Greg Grant Gardens

Avoiding Skin Cancer (Greg Grant, 8-2-26)
I come from a long line of fair-skinned Scots and English ancestors, so skin cancer has always been a concern in my family. Last year it became personal when I had a spot of squamous cell carcinoma removed from my face. I’ve also lost two friends to melanoma and watched another battle stage 4 melanoma. Those experiences have reinforced just how serious skin cancer can be for people who spend time outdoors.
Gardeners spend their lives chasing sunshine. We welcome it after rainy weather and depend on it for flowers, vegetables, fruit, and healthy landscapes. But while plants need sunlight, too much of it can be dangerous for gardeners. Many of us carry the evidence of decades spent outdoors in the form of wrinkles, scars, and sun-damaged skin.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in America, and outdoor enthusiasts are among the most vulnerable. Gardeners, farmers, ranchers, landscapers, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, and weekend yard warriors often accumulate years of sun exposure before realizing the damage being done.
When I was growing up in rural East Texas, sunscreen was rarely discussed. A deep tan was considered a sign of health and hard work. We wore short sleeves, went shirtless in the summer heat, and thought little about the consequences. In fact, peeling sunburned skin was almost a badge of honor. Only later did we learn that ultraviolet radiation silently damages skin cells over time, eventually showing up as wrinkles, age spots, precancerous lesions, or skin cancer.
I know many gardeners, farmers, and ranchers who have had basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas removed. Others have faced melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Treatments may include freezing, topical medications, surgery, or skin grafts. Some leave permanent scars, while others require ongoing monitoring to catch new problem areas early.
The challenge is that skin damage accumulates throughout a lifetime. Every sunburn and every long afternoon spent mowing, pruning, or weeding adds to your total exposure. In East Texas, where our growing season allows outdoor activity much of the year, the risk is even greater. Fortunately, prevention is far easier than treatment.
A wide-brimmed hat is one of the best investments an outdoor person can make. I always wear a ball cap with a bandana draped beneath it for neck and ear protection. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts shield the skin while often keeping you cooler than exposed skin. Sunglasses protect your eyes from ultraviolet damage, and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should become as routine as putting on gloves or eyeglasses.
Whenever possible, schedule outdoor chores during the cooler hours of the morning or evening. Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Just as importantly, pay attention to changes in your skin. New growths, sores that won’t heal, or moles that change size, shape, or color should be checked by a healthcare professional. The spot on my face bled every time I shaved before it was diagnosed.
As gardeners, we work hard to protect our plants from drought, insects, and disease. We monitor them carefully so they can thrive. It’s high time we give ourselves that same level of care.
The outdoors should remain a source of joy, beauty, and peace, not regret. Enjoy the sunshine that makes our gardens flourish but take simple precautions to protect your skin so you can continue enjoying the outdoors for many seasons to come.
Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu or by contacting the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at [email protected].
Image caption: All gardeners should pay attention to sun exposure.

Me talking about Hymenocallis caribaea 'Tropical Giant'.

The Exotic Lily That Refuses to Die! | Hymenocallis Spider Lily Think exotic plants are hard to care for? Think again! In this vide...

Greenhouse Pest Seminar to be Held July 31 (Greg Grant)
East Texas growers and horticulture enthusiasts will have an opportunity to sharpen their pest management skills on Friday, July 31, 2026, when the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service hosts the Greenhouse and Nursery Pest Management Seminar at the AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton. The one day program begins with registration at 8 a.m. and continues through the afternoon, offering a full slate of research based presentations designed to help greenhouse and nursery operators protect plant health while meeting regulatory requirements.
The seminar brings together experts from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas Department of Agriculture, and industry professionals. Topics range from biopesticide integration and disease prevention to ecological pest management and horticultural practices that support integrated pest management (IPM). Attendees will earn six Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units, one in Laws and Regulations and five in IPM, making the event both practical and professionally valuable.
Morning sessions will open with Mark Freeman and Sam Gray of Bioworks discussing how biopesticides fit into modern IPM systems. Dr. Kevin Ong, Extension Plant Pathologist and Director of the Texas A&M Disease Diagnostic Lab in College Station, will follow with a presentation on “Starting Clean and Keeping Clean,” a systems approach to managing greenhouse plant diseases. After a short break, Dr. Rafia Khan, Extension Entomologist, will address emerging greenhouse pests of ornamental crops, focusing on monitoring and management approaches. The morning concludes with Desaray Melina Delaloza, inspector with the Texas Department of Agriculture, reviewing current laws and regulations for nurseries and greenhouses.
Lunch will be provided, giving participants time to network with colleagues and industry representatives. Afternoon sessions will highlight ecological and cultural strategies that strengthen pest management programs. Dr. Arash Kheirodin of AgriLife Research and Extension Dallas will present “Ecologically Based Integrated Pest Management for Controlled Environment Cropping Systems,” followed by Dr. Andrew King of AgriLife Extension Overton, who will discuss horticultural practices that support IPM and promote healthy ornamental production.
Organizers emphasize that greenhouse and nursery industries face increasing challenges from insect pests, diseases, and evolving regulations. This seminar provides science based, practical information that growers can immediately apply to improve plant health and production efficiency. Beyond the technical content, the event fosters collaboration among professionals who share a commitment to sustainable and compliant pest management.
Registration is $50 per person and includes seminar materials and lunch. Space is limited, so advanced registration is encouraged. The Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center is located at 1710 FM 3053 in Overton. Participants may pre register by scanning the QR code on the event flyer posted on the Texas A&M AgriLife Smith County page or by contacting the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Overton at 903-834-6191.
For greenhouse operators, nursery managers, and landscape professionals across East Texas, this seminar offers a timely chance to learn from leading experts and strengthen integrated pest management programs before the busy fall production season. It is a day of education, networking, and shared commitment to growing healthy plants through sound science and stewardship.
Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.
Image caption: The greenhouse and nursery industry plays an important role in East Texas agriculture.

Planting for Monarchs Lecture (Greg Grant)
Monarch butterflies are among the most recognizable and remarkable insects in North America. With their brilliant orange and black wings and an annual migration that spans thousands of miles between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, monarchs continue to captivate gardeners, naturalists, and nature lovers alike. Unfortunately, their populations have declined dramatically over the last several decades, making habitat conservation more important than ever.
To help East Texans learn how they can make a difference, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Earth-Kind Education Committee, the Smith County Master Gardeners, and the City of Tyler Water Utilities will present a special Summer Garden Series program, “Monarch Waystations for Texas: Planting for Monarchs,” on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Cotton Belt Building, 1517 W. Front Street, Suite 116, Tyler.
The program will be presented by Carol Clark, a Texas Master Naturalist, member of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and Conservation Specialist with Monarch Watch. Clark has extensive experience educating Texans about monarch conservation and the plants needed to sustain them throughout their life cycle.
Participants will learn how to establish and maintain monarch waystations—special habitats that provide the food, shelter, and breeding resources monarchs need. These landscapes include milkweed, which serves as the sole host plant for monarch caterpillars, as well as nectar-producing flowers that fuel adult butterflies during migration.
Texas plays a particularly important role in monarch conservation. Often called the “gateway” for monarch migration, our state serves as a critical corridor for butterflies traveling north in the spring and south in the fall. Every year monarchs depend on Texas landscapes for egg-laying sites, caterpillar food plants, and nectar sources that help sustain their extraordinary journey.
Creating a monarch-friendly landscape does not require a large property. Home gardens, school grounds, church landscapes, community gardens, and even apartment patios can provide valuable habitat. By planting native milkweeds and a diversity of flowering plants that bloom throughout the growing season, gardeners can help support monarchs and a host of other beneficial pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
The presentation will also discuss practical habitat-management practices, including reducing pesticide use, providing water sources, and selecting native plants adapted to Texas conditions. Attendees will leave with information they can immediately apply to their own landscapes to make them more attractive and beneficial to wildlife.
This educational program is part of the ongoing Earth-Kind Summer Garden Series, which offers science-based information on gardening, conservation, water-wise landscaping, and other environmentally beneficial practices for East Texas residents. Admission is free, but seating may be limited. Those interested are encouraged to reserve a spot in advance by registering online at https://form.jotform.com/261795708925068
By learning how to create monarch waystations, local residents can play a meaningful role in conserving one of nature’s greatest migrations while adding beauty and biodiversity to their own landscapes. After all, helping monarch butterflies, our state insect, may be one of the simplest—and most rewarding—conservation efforts a gardener can undertake.
For more information, contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office in Smith County at 903-590-2980
Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.
Image caption: The monarch butterfly is the state insect of Texas.

My latest blog is about how my late mentor Dr. William C. Welch changed my life and career.

The Road Not Taken You’ve probably already heard that one of my mentors, Dr. William C. Welch, passed away last month. You may have read his obituary, my tribute article to him, or one of his numerous gardening books. He was probably the most prolific garden writer Texas ever produced, certainly within the Texas A&a

Learning to ID Pollinators Workshop (Greg Grant)
East Texas gardeners and naturalists have a new reason to grab their phone and cameras and head outdoors this summer. The Tri County Pollinator Series, a collaborative effort of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Cherokee, Smith, and Rusk counties, is bringing together enthusiasts to celebrate the insects and plants that keep our landscapes alive and ecologically functional.
On July 17 from 10 a.m. to noon, the spotlight turns to the Smith County Extension Office classroom, where participants will learn to use iNaturalist, a free app that helps identify and record native plants and pollinators. I will lead the workshop and demonstrate how everyday observations can contribute to real conservation data.
Citizen science may sound lofty, but it is as simple as noticing what is buzzing, crawling, or flapping around your garden. With iNaturalist, anyone can photograph a butterfly, bee, or bloom, upload the image, and instantly connect with a global network of naturalists. Each observation adds to a growing database that helps researchers track species distribution and seasonal changes. It is a way for ordinary Texans to make extraordinary contributions to understanding our environment.
This July session is the second in a three-part series designed to highlight pollinators’ vital role in Texas ecosystems. The series began April 17 at Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, where participants explored native plants and their insect partners. It will conclude August 14 at the Rusk County Extension Office with a honey tasting program that reveals how floral diversity shapes flavor, showing how what blooms in the field finds its way into the jar.
The Tri County Pollinator Series is more than a set of workshops; it is a celebration of connection. Students, home gardeners, Master Naturalists, and Master Gardeners alike will find common ground in the shared joy of discovery. Whether you are a seasoned observer or a newcomer to nature study, the iNaturalist training offers a hands-on introduction to documenting the world around you. Bring your smartphone or camera, curiosity, and a willingness to look closely. If you are able, download the iNaturalist app before you come and be prepared to help your classmates do likewise.
Space is limited for the Smith County event, so advance registration is encouraged. To reserve your spot, call the Smith County Extension Office at 903 590 2980.
Together, these programs invite East Texans to observe, appreciate, and protect the pollinators that sustain our gardens and wild spaces. Every bee, butterfly, and bug has a story to tell if we take the time to notice. So mark your calendar, charge your phone and camera, and join the movement to make East Texas a little more pollinator friendly. You will leave with new skills, new friends, and a deeper appreciation for the small creatures that make big things grow.
Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu, or by contacting the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at 903-590-2994 or [email protected].
Image caption: iNaturalist will help you identify the over 1,000 native bees in Texas.

Edible Gardening Workshop II (Greg Grant)
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Smith County Master Gardeners invite you to join their second Edible Gardening Workshop on Tuesday, July 9, at the Rose Garden Center’s Camellia Room in Tyler. Check in begins at 8:30 a.m., and the program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. This free event is open to the public and offers a full morning of practical, regionally relevant gardening wisdom.
The day begins with Clint Perkins, AgriLife’s Smith County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, who will present Water Wise Gardening Techniques. Clint will explain how East Texas soils accept, move, and retain rainwater and irrigation, and share tips for soil amendments, garden design, and watering strategies that help crops thrive even in dry spells. His talk will be especially useful for those managing vegetable gardens through our unpredictable summer rains.
Next, Dr. Jenna Anding, Professor and Extension Specialist in Nutrition, will guide participants through Food Preservation. She’ll cover safe, tested methods for canning and storing summer produce, emphasizing food safety and reliable recipe sources so gardeners can enjoy their harvest long after the season ends. Her presentation will help attendees avoid the pitfalls of unverified online recipes and ensure that their preserved foods are both delicious and safe.
Following a short break, I will take the stage for Summer Harvest and Planting. I will share advice on proper harvesting, choosing the right plants for summer success, and how to make the most of the hottest months. I’ll offer practical solutions for when things don’t go as planned or skipping the summer entirely, because every gardener knows that even the best laid plans can wilt under a Texas sun.
The program concludes with a special look at the Shade Garden Water Project at the Tyler Botanical Garden. Master Gardener Katy Barone will explain how volunteers have tackled water retention challenges on the sloping site, and Master Gardener Dan Ge**er will lead a short tour showcasing the improvements. For several years, the Shade Garden has struggled to keep moisture where it’s needed, but through clever planning and hard work, the team has made great strides. The walkway is shaded, and drinking water will be available for those joining the tour.
This workshop is a wonderful opportunity to learn from local experts, connect with fellow gardeners, and see firsthand how thoughtful design and community effort can transform a landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting your first pea patch, you’ll leave with new ideas and inspiration for your own garden.
For details or to register, visit https://form.jotform.com/261554572103149, visit the Smith County Maste Gardeners website or page, or call the Smith County AgriLife Extension office at 903-590-2980.
Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu, or by contacting the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at 903-590-2994 or [email protected].
Image caption: Southern peas and okra are two crops that can be grown during the summer in East Texas.

Thank You, Dr. Welch (Greg Grant, 6-28-26)
Dr. William C. Welch was one of those rare individuals whose influence continues to grow long after the person is gone. With his passing on June 8, 2026, those of us fortunate enough to know him lost a friend and a mentor, but his legacy lives on abundantly in the landscapes, libraries, and lives he helped shape across Texas and the South.
Dr. Welch devoted more than four decades to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, where he became one of the most recognizable and trusted voices in Southern horticulture. His work reached far beyond campus. He poured his energy into teaching county Extension agents, mentoring young horticulturists, and training generations of Texas Master Gardeners.
Those Master Gardener volunteer educators became his living legacy. Through his tireless efforts, volunteers were not only trained, but elevated, equipped with the knowledge and confidence to provide sound, research-based gardening advice in their own communities. His work ensured that good horticulture did not stay in the classroom but spread across counties, cities, and communities throughout Texas.
While his teaching was powerful, his writing may be what most gardeners will remember and continue to rely upon. Dr. Welch had a gift for taking complex horticultural concepts and presenting them in a way that was both beautiful and inspiring. He began by sharing practical updates with Extension agents and gradually expanded his audience through magazines such as Texas Gardener, Neil Sperry’s Gardens, and Southern Living.
But it was his books that truly cemented his influence. Titles such as Perennial Garden Color, Antique Roses for the South, The Bountiful Flower Garden, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers became staples for gardeners who wanted not just to grow plants, but to understand their history and place in the Southern landscape. These were not simply gardening manuals. They were celebrations of Southern culture, tradition, and beauty.
Dr. Welch understood something many overlook. Gardening is as much about people as it is about plants. His work on heirloom plants and antique roses helped preserve living pieces of history, connecting modern gardeners with generations past. His collaborations with fellow horticulturists further enriched that body of knowledge and ensured it would endure.
On a personal level, he was equally impactful. He had an uncommon ability to see potential in others and gently guide them forward. He challenged his students and colleagues, including me, to write, to teach, and to share what they knew. Many careers, including my own, took root because he took the time to invest in us.
It is impossible to measure how many lives he touched, how many gardens he inspired, or how many careers he nurtured. His influence is woven into the fabric of Texas horticulture and will continue to blossom for generations.
Dr. Bill Welch may be gone, but his passion remains perennial. Every time a gardener opens one of his books, plants an antique rose, or shares a pass-a-long plant, his legacy takes root once again.
Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, find his “In Greg’s Garden” column in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Pines, Pawpaws, and Pocket Prairies.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu, or by contacting the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at 903-590-2994 or [email protected].
Image caption: Dr. William C. Welch left a legacy in both gardens and garden writing.