14 minute read
Ellinger 5
from SpecialSection
by Jeff Wick
ELLINGER
Ellinger text here
Advertisement
Fayetteville Town Square
ARTS Programs
WELCOME to Ellinger
Ready for some tasty kolaches, great barbecue, friendly folks and country atmosphere? You will find it right here in Ellinger. The town was settled in its current location in 1873 by Czech and German immigrants and has recently incorporated. Ellinger is conveniently located almost halfway between Houston and Austin off Hwy 71 and makes a great resting point. We encourage you to stop by and check us out for a breath of fresh country air.
Sincerely, Matt Mikulenka, Ellinger Mayor ELLINGER MAYOR LETTER
Oak Thicket Park
- Mayor Matt Mikulenka
ELLINGER Places to Eat, Stay, Worship & Play
EVENTS
October
Chicken Noodle Soup Lunch & Bake Sale at the Ellinger Chamber of Commerce Hall October 10
Bingo Night at the Ellinger Chamber of Commerce Hall October 30
November
Bingo Night at the Ellinger Chamber of Commerce Hall November 13
December
29th Annual Polka Fest December 5
January
Ellinger Chamber of Commerce Chicken Noodle Soup Lunch & Bake Sale at the Ellinger Chamber of Commerce Hall January 30
RESTAURANTS
Hruska’s Store & Bakery 109 W TX-71
Maria Taqueria 209 W TX-71
Peters BBQ 301 W TX-71
LODGING
Blackbird Farm Cabins 1488 FM 2503
CHURCHES
Shared Lutheran
Shared Lutheran Ministry of Fayette County St. John in Ellinger 110 West Fayette St. Worship 8 a.m. www.sharedlutheranministry.org (979) 249-3155
FESTIVALS
Polka Fest
December 5 The annual Polka Fest at the Ellinger Chamber of Commerce hall is a celebration following Mass filled with food, fun, and of course Czech music and dancing. Stop by the great small town of Ellinger and experience it the right way... the Polka way!
Due to coronavirus all events, places to eat & stay, churches, and festivals may be cancelled, postponed, or organized differently.
DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE. TEXAS IRRIGATION & PIPE LLC
Installation, Sales & Service CUSTOM DESIGNED LAWN SPRINKLERS
COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE • ALL BRANDS & SYSTEMS TRENCHING • PVC PIPE CERTIFIED BACKFLOW TESTERS
Wifi Controllers Available – Irrigation control from your phone! Free Estimates on New Systems
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING (979) 732-3970 (800) 327-6787
sales@texasirrigation.com • www.texasirrigation.com 1870 Frelsburg Rd. • Cat Spring, TX 78933 Licensed & Insured • Licensed Irrigator Nos. 1373 & 9459 Whyman, Carolyn & Brian Psencik Established in 1983
THE HERB COTTAGE
Sowing Seeds of Herb and Garden Knowledge
Upon visiting The Herb Cottage the first thing people notice when they exit their vehicle is a delicious sensation of quiet. There’s usually a breeze rustling the leaves of the live oak trees. And, there’s no traffic, no media blaring, no sounds of crowds of people. Just the air, the surrounding pastureland, trees and The Herb Cottage.
The next thing people notice is the huge old live oak tree in the nursery near the house. It’s nearly 300 years old and commands attention. (One time I entered our tree in a Big Tree contest hosted by Texas Parks and Wildlife. While it didn’t win the biggest tree, TPW did estimate the age of the tree. That’s my reference for how old it might be.)
After getting the lay of the land and decompressing from a sometimes longish drive to get here, people walk through the gate into The Herb Cottage
Nursery itself. You first encounter lots of succulents. I have made display areas for the succulents under shade structures constructed of stock panels covered in shade cloth. This keeps the sun off the succulents during the hottest part of the day,
which is especially important in the summer. As it turns out, many of our favorite succulents do not appreciate our searing summer afternoon sun. They are not desert plants. Many come from temperate brushy or even forested areas of the world. They can actually get sunburned which causes blemishes on the skin of the plant and can eventually cause the plant to grow poorly or even die out.
If you’re really into succulents, looking at the whole collection as you slowly wind your way through the Nursery can make a complete visit in itself. The succulent selection is grouped by the size of the pot. There are areas with a variety of 2” pots. If you like to grow your own succulents from small specimens, these pots are perfect for you.
They are very reasonably priced and you have a huge selection to choose from. You can almost grab them by the handful! If you like your succulents a bit larger to assure success in growing the 4” - 6” pots are just for you. These are well established
plants that will transplant into a more decorative pot or combination planter easily. Some are already at their mature size, some will grow even larger with time. If you’re looking for large specimens, the selection narrows a bit, but there are plenty to choose from in gallon to 2 gallon size pots. These large plants definitely make a statement. Just one planted in an attractive large container can be a focal point.
While you’re browsing the succulents, I’m always close by to answer any questions and to chat about best growing practices. If you’re new to succulents, I can answer all your questions about growing conditions, potting soil, light, water, indoors or outside growing and pretty much anything else you’d like to know about succulents. If you’re a seasoned grower and want to look around on your own, looking for something you don’t have, you’re welcome to wander anywhere you like undisturbed by me. I do like to hear your success stories growing succulents. I also like to hear about unique specimens you have that I have not yet acquired. If you live in the area a cutting or plant swap is certainly a possibility. That’s really the most fun way to acquire new plants.
The big live oak
Shade Structures 2” pots at the Nursery
More succulents. 4” pots
Lavender Plants at The Herb Cottage herbs?’ Funny you should ask. I have a special place for all my herbs near the greenhouse and under a big
Empress Tree. I like to keep the pots shaded, even though many herbs once established in the ground can grow in full sun here in Texas.
Most containers with herbs planted in them will appreciate some afternoon shade to keep the soil in the pot from getting too hot.
Whether you’re looking for culinary herbs to add to a kitchen garden, patio or deck or herbs that are thought of as more ‘medicinal’ in nature, I carry a great selection. You will find common varieties such as rosemary, thyme and basil as well as healing herbs such as marshmallow, comfrey and plantain. The selection of herbs varies with the season, so if you’re visiting in January, you might not find any basil, but you will find plenty of parsley, thyme and rosemary. In the fall and early spring look for dill, cilantro and chamomile- all herbs that like our cool fall and spring temperatures.
I love to talk about the herbs. I like to discuss cooking with herbs and using different herbs for tea and other beverages - herbal cocktails, anyone? I have experience in making herbal infused oils, extracts and salves with herbs that are known for their healing properties. I have a small distiller in my workshop that might be going on the day you decide to stop by. You can see how herbs are distilled into hydrosols and essential oils. It’s a very slow process, kind of like watching paint dry, but the whole set up is interesting to behold.
Not only do I carry plants, I have available cement and hypertufa containers that I create specifically to plant up your plants. These containers have excellent drainage- a must for succulents and herbs- and are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. If you like, you can take advantage of my Create-A-Garden program by choosing a container and some plants and plant them up right at The Herb Cottage. I have potting mix and decorative items to add to your planter such as shells, rocks and other small items to add whimsey to the container. I can help if you like. If you have children with you, planting the container is a fun project to add to the experience of visiting the Nursery.
Visiting The Herb Cottage is a unique experience. The rural setting at the Nursery allows you to feel like you’ve really ‘gotten away’ for a couple of hours. It’s relaxing yet the selection of plants and containers can get your mind whirling thinking of plant combinations, where to plant your new plants, how to use your newly acquired herbs and more. And, don’t forget, there are good restaurants in the area for you to rest up in after your visit to The Herb Cottage.
You can find The Herb Cottage online at theherbcottage.com. Open hours at the Nursery are Wednesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm. Call or text me at 361-258-1192. Email: cindy@ theherbcottage.com. I hope to meet you soon at The Herb Cottage.
Lemon Grass and me.
THE HERB COTTAGE
SOWING SEEDS OF HERB & GARDEN KNOWLEDGE
The Herb Cottage is your local source for seasonal herb plants, succulents, tropicals, hand made containers and great gardening advice.
• HERB PLANTS • SUCCULENTS • PLUMERIA • BIRD OF PARADISE • MORINGA TREES & SO MUCH MORE!
Open Wed. thru Sat. 10 - 4
Visit us at 442 County Road 233, Hallettsville, TX 77964
©2021 The Fayette County Record
www.theherbcottage.com 361-258-1192
DISCOVER COLUMBUS A Texas Original
Do visions of sugar plums dance in your head? If so, add the Santa Claus Museum in Columbus, Texas to your must-see list! The only Santa Museum in the South, the Santa Claus Museum features more than 3,000 Santas from all over the world. From bowls and baskets, figurines to felt ornaments, and kitsch to classic, you will be amazed at the wide variety of jolly ol’ St. Nicks on display.
The Santa Claus Museum is open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the first three Fridays and Saturdays in December. Outside of these dates, contact the Columbus Chamber of Commerce to set an appointment for your Santa fix. Children young and old will delight in the Christmas Spirit while visiting the Santa Claus Museum. It’s a Christmas lover’s dream come true. For more information, visit santamuseum.org.
Columbus is nestled along a bend in the mighty Colorado River, conveniently located a short drive from Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. It is well known for its historic homes and buildings, abundance of majestic live oaks, and vibrant, small-town friendliness. Columbus is a relaxing destination that has retained its distinctive charm while embracing the modern amenities today’s traveler expects.
Settled in 1821, Columbus is seeped with history. It boasts more than 50 historical markers throughout town as well as many historical homes and properties. Visitors can tour the beautifully restored Colorado County Courthouse and Stafford Opera House. Self-guided walking tours are available year-round. Or visit Beason’s Park and walk the same ground as General Sam Houston and General Santa Anna did as they passed through to San Jacinto during the fight for Texas’ independence.
Columbus also offers a variety of unique shopping destinations filled with clothing, home décor, antiques, and more. And bring your appetite. Whether pining for a sweet treat or something a bit heartier, Columbus restaurants and specialty food shops will satisfy any craving you may have. And when you need a place to wind down after a busy day of shopping and sightseeing, visit the local sports bar or brewery for a cold drink.
Feeling a bit adventurous? Exploring nature is easy and fun in Columbus. Kayaking or tubing the Colorado River gives visitors the chance to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Giant oak trees provide the perfect shade for a picnic. Rent the cabin at nearby Waldo’s Camp and enjoy quality time in the great outdoors. Or get in touch with your wild side at Hatari Wildlife Park, just a short drive from Columbus, and encounter exotic and fascinating animals from all over the globe. There’s so much to see and do in Columbus!
After all the fun, kick up your heels and rest your head at one of Columbus’ many modern hotels or historic bed and breakfasts. Columbus lodgings can accommodate groups large or small. Hosting a wedding or special event? Columbus is home to several showstopping event venues. With a long list of professional vendors ready to make your dreams come true, Columbus is the perfect place to host your special event.
The friendly and dedicated staff at the Chamber of Commerce is ready to help you plan your trip to Columbus. Contact them today to arrange your next visit. They look forward to seeing y’all soon.
Take a walk on the wild side! Hatari Wildlife Park is a 400-acre animal reserve exhibiting some of the rarest animals in the world to promote awareness and conservation.
Built in 1890, the Colorado County Courthouse was renovated and restored in 2013 and is still in use today as a county courthouse.
Giant oak trees provide the perfect shade for an afternoon picnic at Beason’s Park. With many local eateries to choose from, visitors are sure to find something for any craving.
Advertiser Index
4 Peas Resale……….....................................................17 Arts for Rural Texas……….......................................…2 Bluebonnet Trails Community Services……...13 Brawley Dental Clinic………....................................23 Budget Blinds………....................................................23 Capital Farm Credit…........................................…..57 Columbus Chamber of Commerce…………....65 Compass Country Properties……………..35 & 68 Cornerstone Dental……............................................4 Diggs Real Estate…….............................................…12 E.A. Arnim Archives & Museum………...............…51 Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce……....…55 Fayetteville Propane………......................................57 Grahmann's True Value Hardware…………...…27 Hatfield Dental Clinic………....................................66 Judy's Attic……..........................................................…17 Julie B………................................................................….17 Junk Gypsy………........................................................…3 Kat's Antiques……....................................................…17 Kat's II Antiques………................................................17 La Grange Visitors Center…..........................……22 Latté Café………….........................................................17 Le Petite Gourmet Shoppe…............................….12 Original Kountry Bakery…….............................….27 Pure Art by Cheryl Long…………..........................39 Round Top Festival Institute…….....................…44 Round Top Home Builders………..........................44 Round Top Real Estate…….................................…45 Schmidts………...........................................................…17 Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce……….30 Schulenburg Regency……...................................…31 Squawk & Skedaddle Campground………......27 St. Mark's Medical Center………............................21 Studio 94 Photography….................................……61 Svetlik Farm………......................................................27 Tejas Health Care………........................................…67 Texas Irrigation………...............................................60 The Fayette County Record…..........……49 & 60 The Flower Box………................................................27 The Gathering at Mulberry Creek…….........….27 The Herb Cottage………...........................................63 The Jersey Barnyard……........................................19 The Oak Motel………….................................................13 The Roost at Mulberry Creek………….................27 Trail of Lights………..............................................……23 Wander Inn…….........................................................….3 Weikel's Bakery……....................................................13 Weise Farms….....................................................…….61
Life is Good in the Country!
Whether you are buying or selling a first home or the family farm, let Country Properties Group accelerate the process. In a market that always will be about service and commitment, we will dedicate ourselves to providing you the very best and will represent you fairly in pursuing creative solutions with utmost integrity.
