Breaking records isn’t always good, especially when the sun scorches the earth and rain is nowhere in sight. Thank goodness August is nearing the end of the month. The heat makes us think about water conservation and installing a rain collection system for future water saving. This is the time to take a walk around your yard and garden area.

Water means everything to us. We drink it, cook with it, bathe in it and take it for granted. According to several water conservation websites, since 1990, water stress conditions are increasing in the U.S. That means that our duties to take good care of our precious water supply must begin now.

Crime spree continues through hot days of Summer. The twelfth in a series of violations occurred in Blanco State Park last weekend. An unopened can of Bud was discovered unattended next to a picnic table where any juvenile could partake of its contents. Not only is this a violation of litter laws, in Texas State Parks it is an offense, subject to penalties, for any person to: 1.

This drought has had a terrible effect on our trees, crops, and yards. The only good thing that I have discovered is which plants can withstand the scorching heat. Some of the perennials that have worked for me are: Four o’clocks, Turks cap, Ruella (Mexican petunias – purple, white, and pink), salvias, most species, Bouganville, moss rose, purslane, Craigs blue daze, Blue Plumbage and Copper Canyon daisy.

It seems that many of the questions I receive are regarding lawns and tomatoes. I hope to help with some of the questions. For best results, mow weekly and remove no more than one-third of the grass height. This will keep the roots covered and get rid of weeds. If you have water for your lawn, it is better to water deeply and less frequently.

Can you believe we have been able to keep flowers blooming in this hot weather? It has taken its toll on all the plants, as I am sure you are experiencing some of the same problems. Today I have been hearing chances of rain. Wouldn’t that be wonderful! All the watering we can do just doesn’t do the same as rain!

The crape myrtles are beginning to bloom in the Blanco and surrounding area. Many of the trees are old. Think about the crape myrtles in the courthouse lawn and the red ones beside the City Hall. I have lived in Blanco since ‘79 and they were large trees at that time.

Don’t Mess with Texas – It appears on billboards, bumper stickers, magazines, postcards and T-shirts. We hear the slogan on the radio and T.V. Is it effective? Since TxDOT’s litter prevention program began in 1986, tons of trash have been kept off Texas roads and highways through the Adopt-a-Highway program and the Spring Trash-offs.

You can still find a “little bit” of green shaded area in Blanco right downtown by the square. Try walking down in Bindseil Park and enjoy the quiet serene feeling. You might want to pick up some lunch at one of our local eating places and sit at one of the bench tables.

What a crowd! The Lavender Festival was quite a success. The new benches were used by visitors and citizens alike. They are an asset to the downtown area. This heat is not conducive to gardening, but you can begin to think about your plants for the fall. You can start tomatoes from seed or plant transplants.

The biggest event to ever take place in Blanco is upon us. Blanco is sprucing up to put their best foot forward. A favorite entertainment spot will be in Bindseil Park. You can walk the grounds and visit all the vendor booths, enjoy the wine booths, Lavender Lizzies, and Go Texan booths under the big tent.

Well, there’s no doubt about it... summer is here. What happened to spring? For weeks the soil didn’t get warm enough to promote germination and then, 99 to 100 degrees. Only mulch and proper watering will be the saving grace. We plan to begin a heavy mulching program in the park.

Bindseil Park, “the Jewel of downtown Blanco” right by the Square is a beautiful inviting spot to enjoy. It is a place enjoyed by tourists and many of the residents of Blanco. We are working real hard to have it in tip top condition for the Lavender Festival, which takes place in less than three weeks.

Things to do in May: Cut back Spring blooming plants that have finished flowering. If you plan to install a new lawn, this is a good time. Use sod or seed.Delmar is a good St. Augustine grass; it handles shade better than the other varieties and it resists fungus. Bermuda and Buffalo grass are excellent for sunny spots.

Bindseil Park – What a beautiful quiet spot in the center of Blanco to take a walk, walk your dog, have a picnic or just enjoy the beauty of the trees, plants, and blooming flowers. You will find picnic tables or benches where you can sit, read, eat lunch, etc.  Just remember, you can be a part of Keep Blanco Beautiful to help keep the Park and pots of plants beautiful.