Saturday, April 17, 2010

Rain Rain and More Rain

Isn't that just the way it is in the Texas Hill Country -- and especially in New Braunfels? It seems we miss the showers that bless San Antonio and surrounding areas, and then -- WHAM!! -- a downpour. So our thirsty plants are happy, but our yards are soggy, particularly those that suffered dying turfgrass during the drought. It seems all that some of us have remaining is a large patch of mud and weeds.

Never fear, Bob is here!

GRASS REPLACEMENT
If you desire to replace your turfgrass that died during the drought, spring is a great time. Bob has replaced several lawns in the past few weeks, so it's usually not a problem. However, with the recent rains, many yards are simply too soggy to work on at this time. But stick around -- because, as they say about Texas weather -- "if you don't like it, wait ten minutes." Soon the ground will be ready to work again.

The grass itself may be a different matter. Turfgrass farms cannot cut the grass to ship it to us until the fields have had a chance to dry out. Heavy machinery is driven over the grass to slice it off for shipment, and obviously that machinery can damage soaking wet grass.

So, if you need a lawn replacement, let us know now, and we can get you on the schedule for the next time shipments are available.

HERBS
Now is the best time of the year to find just about any herb in Texas. I have my basil growing in a pot outside. It's been in the pot about two weeks and has gone from a 6" tall plant to one that spreads about a foot and stands almost two feet tall.

Mark your calendar for May 8th for the Herb Affair at San Antonio's Antique Rose Emporium. The 2010 Herb of the Year is dill but you can find just about any herb you need there. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FERTILIZING
Bob has been fertilizing several yards this spring with his Basic Organic Program. Three times a year is all you need if you go organic. Call us and Bob can come out and assess your yard and help you get on an organic program. Safer for your pets and children, less expensive for you!

OUR PETS
While we're on the subject, allow me a quick mention of our pets-in-need. Bob's household is a volunteer foster home for www.homesforpets.org, an all-volunteer group that rescues dogs and cats from the local animal shelters. If you have space in your home to temporarily house a pet-in-need, please go to the Web site and let them know you'd like to foster an animal. They will take care of the vet expenses. It's rewarding work.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

After the drought

LANDSCAPING
Spring has spring around the landscape and Bob has been working feverishly to keep up with everyone's needs. Many folks have turf needs. Some need re-mulching. Others need entirely new landscapes. Bob is at the ready to serve all types of landscaping needs.

In some cases, Bob must schedule jobs two weeks in advance at this time of the year. All the more reason to call during the "off season" between June and September and during the winter. We can plant year-round in this part of Texas!

RADIO PROGRAM
Here's a new twist: After doing the garden show on KGNB for many years, Bob now also does a Saturday morning garden show on 92.1 FM Radio New Braunfels (KNBT). Be sure to tune in at 8 a.m. on Saturdays and call in with your gardening questions.

EARTH DAY
Earth Day in New Braunfels is April 24th. Be sure to join us at Landa Park for a fun celebration with music, food, gardening tips, local exhibitors and more. Check the official Web site at http://www.nbrootsandshoots.org/EarthDay.htm.

FARMER'S MARKET
Bob will be on hand for the radio show as New Braunfels hosts a new farmer's market starting this Saturday, April 17th. Hear live music from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. while you shop for fresh, locally-grown produce, homemade cheeses, food and crafts. It's located on Castell St. a block south of San Antonio St. behind Friesenhaus. This week benefiting Relay for Life-Comal County, SMSKR-Sally M. Kingsbury Sarcoma Research, and Triple Me MacEquine Sanctuary. Check the new Web site at http://www.nbfarmersmarket.com/index.html.

Have a Happy Spring!
Call Bob at 830-624-7666 or 210-240-6765 for all your landscaping, organic fertilizing and yard pest needs.