April 2015 Hays County Echo

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO APRIL 2015

IN THIS ISSUE:

A publication of the News-Dispatch and the Hays Free Press

The Sculpture Ranch DAYTRIP: New Braunfels Food, history and ghosts galore

and PLANTING

101 page 1

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO

is published monthly by Barton Publications, Inc 122 N. Main St., Buda, TX Contents © 2015.

Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton Editor Kim Hilsenbeck Graphics Director David White Graphics Assistant Christine Thorpe Contributing Writers Chris Reid Kim Hilsenbeck Distribution Suzanne Hallam Marketing Tracy Mack Debbie Hall Suzanne Hallam Paula Pulley Office Manager Connie Brewer

For advertising information, please contact our sales department at 512-268-7862.

EDITOR’S NOTE

F

or this month’s Echo, we went a bit beyond the borders of Hays County to bring you a story about a hidden gem in Johnson City: the Sculpture Ranch and Galleries.

Once owned by LBJ as a hunting ranch, this 143-acre property now boasts an impressive collection of sculptures from about 40 artists. The artist Benini got the ball rolling about a decade ago. He and his wife, Lorraine, recently turned over the reins to Greg Sullivan and his wife, Tracy Poe. Visitors can drive or walk through the Sculpture Ranch and enjoy the hill country views along with unique art pieces installed throughout the property.

Looking for a neat day trip close to home? I headed down to New Braunfels

Inside

last week with colleague Christine Thorpe. In addition to the delicious chocolate éclair and apple strudel from Naegelin’s Bakery, we found German heritage, old buildings, murals, ghost stories and (mostly) friendly people. It’s an easy drive and worth the time.

Ready to hit the dirt in your garden?

Check out Chris Reid’s gardening column this month.

And if you’re ready to hit the music scene, forget Austin. Hays County has its own burgeoning music thing going on these days.

As always, thanks for reading Hays County Echo!

Kim Hilsenbeck Editor

Hays County Music............................................................................ 3 The scene just south of weird

Grub Buzz........................................................................................4-5

Where to eat in Hays County

Sculpture Ranch.............................................................................6-9 A collection of art out in the Hill Country

Daytrip New Braunfels...............................................................10-13 Take a walk through this charming town of German heritage

See a sampling of the artwork on display at the Sculpture Ranch in Johnson City page 6

Planting 101................................................................................14-15 The basics for starting your spring garden

Central Texas Events..................................................................16-17 Top picks for things to do

Service Directory........................................................................18-19 Find a service professional in your area page 2 u april | 2015

Music scene just south of weird by

Kim Hilsenbeck

F

or years, we’ve heard about Austin being the Live Music Capital of the World. But recently, a movement started happening just south of the weirdest place in Texas. More and more serious musicians – those who make a living by playing in a band – are moving to places like Buda, Kyle and Dripping Springs.

In Buda alone, musicians such as Breting Engel, Bukka Allen, John Evans,

Emily Bell and Kevin Galloway live in within miles of each other. Tim Regan (also of Buda) and his band, Texas Never Whispers, are touring and selling their songs. Then there are some homegrown bands like the Georges (San Marcos) and Texas Renegades (Wimberley). Solo artists like Andrew DeLeon of Kyle, who was just recently signed to a music label, attended Hays High School.

As a result, the Hays County music scene is growing like wild fire. Towns like Buda, Kyle and Dripping Springs

have several new venues for live music, including Tavern on Main, Desperados and Mercer Street Dance Hall.

San Marcos has faithful crowds at oldschool venues such as Cheatham Street, where iconic greats such as George Strait got their start. And more and more Hays County bands are releasing albums.

We spoke recently with a few local groups, including Texas Never Whispers and The Blue Highway Band about the Hays County music scene.

BLUE WATER HIGHWAY

TEXAS RENEGADE

TEXAS NEVER WHISPERS

THE GEORGES

There’s a road along the Texas Gulf Coast from Surfside to Galveston called Blue Water Highway. Surfside is not far from Lake Jackson, where Greg Essington, 29, and Zack Kibodeaux, 26, grew up and attended the same high school.

It seems appropriate that the duo named their Americana musical group the Blue Water Highway Band.

One of the founders, Kibodeaux, said there is a spiritual thread running through several of the group’s songs.

“We’re not a Christian band but the music is definitely drawn from suffering and the trials we’ve had,” Kibodeaux said. “Your world view can’t help influence your writing.”

He also said it fits with the Americana genre, which can have an almost gospel influence, along with folk and rock.

The group now has four more members – Zach Landreneau, Catherine Clark, Kyle Smith and Daniel Dowling – in addition to Kibodeaux and Essington. All six are music instructors at Curious Chords Music Studio in Plum Creek.

Blue Water Highway Band recently released a full-length album, “Things we carry.”

Texas Renegade, a band formed by Wimberley twins Tyson and Eli Carver, and Andy Bertelsen, don’t forget where they came from, even after a fifth CD. “Wimberley has always been there for us,” Eli Carver said. “The town is always good to us.”

The band formed in 2002 and has taken off outside of their hometown since then.

Carver said that they started out with Texas country covers and did not play many original songs.

The covers that they used to perform are a distant memory now.

“Andy writes all of the songs now,” Carver said.

“We’ve changed our style a lot over the years as we changed to a new drummer and guitar player in the last 1 1⁄2 years. We’re all pretty happy where we’re at musically now.”

The band labels themselves as Americana and Roots Rock.

“We’re kind of still in the country scene but we got a little more ‘X’ than that,” Carver said. “‘Don’t Get Too Low’ is my new favorite song. We all sing on it and it’s a good, upbeat song.”

Tim Regan, 35, founder of the band Texas Never Whispers, and his musician/ singer wife and Memphis native Kelly Mickwee of the band The Trishas bought a home in Buda’s Old Town a few years ago. He said several other working and touring musicians live down the street or nearby.

“There’s John Evans and Emily Bell, Kevin Galloway, Bucka Allen (Terry Allen’s son who played keyboard with Joe Walsh), and Brian Standofer,” he said.

Regan said, like he and Mickwee, they loved Austin but found it too expensive to live there. He said the rent doubled in two years.

So they headed south and found Buda.

“We knew musicians here, so the pieces fell into place,” he said.

Texas Never Whispers recently released its self-titled debut album. Regan said, “It’s some of the best song writing I’ve done,” he said, attributing that to age and experience. “The songs are more powerful. There a story and a message.”

Hailing from San Marcos, this Rockabilly Dance Hall band from Central Texas regularly play at Gruene Hall (every other Wednesday) in Gruene and The Phoenix Saloon (one Saturday a month) in New Braunfels, as well as other local venues. Concert-goers may be surprised by the band’s classic sounds and high-energy shows. Songs like “Get you gone on” and “Don’t break my heart” are reminiscent of music of days gone by when teeny-boppers did the twist and screamed for Elvis.

Band members Dennis Falon, Chris Dodds (both previously with from Two Tons of Steel) and Aaron Covington (who used to work at Sun Records), lead by front man Jason George, the band will have people up and dancing in no time. George said early rock was a big influence on him — The Beetles were one of his favorites. But his motto is, ‘if you can dance to it, we’ll do it.’

The Georges released their first album, ‘Meet the Georges’, a few years ago on Vinyphone Records. Their second self-titled album, also on Vinyphone, is available on the band’s Facebook page, iTunes and Amazon. The group is working on a third album, which should be ready for release by end of the year.

page 3

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eater Hays County area page 5

Sculpture Ranc I

n the heart of the Hill Country, on a ranch filled with live oaks and rock, sit 40 or so unique sculptures, many created by the artist Benini, who goes only by that name. This Italian-born artist bought the property, which sits about seven miles outside Johnson City, about a decade ago. It became his outdoor gallery of sorts.

Over the ensuing years, other artists accepted Benini’s invitation to install their pieces on the ranch, several on consignment. The sculptures are placed around the property alongside a winding, hilly trail of mostly paved roads, though they’ve seen better days.

And so was born the Sculpture Ranch and Galleries.

Benini and his wife ran the ranch until last year when they retired to Marble Falls.

But the property has a rich history, at least in modern times, including being the hunting ranch – complete with two double wide trailers, a communications center and an aircraft hangar – for the Hill Country’s native son and former president, Lyndon Baines Johnson. He was known by most as just LBJ. He owned the ranch from just after he became president until 1971.

Atop a hill rising from the center of the 143 acres sits a home with a near 360-degree view of the ranchland surrounding it. In the distance, one can see Fredericksburg and a far-off low mountain range.

SCULPTURE RANCH, 8

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page 7

SCULPTURE RANCH, from pg. 6 “During the holidays, you can see the blue lights of Johnson City,” explained the current owner, Gregory Sullivan.

He and his wife, Traci Poe bought the ranch from the Benini’s – the artist and his wife Lorraine Benini – with a promise to continue its mission to bring art and beauty to the Texas Hill Country.

Sullivan, a molecular pharmacologist who now splits his time between here and Chicago, graciously provided a tour of the ranch and explained the significance and backstory behind many of the sculptures, as well as insight into Benini himself.

“Benini was a self-made artist who saw success in his lifetime,” Sullivan said.

But before all the history and power of the art, Echo asked: How did Sullivan and his wife find their way to Johnson City?

“Traci and I always were looking for a place wherever we went when we were traveling around the world,” he said.

Their adventures included Greece and Thailand, among other locales, as well as Martha’s Vineyard.

But Texas won out in the end.

“This was the first place we found that we could practically think that when we’re done raising our children, we could build a space … we want to do drama and poetry,” Sullivan said.

Poe is a writer. He studied Greek and Latin on top of his pharmacology education.

“We want to incorporate into the ranch,” he said. “We have a lot of interests and we have a lot of friends that are from a variety of different intellectual backgrounds. I think our vision was the optimal way to spend leisure time, which hopefully we’ll have when we’re done raising five children, would be to bring really interesting people together for short periods of time in different combinations and be in an environment which was not determined. We were lucky enough to meet a woman when we got fogged out of a flight to Martha’s Vineyard.”

page 8 u april | 2015

The woman, named Jodi, lives in Wimberley.

“Why don’t you come stay at my ranch for a week?” she asked them.

They accepted and made the trek. The couple became good friends. It was at her home where Poe met Lorraine Benini and shared her and Sullivan’s vision of bringing together humanities, science, fiction and history.

Things came together after that. Sullivan purchased the ranch in 2014. He now spends about three weeks a month on the property. He and Poe, who comes down about every other weekend, are raising five children between them.

For Sullivan, one big appeal of the ranch is its legacy.

“The LBJ connection is huge,” he said.

Sullivan wouldn’t delve into the rumors about LBJ and his dalliances, but he said many still float around the town.

All that aside, Sullivan and Poe have plans to expand the artistic offerings at the ranch.

“We’re interested in getting people from the nonprofit world who are on boards and pharma people to come down and experience this place,” he said.

Back on the trail around the ranch, Sullivan pointed out many of his favorite pieces, including sculptures from Wan Lee (“The meditators”), Eyfells – a 93-year-old from Iceland who lives not far from the ranch (“Triangular Linguisticies”), Jim Lapaso of Kyle and, of course, Benini.

One of Benini’s metal sculptures is called ‘The whole truth’, or ‘The truth’. The art changes as one drives or walks by because of the angles and how it’s positioned.

Sullivan explained.

“You can see how the truth is multidimensional. It’s not black and white,” he said. “Often times we tell just a sliver of it because it makes what we’re trying to say about ourselves sound better.”

Another of Benini’s sculptures is ‘Two half truths’.

“This is one of the great

“You can see how the truth is multidimensional. It’s not black and white.

Often times we tell just a sliver of it because it makes what we’re trying to say about ourselves sound better.”

–Gregory Sullivan, Sculpture Ranch owner

things about Benini,” Sullivan said. “His art, at least in the sculptures…he’s cut the truth in half and moved it. There’s a little humor in what he’s trying to say.”

Sullivan said about 35 of the 40 sculpture artists are still alive.

Along the tour, Sullivan saw Katie Hodgkins of Dripping Springs who was there checking on her stone sculpture. She calls it “The Filter.”

The stones are two nearly identical halves of individually placed stones with a gap in the center so the two sides don’t touch. It took her a month to arrange them and they’re not held together with mortar or any kind of glue. High winds and rain storms in recent weeks could make for a lot of finger crossing, hoping the stones are in place. They were.

Rising up from one of the hills were two pieces of art called Determination and Aspiration. The sculptures are of two massive stone hands, one upright in an almost high five position, the other on the ground, the fingers curled around a large tree branch.

Both are easily twice the height of an average human.

Jim Lapaso created kinetic sculptures of metal that move in the wind; several of his pieces grace the sculpture ranch.

“They are popular in Germany, he sort of imitated them,” Sullivan said.

Another artist with sculptures on the ranch is Jon Carlo Cantazaro, who also owned a famous restaurant in San Francisco. Several sculptures by Peter Deise, who is also a surfer, are also on the property.

The long drive in from the main road leads visitors to what could be the front of a stone home. The massive wooden door was built by Benini.

“We have to keep it,” Sullivan said.

What’s not immediately visible is the football field size hangar behind the stone facade.

The space is used to display much of Benini’s artwork. LBJ used it, according to Sullivan, to store a helicopter that brought him from nearby airports when he flew in from Washington, D.C. The hangar turned gallery costs about $1,000 to heat every day for a month.

“It’s a great space to display [Benini’s] art; you get a sense of the power of his art in this environment.”

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One of the many murals in town

Conservation Plaza

Faust Hotel

DAYTRIP: New Braunfels Food, history and ghosts galore

by Kim Hilsenbeck

T

hink New Braunfels: German festivals and water theme parks may come to mind. Yet this quaint town of just over 63,000 – with its history, heritage, food, special events and other attractions – has much more to offer.

Situated north of San Antonio and south of San Marcos, New Braunfels brings in more than two million visitors each year. But what can visitors do outside of Wurstfest and Schlitterbahn?

As it turns out, lots. Armed with tour books and brochures from the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, we started our search for what to do.

We noticed right off the bat the historic homes that line the streets of downtown New Braunfels as you drive on the

How

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Customer Keith Sullivan drives to New Braunfels every few weeks from Seguin for Naeglin’s pastries. (photos by Kim Hilsenbeck)

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main road off the interstate.

Though many went the way of progress, those that remain are a nod back to simpler times.

The town was founded by German settlers in the 1800s and much of that German heritage survives.

Our first stop was Naeglin’s Bakery near the old town square and main plaza. Notably the “oldest bakery in Texas,” established in 1868, its customers are fairly loyal, many coming in from outlying towns and sometimes standing in lines around the block. On this early March day, despite the gray skies and light drizzle, the shop was humming but not crowded.

Customer Keith Sullivan drove in from Seguin – about 22 miles east – as he does every few weeks.

“I just got off the phone with my wife and got an order for chocolate éclairs and chocolate covered donuts,” he said.

Behind the counter, Joyce Kirst served up details about the bakery along with strudel and sweet German pretzels, heated to perfection. Calling the taste divine would be an understatement. Tucked away

Eagle Mountain

The Perky Peacock on Seguin Avenue is a unique boutique that specializes in fitting ladies into well fitting brasseries.

in a bag for later were cake pops and a chocolate covered éclair, subtly implanted as a suggestion by Sullivan’s earlier order. Neither disappointed.

Filled with pastries and coffee, we took a stroll along the main avenue and stumbled upon the Perky Peacock, a women’s boutique that specializes in fitting ladies into well fitting brasseries. The colorfully appointed interior also tantalizes shoppers with

colorful tops, flowing dresses, jewelry and accessories. Owner Donna Hamilton moved to town from Houston several years ago and has been happily helping women look and feel better with bras that offer support and a bit of perk. She offered some ideas for historic sites and things to see in town that weren’t on our list.

For example, next door was

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page 11

a building reputed to be haunted. A quick knock on the door and explanation of our visit prompted Joanne, an employee of the investment firm, to offer a spontaneous tour.

“Supposedly it was a morgue,” she said. Colleagues at the investment firm apparently experience episodes of the paranormal, though this ghost seems benign. Noises, such as chairs moving across the floor and papers rustling, are its favorite pastimes.

Haunted places were a bit of a theme throughout downtown, with shop owners telling tales about their own business and paying it forward about the next location. For those so inclined, an evening ghost tour runs out of Naeglin’s.

A bit further down the street was the Faust Hotel & Brewing Co. Opened in 1929 as the Traveler’s Hotel, the building retains an old world charm mixed with modern conveniences. Sconces, an old-fashioned manual record player and velvet-covered furniture grace the lobby.

A new restaurant and beer pub in the back of the building are among the hotel’s many upgrades over the years. And yes, whispers of a ghost float around the establishment. One employee said he has seen a woman in a white dress several times. He shared a photo from his cell phone of an image he captured one evening while in the ballroom.

“Can you see her?” he asked.

Something was there, or so it appeared. But whether it was the lady in the white dress remains a mystery.

Unlike most other Central Texas towns, buildings in New Braunfels tend to have basements. And the stories abound about how they were used. An old theatre in the downtown

BUDA

area had a tunnel running underneath that supposedly came in handy during prohibition.

A peek in the basement of the Phoenix Saloon, located on the corner of East San Antonio St. and North Castell Ave., revealed a bar, pool table, some furniture and the unmistakable scent of the late 1800s. Or was it mildew? Either way, it was a funky little hangout.

Upstairs, the dark wood walls and floors create a feeling of an old Texas dance hall. We recommend a draught beer – pick from among about 20 on tap – and the homemade chili (best served with cheese fries in this writer’s humble opinion).

Beware the level of hotness requested. Mild has a bit of a kick. “Killer” requires patrons to sign a waiver. No joke.

New Braunfels is also home to several massive murals including the town’s namesake, the Prince of Braunfels. Other murals depict the father of botany and there’s one of German foods, including a recipe for venison.

Also, on San Antonio St. is Henne Hardware, one of the oldest operating hardware stores in the country. A cool feature, in addition to the miniature tricycle and wagon sitting on a top shelf, are the wire cables running all across the store. Back in the day, money ran from the front checkout counter to the back office along those wires. Modern technology handles that function these days, though the manual system apparently still works.

Inside the store we met Tom Johnston – whose stage name is Mondo – and Ann Bieri of New Braunfels. Johnston recently sang four songs on the stage at Gruene Hall (with the band playing at the time). The duo also broke out a little ka-

The Phoenix Saloon in downtown New Braunfels, located on E. San Antonio St., offers patrons history, good live music and its signature chili. The saloon is in a historic building and was the first bar in Texas to serve women.

raoke for us, along with their choreographed footwork, right there in the aisle.

On the outskirts of downtown, Martha Rehler, the executive director of the New Braunfels Conservation Society, offered a tour of the buildings on the organization’s Conservation Plaza. Most of the buildings came from the older historic area of New Braunfels.

They’re arranged to form what looks like an old-time town. A barn, a store, a school, a woodworking shop, and several

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page 12 u april | 2015

homes are among the salvaged buildings. Each is complete with furniture, art and utensils (not to mention mannequins in period costume) of the time, many from roughly the 1850s and 1860s. See more about Conservation Plaza, next page.

The day, though drizzly and gray, was enjoyable. It’s not a stretch to plan to spend three or more days in town, exploring the rich history of the area and following those ghosts. For ideas of what to see and do, see our list on the next page.

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Conservation Plaza The New Braunfels Conservation Society, a nonprofit historic preservation group, owns Conservation Plaza. The organization receives hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds, which help maintain the property. Executive Director Martha Rehler said grants are less available for historic homes that have been moved from their original location, but added that visitors are generous with their dona-

tions.

For those interested in renting out the property, Martha said it’s great for special events including reunions, showers and weddings. Forke Store can seat 100 people.

An outdoor arbor walk laced with white lights makes a grand entrance for walking down the aisle to the gazebo.

A groom’s house and a bride’s house are included in the rental price.

Things to see and do in

New Braunfels Here is a quick list of sites, attractions and events we recommend experiencing while in New Braunfels: • Natural Bridge Caverns • Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch Safari • Schlitterbahn water park • Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo • McKenna Children’s Museum • Sophienburg Museum and Archives • Historic Outdoor Art Museum • Railroad Museum • Fire History Museum • Conservation Plaza (see story above) • Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre • Circle Arts Theatre • Landa Park • Naegelin’s Bakery • Faust Hotel & Brewing Co. • Phoenix Saloon • Wurstfest, the 10-day salute to sausage; takes place each November • Festtage (including Wassailfest) takes place each December • New Braunfels Wein and Saengerfest, takes place each May • Texas Clay Festival • Nearby are Historic Gruene, Canyon Lake and opportunities for tubing the Comal and Guadalupe rivers.

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page 13

Spring has almost sprung, it must be time for

PLANTING 101

by Christine Reid

this time. Keep alert to weather forecasts and bring the plants he soil’s been tilled and indoors if a frost is expected. amended, tools are at Warm season crops like beans, hand, hoses are hooked melons, cucumbers, tomatoes up to the nearest spigot and and peppers, along with herbs the calendar says it’s spring. It’s like basil, are frost sensitive. planting time!

When it’s time to plant in Most gardeners follow their the garden, do it on a cloudy local planting calendar, while day or in the evening or early also keeping a close eye on the morning. Taking in to considweather, to help them deeration how much sun and cide when to plant. This space each plant needs, is the month to put choose a location and dig a transplants hole, making of tomait as deep toes, chard, as the plant peppers and was growing eggplant into at in the pot. the garden Carefully pop TOMATO-PLANTING TIPS bed. You can the plant out also install of its containWhen planting tomatransplants er without toes, lay each seedling out of melons, disturbing its horizontally and bury the squashes and roots, place in stem, getting as much as cucumbers as the hole and two-thirds of the plant well as direct fill in with soil. in the ground. Then turn seeding them.

After planting, the tip of the plant up, Corn, green apply an orfirming the soil around beans, okra, ganic fertilizit. It may look a little odd, southern er, thoroughly but it will pay off and look peas, waterand gently fine in the end. Planting melon and water the soil it horizontally instead radishes do around the of vertically means the best direct seedlings and tomato will benefit from seeded. When then mulch soil that’s warmed by the you do have to reduce soil sun. Tomatoes planted this a choice moisture loss. way will develop additionbetween the Check the al roots along the buried two, install plants daily stem and more roots mean transplants, in to see if they a stronger plant and more order to give need to be tomatoes. your crop a watered or valuable head weeded and start. also to chart their growth, a Before putting the plants very satisfying part of gardeninto the ground, though, make ing. sure they’re hardened off. That While each variety of plant means the seedlings, which will have its own specific may have been in a controlled number of days to maturity, temperature greenhouse, need most plant types have a simto be able to handle strong ilar range of days to harvest. sunlight as well as cool nights.

Radishes take the least amount On a mild day, put them out of time to mature, about 30 for one to two hours of sun in days, while pumpkins take the a somewhat sheltered area. longest, about 120 days, give or Increase exposure to the take. Tomatoes, many people’s sun one hour each day for a favorite, is usually ready in 65 week or so, keeping seedlings to 90 days, depending on the adequately watered and out of variety and whether it’s a large strong winds. Don’t fertilize at or a cherry tomato. You also

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page 14 u april | 2015

have to take the weather into account. If there’s a cool start to spring, the plants will take longer to grow and develop fruit. However, while tomatoes need full sun and warm days to grow, some large tomato varieties get fussy as the thermometer rises and will stop setting fruit when the daytime temperatures are higher than 90 or so degrees and the nighttime temperatures stay above 75 degrees. Cherry tomatoes, on the other hand, will continue to set fruit at higher temperatures and may produce so much that you could start wishing they’d stop, already!

There can still be an occasional cold night, even in the spring, so always be prepared to throw some row cover over the tomatoes, peppers and other cold sensitive plants

when a freeze is predicted. Be sure to uncover them when it warms up in the morning, though, as things heat up quickly once the sun comes out.

Getting the plants in the ground is just the first step.

After the initial application of fertilizer at planting time, feed again when the plants begin to flower and set fruit.

Many plants also benefit from monthly fertilizing. Read up about the plants you’re growing, learn what helps them thrive and act accordingly.

It’s simple--keep your garden fed, watered and weeded and “planting time” will soon turn into “harvest time!”

Any questions? Send an email to reidsnursery@gmail. com or call us at (512) 3986011. Enjoy your garden!

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Good varieties for spring planting Open-pollinated heirloom plants come from seed that’s been saved and handed down for generations. They’re known for their outstanding flavor – however, they might produce a bit later in the season and their yield is often not as large as that of hybrids.

Hybrid varieties are the result of controlled cross-pollination that maximized certain desirable characteristics, such as size, crop yield and disease resistance. The seeds, though, can’t be saved from year to year as they won’t reproduce true to the original plant and they’re sometimes more expensive. Many people grow both heirloom and hybrid varieties in their gardens.

Days to maturity (dtm) times are approximate.

Beans (60-65 dtm): Kentucky Wonder bush and pole (heirloom), Tendergreen, Blue Lake

Pepper, sweet (60-70+ dtm): California Wonder (heirloom), Sweet Banana, Red Marconi (heirloom)

Corn (70-100 dtm): Silver Queen, Country Gentleman (heirloom)

Pumpkin (90-120 days dtm): Amish Pie (heirloom), Big Max, Jack O’ Lantern, Connecticut Field, Jack Be Little

Cucumbers (60 dtm): Suyo long (heirloom), Straight Eight, National Pickling Eggplant (65 dtm): Black Beauty (heirloom), Florida Market Muskmelons (80-90 dtm): Ambrosia, Hale’s Best, Hearts of Gold (heirloom) Okra (70 dtm): Clemson Spineless, Emerald, Hill Country Heirloom Red Peas, southern (60-65 dtm): Mississippi Silver, Pinkeye Purple Hull, Zipper Cream Pepper, hot (60-70+ dtm): Anaheim, Long Red Cayenne, Hungarian Yellow Wax, Jalapeno pepper, TAM Jalapeno, Serrano

Radishes (30 dtm): Cherry Belle (heirloom), White Icicle (heirloom), French Breakfast (heirloom) Squash, summer (45-60 dtm): Yellow Crookneck (heirloom), Zucchini Ronde De Nice (heirloom) Tomatoes, large (65-90 dtm): Brandywine (heirloom), Beefsteak, Cherokee Purple (heirloom),Silvery Fir Tree (heirloom), Celebrity, Better Boy Tomatoes, cherry (60-80 dtm): Yellow Pear (heirloom), Black Cherry (heirloom), Porter (heirloom), Cherry Large Watermelon (77-105 dtm): Crimson Sweet, Moon and Stars (heirloom), Sugar Baby (heirloom)

Companion Planting Just like people, plants have relationships: with the soil, insects, birds and especially other plants. And, like your irascible Aunt Ree, some plants are hard to get along with. For instance, walnut trees, and a few other related trees, exude a chemical called juglone, which is toxic for some plants. Most plants don’t have a problem with it but the ones that do...well, that’s one way to get some more elbow room!

Sometimes misguided folklore gets mixed in with science when it comes to different types of companion planting, but there are many good planting combinations that have historically shown that they reduce the number of pests, produce better crop yields and increase beneficial insect populations.

Many strongly scented plants like onions, garlic, leeks and chives will either confuse or A US TI N

IN

deter pests that were looking for a plant to munch on. Interplanting those and herbs like thyme, mint, catnip, basil, tansy, pennyroyal and other aromatic plants in your vegetable garden can drive away pests or attract beneficial insects. Planting alliums, even ornamental ones, near roses is believed to help prevent problems like black spot and also repel aphids.

Planting dill, parsley, yarrow and other herbs with flat topped clusters of small flowers near your vegetable garden will attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, predatory wasps, flies and pirate bugs, to mention a few. They help pollinate and also eat aphids and other destructive insects that may be treating your garden like a salad bar.

The takeaway? Companion planting isn’t guaranteed to help your garden but it sure won’t hurt it, either!

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page 15

Central Texas Festivals & Events January 12-July 3 San Marcos, “Homegrown: Austin Music Posters, 1967 to 1982” Poster artists in the late 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s visually evoked the sound and defined the culture of Austin just as the city was establishing itself as one of the most vital music scenes in the country. More than 125 vintage pieces from the Wittliff Collections’ poster archives document this history and testify to Texas artists’ mastery of the poster form using hand drawings and creative print techniques. The Wittliff Collections at Alkek Library. www.thewittliffcollections. txstate.edu 512-245-2313

January 12-May 5 San Marcos, “The Face of Texas” Michael O’Brien celebrates the individuality and independent spirit of Texans in this series of 48 portraits. Each is accompanied by a narrative about the person by writer and former Life reporter Elizabeth O’Brien. The Wittliff Collections, Alkek Library. www. thewittliffcollections.txstate.edu 512-245-2313

February 9-July 3 San Marcos, “Armadillo Rising: Austin’s Music Scene in the 1970s” Showcasing the vibrant and eclectic Texas Music archives at the Wittliff Collections, this exhibition presents handwritten lyrics, photographs and memorabilia from musical icons such as Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, the Armadillo World Headquarters and Austin City Limits. The Wittliff Collections, Alkek Library, 601 University Drive. www.thewittliffcollections. txstate.edu 512-245-2313

April 4 Wimberley Market Days Stroll along a shaded path to more than 475 booths filled with a wide variety of arts, crafts, antiques, gift items, clothing and more. Also enjoy barbecue and treats with live music under the pavilion. Lions Field, 601 F.M. 2325. www.shopmarketdays. com 512-847-2201

page 16 u april | 2015

April 4 Concerts for a Cause Down South Railhouse in Kyle will host this season’s Concerts for a Cause. April’s concert will feature music by Lucas Cook and benefit Hope & Love 4 Kids. Concerts for a Cause is a way to raise awareness of and raise money for some of the local-to-Hays County charities that work to make this “simply charming” county an even better place to live.

April 10-12 Boerne, Parade of Artists This self-guided walking/riding tour features 16 art venues in the heart of Boerne.

April 11 Austin, Fitzhugh Cemetery Tour Historic Fitzhugh Cemetery comes alive with voices from the past on Saturday, April 11, from 1-3 p.m., at Fitzhugh Cemetery on Crumley Ranch Road. Hosted by Heritage Circle. Take a guided walking tour as costumed actors tell the tales and adventures of those who helped shape our local history.

April 10-12 Bluebonnet Festival Declared “The Bluebonnet Capital of Texas” by the Texas Legislature, Burnet celebrates this distinction with a festival the second weekend of April. This 32nd-annual festival features live music, a carnival, food, golf, races and shopping.

Downtown BURNET, Texas

April 16-19 Driftwood, Old Settler’s Music Festival This event features Americana, acoustic jazz and blues, bluegrass, old-time local faves and other artists from around the world. Also enjoy arts and crafts, camping, food and libations. Scheduled performers include The Mavericks, Jake Shimabukuro, Robert Earl Keen, Bill Kirchen, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Sam Bush, Hot Rize, Dailey & Vincent, Green River Ordinance, Langhorne Slim, The Infamous Stringdusters, Pokey LaFarge, the McCrary Sisters, Roxy Roca, the Black Lillies, Lost Bayou Ramblers and many others.

At the Salt Lick Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch in Driftwood.

April 17 Gruene, Come and Taste It

April 12 Hays County Crop Walk

Meet Texas’ best winemakers the third Thursday of each month. Enjoy complimentary wine and beer tastings, and learn directly from the craftsman.

Live music and food samples complement the wines on Gruene Historic District’s Grapevine patio. Also live entertainment nightly at Texas’ Oldest Dancehall. 830-606-0093. www.GrapevineinGruene.com.

Help end hunger one step at a time. The Hays County Crop Walk will meet at the Dunbar Recreation Center at 801 MLK St. in San Marcos. Registration is at 2 p.m. and the walk starts at 2:30. Contact Mallory Raschke at mraschke@haysfoodbank.org for information.

April 18-19 7th Wimberley Valley Arts Festival Blue Hole Regional Park

April 24-26 Wings over the Hills Nature Festival A celebration of natural flight saluting the unique wildlife features of the Texas Hill Country and offering educational and entertainment opportunities for the whole family. Fredericksburg.

Visit wingstx.org or info@ wingsoverthehills.org for more information.

The Wimberley Valley Art League hosts its seventh annual Arts Fest to celebrate the visual arts of local and regional artists. The artists are juried and the quality of the festival keeps elevating.

The event now draws artists from many areas outside of Wimberley. From our humble beginnings around the Square, we will now have more than 80 artists of all media, continuous live music, food tents and trailers plus The Whole Foods food truck will be in attendance!

“Backyard Fun” theme and fajita cook-off. Local vendors, arts & crafts, farm to market items, live music and more!

9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Historic City Square Park

April 18-19 Buda Fine Art Express

April 11-12 Boerne Market Days

This juried fine art show represents more than 70 artists working in painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, jewelry, glass, ceramics, fiber, metalwork, wood and more.

Buda City Park Pavilion BUDA, Texas

Hundreds of festive booths display everything from collectibles and nostalgia to modern innovations. Also enjoy food and live entertainment.

Main Plaza, 100 N.Main. www. boernemarketdays.com 830249-7277

April 11-12 Wimberley - Dripping Springs, Starlight Symphony Orchestra to Present “Youth, Strength, and Energy”

April 17-19 Fredericksburg Trade Days

The Starlight Symphony Orchestra presents Experience Musical Inspirations through Emotions - Youth, Strength, and Energy. They will feature two winners from their Young Artists Competition held in the Fall of 2014. The concerts are Saturday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 15951 Winters Mill Parkway, Wimberley, TX; and Sunday, April 12, at 4 p.m. at the Dripping Springs High School, 940 Highway 290, Dripping Springs, TX. These two winners, Sydney Neugebauer and Vanessa Turner, represent the finest of young musicians in Central Texas and are sure to provide a youthful, energetic, and musically strong evening for concert goers.

April 11 Kyle Market Days

Shop with more than 350 vendors or relax in the biergarten while listening to live music.

Seven miles east of town off U.S. 290, 355 Sunday Farms Lane. www.fbgtradedays.com 210-846-4094

April 18 Dick’s Classic Garage Car Show San Marcos Bring your classic car to compete for prizes or just bring your friends and family to enjoy a good time. Live music and food keep the party going.

Dick’s Classic Car Garage, 120 Stagecoach Trail. www. dicksclassicgarage.com 512878-2406

April 18-19

April 25

Old Gruene Market Days

Burnet, Bluebonnet Air Show

Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Gruene Historic District, 1724 Hunter Road. www.gruenemarketdays. com 830-832-1721

The Highland Lakes Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force presents an annual air show featuring vintage aircraft roaring through the sky, static displays and an air museum. Air Show performances run noon-4 p.m.

Food, drinks and other vendors available.

April 18-19 Saxet Gun Show This Dripping Springs gun show is held at Ranch Park and hosted by Saxet Trade Shows of Texas.Visit www.saxetshows. com for information.

April 24-25 Founders Day Festival The 28th Annual Founders Day, our biggest community event, will be held in downtown Dripping Springs April 24-26, 2015. The three-day celebration kicks off with the Grand Parade and includes: free music and entertainment on two stages, the Mighty Thomas Carnival, food, beer, street dances, cook-off competitions, over 150 arts and crafts booths and business vendors.

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April 25-26 Johnson City Market Days

• 24-hour Jail Release • Financial Arrangements • Warrant Walk-through • Accepting Visa, MasterCard & Discover • Serving all of Hays County

Enjoy food, artisans and other vendors in the heart of Texas Wine Country on the fourth weekend of each month.

Memorial Park, 109 E. Main St. www.johnsoncity-texas.com 830-868-7684

Located in the San Marcos Square

April 25-26 Buda Wiener Dog Races See the dogs wiggle their way to the finish line and enjoy a bestdressed dog contest, barbecue cook-off, a bake-off, a washers tournament and arts and crafts booths. At Buda City Park.

512-392-8999

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Hays County Echo Service Directory AIR CONDITIONING

Kyle Automotive

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512-312-9535 www.ae4cool.com

Serving Kyle and Hays County for nearly 20 years! Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

107 N. Main Street, Kyle, Tx 78640 512-268-1173 www.KyleAutomotive.com

AIM A/C and Heating Service

COMPUTER SERVICE

A&E Air Conditioning & Heating

Free estimates for replacements Service, sales, installs, duct cleaning.

Locally owned and operated. Licensed, bonded, insured and registered 512-312-9080 www.AIM4AC.com

APC Service, LLC Electrical, A/C, heating Commercial and residential.

Free service call with repair.

512-295-4023 www.APCServicePros.com tricoconst@austin.rr.com

NEMEC Heating and Air Proudly serving Central Texas Residential, commercial and after hours available chris@nemecheatingandair.com 512-312-9081 512-789-5132

A Computer Werks Business, residential or commercial Adware, spyware, malware, installations. Service, software, hardware and custom builds. 512694-1746 www.acomputerwerks.com

Hays Technical Services Want help selecting the best value?

Office systems not maintained?

Did your kids or employees leave your computer useless? mike@haystech.com

CONCRETE WORK XEVEX Concrete Services

AUTOMOTIVE

Free estimates! Bonded & insured.

Foundations, driveways, patios, repairs, staining, removal, Bobcat services.

512-312-4214 www.xevexllc.com

AMM Collision Center

ELECTRICAL SERVICE

Three great locations!

Kyle: 21681 IH-35, 262-1013 Austin: 11740 Manchaca Rd., 292-1060 Dripping Springs: 3990 Hwy 290, 512-894-3888

Keen Electrical Service Commercial, industrial, residential.

Licensed/insured, TECL #26308. J..

Craig Keen, owner/master electrician. keenzone7@att.net.

512-653-1125

Buda Automotive You know us... by our reputation!

Full service car & truck repair 601 S. Loop 4 in Buda 512-295-2832

AT THE WIMBERLEY PLAYHOUSE • 450 OLD KYLE RD. By JASTON WILLIAMS, JOE SEARS & ED HOWARD

GLASS SERVICE Berry Glass Company Commercial and Residential Contract glazing, storefronts, insulated glass, furniture tops, tempered glass and mirrors. Framed & frameless tub & shower enclosure 5360 Industrial Way Dr., Buda, Tx 78610 512-312-2767

HOME REPAIR The Handyman Can No job too small - all your home improvement needs. Painting, pressure washing, fencing, electrical, flooring, landscaping, roofing, decks, tile and more. Call Jon at 512-496-1243.

Steel Horse Constructors Serving Hays County and surrounding areas. Painting, remodels, carpentry, trim work, special design and more.

Free estimate. References available.

Call Jim ‘Blu’ Cooke at 512-781-2911 or steelhorseconstructors@gmail.com.

LAWN SERVICES/LANDSCAPING Ray & Sons Landscaping Residential and commercial landscaping and tree service including ball moss removal, cabling and professional tree pruning.

Insured. Call for free estimate, 512216-1455 or 512-400-8243.

Who Does Your Lawn Taking care of your lawn so you can play.

Offering competitive pricing and superior service in Manchaca, Buda and Kyle areas since 2010. Mowing, trimming, edging, debris removal, flower bed maintenance.

Call Jesse Reyna at (512) 788-2180 or email apa6207@sbcglobal.net.

LEGAL SERVICES John A. Hall

Attorney and Counselors At Law Business law, wills, trust, probate, family law, divorce, custody, consumer law, deceptive trade, property law, deceptive trade, landlord-tenant law, personal, injury, DWI, criminal defense, debt defense, general civil litigation 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, Texas. 512-268-6425

LOCKSMITH Buda Lock & Key

30 years service experience Automotive, residential and commercial. Serving Travis, Hays and Caldwell counties. 512-2952883. Toll Free 888-216-5625

PAINTING Chuck’s Painting and Remodeling Interior/exterior painting and repairs.

References and reasonable rates.

512-944-2910

Pool Spash Swimming Pool Service

Serving Hays County. Monthly pool contracts. Delivery of chemical & parts. Pool inspections. Repairs and more. 512-212-0440.

PET SITTING Carver’s Critter Sitter

In-home pet sitting for small and large critters. Experience with many, will work with any. Insured, will also do house sitting. Call Suzanne at 512773-5592, www.ccsittertx.com

A Purrfect Fit House and Pet Sitting

Pets cared for, plants watered and sang to, mail and packages brought in, lights rotated so house appears occupied. Overnight or drop-in visits (includes walks). Call Mary at 512420-3243, pups_cats@hotmail.com

PrePlanning • aftercare Program • cremation traditional ServiceS • new Building

April 24 - May 17

FRI/SAT 7:30. SUN 2:30 Directed by Aaron Johnson Produced by Terri Bisett Two amazing actors play 20 characters!

Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

TICKETS www.wimberleyplayers.org or 512-847-0575 page 18 u april | 2015

FM 2770 & Kohler’s Crossing • 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX 78640 in Plum Creek

512-268-8200 H www.HarrellFuneralHomes.com

PLUMBING

ROOFING

Prince Plumbing Company

Area Roofing Company

Residential repair, remodeling, water heaters, sewer maintenance, slab & gas leak repair. 20 years experience, family owned and operated.

512-312-0710

Serving Hays County Residential & Commercial Free estimates. Insurance claims welcome.

Ron Johnson, owner 512-312-5050

POOL SERVICE

Krueger Roofing Company

G&S Pool and Spa Service Serving South Austin, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Kyle and Buda since 1994.

512-326-4695 www.gspoolspa.com

Serving Central Texas for over 35 years. References available upon request. (512) 658-7177

SEPTIC SERVICES

FARMERS® Debbie Thames Insurance Agency AUTO • HOME • LIFE BOAT • HEALTH 251 N. FM 1626 #2C • Buda, TX 78610 Office: (512) 312-1917 • Fax: 312-0688 Email: dvthames@austin.rr.com Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Your Business & Referrals Are Appreciated

All American Wastewater Solutions, LLC

PRESSURE WASHER Steve’s Pressure Washing

Single story homes, patios, fences, decks, surface areas, swimming pools, outdoor furniture, driveways, walkways. Call 281-793-7500 or email glyde1389@gmail.com

REMODELING

Septic problems... Let us help!

Locally serving our community since 1982. Septic repair and installation specialist, septic tank pumping and servicing, aerobic system servicing and more. Commercial and residential.www.allsepticcheck.com, 512-282-3889.

Flooring and remodel business since 1992. Kitchen and bathrooms, full renovation. 829 Arroyo Ranch Rd., Kyle, TX 78640. www.FoxTileInc.com, 512-844-0199

Septic plumbing, cleaning, repairs Commercial & Residential Serving the Hays Metro area, including Travis, Blanco, Bastrop, Williamson & surrounding counties.

512-312-0002 www.SellmanSepticServices.com

Tri-County Construction

TREE SERVICES

Let us make your dreams a reality!

Specializing in custom remodeling and insurance repairs since 1984.

Fully insured. 512-282-6224

Wild West Remodeling No job too small or too big!

Kitchen/bath remodels, painting, tile, siding, decks, trim, door & window replacements, drywall repair, electrical and plumbing.

Curtis Dorsett, 512-402-4704

& First Month Cooler Rental FREE! • 5 & 3 Gal. Bottles • Coolers • .5 Liter Bottles • R/O Filtration • Private Label Avail.

• Drinking • Spring Water • Purified Water • Hot & Cold • Room Temp & Cold

Every Drop of Hill Country Springs water comes from a protected Spring Source, NOT filtered municipal Water!

CALL NOW FOR YOUR HOME AND OFFICE DELIVERY NEEDS (Present this ad to your routeman for special.)

Sellman Enterprises, Inc.

Fox Tile Inc. and Remodel Servics

4 FREE Bottles

866-691-2369 Sudoku solution, from pg. 14

Family Owned and Operated.

Friendly Hometown Service, Serving Texans!

Gil’s Tree Service Residential and commercial.

Professional tree pruning, cabling, cavity filling, landscaping, ball moss removal, construction, repair. Member of National Arbonist Association, International Society of Arboriculture.

Call for a free estimate, 512-221-6716

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No Job Too Small

all your home improvement needs fully insured • complete home renovations

DESIGNS

flooring, painting, pressure washing, tile, landscaping decks, carpentry and more

Kristen Cannon

jonathon_micky@yahoo.com

graphic Artist

kristencannondesigns@gmail.com 512-466-4250

Jonathon Greenberg, Owner member of the Chamber of Commerce

jonthehandyman.com page 19

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Kyle, 23.7 acres Great opportunity for small development or gentlemen’s ranch.

Just listed in Hometown Kyle!

2,740 sf w/ wood laminate, master down & 3 bedrooms + bonus up

Visit our website for more information and a complete list of homes for sale.

CALL MARC GOEBLER TODAY!

PROSPER (512) 587-1404

Dripping Springs, 5.28 acres

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Cullen Country Under Contract in 4 Days

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REALTY SERVICES

www.ProsperProps.com Located in Downtown Buda CT

PROPERTIES

204 S Main St. • Buda, TX 78610

Cullen Country Under Contract in 4 Days

Welcome Spring!

South Austin Beauty Under Contract w/ Multiple Offers in Less Than a Week