Greg Grant Gardens

08/15/2026

More about our iconic post oaks.

The Post Oak Savanna was once a thriving, vibrant mosaic of native ...

08/14/2026

My latest blog is about the current blistering heat and drought here.

“The devil called and wants his weather back.” That old church sign still sums up those summers when the heat seems endless, the rain disappears, and the garden starts looking more like a desert than a landscape. Other than the spots that I’m watering with sprinkler, can, jugs, and hose, mine ...

08/09/2026

Post Oak Decline (Greg Grant, 8-9-26)
A good portion of Smith County (including the city of Tyler) falls withing the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. My childhood home in Longview was also surrounded by post oaks as is my farm in rural Shelby County. This ecoregion is in decline, however. The decline of the Post Oak Savanna is one of the greatest yet least recognized conservation stories in Texas. As I prepare for an SFA Gardens lecture on the topic, I've been reflecting on just how much this unique ecosystem has changed during my lifetime.
The Post Oak Savanna once formed a broad transition zone stretching across east-central Texas between the Blackland Prairie to the west and the Pineywoods to the east. It was neither prairie nor forest, but rather a rich mosaic of native grasses, wildflowers, scattered post oaks, blackjack oaks, shrub thickets, wetlands, and small woodlands.
The ecosystem evolved over thousands of years through the combined influences of fire, grazing by large native animals, drought, and climate. Frequent fires, both natural and intentionally set by Native Americans, maintained open grasslands dotted with widely spaced trees. These savannas supported an incredible diversity of plants and wildlife, from little bluestem and Indiangrass to meadowlarks, quail, turkey, pollinators, and countless other species. Today, much of that landscape has vanished.
The decline did not happen overnight. Instead, it resulted from generations of land use changes. Fire suppression allowed woody vegetation to thicken and shade out native grasses and wildflowers. Overgrazing, land clearing, urban expansion, road construction, and the conversion of native habitat to improved pasture further altered the landscape. In many areas, invasive exotics gained a foothold as native plant communities weakened.
Ironically, even the iconic post oak (Quercus stellata) itself has been struggling. Mature post oaks are increasingly affected by soil compaction, root disturbance, climate extremes, construction activities, and old age. Across East Texas, many residents have noticed once-vigorous trees gradually declining or dying. While insects and diseases are often blamed, these are frequently secondary problems that attack trees already stressed by environmental conditions. The lack of seedling tree regeneration is compounding the problem.
What makes this loss particularly troubling is that we are not simply losing trees. We are losing an entire ecosystem and the biological diversity that comes with it. Native grasslands and savannas are among the most endangered habitats in North America. As these systems disappear, so do the wildlife species and native plants that depend on them.
The good news is that restoration is possible. Landowners can protect remaining native habitat, reintroduce prescribed fire where appropriate, manage invasive species, limit disturbance, and plant native grasses and wildflowers. Even homeowners can contribute by preserving mature trees, reducing soil compaction around roots, limiting irrigation, and incorporating native plants into their landscapes.
Conservation begins with appreciation. Many Texans drive through the remnants of the Post Oak Savanna every day without realizing they are seeing one of the state's distinctive ecological regions. Understanding its history helps us recognize what has been lost and what can still be saved.
The Post Oak Savanna may never fully return to its former extent, but with thoughtful stewardship, future generations can still experience fragments of the diverse landscape that once connected the Pineywoods and prairies.
If you’d like to hear more about this subject, attend my free SFA Gardens lecture “Postmortem: The Decline of Post Oaks and an Entire Ecosystem” August 13, 7-8 pm at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center in Nacogdoches. For more information see the SFA Gardens page, call (936) 468-4129, or email [email protected].
Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu or by contacting the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at [email protected].
Image caption: Post oaks are declining and dying in East Texas.

08/02/2026

Avoiding Skin Cancer (Greg Grant, 8-2-26)
I come from a long line of fair-skinned Scots and English ancestors, so skin cancer has always been a concern in my family. Last year it became personal when I had a spot of squamous cell carcinoma removed from my face. I’ve also lost two friends to melanoma and watched another battle stage 4 melanoma. Those experiences have reinforced just how serious skin cancer can be for people who spend time outdoors.
Gardeners spend their lives chasing sunshine. We welcome it after rainy weather and depend on it for flowers, vegetables, fruit, and healthy landscapes. But while plants need sunlight, too much of it can be dangerous for gardeners. Many of us carry the evidence of decades spent outdoors in the form of wrinkles, scars, and sun-damaged skin.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in America, and outdoor enthusiasts are among the most vulnerable. Gardeners, farmers, ranchers, landscapers, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, and weekend yard warriors often accumulate years of sun exposure before realizing the damage being done.
When I was growing up in rural East Texas, sunscreen was rarely discussed. A deep tan was considered a sign of health and hard work. We wore short sleeves, went shirtless in the summer heat, and thought little about the consequences. In fact, peeling sunburned skin was almost a badge of honor. Only later did we learn that ultraviolet radiation silently damages skin cells over time, eventually showing up as wrinkles, age spots, precancerous lesions, or skin cancer.
I know many gardeners, farmers, and ranchers who have had basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas removed. Others have faced melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Treatments may include freezing, topical medications, surgery, or skin grafts. Some leave permanent scars, while others require ongoing monitoring to catch new problem areas early.
The challenge is that skin damage accumulates throughout a lifetime. Every sunburn and every long afternoon spent mowing, pruning, or weeding adds to your total exposure. In East Texas, where our growing season allows outdoor activity much of the year, the risk is even greater. Fortunately, prevention is far easier than treatment.
A wide-brimmed hat is one of the best investments an outdoor person can make. I always wear a ball cap with a bandana draped beneath it for neck and ear protection. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts shield the skin while often keeping you cooler than exposed skin. Sunglasses protect your eyes from ultraviolet damage, and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should become as routine as putting on gloves or eyeglasses.
Whenever possible, schedule outdoor chores during the cooler hours of the morning or evening. Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Just as importantly, pay attention to changes in your skin. New growths, sores that won’t heal, or moles that change size, shape, or color should be checked by a healthcare professional. The spot on my face bled every time I shaved before it was diagnosed.
As gardeners, we work hard to protect our plants from drought, insects, and disease. We monitor them carefully so they can thrive. It’s high time we give ourselves that same level of care.
The outdoors should remain a source of joy, beauty, and peace, not regret. Enjoy the sunshine that makes our gardens flourish but take simple precautions to protect your skin so you can continue enjoying the outdoors for many seasons to come.
Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu or by contacting the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at [email protected].
Image caption: All gardeners should pay attention to sun exposure.

07/31/2026

Me talking about Hymenocallis caribaea 'Tropical Giant'.

Think exotic plants are hard to care for? Think again! In this vide...

07/26/2026

Greenhouse Pest Seminar to be Held July 31 (Greg Grant)
East Texas growers and horticulture enthusiasts will have an opportunity to sharpen their pest management skills on Friday, July 31, 2026, when the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service hosts the Greenhouse and Nursery Pest Management Seminar at the AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton. The one day program begins with registration at 8 a.m. and continues through the afternoon, offering a full slate of research based presentations designed to help greenhouse and nursery operators protect plant health while meeting regulatory requirements.
The seminar brings together experts from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas Department of Agriculture, and industry professionals. Topics range from biopesticide integration and disease prevention to ecological pest management and horticultural practices that support integrated pest management (IPM). Attendees will earn six Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units, one in Laws and Regulations and five in IPM, making the event both practical and professionally valuable.
Morning sessions will open with Mark Freeman and Sam Gray of Bioworks discussing how biopesticides fit into modern IPM systems. Dr. Kevin Ong, Extension Plant Pathologist and Director of the Texas A&M Disease Diagnostic Lab in College Station, will follow with a presentation on “Starting Clean and Keeping Clean,” a systems approach to managing greenhouse plant diseases. After a short break, Dr. Rafia Khan, Extension Entomologist, will address emerging greenhouse pests of ornamental crops, focusing on monitoring and management approaches. The morning concludes with Desaray Melina Delaloza, inspector with the Texas Department of Agriculture, reviewing current laws and regulations for nurseries and greenhouses.
Lunch will be provided, giving participants time to network with colleagues and industry representatives. Afternoon sessions will highlight ecological and cultural strategies that strengthen pest management programs. Dr. Arash Kheirodin of AgriLife Research and Extension Dallas will present “Ecologically Based Integrated Pest Management for Controlled Environment Cropping Systems,” followed by Dr. Andrew King of AgriLife Extension Overton, who will discuss horticultural practices that support IPM and promote healthy ornamental production.
Organizers emphasize that greenhouse and nursery industries face increasing challenges from insect pests, diseases, and evolving regulations. This seminar provides science based, practical information that growers can immediately apply to improve plant health and production efficiency. Beyond the technical content, the event fosters collaboration among professionals who share a commitment to sustainable and compliant pest management.
Registration is $50 per person and includes seminar materials and lunch. Space is limited, so advanced registration is encouraged. The Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center is located at 1710 FM 3053 in Overton. Participants may pre register by scanning the QR code on the event flyer posted on the Texas A&M AgriLife Smith County page or by contacting the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Overton at 903-834-6191.
For greenhouse operators, nursery managers, and landscape professionals across East Texas, this seminar offers a timely chance to learn from leading experts and strengthen integrated pest management programs before the busy fall production season. It is a day of education, networking, and shared commitment to growing healthy plants through sound science and stewardship.
Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.
Image caption: The greenhouse and nursery industry plays an important role in East Texas agriculture.

07/19/2026

Planting for Monarchs Lecture (Greg Grant)
Monarch butterflies are among the most recognizable and remarkable insects in North America. With their brilliant orange and black wings and an annual migration that spans thousands of miles between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, monarchs continue to captivate gardeners, naturalists, and nature lovers alike. Unfortunately, their populations have declined dramatically over the last several decades, making habitat conservation more important than ever.
To help East Texans learn how they can make a difference, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Earth-Kind Education Committee, the Smith County Master Gardeners, and the City of Tyler Water Utilities will present a special Summer Garden Series program, “Monarch Waystations for Texas: Planting for Monarchs,” on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Cotton Belt Building, 1517 W. Front Street, Suite 116, Tyler.
The program will be presented by Carol Clark, a Texas Master Naturalist, member of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and Conservation Specialist with Monarch Watch. Clark has extensive experience educating Texans about monarch conservation and the plants needed to sustain them throughout their life cycle.
Participants will learn how to establish and maintain monarch waystations—special habitats that provide the food, shelter, and breeding resources monarchs need. These landscapes include milkweed, which serves as the sole host plant for monarch caterpillars, as well as nectar-producing flowers that fuel adult butterflies during migration.
Texas plays a particularly important role in monarch conservation. Often called the “gateway” for monarch migration, our state serves as a critical corridor for butterflies traveling north in the spring and south in the fall. Every year monarchs depend on Texas landscapes for egg-laying sites, caterpillar food plants, and nectar sources that help sustain their extraordinary journey.
Creating a monarch-friendly landscape does not require a large property. Home gardens, school grounds, church landscapes, community gardens, and even apartment patios can provide valuable habitat. By planting native milkweeds and a diversity of flowering plants that bloom throughout the growing season, gardeners can help support monarchs and a host of other beneficial pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
The presentation will also discuss practical habitat-management practices, including reducing pesticide use, providing water sources, and selecting native plants adapted to Texas conditions. Attendees will leave with information they can immediately apply to their own landscapes to make them more attractive and beneficial to wildlife.
This educational program is part of the ongoing Earth-Kind Summer Garden Series, which offers science-based information on gardening, conservation, water-wise landscaping, and other environmentally beneficial practices for East Texas residents. Admission is free, but seating may be limited. Those interested are encouraged to reserve a spot in advance by registering online at https://form.jotform.com/261795708925068
By learning how to create monarch waystations, local residents can play a meaningful role in conserving one of nature’s greatest migrations while adding beauty and biodiversity to their own landscapes. After all, helping monarch butterflies, our state insect, may be one of the simplest—and most rewarding—conservation efforts a gardener can undertake.
For more information, contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office in Smith County at 903-590-2980
Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.
Image caption: The monarch butterfly is the state insect of Texas.