Native Texas Milkweeds

 Milkweed – when aphids are a good thing!  [smartslider3 slider=13] Here are some other native Texas milkweeds: Asclepias incarnata – also called Swamp Milkweed   I have mentioned this in my blog before, but just bought another to put in the pond in a pot next to the Buttonbush. This one has beautiful pink blooms […] Continue reading →

Vegan Vegetarian Food in Austin

 The Austin Texas area is a great place to live if you like a healthy lifestyle! There is plenty of nature to enjoy as well as restaurants and markets that carry Vegan and Vegetarian options. One of my long time favorites : Casa de Luz 1701 Toomey Rd Austin, TX 78704 (512) 476-2535 This is […] Continue reading →

Why have native plants?

 So you can have friends like these! Texas is losing habitat very, very quickly! We all know about the homeless pet population. What about homeless wildlife? Their homes are being scraped away every day. How would you feel if you were asleep in bed one night and a bulldozer came and scraped your and your kids and […] Continue reading →

Wicking Bed

 I just installed this wicking bed in my own yard. If you are not familiar with wicking beds they water plants from below rather than above. They’re basically containers with water at the base and they act like a giant self-watering pot. The moisture is drawn up through the soil via a process called capillary […] Continue reading →

Paper Recycling in Leander

 I recycle my household and home office paper at Pleasant Hill Elementary School in Leander. The Abitibi program from the Paper Retriever donates money to the local schools or nonprofit organizations who host their containers. Click Here to see a paper recycling bin near you. Stretchy plastic film and plastic bags can be recycled in […] Continue reading →

EcoTourism in Central Texas and Beyond

 Ecotourism is a booming industry in Texas. During this hot time of the year, it’s challenging to stay cool while outdoors. Many Central Texas go swimming and more. Living in the Austin Texas area, I carry on the tradition of heading to the coast for vacations. My grandparents, Oscar and Betty Sandstrom went to Rockport Texas […] Continue reading →

Texas Veteran Home Loans

 In 1983, the Texas Legislature created the Veterans Land Board to administer the Veterans Housing Assistance Program also known as the VHAP, to assist Texas Veterans in purchasing a home. Eligible Texas Veterans are able to buy a home with a competitive, low-interest loan with little or no down-payment. Veterans, military members, and their spouses may receive up […] Continue reading →