Keep Winberley Beautiful

We are seeing signs of spring now that it is the middle of February. The Texas Mountain Laurels are beginning to bloom and the scent of grape bubble gum is in the air . These native bushes are deer resistant. Sometimes I have trouble with caterpillars eating the new growth on the Texas Mountain Laurels. Since I won’t use pesticides, I cut the caterpillars in half with scissors when I find them!

My narcissus are blooming. These white and yellow perennials should be planted in the fall with a little bone meal. Every early spring after you have planted the bulbs you will have flowers. I plant mine in a deer protected area. The narcissus I have had the best luck with in Central Texas include Grand Primo, Campernelle, Texas Star, Soleil’dOr, and Erlicheer.

Southernbulbs.com carries these types and other bulbs. Another bulb I planted in the fall that is starting to bloom is hyacinths. These fragrant flowers are even deer resistant. They come up for several years, but eventually cease to bloom.

Mid-February is the recommended time to cut back your roses. This is still a good time to plant bare root roses. I am going to order one of my favorite roses this week: Belinda’s dream. I purchased one about 20 years ago, but it is getting a little tired. It has full fragrant pink roses. Another favorite rose is Grandma’s Yellow Rose. Both of these roses are Texas Superstar plants.

The native wildflowers that are blooming in my yard are the Wind flowers (Anemone heterophylla), Violets (Viola missouriensis) and Columbines (Aquilegia canadensis). I don’t see these wildflowers out where the deer roam, but they do nicely in a protected area. Enjoy your Texas Spring.

Written by Jackie Mattice, Hays County Master Naturalist