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.
📻 Skip the static. Get answers anytime.
Trusted advice from Todd Farber—Houston's go-to horticulturist.
Freeze-Proof Your Sienna, Telfair, or Sugar Creek Yard: Essential Lessons from the 2021 Texas Freeze
The 2021 freeze devastated Sugar Land landscapes. Learn which plants survived in Sienna, Telfair, and Sugar Creek—and exactly what to do NOW to protect your yard before the next freeze hits. 30+ years of expert data from Texas A&M Horticulturist Todd Farber.
December Landscaping Checklist for Houston Homeowners: Your Complete Guide to Zone 9 Yard Maintenance
Your complete December landscaping guide for Sugar Land yards. Learn what shrubs to plant now, proper pruning timing, mulching techniques, freeze protection for Houston plants, and week-by-week maintenance tasks. Includes Zone 9-specific advice for outdoor shrubs, trees, and plants from a Texas A&M Aggie Horticulturist with 30+ years in Fort Bend County. Make December count for a beautiful spring landscape!
Best Privacy Trees for Sugar Land: Expert Guide to Evergreen Privacy Screens
Choosing between Eagleston Holly and Nellie R. Stevens for your Sugar Land privacy screen? After 30+ years installing privacy trees throughout Fort Bend County, I'll show you exactly which one works best for your yard, soil, and budget. Learn about growth rates, maintenance needs, spacing requirements, and why these two evergreen hollies outperform every other privacy tree in Houston's Zone 9 climate.
Front Yard Refresh in Woodstream, Sugar Land
A tired Woodstream front yard got a fresh new look with defined beds, rich mulch, and lush plantings. See how Garden Guy transformed overgrown roots and bare patches into a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that enhances this Sugar Land home’s curb appeal.
Beautiful Plants for a Bird-Friendly Garden in Houston (Zone 9a)
Turn your Houston garden into a bird haven with beautiful, low-maintenance plants like salvia, Turk’s cap, and American beautyberry. These choices add color, texture, and year-round food sources for hummingbirds and songbirds.
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! ✨
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!
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
When to Start Gardening in Houston: Expert Advice from Garden Guy
When to Start Gardening in Houston: Expert Advice from Garden Guy
Houston’s mild winters and long summers offer year-round gardening opportunities, but timing is key for success. February is ideal for planting trees, shrubs, and flowers, as cooler temperatures and natural rainfall help plants establish strong roots before the summer heat.
🌱 Best Planting Window – February is perfect for installing trees like Live Oak and Crepe Myrtle, hardy shrubs like Yaupon Holly, and colorful flowers like Snapdragons.
☀️ Why February Works – Cooler weather reduces transplant stress, while winter rainfall provides natural irrigation, ensuring healthy growth.
🌟 Pro Tips – Choose freeze-resistant plants, protect against occasional frosts, and enrich soil for long-term success.
✅ Garden Guy’s 90-Day Guarantee – Every plant installed comes with a guarantee, so you can plant with confidence.
Get expert guidance and transform your yard today with Garden Guy! 🌿 #HoustonGardening #GardenGuy
Quick Guide: Post-Snowfall Landscaping Tips for Houston
Snowfall in Houston can be tough on your garden, but recovery is possible! Learn expert tips from Aggie Horticulturist Todd Farber on how to assess damage, care for your plants, and protect your landscape for future freezes. Your Houston garden can thrive again with patience and the right steps!