ItsAboutThyme_logo[1] by you. It's About Thyme  
                                                                                      Sept 16, 2009

   Lester Morris by you.
                                                                                      photo: Darrel Mayers
You won't want to miss a rare appearance this Sunday by
author Lester Morris - 'Austin's favorite Englishman' - as he
explains the mysteries of STONEHENGE and CROP
CIRCLES.  A free lecture this Sunday, 2 p.m. Meet this
fascinating raconteur at a reception afterwards. 
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          Let us Give Thanks for the Rains  
                                      by Chris Winslow
The recent rains are such a godsend. Let’s hope and pray that they are
just a beginning.  Our aquifer levels need to be restored, and I think
pretty much all the flora and fauna of Hays County (including us) need
a release from the torturous Great Drought of 08/09. 

These last two summers have me daydreaming of a summer life in Colorado.
However, what the last two summers have not stopped me from doing is
vegetable gardening. I’ve just had  to adjust my schedule a little. . . and
learn a few extra things about water conservation.

In the excessive heat, gardening tasks must be completed before 10 a.m.
I pick up my tools again in the evening after 7 p.m.

With watering, the goal is to make a little water go a long way. I rely on
hand watering only, and concentrate on the root zone of each plant.
I planted my tomatoes at the bottom of wells or craters so that they benefit
from every last drop. Row crops are in trenches for the same reason.

My greatest recent discovery in the world of garden tools is the 3 foot
waterwand with its finger-operated on-off valve, and its gentle rain
waterbreaker.

With this magic wand, I can walk between rows and water each plant
at the root zone where it’s needed. The gentle waterbreaker keeps the
soil from washing out.

This individual watering also allows me to inspect plants for bug and
disease problems, and I can also keep an eye on each fruit and
vegetable as it matures.

These rains have been so good for our gardens, and  I sincerely hope
there is more to come. We are approaching the most pleasurable
gardening time of the year. As the air temperatures cool and fall arrives,
the ground temperatures will be perfect for establishing trees, landscapes,
and vegetable gardens. Less stress means more success                                     
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Quick Tip:  For a weed-free lawn, apply organic corn gluten in late
September and October. This is known as a safe 'pre-emergent herbicide.'
Happy Gardening Everyone!
(© ChrisWinslow 2009) 
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Viewers of  Central Texas Gardener (KLRU) this weekend will get to
peek into herbalist Ellen Zimmerman's south Austin garden, where she
harvests all of her plants for her EZ Herbs range of products.
Saturday:  noon and 4 p.m.  Sunday: 8 a.m.  http://www.klru.org/ctg/
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COUPON 15% off anything with a leaf ! 
Offer expires Sept. 30. Not valid with other coupons 
Print, and bring into the nursery for your discount. (Some restrictions apply) 
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  ItsAboutThyme_logo[1] by you.Visit the website at www.itsaboutthyme.com  Visit the
nursery at 11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 Tel. 512 280 1192
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