Greg Grant Gardens

08/30/2026

Bring on the Oxbloods! (Greg Grant, 8-30-26)
Every year, there comes a moment when the worst of summer finally begins to loosen its grip on East Texas. The days grow a little shorter, the mornings become slightly more comfortable, and gardeners begin watching for the first signs of fall. One of the most reliable signals is not a change in the trees, but the sudden appearance of oxblood lilies blooming across select gardens and around some old homeplaces.
Oxblood lilies (Rhodophiala bifida) are among the most beloved heirloom bulbs in Texas. Also known as schoolhouse lilies because they often flower around the start of the school year, these small but striking plants seem to appear almost overnight after a soaking late summer or early autumn rain. Their crimson flowers rise on leafless stems, creating a surprise display that captures the attention of gardeners and non-gardeners alike.
Unlike many flowering bulbs, oxblood lilies have adapted perfectly to Texas conditions. They bloom in early fall, produce foliage during winter, and then retreat into dormancy during the heat and drought of summer. This unusual growth cycle allows them to thrive when many other garden plants struggle.
The bulbs are believed to have been introduced to Central Texas from Argentina by early German Texan plantsman Peter Heinrich Oberwetter. Over time, they spread from garden to garden throughout Texas and beyond. Today, many of the oldest colonies are found around historic homes, country churches, cemeteries, and farmsteads where they have persisted for generations with no fertilizer, no water, and no care.
Part of the appeal of oxblood lilies is their toughness. They tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy soils to heavy clays. They are equally at home growing in flower beds, beneath deciduous trees, in open lawns and meadows, or along rural roadsides. Once established, they don’t require watering, fertilizing, dividing, or pest control. In an era when many gardeners are searching for resilient and sustainable plants, oxblood lilies are hard to beat.
Their flowers may last only a week or two, but the bulbs themselves are remarkably long-lived. Clumps gradually expand over time, producing more blooms each year and outliving the gardeners who planted them. Many East Texans treasure the bulbs because they have been passed down through families and friends, making them as much a part of local history as they are a part of the garden.
As we beg for another Texas autumn, keep an eye out for these enduring reminders of our gardening heritage. Whether blooming beside an old farmhouse, scattered across a pasture, or flowering unexpectedly in a front lawn, oxblood lilies remind us that some of the best plants are not the newest introductions. Sometimes the toughest, most dependable flowers are the ones that have been growing here all along.
In addition to generous garden friends, oxblood lilies are available each year through the Smith County Master Gardeners Bulbs to Blooms Conference and Sale (txmgsc.org) and East Texas’ own Southern Bulb Company (southernbulbs.com).
Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” and “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu or by contacting the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at [email protected].
Image caption: The arrival of oxblood lilies in Texas indicate that summer is ending and autumn is beginning.

08/23/2026

The First County Agent (Greg Grant, 8-23-26)
I’m proud to be the only county agent in America not only serving the county he was born in, but in the very county that hosted the first county agent in the nation. When people think about national agricultural milestones, they often picture Washington, D.C., or one of America’s major land-grant universities. Few realize that one of the most important developments in agricultural education and outreach began right here in Smith County.
More than a century ago, East Texas farmers faced declining crop production, challenging economic conditions, and limited access to the latest agricultural research. Scientists at land-grant universities were discovering new farming methods, but there was no effective way to get that information into the hands of the farmers who needed it most.
That changed on Nov. 12, 1906, when local leaders gathered in an opera house near Tyler’s downtown square with Dr. Seaman A. Knapp of the United States Department of Agriculture. Also attending were County Judge S. A. Lindsey and approximately 44 community leaders, many representing the Tyler Commercial Club. Their goal was simple but ambitious: improve agriculture and strengthen the local economy. The result of that meeting would make history.
On that day, Smith County appointed William C. Stallings, a respected farmer from the Dixie Community west of Tyler, as the first county agricultural agent in Texas and the first in the United States assigned to serve a single county. The concept proved revolutionary. Instead of expecting farmers to travel to colleges for information, the knowledge would come directly to them through a local agricultural professional who understood their needs and challenges.
The county agent concept built upon the success of an earlier demonstration farm established in Kaufman County under Knapp’s leadership. Those demonstrations showed that research-based farming practices could significantly increase yields and profitability. Smith County took the next critical step by creating a dedicated local position to help farmers adopt those proven methods.
The success of Stallings and other early agricultural educators helped lay the foundation for what would eventually become the Cooperative Extension Service. In 1914, Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act, formally creating a nationwide extension system that connected land-grant universities with local communities. The act established a partnership that continues today, bringing research-based education to citizens and businesses across America.
Although it has been removed (temporarily I hope) for construction purposes, a historical marker on the courthouse square in downtown Tyler once commemorated Smith County’s role as the birthplace of the county agricultural agent concept. The marker served as a reminder that a locally driven effort to improve farming practices eventually inspired a national system that continues to benefit agricultural industries, home gardeners, families, youth, and communities.
Today, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service continues that mission in Smith County. Local county extension agents provide educational programs in agriculture and natural resources, horticulture, family and community health, and 4-H youth development. While the programs have evolved, the purpose remains much the same as it was in 1906: to make Texas better by providing innovative solutions at the intersection of agriculture, natural resources, youth and health, thereby improving the well-being of individuals, families, businesses and communities through education and service.
It is a legacy that began right here in Smith County, making Tyler not only the Rose Capital of America, but also the Agricultural Education Capital of America.
Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” and “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu or by contacting the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at [email protected].
Image caption: Smith County had the first county agent in America.

08/16/2026

Earth-Kind Lecture to Feature Using Native Plants (Greg Grant)
Native plants continue to gain attention across East Texas, and for good reason. They provide food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife while often requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticides once established. Yet many homeowners remain hesitant to embrace native plants because of a common misconception that native gardens look wild, unruly, or poorly planned. An upcoming educational program in Tyler aims to challenge that myth and show gardeners how native plants can create landscapes that are both ecologically beneficial and visually appealing.
As part of the Summer Garden Series, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Earth-Kind Committee, the Smith County Master Gardeners, City of Tyler Water Utilities, and The Nectar Connector will present “Right Plant, Right Place: Designing Native Plant Gardens with More Intention and Less Chaos” on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Cotton Belt Building classroom, located at 1517 W. Front Street in Tyler.
The featured speaker will be Dawn Stover, horticulturist, conservationist, and consultant with The Nectar Connector. Stover is known for helping gardeners create landscapes that support pollinators and wildlife while maintaining beauty, order, and functionality. Her presentation will explore strategies for selecting native plants that work well together from both ecological and design perspectives.
One of the most valuable lessons gardeners can learn is that successful landscapes are not created simply by choosing attractive plants. Thoughtful garden design considers plant size, growth habits, bloom periods, soil conditions, sunlight requirements, and the way individual species interact with one another. The result is a landscape that not only looks better but also performs better over time.
Native plants can provide season-long interest with flowers, seed heads, foliage textures, and wildlife activity. However, placing the right plant in the right location, next to the right partners, is essential. A well-designed native garden can offer vibrant color, structure, and organization while supporting birds, bees, butterflies, and countless other beneficial species.
Anyone who has spent time browsing social media has likely seen examples of native landscapes that appear chaotic or unplanned. While such plantings may provide ecological value, other homeowners prefer a more intentional look that complements their homes and neighborhoods. This program will address how to balance ecological function with aesthetic appeal.
For East Texas gardeners facing challenges such as summer heat, drought, and increasing interest in water conservation, native plants can be a practical solution. Learning how to combine species effectively and create attractive garden spaces can help gardeners feel more confident about incorporating natives into existing landscapes or starting progressive new projects.
Whether you are a home gardener, a Master Gardener, or a Master Naturalist interested in attracting more pollinators to your landscape, this educational event offers an opportunity to gain valuable insights from an expert in the field.
Registration is encouraged, and interested participants can reserve a spot through the event registration link provided on the program flyer found on my Greg Grant Gardens page or by calling the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office at 903-590-2980.
Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu or by contacting the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at [email protected].
Image caption: Native plants in the landscape can be both beautiful and ecological functional.

08/15/2026

More about our iconic post oaks.

The Post Oak Savanna was once a thriving, vibrant mosaic of native ...

08/14/2026

My latest blog is about the current blistering heat and drought here.

“The devil called and wants his weather back.” That old church sign still sums up those summers when the heat seems endless, the rain disappears, and the garden starts looking more like a desert than a landscape. Other than the spots that I’m watering with sprinkler, can, jugs, and hose, mine ...

08/09/2026

Post Oak Decline (Greg Grant, 8-9-26)
A good portion of Smith County (including the city of Tyler) falls withing the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. My childhood home in Longview was also surrounded by post oaks as is my farm in rural Shelby County. This ecoregion is in decline, however. The decline of the Post Oak Savanna is one of the greatest yet least recognized conservation stories in Texas. As I prepare for an SFA Gardens lecture on the topic, I've been reflecting on just how much this unique ecosystem has changed during my lifetime.
The Post Oak Savanna once formed a broad transition zone stretching across east-central Texas between the Blackland Prairie to the west and the Pineywoods to the east. It was neither prairie nor forest, but rather a rich mosaic of native grasses, wildflowers, scattered post oaks, blackjack oaks, shrub thickets, wetlands, and small woodlands.
The ecosystem evolved over thousands of years through the combined influences of fire, grazing by large native animals, drought, and climate. Frequent fires, both natural and intentionally set by Native Americans, maintained open grasslands dotted with widely spaced trees. These savannas supported an incredible diversity of plants and wildlife, from little bluestem and Indiangrass to meadowlarks, quail, turkey, pollinators, and countless other species. Today, much of that landscape has vanished.
The decline did not happen overnight. Instead, it resulted from generations of land use changes. Fire suppression allowed woody vegetation to thicken and shade out native grasses and wildflowers. Overgrazing, land clearing, urban expansion, road construction, and the conversion of native habitat to improved pasture further altered the landscape. In many areas, invasive exotics gained a foothold as native plant communities weakened.
Ironically, even the iconic post oak (Quercus stellata) itself has been struggling. Mature post oaks are increasingly affected by soil compaction, root disturbance, climate extremes, construction activities, and old age. Across East Texas, many residents have noticed once-vigorous trees gradually declining or dying. While insects and diseases are often blamed, these are frequently secondary problems that attack trees already stressed by environmental conditions. The lack of seedling tree regeneration is compounding the problem.
What makes this loss particularly troubling is that we are not simply losing trees. We are losing an entire ecosystem and the biological diversity that comes with it. Native grasslands and savannas are among the most endangered habitats in North America. As these systems disappear, so do the wildlife species and native plants that depend on them.
The good news is that restoration is possible. Landowners can protect remaining native habitat, reintroduce prescribed fire where appropriate, manage invasive species, limit disturbance, and plant native grasses and wildflowers. Even homeowners can contribute by preserving mature trees, reducing soil compaction around roots, limiting irrigation, and incorporating native plants into their landscapes.
Conservation begins with appreciation. Many Texans drive through the remnants of the Post Oak Savanna every day without realizing they are seeing one of the state's distinctive ecological regions. Understanding its history helps us recognize what has been lost and what can still be saved.
The Post Oak Savanna may never fully return to its former extent, but with thoughtful stewardship, future generations can still experience fragments of the diverse landscape that once connected the Pineywoods and prairies.
If you’d like to hear more about this subject, attend my free SFA Gardens lecture “Postmortem: The Decline of Post Oaks and an Entire Ecosystem” August 13, 7-8 pm at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center in Nacogdoches. For more information see the SFA Gardens page, call (936) 468-4129, or email [email protected].
Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu or by contacting the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at [email protected].
Image caption: Post oaks are declining and dying in East Texas.