Bring the plants and let's Party! - HIGHLAND LAKES MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION May 2022 Volume 23, Issue 4 - Highland Lakes Master Gardener ...
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Bring the
plants and
let’s Party!
PAGE 6
HIGHLAND LAKES MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION
May 2022 • Volume 23, Issue 4
HIGHLAND LAKES MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION
President’s Corner
It’s a season of hope — and being thankful for volunteers!
12 9 24
G reetings Master Gardeners...
As I was looking for a quote to reflect on for the month
of May, I found this one, and it really spoke to me. How
true is this statement! As we are working in our gardens it
of. My thanks to each and every one of you for all you do
as volunteers and Master Gardeners.
As alway at this time of the year, there are so many things
happening, including work at The Garden in Marble Falls 10 16 18
is with hope… hope that it will rain this next week, hope and The King’s Garden in Kingsland. And, of course, the
that the wind will die down some, Farmers and Craft Market will start
In This Issue
and hope that the deer will leave on Saturday, May 7. Volunteers are
the tomatoes alone! needed weekly through Nov. 19.
As Master Gardeners, we have To plant a garden Coming up next month is the
Regular Columns
so much to hope for as we work Burnet County Area Fair on June
in our gardens, whether they be
vegetables or flowers. Those new
is to believe in 17 and 18. Many of our members
are involved in making it happen; 2 President’s Corner
buds on the roses, the green beans
that are just sprouting from seed tomorrow. in fact, it would be difficult to have
the Fair without Master Gardeners. Special Features
and the many beautiful trees that Please volunteer to help with setup 3 Upcoming meeting notice
have put on new leaves for this
year… some serious signs that we Audrey Hepburn starting on the 16th, monitoring
during the fair, or tear down and 6 The Garden update 15 Garden-fresh recipe
have so much to be grateful for and cleanup at the close. If you can 4 AT Opportunities
we can believe in tomorrow. help, there are many opportunities
9
BMS Volunteer of the Year: 15
Burnet County Fair
In the United States, April is National Volunteer Month
— a month dedicated to recognizing the importance of
to earn needed VS hours. Not to mention the opportunity
to enter those plants, vegetable or craft projects that you Lavona Fry call for volunteers 5 Gardener’s X-change
volunteering and honoring the significant contributions have grown/made. If you have never been to a county fair,
volunteers make by generously donating their time
and talents to worthy causes. I really didn’t know that
it is a great family experience. Please come join us.
Enjoy your late springtime weather… it is almost over, 10
What’s going on at 16 From planning to planting 8 Call for Content
happened in April until I heard it mentioned many times and then we have summer until almost Thanksgiving! the greenhouse
over the month. I hope to see you at our meeting on May 10. 18 The King’s Garden update
24 Luedecke Lessons
As Master Gardeners, volunteering is one of our primary
objectives: to be of service to our communities. Whether Carolyn Stephens 12
From Our Backyard:
donating the produce grown in our community gardens,
creating a butterfly garden, or contributing to one of our
stephens4005@sbcglobal.net
Growing & Changing
23 Green Thumb Program
817-874-2138
many educational programs, we have so much to be proud
Find the latest HLMGA news online! a Tuesday, May 10, 2022 • 2 p.m.
burnetcountyhighlandlakesmastergardener.org facebook.com/HighlandLakesMasterGardeners Burnet County AgriLife Extension Office
May 607 N. Vanderveer, Burnet, Texas
The “Dig It” News is a publication of the
Highland Lakes Master Gardener Association HLMGA Attendance in person and via Zoom*
Meeting
a
– written by gardeners, for gardeners! Please PROGRAM:
send all content for publication to editor Gail
Food Forest Abundance
Braymen at gebfoto@gmail.com. Deadline is
the 28th of the month for the following month’s
MASTER GARDENER Presented by Sarah Lenzini
issue. The “Dig It” News is published every month *Watch your email for Zoom details.
except February and August. Highland Lakes
2 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 3
Approved Master Gardener Advanced Training Opportunities
Gardener’s
Advertise your seeds, plants, tools or other items
MAY 2022 to give away or trade, or ask if other HLMGA
members have what you’re looking for. Send
From the MG Membership Committee your listing to Gail Braymen at gebfoto@gmail.
-change
com along with your email address and/or phone
number so folks can contact you.
MAY 10 — “Organic Veggie Gardening 101” with
Highlight on Online AT Robb, (repeat), 10 a.m. (1 hr credit), at The Natural
MAY 9 — The Austin Organic Gardeners (aus- Gardener, 8648 Old Bee Caves Rd, Austin. Fee: free.
tinorganicgardeners.org) will host Justin Duncan, Pre-registration required at tngaustin.com/sign-up.
a sustainable agriculture apecialist, in a talk on Click on title, fill out form, click on Sign Up Now.
cover crops. MAY 12 — “Migratory Birds in the Landscape”
The presentation will help you understand how with Travis Audubon Staff, (repeat), 8–10 a.m. (2 hrs
to protect the soil, and the soil biome, using cov- credit), at the LBJ Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse
er crops. According to the NCAT website, Justin Ave, Austin. Fee: $15. Pre-registration required at For sale: Crepe Myrtle and Trumpet Vine
“has a BS in Agronomy from Prairie View A&M wildflower.org/learn/adults. Scroll to class, click on Crepe Myrtle has the dark red crimson flowers.
University and an MS in Plant Breeding from Find Out More and register. It has been in this very large pot for about two
Texas A&M University. He’s spent years figur- MAY 14 — “Brewing with Native Plants” with months. Asking $75. Delivery available for a nomi-
ing out the nuts and bolts of successful organic Trevor Nearburg, Beerburg Brewing, 10 a.m. (1 hr nal fee.
farming in the humid South, concentrating main- credit), at The Natural Gardener, 8648 Old Bee Caves
Rd, Austin. Fee: free. Pre-registration required at tn- Trumpet vine has the typical large orange flowers.
ly on sweet potatoes, strawberries, niche market
gaustin.com/sign-up. Click on title, fill out form, click It has been in this pot for a month now. Asking $75.
ethnic specialty crops, cover crops and drought
on Sign Up Now. Delivery is available for a nominal fee.
mitigation techniques. He is currently working on
cover crop projects in south Texas to help farm- MAY 14 — “Container Gardening Workshop” Hank Rominski — 860-575-8098
ers there build organic matter in their soil.” with Samantha Elkinton, Gardening Manager at the
Counting for two hours of advanced training, the LBJ Wildflower Center, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., (3 hrs credit),
presentation is 7-9 p.m. on Zoom and also in per- at the LBJ Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, p.m. (2.5 hrs credit), at the San Antonio Botanical (2.5 hrs credit), at the San Antonio Botanical Gar-
son at Zilker Park in Austin. To attend the pre- Austin. Fee: $60. Pre-registration required at wildflow- Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio. CREDIT den, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio. CREDIT FOR
sentation via Zoom, go to austinorganicgarden- er.org/learn/adults. Scroll to class, click on Find Out FOR ONLY ONE WORKSHOP. Fee: $50. Pre-regis- ONLY ONE WORKSHOP. Fee: $50. Pre-registration
ers.org/nextevent and click on the JOIN ZOOM More and register. tration required at sabot.org/learn/adult-classes, click required at sabot.org/learn/adult-classes, click on title
MEETING button. Follow the directions to join the MAY 14 — “Honey in History” with Maeve Bassett, on title and register. and register.
Zoom meeting. Conservationist and Volunteer Program Specialist, at MAY 21 — “The Deep Roots of Texas Edible, Me- MAY 24 — “Growing Citrus in Central Texas” with
For other online AT opportunities, go to bur- the San Antonio Botanical Garden, 2–3:30 p.m., (1.5 dicinal and Craft Plants” with Leslie L. Bush, Mac- Robb, 10 a.m. (1 hr credit), at The Natural Gardener,
netcountyhighlandlakesmastergardener.org/ hrs credit), at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 robotanical Analysis, 1 p.m. (1 hr credit), at the Marble 8648 Old Bee Caves Rd, Austin. Fee: free. Pre-reg-
library-of-at-resources, enter the member pass- Funston Place, San Antonio. Fee: $20. Pre-registra- Falls Library. Fee: free. Sponsored by the Highland istration required at tngaustin.com/sign-up. Click on
word, and select the May list of webinars. tion required at sabot.org/learn/adult-classes, click on Lakes Native Plant Society. E-mail Mike Riley, mdri- title, fill out form, click on Sign Up Now.
title and register. ley1017@gmail.com, to request Zoom invitation if de- MAY 28 — “Herb Gardening” with Stacie, 10 a.m.,
MAY 17 — “Ethnography of Native Plants, Guid- sired. (1 hr credit), at The Natural Gardener, 8648 Old Bee
MAY 3 — “Roses” with Kirk, 10 a.m. (1 hr credit), at
ed Tour” with Maeve Bassett, Conservationist and MAY 22 — “Beginners Bonsai Workshop” with Caves Rd, Austin. Fee: free. Pre-registration required
The Natural Gardener, 8648 Old Bee Caves Rd, Aus-
Volunteer Program Specialist, at the San Antonio Bo- Ryan Odegaard, Bonsai Educator and Tiny Tree Trim- at tngaustin.com/sign-up. Click on title, fill out form,
tin. Fee: free. Pre-registration required at tngaustin.
tanical Garden, (repeat),10–11:30 a.m. ((1.5 hrs cred- mer, 9–11:30 a.m. (2. 5 hrs credit) OR 1–3:30 p.m. click on Sign Up Now.
com/sign-up. Click on title, fill out form, click on Sign
it), at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston
Up Now.
Place, San Antonio. Fee: $15. Pre-registration re-
MAY 5 — “Deer: Blessing or Curse” with Erin We-
hland, Burnet County Wildlife Biologist, 2 p.m. (1 hr
credit), at the Herman Brown Library in Burnet. Fee:
quired at sabot.org/learn/adult-classes, click on title
and register.
Burnet Farmers and Crafts Market
MAY 21 — “Benefits of Fungi in the Soil” with Every Saturday on the
free. Sponsored by the HLMGA Green Thumb Pro- Courthouse Square
members of the Central Texas Mycological Society,
gram.
MAY 7 — “Native Plant Guided Tour” with Master
10 a.m., (1 hr credit), at The Natural Gardener, 8648 May 7 – Nov. 19, 2022
Old Bee Caves Rd, Austin. Fee: free. Pre-registration 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Naturalist members, 10–11:30 a.m. (1.5 hrs credit),
required at tngaustin.com/sign-up. Click on title, fill
at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston For volunteer opportunities,
out form, click on Sign Up Now. contact Linda Stoneking at
Place, San Antonio. Fee: $15. Pre-registration re-
MAY 21 — “Beginners Bonsai Workshop” with flyingmom4@yahoo.com
quired at sabot.org/learn/adult-classes, click on title
Ryan Odegaard, Bonsai Educator and Tiny Tree Trim- or 817-939-7080
and register.
mer, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (2. 5 hrs credit) OR 2–4:30
4 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 5
Several Master Gardeners propagated
tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers at home and
brought them to The Garden around the first of
April. We had a planting party at that time and
got all the beds filled. Now there are maturing
veggies that show a great deal of promise.
All our fruit trees survived the winter and
are in full bloom. As they have been in-ground
for over a year, we expect to harvest fruit this
spring. Really looking forward to our first
peaches!
The weather has warmed to the point we felt
okra could go in, so that has been planted. Our
first little sprouts are coming up, so it won’t be
long now.
continued on page 8
We had 12 folks show up for the planting party in late March,
and a lot was accomplished! Thanks to everyone who came
out and made the day possible.
The Garden
UPDATE
ABOVE LEFT: This is a small sample of the
potatoes we have in The Garden. They were
Due to the efforts of several volunteers — both veterans and from the new class planted with the tubs only filled a quarter of the way
— The Garden is fully planted and looking fabulous. with soil. More soil was added as the plants grew.
We planted several varieties of potatoes in the bottom quarter of tubs that Doug
McCoy donated, and then filled them with soil as they grew. We are hoping the ABOVE: Fruit trees are looking fantastic. Hoping for
result of this method will harvest multiple levels of spuds (we will update everyone a bumper crop!
in future issues of the Dig It). LEFT: Onions and leeks are just about ready for
harvest.
Story and photos by David Waldo
6 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 7
Burnet Middle School
Volunteer of the Year
Lavona Fry was honored as Burnet Mid-
Lavona Fry
dle School’s Volunteer of the Year at a BCISD
ceremony April 14. Principal Jennifer Stewert
proudly presented the award to Lavona while
Superintendent Keith McBurnett told attendees
of Lavona’s many contributions to the school.
Lavona has collaborated with horticulture
teacher Shelly Townsend for 15 years in the
BMS greenhouse program as Master Gardener
project leader. Each year, Lavona coordinates
work days at the greenhouse starting in October,
when HLMGA members bring in cuttings and
help the students learn propagation skills.
continued from page 7
Winter crops such as onions, leeks and radishes are
either harvested or nearing that point. We have planted
companion spring veggies such as peppers in those
beds, giving them a head start for the spring. We may
need to add additional plants once the cool season crop What a team! Lavona and BMS horticulture teacher
is out; that is a wait-and-see option. Shelly Townsend have collaborated for 15 years.
So, spring has sprung and activity in The Garden is
TOP: All the beds have been amended and planted. Look for a similar Lavona and her team come to the greenhouse
in full swing. As always, we are out there Mondays,
picture next month, and you won’t believe your eyes! throughout the year to assist students as they
Wednesdays and Fridays starting at 8 a.m. Many hands
transplant rooted cuttings, create hanging bas-
ABOVE: Barrels that appear to be empty have sweet potatoes slips make light work, so come on down! Now is a great
kets and grow vegetables from seeds. The work
planted. Give Mother Nature a month, and these guys will look awesome. time to experience the magic that is spring. BMS principal, Jennifer Stewert, presents the award to Lavona.
culminates with greenhouse sale days when the
Call for Content!
public is invited to purchase the plants the stu-
dents have grown. quented the H‑E‑B produce department
Lavona and the Master Gardeners manage procuring boxes to be filled by eager
The Dig It News is written for gardeners, by gardeners... volunteer time!) the sales of thousands of plants so that Ms. shoppers on sale days.
and that means we need to hear from YOU! You can • Photos / What’s Growing On - Share pictures of plants, Townsend and her students can focus on an- BCISD holds an annual volunteer
send material at any time to Gail Braymen at gebfoto@ projects, people, you name it. Please include a brief swering questions and providing customer ser- awards ceremony to pay honor to com-
gmail.com, but the deadline for the next issue (June) is description of what is in the photo and identify any people.
vice. All proceeds are used to fund greenhouse munity members who give generously
May 28. You can send content as the text of an email or • Gardener’s X-change - Please include your email
in a document – whatever works best for you. Cell phone address and/or phone number so folks know how to contact operation costs and supply purchases. This year, of their time and talents in support of
pictures are fine, and photos are welcomed with all types of you. Lavona led 24 Master Gardeners who worked student learning. Lavona Fry personi-
submissions. • Q&A with the HLMGA - Send gardening questions you with the greenhouse project. fies this ideal.
Here’s a list of submission categories, but please don’t feel have, or answer questions published in a previous issue. In addition to managing her volunteer team, Congratulations on earning Volun-
limited – if a topic interests you, chances are it will interest • Garden Hacks - Share your best tips and tricks. Lavona put in many hours at the greenhouse teer of the Year, Lavona! If there were
other HLMGA members! • Recommended Reading - Send the titles of your favorite watering plants during holidays, making sure a Greatest Volunteer Ever award, we
• Articles - Stories about people, projects, plants, places gardening books. plants were correctly labeled for sale, donat- know you would receive that, too.
or anything else you think would interest readers. Those of • Links & Apps - Share your favorite online gardening links ing pots and other supplies and planning with
you with specialized training or knowledge are especially and applications. Ms. Townsend. She also scouted local business Story and photos by Lavona celebrates with HLMGA
invited to share your expertise with the rest of us! Photos • Recipes - Because who doesn’t like to enjoy the fruits – Carolyn Crouchet president, Carolyn Stephens.
landscapes for potential plant cuttings and fre-
are a plus. (BONUS: time spent writing articles counts as and veggies – of their labor?
8 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 9
By Lavona Fry
1 2
I want to thank all the Master
Gardeners for all their work and
for the nice cards and good wishes
on my day at the school. It was a
very blessed honor to be reconized.
Thank you, Lavona
What’s Going On
at the Greenhouse
1 People stand in line for the second greenhouse sale. 4 Keith Atwood tills up the Burnet Middle School garden.
2 By 9:30 a.m., we sold out of all veggies and most flowering 5
3
Carolyn Crouchet, Patti Young, Kerry Nyquist and I went over to
plants. the storage area to organize trays and boxes and sort the many
pots that can’t be used because they are too big. Kerry took a
3 This is the greenhouse at 4 p.m., when I left. Everything did sell truckload to a nursery and recycled. We have a couple more
out. days of work to get that cleaned up before school closes.
5 4
10 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 11
From Our Backyard
Growing &
Changing
Time will tell if new
planting methods
pay off as planned
T he evolution of our vegetable gardens continues as we finish harvest-
ing our last few winter plants from inside the hoop house. We have
been planting new seeds and seedlings outside it for about a month. This
season, we are cutting back on the amount of plants, planting in stages, and
putting more space at (at least 30 inches) between the rows of plants
It is also loofah and gourd time. Planting the loofahs is fairly
straightforward. We save seeds from the biggest and thickest loofahs, then
determine where along the fence we want them to grow.
This year the gourds will be a little bit more complicated. In previous
years, we planted six different
varieties of gourds along
the fence. We would put the
different varieties next to one
another and sometimes the
gourd vines would intermingle
on the fence. Because of cross
pollination, we would often find
odd shapes not resembling what
we had hoped to grow.
To reduce cross pollination,
we are limiting our varieties
to three: dippers, bushel and
Hawaiian Dance gourds. We
are putting as much distance
Painted Bunting
continued on page 14
Story by Hank Rominski
Photos by Colleen “Sissy” Rominski
Lesser Finch. Yes, our birds are spoiled. The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 13
Male Baltimore Oriole
Garden-Fresh
Young male Summer Tanager
Recipe
ZUCCHINI AND ROCKET SALAD
From Lyn Mefford, who says, "This is one of my favorite spring/summer meal-style salads."
Vinaigrette Ingredients
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 tsp. rice vinegar
1/4 tsp. Dijon mustard 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Salad Ingredients
2 large zucchini 5 oz. baby arugula
1 medium fennel bulb 1 cup lightly toasted walnuts
Indigo Buntings
1/4 lb. prosciutto, sliced thin 1/4 lb. Pecorino Romano (or Aged Asiago) cheese, shaved
Using a mandolin, thinly slice the fennel and the zucchini lengthwise.
In the serving bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, mustard and salt and pepper. Slowly
drizzle in the olive oil while whisking.
Add arugula, zucchini and fennel to the dressing and toss well. Plate the salad and top with
prosciutto, cheese shavings and toasted walnuts
Serves 4-6
Female Summer Tanager IT’S FAIR TIME!
continued from page 13 January and now, four months later, the biggest plants barely
between the varieties as our land allows, and we are top 3 inches high. It makes one wonder how they survive in
contemplating bagging some female flowers of the dipper the wild. Even though we will not be planting these again,
and Hawaiian Dance gourds and hand pollinating them. It we consider the experiment of growing them in pots and
will be interesting to see how much of a difference it will transplanting them into the soil a success.
make. Part of the challenge is not knowing if we will be Spring is also a time when the routes of migratory birds “Red, White & Blue,
pass through Kingsland. Sissy makes sure that these birds
successful until late August.
Sissy is continuing her have plenty to eat and drink, This Fair Is For You”
quest to bring in more and photographs them when
butterflies and birds. By they visit our backyard. For June 17 & 18
the end of this season, we your viewing pleasure, we
have included a colorful
Burnet County AgriLife Auditorium
hope to have many native
Antelope Horns and Green bouquet of the migratory 607 N. Vandeveer, Burnet
Milkweed plants established birds that have graced our
in our yard. We did learn that feeders and baths. We hope For volunteer opportunities, contact
growing these natives from that you enjoy them. Roxanne Dunegan
seed is a lesson in patience, P.S. We counted 19 mon- 512-756-3059 or roxdunegan@gmail.com
as they are extremely arch butterfly caterpillars
slow growing. We started Lesser Goldfinch, White-crowned Sparrow and House Finch on our butterfly milkweed burnetcountyfair.com
germinating our seeds in plants this morning.
14 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 15
From Planning
to Planting
Using the skills she developed
while attending the 2021 HLMGA
certification class, this Master
Gardener is transforming her
landscape blueprint into a
gorgeous new front yard
Story and Photos by Donna Cagle
The Class Project for the Master Gardener certifica-
tion class of 2021 was the blueprint for landscaping our
front yard, and it is now underway.
We had moved into our home across the street from
Lake Buchanan in November of 2020, and had become
aware of the numerous deer and little vegetation due to
their grazing. My goal was to establish plants native to
the area that would encourage visits from pollinators
and birds.
Hopefully, the idea would spread to our neighbors and
encourage the protection of our environment, so the first
thing we did was build a fence that would keep the deer
out but still allow those who passed by to see in.
Then we began the process of mulching the areas for
planting and installing pathways between them. During
that time, we also started acquiring native plants that I
had researched through the class project, making sure
to only get those that were low- or medium low-water
requirements.
I had small plants gifted to me through members of the
Highland Lakes Native Plant Society which I had joined,
purchased some at Backbone Valley Nursery, transplant-
ed several that were on other parts of the property and
got a few more at the Lawn and Garden Show recently.
I have also started Liatris, Purple Coneflower and Core-
opsis from seeds, and the little seedlings will be going
out soon. It’s an experiment, so I’m hoping it works!
(We didn’t have the areas ready to sow them in the fall
like one normally would.) Some of my favorite acquisi-
tions are Pigeonberry, Mystic Spires, Flame Acanthus,
Fragrant Mimosa, Frostweed and Apache Plume.
There is still much work to be done, but this is a fun
project and I’m loving every minute of it!
LEFT: Autumn Sage and Blackfoot Daisy, CENTER: Mystic Spires, RIGHT: Apache Plume after flowering
16 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 17
April 27 harvest
T K s Garden
he ing ’
UPDATE
A committed Ingrid harvests onions.
We had an interesting visitor at The King’s Garden recently: Ms. Ollie Messi-
na, who is an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) intern. She
is serving this year at the Central Texas Food Bank and is aiding CTFB’s goal to We all welcomed her and introduced ourselves as we A number of things immediately popped into my brain.
expand their partner agencies’ garden programs. proudly showed off the day’s harvest of onions, carrots and Sorting them and thinking of which may be the top priori-
Ollie has been visiting established gardens to gain insights from the experi- yellow squash. After a bit of chitchat, the other volunteers ty was the hard part. If this question was presented to you,
ences of the community members who lead them. This garden program is devel- resumed their tasks while I was left to tell her how we oper- what would be at the top of your list? At the top of mine was
oping an interactive website to aid future partners with starting a garden, called ate at The King’s Garden. After some of the more obvious “commitment by a number of people.” I went on to describe
the “Garden Toolkit.” The toolkit will consist of theoretical frameworks, guides types of questions — e.g., when and how did we start, what how a successful garden is a long haul requiring many hours
and resources to assist gardeners. do we plant and why, who manages the compost piles — she over a long period of time. People new to gardening cannot
I believe that this is a pretty cool position for a very worthy program. asked two questions that required a bit of reflection to recall truly appreciate the constant care that plants require — from
and enumerate all the components that make up our garden. planting through harvest — until they dirty their hands. Yes,
“What do you feel you need to have to start and run a com- I am preaching to the choir here.
Story by Hank Rominski | Photos by Colleen “Sissy” Rominski munity garden?” was one question she asked. continued on page 21
18 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 19continued from page 19
My second priority was money. Recently, Keith told me that we will need about $1,000
this year to cover the costs for seeds, fertilizers, plants and pesticides. I considered my
costs to maintain our infrastructure and mentally added some of the many items that are
donated. My quick estimate was that it would cost somewhere north of $4,000 this year,
if we had to pay for everything.
My third priority was a reliable source of water. This current drought that we are ex-
periencing is causing some people to back off on their gardens, or they are losing plants
because of a lack of rain collected or drying creeks.
What I failed to mention was land. After all, “Without a place to grow stuff, everything
else is moot,” said Captain Obvious.
How did your priorities match up to my top four?
“What items do you think are needed to start a garden?” was the second question Ollie
asked that is causing extended pondering.
Actually, as I am writing this, more and more items are mentally being added to that
list. Without any sort of priority, quick items that came to mind included shovels, rakes,
hoes, hoses, string, fencing, tomato cages, irrigation, replacement parts, tables, spades,
knives and scissors. My point was that the “toolkit” should include a massive list of the
things needed, no matter how insignificant it may seem when making the list.
continued on page 22
BOTH PICTURES: The welcoming pollinator garden.
20 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 21continued from page 21
Think of the car that has broken
down in the desert because of a
broken fan belt. When you need
it, you may REALLY need it! Do
you think that these items are also
needed in your garden? Should
the list also include screwdrivers,
pliers, wrenches, wheelbarrows,
a shed, scale, buckets, sprayers?
How many things would be on
your list?
Returning to the first priority of
commitment.
Initially, The King’s Garden
was run by volunteers of the First
Baptist Church. Over the years, as
their volunteers aged, or interest
waned, fewer and fewer members
regularly volunteered. Eventual-
ly, it became too much work for
the remaining volunteer (Debbie)
and The King’s Garden sat dor-
mant, growing only weeds and
Johnson grass. The King’s Gar-
den had money, water and land,
but no commitment anymore.
Three years ago, Keith Atwood,
due to a series of coincidences, Some came to us with a great deal of expertise on a particular aspect of
Volunteers show up to The King’s Garden gardening, others saw a need and learned all they could. Looking over
looked at the property and saw every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
the potential for a very rewarding the list of volunteers, we have at least six who should be considered sub-
starting about 9 a.m. and leave when ject matter experts.
Master Gardener project. Three they need. The last volunteer is there until
years later, as I write this, I agree. One of the rewards that Keith envisioned is that we have the freedom
11–11:30 or sometimes later. Contact Keith to try out some different methods or plants that cross our paths. Some are
We are especially blessed to Atwood (713-203-8846) or Hank Rominski
have our volunteers. They show successful and may be incorporated into our procedures, some are not
(860-575-8098) for more information so much and are discarded. Whatever the result, we are always happy to
their commitment to this proj- or if you want to visit or volunteer at
ect, week after week, month after share our experiences and show off our garden.
Tomatoes The King’s Garden. Put “3333 Route 1431
month, and now year after year. So, in closing, a BIG shout-out to the committed volunteers of The
Kingsland TX” in your GPS and it should King’s Garden.
direct you to the right place. They are the reason that this project continues.
The Green Thumb Program for the Kingsville. During the past 20 years,
month of May will be on Thursday, her career has taken her to Nebraska,
May 5, at Herman Brown Free Li- Missouri, Florida, Washington and
Green brary, 2–3 p.m. The library is located
at 100 E. Washington St., Burnet.
Texas. She has worked with a wide
range of wildlife species. She has
Thumb The guest speaker will be Texas Parks spent the last seven years in Lampas-
as and Burnet Counties working with
Program and Wildlife Department wildlife bi-
ologist Erin Wehland, whose program
is “Deer – A Blessing or Curse.”
private landowners to help improve
wildlife habitat. She also does public
outreach.
ABOVE: Many weeks of onion harvesting, Erin has a B.S. from the University
of Nebraska and earned her M.S. and This presentation is free and open to
RIGHT: Growing green plants cover bare brown beds. Ph.D. from Texas A&M University – the public. Hope to see you there!
22 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 23Luedecke Keep
What One Inch of Rainwater Means
Lessons
your souls and When an inch of water reaches the
soles in your garden! ground, it penetrates various depths.
Remember the True In sandy soil, that one inch will soak
Master Gardener: Jesus down to almost 30 inches. In loamy
said, “I am the vine; my soil, the same rainfall will soak down
Father is the Gardener.” to approximately 15 inches. In clay
By Bill and Martelle John 15:1 soil, it will soak down 9 to 10 inches.
If you are a rainwater harvester, then
Luedecke you already know that a 10x10 foot
Squirrel Solutions shed with 100 square feet of surface
will produce 60 gallons of water from
Squirrels can be entertaining. Their antics and facial an inch of rain. Therefore, one inch of
expressions are fascinating. BUT they can at times be a rain will turn into 600 gallons of water
nuisance regarding your bird feeders. for each 1,000 square feet of surface. If
There are solutions. we expand this premise, then one acre
First, if you really like where your bird feeder is hang- collects more than 26,000 gallons from
ing — for instance, so you can watch the birds from your that same one inch of rainfall.
kitchen window — trim branches within 24 inches of your RIGHT: A roof that measures 10x10 feet
feeder. These small branches are ladders for the squirrels. (100 square feet of surface) will catch 60
Second, if the squirrels are climbing down the S-hook gallons of water from one inch of rain.
you have your feeder hanging from, change out your hook
for a strong fishing line. As Wade Hibler suggested, this
also will work to keep ants from your hanging hummer birds and native pollinating insects.
feeders. â Provide protective habitats for birds, butterflies and
Third, try a “squirrel-resistant” bird feeder. These have wildlife.
a weight-activated cage which closes off ports to resist â Support beneficial insects that help control destructive
squirrels. insect pests.
Or, simply enjoy the funny creatures and know that ev- â Attract insects for birds to consume.
ery time you fill your bird feeders a portion will be going â Require less water, which leaves more fresh water for
Photo by Martelle Luedecke to the squirrel. migratory birds and wildlife.
Native plants also save you time and money! Native plants
Did You Know? are those well-suited to your specific climate and soil con-
ditions. Once these plants become established, they require
little extra watering and no chemical fertilizers, pesticides
Cactus Compost Microbe Meal squashes showing signs of squash
vine borers? Do your tomatoes have
or herbicides to thrive. This means less maintenance and
This is really exciting. Many Feed and encourage the beneficial less money out of pocket.
have a problem with cactus in our microbiological life in your soil black spots on the ends? These pests, Your investment in native plants will result in personal (time
diseases and deficiencies are much
Why Cultivate
pastures/yards and we don’t want with molasses. Molasses can be and money) benefits, because natives:
to use chemicals to kill them. The applied to gardens and lawns at the easier to take care of in early stages â Tolerate and resist local diseases, pests and drought –
chemicals are more harmful to us rate of 10 pounds per 1,000 square and often with simple, safe solutions. you keep the plants you buy.
than the cactus. Scrape the cactus
from the soil (leaving not a single
feet. Molasses can be purchased at
nurseries and feed stores in crystal
Milk is a great mild fungicide and, if
used at the first signs of distress, may Native Plants? â Minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides – saves
money, plus toxins do not run off your land and into your
piece behind; whatever is left will form in 40 or 50 pound bags. If be all you need. Mike Riley, a Master Naturalist and member of the High- water supply.
grow back), place in a pile and spray you use crystals, it’s best to spray
Smaller is Better land Lakes chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, â Tolerate weather extremes, so your plants “stick it out”
Photos courtesy Texas A&M University
with molasses. In time, the cactus compost tea on top of the molasses. offers these words of wisdom to answer the question: why through the extremes.
Once your veggies start really are native plants good for you and the environment? â Protect water quality by controlling soil erosion and
becomes awesome compost. This
works with any amount. Sure beats Got Milk? producing, remember to pick them
small and tender. We do this for two
Native plants provide benefits to our local ecosystem and runoff.
using chemicals and the compost With your morning coffee or tea in to us personally. Natives benefit our ecosystem since they: â Once established, they require little extra watering, thus
hand, go on a stroll in your garden. reasons. First of all, they taste better â Provide food sources (seeds, nuts, nectar and fruits) for conserving valuable water – you keep your money.
assists in restoring the land. The
Do you see powdery mildew or and, secondly, they produce more
major cause of cactus invasion is, of
black spots on your roses? Are your when you pick them often. Have questions or comments?
course, overgrazing for many years.
Contact Bill Luedecke at bill@texasland.net or Martelle Luedecke at Luedeckephotography@gmail.com.
24 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 The “DIG IT” News | May 2022 25You can also read
