Catherine Johnson – Page 3 – Nature Along the El Camino Real

Chilly Workday

February 16, 2025 Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

by Catherine Johnson

It was chilly and misting on this month’s Wildscape workday. If you were wearing the right clothing, the weather was refreshing.

Amazing workers showed up and accomplished all chores for this month. Neil cleared Rock Rose from around the frog pond, Carolyn removed the Cypress vines from the arch where most want the Malabar Spinach to be again. Kim and Patricia pruned bushes and hauled away debris as Debra was again an expert pruner of the Gulf Muhly and other grasses. New student, Terri tackled plants including Sage and Passion vines. We all cut down the Turk’s cap.

Most plants, bushes and trees are leafing out just in time for the next freeze.

Wildscape Has a New Bench

February 3, 2025February 2, 2025 Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

by Catherine Johnson

We were able to make a quick trip to the Wildscape during a warm day. Gary Johnson, friend of the Wildscape, delivered the new bench which he made from a free queen headboard and old wood. He also attached a panel to the “portal” which will be covered in coral honeysuckle.

The next workday will prepare the garden for Spring and new native plants. Still green were Evergreen Sumac, Southern Wax Myrtle, Skeleton Leaf Goldeneye, and Nolina.

Visit the garden and search for Winter creatures.

A Sunny Day for Wildscape Work

January 19, 2025 Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

by Catherine Johnson

We were surprised by the sunny and pleasant weather as we cleaned some bird, bee, and butterfly water features at the ECRMN Wildscape.

Fire ants were eliminated and delicate plants protected from the upcoming hard freeze. Next chores will include cleaning the frog pond and cutting back grasses.

Final Seed Collection for This Winter

January 12, 2025 Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

by Catherine Johnson

Linda, Carolyn, Debra, Catherine, Rosie, and Master Gardener Monica attended the last seed collection of the season for the Little Free Seed Library.

*Chilly seed collectors. Photo by Rosie Johnson.*

Natives that beat the freeze include Yarrow, Evergreen Sumac, Skeleton Leaf Goldeneye, Nolina, Agave, and Wax Myrtle. Asters and Coneflowers were greening up again.

Wildscape friend Rosie, expanded a 30-foot Bluebonnet strip.

Now that it’s winter, our Mason bees can be viewed walled in their houses.

Meanwhile, we are continuing to make preparations for upcoming Wildscape programs.

Come visit the garden and see what Winter interest YOU can find.

Little Free Seed Library News

October 21, 2024 Sue Ann (Suna) Kendall2 Comments

by Catherine Johnson

Saturday , the Little Free Seed Library group met at Milam Wildscape to discuss the new project and collect seeds. Coordinator Linda Burgess gave updates and Jackie Thornton and Ann Collins collected seeds including Turks Cap, Coneflower, Texas Rock Rose, and Button Bush. We enjoyed the cooler weather.

*Ann finding goodies to share with others*

We also discussed how the Wildscape, Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary, and Little Free Seed Library projects are going to benefit the community in our outreach efforts.

Construction of user-friendly pathways and permanent weed control continues at the Wildscape. A recently installed water feature for birds and pollinators is the top of a pedestal sink from Facebook Marketplace.