5401 North 10th St., Ste. 101 | McAllen | 956.225.0035 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. www.morrisonsupply.com
Distinctive Real Estate
Fairway Acres at McAllen Country Club OFFERED AT $249,900 - $279,900 INQUIRIES
Robby Valadez
Cell: 956.793.0029
Office: 956.800.4499 robbyvaladezrealestate@gmail.com www.robbyvaladezrealestate.com 221 W Nolana Avenue, Suite A. McAllen, TX 78504
Glorious Luxury lots at Fairway Acres overlooking McAllen Country Club Golf Course....Generously sized and ready to build on, these residential lots command only the best. Lot Number 18 offered at $249,900. Lot Number 19 offered at $249,900. Lot Number 20 offered at $279,900. Lot Number 21 offered at $249,900. Lot Number 22 offered at $249,900.
For more photos and information visit realestate.oledecor.com 2
Summer 2021 olé decor
Distinctive Real Estate
Sapphire the Crown Jewel of the Texas Gulf Coast With the ever anticipated allure of Elon Musk & SpaceX, the “Launch Party” has become the ultimate cache for entertaining. The South Penthouse has direct views of the launch pad from the upstairs lounge, dining area, and the SW Guest Room & Balcony...what could be more fitting to Kick off any season at the top of the island. Sapphire, the “Crown Jewel” of the Texas Gulf Coast. Sapphire-upon its completion, quickly became the epitome of success. Along with success comes the desire for the very best-The south penthouse floors 31 and 32 known as the Crown Jewel are the definitive destination. Your departure from ground level will ascend to the 31st floor private elevator lobby, vestibule & foyer entrances opening on to the soaring 2-story great room revealing wall to wall/floor to ceiling windows. A private elevator will whisk you up from the 31st floor to the 32nd floor mezzanine level with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. olé decor Summer 2021
OFFERED AT $3,500,000
MLS: 29727688
INQUIRIES
Robby Valadez
Cell: 956.793.0029
Office: 956.800.4499 robbyvaladezrealestate@gmail.com www.robbyvaladezrealestate.com 221 W Nolana Avenue, Suite A. McAllen, TX 78504 For more photos and information visit realestate.oledecor.com
3
Invitation
Ole Decor Distinctive Real Estate
is the ONLY multi-media marketing agency of its kind that gives you all the online tools you will need to sell Real Estate and increase inventory! Listings published on our website will automatically be pushed onto all the major search engines on the web and social media! See our latest magazine ONLINE ALL THE TIME
Publisher
Eddie Reyes Editor
Lynn Walker Hoverson Graphic Design
John Jacob Reyes Writers
Christina Rodriguez Lynn Walker Hoverson Stephen Walker Photographers
Anthony Medina Tequila Group
oledecor.com 5800 Padre Blvd. Suite 203 South Padre Island, TX follow
@
Ole Decor
INFO go to oledecor.com, call 956.266.8663, or email eddie@oledecor.com. Contact us via social media or email us at officemanager@oledecor.com.
www.OleDecor.com
On the Cover
Kapal Custom Outdoor Kitchen McAllen, TX Manufacturer
KAPAL 956.461.0691 / 956.354.9821 2503 E. Expressway 83, Donna, TX Quality craftsmanship and impeccable style is a lot closer to home than you think. Unlike other businesses who use European manufacturers, they offer their clients shorter lead times and turnarounds because of their location and use of materials made right here in the Lone Star State. Each of their 100% custom products come with a warranty and is produced locally at Kapal’s studio and production facility in the Rio Grande Valley. Photo by:
Anthony Medina
4
Summer 2021 olé decor
contents Summer 2021
8
Features Manufacturer Spotlight With the advantage of local manufacturing for its source materials, Kapal Industries continues to provide superior style and quality craftsmanship.
8
Fabulous Spaces, Public Places The newest Airport Terminal in the Rio Grande Valley at the Brownsville- South Padre Island International Airport is now officially open!
16
16
Living Design 26 Read this first if you are in need of design options for controlling the way the outdoor light affects your home’s comfort level. Magnificent Homes A very unique, bold and beautiful home in Barcelona, Spain is featured here for your viewing enjoyment.
26
34
Indoor/Outdoor Living 42 Two different individual writers with similar names provide some of their respective observations and advise regarding plant life in the Rio Grande Valley.
34
42 6
Summer 2021 olé decor
Manufacturer Spotlight
Countertop: Dekton Radium Cabinets: PVC Mocha Brown
8
Summer 2021 olé decor
(956) 464-3311 - www.kapalindustries.com olé decor Summer 2021
9
We offer turnkey solutions for Outdoor waterproof kitchens utilizing PVC cabinets and choice of granite/quartz/Dekton Countertops, along with custom-fitted Coyote Outdoor Grill Appliances. **Electrical and plumbing installation not included.**
K
APAL INDUSTRIES has specialized in the residential and commercial industry providing kitchen and bath cabinetry and countertops. KAPAL is passionate about timely service, superior craftsmanship and quality. We carry a wide variety of wood type choices, finishes and hardware. KAPAL believes that style is more than just aesthetics, so we work hard to turn our customer’s visions into reality to meet specific project needs. The goal of KAPAL is to work quickly and efficiently to offer you the confidence in knowing that your project is being handled with a superior level of professional craftsmanship from conception to completion. As a local manufacturer, we can offer competitive pricing with quick turnaround timelines, extensive selections of new trend style, coordinated with a professional installation all in one place. Quality on every piece, exact dimensions, and high efficiency are some of the benefits of choosing Kapal for your project. With the latest technology in house, we can provide quick tur n-arounds on both Cabinetry and Countertops. olé decor Summer 2021
11
14
Summer 2021 olé decor
Fabulous Spaces Public Places
BROWNSVILLE / SOUTH PADRE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FLYING INTO BROWNSVILLE’S NEW AIRPORT FACILITY in 2021 Written By Lynn Walker Hoverson
O
f the three main airports of the Rio Grande Valley, the Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) is located furthest south in geographical placement. This makes it very convenient for the many travelers who pass through there, to and fro from the Four Directions. OSIYO! Welcome to the Rio Grande Valley!!!!! The multi-source funded $70.4 million, new terminal project at the new BRO AIRPORT facility has been innovatively-improved and expanded. Funds for the new terminal were obtained from Federal grants, local bonds, and passenger facility revenue. The City of Brownsville and the Department of Aviation are named owners, though, one could say that many national and local taxpayers are part owners of this facility.
16
Bryant Walker, the dual role-serving Assistant City Manager and Aviation Administrator for the City of Brownsville, Texas believes that change is coming to the City of Brownsville and that this new terminal provides the city and management team with the infrastructure to support that change. He became a part of the Airport project in 2016, the year the designing for the new terminal began. BRO, as it is designated by the Federal Aviation Administration, has passenger travel available. AMERICAN AIRLINES and UNITED AIRPLANES offer the available passenger flights. The relevant flight information can be quickly found on the flybrownsville.com website.
Summer 2021 olé decor
The 1971 facility had two gates for serving two airlines and only 37,000 square feet. This area was not even large enough for a crowd to wait comfortably to board the largest jets that departed from this airport. Whereas, the new terminal, in contrast, has four gates and 91,000 square feet, with four gates that can accommodate four narrow-body aircraft simultaneously.
olé decor Summer 2021
Also, on site are two FBOs (Fixed-Base Operations): Hunt Pan-Am and Southmost Aviation which are commercial businesses who have been granted the right to operate at the airport and provide aeronautical support services to general aviation and corporate flight departments. Services such as: • fueling • hangar space • tie downs • parking • aircraft rental • maintenance • flight instruction • other aviation supporting services 17
Fabulous Spaces Public Places
The former 1971 aged structures have now been replaced and the new BRO is officially open, though some parts of its projected future features, such as the possible total Parabit Systems biometrics security system are still pending regulatory clearance and activation. The original airport in this location was leased in its entirety in 1929 by Pan American Airlines for service of its fleet of Ford TRi-Motor aircraft. That relationship lasted for 30 years, and the name of the airport was eventually changed to the Brownsville-Pan American Airport in honor of it.
18
There are some features at the new Terminal has that had not even been invented in the earliest days of this airport: • Wireless charging surfaces for mobile phones • Free highspeed Wi-Fi • Interactive kiosks • Automatic baggage belts • Silver ion treatment for countertops and antimicrobial films to protect common touch points • Nursing rooms • Family restrooms; and • Specially designated service animal areas
Summer 2021 olé decor
One of the most innovative products in the Airport is a huge reinforced glass wall located in the entry hall. It is made of SageGlass which has electrochromic glazing that provides automatic temperature and glare control. This feature adds to comfort level of the passengers and customers, especially in the future Texas summers. It is a product that is rated to decrease electrical energy use also.
The new terminal incorporates a different method of processing for international travelers. It uses a leading-edge method called “bag first”. International passengers will now collect their bags before presenting for passport and identification checks, switching the traditional order of travel procedures. As part of the redesignand to accommodate larger aircraft simultaneously, the New Airport Terminal was shifted approximately 200 feet in front of the now demolished 1971’s terminal. With hopes for expansion in the future, a modular concept was a major guideline followed for the new construction for the entire facility. Its expansive, open design is best experienced in person, waiting for a plane!
ENTERING THE BUILDINGS The vast, forty five-foot high SageGlass wall is the main feature of the entry hall. It allows the natural, bright south Texas sunlight to illuminate the check-in, baggage claim and a meet-and-greet area. In addition, for the airport ambiance, visitors can enjoy the expansive, creative, Travel art of the feature wall graphic which was developed by the Airport Administration and executed by the Tequila Group, the marketing agency for the airport.
DESIGNED FOR withstanding HURRICANES The following Information comes from Erik Strain of the Airport’s Architectural Firm: Being so close to the coast, resiliency against hurricanes and tropical storms is critical for this type of facility. Building code dictates the requirements to which the airport must be designed, impacting the structural steel frame and all components of the building cladding, including roof, curtainwall, metal panels, and doors. Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport was designed to withstand an Ultimate Windspeed of 153 miles per hour. The Airport is also located within a wind born debris region, requiring all exterior glazing be impact resistant and comply with special testing for the “Large Missile Test” defined by ASTM E 1996. In this test, they fire a 2’ x 4’ wood stud at the glass and it must keep the 2’ x 4’ from breaking through the glass to pass the test.
Beyond the code requirements, the Airport chose to provide Hurricane tie downs on the airfield to secure the passenger boarding bridges from hurricane force winds. These are deep foundations designed to withstand 39 kips (39,000 pounds-force) of uplift to prevent the boarding bridges from being thrown around in high winds or ripped from the building.
As an approved “Port of Entry”, the Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport has a federal Inspection Station, manned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, for clearing arriving and departing aircraft. It is now re-designed to process up to 200 passengers per hour.
The Architectural firm chosen for the project was Corgan. The General Contractor was SpawGlass Construction. The named Prime Consultant, Civil Airside, Structural & Mechanical/ Electrical/Plumbing Design and Fire/Life Safety Engineering was Jacobs, who worked with Corgan for the Lighting Design. The Engineer of Record for Construction was Garver Engineering. Security for the project was Moye I.T. Consulting, LLC. PARABIT company was contracted for the Biometric Hardware which includes security, self-service and display technology, seating and table charging stations. The Baggage Handling System was designed by Vic Thompson Company and installed by G&S.
Arconas company produced the seating. Ambiotec Engineering was named as responsible for Civil Landside. Airport Roofing and Waterproofing was done by Wiss Janney Elstner Associates. Davika Construction led the Quality Assurance/Control. Construction Cameras were by OxBlue. The special Electrochromic Glass (SageGlass) is manufactured by Saint-Gobain / CristaCurva. The escalators and elevators are by OTIS. Passenger Boarding Bridges, Jetways, are by JBT. COBUS Airside Passenger Buses are leased from Port of Seattle Authority. The Landscape Architect is SSP DESIGN.
For an expanded version of this article about the BROWNSVILLE SOUNTH PADRE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT see the online version that includes some fascinating Aviation History. www.oledecor.com olé decor Summer 2021
21
BBRRI INNGGI INNGG YYOOUU TTHHEE
LOWESTPRICES PRICES LOWEST AANNDD
HIGHESTQUALITY QUALITY HIGHEST OOFF
GRANITE,Quartz, Quartz,Marble Marble GRANITE,
COUNTERTOPS COUNTERTOPS
Wewant wantyour yourentire entirehome hometotobe bethe themost mostbeautiful beautifulpossible. possible. We DiscountGranite GraniteFabricators FabricatorsLLC LLCisisyour yoursource sourceofofluxurious luxurious Discount stonesurfaces surfacesininthe theRio RioGrande GrandeValley, Valley,Texas. Texas. stone Wehave havebeen beenproviding providingsuperb superbservices servicestotoour ourclients clientsfor foryears years We throughoutSouth SouthTexas. Texas.We Wehave haveexperienced experiencedstaff staffpride pride throughout themselvesininthe theexcellence excellenceofoftheir theirwork. work. themselves
WWW.GRANITERGV.COM WWW.GRANITERGV.COM
956-434-2124 956-434-2124
511 OCEAN BLVD SUITE 111, LOS FRESNOS, 511 E. E. OCEAN BLVD SUITE 111, LOS FRESNOS, TXTX
@DISCOUNTGRANITERGV @DISCOUNTGRANITERGV
Living Design
What’s new in window treatments? Written By Christina Rodriguez of Diva by Design
W
indow treatments fall into the necessary and functional categories of interior design. They can soften your space and relieve the echo that happens when you have hard flooring throughout your home. They help control light during the day and provide privacy at night. When done right, window treatments can be the perfect finishing touch for any space.
26
Summer 2021 olé decor
What to think about when deciding on window treatments for your home. First, what do you need your window treatments to do? Do you want total blackout for sleeping? Are you more interested in privacy during the day and at night? Maybe light filtering and temperature control is at the top of your list. Next, what is the focal point in your space? Is it the windows and the view outside? Are other elements in the room, such as a TV or fireplace more important?
The third consideration is your investment level. Are you looking for budget-friendly? What does that mean to you? Do you want custom window treatments? Maybe you want a combination of budget-friendly and custom. One more consideration is do you plan to DIY or do you want a professional to hang your window treatments? Once you have decided the answers to these questions, find a reputable window treatment professional to help you decide the right solution for your windows. From retail stores to interior designers there are many people who can answer your questions about which type or types of window coverings that will work in your home.
What’s popular in window treatments for 2021: Minimalisim Less can be more. We are spending more and more time at home and if your living space is feeling a little crowded your anxiety levels may increase. Add to that the breakdown of supply lines and we have less availability of things for our homes. Paring down can be a necessity as well as a blessing in disguise. To create a minimalist feel in your home, choose lightweight fabrics that evoke a sense of ease as well as simplicity. Have your designer help you create floor to ceiling unlined curtains or even lined drapes that float above or “kiss” the floor instead of puddling for ease of movement. Flat Roman shades and roller blinds are also clean and simple choices for modern and contemporary interiors. These window treatments are available in a variety of fabrics and transparencies depending on the amount of light control you need. olé decor Summer 2021
27
Living Design
Tone on Tone Layering Most of the time we see one type of window treatment being used in a space, such as drapes or shades. When you layer them together you can get a truly special look for your room that adds dimension and depth. You also have more light control options this way. Pairing full length drapes with blinds or shades is a classic look that can be updated by choosing a tone-on-tone look. With this look, you can choose to close one or both depending on how much light you want coming through.
More layers provide more insulation and help decrease heating and cooling leakage at your windows. Tone-on-tone layers make them fade into the background. Choose one color, such as your wall color, and vary the tones. This is a way to make even budget friendly window treatments look more expensive. You also add visual interest without overwhelming your senses by using this combination in any style home or office.
Pastel Neutrals A well-designed space is essential for a life well lived. When most of us think of neutrals, white, black, gray, and cream come to mind. In truth, every color can be used as a neutral. Choosing the pastel version of a color will create the neutral look you want with subtle color for interest. Try choosing soft coral, lavender, mint green, blush, or barely-there blue. You get a hint of something extra without bright color. Pastels lighten and soften a room. These colors feel soothing and yet have a subtle hint of energy from the subtle color. You can find pastel fabrics in solids and patterns that will fit any design style you choose from light filtering sheers, to drapes, or even roller blinds and shades. Pastels are perfect in Art Deco or Mid Century Modern style homes. 28
Summer 2021 olé decor
Indoor Garden Retro garden inspired prints are another good choice for window treatments when tradition and comfort are your biggest considerations. These prints are nostalgic and reassuring. They also fit in perfectly with “Grand Millennial” style which is popular right now. “Grand Millennial” style is a mix of Traditional and Mid Century Modern, or a throwback to grandma’s living room with loads of color and print. The floral and botanical prints bring the outside in and create a calming atmosphere. Hues such as green and neutrals feel organic and add a natural energy to your home.
This design style falls in between minimalism and maximalism and Traditional and modern. Traditional details on window treatments with trim and tassels in monochromatic color schemes or neutrals mixed with abstract art and metallic accents.
Bold Design Statements Speaking of color and print, big and bold is in. Large-scale prints on drapes, shades, or blinds for a dose of personality. Add a pair of panels to your windows in bold colors to bring the drama and give your space a lift. Bold pattern and color can be used in any style interior. Emerald greens, chili pepper red, Cerulean blue, and canary yellow are all bold choices and can be incorporated in any of your fabric window treatments. This is a good choice if you’ve been living with neutral spaces for a while now and want to make a simple, but big change.
Along with the style of window treatments, the hardware used can elevate the look and add another level of style to your design. Acrylic rods, finials, and tiebacks are in style. As is metal. Both options lend a streamlined look whether your window treatments are Traditional or more contemporary.
Full Automation Smart window coverings are not the future, they are here now and growing more popular. Technology has advanced to the point where you can open and close your window treatments with a remote or an app on your phone while sitting on your sofa or while you’re away from home. By using the app, you can simply open and close the window treatment, schedule different settings for different times of the day, or depending on the model, automatically adjust the settings based on ambient light. Smart window treatments are easy to use and have the advantage of reducing wear and tear so they last longer. You can also have usable window treatments on hard-to-reach windows. More to consider when choosing window coverings for your home:
Window treatments are an investment in your home. Make sure they look good and work with your home design and lifestyle. This has the added benefit of increasing the perceived value of your home.The use of motorized blinds and drapes is on the rise because of their convenience and safety. Cordless blinds and shades are perfect when you have kids and pets since they are much safer. Also, make sure that the models you choose can be integrated with whichever home automation system you have.
Choose quality window treatments with a lifetime warranty for any movable parts. Inexpensive window treatments can be beautiful, but when attached to a low-quality smart system they will be difficult to use. And conversely, a great automation system paired with low quality window treatments will not enhance your space and may not work together. Find a professional installer for any window treatments you choose for your home. They will ensure that the window treatments are functioning properly. The installation will be done in a way that does not void the warranty. You will then have window treatments that last, look beautiful, and enhance the way you live in your home for many years.
Magnificent Homes
PANORAMIC HOUSE A unique house by ON-A Architects with the landscape as a guest star Photography By Adria Goula
34
Summer 2021 olé decor
T
he ON-A Architecture studio, an expert in residential architecture with over 15 years of experience, has just finished this unique single-family house near Barcelona. Fully oriented to the landscape, the house takes advantage of the length of the plot to locate all the dependencies oriented to the best views. On the ground floor, there is the independent kitchen and a dining room area, connecting with a large outdoor terrace where an infinity pool has been installed. On the first floor, there is a study with a terrace, two bedrooms and the main suite with an independent terrace. The house is surrounded by a perimeter garden and has independent access to the car park and entrance hall with an open staircase protected by a vertical lattice. ON-A works not only with the architecture but with the emotion. For this reason, the orientation of this house gives a great role to the landscape, turning it into one more architectural element and creating a scenic effect. Panoramic House is a unique project that has been specifically designed for the family that inhabits it, in which the studio has applied an intelligent and sustainable construction system, and in which ad hoc materials have been used for this environment.
Panoramic House is a new construction project of a detached single-family home located in a coastal town near Barcelona, Spain. An isolated building is projected, consisting of a ground floor, a first floor and a basement. Due to the topographic inclination, it was decided to position the volume in the highest part of the terrain. The constructed area is 390 m². The surface of the plot is covered with low vegetation, with some shrubs scattered around the perimeter of the plot.
The exterior space has been designed as an extension of the interior. A wooden platform overlooks a large swimming pool and the access area and spaces between the platform and the boundaries of the plot are covered with grass.
The daytime living area is located on the ground floor, as a place to interact, relax and enjoy the free space of the terrace, pool and garden. The first floor is used as a rest and study area. The small basement is the place to protect vehicles and housing facilities.
The vertical communication of the house consists on a one-way staircase that connects the basement, the ground floor and the first floor. Extra space has been provided for an elevator if it is needed in the future.
The overhang has almost 5 meters from the upper floor and it had been made with a post-tensioned structure that is commonly used in bridges, creating an outdoor living-dining room space to enjoy all year. On the façade, the use of large prefabricated GRC pieces and angular geometries create a “technological look” that contrasts with the warm natural wood. The user accesses the house from the street level, where there is a hall with a storage closet and an adapted sink. In front of the access door is the kitchen, a large space with a work area, food and laundry, which is related to the outside through the large window. Turning to the right, there’s the access to the main space of the house: a large living room, with dining room and study-library area. All the space opens onto a large area with a porch and the outdoor pool.
“
All rooms have natural ventilation and lighting, guaranteeing the sunny side of the house.
“
The first floor can be considered an “isolated” world destined to rest. In one of the extremes, a broad study emerges. From the corridor, there is access to a single bedroom, a common bathroom, a double bedroom and the suite that has a large dressing room, bedroom, full bathroom and access to the terrace. The Basement is mainly used for vehicles and storage. There is a garage for two vehicles, the facilities room, a storage room and a small wine cellar. Concerning the construction system, a concrete structure is proposed that models the house from the foundations to the roof. To ensure adequate comfort, the house is fully waterproofed and insulated, covering the entire envelope with a ceramic skin. olé decor Summer 2021
37
PANORAMIC HOUSE Location Gavà (Barcelona, Spain) Surface 390 m2 Architects ON-A Architects Interior design | Irene Sánchez Bernal Technical architect Xavier Badia | VINCLAMENT Engineering facilities | CONSTRUCIA INSTALACIONES Structural engineering | STATIC Gardening Project | Guillem Lacoma VERDTICAL 3D visualization |Marc Canut Photography | Adrià Goula Concrete Structure | CRC Earthmoving, foundations and linings | CRC Façade | GRC UBASART Locksmith and glasswork | Jaume Costa Kitchen | PROJECTES I DECORACIÓ Wood flooring and cladding | SOLDEVILA Interior carpentry and furniture | SOLDEVILA Sun Protection | GRIESSER Laminated Plaster Finishes |ACADINSA Paint and enamel |CALVERAS Facilities | CONSTRUCIA INSTALACIONES Pool | RUMAFI Gardening | JM FONDEVILA Vertical Garden | VERDTICAL 38
INTERIORS Project: ON-A Architects Interior design: Irene Sánchez Bernal (IESEBE Studio) Living room: Sofa by Poliform Coffe Table by Poliform Curtains by IESEBE Studio Dining Table by Meridiani Chairs by Meridiani Dining Room Lamps by Oty Light Garden: Furniture by Kettal Kitchen: Table by Kartel Screen Curtains by IESEBE Studio Suite: Curtains by IESEBE Studio Office: Sofa by Natuzzi Chairs by Ligne Roset Curtains by IESEBE Studio Summer 2021 olé decor
ABOUT ON-A ON-A is an international architecture studio based in Barcelona and founded in 2005 by Eduardo Gutiérrez and Jordi Fernández. ON-A’s architecture is founded on technology and research. Projects are tackled in a personalized way, always trying to find innovative solutions and thinking about future management by users. For this reason, its creative and multidisciplinary team combines disciplines such as R&D in parametric architecture, BIM management and bioconstruction tools or the investigation of new materials and construction systems. The result is unique projects endowed with technology and emotion. The studio has extensive expertise in residential architecture (private and collective) and bioarchitecture. The study has obtained nominations and awards such as Dedalo Minosse International Award 2010-11, Premis d’Arquitectura de Girona 2006 or Saloni 2010.
Observations From a Gardener Written By Lynn Walker Hoverson And Stephen Walker
I
t has been more than sixty days since The RGV experienced its version of the Big February Freeze of 2021. That has been a long enough time to change lawn appearances and gardening perspectives. To think about the February 2021 Freeze now, seems similar to looking for meaning in a revisited nightmare. Probably countless tons of dead organic matter from once-lush and beautiful tropical and semi-tropical plants here in the Rio Grande Valley are still being cut, moved, burned, buried or otherwise recycled in the after-effects of the big weather event that hit all of Texas extremely hard. As many a gardener knows and shares the sentiment, HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL IN THE GARDEN. Gardeners also have their sad stories to tell about the losses they have suffered due to the February 2021 Freeze event. I have been told quite a few variations during the past two months. Here in this article I have categorized and listed observations from around Our Valley and from my own Garden of Gratitude. I have applied names for rating levels of plant life survival.
Indoor / Outdoor Living
TOP FREEZE SURVIVORS
includes but is not limited to:
Grape Fruit Trees
Mesquite Trees
Wedelia
Pecan Tree
Meyers Lemon Tree
Kaffir Lime Tree
COMPLETELY UNPHASED BY THE COLD WEATHER
Pansies
Garden Kale
Bay Tree
Peonies
Italian Cypress Tree
Cedar Tree
olé decor Summer 2021
43
Indoor / Outdoor Living
VISUALLY DAMAGED BUT NOT DEAD
Dragonfruit Cactus
Aloe Vera
Sago Palm
Loriope
Lantana
Wild Olive Tree
DEFINITELY FROZEN TO DEATH
44
Bouganvillas
Pink Hibiscus Bush
Guanabana Tree
Guava Tree
Papaya Tree
Golden Rain Tree Summer 2021 olé decor
One of the most interesting local examples of the Life Force in God’s Creations can be seen at the intersection of Caesar Chavez Road and Nolan’s Street. It is a Bengal Ficus. At first glance, you might gasp and say, “How sad that such a gigantic tree has died!’. However, when you take a really close look, you can see the several sprouts emerging from places on the trunk and branches. olé decor Summer 2021
45
Indoor / Outdoor Living
PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE TIPS Soon after the extreme weather event STEPHEN WALKER, a local RGV professional landscape architect offered great advice about post February Freeze wilted yards, plants and shrubs; and what to do with it all. Here is what Stephen Walker had to say: First of all, do not overreact. Give the plants some time in order for you to get a read on how much of the plant is actually is lost.
Do not cut shrubs, small flowering trees, or even tropical trees back till you see where and what will be new growth. This will provide a delineated line on what has been frozen and what will be the edge of the dead material that needs to be removed. New growth may take several days or weeks of warm weather to produce new leaf or stimulate growth. Much of the tropical ground covers can be cut back or even mowed to get the top off the material so new growth from the roots can come back.
Usually, a freeze will not affect subterranean roots, and plants such as ground covers will regrow. Typically, trees such as olives and citrus need to be observed to verify how much wood should be left in place and what needs to be trimmed off or topped. Wood the size of your thumb usually is what needs to be removed from the type of freeze we just had. 46
Summer 2021 olé decor
If a tree or shrub was protected from dry cold winds in an area like a fenced yard or other structures, they will have a minimal amount of damage. The good thing about the freeze we just experienced was a wet freeze (water in the form of ice and snow) will minimize the type of transpiration* (the loss of water in the plant) and most plants will have faired much better.
Watering and covering the plants before a freeze is also good insurance to save the plants when practical. Even a 40-watt bulb under a cover such as a bedsheet can save a shrub during a hard freeze.
“
The act or process or an instance of transpiring - the passage of watery vapor from a living body (as of a plant) through a membrane or pores.
“
Stephen Walker Landscape Architect 956-309-3113
olé decor Summer 2021
47
GIVING A WHOLE NEW MEANING TO SAFE TRAVELS
With a 91,000 Square Foot Terminal, Social Distancing is A Breeze
Sanitizing Stations at Every Turn
Ionic Filtration Technology
Antimicrobial Surfaces on Tables
Experience an Airport terminal built for the 21st Century passenger. When you're ready, fly Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport.
Closer... to Where You Want to Go!
View the new terminal in 3D.
flybrownsville.com
