The real facts about spring bulbs in Texas
If you want to know about the best spring-flowering (or any season) bulbs for Texas, you talk to Dr. Greg Grant, Smith County Extension Horticulturist. That’s a part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
He and the Smith County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual conference and sale on Saturday, October 24, at Pollard Methodist Church, 3030 New Copeland Road in Tyler.
The free educational program will begin at 9 a.m. as Dr. Grant shares his lifelong experiences of growing bulbs in East Texas and explains why some bulbs thrive in that region while others do not.
He will discuss Earth Kind bulbs, proper planting locations, and techniques for establishing long-lived bulbs that will “come back” spring after spring with minimal care.
If you’ve never heard Greg speak, you’ll be in for a treat. We featured him at my All Texas All Garden Show in Arlington every time his schedule would allow, and audience feedback was always off the chart.
Following the program, onsite shopping will be available from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The sale will feature hard-to-find heritage bulbs along with hardy, locally trialed selections suited to East Texas conditions.
Greg told me that shoppers will be able to buy knowing that the varieties on sale have been selected because they are known to be well adapted to East Texas. Greg has also lived in other parts of the state and can advise as to the best types for those areas as well.
Shoppers will also be able to enjoy door prizes, raffles, children’s activities, educational displays, garden art, books, and the Smith County Master Gardeners’ annual garden guide and calendar.
The online store will be open October 12 through October 21, allowing gardeners to shop early. Online orders can be picked up during the October 24 sale. Unfortunately, shipping will not be available.
And don’t think only daffodils and their kin will be offered for sale. Oxblood lilies, crinums and many others will be available as you’ll be able to see as their online store opens up next week.
For online shopping and additional information, visit txmgsc.org/b2b or call 903-590-2994 or 903-590-2980.
Proceeds benefit Smith County Master Gardener Association scholarships and educational projects.
Smith County Master Gardeners are volunteer educators certified and coordinated by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.