Nature Along the El Camino Real
Blog of the El Camino Real Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists, Milam County, Texas
by Catherine Johnson
Photos by Patricia Coombs
Much was accomplished at our monthly workday.
Patricia, Donna, Cindy, Pamela, and Alan’s guest weeded the shade garden while Neal expanded the section he is in charge of.
Phyllis and Ellen planted new Milkweed, Liatris and Wild Bergamot.
Alan and Gene cleared excess Asters.
Everyone took home native plants from the Wildscape.
The best part was visiting with friends.
by Catherine Johnson
Every inch of the Wildscape was explored recently at a Mason Bee program for Milam Home School Co-op. Forty-one people attended, which included twenty-six children and seven Master Naturalists. After the bee houses were assembled, everyone took off to all parts of the garden observing butterflies, hummingbirds, and spiders. The children enjoyed refreshments, hide and seek, and receiving goody bags and nature books.
The parents were interested in building their own Wildscapes and want to return for free native plants. We enjoyed ages from baby to teens and hope to spend more time with them at the Wildscape.
by Catherine Johnson
While we were hiking Mother Neff State Park, Patricia Coombs was coordinating chores at the Wildscape for the monthly workday.
The day became warm and bending over to plant resulted in Patricia becoming ill. Dorothy Mayer and her daughter, Traci, were there working as well. Dorothy poured water over Patricia’s head and cared for Traci after she was stung by something.
Much pruning was done and two flats of Mexican Hat and Black-eyed Susan were planted, plus a bed prepared for Texas wildflowers. Dorothy brought the workday to a successful end.
Note that we have a bunch of blogs to upload, because our blogging team (of one person) has been having computer issues then had the nerve to go camping. At least she did a lot of iNaturalist observations while she was there. Apologies that our blog entries weren’t entered in a timely manner.
by Catherine Johnson
The last few months have been busy with ice storms, native plant nursery tours and work at our chapter’s Milam Wildscape.
The tour guides Mandy and Brandon taught us about wholesale plant operations and we were able to view many beautiful Texas native plants. The interest in using natives in landscaping is increasing and both businesses are expanding.
Volunteers at our Wildscape have been working to prepare for upcoming educational programs and tours. Hope to see you there.
Thank you to Gary Johnson for driving us to Native Texas Nursery and to Patricia Coombs for taking pictures at Joss Nursery.
by Catherine Johnson
We made one last trip to the Milam Wildscape after the freeze.
Evergreens Wax Myrtle, Gardenia, Sumac, and Iceplant looked pretty with the Fall colors. We accidentally trapped a cow in a fenced area but were able to free it without letting the sheep or Scruffy the donkey out!
Kim planted blue Salvia and Rock Rose, and Rosie started a Bluebonnet patch. Mexican Plum and Arroya Sweetwood are the next additions.
The Boy Scouts have installed bee houses and plan to construct a grape arbor.
Come visit in the Spring when baby plants and Mason bees emerge and Nature’s cycle starts all over again.
Nature Along the El Camino Real 