The Dirt from Garden Guy
Real Houston Advice. Real Before & Afters.
Todd Farber brings over 33 years of local horticulture experience—sharing no-fluff tips for your Houston lawn, garden, and landscape.
📸 See real before-and-after projects.
🌿 Get plant help that actually works in Texas.
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Trusted advice from Todd Farber—Houston's go-to horticulturist.
How to Get Rid of Doveweed Without RoundUp
Discover how to get rid of doveweed in your Houston lawn without using RoundUp. Garden Guy Todd Farber shares natural, effective solutions for killing weeds and replanting with healthy sod.
Best Perennials for Houston: 15 Proven Winners for Our Hot, Humid Climate
Looking for plants that survive Houston heat, come back stronger each year, and bloom beautifully? Garden Guy’s Todd Farber shares his top 15 perennial picks for Houston landscapes—including low-maintenance favorites like Salvia, Lantana, and Yarrow. These tough performers are proven in Sugar Land and across Southeast Texas.
Before & After: A Poolside Landscaping Makeover in First Colony – Sugar Land, TX
Transform your Sugar Land yard into a neighborhood envy with expert landscaping from Ask Garden Guy! We create stunning outdoor spaces tailored to your needs, from drought-resistant gardens to vibrant flower beds. Struggling with shade or soil issues? Our proven solutions and plant recommendations will ensure your landscape thrives. Whether you desire a tranquil oasis or a lively entertaining area, we provide bold strategies to elevate your space. Don’t settle for ordinary—cultivate extraordinary! Contact Ask Garden Guy today and start your journey to a breathtaking landscape that makes your property stand out. Your perfect yard awaits!
A poolside garden in First Colony, Sugar Land got a fresh new look with a custom Garden Guy makeover. We reshaped beds, added Texas-tough plants, and created a lush, low-maintenance retreat perfect for relaxing and entertaining.
✨ Before & After: Front Yard Makeover in Bridlewood Estates, Richmond TX ✨
This Bridlewood Estates home in Richmond TX got a full front yard refresh from Garden Guy Landscaping. We replaced tired shrubs with native, low-maintenance plants and bold new bedlines—delivering curb appeal that thrives in Houston heat. See the before & after! 🌿
🌿 Garden Guy Makeover of the Week: Sharpstown Edition!
This Sharpstown landscape makeover by Garden Guy turned a tired front yard into a colorful, low-maintenance showpiece! Designed by Aggie Horticulturist Todd Farber, it features layered beds, vibrant blooms, and curb appeal that grows better with time.
Landscaping for Homeowners: Sugar Creek Sugar Land Front Yard Makeover
We refreshed this classic Sugar Creek front yard with structured garden beds, evergreen plants, and a graceful brick walkway—creating a clean, low-maintenance landscape that boosts curb appeal and grows more beautiful over time.
Total Front Yard & Side Yard Landscaping Renovation in Commonwealth Estates, Sugar Land, Texas
Commonwealth Estates Front Yard Makeover: A Stunning Transformation- When a gorgeous home in Commonwealth Estates needed a fresh new look, Garden Guy stepped in to bring structure, color, and lasting beauty to the landscape. By redefining garden beds, enhancing plant selections, and refreshing the side yard, we created a cohesive and welcoming outdoor space.
Todd Farber, Texas A&M horticulture graduate and expert landscaper since 1991, designed a plan tailored to Houston’s climate, incorporating a variety of perennials, shrubs, and structural elements. The result? A landscape that complements the home’s stately architecture and thrives year-round.
✨ See the full transformation and explore the materials used! ✨
Before & After: A Stunning Landscape Transformation in Lexington Settlement, Missouri City, Texas
One year ago, this Lexington Settlement yard in Missouri City, Texas was full of untapped potential. Today, it’s a thriving, colorful landscape with defined beds, layered plantings, and year-round curb appeal. See how a thoughtful design and a little time made all the difference! 🌿
Sweetwater Landscaping Makeover: Fresh Curb Appeal with Smart Plant Choices
Garden Guy just completed a stunning landscaping makeover in Sweetwater, Sugar Land! 🌿✨ This refreshed front yard features drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plants with vibrant seasonal blooms and structured evergreens. See how we transformed this space with layered plantings, natural stone edging, and a design that will grow better with time. Check out the full project and get inspired for your own yard!
The Best Soil Mix for Transplanting Fruit Trees: Pears & Peaches Done Right!
Transplanting Acre Homes pear, Sam Houston peach, and Tex King peach trees? 🌱 The right soil mix is key to strong root development and a thriving orchard. Should you use rose soil, compost, or something else? Find out the best soil blend for successful tree planting and expert tips for long-term fruit tree health! 🍑🌳
Sweetwater Sugar Land Landscaping: Garden Guy’s Top Plant Picks
Garden Guy, Todd Farber, is transforming a front yard in Sweetwater, Sugar Land this week and sharing his top plant selections for a low-maintenance, beautiful landscape. From the drought-tolerant Aztec Grass to the vibrant blooms of Encore Azaleas, these plants are handpicked to thrive in Houston's climate. 🌿🌸
Want the full plant list with care tips? Read more & download the free guide! ⬇️
From Outdated to Outstanding—A Sugar Creek Landscape Makeover
Stuck in the 1980s! This Sugar Creek home had an outdated landscape with overgrown dwarf yaupon hollies, compacted soil, and zero curb appeal. We gave it a fresh, modern update with low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants and a polished new design. See the full transformation! 🌿✨ #HoustonLandscaping #BeforeAndAfter
A Front Yard Transformation in Sienna Village of Anderson Springs
From Sparse to Stunning: A Front Yard Makeover in Sienna Village
This front yard in Sienna Village of Anderson Springs needed a refresh, and we delivered! With defined garden beds, layered plant selections, and fresh mulch, we turned a struggling landscape into a lush and inviting entrance.
See the before & after photos and discover how the right landscaping can enhance curb appeal and add lasting beauty.
📍 Serving Sugar Land, Houston & Beyond!
👉 Read more & get inspired!
Best Backyard Privacy Tree
The Best Backyard Privacy Tree for Houston 🌿🏡 Looking for a low-maintenance, evergreen tree that provides year-round privacy? The Eagleston Holly is the perfect choice for Houston landscapes—resilient against heat, drought, and freezes, while offering beautiful greenery and natural screening.
✔ Thrives in Houston’s climate
✔ Low-maintenance & pest-resistant
✔ Great for privacy screens & wind protection
📩 Find out why this is the best backyard privacy tree! Read more
Eagleston Holly: The Best Backyard Privacy Tree for Houston | Garden Guy
🌳 The #1 Tree for Backyard Privacy in Houston: Eagleston Holly! 🌿
Looking for the perfect privacy tree for your Houston backyard? Eagleston Holly is Garden Guy’s top pick! This evergreen, low-maintenance tree grows 20-25 feet tall, stays lush year-round, and thrives in Houston’s heat and occasional freezes. Whether you need a natural screen from neighbors or a beautiful, dense hedge, this tree does it all!
🌱 Why Eagleston Holly?
✅ Year-round evergreen foliage for constant privacy
✅ Low-maintenance – just plant and watch it grow!
✅ Heat & drought tolerant – thrives in Houston’s climate
✅ Compact width (10-15 feet) – ideal for backyards
Want to know how to plant and care for this perfect privacy tree? Read more on our blog! 🌿
Keeping Pets Safe in Houston Yards: Pet-Friendly Landscaping & Toxic Plants to Avoid
🌿 Keep Your Houston Yard Safe for Pets! 🐶🐾
Many common landscaping plants can be toxic to dogs and cats, but with the right choices, you can create a beautiful and pet-safe yard. In this guide, we highlight non-toxic shrubs, flowers, and trees perfect for Houston landscapes—plus a list of dangerous plants to avoid.
From lush Cleyera and vibrant Zinnias to deadly Oleander and Sago Palms, knowing what to plant (and what to skip) can keep your furry friends happy and healthy.
📌 Read now to create a pet-friendly landscape! 🌿🐕➡️ https://bit.ly/asktoddnow
Houston Invasive Species: What Homeowners Need to Know
🌿 Protect Your Houston Landscape from Invasive Species! 🌿
Invasive plants and insects are silently damaging Houston & Sugar Land yards, outcompeting native species and disrupting ecosystems. From the aggressive Chinese Tallow Tree to the destructive Emerald Ash Borer, these species spread quickly and are tough to control.
Learn how invasive species spread, which ones to watch out for, and how homeowners can help stop them before they take over your landscape! 🚨
📖 Read the full guide & protect your yard! ⬇️
Top Shade-Loving Shrubs for North-Facing Houston Homes
If your Houston yard gets little to no sun, choosing the right shade-tolerant Houston shrubs can make all the difference! 🌿✨ Our expert guide highlights the best low-maintenance, evergreen, and flowering shrubs that thrive in north-facing Houston landscapes—no guesswork needed. Whether you're looking for lush greenery, colorful blooms, or privacy screening, we’ve got you covered. Discover top picks plus essential planting and care tips to keep them thriving. 📩 Get expert landscaping advice from Garden Guy today!.
The Ultimate Houston Landscaping Guide – Download Your Free Copy Now!
Create a Thriving Houston Landscape! Want a low-maintenance, beautiful yard that thrives in Houston’s climate? Download my FREE Houston Landscaping Guide for expert-recommended Houston trees, shrubs, and flowers that can handle the heat, humidity, and occasional freezes. 📩 Get your copy now! Happy Planting! 🌱 – Todd Farber, Aggie Horticulturist
Proper Planting Depth & Timing for Zone 9 with Aggie Horticulturist Garden Guy: The Key to a Thriving Garden
Excerpt: Planting depth is one of the most critical factors for a thriving garden in Zone 9 (Texas). Planting too deep can prevent seeds from sprouting, while too shallow can leave roots exposed and unstable. This guide from Aggie Horticulturist Garden Guy breaks down the ideal planting depths for different seeds and the best times to plant them. From lettuce and carrots in early spring to pumpkins in late spring, get the expert tips you need to ensure healthy growth. Learn the secrets to perfect planting and set your garden up for success! 🌱✨