Natural Gardener is off 71, west of Austin.
Nursery Tour in Austin
Sylvia.....
The glass is tumbled so there's smooth edges. I only use it on paths or to cover top of pots. It comes from the "dump" where they recycle all the beer, wine, and water bottles. I just wish more people would drink out of blue bottles! ....By the way...I'm only answering this now (instead of in the morning) because I don't want to go into the kitchen again. We've been at the lake for the weekend. I cooked here, so I wouldn't have to do any up there. We also had a neighborhood graduation party to attend before we left. I made a shrimp salad, among other dishes. We were really rushing around to leave after the party. SOMEONE forgot to take the trash out before we left. There were 2 lbs of shrimp hulls still in the kitchen trash when we got home. What a smell. I sprayed three different fragrances...and placed dishes of vinegar in each room downstairs......house still stinks!!!!!! I'm in denial right now.....and hiding in front of house.
Back to the glass....it's really inexpensive....about $12. for a half yard. That's a near truck load. It's tumbled with sand so there's a little extra waste that may or may not need to be washed off. If you come to Austin, I'd be glad to give you some to see if it'll work for you. I wanted the 'real' tumbled glass that comes from the Dallas area...but it's shipping cost is as much as the cost of the glass. It's the bigger stuff and the colors are separated.....
If I make it to the RU up there this fall, I'll take some bags of it for possible trades. I'm "propagationally challenged" and prefer my plants to already be rooted....
Love all your hostas that have been posted elsewhere. My slugs would have a field day with 'em!!! Sandi
The Great Outdoors:
Coming in from San Antonio on I35, you'd take the Ben White exit, and go west (left) on Ben White to the Congress exit. Turn right. It's about a mile on the left. This is all happens pretty quickly. Easy to find....If you get to Oltorf...you need to turn around.
From Hill Country......coming in on 290, it turns into Ben White! Take the Congress exit. Stay left, turn onto Congress and it's about a mile on the left.
If in doubt....Google the address....
Sandi
Sandi...love the pic you posted! I love paths with greenery to the side...and the colored glass among the stepping stone is so unique. I can't wait to see your entire garden some day!!
....and thanks for posting the directions!
What do you think of the 3 options for lunch...the cafe in the GO, Guerro's or Opal D??
I'm so tired...I planted 15 dwarf yaupons...in the 5 gal tubs...that's a lot of big holes to dig!!!
connie
Sandi thank you for that piece of info. I dont have any paths to line, but I would sure love to line my Hosta pots with it. Did you say they sell it in Dallas? Let me know where and I will check to see if they have any with blue glass and I can bring to the RU.
Sylvia
Sylvia....
I think they only ship the glass, but the web address is www.enviroglasproducts.com and they're in Plano. I do appreciate the offer,tho. I'll keep out a small sack for you. Next time someone's going your way, I'll have them leave it at a spot convenient for you to pick up!!!! Hope to see you at the RU. Sandi
Connie...
'Never eaten at GO's, Guerro's is good if everyone likes Mex food, Opal's would be good choice if we can all sit together to visit. Hope people know these nurseries aren't spread out all over like in a big city. I'd suggest that after lunch, anyone with plants could leave them in my backyard if they'd like until we finish the other nurseries. Yard is shaded and DH will be home to guard! Better than leaving 'em in hot cars to worry about. We could also park here and carpool to other nurseries. Just a suggestion...
Sylvia....
I had picked up some tumbled glass at our local Gardenville, http://www.garden-ville.com/ , here in San Antone. It was very affordable for a 5 gallon bucket full. They have it mixed with sand, why I don't know, and it cost me approx. $2.35 per bucket. I have found that when mixed in my gravel path the sand falls between the gravel and the glass sits and shimmers in the pathway. Adds an almost invisible glimmer to thegarden, like fairies wings or angel dust. A little goes along way.
I don't know if you have a local soil contractor in your area. I do know that Gardenville is located in several areas of TX. I am not sure where, Someone on this web site has more experience with Gardenville than I. Maybe you can find some at your nearby soil seller. If not, I could help also with getting you some tumbled glass just let me know. The type I buy has smaller pieces of tumbled glass than what bigbubbles purchases so it is not as showy, kind of hidden-like and just adds that final touch rather than an explosion, look-at-me effect.
bigbubbles I am not trying to suggest anything negative towards your use of the tumbled galss, I like it....... really like it. I just wanted to add to the help if possible to getting others interested in getting their hands on the glass.
I have the date marked and meeting time of 9:00am at the Great Outdoors. I don't know any of ya'll yet so How can I know a DGer when I arrive?. You can't miss me -- I will have a wife and two kids 1boy,1girl(red head). Driving a mazda6 silver in color. Maybe I could meet someone somewhere first and then followthem there and be introduced to everyone else.
Also, I have several plants I am bringing with me to share, so is there shade in the parking lot where I can park to give them a little protection?
calvin
DG shirt here...I'm still working on this. Got daughters auto to get repaired ASAP.
I would love to see samples of this Tumbled Glass. It sound like something the slugs would hate! :)
Sylvia
I have no idea what I will wear...whatever is cool and clean, I guess! I probably will wear a white shirt, khakis, and a khaki sun visor that has "Belize" on it. Ah...I can do better than that...here is my pic with my daughter that we took last week when she was in from college. Now I can wear what I like! LOL
I have a new (thanks to my brother...it's my 55th birthday present!!) digital camera that fits in my handbag, so I'll try to take lots of pics...it holds 900, I think he said!!--of whatever plants anyone wants, and of course of US having fun!!
Bigbubbles...great idea about "parking" any plants we buy from Gr. Out. at your house while we do more looking! Thanks so much!!
Connie
This message was edited May 31, 2006 12:21 AM
Great pic of you and daughter...you both look so cute! 'And so young!
Have you any idea how many are coming for the tour? I was thinking about the plants in hot cars while we eat and visit. Thought about Whole Foods, as there's underground parking and something for everyone to choose to eat. There's outside seating area, plus inside too. Not going to be rushed by waiter, as you serve yourself. Lots of different cuisine...and desserts too. It's at the corner of 6th and Lamar, so would be on the way to Westlake....etc. We'd just take Congress to Lamar. And we could actually throw in Floribunda after lunch if the group wanted to, as it's on Lamar too. It's not very big, more an urban type nursery for those who have very limited space, but would like a plant or two. The draw is the couch made out of grass, and other cool designs. Worth a fifteen minute stop if time permits. I only suggest it because it's a little hard to find if you don't know where to look. I feel most will enjoy spending a lot of time at Barton Springs Nursery and we may not get to Pot and Plants. Depends on what time people need to leave for home. And yes, we can certainly drop off any plants here before we head to Barton Springs. Would be a good place to carpool to also, as there's limited parking there.
My LCRA neighbor just e-mailed the weather report for the area.....lots of rain coming for us...not so much for the hill country. Looks like it all pushes out by the weekend, tho. We have a garden club flower show this weekend at Zilker. Hope rain stops!
Sandi
Connie..one more thing! I have a coupon for Barton Springs Nursery for 10% off any purchases. I called and asked if I could get some for the group, and mgr. said they'd hold them at the desk for me to pick up when we get there!!!!!! Sandi
Great idea Sandi. I love Whole Foods and the underground parking would keep our cars cool!
Michelle
Wow...cool ideas! I vote yes for the Whole Foods eating because of the underground parking...as I said...anything is fine with me!
Also..yea...on the 10% off at Barton Springs! Guess we'll just meet at Great Outdoors (it's pretty easy to get to)at 9:00 and go from there. And I think the last nursery tour here did Pots and Plants, so if we don't get to it, that's okay.
I KNOW these people coming:
Bigbubbles (Sandi)
Connie
Nivlac (Calvin) and 3 family members
Dmj (Debbie) maybe...depends on getting her daughter's car fixed
Patrob (Pat ...will join us at Great Outdoors...then I think she has to go on to something else)
Tomatoholic (Michelle)
And these are still a "maybe"...
Silverfluter...yes? (has talked about it
Phughes (I've sent D-mail as reminder)
Louddigger yes? (ditto)
Lily 13...yes? Where are you, Lily? Haven't seen her on in awhile.
Anyone else? Please add your name and forgive me for not remembering!
See everyone there! Large or small group...we're on!!!
Michelle, when I get my herb/veggie area going, you are going to have to tell me which types of tomatoes to plant! Wow....I went to your Garden Journal site, and Tomatoholic is the perfect moniker for you!!! :) I can't believe how fast those things grow!! I LOVE fresh tomatoes from the garden! (I make the Italian Caprise salad almost every week. I grow my own basil, but buy the maters now. I've grown them in the past, but it was about 20 years ago...I remember absolutely NOTHING! : =)
Connie
Kiddo's car will not be finished until late next week--don't want to get rent a car filthy--she's only 17 so can't drive the rental. She's driving mine.....can you hear my nerves rattling all the way up ther? lol
Well, we certainly will miss meeting you, Debbie! I hope you can make the next one!
Dmj: Thanks so much for adding the hyperlink to this thread on the "Texas Forum" since I mentioned that I didn't know how ! :) I'm still hoping you are somehow able to make the NT on Thursday!!
Connie
maybe--depends on the car situation--I don't want to have to pay to have a rentail 'detailed'...my pleasure!
Hi Connie, thanks...I need to update that journal. You will love growing tomatoes. I have a blast growing flowering plants as well. My beds are full of all sorts of different flowers/annuals/perennials. My tomatoes get the most attention from me tho. I also have several kinds of peppers and herbs as well.
I think Ms_Merae is trying to get the 8th off so she can go with us. She is going to let me know. She lives over by me so we can go down together if it all works out.
so we are meeting at Whole Foods downtown? What time? and btw, I love the pic of you and your daughter!! Y'all are gorgeous.
Deb, you don't think you will make it?! oh no. When are you coming for Hornstrider's puppies? Has Brandy had them yet? I have not heard from him lately.
Michelle
I'll be there for the day, Connie. I will make a couple of stops (Home Depot, etc.) prior to meeting the group at The Great Outdoors at 9:00. Whole Foods, especially the one on Lamar, is another of my favorite places. This is going to be a FUN day!
Please send the rain north if ya'll have had enough in Austin. We had high chances for a couple of days and did not see a drop.
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
It will be so fun to meet you. Okay, so we meet up at 9am at the Great Outdoors? We have had lots of rain the last two days but it is gone now. However, I checked weather.com and I see little cells of rain up in Killeen/Waco and east of College Station. but not as far north as you.
Michelle
Debbie,
FYI: My husband rents from all the major rentals 280 days a year and sometimes we go to the beach, etc. It can be oh-so-dirty and they don't charge anything for cleaning; that is part of the rental price. (I just asked him...)
Connie
Hey Guys,
Just checking in. I confirm my reservation for 0900 hrs. on the 8th of June @ The Great Outdoors..... :)
I am changing cars though, from my mazda6 to my buick, so could someone dmail me their cell # so when I arrive they can describe themselves to me and we can wave hello for the first initial greeting till the hand shake.
calvin
Hi calvin, we have a picture of connie. here is a picture of me so you know when you see me...the dude in the pic is my DH. fyi. ;) you want to post a pic of you so we can keep our eye out for you?
Michelle
Patricia,
We're excited that you get to spend the entire day with us!!
Michelle,
Thanks for the pic!! You and DH make a very attractive couple!!
Connie
AAwwwwh. Thanks Connie! :)
I will try and get a pic posted. I have to run out of town to Mississippi this sunday morning till WED. Iwill be returning home via Austin and will stay with my Father in-law Wed. night and after the tour return to S.A.
I will be kind of out of touch till Wed. night when I get into Austin. My Grandfather past away this past thurs. evening and the funeral is on Mon. I will be traveling on Sunday then Monday , visiting on Tuesday and travel on wed. I will try post a pic tonight on here and on my member page. Can;t wait to meet yall.
calvin
This message was edited Jun 4, 2006 12:12 AM
Well, I spoke too soon. My DH Robert has been in the hospital since yesterday afternoon, but is stable. His doctors believe he has had a stroke, hopefully mild. CAT scans yesterday and today show no bleeding, but he does have some impairment on the left side and can not walk at this time. His speech and memory are excellent, and, so far, his attitude is wonderful. Neither he nor I are very patient people, so we shall see.
Last night he was given the choice of staying for observation or coming home. He wanted to come home since he was not sure the Rangers ball game would be on TV at the hospital. I prevailed. There was baseball. Tonight he watched baseball for a while, and our younger son arrived in time to watch the Mavericks' basketball game with him.
We are quite hopeful that he will make a full recovery, but I, of course, have to wipe my slate clean at this time.
Ya'll have fun, and I will plan to make the next one!
Pat-
I really enjoyed his company at the RU--my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debbie
Pat,
My prayers will be with you and Robert! He sounds like a fighter...and that's what --so I read--releases the endorphins (sp?) for healing!
Just a suggestion: While you sit at home with DH (or in the hospital) why not check out some plant magazines or books from the library and try to glean some ideas about new plants/ landscaping, etc.? I find that planning is a good way to occupy my mind when I can't actually get into the "dirt"!! :)
We will take lots of pics at the NT / post ....and you can peruse...and hopefully feel a little like you were here!
Connie
Okay, finally got a break from work. First--- Pat my pr's to you and your family. Ihope the observations turn out positve and your DH goes home refreshed and ready to build your new garden bed that you havehad time to plan( while you were waiting) :)
and, Second--- this is the only pic I have on my laptop. Iwish I Had more or better ones. This is my wife Tanya. I have one of y daughter the cute litle red head that she is but she is not looking at the camera so it wouldn't help in identifying and recognition.
Michelle, you and your DH look so familiar. My wifes family lives in Austin, maybe you know them(maybe not) but ya'll look so familiar. My father in-laws last name is kirk and mother in-laws last name is Malony. Do you know people with these last names?
well, time to is running short for me. need to go. See everyone at the NT.
calvin
p.s.-- I will try to find an internet connection in Mississippi so I can keep up, probably will have to wait till I get into Austin though.
forgot to post picture...................... sorry
Calvin,
Thanks of the pic of your beautiful bride! Gotta go...running to church....
I enjoyed meeting Robert at the spring RU. We laughed over my spending money to special order an agarita at my local nursery, while he said you had plenty of them on your property.Please give him my best wishes for a speedy recovery so he will be out in the garden very soon..nancy
Pat, I hope Robert will recover soon with no damage to him, may the Lord be with you and help you in your tribulations.
Love, Josephine.
Pat...when your husband is better and you want to come to Austin and hit the nurseries...bring him with you and he can hang out with my husband while I take you on your own private tour! Would love to meet you. Sandi
Just stumbled across this link from a thread I'd been watching the last time I was kind of active here...2005...heh. I'd really like to go to this; it sounds fun, but I don't think I can get a sitter for Mama that long, but I noticed Loudigger's still around, and we have a newcomer from San Antonio I haven't met yet (caught that corrected time in a thread as I skimmed though it, so I'm guessing Nivlac's a military man...I'm ex-navy, myself), so I think you guys need to plan one of these in San Antonio so I can go and bring her with me! At least I'd be close enough to leave for home if she had some terrible accident that I needed to clean up, if you know what I mean. Let me know how it goes, and as for Margie and Calvin...email me and let's get together! I have soooo many plants that have multiplied or seedlings that have popped up, or plants that have gotten so big I'm wasting great cuttings, bulbs, rhizomes and seedlings by dumping them out or in my compost bin when I'd rather share them with someone (yet I don't have time for too much mailing-sorry). You guys should come over some day cuz I'm always at home with no one to talk to and usually going crazy. Email or call me if you wanna come visit get some plants off my hands! I think Margie's got my number, if not, my email addy is MeiyuDelfs@gmail.com. Everyone have fun in Austin this week!
Meiyu...nice to meet you! Sorry you won't be able to make the NT this time....maybe the next! (Someone was going to get a weekend one going for Austin, but I don't think it ever got started. YOU can start one for San Antonio...just start a new thread under Texas Gardening called "San Antonio Nursery Tour" and see what happens!) I for one would LOVE to drive to SA to tour the best nurseries!!
That is...as long as it's in June or July. I'm a teacher and those are the months I gave to re-fuel!!:)
I'm interested in these plants that I can't seem to find here in Austin or I bought what I saw and there are no more...:(
Connie's Wish List:
all exotic grasses
more blood grass (I love it, but need the 'Red Barron' which is not as invasive)
Hakone grass (golden...I think it's Hakonechloa macra 'Areola')
black mondo grass
black fountain grass (not purple)
Texas native 'Standing Cypress' in ornangy-red
Butterfly weed in SOLID orange...not the orange/yellow comb.
More orange coneflowers (the new cultivars...bright orange...I have 2 of the 'Meadowbrite' orange
Orange and lavender/purple? roses (easy-to-grow ones...I'm not good with them; I have a 'Charisma' and )
more Barberry in the 'Bonanza' cultival (chartreuse green)
any chartreuse plants
Santolina
Persicaria Virginiana in the 'Painter's Palette' cult.
Cheap dwarf yaupons (I like the 5 gal size for 10. or less!...about the size of a beach ball)
Elaeagnus pungens maculata shrubs (golden with green edges) in 5 gal size
Muego (sp?) pines...for a good price; I need about 5
the dogwood bush that has coral-colored branches...don't know name
If anyone sees any of these....I go to SA, Houston, and Dallas --each one time-- to see friends in the summer....let me know!
Thanks, Connie
Connie, check out Walmart for the Dwarf Yaupons. I was desperate to replace a dead one last year before putting our house up for sale. I checked walmart by the house and they had them for much cheaper than I thought they would be. Nice healthy ones too.
I bought and planted a 5 gallon pot in May '05 & by February '06 move out, it was still going strong. I think I watered it maybe 5 times total.