Central Texas Horticulture

Celebrate your love...for roses in the garden

2012-02-13T06:55:00.000-06:00

Reminder, hands-on rose seminar this week!

Rose Care and Pruning

Thursday, February 16, 2012, 10am-12pm

Travis County AgriLife Extension Office

1600 B Smith Rd., Austin TX 78721

Discover the varieties of roses available and care requirements. Learn how to plant a rose, fertilizer requirements, disease identification, general care, and pruning. Bring pruning shears for hands-on lesson.

This seminar is free and open to the public. It is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. www.tcmastergardeners.org. For information, call (512)854-9600.

Does the new USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map hold any changes for your garden?

2012-02-07T09:41:00.001-06:00

Whether or not you are a gardener, you’ve probably heard of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. This map divides the country into zones according to winter temperatures and is designed as a tool to assist in plant selection for different regions of the country. Each zone differs from the next by 10 degrees Fahrenheit and the larger the zone number, the warmer the winters in that area.

Just a few weeks ago, a new hardiness zone map was released. Scientists at the USDA looked at weather data from the 30-year period of 1976 to 2005 and, as I’m sure I don’t have to tell you, the trend is toward warmer weather. If you are a gardener, you’ve most likely already adjusted your plant selections to account for the changing weather. The new USDA map, which is now interactive and highly specific for each area, just makes it official.

Many areas of the country are now in a warmer USDA zone than they were on the old map, but most of Central Texas remains unchanged. We’re still zone 8b, which means that our average lowest winter temperature is 15 to 20 F. This doesn’t mean that our average temperature for the entire winter is that low, it simply means that each winter we usually see at least one cold snap fall within that range. Some winters we may not see temperatures that cold, but we could just as easily experience an extreme weather event where temperatures might fall well below our normal range.

While most of Austin remains in zone 8b, where we were in the old map, if you zoom in on our region you’ll see some slight differences. One of the cool things about the new map is that you can go to the USDA website, enter your zip code and get a very precise reading. In fact, you can even get down to a particular location of longitude and latitude and see specific weather data for your exact location. If you look at a close-up of the Austin region, you’ll notice that quite a large area west of MoPac and north of Bee Caves Rd is actually zone 9a, which means that it’s warmer than the surrounding area.

Most of Austin in still zone 8b. But the darker shaded area represents a slightly warmer zone 9a.

The new system lets you pinpoint a precise area, seeing data for that exact spot.

Even within small areas, temperatures will differ due to elevation, the urban heat island effect, and many other factors. These areas are known as microclimates, and they may allow you to successfully grow plants that wouldn’t normally be recommended for your area. Or, they might cause plants to do poorly in your yard that might do well across town or even at your neighbor’s house.

While the USDA map is helpful, it’s still best to consult with local experts and nurseries about what particular plants will do well for you. A plant’s hardiness isn’t, by far, the only characteristic that’s important. You also need to know water requirements, tolerance to different soil types, fertilization needs, and heat tolerance, among many other details. As we try to recover from the harsh summer of last year, it’s best to be armed with as much information and knowledge as possible. We can’t change the weather, but we can change our reaction to it.

Instead of printing maps, the USDA chose to put the hardiness map only on the web. If you’d like to print a copy, you can find high resolution images at the following website: http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov There you can also find more information on plant hardiness zones and an interactive map where you can put in your zip code and zoom in on your exact location.

And the Arbor Day Foundation has created an animated map that shows the changes between the old hardiness zones and the new ones. It’s fascinating to watch as the colors move, virtually illustrating the colder temperatures receding northward. It reminds me a little of a melting glacier. http://www.arborday.org/media/mapchanges.cfm

Prepare your landscape in the event of wildfires

2012-02-04T08:52:00.004-06:00

Firewise Landscaping
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Austin Fire Department Training Center

4800 J. Shaw Lane, Austin, TX. 78744

The wildfires of 2011 underscores the importance of landscaping for fire safety. This informative seminar will help you understand the Wildland Urban Interface, learn how to improve your homes survivability should a wildfire occur and the benefits of early evacuation. Fire professionals from the National Fire Protection Agency, Texas Forestry Service and Texas Agrilife Extension Service will lead you through a series of visual presentations and interactive discussions to arm you with the tools you need to help protect your home and your family from wildfire. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Signup at: http://travis-tx.tamu.edu/horticulture/ and click on seminar registration. Empty, reserved seats will become open seating at 9:50 am.

www.tcmastergardeners.org. For information, call (512) 854-9600.

Learn how to construct compost bins

2012-02-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

How to Construct Compost Bins

Thursday, April 19, 2012, 10am-12pm

Travis County AgriLife Extension Office

1600 B Smith Rd., Austin TX 78721

Learn how to build a simple wire enclosure and a three bin compost station. Go away with building plans and the knowledge to complete your project.

Know-how for planting your spring vegetable garden

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

Planting the Spring Garden

Thursday, March 15, 2012, 10am-12pm

Travis County AgriLife Extension Office

1600 B Smith Rd., Austin TX 78721

Now is the best time to plant the vegetable garden! Soil preparation, plant varieties which do in the Austin area, and the general basics needed for a thriving garden will be discussed. Part of the session will be outdoors.

Learn about backyard chickens

2012-01-30T21:38:00.000-06:00

Raising Backyard Chickens

Saturday, February 18, 2012, 10am-12pm

Zilker Botanical Garden, Garden Center

2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin TX 78746

Master Gardener Joy Williamson brings her expertise to you in the fascinating hobby of raising backyard chickens. She will be sharing her tips on the benefits of this garden activity, how to get started, FAQ on coop construction and how to protect your feathered friends.

This seminar is free, but space is limited and reservations are required to ensure a seat is available for you. Sign-up online at http://travis-tx.tamu.edu/horticulture/. Please note, the Zilker Park entrance fee is $2 per adult and $1 per child or senior. This seminar is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. www.tcmastergardeners.org. For information, call (512)854-9600.

Rose Care seminar

2012-01-30T21:02:00.000-06:00

Rose Care and Pruning

Thursday, February 16, 2012, 10am-12pm

Travis County AgriLife Extension Office

1600 B Smith Rd., Austin TX 78721

Starting vegetable gardens from seeds

2012-01-11T17:00:00.000-06:00

From Seeds to Transplants
Thursday, January 19, 2012, 10am-12pm
Travis County AgriLife Extension Office
1600 B Smith Rd., Austin TX 78721

From Seeds to Transplants will help you understand which vegetable plants are good candidates to start from seeds to get a jump start on the growing season. Learn about seeds, growing material, lighting, temperature, air circulation and moisture requirements. The knowledge gained in this seminar will help ensure success for your vegetable garden.

This seminar is free and open to the public. It is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. www.tcmastergardeners.org. For information, call (512)854-9600.

Spring Vegetable Gardening seminar

2012-01-10T21:04:00.000-06:00

Planting Spring Vegetables
Saturday, January 14, 2012, 10am-12pm
Zilker Botanical Garden, Garden Center
2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin TX 78746

Master Gardener Patty Leander is a frequent guest on public televisions’ Central Texas Gardener and speaker throughout the State of Texas. She will share her immense knowledge of planning and growing your own home vegetable garden. Patty will also address our recent drought conditions and it’s long term effects. Plant lists, seed sources and planting schedules will be provided for you to take home. Join us for this informative and visually stimulating presentation.

Parking and seating are limited so please register online to reserve your seat at http://travis-tx.tamu.edu/horticulture/ and click on “Public Seminar Registration”. This seminar is free; Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child or senior. The seminar is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. www.tcmastergardeners.org. For information, call (512)854-9600.

Build Your Own Composter

2011-11-18T21:48:00.001-06:00

I'm often asked what are the best composting containers. I've tried a lot of them. And while the best one for you will depend on your situation (how much time, space and plant material you have at your disposal), my favorite is a home-made wire mesh bin. The Master Gardeners in El Paso County first showed me how to build it, so when I moved to Austin a few years ago, I asked my dad to help me build one. It's a very easy container to make, and it works very well. So if you're looking to expand your composting activities, or even if you're just starting out, consider building this bin.

My favorite type of compost bin.

To make this type of bin, you'll need 10' of hardware cloth, which you can get at most home improvement stores. You need a piece that is 10' long, 36" tall and has half-inch square mesh. (Don't use chicken wire, it's not sturdy enough). You should be able to purchase a piece of hardware cloth that is exactly this size. You may also see it in 40' or even 100' lengths. But you only need 10', so don't buy more than you need (not a fun thing to store).

Straighten and flatten the mesh, which is rolled up when you purchase it.

While you're at the hardware store picking up your wire mesh, you should also purchase a two-by-four, two door latches (hook and eye type), some screws, and some metal washers. If you don't have a saw at home, ask the hardware store to cut your two-by-four. You'll need two pieces, three-feet long each. Attach the two-by-fours to each end of the hardware cloth (a staple gun works well, but screws and metal washers work even better) and secure one door latch to the top and the other to the bottom of the two-by-fours.

If using screws, you'll also need metal washers to tack down the wire.

Hardware cloth attached to 2' x 4' with both staples and screws, to hold it down really well.

You'll probably need to snip off the small pieces of wire at the end of the mesh.

Now you can pull your bin into a circle, where the two-by-fours meet, and latch the door latches to create your bin. It will be a little unsteady while it's empty, so you might need someone to help the first time you fill it. This bin is 3' feet tall and a little over 3' feet in diameter--the perfect size to keep your compost cooking.


Looks are deceiving-the bin doesn't easily stand on its own until you put some plant material in it.

If you'd like, you may also use a large piece of pvc pipe, with holes drilled along the side, in the middle, so that you can get water down into the pile a little better. When it's time to turn the pile, just unhook the door latches and peel the wire mesh away. Then set the bin back up a few feet from the pile, and shovel the plant material back into the empty bin--no need for a three-bin system.

Do You Know About Wastewater Averaging?

2011-11-16T14:13:00.001-06:00

If you don't, you may have a higher water bill next year.

Most water utility companies, including the City of Austin Water Utilities, determine the amount that you pay for wastewater by averaging three of your "winter" water bills. My parents taught me this fact a few years ago when I bought my first house, but it's surprising how many people don't know about wastewater averaging. The premise is that you don't really use water outside during the winter, so all the water you use during that time must be being used inside the house. And since most of household water is used for washing, flushing toilets, etc, most of it will continue on down to the sewer system, and thus be wastewater.

So...how do you find out when your wastewater averaging cycle is? First, you'll need to have a copy of your water bill handy, so that you can find your "read dates." Next, go to the wastewater averaging page on the City of Austin water utilities website, click on the calendar icon and then choose your read date and find out your three-month period.

For example, my next read date (from my last water bill) is 11/14/2011, so my wastewater averaging period is from mid-December to mid-March.


My wastewater averaging period is from December to March. Yours may be different.

In years past, the utility dropped the highest-use month and averaged the lowest two. But starting this year, all three months from your cycle will be used to determine your average. So if you can conserve water during your averaging cycle, you'll reduce your water bill for the entire following year! But the best part is, if you institute household water conservation measures now, you're more likely to continue those measures all year long. I sure did. I started to really pay attention to how I used water. And one wasteful habit that I discovered was leaving the water running while I soaped my hands up to wash them. Now, I turn the water off with the back of my hand, soap and scrub, then turn the water back on to rinse. So far, I haven't noticed anyone else turning off the water while they wash their hands. So let's all start a revolution, like someone did back when everyone used to leave the water on while they brushed their teeth. Small changes like this can make a huge difference on your water bill and also in our environment.

As a special note I'd like to mention that there was an error on this topic reported on at least one of the local news stations last night. The report was pointing out the new rule that all three months (not just the lowest two) will be used to find your average. The report incorrectly stated that your average is based on the next three months. Although that might be true for you, your averaging period may not start until December, like me. So be sure to check the utilities wastewater averaging website to find your exact time period.

Learn about growing your own fruit!

2011-11-01T07:05:00.002-05:00

Fruits and Berries- Planning, Pruning & Care
Saturday, November 5, 2011, 10am-12pm
Deep Eddy Community Garden, 300 ½ Atlanta Dr., Austin TX 78703

Want to grow your own apples, peaches, and berries? Learn varieties which excel in this area. Discover how large the hole for planting should be and if amendments are required. Basic pruning techniques and general fruit and berry care included in talk. For more information, contact the Master Gardeners Help Line at (512)854-9600. This free seminar is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County.

Learn about tree care and oak wilt

2011-10-17T08:15:00.002-05:00

Central Texas Trees and Oak Wilt FAQ
Saturday, October 22, 2011, 2:30-4:30pm
Old Quarry Oaks Public Library
7051 Village Center Dr., Austin, 78731

Join us to learn all about how to do right by your trees in this free seminar. Learn what varieties to select for your Central Texas landscape and gain a higher level of success by choosing those that enjoy our native soils and tough climate. Learn how to care for and prune your tree for long-term health and during times of stress such as construction or drought. Master Gardener Jerry Naiser will share his expertise on all things trees!

For more information, contact the Master Gardeners Help Line at (512)854-9600. This seminar is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. www.tcmastergardeners.org

Get the most out of your planting with this free seminar

2011-10-03T08:17:00.001-05:00

Bio-Intensive Gardening

Saturday, October 8, 2011, 10am-12pm

Blackshear Neighborhood Garden, 2011 East 9^th St. Austin TX 78702

Learn techniques to optimize planting to maximize yield in a small garden space. Good garden practices also covered. Outside event. For more information, contact the Master Gardeners Help Line at (512)854-9600. This free seminar is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. www.tcmastergardeners.org

Winter Gardening Seminar

2011-09-28T20:09:00.001-05:00

Winter Gardening

Saturday, October 1, 2011, 10am-12pm

Festival Beach Community Garden, 35 Waller St. Austin TX 78702

Learn about garden vegetables which only thrive in the cool temperature of the fall and winter. General gardening principles and guidelines for protecting plants from usually cool temps will be discussed. Event is outdoors. Please bring a chair. For more information, contact the Master Gardeners Help Line at (512)854-9600. This free seminar is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. www.tcmastergardeners.org

Urban Farming Seminar Series: Farming Fundamentals--Join the Local Food Movement

2011-09-23T13:53:00.017-05:00

Do you have a small acreage area that you would like to turn into a mini-farm? Are you interested in joining the local food movement by growing and selling crops at local farmer's markets? Do you have questions about the business aspects of farming? If so, this urban farming seminar series is for you. Whether you are just starting out or have already started your small farming business, there is something for everyone in this series.

Topics discussed will include:
planning your small-scale farming operation
the economics of small acreage production
basic considerations of both vegetable and fruit production
dealing with soil issues
plant diseases
the process of organic certification

All programs will be presented by Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialists and representatives of other state agencies, including: the Texas Dept of Agriculture and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

This series will be helpful for home and small-plot producers, including those who grow to sell at farmers markets, are involved in sustainable foods efforts or are interested in community gardens and other small-yield production. It is particularly relevant and timely given the growing public interest in food production on small-acreage sites.

The Oct. 12 program will address plant pathology, the economics of small-acreage production, vegetable production and product marketing.

The Oct. 19 program will address the Texas Environmental Quality Incentives Program, organic certification, and soils.

The Oct. 26 program will address planning a small–scale farming operation and will include an overview of fruit crops and community resources available to small-scale producers.

The cost for all three programs in the series is $125 and lunch is provided during each program.

All registration must be done through the Texas AgriLife Extension Conference Services and space is limited to 25, so attendees are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

WHEN: October 12, 19, and 26 (Wednesdays)
TIME: 8 AM to 5 PM
WHERE : Texas AgriLife Extension service office, 1600 B Smith Rd, Austin
COST: $125 (entire series)
Lunch is included all three days.

Home Fruit Production seminar

2011-09-12T20:33:00.001-05:00

Home Fruit Production: Conventional Choices and Sustainable Options

Saturday, September 17, 2011, 10am-3pm

Austin Community College, 1820 Stassney, Austin TX, Rm. 1130

Come attend this seminar on growing fruit at home covering the basics of fruit production, site selection, preparation and the specific needs of various fruit crops. $25 attendance fee. Seating limited so register and pay online at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu ; Keyword Search: Fruit.

This seminar is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. www.tcmastergardeners.org

Fall Transplanting and Dividing Perennials Class

2011-09-05T13:38:00.000-05:00

Fall is the best time to transplant and divide your garden perennials. Learn how to share your extra plants with others and re-locate perennials that may have overgrown their current place in the landscape. Get a jump on spring blooms by giving them a chance to develop a strong root system. Join Master Gardener Velia Sanchez-Ruiz in proper planning and execution of these essential garden tasks.

Fall Transplanting and Dividing Perennials
Saturday, September 10, 2011, 10am-12pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin TX 78746

For more information, contact the Master Gardeners Help Line at (512)854-9600. This free seminar is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. www.tcmastergardeners.org

Master Gardener Patty Leander discusses fall vegetable gardening on CTG

2011-08-01T10:07:00.001-05:00

Master Gardener Patty Leander visited Central Texas Gardener on KLRU recently to discuss how to transition to fall vegetables

Fall Vegetable Gardening seminar

2011-08-01T09:57:00.002-05:00

At some point, the heat will diminish and the rains will come. Even though the heat makes it hard to see, fall is just around the corner and that means...

Fall Vegetable Gardening
Saturday, August 6, 2011, 10am-12pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin TX 78746

Attention: Vegetable Gardeners…cooler weather gives you an opportunity to grow and enjoy food that flourishes in the fall and winter months. Broccoli, lettuce, Swiss chard, radishes and spinach are just a few of the favorites that grow well here. Join Master Gardener Patty Leader to learn about these varieties and strategies for bringing a bountiful fall harvest to your table!

For more information, contact the Master Gardeners Help Line at (512)854-9600. This seminar is free and is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. www.tcmastergardeners.org

Making the most of containers in the garden

2011-07-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

Joys of Container Gardening

Friday, July 15, 2011, 10am-12pm

AgriLife Extension Office, 1600-B Smith Rd, Austin TX

Blooming flowers and vegetables can thrive in a container! This gardening method is especially useful if space is limited. Containers may also serve as accent points on the patio or in the garden. Learn how to select a container and the right soil, discover ideal container plants, and witness arranging techniques you can replicate to create your own mini-garden.

This seminar is free and open to the public. It is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. For more information see www.tcmastergardeners.org or call the Master Gardener Help Desk at (512)854-9600.

Plants wilting in the middle of the day?

2011-06-30T15:20:00.013-05:00

Do your plants wilt during the middle of the day, every day, in the blistering heat of summer?

Do you panic and water them immediately? (Quite a normal reaction.)

Well don't despair. Your mid-day wilty plants may not need water at all. And in fact, if you water them, you may actually may be making the problem worse.

Wilting Hamelia (firebush): notice the curled leaves and droopy flowers

Here's the deal:

First, as a general rule of thumb, plants don't grow when temperatures are above 96 F. (And when was the last time we saw 95 around here?) One reason for this is because plants need water to grow. That's pretty obvious. But did you know that plants can't take up water without losing water? And plants are pretty smart (I have a botany professor that would kill me for anthropomorphizing plants), so they shut down their water loss, thus their water uptake and growth, at times when it would be harmful for them to grow. The process of how water moves into the roots, through the plant and out through the leaves is called transpiration.

So how will you know if your plants are just taking a little siesta or if they truly need water? Watch to see if they straighten up once the sun goes down, or if they've recovered by the next morning. If so, there's a good chance they need lower temperatures and more more moisture in the air, not in the soil.

There's not a whole lot you can do about the temperature, but you can mitigate heat if you establish shade over your plants, which may not be a very real possibility. But if it is, use shade cloth. White shade cloth, which reflects the most light would be good. But black shade cloth would also work well.

As to the moisture in the air, mulching will help. Make sure to have lots of mulch around your plants. Keep the mulch moist by watering the area just enough that the mulch gets wet without over watering the soil beneath it. Wetting the mulch daily, or even twice a day, may help your plants. But they still may also wilt. Either way, the moisture in the air around the plants helps to limit water loss, which will help relieve some of the heat stress.

But one thing you don't want to do is keep the soil completely drenched at all times. This sets up a situation where the roots are damaged due to the lack of oxygen, and to the possibility of disease.

Check out this video of a segment, Why Plants Suddenly Fall Over, that I did on Central Texas Gardener, which addresses this question from one of our viewers.

Help Your Lawn Stay Healthy

2011-06-27T16:09:00.000-05:00

Central Texas Lawn Care

Thursday, July 14, 2011, 7:00-9:00pm

Zilker Botanical Garden

2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin TX 78746

Central Texas weather is presenting us with more challenges than usual in the landscape, especially with lawns. Master Gardener, Jerry Naiser will provide you with solutions for growing a healthy lawn. Topics will include choosing the right type of turf for your soil conditions, irrigation, fertilization, proper mowing techniques and how to diagnose and treat pests and diseases.

For more information, contact the Master Gardeners Help Line at (512)854-9600. This seminar is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. www.tcmastergardeners.org

Dealing with the Heat

2011-06-22T23:40:00.012-05:00

We finally got some rain here in the Austin area, and a good amount, too. But was it enough to save our plants? Well, every little bit certainly helps, but we are still in a severe deficit for the year. In fact, for the past several years. And drought-stress builds over time, leading to secondary issues, and a shortened life-span for our landscapes.

So what should you do to help your plants survive in these dry times? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Irrigate properly. I know that sounds simple enough, but it takes a little more thought than you might expect. Make sure to water slowly (at a low pressure), so that the water penetrates the soil as deeply as possible and doesn't run off into the street. Consider lowering the water pressure by half and allowing the sprinkler to run twice as long. The deeper the soil profile is wet, the deeper your plants roots will grow, helping to insulate them from the hot, dry soil and temperatures above.

2. Don't fertilize or prune. Fertilizing and pruning plants encourage them to grow, and in this climate, with so many days already over 100 degrees F, the last thing your plants need to be trying to do is grow. One plant strategy for dealing with stress is to go dormant and wait until times get better. Allow your plants to take a rest (this includes lawns).

3. Replenish mulch around plants and in beds. With the dry heat and bright sun this spring, it has felt much more like summer. And the mulch that you applied last spring or fall, may have deteriorated and need to be replaced. Mulching insulates the soil against the heat and the baking sun. And it also breaks down and helps improve the soil structure, leading to better water-holding capacity.

4. Move containers into the shade. If it's at all possible, move your container plants out of the baking sun and be prepared to water them every day, or even twice a day. Containers can act like ovens, ooking your plants roots before you know what's happened.

5. Resist the urge to over-water. Believe it or not, plants that have plenty of water in the soil may also wilt. That's because the heat is so stressful that plants have to close their pores to keep water inside. And when they do that, they wilt. This is very common in tomatoes, which will wilt in the middle of a hot day no matter how much water is in the soil.

6. Don't. Plant. Anything. If you have purchased plants recently, try your best to wait until September to plant them. I know that's a long time away. And I know how difficult it is to keep plants alive in their nursery containers, but it really is best to avoid any and all new planting at this time. If you can, re-pot your new plants into one-size larger containers and keep them in a protected, shady area where it will be easy for you to water them. But if you need to plant them, watch them very closely and water them daily, if not more often. Watering in the morning helps keep plants hydrated during the day, then they have the night to recover.

Yes...it will rain again. Be prepared!

2011-06-12T22:27:00.000-05:00

Rain Gardens

June 18, 2011, 10am-12pm

Zilker Botanical Garden

2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin TX 78746

Excess stormwater carries urban landscape contaminants into storm drains and soil erosion causes sediments to accumulate in our water resources. Dr. Dotty Woodson, Water Resources Specialist with Texas Agrilife Extension, will tell us how to protect streams, rivers and lakes by building a rain garden. These lovely gardens are attractive landscape features planted with perennial native plants designed to absorb stormwater which filters it through plant roots and soil microorganisms. Attend this free presentation and you’ll be ready to make your own beautiful solution.