by Happy Gardener | Mar 24, 2026 | Roses, Spring Garden
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, high-impact climbing rose, the lady banksia rose might just be your dream plant. Known for its vigorous growth, thornless canes, and breathtaking spring blooms, this heirloom rose can transform fences, arbors, and even entire...
by Happy Gardener | Mar 17, 2026 | Vines
If you’re looking to cover a fence, soften a wall, or add vertical color to your garden, you can’t go wrong with flowering vines. And here in San Antonio, Texas, a few standout choices consistently perform beautifully: Carolina Jessamine, Coral Honeysuckle, and...
by Happy Gardener | Mar 17, 2026 | Seasonal & Gardening Tips, Spring Garden, Summer Garden, Tropical Plants
If you’ve ever wanted your garden to feel a little more like a vacation, tropical hibiscus is the plant that gets you there. With big, bold blooms and glossy green leaves, it brings instant color and that unmistakable tropical feel to patios, porches, and garden beds....
by Happy Gardener | Mar 12, 2026 | Edibles, Fall Garden, Seasonal & Gardening Tips, Spring Garden, Vegetables
We are fortunate to be able to grow summer squash and zucchini two times a year here in San Antonio. When you get the growing conditions right, these are some of the most prolific vegetables we can grow in spring and fall. Today we explain those growing conditions and...
by Happy Gardener | Feb 17, 2026 | Flowering Trees, Seasonal & Gardening Tips, Spring Garden, Trees & Shrubs
Gorgeous Trees That Say Goodbye Winter and Welcome Spring When it comes to spring-flowering trees in San Antonio, nothing announces the changing seasons quite like fresh blooms popping against a winter landscape. From the sweet fragrance of Texas Mountain Laurels to...
by Happy Gardener | Feb 4, 2026 | Edibles, Vegetables
When shopping for tomato varieties, you’ll often see a string of letters after the name—something like VFNTA. That’s not alphabet soup; it’s a roadmap to fewer plant problems. These letters are tomato disease resistant codes, and they tell you which diseases a tomato...
by Happy Gardener | Jan 27, 2026 | Seasonal & Gardening Tips, Winter Garden
Ah yes—San Antonio winter weather. One day it’s 75°, the next day your elephant ears look like green Jell-O. After a freeze, it’s very tempting to grab the pruners and go full Edward Scissorhands. But when it comes to pruning after a freeze, timing and plant type...
by Happy Gardener | Jan 22, 2026 | Soil & Compost, Soil Amendments, Soil Building
Healthy soil is the foundation of every successful garden—but not all soils start out ideal. Clay-heavy beds, sandy soils, compacted ground, or lifeless potting mixes each need different fixes. That’s where soil amendments come in. They can offer better soil drainage,...
by Happy Gardener | Jan 15, 2026 | Soil & Compost, Soil Amendments, Soil Building
Believe it or not, right now is the perfect time to build better soil for your vegetable garden (and flower garden). Whether you’re brand new to gardening or have been growing veggies for years, one thing never changes: 👉 Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy...
by Happy Gardener | Jan 12, 2026 | Seasonal & Gardening Tips
Starting seeds indoors is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening—but it’s also where small mistakes can lead to big frustrations. Follow these simple, proven germination steps to give your seedlings the best possible start. Make sure you go back and read our...
by Happy Gardener | Jan 8, 2026 | News & Events, Seasonal & Gardening Tips
A new year is the perfect time to build better garden habits. A gardening resolution plan can lead to healthier plants, fewer problems, and more success all season long. 1. Read Product Labels Every Time Labels matter. Take a moment to read what the product treats,...
by Happy Gardener | Jan 3, 2026 | Soil & Compost, Soil Amendments
Starting seeds indoors during winter is one of the most rewarding ways to get a jump on the growing season—but success starts below the surface. Choosing or building the right seed starting soil is one of the most important steps for strong germination and healthy...
by Happy Gardener | Dec 30, 2025 | Birds, Pollinators, Seasonal & Gardening Tips, Winter Garden
While birds enjoy visiting bird feeders throughout the year, winter is one of the most important times to offer supplemental food. Cold temperatures make it harder for birds to maintain the calories they need to stay warm and active. Although there are many...
by Happy Gardener | Dec 18, 2025 | Mulch, Seasonal & Gardening Tips, Soil & Compost, Soil Amendments, Winter Garden
Tis the Season of thoughtful gift giving. Do those word stress you out? if you have a gardener in your life, I’m here today to make the stress of buying “the right” gifts really easy for you. Really. I’m giving you a list of things that,...
by Happy Gardener | Dec 16, 2025 | Seasonal & Gardening Tips
Successful seed starting depends on a few essential seed germination factors. While every plant is a little different, most seeds rely on the same three basics to sprout: Light Temperature Water If even one of these factors is off, germination can be delayed—or not...
by Happy Gardener | Dec 9, 2025 | Bees, Butterflies, Pollinators, Seasonal & Gardening Tips, Winter Garden
Even though the garden looks quiet this time of year, there are countless pollinators in winter tucked away under leaves, inside hollow stems, and beneath the soil surface. Bees, butterflies, moths, ladybugs, and many other beneficial insects depend on safe hiding...
by Happy Gardener | Dec 8, 2025 | Soil & Compost, Soil Amendments
Successful planting starts long before leaves appear or blooms show off—it begins underground. For Texas gardeners, building healthy soil and inoculating roots at planting time can make the difference between a plant that merely survives and a plant that thrives. Two...
by Happy Gardener | Dec 4, 2025 | Seasonal & Gardening Tips, Spring Garden, Winter Garden
When colder weather settles in for a long rest, many gardeners do the same. But winter isn’t just a time for rest—it’s the perfect time for reflection, and planning, so you’ll be prepared next year to have an even more successful spring garden season. Taking...
by Happy Gardener | Dec 3, 2025 | Seasonal & Gardening Tips, Trees & Shrubs, Winter Garden
Bringing home a fresh Christmas tree fills the house with fragrance and cheer—here are eight quick tips for how to keep it looking vibrant and safe all season long. 1. Make a Fresh Cut Before placing your tree in the stand, cut ½–1 inch off the bottom of the...
by Happy Gardener | Dec 1, 2025 | Houseplants, Winter Garden
When winter comes along and we head indoors more often than outdoors, our houseplants provide us solace when we are yearning to be working in our gardens. While our attention is turned to our houseplants, we must be careful not to heap too much attention on them...
