TYLER, Texas — Azalea bushes are in full bloom all over Tyler, particularly in the Azalea District.
People on the hunt for azalea bushes around Tyler should definitely check out the Pyron Garden, a must-see destination in the Azalea District featuring a gazebo, greenhouse, bronze sculptures, fountains, and a walking bridge.
"We started probably 1998 or something like that, just adding a few (flowers) here and there, and they just keep on coming," said Joan Pyron, owner of the Pyron Garden.
The unique garden is a part of the annual Azalea & Spring Flower Trail that began Friday and continues through April 8. The trail includes 10 miles of residential gardens and historic home sites with azaleas, tulips, wisteria, dogwood and more.
Nowadays, folks from all over swing by to admire her beautiful azaleas, and a lot of them are curious about her secret for getting them to thrive.
"Well, I just put them in the ground and they grow. That's it," Pyron said.
Pyron doesn't claim all the credit, though. She'll said it's really God who's behind the magic of her azaleas flourishing.
"He tells me what to buy, where to buy it, where to put it, and I dig a little hole and put it in there and He makes it grow. So, I call this God’s garden," she said.
Now, for those who aren't having much luck and it feels like the azaleas just won't cooperate, local horticulturalist Keith Hansen has some tips.
"Number one, site preparation. Make sure you got the right soils and the right location (part sun, part shade), malts them really well. And then the first year that you plant them, water them frequently because they have a shallow root system but don't over water," Hansen said.
Hanson mentioned when it comes to soil, azaleas need well-drained, slightly acidic conditions.
"One way to test out easy ways to dig a hole about a foot wide and a couple of feet deep, fill it full of water," Hansen said. "If the water drains within a few hours or by the end of the day, that's a good sign you've got solid drainage."
Hansen also said not to overfertilize the azaleas.
"I like to liken it to having a nice porterhouse steak and just gently putting a little bit of salt on it," Hansen said. "You don't want to drown it in salt and ruin the taste, right? So, fertilizers are salts that can burn the roots. So don't overdo it."