Azaleas Across East Texas Making A Comeback
As predicted some of the beautiful Azaleas across Deep East Texas are making a comeback. There isn't a huge bloom like in years past, due to the freezing temperatures we experienced. They are putting on a show that we will get to enjoy for weeks. Usually now (Mid-March to Mid-April) was the best time to see the beautiful flowers, but it seems like this timeline was pushed back a bit by the freeze. Winter Storm Uri had us worried that the Azaleas would go missing.
People come from all over to visit Nacogdoches and see the 8 acre Ruby M. Mize Azalea garden. It is expected to reopen this week. The Gayla Mize Garden doesn't have a date yet, they are still clearing trails there. The Mast Arboretum at SFA is open and ready. Nacogdoches isn't only billed as the 'Oldest Town In Texas' they are also 'The Garden Capital of Texas.' Visit NacogdochesAzaleas.com for more information on the garden, and the best time to plan your visit.
SFA Gardens has been working very hard on brush removal, and saving all the trees and plants they can. There has been more than a few pine trees that had to be cut down, and smashed plants found in their gardens. I really think the worst is behind them, as they are ever optimistic.
You could plant your own Azalea plant this year, or an entire garden. The best time to plant is in the late spring or early fall. The deciduous variants are the hardiest and can be grown further north than here, so if it gets super cold again, they can survive.