Hi, How Are You?
Celebrating Daniel Johnston's legacy and influence on mental health and Austin's creative spirit
HEALTH + WELLNESS
SCHOOL RESHAPES AREA OF FORMER STATE HOSPITAL
FOOD + BEVERAGE
LOCAL FARMERS BATTLING CLIMATE CHANGE
MEET THE ALPHA STUDENTS CHANGING THE WORLD
MEET GRACE
Flattening the cancer curve by 2040.
A year ago, Grace was just a teen with a passion for science. Today, she’s collaborating with leading researchers and the world’s top doctors, to create a cancer-free future.
MEET HOPE
Launched an education program for Ukrainian refugee children without access to school.
Inspired by the resilience of Ukrainian refugees, Hope has now raised $1M and reached 50,000 Ukrainian refugee, many of whom have no access to regular schooling.
MEET ELLE
Built an ai-driven dating app with 200K+ followers.
Launched a dating App with 200K followers. Elle has built a massive following online in order to launch the first safe dating app for teens.
• Built a following of over 50k followers
• Wrote, filmed, produced a feature documentary with her findings
• Received over 4 million views when debuted on X (Twitter)
• Hosted two 500+ events overseas for children in refugee camps
• Resulted in a waiting list of 50,000 Ukrainian kids
• Fundraised $1M to scale the efforts
• Grew her TikTok/Instagram following to 200k in order to promote her app
• Launched an AI-driven dating advice app, AskL, receiving 10,000+ messages a month
• Met with the ex-CEOs of Bumble & Tinder to help bring her app to life
Alpha School unlocks your child’s potential and gives them a place where they can learn 2x faster, foster essential life skills, and shape their future. Transform your child’s educational journey today! www.alpha.school
LIFESTYLE LETTER
A new year, a new you
January brings the excitement of resolutions and fresh starts. We acknowledge that in many ways in this issue.
Catch our review of a North Austin gym (we know you're thinking about joining one as part of your New Year's resolution).
Learn about the legacy of late musician Daniel Johnston and Austin’s role in mental health. As mental health has gained more acknowledgement in our society, we take you into a small local charter school that's focusing on well-being, in stark contrast with the history of the property that was once a state hospital.
For your physical health, we feature what it's like to work with a concierge nurse, as well as some of the alternative medical treatments that are gaining popularity in Austin.
Local farmers are facing challenges due to climate change, and we looked into how they're addressing the issue.
Finally, speaking of growing, it's time to take care of your own garden with our pruning tips.
LISA OGLE, PUBLISHER @ATXCITYLIFESTYLE
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Zack Fogelman | zack.fogelman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lisa Ogle | lisa.ogle@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Juan Martinez | juan.martinez@citylifestyle.com
Megan Marshall | megan.marshall@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Julie Royce | julie.royce@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Willie Cochran, Lisa Ogle, and Flora Landscape Studio
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Everyone has a story, a vision for their future, a plan for their next move. At The Agency, our agents understand it’s our job to take that story and bring it to life. People serving people. That connection will never, and should never disappear. You wouldn’t open your front door to just anyone, would you?
Neither would we.
JANUARY 2025
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Austin's Mediocre Golf Association members celebrate victory at the 2024 MGA World Championships in Las Vegas. 2: mixtape marketing marks 15 years of providing full-service marketing and advertising services. 3: The Fredericksburg Food &Wine Festival showcases 75+ vendors, raising $43,000 for local hospitality workers. 4: The FVF Law team commemorate 10 years of value-driven personal injury law for Austinites. 5: Locals check out this year's Austin Studio Tour at the Canopy on Springdale Road. 6: Wine & Food Foundation raises glasses at the 2024 Rare and Fine Wine Auction Gala. 7: Breeze Oral Care, Austin's first hygiene-only dental clinic, opened its location at 3800 N. Lamar.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
DAVE HAWKS/FVF LAW
JULIE ROYCE ZACK FOGELMAN
SIDE B PRODUCTIONS
WILLIE DILLS
CHARLIE BROWN
business monthly
Tech One Automotive Opens New Location
Tech One Automotive, a family owned, trusted name in auto repair since 1999, announced the opening of a new location on Buell Ave, just half a mile from its original shop on Burnet Rd. The new location, formerly Gordon Automotive, offers the same quality service and great customer experience Tech One is known for. Committed to excellence, Tech One hopes the new location will allow them to provide an even better, more convenient experience for Austin drivers.
FBS Appliance opens new showroom in Austin
FBS Appliance has announced the grand opening of its new showroom in Austin at 7816 Burnet Road, bringing a fresh space for customers to explore top-tier appliances. From individual units to full kitchen remodels, FBS Appliance offers expert guidance and quality service every step of the way. As “Your Trusted Appliance Store,” FBS seeks to provide enhanced experiences for Austin’s homeowners and kitchen enthusiasts. Visit fbsappliance.com .
loyed&co marks 1 year of bringing event design to community
loyed&co celebrates one year of transforming visions into unforgettable events. Founded by Sydney Loyed, who brings more than 12 years of experience, the company delivers exceptional corporate and social events. With strong vendor relationships and a deep understanding of local clientele, Loyed&co blends creativity with professionalism to craft seamless, personalized experiences that exceed expectations. Here’s to many more years of unforgettable moments in our community. Visit loyedco.com .
HI, How ARE YOU?
ARTICLE BY WILLIE COCHRAN
A 10-foot frog holding a speech bubble with the words "Hi, How Are You" sits on the corner of Guadalupe and 21st streets across from the University of Texas campus. Officially named "Jeremiah the Innocent," but more commonly known as the “Hi, How Are You? frog,” this mural has become an unofficial symbol of Austin’s openness, creativity and quirkiness. But behind this iconic image lies the story of a man whose impact on music, art and mental health advocacy resonates far beyond the city limits.
Daniel Johnston, the mural's artist, was more than just a local fixture.
Kathy McCarty, founding member of the band Glass Eye, first met Johnston in the mid-1980s while performing at Liberty Lunch in Austin. After listening to a tape he had recorded and handed to her at the show, she knew Johnston was different.
"Halfway through the first song, 'Poor You,' I realized: This kid is a genius," McCarty told the Seattle Star in an interview in 2022. "I was on the one hand, quite relieved, because I had some ammunition to win him his opening slot. On the other hand, Oh my...god, this weird kid is a genius, an actual genius, oh my god!!!!"
However, his struggles with mental health were often the catalyst for his craft. His candid honesty and unfiltered approach inspired countless fans and musicians, while breaking down stigmas surrounding mental illness.
Photo courtesy of Peter Juhl
Photo courtesy of Dick Johnson
THE THERAPY OF MUSIC
Johnston’s music was seen as raw, emotional and heartbreakingly honest.
"If you listen to a song like 'Peek A Boo,' the lyrics are the most open and honest description of someone dealing with mental illness. He just puts it out there," Tom Gimbel, Johnston's longtime manager said. “Daniel’s songs were therapeutic for him.”
They also served as an outlet for the challenges he faced with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Johnston’s openness about his struggles was rare for his time. While mental health discussions were largely kept in the shadows during the 1980s and 1990s, Johnston’s work brought them to the forefront. Through songs and pen-and-ink drawings, he channeled his experiences into prolific creativity, often producing several pieces in a day.
FINDING A HOME IN AUSTIN
"He came to Austin, and I think he found his people," Gimbel said. Originally from West Virginia, Johnston arrived in Austin in the 1980s while working for a traveling carnival.
With support from local creatives like Austin Chronicle co-founder Louis Black and musicians like McCarty, Johnston became part of the city’s vibrant music and art scene. Venues like Liberty Lunch and bands like the Butthole Surfers provided the backdrop for his rise.
Austin’s unique culture—a city that embraces "outsiders" and celebrates individuality—proved to be fertile ground for Johnston’s creativity.
"If there were a Mount Rushmore of Austin musicians, you’d see Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan. I’d hope Daniel might also be included," Gimbel said.
"OUR MISSION IS TO TEACH proactive mental health HABITS TO YOUNG PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THOSE aged 14 to 24."
THE HI, HOW ARE YOU? PROJECT
Years after Johnston painted "Jeremiah the Innocent," its impact inspired the creation of the Hi, How Are You Project in 2018. Spearheaded by Johnston’s fans and mental health advocates, the organization uses the frog's simple phrase as a springboard for meaningful conversations about mental health.
Robert Sanchez, the project’s executive director, explained how the initiative began with the idea of dedicating a single day to asking, "Hi, how are you?" in a sincere and meaningful way. The response was overwhelming. Letters poured in from across the globe, with people sharing stories of how a simple question had opened the door to life-changing conversations.
"Our mission is to teach proactive mental health habits to young people, especially those aged 14 to 24," Sanchez said. These habits include mindfulness, exercise and creativity—practices that Johnston leaned on throughout his life.
While the Hi, How Are You Project now has a global reach, its roots remain firmly planted in Austin. The city’s culture of tolerance and support for the arts provided Johnston with a space to thrive, despite his challenges.
"Austin has always had this edge to it, where being different and a little outside the norm is OK and even celebrated," Sanchez said.
Photo by J McConnico
Photo by Deb Pastor
"AUSTIN HAS ALWAYS HAD THIS edge TO IT,
WHERE BEING different AND A LITTLE outside the norm IS OK AND EVEN CELEBRATED."
A LASTING IMPACT
Decades later, Johnston’s story continues to inspire. His music, often described as deceptively simple yet deeply profound, remains a testament to the power of vulnerability.
"He found a way to take what he was dealing with and turn it into beautiful songs, which then made other people happy and inspired others," Gimbel said.
Johnston passed away suddenly in 2019 from natural causes, but his influence lives on in the music he created, the art he
left behind and the mental health conversations his work continues to inspire.
In 2018, then-Austin Mayor Steve Adler declared Jan. 22 “Hi, How Are You Day,” and the foundation will host its annual event on Jan 24 at the Paramount Theater.
"Jeremiah the Innocent" continues to greet passersby with its friendly message—a fitting tribute to a man whose life and work remind us to check in with one another and to always celebrate the beauty of being ourselves.
Photo courtesy of Tim Broddin
the effects of climate change
How local farmers are impacted and what that means for Austin
When it comes to health and wellness, food quality often plays a critical role. While the benefits of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean meats are well-known, climate extremes pose new challenges for local farms that supply communities with fresh produce.
Bryce Gilmore, owner and executive chef of the Austin restaurants Barley Swine, Odd Duck and Sour Duck, also runs River Field Farm near Lockhart. As a farm-to-table restaurant owner, he sees firsthand how climate change impacts local restaurants and the wider community.
“The weather we’re experiencing is unpredictable,” the Michelin star recipient said. “We never know how long or how hot our summers will be or when deep freezes will hit. Harvests are smaller, and produce is less flavorful. Farmers are implementing strategies to combat these issues, like using shade cloths and high tunnels to protect crops.”
River Field Farm cultivates an acre but could expand to 20 acres if a reliable water source can be secured. However, water scarcity has become a critical issue statewide.
“Some farms in South Texas have run out of water and had to shut down,” Gilmore said. “I thought the pond on my farm would be a good resource, but it’s completely dried up due to extreme heat and drought. A well might make sense, but we can’t be sure if the groundwater is enough to justify the cost.”
Instead, Gilmore relies on city water, with monthly bills exceeding $1,000 in the summer, costs often passed on to consumers.
At Boggy Creek Farms in East Austin, climate impacts are equally challenging. Walking the five-acre farm, field coordinator Justin Liut said they’ve collected rainwater for years solely for their greenhouse crops.
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE
Image Courtesy of Bryce Gilmore
“We have to plan well in advance for water and droughts,” Liut said. “Water is a finite resource, and a quick look around our greenbelts shows the difference from a decade ago.”
Shrinking water supplies, heat waves lasting from April to October, and pest pressures have slashed harvests, limiting food for the community.
“Small farms face unique challenges that big commercial farms don’t,” Gilmore said. “If consumers don’t understand these differences, food supply issues may worsen. Many commercial farms don’t treat their soil properly, which hurts crop quality and ultimately affects buyers.”
Liut agrees: “We shouldn’t eat out-of-season produce. You’re not supposed to eat pineapple in January in Texas because it was picked early and shipped from thousands of miles away, so it lacks nutrients our bodies need.”
Although demand for local produce has declined, both farms touted the benefits of eating local.
“It’s important for everyone to understand that purchasing their food from small farms can positively impact their health,” Liut said. “We harvest the day before we sell anything at our market. This means the food is at its most nutritious, and that’s a very good thing.”
Image Courtesy of Bryce Gilmore
Photo by Julie Royce
ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL TREATMENTS
LOCALS SEEK KETAMINE THERAPY TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH
Using ketamine-assisted therapy to treat chronic mental health issues has become increasingly popular across the nation, according to the nonprofit American Society of Ketamine Physicians.
Ketamine is the only legal psychedelic medication available to mental health providers to treat emotional distress, the nonprofit reports, and already, thousands of Austin residents have explored this alternative therapy.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE ROYCE
“I had a lot of trauma that went back to my childhood,” Austin resident Amanda said (last name withheld for privacy). “I developed an eating disorder and was the victim of sexual assault by my boss at 28. After being diagnosed with complex PTSD and having suicidal ideations, I sought out ketamine treatments as a last resort.”
Dr. Brent Turnipseed, founder of Roots Behavioral Health, a full-service psychiatric clinic in Austin and a member of ASKP, is leading the way in providing this therapy for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and more. Since opening in 2016, Dr. Turnipseed and his wife, Andrea, the clinic’s executive director, have created an inviting space where patients are treated for a variety of mental health conditions in one of their three Austin-based locations.
Practitioners administer low-dose ketamine infusions paired with psychotherapy. Originally used as an anesthetic during surgery, and often mistakenly attributed to veterinarian medicine, ketamine now shows effectiveness for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD, offering rapid relief by altering brain chemistry, Dr. Turnipseed said.
“We have seen success rates from 50 to 60 percent with this type of treatment,” Turnipseed said.
Patients at Roots are placed in a room with dim lighting, cozy furnishings, a weighted blanket and soft instrumental music to support a calming experience.
“We have seen success rates from 50 to 60 percent with this type of treatment.”
The most common side effect is horizontal nystagmus, in which the eyes rapidly move back and forth, which can cause vertigo. Ataxia, defined as clumsiness or difficulty walking, is another concern, but these effects wear off within an hour, Dr. Turnipseed said.
“Doing these treatments saved my life,” Amanda said. “They gave me the space to choose how I reacted to the world rather than my trauma controlling me.”
Pieces to Purpose
As a young child, Rebecca was often mocked by her classmates and teachers. They didn't know about the conditions she and her siblings were subjected to at home. She grew up in fear and abject poverty.
Her story is one of 17 chapters in the book Pieces to Purpose, which launched last month. The book shares how each author found purpose through adversity. The goal is to inspire readers to develop empathy for others’ struggles and compassion for their own journeys.
Pieces to Purpose was created in collaboration with Theresa Pore, founder of the Un-Breakable Conference, which will take place on Jan. 10 at The Exchange ATX in Cedar Park. Tickets are $75 and include a copy of the book, multiple speakers, two 40-minute author panels, and dinner.
Empowering women writers one chapter at a time
“This book is a beautiful collection of stories that will break your heart but leave you feeling hopeful in the end,” said Michelle Savage, founder of Sulit Press.
Sulit’s Multi-Author Book Program supports contributors as they create a single chapter for the book. Over eight weeks, participants receive coaching on refining their stories and developing writing skills, culminating in a collective launch that amplifies each author’s visibility and impact. Sulit Press also plans to launch a podcast, author websites, media kits and workshops later this year.
All royalties from book sales go to Central Texas Table of Grace, a nonprofit that supports foster children and teens aging out of the system by offering safe spaces where they can heal and thrive through compassionate care and personalized attention with their emergency shelter services.
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THE FUTURE of healthcare
Concierge nursing services bridge a gap for locals
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY PENNINGTON
Your Nurse Friend ATX founder Tania Yousaf APRN, FNP-C
"She offers guidance on what I can do beyond my medical appointments to improve my overall well-being."
Austin resident Michelle Solomon had a lot of questions and apprehension about administering the hormone injections for the fertility treatments she was taking in order to conceive. She sought out at-home assistance to help guide her during this journey.
"Nurse Tania personalizes the experience to help you reach your goals,” Solomon said. “For me, that goal was to conceive, and her treatment plan, including regular IV drips, supported my immune system and reduced inflammation— both essential to our success."
The medical industry has evolved over the past decade. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, various home health services, such as concierge nursing, emerged across the nation, including in Austin. These services assist with post-surgical recovery, wound care, nutrition, weight loss, and vitamin and hydration infusions.
Family Nurse Practitioner Tania Yousaf recognized a specific need for family planning support, particularly for in vitro fertilization. In response, she founded Your Nurse Friend in May 2023 to offer personalized care in this area.
"The fertility journey can be overwhelming," Yousaf said. "Clients often go home with a box of needles and hormones, expected to administer daily shots and manage everything themselves. That's where I come in."
Over the past year, Yousaf has expanded her offerings to include weight loss management and a mobile IV vitamin bar.
"Our health and wellness are our responsibility," she said. "We need to advocate for that and take action before we end up in the ER or with a chronic condition."
Solomon has seen the benefits.
"Her expertise has been a valuable asset to my healthcare team," Solomon said. "She offers guidance on what I can do beyond my medical appointments to improve my overall well-being."
BREAKING THE STIGMA
Inclusive charter school reshapes area that was once a state hospital
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE ROYCE
Austin Discovery School has been on a mission to foster a generation of empathetic young people through an eco-wellness and social and emotional learning curriculum.
That’s a stark change from when the East Austin grounds were home to the State School Farm Colony, which opened
"The program helps students develop skills to recognize and manage emotions, set goals and make responsible decisions."
in 1933 as the all-male offshoot program of the co-ed Austin State School.
"The juxtaposition of these polar opposite facilities is a testament to how our community is embracing a social skill curriculum that allows children to step into their own power," said Kelly McRee, who co-founded Austin Discovery School and serves as director of the social and emotional learning program.
ONCE A FARM COLONY
The colony intended to provide a home for boys with intellectual disabilities who could not further benefit from training at the Austin State School but could do work, such as farming and gardening, according to the Texas State Historical Association. However, many of its residents were juvenile offenders sent by court order as an alternative to detention.
The campus expanded from a single building to 68 structures across 436 acres, featuring a swimming pool, cannery and cemetery. At its peak, the school housed 1,800 residents, some of whom are buried on the grounds.
Mental health care reforms in the 1960s ended farming activities at the facility, which was then renamed Travis State School to reflect the shift. A lawsuit claimed Texas schools of this type violated residents' constitutional rights and offered inadequate living conditions. After a 1987 settlement, Travis State School began transitioning from institutionalization to integrated community placement before closing in the late 1990s.
The grounds fell into disrepair, reflective of a bygone era of antiquated mental health care within an educational environment.
A NEW APPROACH TO EDUCATION
Although the former name included the word "school," its approach to education differed significantly from the curriculum at Austin Discovery School. With an emphasis on eco-wellness and social and emotional learning, the charter school is committed to a restorative approach to education.
"The program helps students develop skills to recognize and manage emotions, set goals and make responsible decisions,” McRee said. Social and emotional learning “teaches students to communicate effectively and work through problems constructively."
Students who participate in such programs demonstrate increased academic achievement, social awareness and higher emotional intelligence while experiencing less anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, according to the Yale School of Medicine.
"Bullying in a school setting has become a hot topic recently,” McRee said. “What stops this kind of behavior is fostering connections and relationships. We don't ignore the issue, but we make every attempt to figure out its root cause. We want our students to advocate for themselves, so we teach them the tools to do that. Not every student is going to get along, but we want them to learn mutual respect and how to interact despite those differences."
Dotting the grounds are chicken coops, bee habitats, brightly painted classrooms and gardens. These hands-on activities teach students lessons through real-life applications, drawing from other curricula like Montessori and Waldorf programs.
During a recent visit, students and their families participated in a garden clean-up day.
“My son is a kiddo who wouldn’t do well in a standard public school classroom when he was younger,” said Kirsten Edwards, a parent of two current students and one graduate. “He needed an environment that was more accepting of his neurodivergence, and the staff was willing to meet him where he was.”
The school offers a four-day week, flexible seating, hands-on learning and interactive playtime. Like any
"By removing the robotic approach to education, Austin Discovery School allows students to learn in a safe space where they can articulate their needs and have not only their educational but also their emotional needs met."
other public school, the students are also taught reading, math, social studies and science.
THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION
Outdated methods of education often harmed students. These institutions focused primarily on control and containment, with minimal emphasis on personalized learning or social development, according to the Texas State Historical Society. Educational programs were typically rigid, isolating students from social interaction and reinforcing a sense of institutionalization, which limited their ability to build life skills or foster emotional growth.
However, Austin Discovery School is striving to build a think tank for progressive curriculum, McRee said.
By having psychology students from Texas State University observe the school’s advanced use of social and emotional learning, the hope is that the college students will incorporate that knowledge into their own practice upon graduating.
"We've even had some interns change their majors from psychology to education after witnessing how impactful this approach is,” McRee said. “What they've seen here has excited them and taught them they can still utilize their psychology knowledge but in an educational setting. By removing the robotic approach to education, Austin Discovery School allows students to learn in a safe space where they can articulate their needs and have not only their educational but also their emotional needs met.”
G E T TING STRONGER
As a former group fitness instructor, Ximena’s first order of business after moving from Peru to Austin during the pandemic was to find a gym.
She started with a three-day trial at HIT Athletic in North Austin. After her first group class, she was sold, even in spite of the 20-minute drive from her home.
IS A GYM WORTHWHILE? ONE MEMBER’S TAKE ON HIT ATHLETIC
ARTICLE BY LISA OGLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HIT ATHLETIC
“It was a small price to pay for what has truly been a worthwhile experience,” Ximena said, explaining that what stood out to her were the vibrant group class environment and diverse offerings. “The structured schedule balances upper body, lower body and cardio/conditioning workouts.”
Although she doesn’t go to the yoga, boxing or cycling classes as much, she said she likes having the option to change her routine up a bit.
“Most of all, I’ve been impressed with the progress I’ve made through the group classes,” she said. “Initially, I was apprehensive about incorporating strength training into my routine as I’ve gotten older, but the supportive and energetic environment at HIT has helped me overcome those fears.”
Today, strength movements like cleans, which once intimidated her, are now her favorites—a testament to her growth and HIT Athletic’s empowering community.
“HIT Athletic is more than a gym; it’s a place of transformation,” Ximena said. “These classes have motivated me, and I’ve been surprised by how much potential I’ve discovered in myself.”
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Prepare your Central Texas yard for winter
WITH SWELTERING HEAT BEHIND US, IT’S TIME TO PRUNE YOUR GARDEN TO WITHSTAND COLDER TEMPS
What should be pruned?
• Perennials: Trim spent bloom spikes on perennials, such as salvias, after their fall bloom to promote growth next season.
• Dead/diseased branches: Remove these from shrubs and trees, such as Texas Sage and Live Oaks, to avoid winter pests and disease.
• Overgrown shrubs: Prune shrubs, such as boxwood, hydrangeas and roses, to maintain their shape and airflow.
• Fruit trees: Fall is the time to thin out dead or crowded branches to improve structure and fruit production.
Fall pruning
• Encourage spring growth: Removing dead or damaged branches allows plants to focus on new growth when spring arrives.
• Prevent disease: Cutting back diseased branches reduces the risk of pathogens that can thrive in cool, moist conditions. Spotting distinct discolored spots or patterns on foliage is a good first indicator that disease may be present in your garden.
• Minimize storm damage: Thinning out top-heavy plants prevents winter storm damage to plants and property.
Boxwood, evergreen shrub, before winter pruning
Boxwood, evergreen shrub, after winter pruning
Pruning techniques
• Use sharp tools: Clean cuts with sanitized, sharp shears to prevent disease. To sanitize your tools, use 70% isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab or cloth to carefully wipe both sides of the blades.
• Cut at a 45-degree angle: This promotes drainage and healthy growth.
• Don’t over-prune: Limit pruning to one-third of the plant to maintain its health during dormancy.
What not to prune
• Spring-blooming shrubs: Avoid heavy pruning on salvias, lantanas and evergreens such as junipers, as it can increase cold damage.
• Ornamental grasses: Leave these intact for winter structure and wildlife benefits.
Post-pruning care
• Mulch: Insulate roots by adding mulch around pruned plants.
• Watering: Give your plants a deep watering before the first freeze to protect their roots. Air freezes faster than water, so moist soil can help prevent frost damage to roots. Best practice is to allow a hose to rest at the base of a plant on a slow trickle for about 30 minutes to ensure the water penetrates the soil and does not run off.
• Protect vulnerable plants: Use burlap wraps or frost protection blankets to shield tender plants from harsh winter winds. Tender plants can be anything from newly installed plants from your fall planting to plants that maintain moisture in their foliage, such as ghost plant, gopher plant and agave. It is best not to keep the insulations on longer than three to four days as this can prevent sunlight from reaching your plant. On the warmer days between freezing temperatures, be sure to remove the insulations to allow for sunlight to reach your plants.
With proper pruning and care, your garden will thrive and be ready for a lush spring.
For more gardening tips, visit floralandscape.studio/winterpruningguide
Avoid heavy pruning on certain plants as it can lead to increased cold damage
Adding mulch around pruned plants can help insulate roots and protect from cold damage
After 45º cut on sage
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