Spring is the most celebrated season for flowering blooms and colorful landscapes, but fall also brings its share of possibilities for sprucing up your lawn.

As another page is torn from the calendar, the Texas Department of Agriculture reminds you there is plenty of seasonal greenery that will flourish when temperatures begin to cool.

 "Our climate coupled with a variety of available fall perennials and other plants, allows Texas growers to produce year-round shrubs and foliage to keep lawns and gardens looking good all year," said Richard De Los Santos, TDA's state marketing coordinator for horticulture, produce and forestry. "From flowering perennials to bulbs and evergreen foliage, fall is actually the best time to plant trees and shrubs because it allows for root development and establishment."

If trees are what you please, the Texas soil and climate are conducive to a variety of oaks and maples, including the shantung maple.

Designated a Texas Superstar due to its ability to thrive in direct, hot sun, drought conditions and high humidity (excepting far West Texas), a mature shantung maple is characterized by its spreading canopy and red- to reddish-orange late fall foliage. The shantung is sometimes called the "purpleblow maple" due to the early purplish leaves that flutter in the wind before becoming more rigid and changing colors. Early shantung plantings do best when their thin-barked trunks are wrapped to prevent sun-damage during the first three growing seasons.

Another Texas Superstar is the native chinkapin oak, which also is known as the bray oak, chestnut oak, yellow chestnut oak or rock oak. An excellent shade tree that produces large, four- to six-inch-long leaves, the medium-sized chinkapin grows between 30 and 50 feet tall, and produces early red foliage that later turns green. The chinkapin also produces acorns and is very heat- and drought-tolerant. It also is resistant to insects and disease. In the fall, the chinkapin's coloring turns an attractive blend of yellow, orange and brown.

If versatility is a priority, consider the fast-growing Texas lilac. Also known as vitex or chaste tree, this plant can be grown to the size of a tree or pruned to an attractive shrub. Another Texas Superstar, vitex is heat-resistant and irresistible to butterflies and hummingbirds thanks to attractive bloom spikes. While vitex requires a bit of maintenance for optimal results, the recommended trimming and seed-pod removal will yield worthwhile color and beauty.

Other attractive additions are salvias. Known for their long blooming season (spring through fall), salvias produce primarily red flowers although they also can produce shades of yellow, orange, salmon, purple, red-violet and burgundy. Salvias are attractive to hummingbirds and their semi-evergreen foliage keeps them looking good throughout the year.

For flowering foliage that works well in flowerbeds or as container plants, choose the classic chrysanthemum. Offering brilliant blooms (gold, pink, yellow, red, orange and lavender) up until the first hard freeze, chrysanthemums require minimal care and will return each year to offer continuous color.

A larger landscape option is the native Texas Red Yucca. Known for its drought-tolerance, color and low maintenance, this Southwest desert plant produces leaves up to 3 feet long and flower spikes up to 8 feet tall. As its name suggests, this plant thrives in Texas climates and soil, and is another favorite for hummingbirds.

Clumping grasses that do well in Texas include Gulf Muhly and Lindheimer's Muhly. Gulf Muhly can grow as high as 30 inches and produces pink fall plumes. The Lindheimer variety can grow as high as 48 inches and produces stout, upright, silver-gray plumes. Both make great accent plants.

Visit the Texas Department of Agriculture at www.gotexan.org/ for a comprehensive listing of GO TEXAN producers who offer shrubs and trees that thrive in cooler Texas temperatures.

For more information, contact Richard De Los Santos, TDA's state marketing coordinator for horticulture, produce and forestry at (512) 463-7472 or richard.delossantos@tda.state.tx.us.

When the walls start closing in and the great outdoors narrows to a few cramped corners, some well-placed Texas plants can help ease the squeeze. Whether a patio needs pizzazz or an office calls for a pick-me-up, potted plants add a natural dash of color and life.

Now that spring is in the air, the Texas Department of Agriculture invites you to browse the nursery aisles for GO TEXAN plant producers. GO TEXAN is a comprehensive TDA marketing program designed to promote Texas agricultural products, including food, fiber, livestock and plants.

"Horticulture is Texas' fourth-leading agricultural commodity valued at $1.3 billion," said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. "We can all be proud of our farmers and plant producers who tirelessly work the land to cultivate a variety of beautiful, beneficial and hardy Texas plants."

Closer to home (and garden), Texas plants can shine a green light on gray areas.

"Potted plants liven up any indoor or outdoor area, and Texas offers a wide variety of colorful choices," said Richard De Los Santos, TDA's state marketing coordinator for Horticulture, Produce and Forestry.  "Adding greenery is a great way to bring the outdoors inside or to spruce up a front porch or window box. Even the smallest areas can become more inviting with the addition of container plants or hanging baskets."

If space prohibits meticulously manicured landscaping or glass-ceiling atriums, there are still plenty of options for flaunting your green thumb. Get creative, shop around for decorative plants and containers, and make the most of the indoor and outdoor corners of your world.

Indoors

If indoor color is what you need, consider the following Texas-grown plants to brighten your home or office.

• Moth Orchids: Favoring bright windows without direct sunlight, Moth orchids can produce year-round white and pink-purple blooms. Water thoroughly and wait until nearly dry before replenishing. Clumped together in small pots, moth orchids make an attractive bouquet.

• Bromeliads: A member of the pineapple family, bromeliads vary widely in size, shape and foliage, but are extremely adaptable to indoor environments. Bromeliads grown indoors will most often lack stems and feature a rosette-shaped reservoir that retains water. Daily misting helps promote longstanding, colorful blooms.

• Chrysanthemums: Known for big, beautiful blooms and a wide array of colors, chrysanthemums grow best near a bright window without harsh, direct sunlight. Shop for mums with dark green leaves, strong stems and slightly opened blooms. Plant in well-drained potting soil and water as needed to maintain color and form.

• Kalanchoes: A type of succulent, kalanchoes are marked by exotic-looking coral-colored leaves branching from a single, thick stem. The plant is a favorite any time of year and makes a great gift. Blooms can be pink, orange, white, salmon, red or lavender. Grow kalanchoes in a sunny windowsill and group together for visual impact.

• Azaleas: Regarded as one of the most beautiful flowers in Texas, azaleas grow best in filtered sunlight and well-drained, highly organic soil. Blooms range in color and size, and with proper selection, can prosper from March to May. Bloom colors include white, pink, red, lavender and orange. Mulching helps protect the shallow root system. Azaleas also are well known for adding outdoor beauty and often are the focal point of many glorious gardens.

Outdoors

Fortunately for Texans, the Texas Superstar program offers a variety of hardy and attractive plants that stand up well against summertime heat. Overseen by Texas A&M University's Agriculture program, the Texas Superstar initiative promotes plants that make the grade during stringent field trials that measure durability, resilience to the elements and, of course, the inherent beauty that only could come from Mother Nature. Visit www.texassuperstar.com/ for more information about these Texas-tough plants.

• Texas Gold Columbine: Ideal for planting in the spring, this flowering bright yellow beauty is a hummingbird favorite and works well as a container plant or garden accent. Marked by year-round gray-green foliage, long stems and seasonal flowers, the Texas Gold Columbine requires well-drained soil and filtered to full sunlight in summer and winter, respectively.

• New Gold Lantana: A prolific bloomer from spring until winter, the New Gold Lantana is low-maintenance and resilient to heat and drought. Requiring full sun and adaptable to most soil types, this spreading woody shrub makes a great choice for patio containers.

• VIP (Violet in Profusion) Petunia: Resilient to climate changes and disease, this spreading, reddish-violet petunia blooms from spring until frost and works well in window boxes, hanging baskets and patio containers. Plant VIP petunias in well-drained soil during spring and summer and place in full sun or partial shade.

• Laura Bush Petunia: A spreading plant with medium-sized violet flowers, the Laura Bush Petunia is heat tolerant and resilient against disease. Named after the First Lady, the Laura Bush Petunia requires full sunlight and does well in window boxes, patio containers and hanging baskets.

"Texas Superstars are some of the most robust plants you can find," De Los Santos said. "They make a great addition to outdoor areas and can thrive with minimal care because of their inherent toughness. It's hard to go wrong with a Texas Superstar."

Indoors or outdoors, it's easy to cheer up small spaces with GO TEXAN plants. Visit www.gotexan.org/ (look under "Find GO TEXAN Products") and brighten your world today. For more information about GO TEXAN plants, contact Richard De Los Santos at (512) 463-7472 or richard.delossantos@agr.state.tx.us.

David Glessner
Texas Department of Agriculture
November 2006 

Trimming the tree means more than stringing shimmering lights each holiday season when Texas Christmas tree farmers invite spirited shoppers to select their very own pine-scented centerpiece starting the day after Thanksgiving.

According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, approximately 200 Christmas tree farms cover 2,500 acres of the Lone Star State. Since commercial Texas growers first gained prominence in 1977, the evergreen acreage has turned the tree-shopping tradition into an adventure that often includes such varied attractions as educational tours, petting zoos, hay rides, nature trails and other festive activities.

"We're selling the experience more than the tree," said Robert Childress, state president-elect of the Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association. "There are a lot of pictures being taken and people having a lot of fun."

Fresh, fragrant and more likely to hold their needles than non-native trees, Texas trees can last as long as six weeks when properly watered and maintained. Whether opting for a fresh choose-and-cut or pre-cut tree, thousands of Texas-grown evergreens will go home for the holidays.

"Despite a tough year with the drought, production is good and producers expect a good year," said Richard De Los Santos, state marketing coordinator for horticulture, produce and forestry for TDA. "The industry hopes to sell about 125,000 Texas trees."

Characterized by short needles, dense foliage and its distinctive pine fragrance, the Virginia pine has been the most widely planted southern Christmas tree for the past three decades. Its counterpart, the Afghan pine, features widely spaced branches and offers a more open appearance. Most plentiful throughout East and Central Texas, Afghan pine farms can be found as far west as Abilene, Odessa and a few other West Texas towns.

Choosing and cutting a Texas tree provides more than unforgettable holiday memories, it also helps realize an economic impact of roughly $15 million to the Texas economy. Before harvest, the trees also provide natural shelter for Texas wildlife such as birds and rabbits. And even when the ribbons unravel and the calendar marks a new year, recycled Texas Christmas trees offer the added benefit of being biodegradable.

"One of the byproducts of recycled trees is mulch," added De Los Santos. "Mulch made from Christmas trees is an excellent source of organic matter and nutrients. In areas close to the coast, recycled trees are used to create sand dunes, which protect Texas beaches from erosion."

For a complete listing of Texas Christmas tree farms, visit the Texas Department of Agriculture's Pick Texas Web site at http://www.picktexas.com/. You can also visit the Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association Web site at www.texaschristmastrees.com/ for a listing. Be sure to call ahead before you head out. Open dates and hours are subject to change. In some drought-affected areas, choose-and-cut farms may be temporarily closed.

Visit online or call your Christmas tree farm of choice for a list of provided tools and equipment.

Be prepared for cooler weather and rough terrain when choosing and cutting your Christmas tree.

• Wear warm, layered clothing to beat the chill.
• Keep toes warm and protected with comfortable work boots or sturdy shoes.
• Protective gloves will help ward off scrapes, splinters and cuts.
• Bundle up the kids with layers, hats and scarves.
• Bring a backpack for carrying snacks, drinks, a camera and additional supplies.

Checking it Twice

For a holiday season that is memorable and merry, place safety at the top of your Christmas tree list.

• Keep tree regularly watered to prevent dryness.
• Check all wires and cords for proper insulation.
• Never use candles in place of decorative lights.
• Keep trees away from fireplaces and other heat sources.

George Ayres
Texas Department of Agriculture
November 2006 

The clocks have been changed. Cooler breezes have prevailed, and the buzz of holiday shopping is right around the corner.

Here at the Texas Department of Agriculture we're gearing up for the cheerful holiday season with an added twist in the plant-giving category - the holiday cactus.

While the poinsettia remains the most popular of the holiday gift plants, a healthy, full-blooming holiday cactus, sometimes called a Christmas cactus, makes a beautiful gift for friends or family.

Blooming from mid November to mid December, the holiday cactus has glossy, flat, chain-like segments and forms a flower that can be a variety of colors. Texas produces approximately 500,000 holiday cacti per year. 

"Not only are they beautiful plants but they're also great for customers who are looking for something different," said Patrick Berry of Vickery Wholesale Greenhouse. "They're also very easy to care for."

For years, the holiday cactus has been a favorite houseplant for many. It's easy to grow and it's not unusual for a single plant to be passed down from generation to generation.

The holiday cactus has the ability to rebloom if provided 12 hours of light and 12 hours of complete darkness every day between Labor Day and October 15.

We've added some tips for the long life of your healthy holiday cactus:

• When the flowering period is finished, an active growth period will commence. Keep the plant in a sheltered place until danger of freezing is over.
• Water carefully, keeping in mind that overwatering is the major cause of failure with holiday cactus. Soak the potting medium when watering, then allow the plant to become almost dry before watering again.
• Fertilize with a water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer with trace elements while in an active growth stage.
• Reduce water and fertilizer in August in preparation for the beginning of bud development, which is regulated by the shortening of fall days, along with cooler night temperatures. By late October and early November buds should be evident.
• Remember: The keys to getting holiday cactus to flower during the holiday season are proper light exposure, correct temperatures and limited watering. So, during the fall months, place your holiday cactus in a spot where it receives bright, indirect indoor light during the daylight hours and total darkness at night.

To learn more about where to find Texas-grown holiday cactus and an incredible array of other Texas-grown plants, or to order TDA's horticulture publications, visit the GO TEXAN Web site at www.gotexan.org or call (877) 99GO-TEX. Also, sign up for the Grow Texan e-zine for tips and tools for landscape success and the freshest produce news. Simply send an e-mail to Grow.Texan@agr.state.tx.us with "Sign Me Up" in the subject line and your name and address in the body copy.  

Barking Cat Farm
Kimberly Martin
(972) 772-4355
barkingcatfarm@mindspring.com
201 Laurence Drive PMB 201
Heath, Texas 75032

Blue House Flower Farm
Suzanne McLain
(361) 293-2880
dmclain@gvec.net
1439 Dagg Road
Yoakum, TX 77995

Country Blooms
Beth Martin
(830) 437-2888
bmart@gvec.net
P.O. Box 180
Cost, TX 78614

Dunn Farms
Ronnie Dunn
(806) 495-2097
ronandunn@aol.com
Route 2, Box 34
Post, TX 79356

Flower Hill Farm
Matthew Mckinney
(903) 854-2468
10650 CR 461 S
Laneville, TX 75667

Garden Valley Orchards
Sherri Rachui
(817) 477-0623
srachui@charter.net
2300 Lancelot Drive
Mansfield, TX 75771

Golden Flower Farm
Sandra Golden
(903) 852-5863
sandygoldenmail@ail.com
663 VZCR 4811
Chandler, TX 75758

Kings Orchard
Brenda Gardner
(936) 894-2766
info@kingsorchard.com
11282 CR 302
Plantersville, TX 77363

Lavender Ridge
Jerry Ware
(940) 665-6938
info@lavenderridgefarms.com
2391 CR 178
Gainesville, TX 76240

Live Oak Resources
Eleanor Borda
(281) 240-9433
P.O. Box 805
Manvel, TX 77578

McCall Creek Farms
Catherine Itz
(830) 833-1119
965 Conn Ranch Road
Blanco, TX 78606

Moody Farms and Flowers
Tina Moody
(512) 894-4330
tmoody@moodyfarms.com
www.moodyfarms.com
2600 McGregor Lane
Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Mortellaros Nursery Inc
Joanne Harden
(210) 653-8799
joannejames@mortellaro.com
16946 IH 35 N
Schertz, TX 78154

Neitzels Cut Flowers
Ed Neitzel
(830) 372-5815
neitzeltexas@axs4u.net
615 Hollub Lane
Seguin, TX 78155

Old Alazan Company
Waynelle Strachan
(915) 851-1238
alazan@flash.net
P.O. Box 356
Clint, TX 79836

Paradise Specialty Cut Flowers of Texas
Johan Muller
(817) 220-3420
1425 CR 3690
Paradise, TX 76073

Petes Greenhouse
Daren Ruthardt
(806) 352-1664
P.O. Box 7627
Amarillo, TX 79114

Santa Maria Lavender
Howard Huntzinger
(806) 928-1612
howard@flameofmercy.com
P.O. Box 977
Lubbock, TX 79408

Spencer Specialty Cut Flower Farm
Michelle Spencer
(936) 931-9525
mspencer@spencerflowers.com
218 Oak Hollow Blvd
Magnolia, TX 77355

Tana's Terrains
Tana Kent
(512) 301-3299
13106 Fieldstone Loop
Austin, TX 78737

Texas Lavender Hills Farm and Market
Jill Hunter
(830) 833-9183
jill@texaslavenderhills.com
5110 Kendalia Road
Blanco, TX 78606

Texas Prairie Cut Flowers
Kimberly Gerdeman
(817) 389-4350
kimg@digitex.net
7301 CR 1232
Godley, TX 76044

Texas Specialty Cut Flowers / Arnosky Family Farms
Pamela Arnosky
(830) 833-5428
arnosky@moment.net
www.texascolor.com
12550 FM 2325
Wimberley, TX 78676

Wildseed Farms
John Thomas
(800) 848-0078
johnt@wildseedfarms.com
www.wildseedfarms.com
P.O. Box 3000
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Windmill Soaps
Cindy Whitaker
(806) 357-2378
whitaker@wtrt.net
P.O. Box 846-0846
Hereford, TX 79045

"Flowers are happy things."
-- P.G. Wodehouse

Long live the Queen! The Queen of the Fall Flowers, that is. Here at the Texas Department of Agriculture, we're talking about the chrysanthemum, the colorful and much-loved mum.

For many of us, our first introduction to the chrysanthemum was a corsage for special events such as homecoming football games. Those were the days! The chrysanthemum is still an event favorite and remains the most widely grown potted plant in the country. It's also one of the longest lasting of all cut flowers. The latter attribute, along with the flowers' artistic allure, makes mums highly favored by floral arrangers.

In fact, in the United States, the chrysanthemum is the largest commercially produced flower because of its ease of cultivation, ability to bloom on schedule, diversity of bloom forms and colors and overall holding quality of the blooms.

There are 61 producers in Texas today, and in 2005 they sold 3 million chrysanthemum pots worth a wholesale value of $5.6 million.

Chrysanthemum History

The chrysanthemum was first introduced into the United States during colonial times, but the flower was first cultivated in China as a flowering herb and is described in writings as early as the 15th century B.C.

In fact, Chinese pottery depicted the chrysanthemum much the same as we know it today. As an herb, it was believed to have the power of life. Legend has it that the boiled roots were used as a headache remedy; young sprouts and petals were eaten in salads; and leaves were brewed for a festive drink.

Classification and Use

There are so many varieties of chrysanthemums today that a system of classification is used to categorize and identify them. The classification is based on the type of florets and their growth patterns.

As a landscaping plant, the chrysanthemum makes a beautiful fall display for many home gardens. With skill and artistry, many varied effects can be achieved, even within a limited growing area. Chrysanthemums can accentuate an entranceway, provide the fall colors to a season-long growing bed or dominate a growing area with the many varied shapes, sizes, and colors. Used in this fashion, chrysanthemums provide an outstanding climax to the season before the season changes and winter arrives.

Tips for Picking a Fresh Potted Mum

With gorgeous blooms that last three weeks or more, picking a healthy, fresh pot chrysanthemum, or "mum," may be the beginning of a beautiful long-term relationship.

Here are several things to look for to ensure you're getting the best value when you select your mum:

•  Select a plant with dark green foliage and without damaged or broken flowers.
•  Choose a healthy plant that doesn't wobble in the pot and isn't too top-heavy.
•  Find a chrysanthemum with flowers one-half to three-fourths open. Flowers that haven't opened yet might not bloom at home, while flowers that are fully open might not last as long at home.
• Avoid wilting plants or plants with bugs.

Care for Your Fresh Pot Mum

Water: Moderately moist soil is preferred. Water thoroughly when just the soil surface is dry to the touch, but do not let the plant stand in water.

Light: Chrysanthemums prefer a bright light location.

Temperature: Chrysanthemums prefer a moderate climate of 65 degrees F to 75 degrees F during the day, and 60 degrees F to 70 degrees F at night. Cooler nights (50 degrees F to 60 degrees F) help maximize a mum's bloom time of up to three weeks.

Helpful Tips: If a chrysanthemum plant is bought in its bud stage, it will need bright light near a sunny window to encourage the buds to open. Once on full bloom, it may tolerate lower light. If a chrysanthemum plant develops yellow leaves and black flower centers, it is an indication that the light is too low. Be sure to avoid direct, full sunlight, which can burn the flowers.

When you buy potted chrysanthemums grown in Texas, you're getting the healthiest, freshest plants available on the market. Distance does make a difference, and buying a plant grown locally means less travel time for your chrysanthemum to ship directly to your local retailer - best of all, it's already acclimated to the ever-changing Texas weather. Look for the distinctive GO TEXAN logo - a glowing brand in the shape of Texas - to help you find chrysanthemums from Texas at a glance.

Long live the Queen! Long live the Chrysanthemum!

To learn more about where to find Texas-grown chrysanthemums, find out more about the incredible array of our Texas-grown plants, or to order TDA's horticulture publications, visit the GO TEXAN Web site at www.gotexan.org or call (877) 99GO-TEX.

Also, sign up for the Grow Texan e-zine with tips and tools for landscape success and the freshest produce news on what's in season: simply send an e-mail to Grow.Texan@agr.state.tx.us with "Sign Me Up" in the subject line and your name and address in the body copy.