Big Garden Centers (Houston, Mesquite, Schertz: for sale, Home Depot, landscaping)

[Blue_Iris_3]

Well, now that all the boxes are unpacked and the holiday decorations are put away, it's time to do that yard.

Does anyone know of any good garden centers. In the Houston area there are big places that have 70% off sales right now so that they will have room for the new stuff in the spring. Is there any places like that here. I live east to northest side of town. I went to home depot, but I have to say that the prices here are not that good and they said that thier stuff never goes on sale?

I would be looking for plants, edging, garden tools, retaining wall bricks, that kind of stuff.

Thanks in advance

[The Man in SATX]

Gardenridge Pottery Up in Schertz.. Right up IH35.

[TXtrkgrl]

I don't know if they have any sales right now. But Milberger's is a huge landscape nursery. Check them out:
Milberger's Landscaping and Nursery

[Bowie]

Most of the garden center sales here seem to happen at the end of the growing season. I remember seeing plants for 50% or more off advertised in September and October.

I usually buy those items other than plants that you mentioned at Lowe's or Home Depot.

I've had the best luck with plants that I've purchased from Shades of Green. They're not the cheapest place in town to buy from, but they sell good stuff and they have a very knowledgable staff. Co-owner Bob Webster hosts the weekend Garden Show that airs Saturday and Sunday mornings on KTSA.

[patriotizm]

Right now the plants for sale out there don't look that great, at the big box stores or the nurseries. (The winter annuals have peaked, as they should have been in the ground a month ago.) But it's still a great time to plant shrubs and trees.

As far as plants, Milberger's is great. I also like Rainbow Gardens on Thousand Oaks...their staff is amazingly knowledgeable.

[sapphire]

The Rainbow Gardens on Bandera is great, too. I just love walking through there. The Garden Center a little further down Bandera is nice, too, although I am not sure if they sell retaining wall bricks, etc. They might, I am just not sure. I know Rainbow Gardens does.

[yosoyway]

Where's a good place to buy a tree and what would be a good tree to purchase for this area?

I wanted a mesquite but my wife said no.

[TXtrkgrl]

Originally Posted by yosoyway

Where's a good place to buy a tree and what would be a good tree to purchase for this area?

I wanted a mesquite but my wife said no.

Again, I would recommend the website above for Milberger's. They only sell what would grow good in this area and they are very knowledgeable. The number is on the website, give 'em a call.

[Blue_Iris_3]

Thanks for all the Info. I will be checking these places out.

Yes, I do realize that the stuff for sale right now does not look so good, but that's the kind of stuff I'm looking for. You would be surprised how looks are not everything this time of year. I have gotten some really good plants, trees and bushes on sale in the off season that just looked pitiful when I bought them. Also, they don't seem to suffer as much during transplanting. Besides since I'm no master gardener I don't feel as bad when they don't make it .

Now its off to prepare the terrain, not really my favorite part.

Thanks again

[catriona]

Originally Posted by yosoyway

Where's a good place to buy a tree and what would be a good tree to purchase for this area?

I wanted a mesquite but my wife said no.

You can probably find good trees Milburgers or any of the homecenters. Perhaps someone else can give you better advice on that.

As for the tree of choice, I agree with your wife! Mesquites have these thorns that are 2" plus that go through shoes and even through volleyballs...we have several in our yard and I can't wait for them to die out. They are very hardy and drought resistant, but those thorns have been a real problem. I'd choose a live oak, red oak or cedar elm. We have all three in our yard and they each contribute to the beauty of the landscape in different ways, as well as providing good shade. The live oak is slow growing, but as the years go by, it has become more and more majestic. The red oaks are gorgeous when they turn colors and grow faster than the live oaks. The cedar elm is an excellent shade tree, although it does drop tons of small leaves all over the patio. I still wouldn't trade it for a mesquite any day!! You can check out this website for other ideas:

Bexar County's Best Plants - Texas Cooperative Extension

Good luck and happy gardening!