Microclimate Mastery: Plant Palettes That Work With, Not Against, Austin In Austin, no two gardens are the same. A front yard bakes under western sun, while a side courtyard rests in permanent shade; hilltop slopes drain fast, while creekside soils stay damp long...

Plants are the living element tempering hardscapes lines. Giving softness, movement, and life. Outdoor rooms are defined as much or more by plant palettes as by hard materials, creating spaces that feel evolved yet refresh our souls. Shade defines comfort and anchor...

Landscape design is more than curb appeal—it’s a curated extension of lifestyle, balancing Texas heritage with modern edge. For discerning homeowners, landscape isn’t a backdrop—it’s a statement. Outdoor spaces are entering a new era: where sustainability meets...

Watering in Austin requires strategy for conservation and for plant health. Our climate swings from drought to downpour so choosing native and adapted plants like agaves, salvias, and lantanas helps. Knowing how and when to water is also important. Water deeply;...

Wonder what plant names mean? Why is there a common name and a scientific (botanical) one? Common names like Cone Flower or Black-Eyed Susan can hold different meanings depending on the region or the person referring to it. These same names can refer to more than 1...

Of course, xeriscaping saves water. But we have the power to actually cool our planet using xeriscaping! Xeriscaping is a cactus or agave plant and rocks all over, right?  To put it bluntly, NO. This type of landscape will burn plants and raise ambient...

Our planet is resilient and will overcome obstacles to restore equilibrium. Nature is capable of miraculous things! Let’s give it a boost. Best way to do this? Rewilding. Sounds great but what is it? Rewilding is any activity that promotes our biosphere’s return to a...

Earth Day 2025’s theme was applied to energy; but it also applies to our greenspaces approach. We do have “power”, to benefit the planet, individually and collectively by incorporating plants in more nuanced ways. Green installations and maintenance are artificial...

Are oaks, eagles, and lichen related?  Yes! They are “keystone species.” These species are organisms that have a huge impact upon an ecosystem. Larger than their abundance in that system would suggest. They keep nature’s systems healthy and producing food for all...

“What’s your sign?”  NOPE  “What’s Your Soil?” Austin is a crossroads with 3 soil types and your plants feel the difference. Most Common in Austin Edwards Plateau: Generally, west of I-35. Exposed and/or crumbled limestone and clay soil. Challenge: usually not enough...

Austin is unique. Our music, food, and culture. Unique for plants too; Greater Austin encompasses 3 Eco Regions and 2 climate zones - from Jarrell to San Marcos, and roughly Bastrop to Dripping Springs.   Fortunately, this resource helps with climate zones. The...

What is “Smart” Irrigation and why should I care? Let’s start with why. 2 huge reasons. Beneficial to the environment It will hit your pocketbook one way or another very soon. Get ahead of it and reap the savings faster! Like up to 50%!!! PLUS get the bragging rights...

Water is News. Where it’s from, going, and the prognosis for more. Too much water or too little. Conservation always important. Modern cities, like Austin, have long range plans which usually include demands to use water sparingly, and encouraging xeriscaping. Texas...

Dirt, Soilless Potting Media, Soil What’s the difference? Can Leaf Landscape Supply help me get the most out of my plants wherever I plant them? You bet! Dirt: It’s everywhere and usually not where you want it!  – and it’s not alive, in the sense that it helps...

Organic is always better than synthetic, right? Happily, mostly yes. Interestingly enough, plants don’t care! Basics of fertilizers, important to know. Both organic and synthetic contain NPK, the top 3 substances needed in the soil to encourage healthy plants. Both...

What are we talking about? Fertilizer! Ah, feeding plants. Right? Nope. Feeding the soil plants grow in! Let’s start with 2 terms: pH and NPK pH is the term used to describe how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The scale runs from 0 (highly acidic/battery acid) to...

Let’s ask a different way. How can I reduce the amount of water I use in my yard? Now that’s a great question! Not surprisingly, there is a specific scientific explanation of Xeriscaping, which would make your eyes glaze over. What you really want to know is, “What...

What we surround ourselves with matters. It’s true of friends and influences, and equally true of plants. Trees, shrubs, and plants are key parts of climate strategy; in our personal living space, the block and city where we reside, our country, and ultimately our...

We humans connect with nature using our physical senses and at an instinctual level which probably transcends all senses combined. That link is so strong medical professionals are now writing prescriptions to spend more time in green places – parks, neighborhoods, and...

Not away from something - to something - your personal living oasis! Palatial or postage stamp, it’s the space that enfolds you into its timeless embrace. Where deadlines… and dinner can wait. An estate, half acre, a trio of potted plants on your deck, or indoor...

Plants are incredible! They are a positive in any situation. Need an immune health boost? Add a plant or a bunch of them! Increase your home’s value? Same. Give wildlife a hand or enhance your inside space? Yep, add plants! It’s always a wise decision to bring nature...