Gardening

Don't Let Landscape Become A Vines Creep Into Landscaping Role

by Dr. William M. Johnson
Galveston County Extension Agent - Horticulture

September 21, 2005

The cascading clusters of tubular, flaring, 3-inch blue flowers produced by the Blue Skyflower Vine welcomes visitors to the Horticulture Demonstration Garden located at the Galveston County Extension Office in Dickinson. Photo by William M. Johnson.

Visitors to the County Extension Office in Dickinson frequently express delight and surprise as they past under the trellised entrance to our Horticulture Demonstration Garden adjacent to the office. The first plant most visitors notice is a vine with striking and massive displays of blue-colored blooms. If they are fortunate to be visiting when gentle breezes are gracing the landscape, they become captivated by the swaying motion of the flower clusters.

This distinctive floral show is courtesy of a vining plant known as Blue Skyflower Vine (Thunbergia grandiflora). This vine is a woody twiner and well-suited for arbors and porches. It is a root hardy vine with lush, heart-shaped leaves.

Blue Skyflower Vine will dependably produce clusters of tubular, flaring, 3" blue flowers. The flowers are borne in cascading clusters. While it dependably provides a flower show during summer and fall, it will also flower during spring if the preceding winter was mild.

Be aware that this vine is a vigorous grower and may require regular pruning to control direction or size or, if you have the space, allow it to roam free. It prefers sun to afternoon shade. The prolific and showy flowers and dense foliage make this a choice addition to any landscape.

Such performances serve as a reminder of the beauty and usefulness of vines in the landscape. Vines include plants, whether woody or herbaceous, that require some support for their proper growth. There are annual and perennial vines, woody and herbaceous vines, evergreen and deciduous vines, flowering vines and vines grown primarily for their foliage or fruit.

Vines have several advantages in the landscape. Most vines, trained on a support, require very little "ground room." This is a real advantage for the small garden or for limited planting areas.

Many vines are fast growing which can provide a quick effect or accent for the garden. The impatient gardener should plant vines for that fast lushness which is only achieved after a number of years with trees and shrubs.

Evergreen vines may be used for screening for privacy, and make attractive drapes for often austere chain-link fences. Many flowering vines make an interesting and colorful accent for a wall or fence where it quickly climbs to the top of its support to cascade down with seasonal blooms.

Blue Skyflower Vine as well as many other vines, perennials, ornamental grasses and flowering shrubs will be available at the upcoming Ornamental & Perennial Seminar & Sale, sponsored by the Galveston County Master Gardeners on Saturday, October 8 (see inset).

Regardless of selection, vines offer a lushness that cools the summer garden. Vines can provide diversity in plant form and texture in the landscape as well as a practical means of utilizing difficult handle areas. Don't overlook the benefits offered by this group of plants.

Fall Pecan Day Set For Thursday, September 22, In Santa Fe

Home and commercial pecan growers are invited to participate in the Fall Pecan Field Day activities on Thursday, September 22, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Jim Hall’s Pecan Orchard located at 11813 - 28th Street in Santa Fe. Whether you grow one or several pecan trees, the Orchard Tour will be of value to you in producing high yields of quality nuts.

Bill Ree, Extension Pecan Entomologist from Texas A&M, will provide a presentation on insect pests on pecans. Presentations will also be given by members of the Galveston County Extension Fruit & Pecan Committee. Performance of a wide assortment of pecan varieties will be discussed as part of the orchard tour. Identification and control measures for current disease and insect problems will also be discussed.

Individuals who have insect, disease, or other pest problems are encouraged to bring plant samples in plastic bags for diagnosis and control recommendations. A total of 2 Continuing Educational Units (CEUs) will be offered for Pesticide License Recertification (please bring a copy of your Private Applicators License).

The general public is invited to attend. The program is sponsored by the Galveston County Extension Fruit and Pecan Committee and Texas Cooperative Extension, The Texas A&M University System. To obtain a map and for additional information, contact the County Extension Office (281-534-3413, Ext. 6) or visit my website address listed below.

Dr. Johnson is a horticulturist with the Galveston County
Extension Office of Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas A&M University. Visit his web site at http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.htm

Posted on October 6, 2005.

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