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July tips for a beautiful
Water-wise landscape

By Winola VanArtsdalen

Our seasons are often referred to Pride of Barbados, Caesalpinia pulcher- Winola is a Williamson County
as summer, July and August! rima. Pulcherrima means “very pretty.” Master Gardener, a member of
Well, July is here, and it is time the Sun City Garden Club and a
to list the basics for survival! PHOTOS BY JIM VANARTSDALEN member of the Sun City Water Wise
Task Force.
Hopefully, you added organics to your soil Esperanza, Tecoma stans, often called
for more moisture-holding capacity, but do “Yellow Bells.” Master Gardeners and other
not spread compost in hot weather. It is investment—trees and bushes! Healthy experienced gardeners are available
high in nitrogen and could burn the turf. turf will come back. to answer questions a half hour
Now, enjoy those beautiful drought before Sun City Garden Club
Be sure all zones of your sprinkler tolerant plants you so lovingly planted! meetings each month. The Garden
system and/or drip system are working JULY GARDENING TIPS Club meets the second Wednesday
properly. Remember, you can email the Walk around your landscape often, of each month beginning with the
Sun City Water Matters Committee at preferably daily, to keep watch of any question and answer period at
[email protected] and ask for a weeds/signs of insects or disease to catch 12:30 p.m.
water ambassador to come do this for you. problems early. Keep particular watch
for signs of drought stress on shrubs or perennials planted this spring, and be
If you will be away, give sprinkler system sure water is reaching the roots.
access to a neighbor. Remove dead blooms by making a clean
snip back to a leaf or leaves.
Be sure all planting areas, including Clip seed heads off any plants you do not
containers, are protected with mulch to want to spread.
lessen evaporation. Remember to take care of the gardener,
too! Working early in the morning is best.
Provide protection from wind and sun Stay hydrated and remember protection:
where needed, such as for new plantings. sunhat, sunscreen and mosquito
prevention.
Limit new plantings. Fall plantings will
be less stressed and need less water. Source: Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension
Service.
Limit fertilizing, which stimulates new
growth and the need for more water. Horticulture Questions:
Contact Williamson County AgriLIFE
Let the plants rest.
Extension Office at
Exception: Seaweed foliar spray, 0-0-1, 512-943-3300
is helpful as potassium protects plants
in stress. J U LY 2 0 1 6 SUNRAYS | 83

Pull weeds, which take up water that
is needed by plants! Speaking of water,
please do not waste it on your driveway,
street or sidewalk.

Visit parks and check out a garden
tour. Look through Sun City homes and
community gardens and make note of
what is surviving.

Watch plants closely, watering infrequently
but deeply when doing so. “Deeply”
means to root depth, which varies with
groundcover, bushes and trees. You can
use a moisture sensor or screwdriver to
check the depth of moisture.

In the event of severe drought, use
precious water to save your major

ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG