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December tips for a beautiful
Water-wise landscape
By Winola VanArtsdalen
When the calendar turns and De- the others only add subtle flavor. Our fam- Winola is a Williamson County
cember pops up, what is your ily favorite with poultry is Mexican mint Master Gardener, a member of
first thought? Hopefully, it’s not marigold. the Sun City Garden Club and a
stress, but “Happy Holidays!” Whatever member of the Sun City Water Wise
your plans, take time out to enjoy your When out enjoying nature, keep an eye Task Force.
yard. Yes, it’s okay to talk to your plants! out for evergreens to use on the fireplace,
Run your fingers across the fuzzy leaf of your door or in table arrangements and in Master Gardeners and other
lamb’s ear; step on a branch of rosemary small vases around the house. They will experienced gardeners are available
and enjoy the scent. Stress will ooze away bring your house alive! to answer questions a half hour
and you will feel the awe and joy of life! before Sun City Garden Club
DECEMBER GARDENING TIPS meetings each month. The Garden
Listen to the birds while following a ram- Club meets the second Wednesday
bling path to some special interest areas. Trees, perennials: of each month beginning with the
If you don’t know of a path, make sure question and answer period at
finding one is on your ‘To Do’ list for the – Paint all wounds on oak trees 12:30 p.m.
new year! If you find yourself searching susceptible to oak wilt any time, any
for more new gardening adventures, why size, immediately. There is no need TURF:
not consider a small herb garden with fas- to apply pruning paint to other trees.
cinating, refreshing scents. Visiting chil- – Do not walk on frozen or wet turf.
dren will remember those favorite “smelly” – You can continue planting bushes
plants for years! Think mint in a pot, bi- and trees, but mulch well, keeping – Turn off sprinklers now. Only water
color sage, bushy Mexican mint marigold, mulch away from stems. You need lawn every four to five weeks if
and rosemary in a tall bush away from the two to three inches of mulch to keep inadequate rainfall but continue
house. Thyme makes a lovely, dependable out weeds, as well as to keep moisture monthly irrigation check. It is
groundcover around the base of that statue and warmth for plants. important to water at least an inch
or other garden ornament. when you do water. After watering,
– Remember when planting to dig a hole wait a few hours, then check the
What else can you do with those lovely at least twice as wide, but only as deep moisture with a moisture meter
herbs? Use them in cooking, of course! as the root ball. Build a berm to direct (available at local garden centers)
There are endless recipes for delightful, water to outer roots and extend this or a screwdriver to be sure you have
healthy dishes seasoned with fresh herbs, berm out in future years. Always keep watered the roots. If you have newly
but the easiest is to simply add your har- mulch away from the stem. planted plants, watch carefully as they
vested herbs to softened butter, then store will need more frequent watering.
in the freezer until you’re ready to spread it
on vegetables, steaks and – of course – your Source: Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension
holiday turkey! Hold the herb stem tip and Service.
pinch between fingers as you move down
the stem, stripping off the leaves. Chop Horticulture Questions:
on cutting board or in food processor just Contact Williamson County AgriLIFE
before using them. If you are concerned
about what combination of herbs you will Extension Office at
like, try some snips in cottage cheese. It 512-943-3300
will not compete with the herbs’ flavor and
will help you know what you want to use in
your prepared dish. Go easy using strong
herbs like rosemary, sage and thyme, but
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