Page 36 - Sun Rays May 2013

36 | SUNRAYS MAY 2013 ONLINE: SCTXCA.ORG
Many drought resistant plants can be
raised from seed, giving masses of color
at affordable prices. Now is the time to
save the seed from your yard to enjoy
the same beauty again next year or
to gain new survivors from a friend.
Sturdy plants like columbine, poppies,
larkspur and cosmos bring beautiful
color to your yard without added
fertilizer and supplemental water.
Hybrid varieties do not come back true
from seed, but open pollinated seeds
can be used for generations. I have very
special plants in my yard that grew
from seeds of my great-grandparents.
Now, while you can see the plants in
color, plan for the right place for these
plants next year considering height,
(smaller plants in front), number
(groups of three to look more natural),
light available, and color combinations.
Plants from seed give you a chance to
“rearrange the furniture,” perhaps
finding an even better spot. They are
also useful for filling in spaces after
bulbs bloom, before groundcovers fill
a bed or shrubs reach mature size.
Seed catalogs are full of both cultivated
and native plants to try. Be watchful,
though, because some plants that
behave well up north can be invasive
in our moderate climate.
Choose seeds from only your best
specimens to maintain/improve the
quality of your plants. Most seeds
need to ripen on the plant until the
pod browns. On some plants, such as
dill, seed heads shatter and drop as
soon as they are dry. Watch for early-
ripening seeds to harvest before that
May Tips for a Beautiful
Water Wise Landscape
NEXT MONTH: Join me to learn
about rainwater harvesting.
Winola is a Williamson County Mas-
ter Gardener, a member of the Sun
City Garden Club, and a member of
the Sun City Water Wise Task Force.
Master Gardeners and other expe-
rienced gardeners are available to
answer questions a half hour before
Sun City Garden Club meetings
each month. The Garden Club
meets the second Wednesday of each
month beginning with the question/
answer period at 12:30 p.m.
By Winola VanArtsdalen
point. Harvest and allow stems to dry
upside down in a paper bag at moderate
temperature―not in the garage―for a
couple of weeks. Frequent rain/high
humidity can affect the time it takes for
seeds to dry. When dried, take out seeds
and remove any “trash.” Store seeds in
a dry, labeled container at constant
moderate temperature―you can store
them in your refrigerator. See last
October’s tips for planting instructions
on the Garden Club website.
Be careful in spring not to dig up a
“weed” until you are sure you can
identify it. Often, the birds will bring
you an unexpected treasure from your
own or another yard. This is the perfect
planting arrangement as the bird
digests the seed and deposits it with
fertilizer―ready to grow!
Saving seeds saves money, makes you
feel self-sufficient, and ensures an
availability of your favorite plants. It also
helps you keep a variety of seeds, which
may not be commercially available, and
helps perpetuate a broad genetic base
of plant varieties. Watch for local seed
exchanges―they are always fun!
GARDENING TIpS FOR MAY:
• For drought survival, train plants now
by watering deeply and infrequently
so roots will stretch for moisture.
• Cut back spring-flowering shrubs after
blooming. Pinch back fall bloomers
like aster to encourage branching.
• Plant summer-bloomers like cosmos
and fall bloomers such as fall asters
and Mexican mint marigold.
• Watch for aphids and blast them
with water. Be sure there is good air
circulation for all your plants.
• Water lawn deeply (to depth of 6
inches, or as much soil as you have),
but only as needed.
• To avoid stressing grass, be sure to cut
no more than 1/3 grass height when
mowing.
• Fertilize Bermuda grass from May
1-15. Avoid weed and feed; not only
is it unhealthy for the environment,
but the timing for weed control is not
the same as feeding.
Source: Texas A&MAgriLIFE Extension
Service, 512-943-3300.