photo by Kevin Briles

Backyard Party Prep

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Summer is a great time to have friends and family over for a backyard barbeque or a family reunion. The heat of July can leave some plantings in ruins or reveal what was planted in the wrong type of conditions and even the wrong part of the country, for that matter.

Amarillo has very uncommon growing conditions when compared to the rest of the country. Even though our average temperature is 68 degrees, we still have quite an unpredictable weather pattern. (We never get bored, that’s for sure.) Growing flowers, shrubs, trees or grass isn’t hard, it’s just different here than in other places. Learning these differences is the main ingredient to enjoying your yard and not fighting against it.

The first step is to know that we are in Zone 6 on cold charts with Zone 5b to 7 surrounding the Panhandle area. Heat ranges are another factor to check into as well. For instance, the south or west side (sunny) of your home may be as hot as Phoenix for one day of the summer, and the North or East side (shady) might get as cold as Wyoming for one day in the winter. These two extremes are where we get our challenge.

Now that summer in full swing, it’s time to spruce up for backyard parties. Consider plants that do well in hot weather for your patio pots and table displays. Flowers that thrive in hot conditions are Moss Rose, Marigolds, Geraniums, Lantana, Salvia, Dew plant and Sweet Potato vine, to name a few. For those of you with shady areas, Impatiens, Begonias, Caladiums and Coleus make great summer time choices. Adding a tall shrub or a tropical plant to your patio can also add a unique look. Don't expect any plants to survive our winters in pots though. Just enjoy them throughout the summer and fall.

Gardening is all about learning. Learn one plant at a time, and remember the mistakes of your past. Enjoy your yard, don't fight with it.

For larger pots for sunny areas (at least four hours of sun), plant Geraniums, Petunias and Dracaena Spikes
Center a geranium in a round pot and off set a dracaena spike. Fill in with petunias. Plant singles directly, then separate four packs into singles to plant. Add root stimulator, such as Fertilome, and water every other day, or as needed depending on heat. Wait two weeks before fertilizing again to establish plants in the summer heat.

For long, low arrangement for shady areas, plant Impatiens with Dracaena Spikes
Break up the roots of each plant first. Start with the tallest plant in the middle with the shorter plants flanking it. For shady plants, water every 2-3 days, depending on heat. For an evening party, water in the morning so the plants soak up the water during the day and won’t wilt in the daytime heat.

For large potted tree for full sun, plant Lantana tree with Verbena, Salvia, Cosmos and Cuphea
Start with 8” of potting soil in the bottom. (The bigger the pot, the better so the plant has room to grow.) Add the tree and hold it in place. Fill with potting soil to cover the root ball. Add cluster plants around the trunk to fill in the empty space.

by Warren Reid

Warren's parents, Jim and Sheila Reid, opened Coulter Gardens in 1979. He has seen many changes in the gardening industry over his 30 years at Coulter Gardens. Warren's two children, James and Madalynn, also help out the Nursery occasionally.

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