All this heat has kept me out of my garden and left me dreaming of future planting ventures. The reality is that February is the perfect time to plant trees in Central Texas, but I’m thinking about it right now! Is there a tree you’ve seen around town that you love? Let us know your favorites.

Here are a few of mine:

1. Figs - I love love love figs. Not only do they taste fabulous (I love fig spread, figs with honey, and figs wrapped in prosciutto) but they are “deer resistant”. I’ve been growing a fig tree in Dripping Springs for over 7 years and this rainless summer is the first time I've seen deer damage (but hey, as one friend joked the other day, 'I just saw a deer eating a rock'). My dogs, well they love figs too and sometimes get to the low hanging fruit before I do.

2. Red bud - who doesn’t like this tree? Redbuds are the heralds of spring. They are one of the first to bloom, their shy red buds bursting into pink flowers. The lack of leaves make the flowers stand out even more.

3. Live Oak - grand and majestic. If you’ve ever enjoyed a picnic under a large winding live oak, then you know heaven.

4. Possumhaw Holly - during the winter these elegant small trees are lined with red berries, much like their cousin the Yaupon Holly. Possumhaw’s outshine the Yaupon as they are deciduous and loose all of their leaves allowing the red berries to contrast perfectly with their light bark.

5. Anacacho Orchid Tree - during the spring the Anacacho orchid is draped in small white flowers that are not only absolutely gorgeous but also attract humming birds, butterflies, and bees.

6. Pomegranate - famous for their fruit these little trees are also quite beautiful. They are not native but they do love limestone soils, making them perfect for anyone west of Austin. Be careful to protect these small trees if you are in deer country.