February 6 , 2020
Invasive Species Dilemma
There ’s something empowering about pluck a small vase of flowers and foliage from your own garden . So , when a few of my Narcissus ‘ Erlicheer ’ stem flopped over last weekend , I cut back them and fill in with wayward silver germander stem . Although not aboriginal , they do n’t run rampant . But Chinese tallow Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , beloved for its fall color , is an fast-growing hooligan list on theTexas invading works inclination . Although many died in Austin ’s utmost frigidity of 1989 , you ’ll still spot a few around town . In fact , apiculturist value their flowers . A friend who had her honey canvas was surprised to discover that tallow nectar was one of the top ingredients . And she does n’t even have tallow trees !
Also , I highly urge Matt’sRemarkable Plants of Texas : Uncommon Accounts of Our Common Nativesfor little - known facts behind conversant plants , include their historical , medicinal , and ethnical implication . Daphne explore this this beach ball - sized papery nest — base to hundreds of fast insects — that Mark Harris find atop one of his tree diagram in San Antonio . Is this a concern?Entomologist Wizzie Brown fromTravis County Extensiontells us that these are Mexican honey wasps . They ’re not aggressive and commonly ignore human activity . They ’re also beneficial pollinators and can feast on harmful insect . You ’ll most often point out the nest when deciduous Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree lose their leafage .
Writer and Texas Master Naturalist Sheryl Smith - Rodgers documented the resettlement of one beneficial colony to her habitat garden . take herWindow on a Texas Wildscapestory to see more about Mexican dearest WASP and why she was thrilled to get them!Looking for industrial plant lean , Master Gardener info , and other resources to get you growing this class ? checker outTravis County Horticultural Extension . Watch Daphne now !
So , let ’s head to the kitchen ! Lake Austin Spa Flora and Fauna Manager Molly Pikarsky joins her budding - chef Word Max to toss up a quick , colorful and very tasty salad from fresh - pluck harvests . you could add protein from salmon or chicken , too.11 - year - old Max whip up a balsamic vinegar step-down for yummy insect bite even without lend rock oil . Even if your constituent fare from the store , get their recipesto daddy a little punch into your winter salads .
Watch now !
On tour : “ I ’m an artist at centre , so I ’m always creating , ” says Jennifer Edwards . See how she turned a dowdy railway yard into an risky venture with repurposed finds , small yard food forest , and wildlife habitat while redirect rainwater runoff from her house . Watch now !
And thanks for stopping by ! See you next week , Linda
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