Yes, spring is here. It seems like we were just shivering in 20-degree temperatures and building snowmen (!), and then - faster than you can say "spring training in Kissimmee" - we have blooming trees and picnic weather. And while this time of year is a thing of beauty in Houston, your yard...well...might not be.
Those frigid winter nights left many owners of Houston homes with brown, bare spots where their lush landscaping once was. And although the process of returning our gardens to their former glory may take awhile, it's amazing what a few brightly-colored plants can do to spruce up your home's curb appeal. So, whether you're readying your house for the Houston real estate market - or just trying to avoid the stink-eye from Ms. Yard-of-the-Month - read on for a few suggestions from the pros.
Plant of the moment: Geraniums! Recommended right now by Houston Garden Centers, and Kathy Huber, Garden Editor for the Houston Chronicle, geraniums are well-suited to spring temperatures and come in eye-catching shades of pink, red and purple, which should help add some "pop" to your porch. Plus, they're widely available now, which makes them a great choice for fast color.
Other good bets:
- Petunias - These popular flowers come in a wide array of colors, including pink, blue, yellow, and the violet-hued "Laura Bush" variety
- Begonias - Another popular annual, these offer more bright colors and, depending on the variety and location, may continue to bloom all summer.
- Verbena - While this plant blooms in late spring, it really hits its stride in the summer, as it thrives in full, hot sun.
- Coleus - For those wanting something other than flowers, the coleus plant offers striking, colorful foliage.
For more ideas on finding the perfect plant for your yard, check out these resources:
www.houstongrows.com Click on "Houston Plant Database" and the aspiring gardener can search for plants by specific characteristics such as height, light needs, bloom season, growth rate, and my favorite - "Hard to Kill" - for the brown thumbs among us.
www.houstongardencenters.com If you live in the Houston area, you've no doubt seen their ubiquitous yellow and red awnings around town. What you might not have seen is the "What to Plant Now" section of their website. Searching by bedding plants, trees, shrubs, tropicals and more, you can see what the Garden Center experts recommend planting in Houston yards right now.
Apartment complexes. That's right - check out what's in the landscaping in front of mid- to high-range apartments. They're continually putting out fresh, seasonal color and when you're in need of a quick idea, they can provide reliable - if not always creative - guidance for what's blooming in Houston.
So, whether you're in the Houston real estate market or just wanting a little curb appeal, grab that shovel and spend an afternoon sprucing up your yard. It'll provide some nice eye candy for the neighbors - or prospective buyers - and give you an excuse to enjoy the spring air while it lasts.
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