Extractigator testimony

A hackberry with a long root recently removed using our Extractigator.

 

BELOW: April 28, 2024 Neighbor Greg pulled a VERY TALL hackberry out!

 

A new flower bed

James had been had been after me in the very nicest way about putting in a new front-yard bed. He even had rocks ready that he'd gathered from our rural land. When he started unloading them from his car a few days ago, Waylon, our Blanco "grandson," showed up just in time to help. He had fun throwing rocks! A new bed was definitely in our future now!

For awhile, we contemplated a shape. After we agreed on one, the project got underway and done in less than two hours.

 

First, several loads of mulch from our pile.

Then we planted zexmenia that I dug up from the back yard. It's a Blanco County native that's hardy and drought tolerant. I've been keeping water on the plants until they stop drooping and can standon their own. We have deer in the neighborhood, but they should leave these alone. Time will tell.

UPDATE APRIL 18, 2024

This morning, we ran down to Spring Creek Gardens north of Bulverde and bought four plants for the new bed: lantana 'Dallas Red' and damianita, a true Blanco County native. I also transplanted several zexmenia from the back yard. They should do well.

Telling a story on myself

Before last Thursday's Texas Master Naturalist tour, I  invited biologist Robert Edmonson to stop by our gardens. Robert has been with the Texas A&M Forest Service for more than 30 years and offices in Johnson City. I had some tree questions for him, like were our Blanco crabapple and possumhaw trees dead? (Yes, likely so.) 

 

While we were strolling the paths in our back yard, he stopped by a small tree and touched the leaves.

 

"This a Carolina buckthorn," he said.

 

I glanced down, then politely protested. After all, my SIGN said Mexican silktassel.

 

"Look at the leaves," Robert pointed out. "They're alternate. Silktassels are opposite. This is a buckthorn."

 

At that precise moment, a light bulb exploded in my head. 

 

"OH, I think I know what the problem is," I said. Then I led him across the yard and stopped in front of our Carolina buckthorn. 

 

Which, in that moment, magically transformed into a Mexican silktassel.

 

Robert laughed, then told a similar story on himself. But we'll keep that one between ourselves.  

P.S. James and I bought the two species at the same time in Boerne in 2019. That's how I got them mixed up. I'm so glad Robert caught my mistake!

 

Mexican silktassel

Carolina buckthorn

 

Training class and the mayor

Last Thursday, the 2024 Texas Master Naturalist training class with our Highland Lakes chapter had lunch in our native plants garden. Then everyone had a look around. I always enjoy hosting them in our yard. That morning, I gave my "Spiders of Central Texas" to them. That's fun, too!

Later in the afternoon, Blanco mayor Mike Arnold – at our invitation – visited and toured our Wildscape. For a long time, I've been wanting "City Hall" to see what we've been doing here for the past many years. Thank you for coming, Mike!

Still fighting cretanweed

And I thought Malta-star thistle and hedge parsleys were bad! I also abhor cretanweed (Hedypnois credica), an invasive species. Yesterday evening, I pulled as much as I could from our street easement. As you can see, if unrestrained, this species forms dense colonies. I first observed it in 2015 and have been keeping it at bay as best I can.

 

Little senna friend planted

 So both of my Lindheimer's sennas have been planted, side by side.

New birthday friends

I am remiss in posting, but here are plants that we bought for my March 29th birthday from Friendly Natives in Fredericksburg. Two 'Mirage Rose Bicolor' salvias, one 'Anne Marie' lantana, three 'Blue Hill' salvias and two rues.

This salvia has a lovely bloom!