Let's examine some of the winter blooming plants 
that we can add to our  gardens to create that "Fall Festive Feeling!"

PANSIES  -  They do not perform well in hot, muggy weather.  Pansies are generally hardy plants and will survive freezing temperatures even during their blooming season.  Plants grow well in sunny or partially sunny positions in well-draining soils.

SWEET ALYSSUM  -   Although in many parts of the country this is a good spring and summer flower, in Houston, it is a perfect fall and winter color.  It requires little maintenance and has a light sweet smell.

PHLOX  -  Some flower in spring, others in summer and autumn.  Flowers may be pale blue, violet, pink, bright red, or white.  Many are fragrant and have the ability to attracted butterflies. 

PRIMULA  -  There are a variety of different types of primrose, primula is well suited for winters in Houston.  They are very ornamental and come in a variety of purple,  yellow, red, pink, or white.

KALE   -   There are many varieties of kale, they are referred to as "flowering kales" and  have beautiful ornamental leaves, which are brilliant white, red, pink, lavender,  blue or violet in the interior or the rosette.  Ornamental kale is as edible as any other variety, provided it has not been treated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals.   

DUSTY MILLER  -  Dusty miller is a favorite because it looks good with everything.  The silvery-white color is a great foil for any type of garden blossom and the fine-textured foliage creates a beautiful contrast against other plants in the fall.  Again due to Houston weather it does really good in this type of climate.  It is grown in most areas of the United States, as it prefers warm, dry  summers and moist, cool winters.

SNAP DRAGONS  - There are regular and dwarf snap dragons.  Their large blossom-laden flower heads are faintly fragrant and come in a wide assortment of bright beautiful colors.  Snap dragons love Houston's fall and spring weather, and are often a good color to use in the fall because they are known to tolerate frost.  Something for fun,  try this with your children: Pinch the tiny individual blossoms and make the "dragon mouth" open and close!