Signature Gardens

08/23/2026

Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora).

I will readily admit I have often steered clear of this little native groundcover because of its aggressive nature.

But in this hot (but-not-the-worst-we’ve-ever-had) summer, I now have to admit this plant deserves my respect.

It’s been in bloom pretty much nonstop all summer with our now 30 (and counting) 100+ degree days and shows no signs of stress. I’ve enjoyed seeing little bees visiting it, and it’s also a host plant for a few butterflies.

I planted it in a couple spots in my parkway strip a few years ago because I was running out of options for low-growing drought tolerant perennials that can handle the increasing shade this area now receives.

Has it spread? Yes (it is a groundcover —that’s what they do), but because of its placement it’s “contained” between the street and the sidewalk. It is literally trying to grow into the street but is easily maintained by cutting the runners back (and they root extremely easily for more free plants.)

I think challenging weather (hot or cold, dry or wet) and changing garden conditions (sun or shade) can get us to explore different plant options that we may end up at the very least appreciating (if not loving) what they can add to our gardens.

Have you come to appreciate and respect any plants new to your garden this summer?

08/02/2026

07/29/2026

07/29/2026

Taking a moment to appreciate this honey bee (and tiny ant) on my Datura wrightii. It’s toxic to you and me but not these little critters. 🐝 🐜

07/25/2026

We’ve been working on a ginormous project in Southlake for the past several weeks. 😍

The flowy lines are taking shape.

Line is such an important element of landscape design, in my opinion. I always say, if you get the line right, the rest is icing on the cake.

Line can make your landscape look good before a single plant goes in.

Stay tuned for the total transformation this fall when we add the icing on this big cake. 🌱

07/25/2026

Happy to see these 5 beautiful swallowtail caterpillars on my bronze fennel last evening 😍.

Hopefully I’ll get to see their adult selves flitting about my garden soon.

07/24/2026

Join us for our FREE Virtual Gardening Series on Tuesday, July 28th at 7 pm CT via Zoom Webinar as Tarrant County Master Gardener Donna Smith discusses what common plant pathogens may be lurking in your garden!

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/plant-pathogens-tickets-1991805773687?aff=oddtdtcreator

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email. For questions or more information, contact [email protected].

07/21/2026

More mite mischief??

A client just sent pictures of her zexmenia with this patchy white fuzziness on the leaves. I have experienced this in my own garden in past years.

I researched it back then and never found any clearcut answers on what the issue was. I just assumed it was fungal, so I chopped it back and waited for hotter drier weather, and the plant grew back fine.

But with my recent discovery of the ruellia mite, I got to thinking this damage on the zexmenia foliage has similar characteristics. Might this be a mite, as well?

There are hundreds of species of Eriophyid mites. I couldn’t find information about any mite specific to zexmenia, like I did with the Katie’s ruellia (Acalitus ruelliae). Eriophyid mites are very host specific, so it’s not likely that the ruellia mite is also affecting the zexmenia.

Damage from eriophyid mites can present as leaf galls, bud or flower galls, blisters, scabbing, and deformities of leaves, stems, buds, and flowers.
Eriophyid mite damage can be confused with herbicide damage, fungal issues, or other insects (mites are arachnids, not insects). They are microscopic, so you’re not going to be able to see anything crawling around (with your naked eyes, at least).

So my go-to method for handling plant issues is to first chop it. Just cut the whole plant down to a few inches above the ground. This will remove the vast majority of the mites (plus the plant is not overly attractive with all the distorted foliage, so at least you don’t have to look at that eyesore anymore). In the evening you can then spray the remaining part of the plant and the surrounding area with horticultural oil, all-seasons oil, or Neem oil (never spray oils in the heat of the day in full sun). In my past experience, the zexmenia should grow back just fine (and quickly) with no other damage.

Two websites with great information on eriophyid mites are the Missouri Botanical Garden and also Utah State University Extension if you’d like to research more.

So…just when you thought gardening in Texas couldn’t get any more challenging …hold my insecticidal soap. 🤪