Upcoming Program of Interest

Knowing the interests of many of the readers of this blog, I wanted to pass on information about an upcoming program at the Wichita Falls Museum of Art on Thursday, September 22, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM.

As part of the Speakers and Issues series, the museum will host Walt and Isabel Davis, "Exploring the Edges of Texas." There is no additional information on the museums website, but my understanding is the program will discuss details of an archeological site in east Texas, with natural history information. This program is approved for advanced training credit for the Rolling Plains Texas Master Naturalists.

The program is free and open to the public.

Garden Taking Shape

I don't intend to do a lot with the garden this fall, although I am planting a little. Hubby unloaded 2 pick up loads of compost into my 8' x 20' space Saturday. I got to spread the compost about 3 - 4 inches deep.

Today I actually put in some plants and seeds--you can see there is still a lot of room. I put perennials (herbs mostly--apple mint, rosemary, lavendar) at the end near the trash bins and annuals at the opposite end. Then I put some rotted leaves down around the plants for mulch.

Thanks to the cooler temperatures, the plants are still looking pretty good tonight. They should have at least this week of 80-degree weather to get acclimated. I also planted some seeds (radishes, carrots, etc.) We'll see what comes up. It would be nice to get some rain.
Although not in this picture, I did also add some more butterfly and bird friendly plants to the area around my bird bath. It will probably be overplanted next year, but if so, I'll move some things around. I haven't prepared the other beds in the yard yet.

Hubby is starting a grape arbor in my potting area for shade and also a garden arbor at the entrance to that area. Yes, grapes for the arbor and probably coral honeysuckle (not the invasive Japanese honeysuckle) for the entryway. If I don't change my mind.

Hope Springs Eternal

It seems if we are truly intent on living a more sustainable lifestyle and reducing the negative impact of toxic chemicals in our lives, then having a garden makes sense.

In early spring, I didn't realize we would be moving so I planted a few tomatoes and peppers at our other house. However, we did have to move. I tried to transplant my plants from the old house to the new, but poor soil at the new location, drought and extremely hot weather spelled doom for those plants.

I've decided to plant a fall garden. I've been told by practically everyone that they do much better than the spring gardens in this climate. I have been getting itchy to get started, but am trying to keep myself under control until the 100-degree days stop, but I can still get the bed prepared.

The previous owners of this house had an 8 x 20 ft plot laid out. We were told they used it, but after looking at the soil, I can't see how they managed to harvest much.

I had my husband add an additional 4 inches of board to the sides of the beds. I think raised beds have the best likelihood of survival. I am planning to dump in several inches of compost and at least 2 inches of mulch.

I'll keep you updated on my progress and success (or lack of it, as the case may be.) Do you plant a garden?

What Are You Eating?

I found this video on Facebook/Youtube and thought I would share. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exBEFCiWyW0&feature=share

If you think you're eating "just food" when you buy produce, think again.,

Early Registration Extended for Water Symposium

Peg Marquardt of the Master Gardeners told me the $40 registration would be extended to 6 September due to the Labor Day weekend, but don't delay. This should be a great day of interesting workshops for those interested in making our water resources go farther in gardening and landscaping. After this summer, we all should be wanting to know more about that.

You can get a registration form from the County AgriLife Office or email me at green.wichitafalls@gmail.com and I will be glad to send one to you by email.

Water Symposium Registration Deadline Approaching

The Master Gardener North Texas Water Symposium will be October 1. For those wanting to sign up for the least cost ($40), September 1 is the deadline. You'll still be able to register up until September 16, but it will cost you more ($55.) Lunch is included in the registration cost.

With the horrific drought we are having this year, any information we can get to conserve water in our gardening and landscaping will be worthwhile. There will be 7 hours of information--Master Gardeners can count 5 toward their training requirements; the conference has been approved for 3 hours of advanced training for Master Naturalists.

If you need a conference brochure or to register, you can contact the County extension office or you can email me at green.wichitafalls@gmail.com and I will be happy to forward the information to you.

The conference is also looking for sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring, contact Peg Marquardt at peg.marquardt@sw.rr.com.

I hope to see all of you at this important event.

Zero Waste Kitchen

I do try to keep the amount of trash leaving our house to a minimum and what does leave, I try to be sure it recycled or composted. I read an article today, "How to Create a Zero Waste Kitchen," in Natural Home & Garden. Of course, the article never achieves zero waste, either, but the point is to reduce our impact. How many of these things do you do? Is there another idea you could incorporate into your lifestyle?