SFA Gardens

Upland marsh at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center. While we have the true Hibiscus dasycalyx, Neches River Rose Mallow, here - there’s also some nearby hibiscus relatives planted here and there - H. moscheutos, laevis and militaris and some ornamental types. The seed from here is typically crossed and not true to type. We do take cuttings of the ones that are true to type. SFA Gardens Nacogdoches TX

Hidden gardens, Bullard, Tx is a meeting place for the Texas Chapter of the Azalea Society of America. Very cute nursery with lots of color and a restaurant with specialty sandwiches and juices. Marlaina Rimmer is the owner and was sweet to show us around behind the scenes. SFA Gardens Nacogdoches TX

Forestry field station and the portable sawmill is on the agenda at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center. Jonathan Carrillo scrapped up the logs at the PNPC out of trees defined as a hazard, now being turned into full cut lumber. SFA Gardens Nacogdoches TX

The Hymenocallis ‘Tropical Giant’ is a bit of an old timer and its heritage remains a bit fuzzy. Thought to be an old garden hybrid, perhaps with Hymenocallis caribaea as a parent - maybe with some Carribean and Mexico lineages. Freezes back with first hard freeze, best to mulch in early winter to protect the core bulbs, plants returned after our Feb 16 2021, -4F winter storm. Clean strappy leaves. Fragrant flowers. Likes naturally wet soils. Wrestling a large plant out of the ground is a chore. SFA Gardens Nacogdoches TX

Summer camp, SFA Forestry.

When it’s pouring outside, the Jack Camp kids learn archery skills and safety in our big greenhouse. Most important, not a single arrow punched a hole in our poly house. SFA Gardens Nacogdoches TX

Finally, some decent rains! Predicted over the next few days, we need this. Crinum collection is cheerful - rainlilies will throw another round of blooms - and maybe the beavers will be swept south to Lufkin! SFA Gardens Nacogdoches Texas

Blueberry Festival Pancakes in Nacogdoches early this morning - and then a celebration of the 100th birthday of Columbia Park in Shreveport, LA, a little after lunch. The Mayor of Shreveport, Tom Arceneaux, making the presentation and presenting certificates of appreciation to various groups and individuals who have supported the park’s growth and development - including John and Kathy Fontaine, Janet and Dave Creech for the park’s new tree and shrub landscape. A gardeners work is never done.

Getting an early morning start on the downtown Nacogdoches TX Blueberry Festival before the heat and crowd settles in. Who doesn’t like blueberry pancakes? Going to be a great crowd for a day of fun. SFA Gardens has had a part in creating blueberry excitement since the 1980s! SFA Gardens Nacogdoches TX