Crepe Myrtles
Today, a beautiful 10-foot Tuscarora crepe myrtle was planted in the southwest corner of the backyard of The Bungalow. Adding this tree to the landscape was long-awaited and much-anticipated.
The tree was purchased at Tom’s Thumb Nursery, and its crew handled the installation. As expected, all went well, and the job was done right. The correct size hole was dug. Nutrients were added to the soil. The tree was planted in the ground securely and straight up. Then, it was given the right amount of water. Afterwards, mulch was added to the area.
The crew of four made the job look easy, but it was a crew of four. Folks who think planting a large tree is a do-it-yourself project need to rethink that (unless they have lots of extra hands around to help).
Crepe or Crape Myrtles?
The crepe myrtle, commonly called the “lilac of the South,” is one of the area’s most beloved and iconic trees. It is prized for its long blooming season - in the heat and height of the summer. The way a person spells the name of this tree is interesting; it offers a clue to one’s geographic origins.
I grew up in Louisiana, enjoying the beauty of lots of crepe (with two Es) myrtles, the most commonly accepted “southern” spelling. North of some unspecified crepe-myrtle border line, it become crape myrtle.
But, despite the difference in spelling, these trees offer hundreds of blooms, colorful leaf color in fall and exfoliating bark in a variety of colors (from brown to gray to pink) in winter. To me, crepe myrtles are four-season wonders!
Tuscarora
I chose a Tuscarora Crepe Myrtle for the back yard of The Bungalow - for a number of good reasons.
First its color. This variety will produce hundreds of vibrant, coral-pink flowers next summer. Secondly, it can grow just about anywhere - perfect for barren areas or trouble spots. Thirdly, Tuscaroras don’t need much planting space. They are great for planting in small areas or next to structures (like my cedar fence).
The Tuscarora is also cold hardy. It can withstand temps as low as zero degrees. So, no need to worry about having to top it off during Galveston winters.
And, last but not least, Tuscaroras are highly resistant to disease, powdery mildew and leaf spot. So, fungicide treatments will not be needed. I now have a spectacular tree without the problems.
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2022
- Mar 17, 2022 Ivy Dishes
- Jan 29, 2022 Grace Episcopal Church
- Jan 1, 2022 100 Years
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2021
- Aug 25, 2021 My Fig Tree
- Apr 28, 2021 Darlene's Shrimp
- Apr 24, 2021 Oleander Festival
- Feb 27, 2021 Great Winter Storm
- Feb 10, 2021 The Mourning Wave
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2020
- Oct 26, 2020 Crepe Myrtles
- Sep 18, 2020 Trimming the Palms
- Jul 19, 2020 The Dancers
- Jul 11, 2020 Postcards
- Jun 20, 2020 Resilience Flag
- Jun 19, 2020 Juneteenth
- Jun 10, 2020 Silk Stocking
- May 27, 2020 Tree Sculptures
- May 6, 2020 Babe's Beach
- Apr 22, 2020 Opera House
- Mar 2, 2020 Texas Heroes Monument
- Feb 15, 2020 Mardi Gras Parade
- Jan 19, 2020 St. Joseph's Church
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2019
- Dec 15, 2019 Celebrations
- Nov 6, 2019 Fresh Paint
- Oct 21, 2019 Jazz Age Series
- Oct 20, 2019 ARToberFEST
- Oct 6, 2019 Stingeree
- Oct 5, 2019 Pumpkin Time
- Oct 2, 2019 Sea Turtles
- Sep 29, 2019 Powhatan House
- Sep 24, 2019 The Dolphins
- Sep 5, 2019 Lucas Apartments
- Aug 24, 2019 Sandcastles
- Aug 9, 2019 The Daily News
- Jul 18, 2019 Beach Walk
- Jul 10, 2019 La King's
- May 25, 2019 Pleasure Pier
- May 1, 2019 Bolivar Ferry
- Mar 15, 2019 Saengerfest Park
- Jan 19, 2019 Moody Mansion
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2018
- Dec 18, 2018 The Vintage Suitcase
- Dec 17, 2018 Festival of Lights
- Dec 2, 2018 Sunday Brunch
- Nov 21, 2018 Hendley Row
- Oct 27, 2018 Island Oktoberfest
- Sep 20, 2018 The Strand Clock
- Sep 16, 2018 St. Mary Cathedral
- Aug 11, 2018 No More Shed
- Jun 10, 2018 Rosenberg Library
- May 7, 2018 Stepping It Up
- May 3, 2018 A Happy Hour
- May 1, 2018 Ashton Villa
- Apr 21, 2018 96th Birthday
- Apr 1, 2018 Seawolf Park
- Mar 27, 2018 Ball High School
- Mar 15, 2018 East End
- Feb 1, 2018 Tremont House
- Jan 26, 2018 Menardi Gras
- Jan 24, 2018 Mardi Gras Decor
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2017
- Dec 1, 2017 Miss Ruby
- Oct 8, 2017 Railroad Museum
- Oct 7, 2017 Tall Ship Elissa
- Sep 9, 2017 Star Drug Store
- Sep 8, 2017 1900 Storm Statue
- Aug 6, 2017 The Turquoise Table
- Aug 1, 2017 Bishop's Palace
- Jul 23, 2017 Garten-Verein
- Jul 21, 2017 Yard Work
- Jul 16, 2017 The Strand
- Jun 17, 2017 Stewart Beach
- Jun 7, 2017 The Original
- Jun 3, 2017 Murdochs
- May 27, 2017 Bryan Museum
- May 19, 2017 Firemen on Call
- May 13, 2017 Williams-Borden Neighborhood
- May 1, 2017 Oleander City
- Apr 28, 2017 God Winks