travel helps us to learn what plants thrive in specific conditions.

   Lessons learned afar can help you to plan a home landscape. If, for instance, your yard is shaded, study the plants that thrive in woodlands or heavily treed landscapes. Similarly, consider desert plants for xeriscapes or bog plants for wetlands. Always check the cold hardiness rating to ensure purchased plants will survive winter where you garden.

   Roadsides and natural areas teach us a lot about native plants, such as their durability and their benefit to wildlife. Prairie flowers, wild roses and native trees are classic examples of plants that thrive with no irrigation and scant care. They provide nectar for pollinators, shelter and nesting sites for birds and habitat for countless creatures. Studying wild areas will help you to understand the intricate relationships that exist in the natural world and how our actions can benefit or disrupt these interactions.

   When traveling, it’s easy to “collect” interesting plants. Simply reach for your smartphone and take photos! When you take a photo of a plant that you don’t know, try to make an identification. Use a smartphone application created for this purpose. Download ‘apps’ for free or for a small fee to either Apple IOS or Android. Popular apps include PlantSnap, iNaturalist, Leafsnap, Plantix and PictureThis. The camera on your phone can help you identify thousands of plants with a few simple clicks.

   It’s also fun to explore design ideas, which include garden layout, unique structures and interesting containers. If you enjoy a do-it-yourself project, you can often re-create something you’ve seen, such as arbors, planters, gazebos and more. Both public and private gardens are a wealth of inspiration.

   Of course, you will always learn by engaging in conversations with local gardeners. Ask questions. Swap stories. Share knowledge. Volunteers often work in public gardens and they are almost always glad to chat. Conversation starters include inquiring about prevalent pests or diseases, hardy cultivars, weather conditions, etc. If you are sincerely interested, you will always find a like-minded new friend!

   For answers to your horticulture questions, please call the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Hood County at 817-579-3280 or go online to visit lakegranburymastergardeners.org.

pwebsterco@gmail.com | 817-680-4849