First thing to do is get your planting beds ready. Everything dug up, weeds and grass killed, compost, etc... added. Vinca does well until it gets hot, then it burns up, Ivy takes over everything. There are tons of plants that will do well from seeds. Are you in an area with deer? I've got some rose bushes, but deer will eat them unless you cage them in with wire.

I am in a deer area. We have part of the yard fenced and I do plan to eventually plant roses within that part of the yard. I have learned quickly that the deer here are not picky. Before I hurt my back I planted a few things in front (they were supposed to be things deer do not like) and the deer just ripped them out and left them. I thought deer do not eat roses because of the thorns? I am not worried about the ivy - I do not like mowing almost 2 acres! Does Vinca not do well in the shade here either? I am going to try some seed.

Welcome to the forum. Its a great place to get info. I am just down the road in Belton. I would be glad to give you cuttings or seeds for the plants I have in my yard. I would suggest that you reconsider the ivy. Its a mess, gets everywhere and for some reason rats and mice really seem to like it.

Are you new to the area? Just a thought based on all the people that seem to move in and out of the Killeen/Ft. Hood area.

If you are not from this part of Texas, the first thing I would suggest is that you do a little research on native and adapted plants. Even if you grew up here, its a great way to develope a low maintaince yard. I would also suggest that you not rush into getting the beds planted. Make sure you plan out what you want were. I normally tell people to plan based on what the plants will look like in three years. That little plant in a four inch pot may look funny when its first planted, but three years later when its three feet tall and three feet wide, you know why you spaced your plants out like you did.

Oh, a cheap way to get plants is to buy from the Bell County Master Gardener's plant sale. They just had the spring plant sell and there will be another one in the fall. They specialize in adapted plants for this area. Oh and they are cheap. Most everything is less than $7.00. A lot of the four inch pots are only a dollar or two.

this is running long, so I better close, but you should also plan a trip to Austin to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. They have three different "Yard Setups" using native plants. Its very informative and a great weekend trip for the family. Be sure and take a note pad to write down the names of the plants you really like.

I have some St Johns Wort that you can have. It spreads really well. My 4" pot from last year is now about 3 ft X 3 ft. Low growing ground cover. Also some mint if you have a damp area that you want to fill up quickly.

Thank you both!! I have sent you both an email. I love the advice and will definitely plan a visit to the Lady Bird Johnson Center and will watch for the plant sale in fall!!

Jackie, I have a few things I could send you. I live quite a distance from you, but would be happy to box up a few nice items for you. I will also provide complete instructions with each plant start or seed. Shoot me an e-mail with your mailing address, please. Cheryl

Hey I teach at the high school in C.C. and I would be happy to give you some Jasmine, cannas, pink evening primrose, nandenas( small-sorry). Let me know!

nip-n-tat, I love cannas and nandinas!! I am not ready for Jasmine - I know where I want it but a retaining wall needs to go in place first. Send me an email and I will set a a time to meet. Thank you!!

Try the following website for advise about Hill Country gardening and deer. It also has a list of deer resistant plants.

The site was used as a resource for an article in "Texas Gardener" magazine titled "Gardening in Deer Country".

Go to the "Oh Deer!" tab.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hill Country Gardens

I had some friends that lived on a ranch, near Del Rio. There were lots of deer there. They had a fenced in area, near the house, where they grew some plants. There was one doe that became quite tame. They even put a cow bell on her to protect her during hunting season. She would jump over the fence, so she could eat the roses, in the yard. ( I think she only ate the flowers, not the thorns.) One time, she went missing, for several weeks, and they thought that hunters had gotten her, despite the bell. However, after several weeks, she showed up again, outside the fence, with two little ones in tow.

I dont have your email BUT here is my website and email- emial me and I will get back to you! www.bushwoodacres.com

I can give you some lavender obedient plant if you want something that spreads and some of that purple stuff that you can't kill with little pink flowers in it. I can't think of the name right now. Moses in a boat is one of the common names. Send me an email if you want any of that.

I didn't receive an email. Patecake78613@yahoo.com

Wow, nipntat, you must have some great veggies!!! We now know where to direct all our veggie garden questions. :)

I didn't either. Mine is right beside my name on each post.

Sorry. Things have been crazy with my boys the last few days. I sent the emails out. I am getting ready to go outside right now with my "little helper." Thank you to everyone for being so wonderful. I am looking forward to the day when I have a garden that is growing so well that I can share also.

prairiepaintbrush I would do my best to help out with any veggie question! My passion is growing tomatoes but I grow just about everything! I am putting in 5 herb beds at this time. Next year I will sell mostly heirlooms and a few hybrids. Hey Jackie I emailed you back yesterday!
I love sharing plants.

nip-n-tat, I also saw all the veggies you offer. I will call you next year when I plant. The boys talked their Dad into building us a small raised bed for veggies. They are going to be upset today when they see that a deer ate our biggest tomato plant. He completely ripped out the fence gate. Now I have to call the fence guy to come back and fix it!!

Jackie if you want another tomato plant I have a few extras! I would be glad to throw it in with the nandinas!

Jackie, I am sorry I missed your call today. I'll try to get with you tomorrow. I might be home but not sure yet. If not we can get together Monday morning if that is ok with you.

Mercy! I've never lived with deer problems. Sounds like a nice electrified wire might be helpful.

Jackie, give me a call if you want to come over in the morning. I'll be here just call me about an hour before you leave and get me up if its early, lol.

Kristy, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. You were so kind and now I have a great start. The divisions are beautiful and I will actually look like I have something growing!! You were wonderful and very patient with my "little helper."

You are very welcome. Your little boy is adorable. I know you have plenty to keep you busy for the next few days probably, lol. You are welcome to come back and get some more things when you get those in the ground. If you need help rooting any of the cuttings just let me know. Thank you for helping me make room in my bed for new stuff and weeding and transplanting the gardenia. It was a huge help to me. Sorry I had to rush off to work.

Thank you for the cake you left for me Jackie. That was really nice of you and a nice surprise after a yucky day.