Experts in all fields have their tools, and that's especially true for gardeners and landscapers. Finding the right ax or fertilizer seems to be the key to a beautiful, bountiful (and weed-free!) herb and flower bed. We consulted Dallas-Fort Worth plant experts and learned the tools they use to help you create your own collection of certified garden supplies.
Erin Whale, Oasis Plant Shop
Willie grew up in a family of plant lovers and gardeners, so it's only natural that he now takes care of the plants and foliage at the Oasis Plant Shop. She started at Oasis when the store opened in the Bishop Arts District in 2018. Today, she runs her own social media, buys plants, and has several outdoor gardens filled with seasonal herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Check out Oasis' list of tropical houseplants, dry varieties, native Texans, and seasonal offerings like pumpkins and Christmas trees.
1. Bamboo Gardening Gloves: “A good pair of gloves is essential for gardening. Not only does this ensure the manicure stays intact, but it also encourages good hygiene as many bacteria can live in the soil and compost. You will find gloves made of the most diverse materials, from leather to bamboo, just like the ones we sell in stores.
Whale tip: choose gloves that can be washed in the dishwasher or washing machine for easy cleaning; She recommends this pair from The Bamboo Gardener.
2. Steel Hand Shovel/Hand Shovel: “A hand shovel is a great way to break up dirt and mix things like compost and manure. Look for an all-steel blade so it doesn't break in half at the point of contact. Hand shovels are also essential for getting seeds or starter plants into tight holes.
3. Foam Garden Organic Fertilizer: “Most fruit and flowering plants require you to fertilize until they reach their full potential. Fertilizers come in many forms, from liquid to granular materials such as lawn and plant fertilizer. Plant fertilization is a way of returning nutrients to the soil after it has been depleted by sunlight and runoff.
Kali Works Leary, Dallas Garden School
A Dallas native, Works-Leary specializes in urban food gardening and the production of cut flowers and perennial gardens. After working as a researcher at the Dallas Arboretum, she knew gardening was her calling. "I didn't know what it would look like back then," he says. Enter the Dallas Garden School. Works-Larry founded the organization to provide research-based gardening education tailored to the North Texas region through live classes, on-demand video classes, and subscriptions. "My lifelong mission is to help others lead happy and fulfilling lives," she says.
1. Leonard Hori Hori (ground knife): “The hori hori knife is a versatile Japanese gardening tool. I wear it to work in the garden. It can be used for planting, pruning and compost cutting. Bags or plants as needed.” ..As an accurate measuring tool. My favorite is AM Leonard's. It's sturdy and the bright orange handle makes it easy to find in the garden if I misplace it.
2. Microlife All Purpose Organic Fertilizer: “Continuous fertilization is key to a productive vegetable or cut flower garden. My favorite fertilizer is Microlife All-Purpose. This is a slow release organic fertilizer made by a Houston based company. I mix it into the soil before planting and it lasts for three months. "It's the only fertilizer I use to grow tomatoes, and this year I harvested over 600 pounds of old tomatoes from just 20 plants."
3. Bebounder Tube Lights: "It might go without saying, but if you're serious about growing your own food, you need to grow your own container plants." Growing the seeds indoors gives you control over the time and access to unique ones Sorts. . They are nowhere to be found Every year there are thousands of plants in my garage.
Nick Estos, Fort Worth Botanical Garden
Estes has worked at the Fort Worth Botanical Garden since 2016 and is the Director of Horticulture at the Japanese Garden. As a board member of the Japanese Horticultural Society of North America, he is deeply involved in the international Japanese horticultural community.
The Japanese Garden at the Fort Worth Botanical Garden is a traditional picnic garden with over seven acres of cherry trees, Japanese maples, magnolias, bamboo, bridges and koi ponds. You can enjoy the work of Esthus whenever the Botanical Garden is open, but the Japanese Autumn Festival (November 4 & 5, 2023) is a prime opportunity to celebrate the season and enjoy gardening at its best.
1. Secateurs: “I use this tool for precise pruning of Japanese gardens. Home gardeners will find it useful for trimming off-season perennials, harvesting garden vegetables, or trimming ornamental grasses.”
2. Soil Knife: "This tool is good for weeding, but can also be used for a variety of gardening tasks." It's great for digging, cutting, trimming, and even opening watering cans. Additionally, measurement markers can help gardeners determine planting. Depth. »
Courtney Esposito, beekeeper
Courtney Esposito has always had a passion for gardening and design. In 2017 she founded Bee Contained for her Green Thumb channel.
Esposito Services began by designing flowering plants and containers from seasonal flowers and foliage. However, the list of offerings includes interior design, landscaping, cut flowers, and holiday/seasonal decor (including a coveted fall pumpkin offering).
1. Better Than Rocks Container Garden Drainage Mesh: “I use this product on all my new plants to hold the soil in place, allow roots to breathe, and reduce water spotting in seasonal gardens. It is an easy to use product with many benefits. for your plants and your garden.
2. Living Earth Pecan Mulch: "Mulch protects plants from hot early fall days and cold winter evenings by conserving water and maintaining soil temperature." I love Living Earth Pecan Mulch because it's native to Dallas and appeals to any rock climber.
3. Corona Trowel: “This trowel is a must for all container gardeners. The ergonomic handle and large stainless steel blade make it easy to remove dead plants and add soil, fertilizer and mulch around new plants.
4. Nelson Color Star Fertilizer: “I add fertilizer throughout the growing season to encourage stronger plants and bigger buds. Nelson Color Star is a winner because it can be used on any indoor or outdoor flowering plant.
Rick Williams, Dallas County Master Gardeners Association
A member of the Dallas County Master Gardeners Association for 10 years, Williams loves gardening, especially when it comes to her personal garden. "I lead a group that maintains a community garden with a variety of plants and shrubs to improve the look of our neighborhood," he says. In addition, passionate volunteers host tours and lectures as members of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Speakers Bureau.
1. Forked: "I realize this tool has been around in one form or another since the caveman days, but if you're serious about weeding, it's a must." My lawn mower gets used so much, that I put tape around the handle and built a little mowing box for it so it catches dandelions and other weeds while mowing.
2. Handheld Spin Spreader: “I have found that a spreader is useful for a number of important tasks. First, if a fungal infestation occurs on your lawn, this spreader allows you to treat the stain with a fungicide. In addition, in the event of an infestation of the dreaded bed bug, you can treat the area with an insecticide.
