tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1187032211388653822024-03-05T07:02:32.479-06:00Cultivating ParadiseGardening in Deep South TexasMary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888999648897092221noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-90516689381220004952020-03-07T15:24:00.001-06:002020-03-07T15:27:32.442-06:00Attracting Birds to Your GardenI spent this morning giving a little talk on Attracting Birds to Your Garden. The Master Gardeners hosted it and we had a great cross-section of participants - gardeners and Master Gardeners, birders, naturalists and Master Naturalists, and a couple of newcomers to the Rio Grande Valley. Many who attended know tons more than I do about gardening or birding. I promised that the hand-outs I shared would be posted here and that has driven me to post for the first time in a couple of years! (Who knew I had so little to say!) Instead of just posting the links, I decided to share the basics of having a bird-friendly garden. <br />
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The birds that introduced me to ornthology only visited my yard by lucky circumstances. Back then, we lived along the Arroyo Colorado. The native brush and trees all along the deep, wide banks were mature. My proximity to such a large natural area was a happy accident but I learned much from it. </div>
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So, lets get to it. </div>
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There are four basic elements that a birds looks for: </div>
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<li>Shelter</li>
<li>Nesting sites</li>
<li>Food</li>
<li>Water </li>
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SHELTER is cover for birds to watch for danger, hide from preditors, and get out of the weather. When you think of creating shelter, think of layers. You will want to include canopy trees, understory trees, shrubs, and ground cover. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multiple layers to attract multiple bird varieties</td></tr>
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Here is a printable list of <a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/2e4bc2bc601/34b6f278-4bc6-41bf-a7a7-f5b6414e8480.pdf" target="_blank">Plant Material for a Bird Friendly Garden</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting out of the rain</td></tr>
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When choosing a NESTING site, breeding birds look for an area large to provide food, nest-building material, and good place to build a nest. </div>
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Here is a list of birds that breed in the RGV along with materials they build their nests with and their preferred foods: <a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/2e4bc2bc601/a79a0108-17c1-47c9-b037-a8042bacbaf2.pdf" target="_blank">Feeding / Nesting Habits of South Texas Birds</a></div>
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Many birds build their nests in a fork or crotch of a shrub or tree. They like the forks to be at about 70 degrees. A little pruning in early spring to give birds more options, could increase your number of nesting pair.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzQjpr_xeb9bzXqvhbV96Zes7IJrQsUGCdd79XxWsiY33uFJaa-5IfFzhdHRTQwsTtaquYGgkhF210AraoDmsY8HI3XksxzNkJv4TTummKE2IV4HdmCuQLdnZjKPnlfNw_WXkQNj4fV4/s1600/IMG_2691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzQjpr_xeb9bzXqvhbV96Zes7IJrQsUGCdd79XxWsiY33uFJaa-5IfFzhdHRTQwsTtaquYGgkhF210AraoDmsY8HI3XksxzNkJv4TTummKE2IV4HdmCuQLdnZjKPnlfNw_WXkQNj4fV4/s400/IMG_2691.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Hummingbird Nest in Texas Mountain Laurel</td></tr>
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A few birds, like kildeer, nighthawks, and commons pauraque, nest on the ground. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzJwU2dM1-Pe_2H068BU-EjKQidGpQImqP5XqKhHoWtse0fYwrpagAFMy_rC43CBvXdGlfHVuWNzHTtzwOumu8xamyBhJi-LCk9UtKZ-NCESqoZEsmYkQ5lcbCtawPjrkcnRF6nb9INI/s1600/pauro+nest+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="882" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzJwU2dM1-Pe_2H068BU-EjKQidGpQImqP5XqKhHoWtse0fYwrpagAFMy_rC43CBvXdGlfHVuWNzHTtzwOumu8xamyBhJi-LCk9UtKZ-NCESqoZEsmYkQ5lcbCtawPjrkcnRF6nb9INI/s400/pauro+nest+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Pauraque on a nest - can you find it? </td></tr>
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Dead limbs or trees are also valued nesting sites. Birds tend to choose trees to nest in that match their coloring or markings. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4nn-KfePAA-Urgv6MMPm8VzrJOuf3bdbM5Y00FCQ0aEmRjNEmCHjxvpre_A2vBVVL6CCfyf0enUXlGJA614Quq5Hyu6JtgxGg99MrhS0uOkctOzRGy38nNlq-uaOIEWeLerac6MEEGk/s1600/IMG_9915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4nn-KfePAA-Urgv6MMPm8VzrJOuf3bdbM5Y00FCQ0aEmRjNEmCHjxvpre_A2vBVVL6CCfyf0enUXlGJA614Quq5Hyu6JtgxGg99MrhS0uOkctOzRGy38nNlq-uaOIEWeLerac6MEEGk/s400/IMG_9915.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Screech-Owl in Ash Tree</td></tr>
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If you don't have dead limbs or trees, bird boxes can be a great substitute. Birds are very particular about their nest box and here are some guidelines: <a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/2e4bc2bc601/92269fa7-f4ba-4bea-bf55-90e8cbc6bc26.pdf" target="_blank">Nesting Box Dimensions. </a></div>
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There are four basic types of FOOD that a bird will eat: nectar, seeds, berries, and bugs. Again, <a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/2e4bc2bc601/a79a0108-17c1-47c9-b037-a8042bacbaf2.pdf" target="_blank">Feeding / Nesting Habits of South Texas Birds</a> will give you specific foods that particular birds eat. </div>
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Do not underestimate the importance of native trees and shrubs in providing food for wild birds. There are many different definitions of "native" but I think if a plant grows naturally within 100 miles (as the crow flies), it qualifies. Aim for a minimum of 75% native for a bird-friendly landscape. </div>
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A reliable source of WATER is the 4th element that a bird is looking for. It will be used in drinking and in bathing. You can provide it with a birdbath, fountain, or pond. Birds are attracted to the sound of dripping or gurgling water and it's easy to a dripper to your birdbath. Elevate your birdbath to keep your birds safe from predators. </div>
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To learn more, you may want to check out some of my favorite books and websites: </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">BOOKS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nesting Birds of a Tropical Frontier,
The Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> by Timothy Brush <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Gardening for the Birds, How to
Create a Bird-Friendly Backyard</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> by George Adams<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Texas Wildscapes, Gardening for
Wildlife</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> by Kelly
Conrad Bender<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Backyard Bird-Lovers Guide</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> by Jan Mahnken <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Plants of Deep South Texas, A Field
Guide to the Woody and Flowering Species</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> by Alfred Richardson
and Ken King<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">WEBSITES<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Native Plant Project </span><a href="http://www.nativeplantproject.com/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.NativePlantProject.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A Way To Garden </span><a href="http://www.awaytogarden.com/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.awaytogarden.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
(Also a weekly podcast)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower
Center </span><a href="http://www.wildflower.com/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.wildflower.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Cornell Lab, Bird Academy </span><a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.allaboutbirds.org</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></div>
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<i>For optimum bird watching in your own back yard, don't be too tidy. Leave dead flowers to seed, let "weeds" grow and seed, and leave behind twigs, leaves, etc for nest-building. Enjoy! </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAA3LdUEyqgHO21piYGIxzy8DozKnl32gjV33MJQt62JQ4l2-cTVGF5Y0mMZgn0T3EZ7rT2224baFG74vVdP7ItircKqxcFsybqxDtgTJ5tVgTsophnMOXNvAVLTJ55Lpfy0BbyPgYuU/s1600/IMG_9371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAA3LdUEyqgHO21piYGIxzy8DozKnl32gjV33MJQt62JQ4l2-cTVGF5Y0mMZgn0T3EZ7rT2224baFG74vVdP7ItircKqxcFsybqxDtgTJ5tVgTsophnMOXNvAVLTJ55Lpfy0BbyPgYuU/s400/IMG_9371.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-39068888806652262452018-01-16T16:48:00.001-06:002018-01-16T16:50:43.747-06:00Protect People, Pets, Plants, and Pipes<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
I am sure you know what to do to protect your people, pets, and pipes from tonights freezing temps - but there are always questions in deep south Texas about what to do with our cold tender plants. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWxHnI5GzcMmMXDqXsHX7gPLIJz1z3cTILG3hFGcGQRQoincg2aCnNrnO_MnTRsMsiSrJhCW9iPHOl05jcaLp_31ACybMoMXjz-LkhVihqAC1r7X4qiM8g-HTTtGoozCpb3aX-_yq4Wg/s1600/IMG_2132+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWxHnI5GzcMmMXDqXsHX7gPLIJz1z3cTILG3hFGcGQRQoincg2aCnNrnO_MnTRsMsiSrJhCW9iPHOl05jcaLp_31ACybMoMXjz-LkhVihqAC1r7X4qiM8g-HTTtGoozCpb3aX-_yq4Wg/s320/IMG_2132+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a>If they’re in containers, move the pots up against your home - or if possible, move them to an inside corner. The south side of the house is better than the north side too. Water the plant well and cover with an old blanket. You will not get a warming greenhouse effect unless the blanket goes all the way to the ground and stays there. Use pots, stones, or patio furniture to hold the blanket down. Of course, you can always move your plants inside your home or your garage. But I am taking the easy route and hoping that the freezing temperatures don't last more than 2 or 3 hours. </div>
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Do you have tropicals planted in the ground? Expect leaf burn at the least. Our mango trees are crispy from our freeze two weeks ago. I am hoping that the ground remained warm enough that the roots (and thus, the plant) did not freeze. You can increase your chances at saving a plant by wrapping th<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">e trunk with cardboard or a blanket. </span></div>
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There are special freeze blankets that you may find in garden centers or big box stores. I saw that Gills Landscape Nursery in Corpus Christi has some in stock but I personally don't know about any in the Rio Grande Valley. </div>
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Succulents are full of water so they need to be protected. Freezing temps will cause all that water in them to expand and bust the plant cells. I guess this is why they often turn to mush after a freeze. I have taken cuttings of my favorite succulents that I can plant later.</div>
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It is sleeting in some areas right now. Ice on plant leaves is not necessarily a bad thing. It will act to incilate the plant. I don't understand the why - but that is what I have always read. If it remains cloudy tomorrow while that ice melts, there won't even be a frost effect. Plants get frosted when they have an ice covering that the sun shines on. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsxRCHFE4QCOiLttQJGpTGkh_UMtCyY8GUuRLQnVwmmA9vzKhrpqco3mMF9JIJIztG9iA12F72l3EtrDzebJUZlJJRH-wzun8OzRf4I1sWoWkk7fXcWuZdvp3Jn8RB92LMb6_Zxcnyik/s1600/IMG_2146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsxRCHFE4QCOiLttQJGpTGkh_UMtCyY8GUuRLQnVwmmA9vzKhrpqco3mMF9JIJIztG9iA12F72l3EtrDzebJUZlJJRH-wzun8OzRf4I1sWoWkk7fXcWuZdvp3Jn8RB92LMb6_Zxcnyik/s320/IMG_2146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It snowed in Harlingen in December, which is a super-rare occurance. No freeze, but snow. I didn't see any plant that was damage by the snow - but have seen some damages by our very slight freeze earlier this month.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stay safe!</span></div>
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Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-75243778754938460192017-12-30T20:13:00.001-06:002017-12-30T21:03:43.212-06:00Garden Records and a Free Printable for You! <div>
Every since we moved to this location, I have kept a hap-hazard garden diary. It's in a spiral notebook and contains vegetable varieties, ornamentals planted, rainfall, bloom dates, etc. </div>
<img alt="" id="id_eb73_549a_2fed_b894" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l6lBS0W_cw30Rl6x0Unr0KefmH6GmrBf_cSNbTIJGfAByfDqSkAZlgzQ7N_gdLdVSJrcqWmzMyD9Wr07ubyo-lBdXuETCe-PNdTB-LrKIdNlBAGlHupIKtffT3dCSCX35aF1N5VzqK4/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 298px;" title="" tooltip="" />'s<br />
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There’s a lot of info in there but I’m not sure how much constructive use it has. This fall I read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Naturalists-Notebook-Observation-Calendar-Journal-Tracking/dp/1612128890/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1514688583&sr=8-1&keywords=the+naturalists+notebook" target="_blank"><u>The Naturalist’s Notebook</u> by Nathaniel Wheelwright and Bernd Heinrich.</a> It contains lots of information on how develop your inner-scientist. </div>
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<img alt="" id="id_2b96_ed00_1505_e054" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGm3P76PToBkJDEVvmLwez6-GnB8jUySMMJZXStfE1_4Sx7O5jfouymGy2oMrXqVSmB3NIkJLdddbmF0U83aMbJOQ-dZFykv0CV69bopWKulMNqH3ID6OeNoK9g1H2YT1rj_zS12im9uk/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 298px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">And it is beautifully illustrationed by one of the authors, Bernd Heinrich. </span></div>
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<img alt="" id="id_66d1_d71e_8d4e_8702" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtp26bGSE4crpwAZKaXPVg5HL5wKpRWU9bgXOY13qHEzZvMLeUglI2Nwh-W1E2yJXlKeVP6ZADliULdjLdCsKoA2ENVAWDAk03Mx27OiTapqGregC-Df3o3l8ZRhfzl_7zEz1OuBqcgw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 298px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The book includes a five year calendar to record observations - a format that could be handy in recording garden info. In this time of unusual weather occurances and climate change, a multi-year record may help us see if our climate is really changing - and if it is, how quickly. I expect that I will include info specific to our veggie/herb growing along with weather items like rainfall, frost, high temps, etc. And I expect that I'll include some observations of birds and butterfly activity in our yard. That's the initial plan anyhow. We'll see what 2022 has me recording. </span></div>
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<img alt="" id="id_5b6c_cee9_6b8_dcb1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UyFmmJRl3Fy1yIrdiSnsACtoeGI3GP-nTFV2WyyZSjI-jXHwWhcaOj-WlFYcZbYQ8YRjJxkHG323fH_qh07wyRXdyIkNBCpNlk6CyTOlXe3fzx9_NGZ41zphuh6f-T16-LlYgvreufo/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 298px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br />I'm so excited about this format that I've put together a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/12rf9TH3qoLWaMdLK_TyW0F_se84kBHyr/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">free printable 5 Year Garden Calendar</a> for you to use! It was formatted to be printed front-and-back. P</span>rint it on heavier copy paper so that the type doesn't show through. I took mine to a printer to be spiral bound - but you can just punch holes and put it into a notebook. I hope you give this a try - it should help make us better gardeners, better naturalists, and better citizen scientists! </div>
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Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-31931455009065497412017-12-09T15:55:00.002-06:002017-12-09T15:57:22.940-06:00Soup WeatherWhat is it about soup or a warm drink that is so comforting during cold weather? I love how they warm me up from the inside out. And after the weather we've this week, we're all about warming up. It's been cold and wet and even SNOWED here in deep south Texas! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFxkA1YJ59RI38E1m0nG28UybGs_BTMCPDwzL7T3ux8JrLPUqHPDmPaOgaaX-KO6tjrs-QtIe94Dkp_iloPDliT9KocLpKX0Edvnc1ovYQZqFZQj1LSq75Ptjovopw1tsvdaa4jEMZUU/s1600/IMG_2153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFxkA1YJ59RI38E1m0nG28UybGs_BTMCPDwzL7T3ux8JrLPUqHPDmPaOgaaX-KO6tjrs-QtIe94Dkp_iloPDliT9KocLpKX0Edvnc1ovYQZqFZQj1LSq75Ptjovopw1tsvdaa4jEMZUU/s320/IMG_2153.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today we decided we needed some Sweet Potato Corn Chowder. Luckily, I made a fresh batch of bone broth a few days ago. It adds tons of flavor to soups, stews or anything cooked in a liquid. Just look at the deep color! <i><a href="http://cultivatingparadise.blogspot.com/2016/11/its-bone-broth-season_20.html" target="_blank">Here's how I make my bone broth</a> . . . . </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DuMpJ0jbB9LC8TbNralvYUznBAjqNfKb1bawULkba4LRVDcXYoeAi1xdX0ubA1vUqSnYdi_kyAGcWbHc-BaBLfeB5R3XpGfD84_fTylFqpFhYjRDLf4fOVxnagtoAdvTRQht3nhQ0Aw/s1600/IMG_7428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1600" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DuMpJ0jbB9LC8TbNralvYUznBAjqNfKb1bawULkba4LRVDcXYoeAi1xdX0ubA1vUqSnYdi_kyAGcWbHc-BaBLfeB5R3XpGfD84_fTylFqpFhYjRDLf4fOVxnagtoAdvTRQht3nhQ0Aw/s200/IMG_7428.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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This soup starts by sauteeing six slices of bacon until it's crisp. Remove the bacon, crumble it up, and save it for later. In the bacon grease, saute chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. I usually add in red bell pepper or anything I have on hand that strikes my fancy. </div>
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At this point, you will add a cubed sweet potato, salt, tyme, a bay leaf, and two cups of water or, even better, a rich broth. <i>I'll take this opportunity to encourage you to grow a few herbs. Grow them in pots or in a garden, on a windsill or an apartment balcony; it doesn't matter where. Herbs are easy to grow, take very little space, AND make everything taste better! </i>Today I used dry thyme but went to the patio for the bay leaf and parsley. Now, let everything simmer for about 20 minutes or until the sweet potato is soft. It'll look about like this and will fill your home with an amazing aroma!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGb13GZTQWkQrdMOOPs_1kZq0Qcco0E_EGMfWMrJhyOJ0WssdOihahngU3qWfdGIPHF6EsVizV2PH4pfSqnJGbCdl49AvuvAh8klvTc4u9w2fHDYuN8YfGE_56ZR_2hM4sDifhw3HIsE/s1600/soup+pot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGb13GZTQWkQrdMOOPs_1kZq0Qcco0E_EGMfWMrJhyOJ0WssdOihahngU3qWfdGIPHF6EsVizV2PH4pfSqnJGbCdl49AvuvAh8klvTc4u9w2fHDYuN8YfGE_56ZR_2hM4sDifhw3HIsE/s320/soup+pot.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Time to thicken things up a bit. Mix 3 tablespoons of flour and 1/2 cup of cold milk together. I put mine in a small jar and shake it, shake it, shake it! Once the sweet potato is soft, add the flour & milk mixture to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer for 10 minutes. You will have a fairly thick mixture but the flour needs this time in the heat to do its thing. </div>
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To finish it of, add 2 cups of frozen corn. Feel free to use fresh corn, but then you'll need to cook it a bit longers. Also add 1-1/2 cup of warm milk, 3 tablespoons (or more) of fresh chopped parsley, and a squeeze of honey. Heat until everythings warm. The frozen corn will cool things off a bit so expect this step to take 5 or 10 minutes. </div>
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Now it's ready! <br />
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Ladle into bowls, garnish with the cooked bacon and enjoy! </div>
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If you want a printable copy of the recipe, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/13r6ATCf1ekVOj6_wVHDNrnovFGl5M-Rs/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">click here</a>! </div>
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Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-6187848009288342142017-05-25T17:45:00.001-05:002017-05-25T17:45:50.121-05:00Three Reasons To Retire My Tiller I can't tell you how long I researched and agonized over which roto-tiller to purchase. And when I finally made the decision, I couldn't wait for it to arrive and to miraculously - and effortlessly) transform my heavy, hard to work, sticky, mucky clay soil into the perfect sandy loam. <div><img id="id_619c_9c4f_4e4f_b7da" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIzaYIO5_recjjn5U7LdOqCea9QMAf-ynuUu4Fu8CcsGIn77-xrk3EEZOUi8pb7bVn_t-4ehi3SHVpbyLzdq0lrEIfI2Q1IoZfsnYoENsiXppNlfVVO6Gn-4cOAQ-E-NarbgwEbAVICE/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div>I chose this lovely little Mantis that I can handle easily on my own and envisioned using it for both prep and regular maintanence work. </div><div><br></div><div>Here are my top three reasons for finally giving it away (although I retired it years ago) </div><div><ol><li>You can't wrangle a tiller through clay soil. Even with the perfect amount of moisture, clay particles are so small that they lay very close and tight up against each other. This is what makes clays heavy and hard that work. </li><li>Tilling soil brings weed seed up to the surface where it will receive ample sun/heat to sprout - now there are more weeds to pull. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></li><li>Tilling kills earthworms and other microorganisms by running over them (duh) or exposing them to light and air. So in trying to help my soil, I was actually damaging it. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> I discovered that if I mulched my planting beds with shredded leaves, earthworms and other bugs would break it down and move it through the soil more efficiently than I ever could. Easy Peasy</span></li></ol><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I still don't have sandy loam (except in the raised beds we've built) but we've managed to grow a pretty nice landscape - and with much less effort. </span></div></div><div><img id="id_483_d925_563e_d0bd" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEfo2XMRXhUsAGqTQd0ir0l9t9KOBC9ua-hFjo9-U_xKAwuoljz-UJhooJbgBbquIufSifRa70_YteJyPwfRye5FTu3gBdCGODU-l-LOwB-nYd5WdHkAJuQuBbTQIbQeufSEty7vHgYg/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div>Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-22880279651892959162017-04-27T15:32:00.000-05:002017-04-27T15:32:00.357-05:00May in Your South Texas Garden<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am going to risk sounding like a broken record and say pr<span style="font-size: 13.2px;">epare yourself - and your plants - for a hotter-than-normal summer!</span></span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">Get on a good watering schedule. This time a year, I usually water my vegetable beds once a week but will be checking the soil on day 4 or 5 to make sure it doesn't need it sooner. Stressed plants are a target for insects. Our plants will already be a bit stressed from our </span></span>hot, hot, hot weather. Don't compound that by starving them for water. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weed, weed, weed. Weeds compete with your plants for both moisture and nutrients. Don't let them steal those valuable resources.</span></li>
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<li style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MULCH! It doesn't matter what your mulch of choice is. I use wood chips, shredded leaves, and hay throughout my garden spaces. My goal is to have no exposed soil. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This month you will want to: </span></span><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">I'm going to repeat myself again, and remind you to </span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">a</span></span>pply a layer of mulch to all planting beds. If you see bare soil, cover it with something! This will save you water, will protect your plants roots from the heat, will keep (some) weed seed from sprouting. and will add organic matter to your planting beds. </span></li>
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<li style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check your plants for pests. My go-to treatment is a sharp stream of water. You may need to do this every day or two until they give up. There are some pests that you can just pick off and squish - like tomato horn worm. There are some that will need something stronger. I use an insecticidal soap on hard bodied insects like scale. As I've said before, when you see something that is munching on your plants, identify it before you decide that it is a pest. The resource I use is bugguide.net <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjPGiGFyPmD4FMxc3WddFPhJpc-nD47a44RoKyFErxxV_SeTBYXRcCHDBMHs7Tpekn8UVmvF0qsEdIBHs2F2N03VTsqYdy10-uzPsoIcWWoht_Of7HCXMGxgrdwHObcZzbCYr73PK3Jk/s1600/Butterfly+Weed+with+seed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjPGiGFyPmD4FMxc3WddFPhJpc-nD47a44RoKyFErxxV_SeTBYXRcCHDBMHs7Tpekn8UVmvF0qsEdIBHs2F2N03VTsqYdy10-uzPsoIcWWoht_Of7HCXMGxgrdwHObcZzbCYr73PK3Jk/s320/Butterfly+Weed+with+seed.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</span></li>
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<li style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plant some nectar and host plants to attract butterflies to your garden. Host plants are the plants that the butterfly will lay her eggs on. You have to be okay with the fact that the caterpillars are going to eat these plants before they form a chrysalis. I don't know of any instance where their feeding kills the host plant; they just grow back. The host plants that I always like to have are dill, fennel, and milkweed. Last summer when I got hot and tired and abandoned my garden, I ended up with lots of action on the old kale and artichoke plants.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shred your dry bluebonnets with a seed trimmer. The seed will lay on the ground and work its way into the ground until next winter when it's time to sprout and begin the cycle again. If you had heavy flowering and seed production, you can spread your bluebonnet planting around by spreading some of the shredded plants onto a new area. <span style="font-size: 13.2px;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn and water your compost. With warm temperatures, your compost bins will dry out and then nothing will happen in there. Turning and keeping the material moist (not wet, just moist) will help the process. </span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deadhead your cutting flowers and roses for continued blossoms.</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For best taste, harvest vegetables every day. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</span></li>
<li style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trim off palm seeds before they mature. They are beautiful but they become heavy (and hard to dispose of). If you leave them, they drop and germinate. And who's got time for that! There can be </span>100s - no 1,000s of baby palm trees to be pulled one-by-one.</li>
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<li style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PLANT: </span></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T<span style="color: #2c3e50; font-size: 13.2px;">rees: Don't plant them now</span> unless you have to for an occupancy certificate. </span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #2c3e50;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Palms, cycads, yuccas, and agaves: </span></span> Plant any and all now! They do best planted during warm months. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #2c3e50;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIG8VlucYzzOmjhwBqdLJan8SZH68YYK41ZLoDBktXWe5_g55JpCS2uazETrXRE-T9R95zGkLmoytCCKNBPKQ2pZrKXp53IbpSaYyV7LsS6ajMA6TDL_nVrTQapbI77n1_1VX885Eb6m8/s1600/IMG_8624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIG8VlucYzzOmjhwBqdLJan8SZH68YYK41ZLoDBktXWe5_g55JpCS2uazETrXRE-T9R95zGkLmoytCCKNBPKQ2pZrKXp53IbpSaYyV7LsS6ajMA6TDL_nVrTQapbI77n1_1VX885Eb6m8/s320/IMG_8624.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vegetables: okra, southern peas (like black-eyed peas), and peppers from transplants. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Herbs: Dill, fennel, lavendar, mint (grow in a pot to contain the roots), oregano, parsley, rosemary</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flowers from seed: alyssum, aster, cosmos, marigold, sunflower, zinnia</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flowers from transplants: dianthus, ice plant, geraniums, kalanchoes, marigold, periwinkle, ruellia, salvia, zinnia, </span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flowers from cuttings: geranium, ice plant, kalanchoe,ruellia</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vegetable Planting Date Sources - <a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/earthkind/ekgarden14.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Texas Extension Service</a> and the <a href="http://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-dates/TX/Harlingen" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Old Farmers Almanac</a>.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fertilize</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Acid fertilizer for your acid loving plants like gardenias</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any vegetable / herb that is a heavy feeder.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Here's my downloadable <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-txSmOHjSH8Ul9Tck1MZ2Zfbmc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">May Gardening Calendar</a>. I just sat down and listed the tasks I plan to accomplish next month. Of course, that list will grow . . . It's also a great spot to keep track of garden observations. </i></span></div>
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Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-90901456185915563682017-04-01T17:11:00.001-05:002017-04-01T17:11:34.917-05:00April in Your South Texas Garden<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the news last night, <a href="http://www.krgv.com/story/30586116/bio-tim-smith" target="_blank">KRGV meterologist Tim Smith</a>, shared that temperatures for January were 5 degrees over normal, February were 10 degrees over normal and March were 5 degrees over normal. The number of aphids already attacking some of their fave plants attest to our mild (i.e. non-existant) winter. Prepare yourself - and your plants - for a hotter-than-normal summer. </span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">Get on a good watering schedule. This time a year, I usuall water my vegetable beds once a week but will be checking the soid on day 5 or 6 to make sure I don't need to turn the water on sooner. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">Weed, weed, weed. Weeds compete with the plants you want for both moisture and nutrients. Don't let them steal those resources. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">MULCH! It doesn't matter what your mulch of choice is. I use wood chips, shredded leaves, and hay throughout my garden spaces. My goal is to have no exposed soil.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">Group plants with the same water and sun requirements together. That's just plain common sense but often we just look at color and texture when putting together a planting. </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">April is a wonderful time of year in south Texas. The March winds tend to die down and (usually) we have fairly moderate temperatures. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> If you are going to change or add a planting area, it's time to get busy. You will want to plant before Memorial Day so that the new plants can settle in before triple digit summer temps. The exception to the rule are palm trees. They are a monocot (like grasses) and are best planted once the soil has warmed up. </span></span></div>
<img alt="" id="id_7a21_eb74_b679_662a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOWhf41N2AE88V7AOt8iPPadttlCJ_IezKyUfOh3NdRc4yxAYhxWc1vY_jDHzEqH58UukBEZGm3UM_NmvJn1CJ24LPy9zAJBWAftbCGsNUoS73hhX0Zmybqc8fldNdX33_QpKt0VRQbY/" style="height: auto; width: 298px;" title="" tooltip="" />
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<span style="font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">This month you will want to: </span></span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Continue to collect and shred leaves for ground cover and to compost. I use my<a href="http://amzn.to/2l9TsSU" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> electric shredder</a> weekly this time of year. It is a string shredder and works well for the cost. But, the next time I will buy one with some metal blades. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Apply a layer of mulch to all planting beds. </li>
<li style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Check your plants for pests. My go-to treatment is a sharp stream of water. You may need to do this every day or two until they give up. There are some pests that you can just pick off and squish - like tomato horn worm. <img alt="" id="id_8358_ed12_5e32_679d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxA0VUfwRVE5DxYq_3y_wvcRE799DbK921lqLoZXWerRwecb3Ma4nBo51KUWDrRn6kcnugnBs_4db_bBQ0yZ5KLlLNVUGiwGbqMlyjXlUiGzNycZfBLHUgdQZqPwZK-8KJQpMXC2ujMw/" style="height: auto; width: 298px;" title="" tooltip="" /> We had our first tomato horn worm last week on our one eggplant. It is amazing how much they eat (define that as "how quickly they will eat your plant") If you enjoy butterflies in your garden, these are two pest treatments that are targeted to the actual pest. On that note: if you see a caterpillar or worm, try to identify it before you decide that it is a pest. One good resource is bugguide.net </li>
<li style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Speaking of butterflies, if you want to attract them to your garden, plant some nectar and host plants. Host plants are the plants that the butterfly will lay her eggs on. The little caterpillars will feed on the plant, growing a thousand times bigger until it's time to form a crysallis. The plants that I always like to have are dill, fennel, and milkweed. Last summer, I abandoned my garden and ended up with lots of action on the old kale and artichoke. </li>
<li style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Amaryllis are blooming now. If you have some plantings that are becoming crowed, you may want to dig up the bulbs, divide them, and replant. Store them in a cool dry place and replant next February. <img alt="" id="id_a31f_b580_8482_2728" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4HXbRtXErP6fHRo27zO3EfeAyf8mElDKjUBLMGZFkcTy3qAOfyo_lIlHihyphenhyphenfiMtfL9HFHmCl_9hzNMIv7zalWukAJCHQOIeXDpuZgHMTANn_rtwgp-LjP8c7Jgp3981q-11lHmjk8os/" style="font-size: 13.2px; height: auto; width: 298px;" title="" tooltip="" /><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"> </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">If you have a bluebonnet patch, let the seeds develop and the plant dry (die) before you cut them down. Leave them to sprout and bloom again next year. You can shred the plants with a string trimmer and they will disappear quickly. <img alt="" id="id_d1ac_9eb4_e419_4b13" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMsYXaaq_qZLv5cRA_RBFhklfnfw44E97AD3UaosKplBRAR86T30rZ3RdC62VwQhlFcYoiONtbb0YMIK0apRrYccb7OmKBEDRj1H5n0crXt8Jih8ip72lGc-8hKBlqYhfI_nCYgaRk0s/" style="height: auto; width: 298px;" title="" tooltip="" /> </li>
<li style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">PLANT: </li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">T<span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "didact gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">rees: Don't plant trees until next October or November unless you have to. Studies have shown that trees planted in the fall and winter outgrow those planted the summer before. </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "didact gothic" , sans-serif;">Palm Trees: Plant any and all now! Some palms are understory trees which means they want a shady spot. Choose the right tree for your space. </span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Vegetables: okra, summer squash, southern peas (like black-eyed peas), and sweet potato and peppers from transplants. If I didn't have tomatoes planted, I would definitely plant one in a 4" or 1 gallon pot. And I will confess that I planted pole green beans this morning. I don't know how they will do, but I had a little space and I didn't want it to go to waste </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Herbs: Basil, catnip, dill, fennel, lavendar, mint (grow in a pot to contain the roots), oregano, parsley, rosemary</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flowers from seed: alyssum, aster, cosmos, marigold, sunflower, zinnia</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flowers from transplants: dianthus, ice plant, geraniums, kalanchoes, marigold, periwinkle, ruellia, salvia, zinnia, </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flowers from cuttings: geranium, ice plant, kalanchoe ruellia</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Vegetable Planting Date Sources - <a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/earthkind/ekgarden14.html" target="_blank">Texas Extension Service</a> and the <a href="http://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-dates/TX/Harlingen" target="_blank">Old Farmers Almanac</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fertilize</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Acid fertilizer for your acid loving plants like gardenias</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lime trees that haven't bloomed yet. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Avocado trees</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Any vegetable / herb that is a heavy feeder.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Don't forget to download your <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-txSmOHjSH8YUVRVFpmUnNVQXc/view" target="_blank">April calendar!</a> It's a great place to keep track of what's going on in your garden and tasks you want to do. I print mine up on a piece of cardstock. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Gardening is cheaper than therapy . . . and you get tomatoes! </i></span></div>
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Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-182054734811187902017-04-01T15:07:00.001-05:002017-04-01T15:10:03.500-05:00Don't Buy This <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Don't ya love it when trying to save time backfires - like yesterday when I grabbed some potting mix at the grocery store because I didn't want to stop at the nursery for one item.</span><div><img id="id_e07a_d304_cac1_421e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDI9rsxUKBGeAmzArtolxKGGK0c1Wig5tuKpgPzpeieHbkqJWb3JYDGg_B-oKttSRY_bEJ6d2ztNfmf4GocEhVs-FhyBRwQCA0ll3sfkXigzxcnU0x1NtuGvSlD3zEGQoPC-vRlZRVzig/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> I'll add this brand to my list of "Don't Buy This". </span></div></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And here is why . . . </span></div><div><img id="id_574a_163f_f372_f6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0lmmMbzglwgSvAfOoiSlgUcOw7jPXetiWIluMobHsK5OtErbH7fPEuY_gCXnSgHrTCgVrJNhbAFb1SeaJH4VqmA5USavuT9R30dKj83PW9FCm2wE6SqeVmx0moTvWPVFcFWrwMayqAM/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div>Yep, that's how it came out of the bag. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> (And it was Made in Texas so I expected some good stuff)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div>The label clearly lists the ingredients as "compost, indigenous wood fiber, and sand". Those are good things but the mix must have been moist when it was bagged. The bag was heavy and stiff so I should have realized that it was not what I wanted. </div><div><br></div><div>Lucky for me, I had a bag of vermiculite to amend the mix with. And the result wasn't too bad - </div><img id="id_58ab_1d63_93d4_648b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQdto74yUWcIgA0mKzPm5sLavd3FOOk1W4NR6jimxj5jLDSxeNrxJR1a23b_r-OAV_BjiHyL9nPrCPbwRlniiFqtoELaAhV4mm3daTVi2sD7jBndv3nP47Lgr2JbLJlcQS9xglfMb0XU/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <div>Definitely good enough to bump a plant into a larger pot. I'm still not sure what the white and orange spots on the potting "chunks" is so I won't use it again until I give it some time and make sure it doesn't do any harm. </div><div><br></div><div>Happy gardening! </div>Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-69758518364943224622017-03-17T11:23:00.001-05:002017-03-17T16:05:04.680-05:00Gardening Calendar I found that one of the most important components of being a successful gardener is to do each task at the right time. For this reason, most gardeners keep some sort of journal that they can look back on from time to time. Thomas Jefferson who was not only one of our first presidents but also a renowned gardener and meticulous record keeper. My garden records are sloppy to non- existent in comparison. I like to keep all my notes for the month on one sheet of paper like this below.<br />
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<img alt="" id="id_9c5f_1feb_feae_372c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5TDKglA78HpBHlezKsc3SFHvcRjNbhBTdHw8R11janailnzN7bGO2MknhIiIBBScxSDN3LLEitIlZTOuuhG_kXLC14PnWuYThRRr3JVP1wcGch-_w1Yi5EsrOGF7J1Qp6GNLWDf5xT0/" style="height: auto; width: 298px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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I love to check off accomplished tasks - but otherwise, each month is a fairly blank sheet for me to keep notes like varieties, rainfall, harvest - anything I think is noteworthy. <br />
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Here are downloadable printable calendars for <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-txSmOHjSH8RDdMM3llalU0TGc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">March</a> and <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-txSmOHjSH8YUVRVFpmUnNVQXc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">April</a>. Check back and I will add a link to a new calendar each month. I hope this helps you as much as it does me! <br />
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Happy St. Patrick's Day and happy gardening!<br />
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Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-50573067799046393102017-03-16T18:12:00.001-05:002017-03-16T18:12:52.530-05:00Cabbage to KrautSince we grew a few cabbages this winter in our new raised beds, I decided to try my hands at making sauerkraut. It was easier than I thought it would be so I'll post an addendum in a few weeks when it's done. One cabbage makes two quarts so that was all I invested in this experiment - well, and a couple of Granny Smith apples. <div><br></div><div><img id="id_31ff_d99f_7c05_fc91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLvLpfb0oEYqorIquBUmU2Za-l6NEDCjSsdU7RACmYMmxaDcUPE9bwWqNjqQwKbIY5iwJw2TMw6W0BUB1_tCR4LS06RG5jj9pMuxnJVTYm9Mz4L_ArEsKnCJsGyyEadEf-kysC5sS_D0/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <div>Step one is shredding the cabbage - nice and thinly. Save a couple of the outer leaves to place on top in the jars. </div></div><div><br> <br></div><img id="id_c236_1210_32c7_ec2b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CcoRd3_wclJCzt5Y-0Sxa70xt9tunGrHfcgCMZMPPDDXs04aqcaB6ePbtMIyP5od-SpEyzRlIed7QeutrtB9KkuvIoyrKJbkR_z2P59mFNZK-YkAag_yrdxeIrNJQtYsF3854xfh_0Y/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <div>Now thinly slice the apples. Any tart baking apple will do. The directions didn't say this but I made some cross-cuts in the slices for smaller pieces. </div><div><br><div id="wrapperid_8084_e716_4a1e_be85" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 309px; height: 231px; z-index: 100; top: 1088px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div><div id="wrapperid_8084_e716_4a1e_be85" class="___smartHandler" style="position: absolute; width: 299px; height: 208px; z-index: 100; top: 1088px; left: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(67, 135, 223);"><br></div> </div><div>Put it all in a large bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of fine sea salt and a teaspoon or two of caraway seed. (The directions said I could add this now or later and I'm opting for later). Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour to get the juices flowing. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_ebbb_eb00_8976_7cd5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cLGK4xxKF-BxHZ1abmdkAfCZHKEbmo8meWKuZx2olrq4ED2GF512KyWcjsO57TXmwWqCbUr_7n6mMs_1STvHF2sSdUM3iN7CM49G5zPGjOwaHhRbGsOhcvMjlSOtPT1opvdUBfL0JOc/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></div><div>Now it's time that pack the jars. Start with clean canning jars. They don't have to be sterilized, just nice and clean. I ran mine through the dishwasher. The cabbage had not shrunk during its sitting so I couldn't imagine that it would fit into two jars. Put a little in and using a tool, pack it forcefully. I used the handle of my wooden lemon juicer. It was a little short but did the job. It will be moist and more liquid will form. To keep the small bits of cabbage from floating to the top, place a part of a clean cabbage leaf on top and weigh it down. <div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img id="id_25d0_92af_62aa_b643" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHM0PQ8cUbUlS9BHXhRt8_hqr9tOVYpweI8-3kaiDjfmYay0iezmj6aiTgNZ27RaaDJgS_nQwKNI1JdSrPaZfgBY1Zf-1L4tz06dhYpykSJWUTjqHkfuLi6Q4HGFQYaOreXB41ntW21H4/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I used pie weights wrapped in cheese cloth as my weights. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_d6d_9209_e586_4c5e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXY5ZavEdIWUObBBGAZjyb1LeODFCsFsY0_6_Oa8sAnp4UqxLoZ02USetmH4wMvk_daAXqE4nPn7kizl1oLfHJyB7uxPdY6zCJjtMMscU7CUD18KVBL8CIjhSYuzgC7XWZeqfFDaY5Xa0/" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'll taste it every week. (And add some carraway seed). When it's where I want it, it will go into the refrigerator. The cool will keep it at its present state for a year or more. I think that is you live in a cool climate, it can be stored in a cool dry place too. </span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Check back and I'll give you an update! </span></div>Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-87726560947552273182017-02-28T21:52:00.000-06:002017-02-28T21:52:06.152-06:00March in the Deep South Texas Garden<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Huisache, citrus, and yuccas are all blooming in the Lower Rio Grande Valley so it's high gardening season around here! Here's my guide for March gardens tasks in deep south Texas:</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Rose growers prune around Valentines Day: If you grow modern hybrid roses, cut them back to 18-24”. Antique or “found” roses are simply pruned to fit the space; try not to remove more than 1/3 of any cane (or branch). Do not prune spring-blooming climbing roses until after they bloom. If course, remove any dead canes. f</span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If adding roses to your landscape is in this years plan, this is the last best month to do that! Any existing roses should have been pruned in February. The main exception is spring-blooming, climbing roses. Wait to prune them until after they bloom. </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you haven't cut back your woody shrubs that have been looking leggy, do it in the next week or two. </span> Some, such as Firebush (Hamelin patens), Thyraxis, Shrimp Plant, Porter Weed, Turk's Cap , Carissa I cut almost to the ground. Others, such as lantana, LIttle John bottlebrush, and Vitex, I try trim back 1/3 of the over-tall branches. This encourages branching making for a fuller, lusher plant. I shred most of the shrubs that I trim with <a href="http://amzn.to/2lx0Qnp" target="_blank">my beloved electric chipper/shredder</a>. It makes a wonderful fresh mulch. The one change since this photo is that everyone using it wears safety glasses! But as you can see, it is easy enough for a supervised child to feed. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwCspzDLaqdTand1WLoQVPhMpTmr7Aw2sMaBBx52TVazWxTuPHnT8VkgxUli3E32bLBPnStBtGU-yN_I1oL0Fl9FubdvwFhNOuwooJYSVpyRzMV2wMF93MXDToiebyrYTLOjgVTqJqlc/s1600/Dylan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwCspzDLaqdTand1WLoQVPhMpTmr7Aw2sMaBBx52TVazWxTuPHnT8VkgxUli3E32bLBPnStBtGU-yN_I1oL0Fl9FubdvwFhNOuwooJYSVpyRzMV2wMF93MXDToiebyrYTLOjgVTqJqlc/s320/Dylan.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Trim back or divide ornamental grasses. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Cut poinsettias down to 12 inches. After this, encourage branching by pinching out new buds after each three leaves. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Continue to collect and shred leaves for ground cover and to compost. <a href="http://amzn.to/2l9TsSU" target="_blank"> My electric shredder</a> is below. It is a string shredder and works well for the cost. But, the next time I will buy one with some metal blades. I do love the ease of an electric appliance. Right now, I either shred and chip where I'm going to use the leaves or mulch OR I do it over a sheet and carry it to its end home. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYF202wi7sxyc3OS5l9ZRn2iZJ6w6gv1fhkb_c0OmhBnF7mA-ZCbnHiDErQe0YKW375gvWhQWcAWeXbA-uw97qIZojK2rTs8im6xHYIpW_7_lr9-hhSd319hyphenhyphenwWZT34ZbMKF26F_tZRsw/s1600/IMG_7872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYF202wi7sxyc3OS5l9ZRn2iZJ6w6gv1fhkb_c0OmhBnF7mA-ZCbnHiDErQe0YKW375gvWhQWcAWeXbA-uw97qIZojK2rTs8im6xHYIpW_7_lr9-hhSd319hyphenhyphenwWZT34ZbMKF26F_tZRsw/s320/IMG_7872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is a great time to apply a layer of compost and / or mulch to all your planting beds. </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">March is a wonderful month to replant large pots with either a mass of one item or a mixture of different items. Be sure to refresh the potting soil when your replant. </span></li>
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<span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">PLANT: </span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "didact gothic" , sans-serif;">T</span><span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "didact gothic" , sans-serif;">rees: The best time to plant shade trees in the LRGV has passed. The stress of high winds and high temperatures could negatively effect any tree planted now. If it is possible, it is best to wait until next October or November to add trees to your landscape. </span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "didact gothic" , sans-serif;">Palm Trees: A palm tree is a monocot or grass that thrives with warm (okay, HOT) temperatures. Now is beginning the best months to plant palm trees</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "didact gothic" , sans-serif;">Shrubs: Plant all shrubs. </span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Vegetables: green beans, radishes, peppers, summer squash, tomato, zucchini. <i> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFom9YTVL_Y4k0ykR0FgJ5Q6_4fHok89_UdAwlWc39k7MKaPq_syJD4-Np_K_ZF_zXcK6it6g0RP4kLsnDBTLUU4JEbOQj23-3g0eMPovd5ZmVQlxine8cKDtoIR7g0K5Mgu7H0nrEgE/s1600/IMG_7956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFom9YTVL_Y4k0ykR0FgJ5Q6_4fHok89_UdAwlWc39k7MKaPq_syJD4-Np_K_ZF_zXcK6it6g0RP4kLsnDBTLUU4JEbOQj23-3g0eMPovd5ZmVQlxine8cKDtoIR7g0K5Mgu7H0nrEgE/s320/IMG_7956.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Herbs: basil, catnip, dill, fennel, lavendar, mint (in a pot to contain the roots), mustard, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme. </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flowers from seed: ageratum, alyssum, calendula, dianthus, geraniums, kalanchoe,
larkspur, snapdragons, stocks, sunflowers, vinca (periwinkle), zinnia. </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flowers from transplants: dianthus, ice plant, geraniums, kalanchoes, marigold, petunias, ruellia (Mexican petunia), salvia, sunflowers, zinnia</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flowers from cuttings: geranium, ice plant, kalanchoe, ruellia</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rose bushes</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 13.2px;">Vegetable Planting Date Sources: <a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/earthkind/ekgarden14.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Texas Extension Service</a> and the <a href="http://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-dates/TX/Harlingen" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Old Farmers Almanac </a>.</i></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></i>FERTILIZE:</span><br />
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Roses. Include a systemic insecticide if you grow grafted roses. Found or Antique roses are supposed to take care of themselves. </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Acid fertilizer for your acid loving plants like gardenias. </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Add some inches of high-quality compost to your vegetable beds before you plant. </span> </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">After trimming, I like to apply a few inches of compost around shrubs. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Fertilize daylilies for bigger blooms. </li>
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Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-66955363298957203532017-02-28T08:35:00.001-06:002017-02-28T08:35:35.061-06:00Harbingers of SpringI'm beginning to see some of my favorite harbingers of Spring - some (like huisache, citrus, and Texas mountain laurel) are beloved as much for their frangrance as their beauty.<br />
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Our huisache trees began flushing new leaves a week or ten days ago. That usually doesn't happen until AFTER the tree blooms. I was afraid that our lack of winter was going to cause us to miss those fragrant puff-balls that cover each tree in yellow and gold. Maybe last weeks deep irrigation spurred the trees to bloom . . . .<br />
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Although the blooms are quite pretty, again it is the aroma of citrus blooms that tells south Texans that spring is here. There are sooooo many blooms that I cut a few small branches to enjoy inside. They only last a few days but its such a joy to catch a whiff of them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKJzNZuie1DUaLE8PY55ZQKX6FcgnyyeXbiNIVZ13-_GYO9GQwzYoo8C1IXC8g5JGIyMSNnWubjHU2bT7jtmnQBcqu0-ZBRWICXhTTiOnaVcKvfwdtKdMv9re5hOnGnCORZOGaa5B8lU/s1600/2007019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKJzNZuie1DUaLE8PY55ZQKX6FcgnyyeXbiNIVZ13-_GYO9GQwzYoo8C1IXC8g5JGIyMSNnWubjHU2bT7jtmnQBcqu0-ZBRWICXhTTiOnaVcKvfwdtKdMv9re5hOnGnCORZOGaa5B8lU/s320/2007019.jpg" width="213" /></a>The grape soda aroma is Texas mountain laurel is my third sign that Spring has sprung! This usually begins happening around Valentine's Day - but we are still waiting. We have fields of this tree at the nursery and I have not seen a bloom yet! Lots of blooms stems but they are waiting. It is blooming farther north in San Antonio and Austin. This makes me wonder if this tree requires a chill period like fruit trees do. What are you observing in your area? <br />
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Lantana can be seen blooming both in garden beds and in the brushlines around south Texas. I am a sucker for white flowers so we chose this trailing white lantana beneath the hummingbird feeders. Even thought it's a pale flower, quite a few butterflies notice it and land here to feed. <br />
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And this little patch of Drummonds Betony's or Pink Mint (<i>Stachys drummondii)</i> has been very appealing to a number of different small butterflies. Its square stem is characteristic of mints. It has a tap root and I am hoping that it isn't the aggressive grower that culinary mints are. This is one of those "weeds" that volunteers around Mockingbird Farm and usually gets pulled out. This year I decided to give it a look. A few stems cut and put into a beaker passed the test as cut flowers - the only downside that I noticed is that the leaves have a very faint unpleasant odor. I don't think it is noticable unless you are working with the plant. I'll definitely be watching this small (3' x 4') 'planting' of Pink Mint<br />
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And we can't talk about spring blossoms without mentioning the blooms of the Spanish Dagger (<i>Yucca trecleana). </i>Birds love these waxy petals. I love the pristine whiteness poking out above the sharp blades of the plant. <br />
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What is your sign that Spring has indeed arrived?<br />
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Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0Mockingbird Farm26.132342 -97.7088579999999640.61030750000000111 -139.01745199999996 51.6543765 -56.400263999999964tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-3370580954464893012017-02-03T08:34:00.000-06:002017-02-07T12:58:51.121-06:00Points on Pruning<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is the time of year that we can get a little bit clip happy. So before we head out, loppers and folding saw in hand, let me slow you down with this statement from Texas agri-life horticulturist, Douglas F. Welsh, "<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.901961); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.901961); color: #333333;">In most cases, it is better not to prune than to do it incorrectly". </span>On to a few pruning basics. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have a specific reason to prune a plant. Here are a few:</span><br />
<ul>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">for the plants health</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">for better flowers and fruit</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to control its size</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and to train it into a particular shape, such as an espalier. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Make sure your tools are clean and sharp. Most blades can be sharpened with a simple file and cleaned with a steel brush or bleach and water solution. Rub linseed oil into the metal and wood with a soft cloth. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Roses and fruit trees are both pruned this time of year - for better flowers and fruit AND for the plants health. Open up the plant by removing: </span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">any deat or unhealthy wood</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">any branch that cross another one, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">any branch growing directly below another one, </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Older or overgrown shrubs can be rejuvenated by one of the following techniques. <i>If your shrub is looking more like a tree than a shrub, consider one of these</i>: </span></div>
<div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every year remove about a third of the oldest, thickest stems, cutting them at ground level. This encourages the growth of new stems from the roots. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> With shrubs that have multiple stems (like a cane-growth habit), cut all canes back as close to the ground as possible in early spring. In some areas or with some plants, you may lose this seasons flowers. I use this technique for my vigorous growing shrubs, like thyrallis, lantana, firebush, shrimp plant. canna lillies, shell ginger, andTurk's cap. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pruning a mature tree is best left to a certified arborist. A crepe myrtle, however, can be pruned by most gardeners with the use of loppers and a hand saw. I'm noticing quite a bit of improper pruning of crepe myrtles right now - the culprits are topping the trees instead of taking the time to properly remove unwanted branches at a joint or suckers at the ground level. They really are topping the tree and garden experts refer to it as crepe murder. The pic below is a crepe myrtle that has been property pruned through the years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And for comparison's sake, here is a crepe myrtle that has been topped. It has thick knobby joints that will break easily in the wind. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0tCi8-ji8a63dpo2JoyZjL89ZLZ3DVCqe7lRjrLCHjmMcA_uyg0mIbVgonM8GLEjJdnrOn6cg7DTzjzMdzn0wKDQsl13Zuj9FITXg41tNUSP6RyQ1ViqC3NOuFnK2X3R9mz18lM7U7k/s1600/badly+pruned+crepe+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0tCi8-ji8a63dpo2JoyZjL89ZLZ3DVCqe7lRjrLCHjmMcA_uyg0mIbVgonM8GLEjJdnrOn6cg7DTzjzMdzn0wKDQsl13Zuj9FITXg41tNUSP6RyQ1ViqC3NOuFnK2X3R9mz18lM7U7k/s320/badly+pruned+crepe+%25283%2529.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For more information, visit the sites of these experts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/proper-pruning-techniques/" target="_blank">Proper Pruning Techniques - EarthKind Landscapin</a>g</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.finegardening.com/maintenance-pruning" target="_blank">Pruning Techniques with Lee Reich </a>- Fine Gardening</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://crapemyrtletrails.org/pruning/" target="_blank">Pruning Crape Myrtles</a> - Neil Sperry and Bram Franklin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.texasgardener.com/pastissues/janfeb11/Pruning.html" target="_blank">Pruning Fruit Trees</a> - Texas Gardeners</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/documents/palms.pdf" target="_blank">Pruning Palms</a> - University of Florida</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://trees247.wordpress.com/2015/10/09/tree-pruning/" target="_blank">Tree Trimming</a> - Simmons Oak Farms</span></div>
Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-9040901004647692452017-02-02T17:30:00.001-06:002017-02-23T20:17:12.117-06:00February in the Garden<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/02/02/punxsutawney-phil-sees-shadow-predicts-6-more-weeks-winter/97388078/" target="_blank">Puxatawney Phil</a> saw his shadow this morning and we will have six more weeks of winter, I think we can safely prepare for Spring. There are a number
of things that gardeners do before Valentine’s Day. It’s not that there’s anything magical about
February 14<sup>th</sup>; but it is just before spring growth typically begins
and is an easy date to remember. Here's my guide for gardens tasks in deep south Texas:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rose growers prune
around Valentines Day: If you grow
modern hybrid roses, cut them back to 18-24”.
Antique or “found” roses are simply pruned to fit the space; try not to
remove more than 1/3 of any cane (or branch).
Do not prune spring-blooming climbing roses until after they
bloom. If course, remove any dead canes. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also prune my peach and fig trees this month - hopefully before they bloom and begin to set
fruit. <i>The peaches are blooming right now in Harlingen.</i> Remove branches when they cross each other or when one is directly below another. Keeping your fruit tree open will lessen the chance of disease. Again, remove any dead wood. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the end of the month, you can begin cutting back your woody shrubs. Some (like lantana, mistflower, and Little John bottlebru) are budding and even blooming now, so I am very tempted to trim a little early this year. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't put away your freeze protection material just yet. <i>Mine are just a bunch of old sheets and light blankets. Most of my plants are hardy to the mid-20s and if not hardy, will just suffer damage that will grow back when its warmer. </i>We have received some arctic blasts in February before. According to Plantmaps, our last frost date is said to be between February 11 and February 20. You can check your Texas frost map <a href="http://www.plantmaps.com/interactive-texas-last-frost-date-map.php" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continue to collect and shred leaves for ground cover and to compost. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a great time to apply a layer of mulch to all your planting beds. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But tree-trunk-painting is NOT on my list of things to do this month. Or any month!</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVuTSLDDc4XLJUL2jJvcJGdvJD50rP2PIfQbvpeM-Phhq_WsLW-KI3JgtggHna2B1NEVQvsJRmUgWBHVzuSv5rnXyTBTiZmf-5Qnmvc3dcoElAXd0vUb7jYveGjUgRbbZcVETx0ohs4I/s1600/painted+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVuTSLDDc4XLJUL2jJvcJGdvJD50rP2PIfQbvpeM-Phhq_WsLW-KI3JgtggHna2B1NEVQvsJRmUgWBHVzuSv5rnXyTBTiZmf-5Qnmvc3dcoElAXd0vUb7jYveGjUgRbbZcVETx0ohs4I/s320/painted+trees.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PLANT: </span></div>
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<ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "didact gothic" , sans-serif;">T</span><span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "didact gothic" , sans-serif;">rees and Shrubs: All trees, including fruit, with the exception of citrus. This is also a good time to plant non-tropical shrubs. </span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vegetables: broccoli, carrots, cucumber, melons (cataulope and honey dew), peppers (sweet), radish, squash, tomatoes, watermelons. <i>Cucumbers and melons will cross pollinate so do not plant them near each other. </i></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Herbs: basil, catnip, dill, fennel, garlic, mint (in a pot to contain the roots), parsley, rosemary, rue, thyme. A frost will harm your basil so it is best in a pot which can be brought in during inclement weather. </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flowers from Seed or Bulbs: alyssum, amaryllis bulbs, larkspur, poppy, stock. </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flowers from Transplants: dianthus, ice plant, geraniums, impatience, kalanchoes, petunias, ruellia (Mexican petunia), and salvia</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rose bushes</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;">Vegetable Planting Date Sources: <a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/earthkind/ekgarden14.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Texas Extension Service</a> and the <a href="http://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-dates/TX/Harlingen" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Old Farmers Almanac </a>.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></i>
FERTILIZE:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roses. Include a systemic insecticide if you grow grafted roses. Found or Antique roses are supposed to take care of themselves. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Citrus: There are good organic and traditional citrus fertilizers. Apply in January or February for a better bloom or in May or June as a post-bloom for better fruit set. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Acid fertilizer for your acid loving plants like gardenias. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add some inches of high-quality compost to your vegetable beds before you plant. </span> </li>
</ul>
</div>
Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-42890208719080826622017-01-25T21:09:00.000-06:002017-01-26T16:10:26.928-06:00Is It Spring Yet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the warm winter we are enjoying, its tempting to take on Spring gardening tasks, like pruning, earlier than we should. Cutting back your woody ornamentals does a couple of things: it tells the plant it's time to begin growing again and it leaves them susceptible to freeze damage. Check the last freeze date in your area before beginning to prune When I searched online for the last freeze date for Harlingen, I got anything from January 31 to February 17. Tradition is that when the mesquites begin to leaf out, winter is over. <br />
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I'm biding my time by brushing up on pruning best practices - both online and with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603444785/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1603444785&linkCode=as2&tag=cultivatingpa-20&linkId=4bdf02822e5c555a536708b943a19cbe" target="_blank">Doug Welsh's Texas Garden Almanac </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=cultivatingpa-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1603444785" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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The articles in this month-by-month guide are organized by when they are most pertinant. All the information and advice is science-based. Reading the month's chapter just prior to that month reminds me what to be aware of in my garden. <br />
<br />
Back to pruning . . . There are multiple reasons to prune a plant<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>to control its size</li>
<li>for the plants health</li>
<li>for better flowers and fruit</li>
<li>and to train it into a particular shape, such as an espalier. </li>
</ul>
<br />
Check back for some specific tips on proper pruning. For now, exercise patience and wherever you live, wait until the chance of freezing weather has passed. <br />
<br />Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-89975023905205293912017-01-06T13:25:00.001-06:002017-01-07T21:37:53.672-06:00January in the Garden<h4 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">January a wonderful month in deep south Texas to spend time in your garden! But when we get 80 degree days like earlier this week, we're tempted to jump the gun on some garden tasks. Here's a guide for January Garden Tasks in our area. <span style="font-size: 24px;"> </span></span></h4>
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDsMkpQciOYA_9BhnbANBDnG6R8JCcKvoXxXE6PS3cCIB5CVtAyospiMXtXyDpvhVFuqjfx6Q2mUzW99N7gae47slbnSalkRuvJSpv89BpP3yczKJOkasyUMYAAWPMpp4bDGyLlyNVuk/s1600/8785-shredding-leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDsMkpQciOYA_9BhnbANBDnG6R8JCcKvoXxXE6PS3cCIB5CVtAyospiMXtXyDpvhVFuqjfx6Q2mUzW99N7gae47slbnSalkRuvJSpv89BpP3yczKJOkasyUMYAAWPMpp4bDGyLlyNVuk/s320/8785-shredding-leaves.jpg" width="175" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gather and shred your fallen leaves. They can easily be shredded with a mower or an inexpensive leaf shredder. I have an <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EUU044S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cultivatingpa-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00EUU044S&linkId=a4381f4c52ecbb78fd8ad739cb046bc2" target="_blank">electric leaf shredder</a>, like the one pictured, that is indispensable<span style="color: #2c3e50;"> this time of year. The shredded leaves can then either be composted or used as mulch, where they will help suppress weed seed from sprouting and cool the soil during the summer. I have heard people say not to use live oak leaves because they contain too much tannin and tannin keeps the leaf from breaking down. If you shred your leaves, they will decompose just fine. Much to my husbands dismay, I am a proud leaf rustler. I try to keep the back of my car empty so that I can pick up any bagged leaves that have been left at the curb. You just can't have too many shredded leaves.</span></span></li>
<li>Water only as needed. Much of the landscape will be dormant and will not be using much water. But dry cold fronts, high winds, and low humidity can dry your plants quickly so check them regularly. Water an established lawn only every 10 days or two weeks. </li>
<li>Be prepared to protect your tender vegetation from any freezing temperatures that we may get. Go <a href="https://trees247.wordpress.com/2017/01/06/preparing-your-plants-for-a-light-freeze/" target="_blank">here</a> to read more about this. </li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "didact gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0TXcy7jGV0Wzxa8kMkhKcklK_-u67QicbvSApAOH16W9vOUB6yDa1pL4nQyhPkoUaLUVvJC3SQSbrPlrJ09U-0XN3EuokZVfptxdYOyLcjLOw68GMgjBzMupR_n5Udq3ir_vdR-qD5A/s1600/tree+staking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0TXcy7jGV0Wzxa8kMkhKcklK_-u67QicbvSApAOH16W9vOUB6yDa1pL4nQyhPkoUaLUVvJC3SQSbrPlrJ09U-0XN3EuokZVfptxdYOyLcjLOw68GMgjBzMupR_n5Udq3ir_vdR-qD5A/s320/tree+staking.jpg" width="253" /></a><span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "didact gothic" , sans-serif;">PLANT: </span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "didact gothic" , sans-serif;">T</span><span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "didact gothic" , sans-serif;">rees and Shrubs: All trees, including fruit, with the exception of citrus. This is also a good time to plant non-tropical shrubs. </span></li>
<li>Vegetables: broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, Swiss chard, collards, kale, leaf lettuce, leeks, onion (plants, not seeds), parsley, potato, radish, spinach, and turnips. </li>
<li>Herbs: basil, dill, fennel, mint (in a pot to contain the roots), rosemary, rue, thyme. A frost will harm your basil so it is best in a pot which can be brought in during inclement weather. </li>
<li>Flowers from Seed or Bulbs: alyssum, amaryllis bulbs, calendulas, calla lillies, petunia, larkspur, poppy, stock, calendulas. <i>Some say you can still plant bluebonnets and nasturtium seed but, in my experience, those are best planted in October.</i></li>
<li>Flowers from Transplants: pansies, petunias, alyssum, dianthus, snapdragons, and violets</li>
<li>Rose bushes</li>
</ul>
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<div>
<i>Vegetable Planting Date Sources: <a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/earthkind/ekgarden14.html" target="_blank">Texas Extension Service</a> and the <a href="http://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-dates/TX/Harlingen" target="_blank">Old Farmers Almanac </a>. </i></div>
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<span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "didact gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "didact gothic" , sans-serif;">FERTILIZE: Citrus trees that are at least 3 years old, your annuals and vegetables. Do not fertilize tropicals right now; let them rest. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">PRUNE: </span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Landscape trees. Most established landscape trees will require a certified arborist to properly and safely prune. </li>
<li>Peaches, figs, and other fruit trees. I prune to remove dead wood, to shape the tree. and to keep it a size where I can reach the fruit. We are going to plant a mango and an avocado tree and I am going to try to prune them shorter so their fruit is accessible. I never wanted to grow them before because they get so tall, I felt like I'd be growing the fruit for the possoms, racoons, and other vermin. </li>
<li>Do not prune your shrubs yet. Some of our worst cold snaps (and ice storms) have arrived in February. </li>
</ul>
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<h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="color: #2c3e50; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years.</i></span> </span></h2>
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Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-22443830231165069912016-11-20T22:37:00.003-06:002016-11-23T20:17:27.818-06:00It's Bone Broth Season!Nothing has improved my cooking more than using homemade bonebroth in my recipes. I started making this a couple of winters ago because it was supposed to be good for me . . . and because it was so warm and yummy to sip a cup of it on a cold winter evening! I was a little slow to click in to what that rich flavor could add to my recipes. I like to make mine in a crockpot and cook it for 24 hours or more. The actual recipe varies from time to time, depending on what I happen to have in the refrigerator. Here is my basic recipe:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijnZ81HomTOVLwJNsekccfNkbwmhWLgPvdlxs7pbVvAZ_9MeTiLS0kohJmKqfVcxXBlttXh78TNVckKdX65L8YkTV2GtRfjuma6EGLsnSxW3DwEc_IPKLsAl8OYe5y4lajum9-C8XYWkb/s1600/IMG_7427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijnZ81HomTOVLwJNsekccfNkbwmhWLgPvdlxs7pbVvAZ_9MeTiLS0kohJmKqfVcxXBlttXh78TNVckKdX65L8YkTV2GtRfjuma6EGLsnSxW3DwEc_IPKLsAl8OYe5y4lajum9-C8XYWkb/s320/IMG_7427.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
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Start with the bones from a roasted chicken - or if it's Thanksgiving week, the bones from your Thanksgiving turkey. I try to buy chickens that are labeled hormone and antibiotic-free but I am not above buying a grilled or roasted chicken at the grocery store and then using those bones. Add celery stalks (or the ends of celery stalks and use the celery in your dishes), 1/2 to 1 onion (quartered), two or three carrots, a bunch of parsley, and a couple of bay leaves. Toss in some whole peppercorns and cover with water. I use filtered water. Now turn your crockpot on and set the timer for 24 hours. I've read it takes this long for the marrow from the bones to leach into your broth. <br />
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The first winter that I made bonebroth, I did it on the stovetop. I had to constantly add water to the pot and was afraid to keep the burner on over night. I cook with gas and running the burners for 24 hours to make broth ran through LOTS of propane - and turned out to be very expensive broth! That's when I switched to the crockpot and I love this process. It cooks slowly enough (even on the high setting) that I don't have to add extra water. This gives me a nice, richly colored broth. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHf052RJ4QCjcOqAAY7m-PDE5OiwB95g9-9x04blv09lemX8ev823RKPpUYCWYIQcR0aLfnTRQ9Zo5sASJKLuPR6Km932X4E2t39PCjT7v65m-uBWFI7rn4sjlEwMLVSbsyogVEL3u6OWb/s1600/IMG_7429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHf052RJ4QCjcOqAAY7m-PDE5OiwB95g9-9x04blv09lemX8ev823RKPpUYCWYIQcR0aLfnTRQ9Zo5sASJKLuPR6Km932X4E2t39PCjT7v65m-uBWFI7rn4sjlEwMLVSbsyogVEL3u6OWb/s320/IMG_7429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is what the chicken and veggies look like after a day of simmering. Remove them from the crockpot with a big straining spoon. You won't be able to get ALL of the solids - at least I am not patient enough to get all of the solids out during this step. At this point, I may add some more spices. It really depends on what my plan for the broth is. If I'm cooking with it, I don't bother with more spices. But if the broth is for sipping, it probably needs some salt and pepper - and a little tumeric or cumin can be tasty too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtX9wzioSwIN9rhsHZL-lqj6HV7OswB32UBxJYtHreN_CbK-zMTHfqQMBBIHfCCF7TwJ2h-8Fr5NtMfs-n4v4TaF_f9Mp7z4ttZyBtfa7731b49Ilp9g9uzI1jFttZxoN4gOnW9gFVFGi/s1600/IMG_7430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtX9wzioSwIN9rhsHZL-lqj6HV7OswB32UBxJYtHreN_CbK-zMTHfqQMBBIHfCCF7TwJ2h-8Fr5NtMfs-n4v4TaF_f9Mp7z4ttZyBtfa7731b49Ilp9g9uzI1jFttZxoN4gOnW9gFVFGi/s320/IMG_7430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Let the broth cool for 30 minutes or so and then it's time to strain it. My system is above. Look at that color! I made this with a couple of turkey necks and a part of a chicken carcass. I only had part of a chicken carcass because still haven't trained all my family (i.e. my husband) not to through away chicken bones that are in the refrigerator . . . . </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-3-kf6FUgNmywxqjyM3B4pkOaWXMHL3b1uz1HjEOlTypY2GknmtbbCCiBl8GKa3BFtvtNyXfjzupkLRJOD-LqLXyOpq1SonuxUC76b6Lw3_Mm3z8GJT3VAtOEzWBbI9UafvryHLnfkO2/s1600/IMG_7426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-3-kf6FUgNmywxqjyM3B4pkOaWXMHL3b1uz1HjEOlTypY2GknmtbbCCiBl8GKa3BFtvtNyXfjzupkLRJOD-LqLXyOpq1SonuxUC76b6Lw3_Mm3z8GJT3VAtOEzWBbI9UafvryHLnfkO2/s320/IMG_7426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I know you saw the broth in the last picture, but it was so pretty I thought I'd show you another picture of it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vGRNMxoE8PSKeGD7EoTbyMM8GfXd4yYgJywJKtNuRTeBGwS06_ILQ8W7LKkvpRZZ8D3g5X1Vt5STu1g-oViekcIFyEBEGOq7qccbcmzxBgXGYgP5_PkVjvwjFvID5URgvwZdbdkxNFap/s1600/IMG_7428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vGRNMxoE8PSKeGD7EoTbyMM8GfXd4yYgJywJKtNuRTeBGwS06_ILQ8W7LKkvpRZZ8D3g5X1Vt5STu1g-oViekcIFyEBEGOq7qccbcmzxBgXGYgP5_PkVjvwjFvID5URgvwZdbdkxNFap/s320/IMG_7428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The final step is to put it into jars. It usually makes about four quarts. I just drink what doesn't fit into the jars. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 1 week or in the freezer for 3-6 months. You can freeze it flat in plastic ziplock bags or in a jar. For the freezing, I like the bags but for the defrosting and using, I like the jars. If you freeze in a jar, freeze it first <u>without</u> the lid, leaving room for expansion. After being frozen for a day, you can cap the jars. Otherwise, you are risking some broken jars.<br />
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Here's a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-txSmOHjSH8UkFyVk1aOTVSbGM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">printable version</a> of my recipe.<br />
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If you haven't tried bone broth, I hope you will. It's super easy, super tasty, and super good for you!Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888999648897092221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-24762222048857617302016-11-19T12:46:00.001-06:002017-01-10T09:02:51.503-06:00Repotting the Unfriendliest of Plants<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA1AYXtZQMYegWpJ2u97_xASxj10WVYqb-9Myj3K141thEkLwR_VynXgi6LyazySRGU2eKg23urBxj_UMjlZ06jOMv96eCVQ6A8GAPjV2g63BQDhC40pchqjmlpWAwYOF-gOzBjPSJpvM/s1600/IMG_5875+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA1AYXtZQMYegWpJ2u97_xASxj10WVYqb-9Myj3K141thEkLwR_VynXgi6LyazySRGU2eKg23urBxj_UMjlZ06jOMv96eCVQ6A8GAPjV2g63BQDhC40pchqjmlpWAwYOF-gOzBjPSJpvM/s320/IMG_5875+%25282%2529.JPG" width="278" /></a>I don't do many container plants and when I do, I try to make sure that they are easy-care as possible. Translate to low water plants and BIG(ger) containers. Last spring I gathered up some small pots and put them together in a mixed succlulent-ish container. I thought I had the nice mixture of size, texture, and color. One plant was the cutest cactus with long, soft looking, yellow thorns in a 8 inch pot. I had bought that little pot to decorate for a party and the cactus had just stayed exactly the same for 4 or 5 months. <br />
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I don't remember, but that little cactus must have been rootbound because once it got its roots into a larger pot of soil, it grew . . . and then <br />
grew some more. Within a few months, it looked like this.<br />
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The cactus was taking over. </div>
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Time to re-pot and this cactus is COVERED with LONG spines. First things first . . . I am using a new terra cotta pot so it needs a good soaking. If I omit this step, the clay will suck all the moisture from the potting mix. Instead of watering continually post-planting, I'd rather just soak the pot pre-planting and then water normally. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxMEhyKcsw_sYBPDtF37q_cuoRAqfun6_zMYvOvSm9bIbzV_Z_QOhKe3dr-jpgXx0sf96PjKoThUPJczGSCBdU10WX9OjAjmaFg434h6edH7y7P6n8VbZkbxLmFA7h_rB1nbvi30Zusqr/s1600/cactus+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxMEhyKcsw_sYBPDtF37q_cuoRAqfun6_zMYvOvSm9bIbzV_Z_QOhKe3dr-jpgXx0sf96PjKoThUPJczGSCBdU10WX9OjAjmaFg434h6edH7y7P6n8VbZkbxLmFA7h_rB1nbvi30Zusqr/s320/cactus+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first time that I transplanted the cactus, a piece of folded newpaper was the only tool I needed. It could work again . . . Well, the newspaper hack was helpful to hold the cactus while I added more potting mix. To actually remove it from the pot, I ended up taking it to the lawn and very carefully removing it with a shovel. (Hand tools didn't keep even a gloved hand far enough away from those spines!) There were actually three cacti growing together so I split them up and shared with a friend. <br />
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And the finished product It has room to grow BUT I will be happy to let it become rootbound. I sure don't want it to get too big for me to handle!<br />
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I wish I knew what this little guy is. But as it grows and blooms, maybe I'll be able to identify it. Frankly, I'm not very good with cacti. </div>
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Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888999648897092221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-89567853723106159542016-11-14T10:56:00.000-06:002016-11-14T11:07:42.338-06:00Why Yardmap? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lately, I've been binge-listening to Margaret Roach's<a href="http://awaytogarden.com/category/etcetera/radio-podcasts/" target="_blank"> gardening podcast</a> and was interested to hear about Cornell's Yardmapping website! Actually, the correct name is <a href="http://app.yardmap.org/map#!/map//siteexplorer/recent-sites-list" target="_blank">Habitat Network</a> and it is a joint project of the Nature Conservancy and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The mapping program is called Yardmap. It holds a group of tools to help you map your property and, then, to manage your property in a manner which attracts birds, butterflies, and bees (my words, not theirs). Of course, all the information that you share with your map helps the scientists learn more about these little creatures. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_awNt7uBiSFap_F9qskxxFhnrUDBkFaPiMagBp8S8St95MAYOD_ni9xZD9B3n4tfXDNusfCZlkq7aZkmYj7SGnECYaJbsHdGBvibW3hwAsBO6o-8A1tazKHOIOXXMCTkQA3xEflxanHz/s1600/yardmap+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_awNt7uBiSFap_F9qskxxFhnrUDBkFaPiMagBp8S8St95MAYOD_ni9xZD9B3n4tfXDNusfCZlkq7aZkmYj7SGnECYaJbsHdGBvibW3hwAsBO6o-8A1tazKHOIOXXMCTkQA3xEflxanHz/s400/yardmap+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is my map and the basic breakdown of what is there. The first few times I worked on it, the property was just listed as "home" - so very generic! I had always wanted to give our home a name but anything I came up with either sounded stuffy or just didn't ring true. So, I swiped a friend's community garden's name - because it fits here too! The first thing we hear when we go outside are the mockingbirds! And there's nothing stuffy about mockingbirds!<br />
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Back to YardMap. Here is how it works, more or less: <br />
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<li>The site finds your property on GoogleEarth and then you outline the property. That's the quick part. Note: I didn't say that's the easy part because the entire process is pretty easy . . . but it can be a bit time consuming, especially as you are learning. </li>
<li>After you have outlined your garden, or yard, or yarden, you mark what areas are grass, buildings, pavement, dirt, native forest, water, wetlands, etc. </li>
<li>The final step is that you place your individual trees, shrubs, compost bins, bird feeders, bird houses, bird baths, etc. Here you can use an INFO tab to add all sorts of details. </li>
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At this point, you start getting feedback - Habitat Network will feed pertinant articles about how you can make your property more nature-friendly. Remember the site is hosted by the Cornell Lab or Ornithology (which is a fancy-schmancy word for "birds") </div>
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This is a citizen-scientist project, where non-scientists help collect observations or data from more locations than a scientist could alone. Besides feeling good about helping out, I expect to learn a lot along the way. In fact, I have already learned quite a bit. The mapping has been a fun process and I know that it will help me make Mockingbird Farm more bird friendly. Won't you join this project? </div>
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Mary Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888999648897092221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-77915976611066725082016-09-07T11:58:00.000-05:002016-09-07T11:58:38.467-05:00Divide and RepotLast week, I got a tour of some friends new home - and their very large new backyard. We talked about some of south Texas plants they aren't familiar with and helped identify the fruit trees, herbs and vegetables left behind by the previous owner. <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> They have a number of big glazed pots with lush plantings - some that were not looking too hot after the move. After a discussion of where they were growing before - shade or sun, Matt pointed to one pot containing a plant that he felt just needed to be pulled out and tossed. When he grabbed it and yanked, the entire rootball came out. It looked like there was very little soil left in the pot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Can you say root bound? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This has such an easy fix. Divide and repot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I like to spread a tarp, plastic tablecloth or old sheet where I'm going to work preferably on a waist high table. With a serrated knife, either divide into smaller plants or cut away the old and/or dead parts. Also, cut away the bottom 1/3 (or more) of the rootball. Now, you're ready to repot your plant with fresh potting soil and possibly plant a few more pots with the extra material. Empty everything left on your tarp into your compost bin and enjoy your not-so-new planting. </span></div>
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Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-37589634160361250102016-07-05T18:38:00.000-05:002016-07-05T18:38:00.026-05:00Blog ReadingI find it hard to keep up with all my favorite blogs - some are in my Blogger reading list; some are in my WordPress reading list; and some are just linked to Cultivating Paradise. I have found that I don't like email notifications of new posts. Too many emails in my inbox makes me hyperventilate. All of this means that I pretty much have to be on a computer to read blogs posts. Recently, I came across a phone ap called <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5866859/?claim=eue6wtkym65%22%3EFollow%20my%20blog%20with%20Bloglovin%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> and I have hope that I can easily access all my favorite blogs on my phone or iPad! Keep your fingers crossed. If you have Bloglovin, you can follow me <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5866859/?claim=eue6wtkym65%22%3EFollow%20my%20blog%20with%20Bloglovin%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">here</a>. And here's a little eye candy for all my gardening and nature loving friends! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiimBugM23XltiejPE7IbI9eGZYunUk8zEBZnoVjg4m01SYlPT2DeCvOZWzaMBEOxtwpEVEs8-_KN_poeA36Yu_pVKPMc41enrOT3FoIlpOoMQZcXXyRK_gDOS72anafsdqTXS9R8TUN4/s1600/Dill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiimBugM23XltiejPE7IbI9eGZYunUk8zEBZnoVjg4m01SYlPT2DeCvOZWzaMBEOxtwpEVEs8-_KN_poeA36Yu_pVKPMc41enrOT3FoIlpOoMQZcXXyRK_gDOS72anafsdqTXS9R8TUN4/s320/Dill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Queen Caterpillars feeding on dill plants. In a few weeks, they will (hopefully) become beautiful butterflies!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKxebUkNHeuHCyUVWxzmr095caPPrwJOWcA-Dcz_F_JzLYqoXgiuVo-1a6vhvrriOvWltNKYxqBQLzXPPbtMHWDp8OSXQ1jXOmIbn4ttnkuhDwC2oJ2ML1J0g2YkfK4foqg7FZkGgyAY/s1600/Zinnia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKxebUkNHeuHCyUVWxzmr095caPPrwJOWcA-Dcz_F_JzLYqoXgiuVo-1a6vhvrriOvWltNKYxqBQLzXPPbtMHWDp8OSXQ1jXOmIbn4ttnkuhDwC2oJ2ML1J0g2YkfK4foqg7FZkGgyAY/s320/Zinnia.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Zinnias, bachelors buttons, basil, and sage cut from my daughters garden. Here's a great reason to garden!<br />
<br />Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-85001699075498685782016-06-20T21:22:00.001-05:002016-06-20T21:22:05.538-05:00Benefits of Being a Lazy Gardener<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQH6FIqUI27J9sTMO3aYD7qzNh2mNdiovhH-c5Y2CtXlpL8_RjrWcZ4aHhDSGCxbO92O6NX2p6C0q5t8eOiNtrUUHDpwVI4rLebgl3pKecgyMlCxhuhA5h9Wc8Y_6i7-dYlAO1Hi0Ds8/s1600/Great+Southern+White+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQH6FIqUI27J9sTMO3aYD7qzNh2mNdiovhH-c5Y2CtXlpL8_RjrWcZ4aHhDSGCxbO92O6NX2p6C0q5t8eOiNtrUUHDpwVI4rLebgl3pKecgyMlCxhuhA5h9Wc8Y_6i7-dYlAO1Hi0Ds8/s320/Great+Southern+White+2016.jpg" width="285" /></a>I've be feeling a bit guilty about letting our edible garden go to seed and weed. About 10 days ago, I noticed that anywhere from 25 - 50 Great Southern White butterflies have taken up residence in the garden. The only flowers out there are artichoke (yep, I never bothered to harvest the chokes) and rosemary, so I don't have any idea what they are feeding (nectaring) on . . . . Every night, most of them, including the one pictured on the right, bed down in a large planting of canna lilies. <br />
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I did read that cruciferous vegetables are host plants for this butterfly. But most cruciferous vegetables are a winter crop in my Southern garden. The pretty little butterflies seem pretty indiscriminate about which plants they hang out near and light on - the artichoke, asparagus, bolting kale, fennel, along with grass weeds that have gone to seed . . . My fear of removing what has attracted them led me to not pull or trim one single horrible looking plant. This afternoon, when I went out to cut a kale leaf for a smoothie, the kale was covered in caterpillars! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckjAkaXVtGq-Wctl6ugAAJane-_avV2tAOxNUDnIVCXNuLNTzwla-YtzY-QUQAq-iA3c6B71yUnO6JDiEY8FkDdb-5kQCR4oBOOb9i9NV0Q4gbPPrmdfZxfD8T1EkZeJRwb5oyEHPhA8/s1600/Great+Southern+White+caterpillars+2016+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckjAkaXVtGq-Wctl6ugAAJane-_avV2tAOxNUDnIVCXNuLNTzwla-YtzY-QUQAq-iA3c6B71yUnO6JDiEY8FkDdb-5kQCR4oBOOb9i9NV0Q4gbPPrmdfZxfD8T1EkZeJRwb5oyEHPhA8/s320/Great+Southern+White+caterpillars+2016+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A quick google search verified that these are indeed Southern Great White butterfly larvae! If you want to see the entire life cycle, visit <a href="http://www.thedauphins.net/id112.html">this post</a> by the Dauphins, a couple of butterfly experts in south Texas. They captured every detail in some fabulous photos! The chrysalis isn't as pretty as some, but I will be on the search for them in a day or two. </div>
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If your schedule - or the Texas heat - keeps you from keeping your garden as tidy as you'd like, don't despair. You may get to play host to some lovely little creatures, too! </div>
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Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, TX, USA26.141328336136375 -97.71532867421876725.913310836136375 -98.038052174218763 26.369345836136375 -97.392605174218772tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-53602736081280554802016-06-10T10:23:00.000-05:002016-06-10T10:50:32.139-05:00Identifying Texas Sabal and Washingtonia PalmsLiving in the Rio Grande Valley, it's easy to take for granted the beauty of our native and naturalized palms. There are many thousand varieties of palms and 15-20 of them are a common sight in this area. I think we should all be able to identify the plants and trees growing in our landscapes - along with the birds and butterflies that frequent them. One of the advantages to learning to identify different palm trees is that it makes you take a closer look at the plant, which leads to a greater appreciation of each palms unique characteristics.<br />
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Let's just talk about two of the most common palms down here - our native Texas sabal and the <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexican Fan Palm</td></tr>
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Mexican fan or washingtonia palm. The untrained (or unobservant) eye would say they look the same. They are both tall with large fan leaves. <br />
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The Mexican fan palm grows 36 inches a year, maturing at 80-100 feet. Although it's not native, it has naturalized here. Birds have spread the seeds through our brushlines and native habitat. A few people even consider it invasive. But it is a wonderful food source for many birds. We have been lucky enough to observe a flock of small parrots feeding on the ripe fruit. We kept hearing something hit the ground - it was the seed they spit out after consuming the fruit! Mexican fan palms line the highways and many boulevards throughout south Texas. It does well in parking lots, grouped in large open areas, and in the landscape of a tall building. In a typical residential landscape, it may look more like a telephone pole than a palm. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Sabal</td></tr>
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Texas sabal palms are the only palm native to south Texas. They grow from deep south Texas south to Central America. Sabals are slower growers, adding 1 or 2 sets of fronds each growing season, which amounts to about a foot a year. Mature height is 40 or 50 feet but I rarely see any taller than 20 - 25 feet. It used to be rare to see one growing in the wild, but birds have done a great job of spreading seed. Texans use sabal fronds when building palapas. Sabals retain their 'boots' (leaf ends) for a very long time, giving the trunk a heavy cross-hatched look like the palm below. It is both drought tolerant and salt-tolerant, making it a great choice for coastal plantings. <br />
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Similar but not the same. Here are the differences to look for:<br />
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<li>Texas sabal has a smooth frond stem with no spines; Mexican fan has short, dark thorns along the base of the leaf stem.</li>
<li>Texas sabal has larger fronds (5-8 feet wide) than the Mexican fan (3-5 feet wide)</li>
<li>Texas sabal has a larger, fuller canopy. </li>
<li>Texas sabal trunk is thicker than a Mexican fan's - about 30" in diameter - and it is more likely to have its boots. </li>
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Take my challenge to learn to identify different palm trees growing in south Texas!</div>
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Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-44970820623981209372016-02-14T21:13:00.000-06:002017-02-28T21:41:17.425-06:00Gardening - Just Do ItClean your house, people! It costs nothing. - Nate Berkus<br />
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This is exactly how I feel about gardening tasks - but the bonus is you get to do it outside! Some people act intimidated by gardening, insisting that they have a 'brown thumb'. In reality, much of gardening is simply tidying up. <br />
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Whether your garden is large or small or simply a couple of pots of herbs, its fun to work alone or with a pal. I regularly put my guests to "work" outside. They have a definite preference for any plant that is blooming, is edible, or that has butterflies flitting around it. Well, any of those or anything involving power tools. <br />
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There are some wonderful gadgets to help you in your tasks. This<a href="http://amzn.to/2lx0Qnp" target="_blank"> electric chipper/shredder</a> is easy, safe, and inexpensive. This one cost about $100 and we've used it for 3 years now. It chips up much of the trimming that we do around here. A bonus is the green humus that can either be composted or added to your planting beds as mulch. <br />
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As you consider any spring cleaning you plan to do, don't get stuck inside during beautiful spring days. Water, trim, tidy things up - and before you know it, you're "gardening"!<br />
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<br />Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118703221138865382.post-61531015103270352042015-10-16T15:37:00.000-05:002015-10-16T15:40:08.610-05:00Monarch Migration - Feeding Them Along the Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I saw a few small groups of monarchs flitting around the yard today so I'm thinking that this is the beginning of their migration south. They were really loving the mistflowers today. But here are some more nectar plants that butterflies seem to go for in my garden.</div>
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One of today's monarch visitors feeding on the blue mistflowers. This mistflower grows low to the ground, dies back in the winter, and blooms in the spring and the fall. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYeYc4rnj_FvYBHmQzXgFqPalsCUczP7ZM8lOIApZk4j52DGkRoGeVjuVR3hUpSbvibMRldr20AfrjrQwF8NYF1lDlIKBofgEZGMMpZksOkz9xn2918gf0oClFfauP4F1XxX9nT-GgYk/s1600/Caesalpinia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYeYc4rnj_FvYBHmQzXgFqPalsCUczP7ZM8lOIApZk4j52DGkRoGeVjuVR3hUpSbvibMRldr20AfrjrQwF8NYF1lDlIKBofgEZGMMpZksOkz9xn2918gf0oClFfauP4F1XxX9nT-GgYk/s320/Caesalpinia.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Caelsalpenia or Mexican Royal Poinciana with what this uneducated butterfly watcher thinks is some sort of skipper. Grow it for the blooms and the butterflies are just a bonus. It has long legume looking seed pods and reseeds easily. Expect die-back in all but the mildest winters. </div>
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Lantana in all colors is magnetic to butterflies. The open shape of the flower gives them easy access to the flowers nectar. I was told that the orange lantana doesn't make nectar, but I've seen butterflies feeding on them so . . . well, you decide for yourself. <br />
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Lantana comes in tons of different colors. This pink and yellow combo is a native that you will find growing in brushlines and that we find growing in our tree fields. Isn't it a beauty! </div>
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Turk's Cap is loved by butterflies and hummingbirds both. It blooms on new growth so don't be afraid to trim it to the size you want. But be aware that it is a vigorous volunteer - but it's easy to pull out when it pops up where you don't want it. I love large sweeps of Turk's Cap</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VXun7C7iB8wfkSG2Wypux0ItwjBDOi6Wa8w0QLXHilVPVs_LKaeclmY-BUKo8YDGMc4jbY47Z0hqqmkQcVRuHcfPerjSDk_IAlrvN9wQBGGaJ7NBV1ZvsCfKxwP7p4TIUmAcPygGtDE/s1600/Frogfruit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VXun7C7iB8wfkSG2Wypux0ItwjBDOi6Wa8w0QLXHilVPVs_LKaeclmY-BUKo8YDGMc4jbY47Z0hqqmkQcVRuHcfPerjSDk_IAlrvN9wQBGGaJ7NBV1ZvsCfKxwP7p4TIUmAcPygGtDE/s320/Frogfruit.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This delicate little groundcover is called frogfruit. There is a second variety which has a seraded leaf. Butterflies love this stuff! It's a perennial so expect it to die back in the winter. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPigsMejNiCLgcfDyX3w7aMCfn_xO1ZLVJN_cQso4Isfq-UVrqlh1y4AL6IuC-g1GlImXTOZrTsnbcvgfmXOsQ6NFBGx0hH4zrVLmeuabO-aJhHNA_GqPYCN01TLqNsoRb8kT9cMX_J2k/s1600/Butterfly+Weed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPigsMejNiCLgcfDyX3w7aMCfn_xO1ZLVJN_cQso4Isfq-UVrqlh1y4AL6IuC-g1GlImXTOZrTsnbcvgfmXOsQ6NFBGx0hH4zrVLmeuabO-aJhHNA_GqPYCN01TLqNsoRb8kT9cMX_J2k/s320/Butterfly+Weed.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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This Tropical Milkweed has been the subject of lots of controversy. With the decline of the monarch population the past few years, some have suggested that tropical milkweed is to blame and that we should only plant the native varieties. There is a disease that old Tropical Milkweed develops that is toxic to Monarchs. After a bit more research, it seems that we can keep growing the tropical variety but we are supposed to trim it back in the fall. Have no fear; it will grow back the following spring. Another thing to consider is that you don't want your migrating butterflies to become confused by available host plants and think they should stay and lay eggs. Cutting your host plants back in the fall keeps them moving south after a short stop for re-fueling. </div>
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And last, is Porterweed. It's a vigorous grower with dark purple blooms that must be delicious because mine always has butterflies hanging around. </div>
Mary Beth Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693714474445154468noreply@blogger.com0