Tomato lecture this Sunday at 2 p.m / new vision for nursery part 2 / roses for Valentine's day

Early Spring Tomato Talk: join us at 2 p.m. this Sunday, Feb 15

for Kevin Callaway's Guide to Success with Tomatoes. With advice

on top varieties, soil conditions and fertilizers from this south Texas

tomato farmer, you're going to be harvesting a bumper crop this

spring. (This will also mark the launch of Kevin's new Cherokee

Ranch hybrid.) Free.

(A PDF of the complete masterplan is attached to this newsletter.)

New Visions for the Nursery (2)

The customer experience at our nursery is about to become far

richer. David Sargert has been working on a master-plan, and ideas

have been coming thick and fast. Last time I checked in with him,

this is what's planned.

The area behind the gift shop is going to be transformed from a

gloomy storage zone into a magical seating area/ lounge, looking

out onto a field of wildflowers, with rabbits and hens nearby.

Also throughout the site there are going to be distinct 'districts' includ-

ing a herb district, and a hummingbird and butterfly district, to show

case plants that attract these beautiful creatures.

Also we are going to create an educational garden with a focus on

building ecological literacy, and promoting nutrition and environ-

mental awareness, with composting demos and rainwater collection.

All of these areas will be on a self guided 'loop' of new pathways.

Most recently David has added aquaponics to the mix in collaboration

with Craig Bach ( an industry expert in the field). This is the amazing

self-contained food production system which combines fish farming

and the cultivation of plants in water (hydroponics) to create source of

vegetables and fresh fish for all to enjoy.

Already planned was the creation of a 'tasting kitchen' in the Gift

Shop. Walls are going to be taken down, and the back room will be

opened up to become a state-of-the-art kitchen available for cooking

classes, and demonstrations. The ceiling also is going to be opened

up to match the natural pitch of the existing roof incorporating 'light

harvesting' for added ambience.

David describes the process as one of playful collaboration with Diane

and Chris: 'There's a plethora of ideas that constantly stream into our

minds, and we all just bounce these ideas off each other until they

grow into a plan. Then we implement.'

Chris talks about the nursery becoming 'more than just a place to pick

pick up a plant. It's definitely going to be more of a destination, and

a place to spend some time . . .a sanctuary.'

'David has really stepped up and is helping us move forwards,' says

Chris. 'He has a vision that's refreshing and new, and we thank the

universe every day for sending us Dave!'

Botany of Desire: ten ways to spend Valentine's Day with the

Plant Lover in your life: horticult And if you're looking for a special

garden book with a Valentine's theme, we suggest Plants with Bene-

fits: An uninhibited guide to the Aphrodisiac herbs, fruits, flowers &

veggies in your Garden, by Helen Yoest: Aphrodite

____________________________________________________

Central Texas Gardener: Grow up with vines to screen, shade, and

attract wildlife. On tour, a bountiful front yard captivates neighbors

and wildlife. Sat., 4 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m. www.klru

by Chris Winslow

For many gardeners, the easiest and most effective way to control

weeds is to grab a bag of ‘Weed and Feed’ and spread it over the

lawn. The ‘weed’ part is an herbicide that kills unwanted lawn weeds

before they emerge. These products have names like Turflan and Sur-

flan, and when applied at the right time they control most turf weeds

for an entire season.

There are, however, problems with this approach… big problems.

These chemical controls are toxic. They will poison kids and pets

and songbirds… and anyone or anything that comes into contact

with them. They also contaminate surface water and groundwater.

Since most of us have kids and dogs and drink water from the high-

land lakes or wells, it is safe to say that these chemical herbicides

are not a good idea.

However I do have some good news. There is a product called corn

gluten that’s organic and safe. It looks a lot like cornmeal, and is a

by-product of the cornmeal milling process.

Corn gluten contains natural chemical elements that stop seeds from

forming roots. For this product to work, the most important thing is

timing. You must spread it on before the winter/spring and summer

weeds germinate.

A first treatment right now and into early March will control summer

weeds like dandelions and crabgrass. To control the winter/spring

weeds, apply it during the fall before germination.

There is another huge benefit. Corn gluten contains 9 % nitrogen –

so it also works as a ‘weed and feed.’ It helps to green up those

plants that are growing while stopping the weed roots from forming.

Use it also for weed control in flowerbeds and vegetable gardens.

Just let the marigolds and beans sprout first. Happy Gardening!

(We have 40lb bags in stock for $44.99.)

Visit the website: www.itsaboutthyme.com

Visit the nursery:11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, 78748 Like us

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