Something old, something new... something blue

Each season is a little different from the same season in past years.

When the rain falls, how much rain falls, when it freezes, how many days it freezes, if you have an ice storm, when the warm spells begin — you get the picture. And with each set of environmental conditions, uncontrolled by humans, different plants thrive.

This year, we had conditions that led to a spectacular bluebonnets show. Another plant that did especially well this year in my yard was Blue Curls. These are native annuals that seed themselves. I always get some plants, but this year, they sprang up in places I had never seen them grow before.

Several people have asked me to identify a bluish- purple wildflower with 12-inch long spikes. These plants are Mealy Blue Sages (Salvia farinacea). There is an especially nice stand of them in front of the Winters-Wimberley House near the Wimberley Community Center.

Mealy Blue Sages grow about two or three feet tall. They will grow in full sun and also in partially shaded areas. Let the spirals go to seed for the birds. They will eat the seeds and some of the seeds that fall to the ground as the birds perch on their spirals will volunteer to make new plants.

Mealy Blue Sages are perennials and will return in the same location for a number of years. In the winter, you can cut them back to the ground, and the plants will remain green through the freezing temperatures.

Most sages, because of their aroma, are deer resistant. Other Central Texas sages that can be grown in the presence of deer are Cedar Sages, Mexican Sages, Jerusalem Sages and Tropical Sages. So, when you are wondering what to plant that the deer won’t eat, look for the sages.