Lifestyles
Gardening Series 2: Bringing life back to the garden - Flowers
By Treva Gibbs, Fannin County Master Gardener
Feb 21, 2025
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As we continue this Gardening Series, our attention is captured by visions of gorgeous flower bouquets.  As our imaginations race for ‘all that can be’ in our flower gardens, there are to-do lists that will benefit those blooms and greenery.

1) Early in the month, plant winter annuals like dianthus and snapdragons. 

2) Later in the month, plant larkspur, English daisies, sweet alyssum, ornamental chard, petunias, calendulas, Iceland poppies, dahlias, and stock flowers (Matthiola incana). 

3) Late February, dig and divide overcrowded mallows, gloriosa daisies, cannas, mums, fall asters and salvias and replant before they start growing.

4) To keep pansies and other cool season plants growing and blooming vigorously, apply a high-nitrogen water soluble plant food every 2 to 3 weeks.

5) Mulch garden beds to help retain warmth and moisture.  Apply 2-3 inches per square foot of garden, leaving a small gap around the plant stems.

Vocabulary tips: 

Divide - a method of asexual plant propagation that separates a plant into multiple parts, each with its own root and crown. 

Perennial - plants that grow back each year. 

Mulch - organic or inorganic material spread in the outdoor garden to help retain soil moisture, control weeds, and improve the garden’s appearance. 

Organic mulch is previously living matter, such as compost, tree bark. wood chips, leaves, grass clippings, pine needles, straw, and aged sawdust.

Inorganic mulch doesn’t break down quickly and includes rocks, gravel, plastic, and rubber--typically installed over weed control fabric.

Happy Gardening!

Gardening Series 3: Bringing Life Back to the Garden - Trees and Shrubs

Planning is in full swing for the highly anticipated Home and Garden Expo, set for Saturday, March 22, 2025. Vendors are encouraged to participate in this annual celebration of gardening, homemaking, and sustainable living. If you are interested in being a vendor, please contact the Extension Office (903-583-7453) for more information.

2025 Programming Sponsored by: Twin Oaks Nursery-Denison; Keystone Enterprises-Bonham;  Red Coop Feed and Seed-Bonham; Fix and Feed-Bonham; Green Machine Rentals-Bonham; 160 Lawn and Timber-Whitewright

For horticulture questions call 903-583-7453 or email fanninmastergardeners@gmail.com
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