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June is still a good time to plant colorful summer annuals, such as Lantana, Penta, Angelonia, Purslane, Portulaca (rose moss), Periwinkle, Begonia, etc. Most shrubs, trees, perennials, and ground covers may still be planted in June as long as adequately watered. Crapemyrtle, Althaea, Vitex, and Desert Willow provide excellent summer blooms. Fertilize new plantings with Fertilome Root Stimulator. Hibiscus, Esperanza, Plumbago, Bougainvillea, etc. also provide great summer col

Plant Selection Choose your tree or shrub based on your landscape needs, like flowering, evergreen, screening, hedge, shade or border. Be sure to consider the ultimate size of each plant – which tends to be different in Oklahoma than what you’ll read on a generic label. Speak with a TLC Expert for guidance in selecting the proper tree for your location. Call OKIE Call OKIE at 811 to have your utility lines marked before planting. This service is free of charge, but takes 48 h

The most important component of gardening: Soil. The success or failure of gardening depends heavily on how gardeners prepare their soil. Understanding your soil will give you insight into watering and fertilizing your plants. The result is healthier, more beautiful plants. A lucky few are blessed with naturally good soil, but most soils in Oklahoma need improvement. The best investment a gardener can make to ensure hardy plants, luscious blooms and abundant fruit and vegetab

Succulent Survival Cacti & succulents come from various regions of the world. Both encompass many different varieties of plants. Therefore, most of the time, they aren’t sorted or named when you see them in store. Fortunately, though, the care for these cacti and succulents are similar. Light Many cacti & succulents can sustain and grow with at least medium light. South facing windows work best in Oklahoma. Depending on the plant variety, intensity of the sun or time of year,

Breathtaking Beauty Meets Simplicity In terms of evolutionary history, orchids are the youngest flowering plants. They are also the largest plant family, with 10,000 to 30,000 species and more than 70,000 hybrids. Most orchids come from Asiatic regions and are most commonly found growing in trees. But a greenhouse or climate-controlled area isn’t required to grow them. Despite their elegant, graceful appearance, orchids aren’t difficult to care for, and by following a few sim

Striking the Right Balance Reasons to Analyze Soil Soil testing provides a starting place for soil improvement. Unless you know the problems in your garden soil, you are only guessing when you apply fertilizer. For soil testing information, contact the Oklahoma County Extension Center, 2500 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City, (405) 713-1125. Learn what type of soil composition you have (clay, sandy etc.) Find out what your soil is lacking (nutrients, micronutrients, etc.) Pinpoint soi

The Facts Height: 40′ – 50’ Spread: 20′ – 30′ Sun: Full Sun Water: Medium to Wet Soil: Well-Drained Growth Rate: Slow The Wildfire Blackgum bursts to life each spring with bright red foliage followed by clusters of white blooms that provide an excellent source of nectar for pollinators and birds. These blooms give way to dark blue fruits that, while edible, are very sour and usually left to the birds. The dark green summer foliage turns to shades of scarlet

The Facts Height: 30′ – 40’’ Spread: 30′ – 35′ Sun: Full Sun Water: Medium Soil: Wet to Well-Drained Growth Rate: Fast Often called ‘The Graceful Giant’, the Weeping Willow is an old favorite beloved by many. Its open crown of wispy, ground-sweeping branches and long, slender leaves are a sight to behold. The tree’s yellow twigs and green foliage appear early in the season, often used as an indicator to the beginning of spring. Yellow flowers appear on short catkins i

The Facts Height: 8′ – 10′ Spread: 5′ – 8′ Sun: Full Sun Water: Medium Soil: Well-Drained Growth Rate: Fast Vitex is a grand beauty throughout the Oklahoma landscape. One of the more attractive qualities is its versatile use. It can be kept in a more compact form as a shrub, trained as a single trunk tree or a stately multi-trunk tree. It makes a rather stunning addition to any yard or garden bed as it features aromatic, compound, palmate, grayish-green leaves with 5-7 lanc