By Norman Winter | Horticulturist, Author, Speaker

The Year of the Spirea has been so designated by The National Garden Bureau and The Garden Guy could not be happier. There is a spirea that is a landscape asset from spring through dormancy but a lot of you simply do not know about it. First let’s delve into a little horticulture humor. Yes, the common name is spirea. The botanical name is Spiraea.

So no family wars here, simply use the name you wish, or grew up with. You will have to learn how to pronounce the one you are using. Just kidding, they are the same.

The spirea is in the rose family and has the common name meadowsweet. Today, however, I am telling you about an incredible Spirea japonica or Japanese Meadowsweet called Double Play Candy Corn. This beauty will reach about 24 inches tall and 30 inches wide.

To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR Magazine. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.

By Tony Dean | tonydean.tx1@gmail.com

The Texas bluebonnet is the undisputed star of the wildflower show that is on display every spring all across Texas (when moisture is adequate). Another beautiful native flower, the Indian paintbrush, has earned a costarring role. In fact, the two are often seen growing together.

Indian paintbrush is also known by other names like Texas paintbrush, Scarlet paintbrush, Grandmother’s hair, Common red paintbrush, Butterfly weed, Prairie fire, Painted cup, and Painted lady. Most folks prefer to call it by its most popular name — Indian paintbrush.
Indian paintbrush flowers are named for the clusters of spiky blooms that resemble paintbrushes dipped in bright red and orange paint.

An Indian needed some special paintbrushes because he wanted to paint a sunset and he was frustrated that he could not produce any of the colors that matched the beauty of a sunset. He asked the Great Spirit for help and the Great Spirit provided him with paintbrushes to create his painting. After completing his work, the artist then discarded his used paintbrushes around the landscape. These paint bushes later blossomed into plants.

To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR Magazine. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.

By Jelly Cocanougher

Deep in the woods we rode from a lonely town. All I need is a little exuberant mystery within the trees. Caressing my inner monologue from all the sights seen and unseen, my eyes and ears are interlocking with every movement and sound hopeful to see something interesting along the riverbank and beyond.