Galveston Gardening

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Galveston Gardening
Galveston Gardening is a comprehensive resource dedicated to gardening along the Upper Texas Gulf Coast. It offers plant profiles, design ideas, and maintenance tips tailored to the region’s unique coastal climate. The site also promotes sustainable management practices suited for Galveston’s growing conditions. GG strives to help gardeners create resilient, beautiful outdoor spaces that thrive year-round in our Gulf Coast environment. Read More...

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Landscape Annuals
Annual flowers (those that survive only 1 season) can provide landscaped areas with more seasonal variety and colorful accents than most other plants. However, nothing has a more negative impact than a poorly maintained color area.
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Landscape Perennials
Galveston’s semi-tropical environment means we have an even broader selection of perennials than folks across the causeway. That being said – our changing weather (i.e. occasional freezes and drought) makes selecting landscape perennials somewhat of a moving target.
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Landscape Tropicals
Many tropicals, with good hardiness properties, can withstand the average low temperatures along the Texas Upper Gulf Coast. These plants can often be seen as mature specimens in the landscape.
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Earth-Kind Roses
Earth-Kind is a special designation given to select rose cultivars by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service through the Earth-Kind landscaping program. It is based on the results of extensive research and field trials and is awarded only to those roses demonstrating superior pest tolerance, combined with outstanding landscape performance.
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Landscape Shrubs
Shrubs are small-to-medium-sized perennial woody plants. Unlike herbaceous plants, shrubs have persistent above-ground woody stems. Shrubs often form the foundation for landscape plantings.
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Native Plants for Coastal Landscapes
Creating landscapes that conserve water and reduce environmental impacts are of increasing importance during this era of environmental change. The use of native plants is playing a vital role in addressing these critical issues. Our coastal location provides excellent growing conditions for a wide range of native Texas plants.
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Shade Trees
Shade trees are not only an important part of the landscape, they also contribute to a healthy and sustainable environment. Following the significant impacts of Hurricane Ike on our island tree inventory, planting adapted species is even more important.
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Tree Planting Guide
Before you begin - consider the available space and be sure to look UP to see if there are utility lines that may cause problems as the tree matures. Then follow these step by step guidelines.
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Palm Trees
Palms are an important part of Galveston's landscape. With well over 20 different palms species to choose from, it can be confusing and difficult to select the most suitable specimen for landscape use.
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Citrus & Fruit Trees
One of the best parts of gardening here in Galveston is the ability to grow a number of tropical and semi-tropical plant materials - including citrus. Check out these valuable resources on how best to manage citrus plantings, identify common citrus pests and suggestions on the best citrus-types for our area.
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Heirloom Plants of Galveston
In the late 19th century, Galveston was known as the “Wall Street of the South,” and wealthy residents often showcased their prosperity with elaborate Victorian gardens filled with roses, palms, and exotic ornamentals.
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EyeOnWater
EOW is an innovative water-use monitoring tool that allows residents to track their household or business water consumption in real time. Developed in partnership with water utilities, it connects directly to digital water meters and displays usage data through a user-friendly app or web portal.
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Home Landscape Irrigation Guide
The goal of a landscape/gardening irrigation system is to provide plants with a controlled water supply - optimizing growth while conserving valuable natural resources. These systems are designed to deliver water efficiently to plants, considering factors such as soil composition, plant species, and environmental conditions.
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Conserve, Preserve and Protect
Check out these resources on landscaping principles and practices that can create beautiful, easy-care landscapes, while conserving and protecting natural resources and the environment.
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Vegetable Gardening Guide
This guide is designed to provide BASIC information on some of the most BASIC topics routinely encountered in the garden. These topics are, by no means, inclusive of all areas of garden science required for SUCCESS. They will, however, provide some useful and valuable information for planning and problem solving.
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Pest Management Guide
We tend to have elevated lawn and garden insect/mite problems here on Galveston Island. Regardless of what path you choose for control, proper identification is the first step in the decision-making process. There are numerous insect and mite pests that attack landscape and garden plants. Find out more about the most commonly occurring pests we have to contend with.
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Coastal Herb Gardening
Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and rosemary add vibrant flavors to everyday cooking, making meals healthier and more aromatic. Many herbs are highly ornamental, adding texture, fragrance, and seasonal color to garden beds, patios, or containers.
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Bird Friendly Landscape Plants
Using well-adapted, bird attracting plants is an important and sustainable approach to landscaping on the Upper Texas Gulf Coast. These plants are naturally suited to the region’s soils, high humidity, salt air, and periods of drought or heavy rainfall, making them low-maintenance choices for homeowners and public spaces.
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Planting Guidelines for Galveston Gardens
Planting annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs in Galveston and the Upper Texas Gulf Coast must take into account the region’s unique climate and soil conditions. With hot, humid summers, mild winters, and the constant presence of salt air and coastal winds, plant selection and placement are especially important. Read More...

Pruning Guidelines for Landscape Plants
Pruning is essential for maintaining the health, safety, and aesthetic appeal of landscape plants in the Galveston area. Removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches helps prevent the spread of pests and pathogens. Read More...

Fundamentals of Plant Propagation
Propagating plants from the garden offers immense value and numerous advantages to both seasoned and novice gardeners. It not only saves money but also promotes sustainable gardening practices. Additionally, propagating plants allows for the preservation of specific traits, ensuring that desirable characteristics are perpetuated in successive generations. Read More...

Basic Plant Nomenclature
For most gardeners, understanding plant names can feel overwhelming because the scientific terms are unfamiliar and often in Latin. Common names add to the confusion, since one plant may have several different names depending on the region.
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Mindful Gardening
Mindful gardening is the practice of tending to plants with full awareness and presence in the moment. It encourages gardeners to slow down, observe nature closely, and connect deeply with the rhythms of growth and change. By focusing on the sights, sounds, and sensations of the garden, mindful gardening reduces stress and cultivates a sense of peace. This approach transforms gardening from a task into a meditative and restorative experience.
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Gardening for Health & Wellness

As a gardening enthusiast, you've probably spent many hours reading and researching about how to produce a healthier, more beautiful garden. But have you ever thought about how gardening can produce a healthier you?
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GG Blog on Blogger
For several years Galveston Gardening regularly posted to Blogger, with a wide range of garden information. Over time the blog was discontinued BUT it still remains on-line, with some interesting and humorous garden info. Click on the GG Blog Archive link to access the posts.
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GG on Facebook
At one time Galveston Gardening regularly posted on Facebook. Although there are no NEW posts, the site is still active with a variety of information and links to useful gardening info for Galveston and the Upper Texas Coast Read More...

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