Landscaping in the Big Country with Adam Andrews 7/18/26: Texas Sage, Storm Recovery & Mid-Summer Gardening After the Rain

After an unusually wet July, Adam and Amber discuss how abundant rainfall is changing the gardening season across the Big Country. They cover timely summer tasks including grub prevention, fertilizing roses and crape myrtles, repairing storm-damaged trees, controlling mosquitoes, and restoring washed-out driveways and landscape beds after heavy rains. They also share details about an upcoming Taylor County Master Gardener seminar on houseplants and tropical plants.This week's Plant of the Week is the iconic Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens), also known as cenizo or the "barometer plant." Adam explains why this drought-tolerant Texas native bursts into brilliant purple blooms ahead of rainfall, discusses the best-performing varieties for West Texas, and offers planting and care tips for one of the region's most dependable landscape shrubs.The episode also explores how to properly interpret common plant tag information—including sunlight requirements, soil types, moisture needs, and growing zones—helping gardeners choose plants that will thrive, not just survive, in the challenging West Texas climate. Whether you're replacing storm-damaged plants, battling mosquitoes after the rain, or planning your next landscape project, this episode is full of practical advice for a healthier, more successful garden.