Features

In Central Texas, a lowmaintenance landscape often includes only trees and grass, plus a few evergreen “foundation plants.” But adding just a few adapted plantings to the mix can turn an uninspired front yard into a garden of interest. This transformation happened at a newly-renovated house on Brown Street (corner of Clara Street), now owned by Buddy and Cindy Bailey. They purchased a San Marcos house, built in 1970, from the son of its original owner Dr. Richard Henderson, for years a beloved professor at Texas State University. The yard is partially shaded by numerous oak trees, and ground cover is a mix of grass and native horse herb.

SAN MARCOS PUBLIC LIBRARY 625 E. HOPKINS ST. 512-393-8200

This week starts with a Monday holiday — Labor Day. I am moved by all the hard work ongoing in San Marcos. As I watch new construction of homes and apartments, see critical road work on Interstate 35 and enjoy the fruits of laborers in restaurants, I see that some things never change… It is hard work and getting tired that keeps America's economy strong.

I notice the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival is scheduled for Nov. 10-14, in Harlingen. (For information, visit www.rgvbf.org or call 209 227-48230.)

Texas Performing Arts has announced that single tickets for Hamilton at Bass Concert Hall will go on sale to the public Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. for December 7 – 19 performances at BroadwayinAustin.com or texasperformingarts.org.

No color stirs the passion in serious gardeners like blue. Sure, we like orange, yellow, red and pink but blue is the must-have color for mixed containers and baskets. It is like having sapphires in our pocket plantings by the front entrance to the home. It is for this reason The Garden Guy was eager to put Superbena Imperial Blue verbena to the test.

School is in session and that means busy families may be in need of a few meal solutions that fit into their schedules — particularly items to grab on the way to school or work. Granola bars often fit the bill as nutritious options in portable packages. While store-bought granola bars are convenient, they tend to be made with nuts or oats, which are not ideal for those with food allergies or intolerances.