Joette Reger's archive

Itching to get an aloe growing?

People the world over love the aloe vera plant. There are more than 250 species of aloe. Surprisingly, the aloes are members of the lily family. Most of this healthy looking group are native to Africa. They are found in African deserts and the islands of Aruba and Barbados.

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Kalanchoe hates soggy soils

If it were to send out notices of a family reunion, the kalanchoe would have more than 125 envelopes to lick. An avid collector can find varieties from a few inches in height to a few feet tall. Some are creepers.

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Yard of the Month prize goes to …

We have a wonderful neighborhood right here in Southeast Texas that has “raised the bar,” as neighborhoods go. The Oaks Historic District neighborhood, which extends to all points like a compass from around Calder and Seventh Street, has activities all year for residents to get to know each other.

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Plenty of pluses in fall gardening

Lots of us don’t think about planting a garden in the fall, but it’s the perfect time for cool season veggie growing. We probably won’t have to worry about frost until mid November or later, so that gives weeks and weeks of “grow time.”

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Bees working in your garden

Do you see bees in your yard or garden? If the answer is yes, then you’re the lucky one. The value of bees in agriculture has been known for thousands of years. Bees are the most effective pollinators in the world. They are a valuable resource for gardeners, and you can help to increase their shrinking numbers.


The presence of bees can dramatically increase fruit and vegetable production. Without them, there would be limited flowers and even fewer fruits and vegetables. They make your garden a healthier place, and don’t you just love that subtle buzzing sound?

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