by PAULINE TOM
Time again for a “beware of venomous snakes” warning. “Wow! Look at this!,” I heard RonTom exclaim from outside the office window, as a yellow-stripe-on-top Texas Garter Snake slithered into an opening in the French drain in our planter box. The snake certainly appeared longer than the average max of 30-inches. That was on a warm day before it warmed up several weeks ago.
Living in Central Texas, I’ve learned that non-venomous snakes are our friends, with a valuable part in a healthy balanced landscape. Venomous snakes bring value, too. But, it’s not feasible to have them slithering around in Mountain City with pets and children and gardening hands attached to adults.
Rick Thomas (512) 393-1986 provides Snake Rescue service for Mountain City. He’s available to relocate any unwanted snake. He’s around most afternoons after 4 p.m. and on weekends.
Judge Beth Smith gets many reports of rattlesnakes and coral snakes (our two venomous snakes) from around Precinct Two. Last spring, many calls came from Plum Creek and Blanco Vista.
It’s time to cut back outdoor plants. Use caution. Wear garden gloves. Pound ground with a long stick before crouching. Enjoy the quiet of Mountain City while listening for a telltale rattle.
•••
Speaking of pounding. The Wildflower Center offered free admission in January. The last Saturday featured a tree sale and demonstrations. RonTom and I watched and learned at the tree planting demo.
The presenter planted a Lacey Oak, Quercus glaucoides. He recommended the native tree because of its beauty (the bark changes color) and because it is not susceptible to our dreaded oak wilt.
Pound dirt with handle of shovel about halfway through filling an irregular-dug hole that’s 2-3 times larger than the root ball of a tree from a container. Water. Then, poke holes again, after completely filling the hole around the tree. This breaks up air pockets.
Other instructions from the tree-planting demo:
• Mix some good grade compost (that looks like coffee grounds) in with fill dirt.
• The base of a planted tree should be slightly above ground level.
• Consider pecan mulch (available from Texas Disposal Systems). It provides variation in color and works well.
• Make a raised berm at tree’s drip line with pecan mulch and fill in a blanket towards the tree without reaching the tree. Stop mulching about a hand’s length (not a foot) from the trunk.
• Once the tree is watered in, water thoroughly every three weeks, allowing it to dry in between.
The presenter at the Wildflower Center recommended planting Huisache under ash trees now to start taking over, for the coming time when the ash tree will die of old age. Huisache is very fragrant and extremely drought resistant.
I asked about Possumhaw, which “leafs” a bare tree with red berries in winter. He gave it a thumbs up and recommended several beside one another for the vivid visual in winter. The small tree requires a male and female, but not in the same yard. He said Mountain City will already have males in close enough proximity for fertilization.
I’m always asking readers to furnish tidbits. [email protected] or (512) 268-5678
Thanks! Love, Pauline
