The Garden Patch

A bi-monthly article written by Lake Granbury Master Gardener Phyllis Webster, The Garden Patch is published in the Hood County News.

Spring Blooms Signal Easter – March 28, 2026

Could the end of winter be more dramatic? Soaring temperatures swiftly followed by breezy, freezing nights. It’s hard for people to know what to wear, so imagine how hard it is to be a plant that’s continuously exposed to Texas weather extremes! Many early spring...

Enjoy Rain; Prepare for Drought – March 14, 2026

While we enjoyed the recent rains, gardeners in North Central Texas know that drought is a recurring character in the landscape story. Blazing sun, dry winds and weeks without measurable rainfall test even the most seasoned gardener. However, with thoughtful...

Picture A Warm Weather Garden – Feb 28, 2026

In winter, it’s normal to daydream about lush, blooming gardens. Craving warm days and abundant color comes naturally to most gardeners, especially when limbs are bare and many plants are dormant. In our mind’s eye, we visualize fiery reds, verdant greens, glowing...
Dream in December – Dec 27, 2025

Dream in December – Dec 27, 2025

As winter settles in and landscapes need less tending, gardeners look ahead. On chilly days it’s fun to cozy up on the couch with a computer and a pile of seed and plant catalogues. Thumbing through page upon page of plant offerings helps drive away winter blues....

Rudolph Go Home – Dec 13, 2025

Rudolph Go Home – Dec 13, 2025

Out on the lawn there arose a great clatter. One scarcely had time to see what was the matter. And then in a flash, there was noise on the porch — the prancing and pawing of each little hoof. Springing from the bed, we ran out the door. Horror of horrors, they had...

Wrap Up the Season – Dec 1, 2025

Wrap Up the Season – Dec 1, 2025

It may be time to shop, but before you wrap those Christmas presents, consider wrapping up your fall gardening chores. North Central Texas’ long growing season is finally winding down, but there’s still important work to do to ensure your landscape is healthy. Before...

Explore the 70/30 Rule – Nov 15, 2025

Explore the 70/30 Rule – Nov 15, 2025

Ever hear about the 70/30 gardening rule? It’s not so much a rule as a template for successful landscape and garden design — a framework that helps balance structure and spontaneity. As such, 70/30 is interpreted in various ways, such as the division of various plant...

Let Leaves Lie – Nov 1, 2025

Let Leaves Lie – Nov 1, 2025

Autumn arrives late in North Central Texas, but plants react quickly to the subtle weather changes. Cooler nights, brisk winds and shorter days trigger deciduous plants to begin their fall color change and the inevitable leaf drop that follows. Homeowners respond with...

Embrace Pocket Gardens– Oct 18, 2025

Embrace Pocket Gardens– Oct 18, 2025

A pocket garden may be small, but it can make a mighty impression due to its versatility. It’s attractive, yet functional. For example, a pocket garden can provide edibles, such as herbs, vegetables and fruit. It may serve as an alternative landscape that replaces...

Phyllis Webster has authored Garden Patch since 2001.  Phyllis earned a degree in journalism before embarking on a long career in public relations and marketing. A Granbury resident since 1998, she has been deeply involved in the community. She is an award-winning writer and photographer, as well as a Lake Granbury Master Gardener. 

Looking for a specific topic? Search here!