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‘The Garden Spot’ inspires designer to create colorful fabric prints

When is an art exhibit not quite an art exhibit and an art gallery not quite an art gallery?

In Rachelle Roberts‘ exhibit at Seasons Olive Oil Vinegar Taproom, 36 W. King St., the art is an array of textile prints and the paintings that inspired them, and the art gallery is a place where people ordinarily sample and purchase products like herbs de Province olive oil and tangerine balsamic vinegar.

But, like a well-planned meal, it all goes together perfectly.

“We think that the artist and art we are featuring has a certain fresh appeal to our community,” says Micaela Ferrari of Seasons.

The growing trend of displaying art in restaurants, cafés, jewelry shops, coffee shops and tearooms makes artwork, such as that in Roberts’ exhibit, more accessible to the public.

The title of the exhibit is “The Garden Spot.” Roberts, a Lancaster native who graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School, now lives in Bucks County. She is a graduate of Philadelphia University, where she earned a master’s degree in textile design.

“It’s really the oldest school for textile design in the country,” says Roberts, adding that it was founded as the Philadelphia Textile School in 1884, and was affiliated with the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art. Later it was known as the Philadelphia College of Textiles Science, and now Philadelphia University.

In “The Garden Spot,” Roberts draws on the rural culture of Lancaster County, with its farms, flowers, fields, fauna and fowl. Yes, there are chicks and ducks and geese wandering around in one farm-fresh textile design. In her design “Gathering of the Webbed Feet,” the primitive-style feathered farm creatures are accented with fruit trees and flying birds.

Rachelle Roberts 1 — A window display at Seasons Olive Oil and Vinegar Taproom features works by Rachelle Roberts.
*Jeff Ruppenthal/Staff*

Another piece that draws on her Lancaster experience is “Splendid Thistle Finch,” which was inspired by fraktur paintings and Pennsylvania Dutch motifs such as hex signs. The distlefinks — stylized goldfinches — are decorated with whimsical color combinations such as golden yellow, brilliant red and bright turquoise.

“Although the textile designs have primitive elements that are very fun and playful, they also have sophisticated color palettes that lend themselves to functional uses,” says Roberts.

Roberts also takes her inspiration from the flowers and trees of Lancaster gardens. One of her most striking designs, “Midnight Picnic,” features a dark background scattered with gorgeous ivy leaves, berries and blossoms. “Smoky Cornfield” is a repeat pattern of corn and tobacco fields right before the harvest, when everything is a sunlit maize and golden green.

Rachelle Roberts 2 — “Roses,” artwork on paper bag by Rachelle Roberts.
*Jeff Ruppenthal/Staff*

“Forget Me Not My Roots” is the transformation of original chalk and charcoal drawings on brown paper bags, while “Endless Vines” pays tribute to the bugs and moths that buzz about on a summer evening. Roberts even creates a Lancaster County version of the French toile designs in “Farmland Toile,” showing line drawings of farmers toiling away in the fields.

As creative and artful as her designs are, Roberts makes it clear that textile design is as much science as art. They can’t just look pretty, they have to work. The designer has to take into account the type of fabric that will be used, from the lightest of silks to the sturdiest, rustic cottons.

“There is a process that goes into designing textiles that lend themselves to the weight and particular fabric on which it is printed,” says Roberts, noting that today’s digital designs allow for greater flexibility in color and size of the patterns, and techniques range from pigment-based inks to resist dyeing.

Roberts’ talents for textile art has been employed by companies such as Martha Stewart’s Home line and and Butterfly Home Fashions in Brooklyn, N.Y., as well as various swimwear designs. She currently works as a designer with Congoleum flooring company.

“With this exhibit, I am hoping that people will see the possibilities of the textile designs for use in their own homes, kitchens and dining rooms. The exciting part is that these designs can be adapted in many ways, in different colors,” says Roberts.

Consultation to be held to ‘help shape the future of local communities’

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Consultation to be held to ‘help shape the future of local communities’

11:31am Wednesday 12th February 2014 in News

RESIDENTS in South Lakeland are being offered the opportunity to help shape ‘the future of local communities’.

South Lakeland District Council plans to hold several public consultation events before suggestions from local people will be used to help prepare ‘development briefs’ for areas across the district.

“This is a way that residents of South Lakeland can get involved and have their say on the development of these significant sites,” said SLDC’s Councillor Jonathan Brook.

“We welcome suggestions on important issues such as accessibility, landscaping, design and site layout.

“Such local knowledge and information will help to shape the look and feel of these important sites.”

The Development Briefs, which are being prepared following the recent adoption of the Local Plan and its Land Allocations document, will be taken into account when councillors are considering planning applications.

The briefs will also inform developers and other interested groups of the constraints and opportunities presented by each site.

At consultation, between February 17 and March 31, ideas will be welcomed regarding issues such as landscaping, open space, access and design principles.

The public participation events, focussing on specific areas, will be held as follows:

* February 25 – Cross-a-Moor, at Swarthmoor – to be discussed on February 25 at the football club on Park Road, Swarthmoor

* February 27 – Kendal Parks – to be discussed at The Heron Pub, Heron Hill, Kendal

* March 3 – the south and east of Milnthorpe – to be discussed at the Methodist Church Hall, Milnthorpe

* March 6 – the south of Underbarrow Road – to be discussed at the Town Hall Chamber at Kendal Town Hall

* March 10 – Scroggs Wood – to be considered at the Georgian Room at Kendal Town Hall

* March 12 – north of Kendal – to be discussed at Lunesdale Hall, Bective Road, Kirkby Lonsdale

* March 17 – Croftlands – to be considered at the Coronation Hall, Ulverston

* March 20 – Stainbank Green – to be discussed at the Assembly Room, Kendal Town Hall

Residents can drop in and officers will be on hand to discuss issues and options between 11am and 7pm on each of the days.

For more information visit www.southlakeland.gov.uk/development-briefs

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Alamo Heights Terrell Hills Olmos Park Weekly Calendar — Feb. 12-18

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Send your North Central public event notices (including recreational sports) for free to Edmond Ortiz at eortiz@express-news.net; by fax at 250-3350; or by mail to him in c/o North Central News, P.O. Box 2171, San Antonio, TX 78297-2171. Submissions must be received by noon Thursday prior to the next desired Wednesday publication date. Items run on a space-available basis.

ONGOING

Education

Source of Light (SoL) Center at University Presbyterian Church, 300 Bushnell, is offering a variety of community courses, covering topics such as race, yogaia peace yoga, interfaith issues, social justice, writing, ecology and environmentalism. “Native and Special Trees of South Central Texas with Paul W. Cox” is presented 9 a.m.-noon Friday and Feb. 28 ($45). “Yoga as Prayer” is offered 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Feb. 25 ($25). Register by Friday for a community sing of American gospel and spiritual music that SoL will host, featuring the Tanzanian Angel Choir from Africa, and members of Antioch Baptist and University Presbyterian churches 3-5 p.m. Feb. 23 ($20). “Plotting Your Personal Story: Discovering Your Myth” is offered 7-9 p.m. Feb. 21, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 22 ($85). Contact: www.upcsa.org/sol_center or 732-9927.

Gardening Volunteers of South Texas presents a free, public program noon-3 p.m. Monday at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave. Matt Turner talks native plants and signs copies of his book, “Remarkable Plants of Texas.” Also, David Rodriguez, horticulturist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, discusses spring vegetable gardening. Contact: 251-8101 or www.GardeningVolunteers.org.

San Antonio Rose Society will hold a “hands-on” pruning clinic 8 a.m.-noon Tuesday and Feb. 19 at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston. Bring your pruning shears, gardening gloves and wear a hat. Contact: 824-9981 or info@sanantoniogardencenter.org

San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave. hosts a spring floral design school with sessions scheduled for noon-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 18-March 4. Tuition $70. This includes flowers and greenery to complete a take-home project each week. Contact: 824-9981 or info@sanantoniogardencenter.org.

Apply by Feb. 20 for Gardening Volunteers of South Texas’ Watersaver Landscape Design School, set for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 22 at Barshop Jewish Community Center, 12500 N.W. Military Highway. Four presentations will focus on the basics of low-water landscaping, contemporary design ideas, plants that thrive in San Antonio, and drip irrigation installation and management. Also, one-on-one idea consultations with experienced gardeners will be offered. Costs: $25-$40 (fee includes three full-color plant and landscape guides and the CD version of “Drip-Line Gardening”). Contact: 251-8101, or www.GardeningVolunteers.org.

Inspire Fine Art Center, 200 Queen Anne Court, hosts free “Passport to Inspiration”/ Family Art Day 10 a.m.-1 p.m. second Saturdays. Participants pick a stamp, stamp their “passport,” create art projects and have a snack. When the child has four stamps in their passport, he/she receives a free T-shirt and when a child has seven stamps, he/she receives 50 percent off the registration fee for an art class. Contact: 829-5592 or www.inspirefineart.org.

Alamo KidSports is a sport development company teaching soccer, baseball and basketball to children 18 months to 6 years in a non-competitive, fun environment. Alamo KidSports offers weekly 50-minute classes at Spectrum Athletic Club at Alamo Heights. Visit: www.alamototsports.com.

The Playhouse, 800 W. Ashby Place, hosts live theatrical workshops and classes. Contact: 733-7258 or www.ThePlayhouseSA.org.

Land of Virtuosity youth performing arts academy, Scottish Rite Auditorium, 305 Avenue E, offers a variety of classes and special seasonal camps related to all aspects of live theater, film and dance. Contact: 844-4298 or www.landofvirtuosity.org.

Learn chanting “hu,” an ancient name for God, during a free class discussion at 6 p.m. Fridays at the Eckankar Spiritual Center of San Antonio, 1603 W. Lullwood. Regardless of your beliefs or religion, you are invited sing hu with the Texas Satsang Society. Contact: www.Eckankar-Texas.org or 737-6863.

Pinot’s Palette-Alamo Heights, 7959 Broadway, Suite 402, hosts painting classes and special events. Contact: 832-8004 or www.pinotspalette.com/AlamoHeights.

Viva! Bookstore at Viva Galleria, 8407 Broadway, hosts classes, workshops and special events, ranging from exercise and meditation to writing and art. Contact: 826-1143 or www.vivabooks.com.

Unlimited Thought Life Enrichment Center, 5525 Blanco Road, hosts Hatha yoga classes 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $12 per drop-in, $40 for one month. This is open to all ages and levels. Call: 525-0693.

The Josephine Theater, 339 W. Josephine St., is hosting Inish Free School of Irish Dancing classes. Visit: www.inishfreetx.com/Inishfree_Texas/Home.html. Call: 842-6407.

Art Works, 1840 Nacogdoches Road, hosts art classes for ages 2-18, as well as occasional Arts Night Out (parents’ night out). Contact: 826-2787 or www.artworkstx.com.

Entertainment/dining

Piranha Killer Sushi, 260 E. Basse Road, Suite 101, hosts a sake-tasting event each first and third Tuesday night. Cost: $25 (includes five different sakes paired with a small tasting as well as dessert). Today, Piranha offers active and retired military personnel a 15 percent discount on all food items, and all military receive a complimentary beverage.

Barriba Cantina, 111 Crockett St., open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. daily, offers Mexican street food available until closing time. There’s live music 9 p.m. daily, and during the day Fridays through Sundays. Admission is free. Visit: www.barribacantina.com.

Clubs/special interest/business

Join the Alamo Metro Chorus’ Sweet Adelines, the world’s largest women’s singing group, for voice lessons and high-energy performance techniques at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Beitel Memorial Lutheran Church, 2515 Austin Highway. Contact: 514-0976 or www.alamometrochorus.org.

Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, 825 E. Basse Road, hosts Thursday Lunch Bunch at 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Thursdays. People age 50 and older are invited to eat lunch in or takeout. Cost: $5. Call: 805-3215 for reservations.

BNI=Stone Oak Business Network meets 11:30 a.m. Thursdays at The Club at Sonterra, 901 Sonterra Blvd. Contact: http://www.bnidfw.com/tx-san-antonio-bni-stone-oak-business-network-(so).

Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce has a luncheon 11:30 a.m. first Wednesdays at Paesano’s, 555 E. Basse Road. Mixers are held third Thursdays at various member locations. Visit: http://alamoheightschamber.org.

San Antonio Herb Society meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave. Judit Green of Texas Parks and Wildlife will discuss Texas wildlife conservation issues. Admission is free to the public. Visit: www.sanantonioherbs.org.

Alamo Sierra Club meets at 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays at the Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. Admission is free and open to the public. Socializing and snacks begin at 6 p.m. Contact: 828-1233 or gaywright46@yahoo.com.

San Antonio Area Retired Teachers Association hold its monthly meeting 1 p.m. Feb. 19 at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave.

San Antonio Chapter, Sons of The American Revolution, holds its monthly meeting and luncheon at 11:30 a.m. third Wednesdays at The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels Ave. Cost: $23. There will be a guest speaker. Guests and prospective members are welcome. RSVP by the preceding Monday to treasurer Bob Clark, reservations@sarsat.org or 402-0871.

Greater San Antonio Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m. each first and third Thursdays at the Lions Field Adult Center, 2809 Broadway. The first gathering is an educational meeting, the third Thursday is a competition with members presenting alternating digital and print photographs for peer judging and commentary. Admission is free and all skill levels of photographers are welcome. Visit: www.gsacc.org or Facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Greater-San-Antonio-Camera-Club/121865424504012.

San Antonio Calligraphers Guild meets 7 p.m. first Thursdays at Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap Place (except for the summer). Visitors are welcome and may attend two meetings without paying memberships dues. Visit: www.sanantoniocalligraphy.com.

San Antonio Audubon Society holds its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. first Thursdays at The First Tee, 915 E. Mulberry Ave. Contact: 308-6788 or www.saaudubon.org.

San Antonio Audubon Society presents its second Saturday beginners’ bird walk, starting at 7:30 a.m. Meet trip leader Georgina Schwartz at the Judson Nature Trails in Alamo Heights, 246 Viesca. Non-members are welcome and binoculars with instructions can be provided. Contact Schwartz for details: 342-2073 or www.saaudubon.org.

Alamo Chapter of MOAA (Military Officers Association of America) has a Solitaires’ Sunday brunch once a month at the Randolph Officers’ Club. This monthly gathering of single officers (active and retired) or widow(er)s of officers is an opportunity to socialize and just have fun. No registration is necessary; pay as you go. Must be a member of the Alamo-MOAA chapter or be willing to join at the meeting. Visit: www.alamomoaa.org.

Northeast Bexar County Democrats meet at noon first Saturdays at Grady’s BBQ, 6510 San Pedro Ave. Lunch will be available. Admission is free and open to the public. Visit: www.nebcd.org.

Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society holds its monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m. first Saturdays with a social coffee at Central Library, 600 Soledad, first floor auditorium. Contact: Louis Benavides, 735-8717.

Newcomers of San Antonio is a non-for-profit social organization founded in 1981. Membership is open to anyone residing in the greater San Antonio area for two years or less. The group sponsors social events (monthly luncheons each first Thursday, and monthly morning coffees each third Thursday), interest groups (games, book club, evening groups and local day trips), and opportunities for community involvement. Visit: NewcomersofSanAntonio.org.

Rotary Clubs: Alamo Heights, noon Tuesdays at The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels Ave. (www.ahrotary.org).

Lions Clubs: Alamo Heights, 7 p.m. first and third Wednesdays at the Magic Time Machine, 902 N.E. Loop 410. Visit: http://texaslions2a2.org/clubs.html.

Optimist Clubs: Alamo Heights, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Barn Door; Towne and Country, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at Grady’s BBQ on San Pedro Avenue. Visit: www.stxd.org.

Toastmasters Clubs (learn how to get ahead by improving your communication and leadership skills): Alamo Heights, 7 p.m. Wednesdays at University of the Incarnate Word – administrative building Room 265 (www.alamo.freetoasthost.org).

San Antonio Astronomical Association meets at 6:30 p.m. each second Friday at Christ Lutheran Church, 6720 Broadway. Visit: www.sananantonioastronomy.org.

Games/crafts/sports

Olmos Park residents are free to take part in Cycle at the Circle 9-11 a.m. first Saturdays around Alameda Circle. Nearby streets are closed to through traffic during those two hours while bicyclists enjoy the scenery and other activities.

San Antonio Aggie Moms Club holds its second annual Texas Freedom Scholarship Gala 6:30-11:30 p.m. March 1 at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Club to benefit the scholarship fund for Bexar County students attending Texas AM University in College Station or Galveston. This includes dinner, live music, and a silent auction. Tickets: $60 per person. Sponsorships available. Contact: Christi Forestier 391-0634 or ch4estier@yahoo.com; or Katy Gawlik 573-7653 or katgaw@aol.com; or sanantoniomoms.aggienetwork.com.

San Antonio Gaelic Athletic Club’s football practices are open to men and women ages 18 and up, from all backgrounds, at 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at the Olmos Basin Park rugby pitch. SAGAC last year competed in national competition, where it won the Junior D Gaelic Football Shield. Visit: www.sanantoniogac.org or see the club at Facebook.

Geeks Who Drink presents trivia games at 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Lion and Rose Pub, 5148 Broadway. Prizes and free pints are up for grabs. Visit: www.geekswhodrink.com.

Retail/dining

Pearl Brewery, 200 E. Grayson St., holds First Thursdays 5-8 p.m., featuring special deals from Pearl shops along with pop-up sidewalk sales, music and refreshments. Admission is free and open to the public.

Volunteers/charity

RSVP by Tuesday for the San Antonio Musical Club’s annual style show and scholarship luncheon, “Fabulous February Fling,” set for 10:30 a.m. Feb. 21 at the Oak Hills Country Club, 5403 Fredericksbug Road. This includes a silent auction. Cost: $55. Your check is your reservation. Proceeds benefit the Tayloe Memorial Scholarship Fund, helping music majors at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Contact: Helen Henderson, 481-3414.

Legendary Spur George, “The Iceman” Gervin will be the keynote speaker at Alpha Home’s “Doorways of Hope” benefit luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 7 at the Omni San Antonio Hotel, 9821 Colonnade Blvd. Gervin will talk about his cocaine addiction and his almost 20-years of recovery. Additionally, Gayle and Sam Youngblood, community leaders, will be honored at the event for their volunteer involvement and support of Alpha Home’s mission to provide spiritually-based substance abuse prevention and treatment programs. Tickets: $150 individual. Contact: 735-3822 or www.alphahome.org.

Boiler House Texas Grill and Wine Garden, Pearl Brewery, donates 20 percent of net proceeds from dinners each third Monday night to the San Antonio River Foundation. Visit: www.boilerhousesa.com.

Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA), 406 San Pedro Ave., is a nonprofit that recruits and trains volunteers who are appointed by courts to advocate for the “best interest” of abused and neglected children. Volunteers visit with the children and gather information to help a court make informed decisions and ensure that children are placed in safe, permanent homes. CASA offers free volunteer training throughout the year; daytime, evening and weekend training available. Contact: Belinda Cox, bcox@casa-satx.org or 225-7070; or www.casa-satx.org.

Animal welfare

San Antonio Pets Alive! seeks volunteers to work with shelter dogs and cats, as well as qualified individuals willing to foster animals awaiting permanent homes. SAPA also seeks donated items to help support animals in its care. SAPA works with San Antonio Animal Care Services. SAPA holds “My Furry Valentine Weekend” with discounted adoptiong fees Friday through Sunday, and a “speed dating” event for pet seekers 2-4 p.m. Saturday at Paul Jolly Center for Pet Adoptions on 210 Tuleta Dr. Visit: www.sanantoniopetsalive.org.

San Antonio Animal Care Services, 4710 Texas 151, is accepting donations of dog and cat food 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and noon-4 p.m. Sundays, for its pet pantry program. Pet owners in need can obtain pet food with proof of government assistance, a current driver’s license or picture ID and proof of their pet’s sterilization status and current rabies vaccination. Contact: www.saacs.net or 207-4738.

Spay-Neuter-Inject-Project San Antonio seeks donations of resources to help benefit volunteers and adoptable animals. Needed items include paper towels, bleach, trash bags, laundry detergent, collars, leashes, metal crates, cat carriers, copy paper, and gift cards to Office Max or Office Depot. Visit: www.snipsa.org.

Pet Supplies Plus, 1248 Austin Highway, hosts: pet nail clippings for tips 4-7 p.m. third Tuesdays; adoption opportunities with Austin Boxer Rescue 10 a.m.-1 p.m. third Saturdays; adoptions with Alamo Heights Animal Care Services 10 a.m.-1 p.m. fourth Saturdays.

Tejas Rescued Pet Adoptions seeks donations of dry cat and dog food, dog leashes and collars. Monetary donations also are accepted. Visit www.tejasrescues.org to donate via PayPal. Donations can also be mailed to TRPA, P.O. Box 790372, San Antonio, Texas 78279. Call 416-3947 or email TRPA@wt.net for a donation pick-up at your chosen site.

Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation has domestic cats available for adoption 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays at Sherman Animal Care Complex, 137 Earl St. near Olmos Park. Contact: www.wildlife-rescue.org or 830-336-2725.

Non-profit Guide Dogs of Texas seeks area dog lovers to volunteer as puppy raisers and brood holders. Contact: Susana Dias, 366-4081 or susana@guidedogsoftexas.org.

Farmers’ markets

San Antonio Farmers Market Association —7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays at Olmos Basin Park, 100 Jackson-Keller Road. Visit: www.sanantoniofarmersmarket.org.

Pearl Brewery Farmers Market Association — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays at 220 E. Grayson St. (Pet adoptions offered this Saturday.) Visit: www.atpearl.com.

Quarry Farmers and Ranchers Market — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays at Alamo Quarry Market, 255 E. Basse Road. This includes live music, food trucks and the occasional cooking demonstration. Contact: www.quarryfarmersmarket.com or 722-5077.

Galleries/museums

Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, hosts these exhibits: “The World Through Magic Lanterns” through June; “Maximilian and Carlota: Last Empire of Mexico” through March 30; “Alien Worlds and Androids” Feb. 22-May 27. Contact: www.wittemuseum.org or 357-1910.

Cathedral House Gallery, Bishop Jones Center, 111 Torcido Drive, hosts “Illumination,” an exhibit that celebrates the season of Epiphany with works by several artists through February. Call: 824-5387.

Centro Cultural Aztlan, 1800 Fredericksburg Road, hosts “Tierra y Libertad: Segundo de Febrero,” an exhibit commemorating the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexico/U.S. war. Contact: 432-1896 or www.centrocultralaztlan.com.

REM Gallery, 219 E. Park Ave., hosts “Concrete Poetry and Other Poems in Gray” by Kent Rush, and Victoria Suescum’s new works through Feb. 22. Call: 224-1227.

McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave., hosts these exhibits: “Constructing the Stage: Artists from the Theatre Collection” through June 1; “Robert Indiana: Beyond LOVE” through May 25; “Robert Indiana: The Mother Of Us All” through May 25; “Robert Indiana’s Hartley Elegies” through May 25; “The Full Monty: Male Nudes from the Collection” through May 25. McNay is celebrating its 60th anniversary with special events this weekend: Art Music Food Drinks 6-9 p.m. Thursday (with champagne toast); performance of “Love Sweet Love” 6:30 p.m. Friday, including champagne, hors d’oeuvres, dessert and dancing ($10-$15); a 5K run at 10 a.m. Sunday ($25-$35); Free Family Day 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Contact: 805-1768 or www.mcnayart.org.

San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave., hosts these exhibits: “Fray Antonio Margil de Jesús: “Patron Saint of Texas” through March 23; “Eldzier Cortor: Master Printmaker” through March 2; “Thomas Sully: Painted Performance” through May 11. SAMA hosts “Art pARTy” with the Valentine’s theme “Cupid and Psyche” 6-8 p.m. Friday. SAMA hosts the third annual Be My Valentine 5K Run/Walk at 9:30 a.m. Saturday ($40). SAMA hosts “Night at the Museum: A Young Friends Event,” 9 p.m.-midnight Saturday, including drinks, music and food trucks (21-over, free with RSVP). Contact: 978-8100 or www.samuseum.org.

Lyn Belisle Studio, 1824 Nacogdoches Road, hosts art exhibits and special workshops. Contact: www.lynbelisle.com or Lyn Belisle, 860-9468.

PSG Fine Art, 7726 Broadway, hosts “Go West!” an exhibit of works by eight local artists. Call: 824-8990.

San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, hosts: its annual Art in the Garden, featuring sculptures by members of the Texas Sculpture Group, the Mid-South Alliance and the Chicago Sculpture International, through March 1. Contact: 829-5100 or www.sabot.org.

U.S. Army Medical Department Museum Foundation at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston hosts “Men Without Guns,” an exhibit of more than 30 works from the Abbott Laboratories’ 1945 collection of paintings of U.S. Army medicine, through March 8 and is free to the public. Visit: www.ameddmuseumfoundation.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, FEB. 13

San Antonio College theater students present the play “When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder” 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays through Feb. 22, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday and Feb. 23, at McCreless Theater on campus, 1300 San Pedro Ave. Set in a small roadside diner in New Mexico in the late 1960s, the drama is about a few locals and some tourists who intersect one Sunday morning as a sadistic Vietnam veteran holds them all hostage waiting to get his van repaired. Visit: www.alamo.edu/sac/theatre.

San Antonio native Daniel Helminiak discusses and signs copies of his book, “The Transcended Christian,” at 6:30 p.m. at Viva Bookstore, 8407 Broadway.

Performances of “Dial M for Murder” are offered 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays through March 1 at Harlequin Dinner Theater, 2652 Harney Road, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. Dinner is served at 6:15 p.m. Admission: $16.50-$35. Call: 222-9694.

FRIDAY, FEB. 14

Art on the Hill, held 6-10 p.m. every second Friday by the Tobin Hill Art Alliance, gives Tobin Hill neighborhood residents and visitors a chance to explore diverse homes, businesses and galleries between San Antonio College, Trinity University, U.S. 281 and downtown. Open studios, artist’s receptions, refreshments and music will be offered at this free event. Visit: www.tobinarts.com.

Josephine Theater, 339 W. Josephine St., hosts Dulce Lopez and Baruch Vonrossum in “Le Canta Al Amor,” an evening of romantic music from all times, sung in English and Spanish, at 8:30 p.m. Contact: 413-1698 or 734-4646 or www.horwathproductions.com.

San Antonio Symphony presents “A Broadway Valentine,” a concert with three Broadway vocalists singing classic tunes about love, at 8 p.m. at Trinity University’s Laurie Auditorium. Tickets: $15-$69. Contact: www.sasymphony.org or 554-1010

Trinity (University) Theater performs the dark comedy “Crimes of the Heart” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 14-22 at the Taylor Theater building on campus. Tickets: $6-$10. Call: 999-8515.

Overtime Theater, 1203 Camden, hosts performances of “Portmanteaux” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Feb. 22. Tickets: $10-$14. Contact: 557-7562 or www.theovertimetheater.org.

Classic Theatre at the Woodlawn Theatre, 1920 Fredericksburg Road, hosts performances of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, Friday-Feb. 23. Contact: 589-8450 or www.classictheatre.org.

Woodlawn Theater, 1920 Fredericksburg Road, hosts performances of Stephen Sondheim’s fractured fairy tale “Into the Woods” 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays through March 16. On March 9, only a 7:30 p.m. show. Contact: www.woodlawntheatre.org or 267-8388.

San Antonio Environmental Challenges: Opportunities in Resilience, a conference organized by ImagineSanAntonio and Solar San Antonio, takes place Friday and Feb. 21 at Rackspace Hosting, 1 Fanatical Place in Windcrest. This conference will feature presentations by local and national experts who will cover ways to help develop environmental resiliency and adaptability in a community’s infrastructure. Cost: $30-65 (includes breakfast and lunch both days); student discounts available. Visit: www.greensatx.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 15

Luv My Pet offers low-cost pet vaccination opportunities 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Petco, 1211 Austin Highway. Visit: www.luvmypet.com.

San Antonio Pets Alive! benefits from “Looming for Pets” noon-3 p.m. at Paul Jolly Center for Adoptions, 210 Tuleta. In this picnic, children can come and make loomed jewelry and donate funds raised to SAPA. Visit: www.sanantoniopetsalive.org.

Retired local journalist and Alamo Heights resident Joe Carroll Rust will discuss and sign copies of his fourth book, “Making San Antonio: The Story of San Antonio Manufacturing,” 4-6 p.m. at The Twig Book Shop at Pearl, 306 Pearl Parkway. The book marks the centennial of the San Antonio Manufacturers Association.

SUNDAY, FEB. 16

Vanguard Veterinary Associates offers low-cost vaccinations for dogs and cats 9-11 a.m. at H-E-B, 1955 Nacogdoches Road. VVA also offers heartworm screenings and preventatives, flea and tapeworm medications, and feline leukemia and AIDS tests. Visit: www.vanguardvet.com.

MONDAY, FEB. 17

Youth Orchestras of San Antonio Philharmonic performs with guest artist Christopher O’Riley, host of public radio’s “From the Top,” 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Trinity University’s Laurie Auditorium. The event includes SAY Sí at the Symphony “Pictures at an Exhibition,” featuring video and media art created by SAY Sí artists. Tickets: $5-$19. Contact: 737-0097 or www.yosa.org.

Trinity University’s Laurie Auditorium hosts a 7:30 p.m. concert with Yosaif Krohn, who writes his own lyrics, and plays the saxophone, piano and guitar. Tickets: $19.

TUESDAY, FEB. 18

Tuesday Musical Club presents pianist Benjamin Grosvenor at 2 p.m. at Laurel Heights United Methodist Church, 227 W. Woodlawn. Tickets: $25; students free with ID. Contact: 382-2147 or www.satmc.org.

FEB. 19

Graduating high school senior women and a parent are invited to a Panhellenic Association of San Antonio sorority recruitment information forum 6:30-8 p.m. at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church/Christian Life Center, 825 E. Basse Road. San Antonio Panhellenic member sororities will each have a display table with alumnae and a collegian available to answer general and specific questions. A Panhellenic presentation will also have information with correct recruitment processes and procedures. Visit: www.sapanhellenic.org.

Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Keith Nguyen leads a free, public program, “Innovations in Cardiovascular Disease,” at noon at Group Room, TriPoint YMCA, 3233 N. St. Mary’s St. Register at: 575-0355. Visit: www.SAHealth.com/HeartandSoul.

FEB. 20

College students are invited to learn about communications careers during a “Meet the Pros” event 6-8 p.m. in the Nursing and Allied Health Complex, Room 218, at San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio Chapter of the Association for Women in Communications (AWC) and the SAC Media Communications Department are helping future communicators learn about what they will do in their chosen careers during this networking event. Cost: $5. Register at: AWCMeetThePros@gmail.com. Visit: www.awcsa.com.

FEB. 26

World Affairs Council of San Antonio announces that former San Antonio Mayor and ex-Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs Henry G. Cisneros will receive its International Citizen Award at a dinner 6 p.m. at Marriott Rivercenter, 101 Bowie. Former President Bill Clinton will be the evening’s keynote speaker. Contact: 308-9494 or Eleanor@wacofsa.org.

Work on Manor House proceeds – The-News

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Macedonia — Plans are moving forward to spruce up Longwood Manor and make it available for public use by 2015 pending a resolution confirming a conditional use zoning certificate that Council left at first reading during its Jan. 21 Council meeting.

“One of the things that was determined within the legislation that was first passed giving them an extension was that they needed to identify the purpose,” Mayor Don Kuchta said. “This legislation identifies that purpose.”

Council approved an ordinance in February 2012 giving the Longwood Manor Historical Society 12 months to form a plan to restore the building after the city’s building commissioner condemned the house in 2007 for numerous building violation codes. A year later, Council gave the society an extended permit of 18 months “for the purposes of making a restoration assessment and thereafter the creation of architectural plans and thereafter restoration of the building.”

The 90-year-old house and the 300 acres of property surrounding it belonged to Macedonia’s first mayor, Col. William Frew Long. Before he died, Long donated the house and the rest of his land to the city, the YMCA and two area churches.

The conditional use permit was approved by the city’s Planning Commission at its Dec. 23 meeting but it still needs to be approved by Council. Councilwoman Rita Darrow, who also serves as Council’s representative to the Planning Commission, confirmed that City Planner Brian Frantz said even though Longwood Manor is zoned R1 residential, it falls within the plan for a permit under “community facilities” as a conditional use under the society’s intentions to use the home.

“It is the intent of LMHS to have Longwood Manor placed on the National Register of Historic Places and to preserve the home in its historic condition for tours and non-profit activities including receptions, graduations, private parties and meetings, holiday celebrations, veteran’s observances, music recitals, arts and crafts displays, education classes and senior activities,” the plan states. “The intention is to open the first and second floors for public assembly with a maximum occupancy of 49 persons. All activities will confirm with the City of Macedonia statutes.”

Dan Havilchek, the society’s vice president, said they have many ideas for the use of the house, including adding a section dedicated to memorabilia from the wars.

“We want to have a small area where these people can donate or loan their things to us,” he said, adding that he think it would be fitting because Col. Long was a veteran of WWI and WWII.

John Cassmer, the society’s president, said he is currently working with an architect to submit plans to wire the first and second floors of the building, which would not only allow lighting but also heat to the Manor House.

“We’ve done a lot of the repair work,” said John Cassmer, the society’s president, adding that they have replaced the roof, filled in holes in the landscaping, repaired damage caused by a leaking roof and replaced a flatroof on the balcony of the building. “We’re going to finish the repairs and ask for a lease to lease the Manor House from the city.”

If everything goes according to plan, Cassmer said he plans on making the Manor House available to the public by 2015.

Email: rhagenbaugh@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-541-9432

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Healing gardens program launched in Windsor-Essex

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The Naturalized Habitat Network has launched a healing gardens program and is looking for about 100 people from Windsor or Essex County to take part in it.

It’s a new direction for the non-profit network, which has been focused on getting gardeners to plant native plants.

“We’ve always been about helping people heal this landscape and this is turning the whole equation on its head,” said the Naturalized Habitat Network’s program co-ordinator Dan Bissonnette.

Healing gardens are not about planting medicinal herbs but about the psychology of a well laid out landscape, Bissonnette said.

It could be a memorial garden for a family member who died or a garden that will create a backdrop for meditation. Bissonnette said one woman created a garden celebrating that she had overcome breast cancer. He’s hoping he can help people coping with stress, mental illness or a past trauma create their own healing gardens.

He said such gardens are very personal and every one will be unique. They could draw on Japanese garden landscaping, European Monastic gardens or use First Nations traditions, he said. Native plants will be encouraged along with fragrant ones.

A series of classes begin in March. There will be evening classes in Windsor, Essex, Puce and Kingsville and Saturday morning classes in Leamington and LaSalle. The cost is $40.

Registrations will be accepted during February. For more information visit www.naturalizedhabitat.org or call 519-259-2407.

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cgd landscape design win prestigious international award for the creation of …

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The brief was to transform a steep, sandy hillside in Moscow’s affluent Barvikha suburb into a breathtaking, romantic English country garden. It took a staggering seven years to complete, but garden designers Sally Court and Helen Billetop are now reaping the rewards as their hard work was recognised at the recent, prestigious Society of Garden Designers’ 2013 Garden Design Awards.

London-based Sally and Helen of cgd landscape design had to contend with numerous challenges in the creation of this spectacular garden – which earned them the coveted Gold International Award at the ceremony – such as freezing temperatures, navigating the Russian planning process, liaising with an onsite team who didn’t share a common language and sourcing materials both locally and internationally.

The judges recognised the unique complexities of the scheme commenting: “A very difficult brief successfully implemented to create a sophisticated and accomplished piece of design that is the essence of an English garden. There was a good sequence of spaces and a high standard of execution despite logistical challenges.”

“It’s the cherry on the icing on the cake,” says Sally. “We were just overwhelmed. This award means our peers have recognised the work – and the high quality of the work – that we have put into the garden.”

Recognition by the SGD is just the latest in a string of awards. In 2013, the Barvikha garden won Landscape of the Year and Gold Best Overseas Garden/Landscape at the New Homes Gardens Awards as well as First Place in the Residential Gardens category at the Dom ne Brestskov Landscape Architecture exhibition in Moscow. In 2012, the American Association of Professional Landscape Designers (ALPD) gave a Gold Award for Planting Design and a Merit Award in the Residential Design category.

As expected, the garden – the first of its kind in Moscow – has garnered plenty of interest from the Russian press.

Set in the grounds of a Dacha (a country house), the exuberant 2.5 acre garden contains all the elements one would expect from an English country garden such as a rose garden, a glass house and herb parterre, extensive fruit plantings, a summerhouse, woodland walks, wetland plantings along a drainage stream, a meadow area and massed bulb planting not forgetting the quintessential English herbaceous and shrub borders. Sally and Helen undertook extensive research to find plants that would create the same ambiance as found in our great English gardens but would survive the harsh Moscow climate, where temperatures can plunge to an icy -30° in the winter and soar to +40° in the summer.

Likewise, a creative approach was needed in bringing a truly English feel to the hard-landscaping elements of the garden.

“We are very capable of creating English style using materials found within the country if they are available, but in this case, they weren’t,” says Sally. “So we brought the stone in from Yorkshire, the bricks from Lancashire, the glasshouse from Hampshire and the summerhouse in Somerset. The bespoke fences, trellis and arches were made locally from our designs.”

“By using both local and international materials and combining these we were able to create and garden that had an ethos of an English country garden where you can walk from one small garden area into another, a natural succession of spaces that connect happily with each other; open spaces, secret areas, grassy areas and deep borders, vistas and intimate places.”

As many of the existing pine and birch trees were protected by preservation orders, Sally made sure that promoting the bio-diversity onsite became an integral part of the brief. Insect hotels, bug and bird boxes were made and fixed to the trees and wild flower meadows were sown. In order for that process to continue, the team has been teaching the onsite gardeners how to continue working sympathetically with the environment.

Working from a studio in West London, cgd landscape design has built up an impressive and varied portfolio of projects – ranging from large country estates to city gardens, from courtyards to roof gardens, from family gardens to public parks. Sally and Helen’s gardens have reaped numerous medals at both Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows.

For further information, contact:

Helen or Sally on 02088920118
email: enquiries@cgd-landscape-design.com
Web: www.cgd-landscape-design.com

This press release was distributed by SourceWire News Distribution on behalf of e-Zone UK in the following categories:
Construction Property, Men’s Interest, Entertainment Arts, Leisure Hobbies, Home Garden, Women’s Interest, Environment Nature.
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Landscaping for all seasons

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A Member of the Guardsman Group of companies, Nature’s Paradise was founded in 2002 and specialises in the sale of perennials, annuals and exotic plants such as orchids, ferns, Guzman’s, peanuts, gerberas, silver lady/dollar fern, marigolds, plumbagos, crown of thorns, vincas, celosia, bougainvillea, and more.

The company also provides landscaping, maintenance of landscaped areas, creating and maintaining water features, planting and maintaining grass, pruning especially during the hurricane season, plants rental and sale of a wide variety of palms.

Persons interested in exotic koi fish for ponds and other tropical fish for aquariums – whether commercial or residential will be able to get them in the newly established aquaculture arm of the company.

“We breed, grow and supply ornamental fish such as angels, discus, oscar, Japanese koi, goldfish, tetras, barbs, guppies, mollies, gourami, etc. This division has aquariums available for rent for residential and commercial markets; we also maintain them,” said Sheila McNeill of Guardsman.

They offer landscaping to residential and commercial properties, and these include native gardens which require lower maintenance as the plants are suited for Jamaica’s climate and terrain. Also, in times of drought these are tolerant and can cope with the water restrictions.

security

If you need container gardens, water features, perennial and annual gardens, landscape renovations, pruning services, Nature’s Paradise is up to the task. Recently, the company has been designing landscapes that take security into consideration. These are gardens that deter intruders.

There are 50 persons employed to the company and they see room for growth once the service provided is good and the client is satisfied.

Among the most popularly requested household plant/flower at this time of year are spathiphyllum, aglaonema, dracaena cane, and almost always orchids and impatiens or blooming plants and, of course, roses for Valentine’s Day.

For more about the Guardsman Group, visit:www.jamaica-gleaner. com, click on VIDEOS and watch Corporate Coffee Mornings with Barbara Ellington.

A new home often means a new garden: tips for getting acquainted with it

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But there is more to moving day than unpacking boxes; there’s also learning to care for that garden inherited with the new home.

If you were thinking ahead, you asked for an inventory of the plants and accessories that came with the house.

“There’s no problem with asking owners for a list of landscape items and for an explanation about the plantings,” said Shirley French, an agent with the Woodstock, Va., office of Funkhouser Real Estate Group. “Usually, the owners are more than happy to give you a list. In fact, if they know the purchasers are interested, that will make for good feelings on both sides.”

Gardening priorities are determined mostly by the seasons. You won’t be mowing the lawn in February, although you might be combing the seed catalogues.

But where to start with a newly purchased property?

Michael Becker, president of Estate Gardeners Inc. in Omaha, Neb., suggests that putting safety first.

“Check out the dangers,” said Becker, a spokesman for Planet, the Professional Landcare Network that certifies green industry professionals. “Are the retaining walls stable? Are any trees leaning or diseased with dead branches?

“Assess the hardscape,” Becker said. “Is anything heaving, creating tripping hazards? Examine the drainage around the house. More often than not, it isn’t correct and may be damaging the structure. Bring in some professionals to help sort things out.”

As for plantings, be patient with the perennials.

“Go through the seasonal changes,” Becker said. “Learn what things look like in your yard. Determine if it’s esthetically what you want, or if it’s so high-maintenance you won’t have the time to care for it. Most perennials need pruning and deadheading.”

Other things to consider when dealing with an unfamiliar landscape:

— Make note of the average frost dates. Do soil tests. Map the yard for sun and shade. “If you live in the city and all you have is a porch or a patio to work with, where is all that water going to go that you’ll be putting on plants?” asked Josh Kane, president and head designer at Kane Landscapes Inc. in Sterling, Va. “Also, where do you get the water? You’ll have to figure out how to care for everything.”

— Water fixtures. “Look for care instructions when dealing with special features,” Kane said. “A lot of people get put off or are scared of things like koi ponds, pools and fountains that require startups, maintenance and attention during the seasons.”

— Don’t try to do everything the first year. Mulching will keep the weeds down. Composting will improve the soil. Bringing in some annuals for window boxes, hanging baskets or containers will provide instant colour. “Nothing gives you as much impact in a garden as planting annuals,” Kane said.

— Anticipate. Avoid planting trees or shrubs near sewer or water lines, to prevent root damage. Study the plat map for restrictions that could prevent expansions or additions. “A lot of people might want to build a big outdoor room or pool and find they can’t do it because of an easement on the property,” Kane said.

Tips for getting to know the garden of a new home

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Originally published: February 10, 2014 7:18 PM
Updated: February 10, 2014 7:24 PM

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A new home owner’s pre-built Sunshine GardenHouse, on Feb. 4, 2013, was made from a kit to greatly extend the growing season. (Credit: AP / Dean Fosdick)

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Americans are a restless bunch. They change locations with a frequency that would tire a migrating songbird.

But there is more to moving day than unpacking boxes; there’s also learning to care for that garden inherited with the new home.

If you were thinking ahead, you asked for an inventory of the plants and accessories that came with the house.

PHOTOS: Plants that promote a healthy garden | Invasive plants and alternatives | Your garden photos | Helping critters in winter

MORE: Garden Detective blog | Gardening 101

Gardening priorities are determined mostly by the seasons. You won’t be mowing the lawn in February, although you might be combing the seed catalogs.

But where to start with a newly purchased property?

Michael Becker, president of Estate Gardeners Inc. in Omaha, Neb., suggests that putting safety first.

As for plantings, be patient with the perennials.

“Go through the seasonal changes,” Becker said. “Learn what things look like in your yard. Determine if it’s aesthetically what you want, or if it’s so high-maintenance you won’t have the time to care for it. Most perennials need pruning and deadheading.”

Other things to consider when dealing with an unfamiliar landscape:

— Make note of the average frost dates. Do soil tests. Map the yard for sun and shade. “If you live in the city and all you have is a porch or a patio to work with, where is all that water going to go that you’ll be putting on plants?” asked Josh Kane, president and head designer at Kane Landscapes Inc. in Sterling, Va. “Also, where do you get the water? You’ll have to figure out how to care for everything.”

— Water fixtures. “Look for care instructions when dealing with special features,” Kane said. “A lot of people get put off or are scared of things like koi ponds, pools and fountains that require startups, maintenance and attention during the seasons.”

— Don’t try to do everything the first year. Mulching will keep the weeds down. Composting will improve the soil. Bringing in some annuals for window boxes, hanging baskets or containers will provide instant color. “Nothing gives you as much impact in a garden as planting annuals,” Kane said.

— Anticipate. Avoid planting trees or shrubs near sewer or water lines, to prevent root damage. Study the plat map for restrictions that could prevent expansions or additions. “A lot of people might want to build a big outdoor room or pool and find they can’t do it because of an easement on the property,” Kane said.

Gardening Tips For Indian Climate

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THE BEST URBAN HOME GARDENING SECRETS

With the diverse climatic conditions, gardening and garden care becomes a little difficult. Every plant has a sustainable quality for different Indian climates.

There are different gardening tips for different Indian climate. In this article we will discuss a few common gardening tips for Indian gardens.

1.Selection of the plant – The first gardening tip for Indian climate is the selection of plants. The plants, shrubs or flowers selected for your garden should be compatible with the climate of your area. It is pointless to choose a water requiring plant in an area which has dry climate. Similarly, it is not fruitful to choose a temperature sensitive plant in an area with extreme weather conditions.

2. Fighting abilities – Indian climate is unpredictable. Therefore, a good gardening tip would include use of plants which have high resistance to climatic conditions, diseases and soil conditions. Use plants that are sturdy to survive every climatic challenge thrown on them.

3.Easy to care – When using plants for gardening, chose such plants that have minimal maintenance. Indian climate varies drastically in every area. High maintenance plants are tough to grow as you need to put in a lot of care for the plants. Also, the survival of low maintenance plants is much higher than high maintenance plants. DO YOU CARE FOR YOUR POTTED PLANTS?

4.Water – Water is the basic necessity of plants. Chose a plant with minimal water requirement if you live in an arid or semi arid regions. Chose a plant which can survive with excess water if you live in a wet area with heavy rains. Water should be provided to the plants according to their needs.

5.Sunlight – Sunlight is needed for the growth of plants. Whatever climatic condition you are living in, you must make sure that the plants in your garden should be exposed to sunlight for a minimum of 3 hours in a day. This is an important gardening tip for Indian gardens.

6.Seasonal rotation – Use seasonal plants in your garden to enhance the soil fertility and maintain quality of plants. Change plants according to their suitable seasons. This gardening tip is good for people who can regularly change their garden plants and have ample time to redo the garden every season.

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