Estivation

In many parts of the world with hot dry summers, the plants and animals enter a state of estivation, which is a type of summer hibernation. This past summe when the weather in Wimberley was extremely hot and dry many of our plants (that didn’t die) went into estivation. When at last our rains came we witnessed a return of plant growth and in many cases, flowering. The purple Cenizo, rain lilies, mealy blue sage and lantana are all common native plants that recently resumed blooming.

Fall is the time to plant wildflower seeds, to plant native shrubs and to plant bulbs. Hence, you might be receiving notifications from nurseries and seed companies that fall plants are available. Starting in January I mention in this column which bulbs are blooming in my garden. If you would like to have winter and early spring bulbs blooming in your yard in 2023 you need to order bulbs now and get them in the ground before November. Bulbs that come back every year include Hyacinths, Iris, Grand Primo, Campernelle, Texas Star, Soleil’dOr, Dutch Master, Unsurpassable, Ice Follies, and Erlicheer. Many of these bulbs are sold by Mc-Clure and Zimmerman and by Southern Bulb company.

If you already have Iris, September is the time to divide them. The tops of the leaves should be cut back to 4 inches before replanting them and the bulb should be visible on the top of the soil as they need cold to bloom. If the bulb is buried in the soil it might not get cold enough to make them bloom.

Kidneywood trees are currently blooming. The bees and butterflies are very active now that they have flowers to visit. Enjoy the shorter days and cooler nights.

Written by Jackie Mattice, Hays County Master Naturalist