Landscaping in the Big Country with Adam Andrews 5/16/26: Vitex & Xeriscapes

Landscaping in the Big Country with Adam Andrews 7/18/26: Texas Sage, Storm Recovery & Mid-Summer Gardening After the Rain

After an unusually wet July, Adam and Amber discuss how abundant rainfall is changing the gardening season across the Big Country. They cover timely summer tasks including grub prevention, fertilizing roses and crape myrtles, repairing storm-damaged trees, controlling mosquitoes, and restoring washed-out driveways and landscape beds after heavy rains. They also share details about an upcoming Taylor County Master Gardener seminar on houseplants and tropical plants. This week's Plant of the Week is the iconic Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens), also known as cenizo or the "barometer plant." Adam explains why this drought-tolerant Texas native bursts into brilliant purple blooms ahead of rainfall, discusses the best-performing varieties for West Texas, and offers planting and care tips for one of the region's most dependable landscape shrubs. The episode also explores how to properly interpret common plant tag information—including sunlight requirements, soil types, moisture needs, and growing zones—helping gardeners choose plants that will thrive, not just survive, in the challenging West Texas climate. Whether you're replacing storm-damaged plants, battling mosquitoes after the rain, or planning your next landscape project, this episode is full of practical advice for a healthier, more successful garden.

Landscaping in the Big Country with Adam Andrews 7/11/26: Why Oak Trees Rule Texas

After a powerful July windstorm swept through Abilene, Adam and Amber discuss storm cleanup, assessing tree damage, and how to properly prune broken limbs to help trees recover. They explain why pecans, mesquites, and hackberries suffered the most damage while many oak trees weathered the storm remarkably well, along with tips for balancing damaged trees and protecting fresh pruning cuts. The episode also covers timely mid-summer landscape care, including treating squash bugs and spider mites, when (and when not) to fertilize St. Augustine lawns, and why pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides should be applied during the cooler morning hours for maximum effectiveness. Listeners will also hear recommendations for planting crape myrtles, vitex, and desert willows during the summer, while waiting until fall for larger shade trees. This week's featured plant is the oak tree, celebrating its role as America's National Tree. Adam explains the differences between live oaks, Shumard red oaks, bur oaks, Monterey oaks, lacey oaks, and chinkapin oaks, discussing growth habits, shade potential, acorn production, fall color, and why these hardy trees remain among the best landscape choices for West Texas. The show wraps up with a look at durable outdoor living spaces, highlighting long-lasting patio furniture designed to withstand the harsh Texas climate while creating comfortable places to enjoy your landscape for years to come.

Landscaping in the Big Country with Adam Andrews 6/27/26: Beat the Heat – Summer Watering Tips, Wisteria & the Madagascar Palm

With West Texas settling into triple-digit temperatures, Adam and Amber focus on helping homeowners keep landscapes healthy through the hottest part of the summer. They discuss the importance of inspecting sprinkler systems, checking drip irrigation for hidden leaks caused by wildlife, and why watering early in the morning gives plants the best chance to thrive while conserving water. They also explain how products like Hydretain can help reduce irrigation needs during extended hot weather. This week's featured plants include two unique favorites. First is the beautiful American (Texas) Wisteria, a fragrant flowering vine that can transform pergolas, fences, and arbors with spectacular blooms while attracting butterflies and standing up well to West Texas conditions. The second is the fascinating Madagascar Palm—despite its name, it's actually a succulent rather than a true palm. Adam and Amber explain its unusual growth habit, seasonal care, watering requirements, and why it's one of their favorite conversation-piece plants. The episode also highlights Willow Creek Gardens' Workshop Warehouse, where visitors can build terrariums, fairy gardens, succulent arrangements, Zen gardens, and other creative plant projects in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment. Whether you're looking to beat the summer heat, add unique plants to your collection, or simply enjoy a hands-on gardening experience, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for gardeners of every skill level.

Landscaping in the Big Country with Adam Andrews 6/20/26: Summer Gardening, Mini Houseplants & Working With West Texas Soil

As summer officially arrives in the Big Country, Adam and Amber discuss the transition into hotter weather, Father's Day weekend, and why now is the perfect time to fertilize summer-blooming plants, control weeds, refresh mulch, and strengthen Bermuda lawns before the peak heat of the season arrives. They also share an update on rainfall totals and what recent moisture means for local landscapes. The conversation takes a fun turn into the world of houseplants, including the growing popularity of miniature tropicals, terrariums, fairy gardens, and carnivorous plants. Learn about Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, bog gardens, proper watering techniques, and why these unique plants have become a favorite among gardeners of all ages. This week's Plant of the Week is the versatile Red Yucca, a drought-tolerant Texas native prized for its colorful blooms, hummingbird appeal, and ability to thrive in the toughest West Texas conditions. Adam also breaks down the fundamentals of improving heavy clay soils, explaining the benefits of compost, gypsum, expanded shale, peat moss, sand, and other amendments that can help create healthier lawns, gardens, flower beds, and container plantings. Whether you're building a terrarium, planning a landscape project, or looking for plants that can handle the Texas heat, this episode is packed with practical tips to help your garden flourish all summer long.

Landscaping in the Big Country with Adam Andrews 6/6/26: Rain, Mosquitoes, Crape Myrtles & Summer Garden Success

After a much-needed June rain, Adam and Amber discuss how recent moisture will benefit West Texas landscapes—and the challenges it can bring. This week's show covers mosquito control, lawn fungus prevention, grub treatments, pre-emergents, sod installation, and why prevention is often easier than cure when it comes to common yard problems. The Plant of the Week is the ever-popular Crape Myrtle, often called the “Lilac of the South.” Adam and Amber explore the many varieties, colors, sizes, and uses of this West Texas favorite, along with tips for preventing aphids, scale, and other common issues. The conversation also includes a look at new tropical arrivals, houseplants, bonsai, carnivorous plants, and the growing popularity of miniature indoor plants. Whether you're battling mosquitoes, planting summer color, shopping for new perennials, or simply enjoying the rain, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your landscape thrive through the Texas summer.