Q.How do I get rain lilies to grow in my lawn? They are so beautiful and seem to be a perfect addition to a healthy lawn without harming the grass.
A. I agree with you but not everyone does. Some gardeners consider rain lilies to be a weed that interferes with their version of a perfect lawn! The rain lilies are a perennial and grow easily from seeds like other wildflowers. Obtain the seed from neighbors who have rain lilies. It is also available on some seed racks at area nurseries or from internet suppliers like Native American Seed Company. Be alert to the different types of seed that are available. The species that grows best in our area is Zephyranthes chlorosolen.
Q.Which birds have been easiest for you to get them to lay their eggs in a nest box? Why don’t we get bluebirds?
A. Up until the last several years purple martins have been the species using the most birdhouses in my landscape. With the challenging weather and growth of my trees and shrubs, however, they no longer use the houses. Carolina and Bewick’s wrens’ nest all over the yard including in available houses. English sparrows, chickadees, titmice, and house finches also nest in houses in the yard. Some of the birds that nest in the trees and thickets of the yard without houses are mockingbirds, cardinals, white winged doves, and long-billed thrashers. The bluebird nesting range is close to our area and we often see them moving through but the only place close to my yard near the Medical Center in San Antonio where I have seen them using birdhouses is at the Texas A&M Agrilife headquarters area on HWY 46 in Comal County.