Page 56 - October Sun Rays
P. 56
October tips for a beautiful
Waterwise landscape
By Winola VanArtsdalen
All of us who were living in Texas on more firewise, containing more moisture Winola is a Williamson County
Sept. 4, 2011, will forever remember and having fewer volatile oils. Plants that Master Gardener, a member of
the Bastrop fire—the largest fire in stay small and have less litter provide less the Sun City Garden Club and a
Texas history. The likely cause was sparks fuel. All plants should receive periodic member of the Sun City Water Wise
from electric power lines. Thirty-mile-per- maintenance, including removal of dead Task Force.
hour gusts of wind toppled trees which leaf and stem materials. Plant shrubs
fell into electrical lines, creating sparks individually or in small, separate clumps. Master Gardeners and other
that ignited the dry grass and leaf litter Mow grass low around shrubs, and trim experienced gardeners are available
below. We were painfully aware then and away dead leaves and branches annually. to answer questions a half hour
continue to be concerned now that this before Sun City Garden Club
could happen here. Trees provide large amounts of fuel for a meetings each month. The Garden
fire, so they should be carefully placed and Club meets the second Wednesday
We are most fortunate in Sun City Texas maintained. Most broadleaved trees are of each month beginning with the
that our Firewise Group has worked so less flammable than conifers (pines, firs, question and answer period at
hard to help us be prepared. They have spruces, junipers). 12:30 p.m.
spent countless hours clearing Ashe
juniper from community property. I Never plant rosemary near your house, as cooler. Follow instructions given with
personally know the value of this, having it burns instantly. bulbs.
owned property with an abundance of Ashe – Plant wildflower seeds this month if
juniper and seeing how quickly it ignites. To request a Firewise Home Ignition Zone not done in September. Very tiny seeds
(HIZ) Evaluation, go to www.sctexas.org. can be broadcasted in a mix of one part
What can we do to protect our property? Do not log in. Click on About Us at the top seed to four parts sand, vermiculite or
The following is a very brief summary of center, scroll down and click on Firewise potting soil. Press the seeds into the
the to-do list from the Texas A&M Forest on the left, then select Home Ignition Zone ground and keep the area moist for four
Service. Evaluation or go to the monitor’s desk and to six weeks. Check instructions, but
request an HIZ Evaluation form. most seeds need sunlight to germinate.
Think of your property as a series of zones. – At the end of the season, apply a light
Zone one extends 30 feet from buildings, GARDENING TIPS: coat of household oil before putting tools
structures, decks, etc. In this area, remove away and drain gas out of your gas-
all dead or dying vegetation. Trim tree – Oct. 1-15, fertilize Bermuda and zoysia. powered equipment tanks.
canopies regularly and remove dry leaves
from yard, roof, and rain gutters. Remove – Watch for signs of brown patch fungus. Source: Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension
combustible materials and vegetation To avoid spreading the fungus, do not Service.
from around and under decks. Remove mow your grass or walk on your grass
and prune vegetation near windows and when it is wet. One way to control brown Horticulture Questions:
remove “ladder fuels,” i.e. salvias, small patch fungus is to use horticultural Contact Williamson County AgriLIFE
shrubs, hollies, etc. Keep flammable cornmeal. Apply ten to 20 pounds per
objects like trees, patio furniture and 1,000 square feet. When purchasing, Extension Office at 512-943-3300
shrubs separated. be sure to get complete instructions.
Timing is key.
Zone two extends 30 to 100 feet from
buildings, structures and decks. Remove – Fall is the best time to plant so that a
ladder fuels. Cut or mow grass/ground good root structure can be ready for the
covering to a maximum height of four stress of next summer’s heat. To make
inches. Trim tree canopies regularly. your existing fall-blooming annuals
and perennials look better and flower
For entire property, establish and maintain longer, remove the maturing flowers.
firebreaks which can be walking paths
planned in the landscape. – Plant herbs now if you did not plant in
September.
No plant is fireproof. All will burn in a
very intense fire, but some plants are – Buy bulbs now and keep in a cool,
dry place to be planted around
Thanksgiving when temperatures are
54 | SUNRAYS OCTOBER 2017 ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG
