Skip to the content

Garden Wise Gazette

Dandelions/Image licensed to CCMGA®

Dandelions: Weed, Wildflower, or Something In Between?

Dandelions are more than a common lawn weed. Learn what they reveal about soil and turf health, their role in the landscape, and how to manage them effectively in North Texas.

Fertilizer Spreader On A Lawn / Image licensed to CCMGA®

Spring is Right Around the Corner: Put the Fertilizer Spreader Away...for Now

It may feel like time to fertilize, but your lawn isn’t ready yet. Learn why timing matters, how soil testing guides better decisions, and what to do instead in early spring.

Budding Tree/Image licensed to CCMGA®

Bud Behavior: Early Signs of Tree Stress

Tree buds reveal early signs of stress before leaves appear. Learn how delayed bud break, uneven development, and bud drop can signal deeper soil or root issues in North Texas trees.

Assortment of succulent plants/Image licensed to CCMGA®

Succulents Made Simple

Succulents are easy to grow and perfect for bright indoor spaces. Learn proper watering, soil, lighting, and design tips to keep these low-maintenance plants healthy and thriving.

Oak Tree/Image licensed to CCMGA®

Pin Oak vs. Shumard Oak: Why Identification Matters in North Texas

Red oak or pin oak? Though they look similar, these two species respond very differently to North Texas soil. Learn how to tell them apart and why proper identification protects long-term tree health.

Image licensed to CCMGA®

Rooted in Care: Winter and Tree Health

Winter reveals what trees hide during the growing season. Learn why this quiet season is ideal for pruning, planting, and evaluating tree health to support strong, resilient landscapes.

Image by KWalker/CCMGA®

Ways I'm Showing My Landscape the Love This Year

A personal and practical reflection on showing love to the landscape through better habits, patience, and care — from soil health and trees to tools, wildlife, and the gardener herself.

Reflections from the International Master Gardener Conference

A personal reflection on attending the 2025 International Master Gardener Conference, highlighting memorable sessions, unexpected inspiration, and the value of continued learning within the gardening community.

CCMGA Youth Programs (Tibbals Elementary)

We Grow Gardeners: Planting Early Seeds Through Youth Programs

CCMGA youth programs introduce children to gardening through hands-on learning in schools, libraries, scouting, and homeschool groups—building curiosity, confidence, and lifelong connections to plants, food, and the environment.

Image licensed to CCMGA®

Artificial Turf and Its Impact on Trees

Artificial turf can simplify landscape maintenance, but it may create hidden challenges for nearby trees. Learn how synthetic turf affects soil conditions, roots, and long-term tree health.

Don’t Compost That! Diseased Plant Material and Mulch Safety

Learn how to recognize common plant diseases in North Texas, understand why some materials should not be composted, and make informed cleanup decisions that help reduce disease problems in future growing seasons.

Holiday Gift Giving– Image by KWalker/CCMGA®

Thoughtful & Sustainable Gifts For Gardeners

Discover sustainable, meaningful gift ideas for the gardeners in your life, from nature-friendly tools and plant gifts to outdoor experiences, memberships, and hands-on ways to celebrate the season.

Join our Email List

Stay informed about upcoming events and timely garden topics.