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A.  Be sure to check out our events page for upcoming garden events, where you can meet growers and talk to gardeners. Many nurseries also hold free spring classes, so call your favorites to see what they’re featuring this week. We’d love to list your event. See our events form to be included.

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Columbine Hinkleys

Columbines for Texas? You bet! These aren't the wimpy Colorado kind that last about as long as an ice cube in our brutal Texas climate. We have two native types that love a shade to part sun location here in Central Texas. They will put on a eye catching spring show in a container or a shady landscape bed.

Hinkley's columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha) bears stunning, long-spurred yellow blossoms atop scalloped, bluish gray-green foliage that forms compact mounds about 18 to 24 inches tall.

Red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) bears blooms that are smaller but very attractive.

Both forms attract hummingbirds and can thrive in a dry shade by casting seed and "disappearing" for the hot dry season to return the following fall. These two types will also cross forming interesting mixes of the two species.

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• Start corn, cucumber, eggplant, pumpkin, squash, and watermelon.
• Mix some herbs into the perennial beds, like Mexican marigold mint for fall yellow flowers and tantalizing tarragon-taste leaves for clipping. Mexican oregano is another outstanding perennial shrub-type herb, with lavender flowers for the butterflies and aromatic foliage for cooking. If you get your basil, be ready to protect it against last-minute surprises.
• Remember to let daffodil foliage brown up before clipping.

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