Landscaping in the Big Country with Adam Andrews

Landscaping in the Big Country with Adam Andrews is your weekly guide to thriving West Texas yards—lawns, trees, beds, soil, water-wise strategies, seasonal to-dos, and practical fixes for pests and disease. Broadcast live at noon Saturdays on NewsTalk1560, KZQQ-AM (Abilene, Texas), Adam answers listener questions and shares expert tips tailored to the Big Country climate. Send your questions for on-air consideration to [email protected]

It’s the last weekend of April, and spring is in full swing. Adam and Amber talk mowing, fertilizing, sod season, summer annuals, perennials, and why April and May are prime time for finding the best plant selection of the year.Adam’s Plant of the Week is Pentas, a heat-loving, pollinator-friendly annual that brings bold color to West Texas beds, pots, and commercial landscapes all summer long. They also dig into ladybugs, praying mantis eggs, native and adapted perennials, milkweed for monarchs, and how Willow Creek Gardens decides which plants truly belong in Big Country landscapes.

After a welcome April rain, Adam Andrews is back on Landscaping in the Big Country with guest Austin Starling for a timely spring update from Willow Creek Gardens. They cover mid-April lawn care, including why now is the right time for a second fertilizer application for lawns and trees, what kind of fertilizer to look for, and why spring remains one of the best windows for planting.The conversation also highlights what’s arriving at the nursery during the busiest stretch of the season—tropical hibiscus, bougainvillea, pentas, vinca, milkweed, ladybugs, praying mantis eggs, and more—along with why this is prime time for gardens, annual color, perennials, shrubs, and sod.Adam’s Plant of the Week is Calibrachoa, better known as Superbells, a heat-loving, long-blooming favorite that thrives in West Texas containers and hanging baskets. The show wraps with a practical, detailed look at how to plant and water trees correctly, from hole size and root ball depth to staking, mulching, and why deep, focused watering matters far more than relying on a sprinkler system.

This week on Landscaping in the Big Country, Adam and Amber tackle another dose of classic West Texas weather—summer heat one day, a cold front the next—and explain what that means for tender plants, new deliveries, and spring planting plans. They share practical tips for protecting outdoor pots and fresh plantings from sudden wind and temperature swings, along with a look at all the new color, pottery, tropicals, and blooming plants arriving at Willow Creek Gardens.Adam’s Plant of the Week is the Texas Bluebell, a striking Texas native also known as lisianthus, and he breaks down why it is such a standout in local landscapes, from its bold color and long bloom season to its pollinator value and native toughness. The episode also dives into one of the busiest spring topics at the nursery: sod season. Adam and Amber compare the different grass options they carry—including Celebration Bermuda, Tahoma 31, Palmetto St. Augustine, and Palisades Zoysia—and explain the pros, cons, sunlight needs, and why proper prep matters before you lay a single piece.Along the way, they talk tropical care guides, plant truck excitement, why checkerboarding sod is a mistake, and how to make smart planting decisions now while spring is still getting started. It’s a practical, timely episode for anyone trying to keep up with a fast-moving season in the Big Country.

It’s classic March in West Texas—91 degrees one day, near freezing the next—and Adam and Amber spend this episode helping listeners navigate the weather roller coaster. They cover what to do before the weekend’s strong winds and cold snap, including why it’s smart to water outdoor plants ahead of time, what should be brought inside, and why freeze cloth or an old sheet beats plastic every time when protecting tender vegetation.With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, Adam’s Plant of the Week is the clover, and he clears up the difference between true clover and oxalis while sharing why both can be useful, attractive choices in the right part of the landscape. Then the show shifts into one of the biggest spring topics at Willow Creek Gardens: sod season. Adam and Amber break down the grass varieties now available—Celebration Bermuda, Tahoma 31, Palmetto St. Augustine, and Palisades Zoysia—including sunlight needs, drought tolerance, cold tolerance, and what homeowners should know before choosing one.They also walk through the practical side of laying sod: why checkerboarding is a bad idea, why you usually don’t need to till heavy clay soil, how to prep the area correctly, why pre-ordering matters, and the smartest time of year to install new grass before summer heat takes over. It’s a timely, practical episode packed with early spring advice for anyone trying to stay one step ahead of the weather.

Spring is starting to wake up across the Big Country, and Adam and Amber cover everything that comes with it. This episode looks at the early signs of the season, from much-needed March rain to the flood of new plant trucks arriving at Willow Creek Gardens with fresh color, shrubs, pottery, tropicals, and more.Adam’s Plant of the Week is the live oak, and he explains why it remains one of the best long-term shade trees for West Texas, including its growth habit, durability, history, and what homeowners need to know about its annual leaf drop. The show also covers what to tackle right now in the landscape: pre-emergent timing, tree and shrub drenches, dormant oil for fruit trees, weed control, sprinkler checkups, and why it is still too early for Bermuda seed.They also discuss what gardeners can plant now, what is still coming soon, and why patience matters with warm-season plants like crepe myrtles, lantana, plumbago, and esperanza. It’s a practical early-spring episode packed with timely advice to help you get ahead before the season fully takes off.

Willow Creek Gardens is rolling into the early spring rush, and Adam and Amber are here with the February game plan. With plant trucks arriving and the nursery turning green again, they break down what’s showing up first—fresh shrubs and trees, fruit trees, cool-season color, herbs and veggies, and some early surprises that usually don’t hit until later.Plant of the Week is Dianthus—also called pinks or sweet William—a tough, cool-season favorite loaded with color, fragrance, and variety. Adam explains why dianthus thrives right now, how it performs through the seasons, and why it’s a great choice for beds that need an instant lift.They also cover the big “get-ahead” list for this time of year: servicing mowers and checking sprinkler systems before everyone gets booked up, pruning windows for trees and shrubs, rose timing (and why climbing roses are different), refreshing mulch, and planning ahead for spring projects. Plus, they dive into February’s most important lawn step—pre-emergent—including the three-application calendar for West Texas and what those treatments prevent as the season heats up.Finally, they hit what you can plant now for fast payoff: redbuds before they bloom out, climbing color like Carolina jessamine, bluebonnet starts, cool-season vegetables and herbs, and strawberries while supplies last.

Adam and Amber take advantage of the spring-like weather to walk listeners through what should already be on the early-season checklist. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, they share quick gift ideas from the nursery, then shift into the real timing window for winter work—tree pruning before bud break, cutting back overgrown shrubs, trimming roses (but not climbers), refreshing mulch beds, and getting lawn equipment serviced before repair shops get backed up.They also encourage homeowners to check sprinkler systems now for clogged heads or freeze damage, and to get on the schedule early if they’ll need a mowing or landscaping company this season. The Plant of the Week is the Redbud, with Adam explaining the differences between eastern and western varieties, why redbuds bloom before leafing out, and why now is the perfect time to plant one.The episode wraps with a strong February reminder: pre-emergent season is here, and staying ahead of crabgrass, sandburs, and other tough West Texas weeds starts now—not after they’ve already taken over.

It’s the last day of January, it’s freezing outside, and Adam, Amber, George (and a napping Willis) kick off a “what now?” episode after a wild week of closures and nonstop firewood sales. With Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, and a family wedding on the horizon, Adam names the Texas state flower—bluebonnets—as Plant of the Week and breaks down the real way they grow: the tough seed coat, how (and when) to scarify seeds, why you don’t need soil prep, and the hilarious truth about “it’s illegal to pick them.”Then it’s all about February prevention: pecan buying tips, the Farmers’ Almanac (final paper edition), and the nursery’s month-by-month lawn guide—plus a deep dive into early-season protectants like drenches, horticultural oils, and scale control, including why timing matters.In the final segment, Adam lays out the most important early lawn move of the year: pre-emergent—when to apply it, how long it lasts, why it beats chasing weeds later, and the difference between pre- and post-emergent products. Bonus: a smart West Texas strategy with an optional May application to help fight late-season troublemakers like sandburs and khaki weed.

A hard freeze is on the way, and Adam starts with the simplest move that makes the biggest difference: water before the freeze. He explains why hydrated plants handle cold better than stressed, dry ones—and which outdoor color plants and newly planted trees need a soak. Then it’s all about January tasks: freeze cloth basics, pecan-buying tips (dry and clean), and a quick look at what to start planning for now as vegetable season approaches—onions, asparagus, potatoes, and other cool-season favorites.In the second half, Adam welcomes special guest Eric Veith for a timely deep dive into pruning season: when to do heavy cuts (now through mid-February), what to leave alone (especially crepe myrtles), and how to prune safely and correctly—tools, sharp chains, and the three-cut method that prevents bark tear. They also talk power-line trimming, why “line clearing” isn’t real tree pruning, and why winter is the perfect window for transplanting trees and shrubs—plus a quick preview of upcoming fruit tree planting season.

January may feel quiet in the yard, but broadleaf weeds are already thriving—especially after a mild winter and a little rain. Adam and Amber break down the most common broadleaf weeds showing up right now (like henbit, clover, prickly lettuce, aster, and spurge), plus what actually works to control them. They explain the big categories (broadleaf vs grassy vs nut sedge), how to choose the right product for your lawn type, and why temperature matters more than most people think when spraying.They also share a practical warning about weed-and-feed products near trees and shrubs, when dicamba can be a problem, and how to shift from “killing what you see” to preventing the next wave with pre-emergent as spring approaches.

Adam and Amber talk quick, practical cold-front prep—what to bring in, what to cover, and why winter watering still matters when it’s been dry. Then they spotlight lucky bamboo as a New Year “good fortune” plant (what it really is, how to care for it, and what the stalk counts symbolize). In the second half, they tackle mistletoe—the romantic tradition that’s also a parasite in our trees—where it shows up, how birds spread it, and the best ways to knock it out or prune it back before it weakens branches. They wrap with a reminder that, warm spell or not, this is still prime season for tree trimming and planting.

With Christmas just days away and temperatures climbing into the 80s, Adam and Amber talk through what the warm, unpredictable weather means for your landscape right now. They explain why it’s best to leave green plants alone, when to wait on cutting back perennials, shrubs, and roses, and how mistimed pruning can actually cause more damage once colder weather returns.The conversation also covers tree planting season, why winter is ideal for getting trees established, and how proper placement can save homeowners years of problems. Adam walks through common mistakes—planting too close to houses, utilities, pools, and power lines—and why a little planning now makes all the difference later.They wrap up with last-minute Christmas gift ideas from the nursery, including trees as long-term gifts, houseplants, outdoor décor, and easy grab-and-go options for holiday gatherings, all while keeping things light, seasonal, and very West Texas.

Adam previews a warm weekend followed by a quick cool-down, then highlights Willow Creek Gardens’ Workshop Warehouse Open House—a come-and-go event where you can build terrariums, sand art, kokedamas, and succulent gardens. The workshop is open Saturday 10–5 and Sunday 1–5.Adam is joined by Dan Schueler, president of the Abilene Society of Model Railroaders, to talk about the club’s layouts, scales, and how family-friendly the hobby is—plus what visitors can expect at their open house, including interactive details for kids and a scavenger-hunt-style search for hidden features. Both events are in the same building, making it an easy two-for-one weekend stop for holiday fun and gift ideas.

Adam and Amber ride the mid-December weather roller coaster and kick things off with Small Business Saturday plus details on next weekend’s big double-header: the Willow Creek Gardens Workshop Warehouse Open House and the Abilene Society of Model Railroaders open house, with terrariums, sand art for the kids, and plenty of Christmas gift ideas. From there, they dig into holiday plants—clearing up myths about poinsettias, explaining how to keep them healthy indoors, and walking through the differences between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter cactus, including how light and darkness affect blooming.The conversation then turns to winter and spring color with a rundown on bulbs: which ones perennialize in West Texas (daffodils, hyacinths, grape hyacinths, paperwhites) and which are annuals here (tulips), plus how and why to pre-chill bulbs in the fridge. Adam wraps things up with a look at a strong pecan year in the Big Country, why pecans are such a valuable shade and food tree, and how Willow Creek is buying local pecans and turning them into gift-ready treats—candied pecans, smoked pistachios, local honey, and more—perfect for Christmas parties, office gifts, and stocking stuffers.

On this post-Thanksgiving episode of Landscaping in the Big Country, Adam and Amber Andrews shake off the turkey haze and dive into late-fall yard care on KZQQ 1560. They start with Small Business Saturday, a quick Abilene weather rundown, and why today is the day to finish outdoor chores before the next hard freeze settles in.From there, they recap the first Workshop Warehouse open house and preview the next one coming up in December — complete with terrariums, sand art for the kids, coca-dama projects, and even a tie-in with the Abilene model railroaders’ open house next door.Adam then spends time on holiday cacti — explaining the real difference between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter cactus, how growers “cheat” the seasons with light and darkness, and how to keep yours blooming instead of rotting: light levels, watering, soil mixes, mycorrhizae, and simple tricks to get a second bloom cycle.The show wraps with practical winter prep and gift ideas: bringing tropicals inside, using freeze cloth on veggies, dialing sprinkler systems back for winter, timing leaf cleanups, protecting pets, and creative Christmas gifts like trees, tropical houseplants, pecan gift trays, and workshop gift certificates from Willow Creek Gardens.

On this episode of Landscaping in the Big Country, Adam Andrews opens the show with a look at our much-needed rain, a mild forecast heading into Thanksgiving, and why now is prime time for leaf cleanups, winter color, and that “last mow” before putting the lawnmower to bed for the season. Adam also spotlights the Eldarica (Afghan) pine as Plant of the Week — explaining why it’s nearly tailor-made for West Texas and how it can pull double duty as a living Christmas tree you enjoy indoors now and plant in your yard later.Amber is across the street hosting Willow Creek Gardens’ Workshop Warehouse open house, so Adam holds down the fort with special guest Victor Hernandez of Blue Jay Landscaping & Tree Service and climber/arborist Casey Souffle. They dig into what really goes into safe, professional tree work — climbing, rigging, chainsaws in the canopy, and why good gear, training, and planning matter. Victor talks about building Blue Jay from mowing yards at 14 into a full-scale landscape and tree company, why he got out of maintenance to focus on higher-skill work, how he thinks about pricing, advertising, and word-of-mouth, and even how he approaches hiring, training, and (when he has to) firing.It’s a mix of practical seasonal advice, tree care talk, small-business honesty, and a reminder that in West Texas, you can still be in shorts while you’re getting ready for Christmas.

It feels like midsummer in mid-November, but Adam and Amber lay out a smart plan for the week ahead: record-warm days now, a mild front with rain on the way, and how to prep without overreacting—bring in true tropicals, cover tender bloomers with cloth (not plastic), and switch sprinklers to winter settings while you tackle leaf cleanups and a final mow. They explain why fall is the best time to plant trees, why frost—not the number on the thermometer—does the damage, and why it pays to stock firewood before the first real cold snap.

It feels like midsummer, but the calendar says Thanksgiving is only three weeks away. Adam and Amber talk about the rollercoaster of West Texas weather and how to prepare for the season’s first possible freeze. They share tips on bringing in tropical plants, covering tender blooms, and why frost—not the temperature—is what really does the damage.You’ll also hear advice on resetting sprinkler systems for winter, leaf cleanup, and why now is the perfect time to plant new trees. Amber previews the upcoming Terrarium Workshop Open House at the Willow Creek Gardens warehouse, and Adam highlights the Plant of the Week—the bright red Flanders poppy, a traditional symbol of remembrance for Veterans Day.Plus, they discuss this year’s pecan harvest, when to stock up on firewood, and a few weekend projects to get your yard ready before the holidays.

As November begins, Adam and Amber talk about preparing your landscape for cooler weather—everything from bringing in tropical plants and protecting your outdoor faucets to setting your sprinkler system for winter. They’ll explain why freeze cloth is better than plastic, when to mulch and clean up leaves, and how to keep your St. Augustine and fescue healthy through the season.Plus, a look at planting trees in fall, restocking firewood before the first real cold front, and this week’s featured plant—the colorful and cold-hardy pansy. And don’t miss their discussion on pecan season in the Big Country: where they go, how to sell them, and what makes a great-tasting nut.

Adam and Amber ease us into “pre-fall” and what that means for your yard. Timely to-dos: it’s the last call for fall lawn fertilizing and pre-emergent; true freeze talk can wait. Fall color arrives with violas (heat-tolerant pansy cousins), wonderfully fragrant stock, ornamental kale & cabbage, and eye-popping ornamental peppers (pretty—don’t rub your eyes!).Plant of the Week: Chinese Pistachio (Pistacia chinensis) — a Texas Superstar shade tree that laughs at heat, cold, and clay. Expect long life, strong fall color (oranges → reds), deep non-surface roots, pest resistance, and minimal mess (female berries dry in place). Listener Eric calls in to rave about his—and yes, birds will “help” plant a few extras.

West Texas is easing toward fall, and Adam & Amber share how the shorter days and cooler nights kick plants into gear. We hit the week’s forecast, the State Fair effect (bring that rain!), and a quick celestial note on daylight. Then: a fun recap of our succulent-pumpkin workshop.Plant of the Week is Asiatic (Asian) Jasmine—why it’s the near-bulletproof, evergreen groundcover for Abilene (shade to sun, drought-tough, low-maintenance) and how to plant and use it in beds and containers.

Adam & Amber kick off this week’s Landscaping in the Big Country with a look at the skies—Saturn opposition and the autumn equinox. They spotlight a community car wash supporting Dyess We Care’s Operation Special Santa, then dig into the plant of the week: mint. From peppermint to mojito, chocolate to pineapple, they share varieties, uses, and even its surprising bug-repelling powers. Plus, fall lawn care tips, pre-emergent timing, and why September is prime time for mums, bulbs, and planning new trees and shrubs. Tune in for a mix of gardening know-how, local flavor, and a few laughs.

Fall is (almost) here—even if the thermometer still says 95. Adam & Amber break down exactly when to put out pre-emergent, your final lawn fertilization, and why mums (Chrysanthemum grandiflorum) are the perfect plant-of-the-week—plus how florist mums differ from hardy garden mums. They cover raised-bed basics (drainage + soil mix), frost-tolerant fall veggies and herbs to start now, and smart watering for St. Augustine. Bonus: pumpkins are in, sod season is closing fast, and fall is prime time to plant trees in the Big Country. Tune in for practical, local how-tos that make your landscape thrive.

A wild Texas weather swing kicks off this week’s Landscaping in the Big Country as Adam & Amber dive into fall prep: when to put down pre-emergent (and why it beats curative sprays), tackling nutsedge and khaki weed, and why pecan “suckers” won’t grow into true trees. Plus, plant spotlights on the century plant (Agave americana), bromeliads, and easy-care air plants, with practical tips on cold-hardiness, watering, and variegation. Tune in for local, no-nonsense advice made for the Big Country.

Adam Andrews zeroes in on this week’s biggest Big Country yard problems—what to tackle now, what to hold until the temps break, and the money-saving move most folks overlook. Quick, West-Texas-proof fixes you can put to work today.

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