If you haven’t been out to Mueller, the 700-acre city within a city located on the site of Austin’s former airport, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Mueller is taking shape and springing to life with all of the elements that were promised.

A diverse mixed-use community with housing prices ranging from $120,000 to one million plus, upon completion, Mueller will feature 4,600 single-family and multi-family homes. The master plan also includes 140 acres of parks and green space, a hike and bike trail, an elementary school, commuter rail station, and a retail center with a theater. The Dell Children’s Medical Center and the Austin Film Studios anchor the development. Mueller will also soon welcome the Austin Children’s Shelter campus and the Austin Children’s Museum. Forward looking and ultra-green, Mueller seemed the logical spot for the 2009 Parade of Homes.

In case you missed the 2009 Parade, held May 23 to June 7, we thought we would give you, our readers, an insider’s tour of these ultra-green, ultra-urban homes custom built and designed by a group of Austin’s most exclusive home builders, architects, and interior designers. With prices starting at $1 million, the homes ranged from 3,000 to 4,500 square feet and were the first in Central Texas to earn three energy efficiency ratings. Our tour includes the award winners and some editor’s picks. We highlight the features that make each house unique and impressive. We show you the latest trends in architecture, interior design and products that made the 2009 Parade of Homes innovative and inspiring, including: retractable walls and outdoor living rooms; an acoustically perfect media room; spa-like master baths; the most modern kitchens; a rare Concetto countertop created from semi-precious geodes; an in-home refueling station to fill the tank of your energy-efficient natural gas automobile; and waterfalls, meditation spots and open-air sunset balconies with killer downtown views.

Finally we went to the ultimate experts, the builders themselves, with the question: What was the vision for your home featured in the HBA Parade of Homes, and how did you achieve your intentions? Their answers will both surprise and enlighten you taking you inside the home building and design process for conception to completion.

4229 Camacho Street
Marshall Durrett, President
Durrett Interests, LLC

We set out to create a parade home that was both noticeably livable and extremely sustainable, not just a “flash in the pan” for the parade event. Quality of execution and durability of construction were very important in our project programming, providing our homeowner with a functioning building system for years to come. From the very beginning, with site selection, we insisted on a north-facing home site that would allow for the best quality day lighting from the large front windows of the home. Our home site also allowed for the inclusion of a three-kilowatt array of solar panels on the southeast roof plane, which has already offset our electricity usage by 25%. Not only did we achieve the same 5-star rating from Austin Energy Green Building as the other parade homes, but also ours was the only home to be rated for LEED Platinum. From an interior design perspective, the most rewarding feedback we received on our home from parade-goers was constantly and consistently that it “felt like home” or “was very comfortable” right when they walked across our front door threshold. We hope our home proved that contemporary design could still be very inviting, not just minimalist.

4225 Comacho
Alan Muskin, President
The Muskin Company

Our vision was to build a sustainable mid-century modern home that took advantage of our site overlooking 30 acre Lake Park. We accomplished this by using many natural and durable materials, such as polished concrete floors, limestone counters and Douglas-fir ceilings.

Our seamless corner windows frame a beautiful view of Lake Park. A 14′ retractable door opens the family room to our steel trellised yard, bringing the outdoors in. Features of our Northeast facing yard include native landscaping and an herb garden. Our efforts were recognized by the City of Austin’s Green Building Program 5-star rating and Gold Level LEED rating.

Our inspiration for the home in the Parade was to create a warm, inviting, fun atmosphere, that had a modern feel and included the latest technology. Along with Audio Video Designs, we decided to use the automated projection screen with the hidden HD Front Projection System to incorporate that technology into a space that could serve not only as a media room, but also as a multi-purpose space. By containing all of the components for the Media Room, the whole house audio system, and the televisions around the home in the component closet of the Media Room, we were able to eliminate unsightly boxes, cables, and wires typically associated with home theater and television systems. We also installed California Audio Technology in wall speakers in the Media Room, and covered the entire wall with acoustical fabric to complete the totally hidden appearance. By installing the Crestron Control Panels and utilizing the Crestron remote controls, the end user will have access to whatever sources they deem appropriate for their viewing and listening needs throughout the house, as well as the covered patio and the Garden Roof. The Crestron Control panels have the ability to control lighting, window treatments, and HVAC in the Media Room and throughout the home. The garden roof is the most unusual feature included in this home, and I think in the entire Parade of Homes. The inspiration was to utilize rooftop space to create a living, growing garden that would serve as get-away from everyday issues. It not only creates a place for the homeowner to garden in a subdivision that offers little space in the yards below, but also serves as a space to read a book, drink a glass of wine, or gaze at the stars. The rooftop garden eliminates heat transfer from the roof, and acts as an insulator for the garage located below.

4217 Camacho Street
Streetman Homes
Ryan Jackson,
Director of Sales and Marketing

We wanted to build a home that took advantage of the beautiful views available from this home site. That, coupled with the overall “Mueller Concept” of a walkable traditional neighborhood helped our decision to capture those views from outdoor living spaces. There are three outdoor living spaces on the front of the home, one large sitting porch on the first level, one large porch off the owners suite and flex room on the second floor, and a covered open air “Sunset” breezeway on the third floor. The Sunset room features 300-degree views of Mueller Lake Park, the Robert Mueller Airport former control tower and the downtown Austin skyline. In addition to the incredible outdoor living spaces already mentioned, we were able to include a living vegetable garden with a lime tree, tomato plant, and spices. In this space we were also able to include a full cooking island with GE Monogram Grill, sink and mini-fridge. If the views and outdoor cooking weren’t enough, how about bringing the outside in? Our family room combines with a courtyard via 16’ sliding doors. This courtyard features a waterfall cascading from one of two-second floor balconies. The home far exceeded our expectations in terms of design. The Parade of Homes Judges agreed awarding our home with Best Outdoor Living Space and Front Elevation.

4213 Comacho Street
Cool River Custom Homes
Glenn Reynolds, President

Our vision was to create an energy efficient Home that would accomplish 3 additional goals. The first goal was to make the home feel as inviting and warm as possible while providing a layout that was functional for everyday use. We then wanted to create a work at home space separate from the main house which will allow the homeowner to separate their work life from home life without having to commute. Last, but not least, we wanted to create a variety of indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces. The front porch has space to accommodate neighborhood street parties and features an outdoor fireplace and tv. An outdoor kitchen and alfresco dining area overlooking a courtyard and fountain off the back of the home. We added additional cedar roll up doors off the courtyard area leading into the garage to accommodate the need for extra covered space when entertaining. This area is good for setting up a pool table, table tennis or foosball. As a bonus we added a guest cottage above the garage which includes a kitchen, bathroom, closet, living area and stackable washer and dryer. With just under 3600 square feet of indoor living space, 1200 square feet of outdoor living space, a detached office, guest cottage, 2 indoor kitchens, an outdoor kitchen and incredible views of downtown from the Master bedroom and balcony, I think we achieved everything we set out to accomplish.

Make sure to check out our issue for a much more extensive photo collection of these awesome homes.

The building has been used for a saloon, a printing shop, retail clothing store, a café, and most recently as an Asian restaurant. From 1891 to 1894, D.T. Lamme of Lamme’s Candy fame, leased the building for his Red Front Candy Store. 811 is also known as the Von Boeckmann house, named for its most prominent owner, Eugene Von Boeckmann who purchased the building in 1894 and began a printing business. He was the publisher of the Texas Historical Association’s Quarterly Review and was recognized as the state printer. The building received historic landmark status in 2001, recognized as an outstanding example of commercial architecture built in the decades following the Civil War. Noteworthy features include the cut stone façade, stone and brick rubble sidewalls, and arched window openings with segmental arched lintels and keystones.

When Dennis Karbach purchased the residence in October of 2000 it was abandoned. Each floor was dark; fire damaged, smelled of pigeons, and was covered with bat guano. The challenge of the historical renovation and creating a comfortable residence fell to architect, Tim Cuppett and interior designer, Tracey Overbeck Stead. Karbach’s needs were clearly defined-convenience, space for entertaining, private space as well as space for his daughter and guests. “ I was living downtown in a space which was too small. There was no privacy and I needed space for my daughter. I knew I wanted to live downtown and several people-Eddy Safady-The Hellers were also beginning to renovate at the same time. I really don’t think anyone ever knows what they are getting into with a historic building until they are into it.” Featured on the HGTV series, Renovation Generation, the residence has won several awards including the prestigious Texas Society of Architects Design Award, for staying true to its historic roots at the same time morphing into a stunning example of modern design.

Architect Tim Cuppett responded to the challenge of the eccentric 21’ wide and 150’ deep space in this way: “My favorite quote of which this project is a perfect example,  ‘Consult the genius of the place in all…” by Alexander Pope. In this case I wanted the owner to experience the eccentric proportions of the building, and at the same time, feel comfortable in his home.” The concept was to embrace the length and height of the building. A long stair runs from the Congress Ave. entrance up through three floors for living to a roof top cabana and pool. Upon reaching the top by stair or elevator, one is confronted with stunning views of the Austin skyline beyond the pool and garden. Natural light is transmitted down into the building through skylights in the pool floor. Most of the original pine timber and stone structure remains, but has been strengthened with a new steel skeleton. Contrast is expressed by the juxtaposition of the old structure and new modern interiors.

For fourth generation Austinite, interior designer, Tracy Overbeck Stead, it was an honor and a responsibility to work on such a unique historical gem. For her the challenge was making sure the adaptation from commercial to single-family would result in a warm family environment while historically preserving the space. She accomplished her goal in several ways. The first way was to sandblast one side of the limestone shell to make the stone shine and add a lighter feel on the walls. The stone on the opposite walls were covered with drywall to soften the shell so it wouldn’t feel like you lived in a cave, Next, a long drywall fur down was installed on the ceilings of floor 1 and 2 to bring the scale down to a comfortable level and give space to add many architectural and decorative lights to brighten the space. She also used warm quarter-sawn hardwoods on the semi-private and private floors in a medium stain and wax. Lastly, to bring the scale to a comfortable residential level, a walnut band and fur down was added around the kitchen cabinetry to delineate the kitchen from the dining and to add a cozy texture and color into the cabinetry while preparing meals.

The first floor is for public gatherings. Dennis and Robert love to host benefit galas so the first floor is open and airy to provide entertaining for large groups.
The second floor is a semi-private space for friends and family. The living room is designed with modern furniture mixed with antiques to give character and warmth throughout.

The third floor is the private floor with the master suite including the master bath and bar. This floor also houses two guest rooms for family visits. The light pours onto the third floor from the glass bottom swimming pool above installed on the 4th floor to provide a ton of natural light. The master bedroom is a handsome and richly textured bedroom. It features dark wenge stained built-ins used for the headboard, a platform bed with custom bedding, a deep red rug for a punch of color, electronically controlled red velvet drapes, and a minimal leather chaise and side table for reading the newspaper.

Lastly, the fourth floor is the party floor with a ‘sky lounge’ for indoor cooking and relaxing by the fireplace and an outdoor oasis with a Jacuzzi, glass bottom negative-edge lap pool and an amazing garden overlooking Congress Avenue. This floor is a true Austin gem.

With more than 8400 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, and 3 living areas, the home might seem imposing. Instead it is remarkably livable for a space of its size. Karbach, an independent technical consultant and Brown, a development manager for the Long Center frequently entertain and host large gatherings for several causes and organizations they actively support. Of the home, Karbach says, “ The rooms are large and very open.we have 2,000 square feet on each floor and we live in the entire house. Some things are over the top-we have 4 dishwashers in the house, but everything in this house was designed for comfort and convenience.” Brown agrees. “We use this house and we love it. I think my favorite spot is the sky lounge and sky deck overlooking Congress. We have dinner parties or watch DVDs with friends in the theater. We host a lot of events for non-profits and political organizations.”

Recently Karbach and Brown have purchased and are renovating a Victorian House in the Castro section of San Francisco and plan to split their time between the two cities prompting them to place 811 Congress on the market. Buyers can continue to write the script on this storied home for a cool $6.5 million.

Kathy Stillwell is gushing, just a little. Who can blame her? She’s just overseen Harway Supply, Inc., under the direction of Carla Throndson, Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD), execute the final touches on her brand new, state-ofthe- art kitchen and entertainment area in her renovated and expanded Texas home. Kathy and Gary Stillwell added 6,000 square feet to their living space, where they entertain their large family and friends regularly. “We had a small, inefficient kitchen,” says Stillwell, “and my brother and I love to cook for large groups of 16 or more.” Stillwell also started a gourmet cooking club for ‘the girls’, so the need for a new and improved kitchen was looming. “We even added a dining hall,” Stillwell points out.

“The kitchen,” explains Stillwell, “has four, turbo-chef commercial, speed-cook Wolf ovens, where a rack of lamb is done to perfection in four and a half minutes, and a 12-pound turkey only takes twenty-five. “ Because the Stillwells are hotel owners, Kathy Stillwell always had her eye on the expansive commercial ovens in the hotel kitchens. “Now, people can have them in their homes because Harway has made what was once only sold commercially available to all its clients.” The ovens are computer generated convection, electric and microwave combinations that incorporate fans to generate computer-operated power. The units are computerized allowing the systems the ability to determine what elements to use while cooking, delivering regulated temperatures resulting in even cooking. They also include warming drawers, a must for keeping prepared foods ready for serving. Speed-cook ovens are currently being made by most manufacturers from the high-end Turbo- Chef to the Advantium offered by General Electric.

Stillwell says that the Harway team, with Throndson at the helm, totally understood the concept of usage, not just aesthetics. The kitchen, with an adjoining hearth room complete with a bar area, was designed with a dramatic cooking wall as the focal point, and an expansive nine foot wide oven hood paired with a 60” Wolf Professional range serves as the centerpiece in the kitchen. Ranges as centerpieces are au courant, and are being designed as such. In modern or contemporary spaces, the range hood has become more and more sculptural and homeowners order them in custom colors to further enhance the drama of a kitchen’s look. In traditional kitchens, the hood is the focal point and becomes the hearth, effectively adding warmth and interest.

Having two dishwashers is another must-have in an efficient kitchen today. Stillwell’s kitchen boasts two Miele dishwashers, each with three racks, the third one specifically designed for china, crystal and sterling. Having two sinks in a kitchen is also becoming standard, as one can be used for prep work, the other for cleanup. “Creating zones and workstations that differentiate tasks helps families and friends cook together more easily,” explains Throndson. “A typical kitchen could include a baking station, a coffee station, a computer workstation, the cooking wall, the clean-up area, and the butler’s pantry or dirty kitchen. A butler’s pantry might connect the kitchen and pantry to the dining room, thus creating a staging area for serving and entertaining.” Designing with entertaining in mind is key in kitchen and dining area layouts. SubZero refrigerators with paneled doors are constructed to give the illusion of oversized furniture, and bottom drawers as freezers are back in fashion. Built in icemakers and trash compacters hidden within cabinets add to a streamlined, less cluttered look.

Mixing various types of metal and materials is another current kitchen design trend. Manmade materials with quartz, like Caesarstone, Silestone and Cambria, are top countertop choices, as they are easy to care for and come in a wide variety of colors and matte finishes that create a placid horizontal surface. The use of one of a kind tile work by local artisans is an attractive, personalizing feature, and stainless steel, carbon and even platinum appliances, are becoming more common, as are unique finishes for hardware. Wood is still the most popular flooring style for kitchen owners, but largesized tile flooring also has some popularity today, according to Throndson.

Since the kitchen is typically a favorite gathering place for friends and family at all times of day or night, it’s becoming common to make that place more like a living space and less institutional and cold. Cathy Stillwell points out, though aesthetics are important, nothing should take the place of common sense and smart, utilitarian design when there’s usually more than one person serving as chief cook and bottle washer in today’s modern kitchens!

Learn more about Wolf appliances at www.wolfappliances.com and visit www.harwaykitchendesign.com to learn about current trends in modern kitchens and different manufacturers of the most state of the art kitchen accoutrement.

Plant vegetable seeds: Beets, Broccoli, Carrot, Swiss Chard, Collards, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Mustard, Parsnip, Peas, Seed Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabaga, Spinach, Shallot, Turnips.

Start tomato & pepper seeds indoors. See January To-Do list for more info.

Plant potatoes. Look for certified disease-free seed potatoes.

Plant vegetable plants: Artichoke and Asparagus crowns, Asian greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Onion sets, Spinach

Plant herbs: All hardy perennial herbs, such as Chives, Oregano, and Thyme; and cool-season annuals or biennials such as Dill, Fennel, and Parsley. Be sure Dill and Fennel are watered and protected before any freezes.

Plant annual flower/ornamental seeds: Sweet Alyssum, Calendula, Cosmos, Monkey Flower, Nasturtium, Petunia, Salvia.

Plant annual flower/ornamental plants: African Daisy, Alyssum, Balloon Flower, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Calendula, Centaurea, English Daisy, Delphinium, Dianthus, Dusty Miller, Forget-Me-Not, Larkspur, Lobelia, Nasturtium, Pansy, Drummond’s Phlox, Poppy, Snapdragon, Stock, Viola (Johnny Jump-Up).
Plant perennial plants: There are so many perennials to choose from, depending on the situation. Choose Ruellia, Turk’s Cap, or Yarrow for shady areas. Four-Nerve Daisy, Salvia greggii, and Echinacea are just a few choices for full sun.

Plant ground covers and borders.

Plant strawberries. Plant in the first week of the month for the best production.

Last chance to plant bare root fruit trees, berries, and grapes. Talk to our staff, and pick up our handout “Planting & Maintenance Guide for Fruits, Nuts, and Berries.” The soil should be prepared first, and it is important to choose the right varieties for your specific area.

Transplant perennials and other landscape plants, as needed.

Prepare garden beds for the spring!

Work in some compost and organic fertilizer to vegetable and flower beds in advance of planting time. Choose from Lady Bug brand All-American Turkey, Farm Style Dairy, and Revitalizer Composts. At the same time, adding Lady Bug 8-2-4, Garden Pep Cottonseed Meal, or Flower Power organic fertilizer will boost growth and production in any planting. Add a mineral source, such as Lady Bug Glittering Greensand, if you haven’t done so recently. Greensand can be added about once a year.

Prune roses on or around Valentine’s Day.

Last chance to apply corn gluten! Apply corn gluten as a pre-emergent weed killer in early February (mid February at the latest).

At all costs, avoid the chemical pre-emergent herbicides. They are among the most toxic substances you can buy – for you, your children, your pets, your neighbors, and our drinking water! Corn gluten is a natural pre-emergent which should be broadcast at a rate of 20 pounds per 1000 square feet. A drop spreader works best. Corn gluten supplies 9% nitrogen, too! The suppression of seed sprouting lasts about six weeks. Remember also that using exclusively organic fertilizers, yearly application of good manure compost, and enhancing the overall health of your soil can prevent and/or eliminate most weed problems.

Spray apple, peach, pear, and plum trees with an organic fungicide when you see the flower buds begin to swell. Try Compost Tea, Potassium Bicarbonate, or Serenade as the least toxic choices. Copper has been traditionally recommended as the organic choice at this time, but it is extremely toxic.

Water! See November To-Do list for more information on winter watering.

Continue to protect tender plants, especially new seedlings, before a freeze.

Have a soil test done. We recommend Texas Plant and Soil Lab (http://www.tpsl.biz) in Edinburg, TX. They can be reached at (956) 383-0739.

Recycle your old phone books: Look for the phone book recycling dumpsters at your local grocery store, such as H.E.B.
 
(Thanks to the Travis County Master Gardener Association’s Garden Guide for Austin and Vicinity and the staff of the Natural Gardener for some of this month’s tips.)

1) Install a water filter. Clean, safe water without all the waste: Brilliant. Bottled water produces a mountain of waste and its expensive! You’ll use fewer plastic water bottles, which means using less energy and fewer resources to make the bottles and less fuel to ship them around for delivery, and create less waste.

2) Fix leaky faucets and toilets. A leaky faucet or shower that loses water at the rate of one drip per second can waste 3,000 gallons of water a year. A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water a day! Most replacement parts are cheap, readily available and easily installed.

3) Bring in houseplants! Houseplants literally grow fresh air by producing clean, fresh oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide and chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene. The EPA estimates that indoor air is 2 to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air. Two small plants or one medium-size plant per 100 square feet will provide fresh air and healthy, mold-free humidity in any room so everyone can breathe deeply with ease.

4) Use power strips and unplug appliances. Power strips are our friends. Save energy and money by plugging your electronics into power strips that can be turned off when components are not in use. TVs, stereos, game consoles, computers and accessories all have a hefty “phantom” draw of energy (called idle current) even when they are turned off—about the same amount of energy as a 60-watt light bulb burning continuously.

5) Shade your air-conditioning unit and clean the filters regularly. An air-conditioning unit in the shade uses up to 10 percent less energy than one in the sun. Planting bushes or trees on the south side of the unit will do the trick. Just be sure they don’t block the airflow. Clean filters regularly. Check them once a month, especially during heavy-use months in the heights of summer. At a minimum, change the filters every 3 months for maximum performance.

6) Go for a natural gas on-demand water heater for tankless water heating. Heating water on demand with natural gas is one of the most efficient means around. These systems use loads less energy, offering instantly hot water at a fraction of the cost of water heaters that store hot water in a tank. Consider that the water heater is one of the biggest energy hogs at home. While hot water storage tanks fueled by natural gas are much more efficient and much less polluting than electric water-storing heaters, on-demand water heating trumps storage heating by 30 percent.

Color analysts are pointing toward soothing spa colors of blues, greens and lavenders as the newest and freshest colors for 2009, but they also include the neutral, warmer colors of taupe, honey, and even warm, mustardy yellows. These colors all soothe and recede from the eye, creating a calming effect.

While wall colors are staying relatively neutral and simple, the “pop” comes from adding bold accents and accessories. Neutral walls are a great base for bold artwork and let the art become the point of interest in the room. Red continues to be a popular color, whether in textiles or wall art. It also serves as a sort of “bold neutral” in the way that it plays well with both cool and warm tones. It can easily serve as the unifying factor in the design scheme of a home.

Dark wood tones continue to be the trend in floor, as well as furniture design. The desire for natural textures and solid, enduring materials reflects the global atmosphere. What better way to create a sense of security and a connection to the earth than by bringing natural textures and warm wood tones into your home?

So when you are embarking on your spring cleaning and have a desire to “bring in the new,” remember, you may not have to look much farther than your own backyard for inspiration.

{1} Use chalkboard paint or a dry erase board to write reminders and daily notes. Draw a monthly calendar using different colored chalk for each family member to see everyone’s daily routine.

{2} Write each of your children’s names on separate 8×11 mailing envelopes and hang somewhere accessible. Use the envelopes as a daily in-and-out system to keep notes from teachers, permission slips and other important papers organized.

{3} Labeling helps little ones with reading and organization, and helps bigger kids (including yourself!) to remember to put things in their proper place. Library book basket, board game shelf, charity giveaway box: label it all.

{4} Hang a contact-covered chore chart listing responsibilities (laundry, dishes, take out trash) and use clothespins with family members’ names written on them to move up and down the chart, rotating jobs every week.

{5} Younger children learn visually and work best with routines; make a picture chart that goes up in their room showing the order of morning and evening: put on pajamas, brush teeth, read story, sing song, lights out.

{6} Preschool teachers rotate toys to keep the kids from getting bored. Keep a separate box of toys and games hidden away to pull out as a special solution for a rainy day.

{7} Keep an on-the-go toy and necessities kit in the car so you don’t have to go through the “what I need to remember” routine every time you leave the house.

{8} Stock “sleepover” kits in the kids’ closet. A bag with pajamas, toiletries, sleeping bag and stuffed animal will be ready to go for any overnight stays.

{9} Plan an untouchable “organization hour” every week. The biggest timesaver is preparation.

Plant vegetable plants: Artichoke crowns, Asparagus crowns, Lettuce, Spinach. LATE JANUARY: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Onion Sets.

Plant herbs: Chervil, Chives, Cilantro, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme.

Plant annual flower/ornamental seeds: Ageratum, Alyssum, Bluebell, Calendula, Candytuft, Cleome, Centaurea, Delphinium, Gerbera, Hollyhock, Larkspur, Lobelia, Drummond’s Phlox, Snapdragon, Sweet Pea, Viola (Johnny Jump-Up).

Plant annual flower/ornamental plants: Sweet Alyssum, Bluebonnet plants, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Calendula, Centaurea, Dianthus, Larkspur, Lobelia, Pansy, Snapdragon, Stock, Viola (Johnny Jump-Up).

Plant perennial plants. Give newly planted plants some Tender Loving Care before a freeze: water and add mulch, and cover more tender varieties with a sheet or row cover.

Plant a tree for peace in the new year!

Plant hardy shrubs, vines, and ground covers.

Plant strawberries.

Plant bare root (or containerized) fruit and pecan trees, berries, and grapes. Talk to our staff, and pick up our handout, “Planting & Maintenance Guide for Fruits, Nuts, and Berries.” The soil should be prepared first, and it is important to choose the right varieties for your specific area.

Water new plantings with seaweed or a seaweed/fish emulsion every couple of weeks to help them get established.

Water! See November To-Do list for more infor
mation about winter watering.

Start tomato seeds indoors. If you have a heated greenhouse, a cold frame, or supplemental plant lighting indoors, you can get a head start on starting tomatoes from seed. Normal interior lighting is not enough. A very sunny, south-facing window can work, only if you rotate the seedlings daily so they don’t reach for the window. If you choose to use supplemental lighting, place the florescent or grow lights no more than one or two inches above the seedlings, and raise the lights as the seedlings grow.

A combination of florescent and tungsten (incandescent) lights are said to be close to full-spectrum lighting, or use full-spectrum bulbs or grow lights.

Apply corn gluten as a pre-emergent weed killer in late January: At all costs, avoid the chemical pre-emergent herbicides. They are among the most toxic substances you can buy‚ for you, your children, your pets, your neighbors, and our drinking water! Corn gluten is a natural pre-emergent weed killer which should be broadcast at a rate of 20 pounds per 1000 square feet. A drop spreader works best. Corn gluten provides 9% nitrogen, too! The suppression of seed sprouting lasts about six weeks. Remember also that using exclusively organic fertilizers and enhancing the overall health of your soil can prevent and/or eliminate most weed problems. This is a long-term solution to weeds and many other lawn problems.

Clean, oil, and repair tools. Scrape off any rust or debris, using steel wool or a wire brush, if necessary. Oil the metal parts with honing oil, WD-40, or clean motor oil. The wooden handle can be oiled with mineral or linseed oil. Some brands of tools, like Felco pruners, have replacement parts available if yours have been lost or worn out. Take the time to sharpen your blades, too. Take the lawnmower or other machinery to the shop for repairs and sharpening.

Set up or repair your drip irrigation system.
Water beds, trees, and shrubs, as needed. If we haven’t received at least a one-inch rainfall in four to six weeks, established trees and shrubs will need a deep soaking. Plantings less than two years in the ground will need watering more often, depending on your soil. Test the soil with your finger to determine water needs.

Fertilize asparagus, strawberries, and cool-season annuals such as pansies. Use a bloom-promoting organic fertilizer, such as Lady Bug brand Flower Power, on strawberries and flowering plants. Use Lady Bug 8-2-4 or Garden Pep Cottonseed Meal for asparagus and other green produce. Topdress with good compost at the same time, such as Lady Bug Revitalizer, Farm Style, or All-American Turkey. You could use Sylvan Formula mulch instead, which contains mulch and compost with minerals, corn meal, and molasses. For a quick boost, water any plant with a solution of John’s Recipe. Plants and the soil love it!

Spray fruit trees (or other susceptible plants) with dormant oil. Dormant oil controls scale and other insects. Fruit trees (or any deciduous plant with a current infestation of scale) should be sprayed two or more times with dormant oil over the winter. If you have used copper as a fungicide, be sure to wait at least ten days before spraying dormant oil. Mixing the two can cause burning on the plant.
Last chance to prune grapes, fruit trees, or other plants for the dormant season.

Things warm up and buds begin to break in February, so plan your pruning in early January at the latest. The danger of pruning grapes too late is that the sap is running and the vine will “bleed” too much. Research proper current pruning techniques for your specific fruit before starting the project.

Here are some websites:

www.tree-pruning.com
“Pruning Trees: A Step-by-Step Guide” This site contains a good diagram of the branch bark ridge and the branch collar – tree anatomy you must know to prune a tree properly. It does not have specific information on pruning fruit trees, however.

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/ag29.html “Training and Pruning Fruit Trees” from North Carolina State University. Their varietal recommendations do not apply to Texas growing. In addition, substitute organic fertilizer and pesticide wherever they recommend chemicals.

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/fruit/piercegrapes/pdr.html
“Growing Pierce’s Disease Resistant Grapes in Central, South and East Texas” from Texas A&M University. Substitute organic fertilizer and pesticide wherever they recommend chemicals.

Thanks to the Travis County Master Gardener Association’s Garden Guide for Austin and Vicinity and the staff of the Natural Gardener for some of this month’s tips.

Because draperies add volume, depth and punches of color, they can have a big impact on the look and feel of any space. Custom drapery can make a room feel intimate and cozy, or large and grand depending on the fabric, style and options you choose.

If your room is in need of a quick makeover, consider adding or updating your window treatments. To get started, below are three easy tips from the experts at Levolor, in addition to advice for the pre-planning and shopping phases of the process.

Pre-planning Advice
To ensure that you choose the right window treatments, you should first evaluate your needs. For instance, consider whether you plan to open and close your window coverings for increased privacy, light control and extra insulation, or if you just want decorative side panels. Custom draperies offer great versatility, but your needs will directly impact the style you choose in step one.

Three Easy Tips
Choose your style. Drapery styles range from the traditional goblet pinch pleat for a formal room to a sleek grommet for a contemporary space. When choosing your style, keep your needs in mind since some styles are better suited for homeowners who plan to open and close their draperies. Finally, consider adding a cornice or valance for added depth and dimension.
Choose your fabric. Levolor offers over 100 fabrics in four lifestyle themes, including traditional, eclectic, casual and contemporary, to ensure that homeowners can achieve the look they desire.
If you want a layered look, you can select a sheer fabric and pair it with heavier drapery panels.
Consider your options. Because you will want to coordinate your look throughout the entire room, try using your chosen drapery fabric for accent pillows, tablecloths or other accessories. In Levolor’s custom drapery line you can order up to five yards of extra fabric.

You can also embellish and accentuate your drapery with decorative drapery hardware to add finesse to any room. Add fabric tiebacks to update existing panels.

Shopping Advice
Once you determine the right type, fabric and options you want for your new window fashions, make sure you shop around. Some stores let you take sample books home, while manufacturers such as Levolor let you order free fabric swatches and offer interactive displays in-stores, as well as online tools – all so you can see how the product will look in your own home.
No matter what your style, you’ll feel great about giving your room the finishing touch it deserves with custom draperies.

To find out more about how adding window fashions can enhance a room, or to order free sample swatches, visit www.levolor.com.

–Courtesy of Family Features