Page 36 - Sun Rays_December 2015
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December tips for a beautiful
Water Wise landscape
By Winola VanArtsdalen
Happy holiday gardening! We are There is an added empowerment from our Winola is a Williamson County
so fortunate to be living in this hard work and creativity. We are learning Master Gardener, a member of
beautiful, secure area surrounded the many beautiful Central Texas native the Sun City Garden Club and a
by lovely community areas as well as our and adapted plants available, and we member of the Sun City Water Wise
own gardens. We have more exciting clubs are finding even more opportunities for Task Force.
and volunteer opportunities than we can beauty and ways to invite wildlife to our
possibly find time to explore, and many gardens while still saving water. As we Master Gardeners and other
of us have plans for joining friends and help the environment, we enjoy the feeling experienced gardeners are available
family for special holiday gatherings this of caring and that we are able to make a to answer questions a half hour
month. difference. We feel a special connection before Sun City Garden Club
Let’s pause a moment and ponder the value with our world, our past and ability to meetings each month. The Garden
of our gardens, which provide a respite improve the future. We are most fortunate! Club meets the second Wednesday
from the busy world and an opportunity of each month beginning with
to enjoy nature. Gardening stimulates our Hint for Holiday Decorations: Use the question/answer period at
senses, promotes pleasant emotions and herbs and local evergreens such as cedar, 12:30 p.m.
reduces negativity. Research has proven hollies and Southern magnolia foliage to
that patients recover from illness faster brighten winter decor. These same herbs nutrients to break down from mulch
when exposed to nature. Those pleasant and evergreens are great for trimming cover already applied last fall.
feelings are even stronger when we are gift packages and add a festive touch when
enjoying the results of our own endeavors. tied with a bow around napkins at the • Water only if we are experiencing
holiday table. a drought, if you are getting new
Adding sprigs of evergreen and holly transplants established or if you are
berries to your holiday decor gives it Hint for Holiday Dinner: If you have preparing for freeze. If it is dry, moisten
a personal touch. Mexican mint marigold (Tagetes lucida) in soil the day or night before a freeze.
your flower beds finely chop some leaves, Move container plants to a protected
add alone or with other fresh herbs to location. You may find it easier to bring
softened butter, shape into a roll and all containers to one area for protection
freeze ready for spreading on your holiday so that cover can be pulled back after
turkey. Delicious, tarragon flavor! freeze, ready to cover again when
needed.
Happy holidays to you and yours!
Source: Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension
DECEMBER GARDENING TIPS Service.
• You can trim oak trees now when Horticulture Questions:
temperatures are cold, but all wounds Contact Williamson County AgriLIFE
on oak trees must be painted—any
season, any size, immediately. Extension Office at
512-943-3300
• Clean, sharpen and oil trimming tools,
including mower. Drain gas tank and
run power tools until they stop to
remove gas from lines.
• You can plant container-grown woody
ornamentals. Mulch to prevent
temperature extremes around new root
systems. You can still plant vines and
groundcovers.
• For added nutrients and moisture
retention, pull back mulch, apply a
one inch layer of compost and re-cover
with mulch. Alternately, just wait for
34 | SUNRAYS DECEMBER 2015 ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG
