Local Resources and Links

One of the cool things about gardening is how local and how community-specific it is. I don't think you can be a good gardener in a vacuum. You need advice from experienced people, and the more local that advice is, the better you'll do. Here are a few of the area institutions, merchants, events and people who have helped me out over the years with advice and inspiration.

GardenWeb's Oklahoma Gardening Forum

If you're new at gardening and wondering what sorts of plants do well in the Oklahoma climate, this is a great place to find out. I had an account that I used all the time when I first got started gardening, and some nice people helped me figure out almost everything I know about composting, native plants, herbs, sun requirements, etc.

The Linnaeus Teaching Gardens

If you're not aware of the Linnaeus gardens, you need to check it out. Located at the southeast corner of Woodward Park on 21st St., the teaching gardens have a huge display of trees, shrubs and flowers; aquatic plants; a dedicated herb and veggie garden; and a staff of people who can answer your questions. They only built this place a few years back, and my kid loves it.

The Sand Springs Herbal Affair

This local festival, April 21, is a great resource for local gardeners. Merchants come from as far off as New Orleans, Topeka, Santa Fe and St. Louis to sell their plants to Tulsans in gorgeous downtown Sand Springs. There's also entertainment, arty/crafty stuff and fair food. Look especially for a business called "Dan the Tomato Man." Dan died a few years ago, but his daughters still have the best heirloom tomatoes.

The Cherry St. Farmer's Market

If you're a Tulsan and you've never been to the Cherry St. Market... what's wrong with you? It's an amazing place, and their opening weekend is April 14. Get some cash, arrive early, bring something to carry your purchases with and look for the grape lady before she sells out! Trust me. Or, you could take a more leisurely approach and just people-watch a bit. Either way, it's a fun way to spend a spring morning.

The OSU Extension's Guide to Pest Management

A good, science-based guide for garden troubleshooting. Learn from master gardeners how to control lawn and garden insects.

Tulsa Master Gardener

A "Master Gardener" (yes that's a real title) is someone who has undergone extensive university training to become a real pro at gardening. This site offers very specific information on how to grow specific crops.

Oklahoma Wildflowers

This is a good informational site I've used to learn about plants that are native to the Great Plains in general and Oklahoma specifically. Even if you're not into gardening, this is a good place to identify a particular plant you've seen around.

Oklahoma Gardening on YouTube

Some YouTube videos on various gardening subjects — produced locally, so it's information you can use.

Riddle Plant Farm

This place has my endorsement as maybe the best place to buy your annuals and new additions. Although it's a bit of a drive for me, I go there at least once every season — mostly for flowers.

Grogg's Green Barn

I have never been here before, but I watched the building go up on 61st St. with great interest. It all looks new and shiny – and their website says they're focused on local, native plants, which is very cool if true, because I have yet to find anyone who does this well.

Tulsa Urban Garden

This is a good locally-owned source for some hard to find stuff. They also have a blog here at this link.