-
The New Reality: Gardening in Lakeway After the Deluge
The story of gardening in Lakeway, TX, remains one of climate extremes and water vigilance. After a punishing start to the summer, Central Texas experienced a historic reversal in July, bringing dramatic relief—and a fresh set of challenges—to our hill country landscapes. Here is a look at the current state of our gardens, the water supply, and the necessary next steps as we move into the cooler seasons. 🌧️ The Mid-Summer Miracle: The July Rainfall Event Lakeway and the broader Central Texas region received an extraordinary amount of rain in early July. Unofficial reports and regional data confirm that many areas saw 8 inches of rain or more during that…
-
Resurrecting the Past: Testing the Viability of Old Seeds
The thrill of planting a garden is undeniable, but what about those forgotten packets of seeds tucked away in a drawer? Are they still viable? Don’t despair! With a simple germination test, you can determine if your old seeds still hold the promise of new life. The Germination Test: A Simple Yet Effective Method This easy-to-follow method will help you assess the viability of your seeds: Prepare the Seed Bed: Take a double layer of paper towels and mist them lightly with water until they are damp, but not soaking wet. Lay Out the Seeds: Arrange a row of 10 seeds across the bottom of the damp paper towels. Roll…
-
Save the Bees: Simple Steps to Make a Big Difference
The plight of the bees has become a global concern. Bees are critical to our ecosystem, but their populations are declining. These industrious insects are vital pollinators, ensuring the diversity of our food supply and the health of our ecosystems. But facing threats from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change, bee populations are dwindling at an alarming rate. Fear not, fellow humans! We can all play a part in their survival. Here are a few simple yet impactful ways to lend a helping hand: Plant Bee-Friendly Gardens: Ditch the manicured lawn and embrace a wildflower haven! Native plants provide a continuous source of nectar and pollen throughout the season, unlike…
-
Lakeway Garden Club Gift Guide 2024
The Best Garden Gift Ideas are here! The holiday season is upon us, and there’s still time to cultivate the perfect gift for the green-thumbed individuals in your life – or perhaps treat yourself! Lakeway gardeners are a unique breed: passionate about their plants and deeply connected to the outdoors. Finding the ideal gift for these discerning souls can be a challenge. To simplify your search, the Lakeway Garden Club has curated a selection of exceptional gift ideas guaranteed to delight even the most seasoned horticultural enthusiast. From bountiful vertical planters and innovative indoor hydroponics to adaptable greenhouses and vibrant wildflower seed bombs, our list offers something for every gardening style and preference.…
- Education, Flowers, Fruits, Herbs, Native Plants, News, Plants, Showcase, Texas Superstar, Tips, Trees & Shrubs, Vegetables
Embrace the Beauty of Texas Superstars this Fall
Do you need help choosing plants for your landscaping needs? Are you looking to create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that thrives in our Texas climate? Consider incorporating Texas Superstar plants into your landscape! These plants have been rigorously tested by Texas A&M AgriLife Research to ensure their superior performance in our challenging conditions. Fall is an ideal time for planting in Texas since the cooler temperatures reduce stress on the plant’s root system leading to more rapid root growth and ultimately a healthier plant. We suggest that gardeners follow the Earth-Kind® principles when planting a Texas Superstar® or any other desirable plant. These principles provide recommendations for plant placement, soil, spacing,…
-
Let’s Grow: Brassica Vegetables
What Are Brassica Vegetables? Brassicas may be associated with cool weather and root cellars, but this massive family of flavorful, easy-to-prepare cold crops has something to offer year-round. Brassica vegetables are part of the genus Brassicaceae, or mustard family. Brassicas are also categorized as cruciferous vegetables (Cruciferae), or members of the cabbage family. Brassicas are among the most commonly cultivated vegetables in the world, and some of the most nutritious vegetables you can eat. The Brassica oleracea family of vegetables contains hundreds of subspecies with a range of health benefits, like vitamin C, vitamin K, beta-carotene, and glucosinolates. Brassica vegetables are also a great source of soluble fiber. 15 Favorite Brassica Vegetables…
-
Autumn in the Garden – 2024 Edition
Greetings, Lakeway gardeners! As the summer heat wanes and the days grow shorter, autumn arrives in Lakeway, bringing with it a unique opportunity for gardeners to rejuvenate their landscapes. Local gardeners know this favorite fall season offers a perfect time to plant fall vegetables, divide bulbs, plant trees, harvest late-season produce, and prepare your garden for the upcoming winter months. With its milder temperatures and abundant rainfall, autumn in Lakeway has an ideal climate for gardeners to actually enjoy the outdoors once again during this season of renewal. . This newsletter is your guide to keep your garden healthy and thriving throughout the fall months. We’ll cover fall planting and…
-
Grow Green with Free Garden Educational Resources
Looking to create a beautiful yard that’s easy on your wallet and kind to the environment? Look no further than the Grow Green program in Travis County! This fantastic initiative by the Austin Watershed Protection Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers a wealth of resources to help you achieve a sustainable landscape. What is Grow Green? Grow Green is your one-stop shop for transforming your yard into a central Texas oasis. They promote practices that benefit both your garden and the environment, including: Water Conservation: Learn how to use water wisely with rainwater harvesting techniques and efficient irrigation methods. Smart Plant Choices: Discover the “right plant, right place” philosophy…
-
Celebrate Summer’s Bounty with a Classic Provençal Ratatouille
The sun is shining, the days are long, and gardens are overflowing with the vibrant flavors of summer. What better way to celebrate the season than with a classic French dish that showcases these fresh ingredients? Today, we’re diving into ratatouille, a Provençal vegetable stew bursting with color and taste. The cute Pixar movie Ratatouille is also worth a look if you haven’t seen it yet too! This French vegetable stew is a symphony of textures and tastes. Tender eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and onion mingle with juicy tomatoes, all bathed in a fragrant herb sauce. It’s a vegetarian masterpiece that’s perfect as a main course, a delightful side dish, or…
-
Summer in the Garden – 2024 Edition
Howdy, Lakeway gardeners! Buckle up for another sizzling Texas summer! June, July, and August bring scorching temperatures and relentless sunshine, but that doesn’t mean your plants have to wilt. This post is your guide to keeping your green garden thriving through the hottest months. We’ll cover harvesting tips for your summer bounty, strategies for outsmarting the heat, and even how to get a jumpstart on your fall plantings. So, grab your hat, sunscreen, and watering can – it’s time to conquer summer gardening in Lakeway! LGC Member News Our next Lakeway Garden Club (LGC) Member Mixer is only a few days away! So mark your calendars for next Thursday, June 6th! We…
