Today it’s Rose Park, but many residents in the neighborhood still refer to it as Garfield Park.

It was the playground for Thomas Andrew Miles, who grew up across the street.

“I would come to the park at 8 a.m. and go home at dark in the summer and before and after school,” he said. “I would cross the park going and coming from school.”

In those days there was ice skating, tennis, baseball and watching games. “It was part of my home,” he smiled.

Today he’s 64, still lives in the neighborhood and still goes to the same 9-acre park at 3045 N. King Drive every day.

Now he checks out the Internet on the computers at the park’s Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center, works out in the fitness facility, has some lunch and gets to know the other seniors who come for activities.

Like many others at the center and in the neighborhood, he said he would like to see the park spruced up and improved with more activities to attract a new generation.

Last week over pizza, chicken wings and lemonade, about 35 residents and interested parties attended the second of two meetings that have been scheduled by the Harambee Great Neighborhood Initiative to start drafting ideas, plans and a vision to redevelop and reinvigorate the park.

“The county has done a good job of maintaining the park, but we think there are things we can do to enhance the park, and we want to work with the county and others,” said J. Allen Stokes, coordinator of the Harambee Initiative.

Milwaukee County Parks Director John Dargle attended the meeting and praised the group for doing the groundwork to provide the county with information on what residents would like to see in the park.

“It helps us as we go forward with a physical assessment and what repairs and improvements are needed,” he said.

County Supervisor Willie Johnson also attended the meeting and told the group that in the 2014 budget, the county has allocated $14,900 to reconstruct the basketball courts.

As the planning continues, it’s important to also look for ways to finance projects, he said.

Once plans are developed, applications will be made for grants from foundations and other private sources, said Leif Otteson, a community organizer with the Harambee Initiative. Forming a Friends of Rose Park also may be considered to gather support, he said.

Two years ago, students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Architecture’s Community Design Solutions drew up plans for a “what if” project for Rose Park as a class exercise.

Now those plans have been pulled out, and some students are working with residents and others to draw up new possibilities for the park.

Today the park contains a softball field, two basketball courts, playground, wading pool, a storage or bath house, the senior center and 70 parking stalls.

Residents’ wish list

At last week’s visioning sessions, residents quickly drew up a long wish list for the park that included: an ice skating rink, bandstand, community gardens, new landscaping, native plants, a water fountain, modern lighting, soccer field, bike and walking paths, a children’s area, benches, an amphitheater, picnic tables and improvements to the basketball and softball fields.

When Lashante Nickson, 10, was told by her godmother she would be attending the meeting on ideas for the park, the young girl drew up her own plans with a pencil and paper that included tire swings and a teeter totter.

Her godmother, Keya Shumpert, said she grew up at the park and would like to see it be more “kid-friendly.”

“We don’t come now because there’s not much to do,” she said.

For the last 30 years, Ronald Radcliff has been playing softball at the park. “I’ve been playing since I was 18. I still play and I love it,” he said.

“I’ve been hoping something would happen to improve the park, because other parks are getting fixed up,” he said.

There’s been a park on this spot since 1866, when it was called Schuetzen (Rifleman’s) Park, according to a history of the park included in the UWM plans. Programs included a rifle range, beer garden, bowling alley, dance hall and saloon.

In 1891, it was sold to the Pabst Brewery and renamed Pabst Park. It was turned into an amusement park with a roller coaster, carousel and fun house.

Then, in 1921, Pabst Park was renamed Garfield Park after the 20th president of the United States. The city turned over the park to the county in 1937.

In the 1970s it was renamed, first in honor of County Supervisor Clinton Rose. Later the name of his wife, Bernice, who succeeded him on the County Board, was added. In 1982, the senior center was constructed.

Today it’s Rose Park, but many residents in the neighborhood still refer to it as Garfield Park.

It was the playground for Thomas Andrew Miles, who grew up across the street.

“I would come to the park at 8 a.m. and go home at dark in the summer and before and after school,” he said. “I would cross the park going and coming from school.”

In those days there was ice skating, tennis, baseball and watching games. “It was part of my home,” he smiled.

Today he’s 64, still lives in the neighborhood and still goes to the same 9-acre park at 3045 N. King Drive every day.

Now he checks out the Internet on the computers at the park’s Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center, works out in the fitness facility, has some lunch and gets to know the other seniors who come for activities.

Like many others at the center and in the neighborhood, he said he would like to see the park spruced up and improved with more activities to attract a new generation.

Last week over pizza, chicken wings and lemonade, about 35 residents and interested parties attended the second of two meetings that have been scheduled by the Harambee Great Neighborhood Initiative to start drafting ideas, plans and a vision to redevelop and reinvigorate the park.

“The county has done a good job of maintaining the park, but we think there are things we can do to enhance the park, and we want to work with the county and others,” said J. Allen Stokes, coordinator of the Harambee Initiative.

Milwaukee County Parks Director John Dargle attended the meeting and praised the group for doing the groundwork to provide the county with information on what residents would like to see in the park.

“It helps us as we go forward with a physical assessment and what repairs and improvements are needed,” he said.

County Supervisor Willie Johnson also attended the meeting and told the group that in the 2014 budget, the county has allocated $14,900 to reconstruct the basketball courts.

As the planning continues, it’s important to also look for ways to finance projects, he said.

Once plans are developed, applications will be made for grants from foundations and other private sources, said Leif Otteson, a community organizer with the Harambee Initiative. Forming a Friends of Rose Park also may be considered to gather support, he said.

Two years ago, students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Architecture’s Community Design Solutions drew up plans for a “what if” project for Rose Park as a class exercise.

Now those plans have been pulled out, and some students are working with residents and others to draw up new possibilities for the park.

Today the park contains a softball field, two basketball courts, playground, wading pool, a storage or bath house, the senior center and 70 parking stalls.

Residents’ wish list

At last week’s visioning sessions, residents quickly drew up a long wish list for the park that included: an ice skating rink, bandstand, community gardens, new landscaping, native plants, a water fountain, modern lighting, soccer field, bike and walking paths, a children’s area, benches, an amphitheater, picnic tables and improvements to the basketball and softball fields.

When Lashante Nickson, 10, was told by her godmother she would be attending the meeting on ideas for the park, the young girl drew up her own plans with a pencil and paper that included tire swings and a teeter totter.

Her godmother, Keya Shumpert, said she grew up at the park and would like to see it be more “kid-friendly.”

“We don’t come now because there’s not much to do,” she said.

For the last 30 years, Ronald Radcliff has been playing softball at the park. “I’ve been playing since I was 18. I still play and I love it,” he said.

“I’ve been hoping something would happen to improve the park, because other parks are getting fixed up,” he said.

There’s been a park on this spot since 1866, when it was called Schuetzen (Rifleman’s) Park, according to a history of the park included in the UWM plans. Programs included a rifle range, beer garden, bowling alley, dance hall and saloon.

In 1891, it was sold to the Pabst Brewery and renamed Pabst Park. It was turned into an amusement park with a roller coaster, carousel and fun house.

Then, in 1921, Pabst Park was renamed Garfield Park after the 20th president of the United States. The city turned over the park to the county in 1937.

In the 1970s it was renamed, first in honor of County Supervisor Clinton Rose. Later the name of his wife, Bernice, who succeeded him on the County Board, was added. In 1982, the senior center was constructed.

Today it’s Rose Park, but many residents in the neighborhood still refer to it as Garfield Park.

It was the playground for Thomas Andrew Miles, who grew up across the street.

“I would come to the park at 8 a.m. and go home at dark in the summer and before and after school,” he said. “I would cross the park going and coming from school.”

In those days there was ice skating, tennis, baseball and watching games. “It was part of my home,” he smiled.

Today he’s 64, still lives in the neighborhood and still goes to the same 9-acre park at 3045 N. King Drive every day.

Now he checks out the Internet on the computers at the park’s Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center, works out in the fitness facility, has some lunch and gets to know the other seniors who come for activities.

Like many others at the center and in the neighborhood, he said he would like to see the park spruced up and improved with more activities to attract a new generation.

Last week over pizza, chicken wings and lemonade, about 35 residents and interested parties attended the second of two meetings that have been scheduled by the Harambee Great Neighborhood Initiative to start drafting ideas, plans and a vision to redevelop and reinvigorate the park.

“The county has done a good job of maintaining the park, but we think there are things we can do to enhance the park, and we want to work with the county and others,” said J. Allen Stokes, coordinator of the Harambee Initiative.

Milwaukee County Parks Director John Dargle attended the meeting and praised the group for doing the groundwork to provide the county with information on what residents would like to see in the park.

“It helps us as we go forward with a physical assessment and what repairs and improvements are needed,” he said.

County Supervisor Willie Johnson also attended the meeting and told the group that in the 2014 budget, the county has allocated $14,900 to reconstruct the basketball courts.

As the planning continues, it’s important to also look for ways to finance projects, he said.

Once plans are developed, applications will be made for grants from foundations and other private sources, said Leif Otteson, a community organizer with the Harambee Initiative. Forming a Friends of Rose Park also may be considered to gather support, he said.

Two years ago, students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Architecture’s Community Design Solutions drew up plans for a “what if” project for Rose Park as a class exercise.

Now those plans have been pulled out, and some students are working with residents and others to draw up new possibilities for the park.

Today the park contains a softball field, two basketball courts, playground, wading pool, a storage or bath house, the senior center and 70 parking stalls.

Residents’ wish list

At last week’s visioning sessions, residents quickly drew up a long wish list for the park that included: an ice skating rink, bandstand, community gardens, new landscaping, native plants, a water fountain, modern lighting, soccer field, bike and walking paths, a children’s area, benches, an amphitheater, picnic tables and improvements to the basketball and softball fields.

When Lashante Nickson, 10, was told by her godmother she would be attending the meeting on ideas for the park, the young girl drew up her own plans with a pencil and paper that included tire swings and a teeter totter.

Her godmother, Keya Shumpert, said she grew up at the park and would like to see it be more “kid-friendly.”

“We don’t come now because there’s not much to do,” she said.

For the last 30 years, Ronald Radcliff has been playing softball at the park. “I’ve been playing since I was 18. I still play and I love it,” he said.

“I’ve been hoping something would happen to improve the park, because other parks are getting fixed up,” he said.

There’s been a park on this spot since 1866, when it was called Schuetzen (Rifleman’s) Park, according to a history of the park included in the UWM plans. Programs included a rifle range, beer garden, bowling alley, dance hall and saloon.

In 1891, it was sold to the Pabst Brewery and renamed Pabst Park. It was turned into an amusement park with a roller coaster, carousel and fun house.

Then, in 1921, Pabst Park was renamed Garfield Park after the 20th president of the United States. The city turned over the park to the county in 1937.

In the 1970s it was renamed, first in honor of County Supervisor Clinton Rose. Later the name of his wife, Bernice, who succeeded him on the County Board, was added. In 1982, the senior center was constructed.

Water has become a critical issue for most Texans. And while recent rainfall has raised area lake levels and eased local water restrictions; booming populations are increasing the demand on the areas limited water supply. Seasonal fluctuations in rainfall and periodic droughts create a feast-to-famine cycle for residence living in the Coastal Bend. In urban areas, about 25 percent of the water supply is used to water landscapes and gardens. In the summer, as much as 60 percent of the water the average household uses may be used for landscape maintenance. Many landscapes require large amounts of water and much of this water is applied inefficiently. While adopting efficient lawn irrigation techniques can help save large amounts of water, a comprehensive program of landscape water conservation can dramatically reduce landscape water demand.

This idea is better known as Xeriscape landscaping but it need not be all cactus and rocks. A Xeriscape landscape has plenty of room for lush turf grass and shade trees. There are seven water saving principals of Xeriscape landscaping: planning and design, soil analysis and preparation, practical turf areas, appropriate plant selection, efficient irrigation, use of mulches, and appropriate maintenance. None of these practices are new and by incorporating these seven principles, you can help preserve our most precious natural resource – water.

Planning and design is the starting point for any water wise landscape. Consider how you use the various areas of your yard, how you want your yard to look, the amount of maintenance you plan to give it, and the budget you can afford. When designing the landscape, keep in mind that turf grasses need more water and maintenance than most other plants. To conserve water, reduce the size of the lawn by including patios, decks, shrub beds and groundcovers in the landscape design. Also consider the ease of watering turf areas. Areas that are long and narrow, small, or oddly shaped are difficult to water efficiently. Confine grass to blocky, square areas that are easier to maintain. The purpose of planning is to design a landscape that will have the appearance and function you desire while conserving water. You can implement your landscape design gradually over several years.

Prepare your soil by starting with a good soil test. Soil analysis will show whether the soil should be improved so that it will absorb and hold moisture better. Most soils benefit greatly from organic matter. Adding organic matter to the soil of shrub and flower bed areas makes plants healthier. Organic matter also helps the soil absorb and store water. As a rule-of-thumb, till in 4 to 6 inches of organic material such as shredded pine bark, compost or leaves.

Select trees, shrubs and groundcovers that are adapted to your region’s soil and climate. The use of native plants in Texas landscapes has become extremely popular. Combining Texas natives with well adapted exotic plants is one key to a beautiful, interesting landscape that conserves water. Native plants generally use less water than exotic plants, but there is room for both in well-designed landscapes. Native Texas plants are becoming more available at retail nurseries and garden centers.

While tremendous amounts of water are applied to lawns and gardens, much of it is never absorbed by the plants and put to use. Some water runs off because it is applied too rapidly, and some water evaporates from exposed, un-mulched soil. But the greatest waste of water is applying too much too often. When too much water is applied to the landscape it can leach nutrients deep into the soil away from plant roots, and possibly pollute groundwater. Runoff also can cause pollution by carrying fertilizers and pesticides into streams and lakes. These problems can be eliminated with proper watering techniques. The key to watering lawns is to apply the water only when the grass needs it, but thoroughly saturating the soil profile to a 6 inch depth with each watering.

In addition to irrigation scheduling, irrigation application methods can be improved to decrease water usage. For tree and shrub watering around the dripline (the area directly below the outermost reaches of the branches) is highly efficient, not watering at the trunk. Simply lay a slowly running hose on the ground and move it around the dripline as the area becomes saturated to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. If you use sprinklers to water turf, make sure the sprinkler heads are positioned properly to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways. Also adjust sprinkler heads so that they spray large droplets of water instead of a fog or fine mist, which evaporates quickly and may drift away with the wind. Water between late evening and mid-morning so that water will not evaporate quickly and be wasted. Drip irrigation is an alternative to sprinkler irrigation systems that is highly efficient. Efficient irrigation can save 30 to 50 percent of the water bill for an average home.

Use mulch in flower and shrub beds to reduce water evaporation from the soil. Mulch is a layer of nonliving material covering the soil surface around plants. Mulches can be organic materials such as pine bark, compost and woodchips; or inorganic materials such as lava rock, limestone or permeable plastic (not sheet plastic). Use mulch wherever possible. Good mulch conserves water by significantly reducing moisture evaporation from the soil. Mulch also reduces weeds, prevents soil compaction, and keeps soil temperatures more moderate.

Good maintenance preserves the beauty of the landscape and conserves water. Mowing grass at the proper height conserves water because it encourages root systems to grow deeper and become more water-efficient. Fertilizing the lawn at the proper time and using the proper amount can save time, effort and money by reducing mowing and watering. Properly time any insect and disease control measures, and eliminate weeds. A well-designed landscape that uses Xeriscape principles can reduce maintenance by as much as 50 percent through reduced mowing, once-a-year mulching, the elimination of unadapted plants that require lots of water, and efficient irrigation.

Xeriscaping conserves water in the landscape without sacrificing beauty and plant diversity. The information in this article was adapted from Extension publication B-1584 “Xeriscape: Landscape Water Conservation.” For more information on Xeriscape landscaping contact our office at 361.767.5223

Individuals with disabilities, who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in any of the mentioned activities, are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office eight days before all programs for assistance. Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Water has become a critical issue for most Texans. And while recent rainfall has raised area lake levels and eased local water restrictions; booming populations are increasing the demand on the areas limited water supply. Seasonal fluctuations in rainfall and periodic droughts create a feast-to-famine cycle for residence living in the Coastal Bend. In urban areas, about 25 percent of the water supply is used to water landscapes and gardens. In the summer, as much as 60 percent of the water the average household uses may be used for landscape maintenance. Many landscapes require large amounts of water and much of this water is applied inefficiently. While adopting efficient lawn irrigation techniques can help save large amounts of water, a comprehensive program of landscape water conservation can dramatically reduce landscape water demand.

This idea is better known as Xeriscape landscaping but it need not be all cactus and rocks. A Xeriscape landscape has plenty of room for lush turf grass and shade trees. There are seven water saving principals of Xeriscape landscaping: planning and design, soil analysis and preparation, practical turf areas, appropriate plant selection, efficient irrigation, use of mulches, and appropriate maintenance. None of these practices are new and by incorporating these seven principles, you can help preserve our most precious natural resource – water.

Planning and design is the starting point for any water wise landscape. Consider how you use the various areas of your yard, how you want your yard to look, the amount of maintenance you plan to give it, and the budget you can afford. When designing the landscape, keep in mind that turf grasses need more water and maintenance than most other plants. To conserve water, reduce the size of the lawn by including patios, decks, shrub beds and groundcovers in the landscape design. Also consider the ease of watering turf areas. Areas that are long and narrow, small, or oddly shaped are difficult to water efficiently. Confine grass to blocky, square areas that are easier to maintain. The purpose of planning is to design a landscape that will have the appearance and function you desire while conserving water. You can implement your landscape design gradually over several years.

Prepare your soil by starting with a good soil test. Soil analysis will show whether the soil should be improved so that it will absorb and hold moisture better. Most soils benefit greatly from organic matter. Adding organic matter to the soil of shrub and flower bed areas makes plants healthier. Organic matter also helps the soil absorb and store water. As a rule-of-thumb, till in 4 to 6 inches of organic material such as shredded pine bark, compost or leaves.

Select trees, shrubs and groundcovers that are adapted to your region’s soil and climate. The use of native plants in Texas landscapes has become extremely popular. Combining Texas natives with well adapted exotic plants is one key to a beautiful, interesting landscape that conserves water. Native plants generally use less water than exotic plants, but there is room for both in well-designed landscapes. Native Texas plants are becoming more available at retail nurseries and garden centers.

While tremendous amounts of water are applied to lawns and gardens, much of it is never absorbed by the plants and put to use. Some water runs off because it is applied too rapidly, and some water evaporates from exposed, un-mulched soil. But the greatest waste of water is applying too much too often. When too much water is applied to the landscape it can leach nutrients deep into the soil away from plant roots, and possibly pollute groundwater. Runoff also can cause pollution by carrying fertilizers and pesticides into streams and lakes. These problems can be eliminated with proper watering techniques. The key to watering lawns is to apply the water only when the grass needs it, but thoroughly saturating the soil profile to a 6 inch depth with each watering.

In addition to irrigation scheduling, irrigation application methods can be improved to decrease water usage. For tree and shrub watering around the dripline (the area directly below the outermost reaches of the branches) is highly efficient, not watering at the trunk. Simply lay a slowly running hose on the ground and move it around the dripline as the area becomes saturated to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. If you use sprinklers to water turf, make sure the sprinkler heads are positioned properly to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways. Also adjust sprinkler heads so that they spray large droplets of water instead of a fog or fine mist, which evaporates quickly and may drift away with the wind. Water between late evening and mid-morning so that water will not evaporate quickly and be wasted. Drip irrigation is an alternative to sprinkler irrigation systems that is highly efficient. Efficient irrigation can save 30 to 50 percent of the water bill for an average home.

Use mulch in flower and shrub beds to reduce water evaporation from the soil. Mulch is a layer of nonliving material covering the soil surface around plants. Mulches can be organic materials such as pine bark, compost and woodchips; or inorganic materials such as lava rock, limestone or permeable plastic (not sheet plastic). Use mulch wherever possible. Good mulch conserves water by significantly reducing moisture evaporation from the soil. Mulch also reduces weeds, prevents soil compaction, and keeps soil temperatures more moderate.

Good maintenance preserves the beauty of the landscape and conserves water. Mowing grass at the proper height conserves water because it encourages root systems to grow deeper and become more water-efficient. Fertilizing the lawn at the proper time and using the proper amount can save time, effort and money by reducing mowing and watering. Properly time any insect and disease control measures, and eliminate weeds. A well-designed landscape that uses Xeriscape principles can reduce maintenance by as much as 50 percent through reduced mowing, once-a-year mulching, the elimination of unadapted plants that require lots of water, and efficient irrigation.

Xeriscaping conserves water in the landscape without sacrificing beauty and plant diversity. The information in this article was adapted from Extension publication B-1584 “Xeriscape: Landscape Water Conservation.” For more information on Xeriscape landscaping contact our office at 361.767.5223

Individuals with disabilities, who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in any of the mentioned activities, are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office eight days before all programs for assistance. Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Water has become a critical issue for most Texans. And while recent rainfall has raised area lake levels and eased local water restrictions; booming populations are increasing the demand on the areas limited water supply. Seasonal fluctuations in rainfall and periodic droughts create a feast-to-famine cycle for residence living in the Coastal Bend. In urban areas, about 25 percent of the water supply is used to water landscapes and gardens. In the summer, as much as 60 percent of the water the average household uses may be used for landscape maintenance. Many landscapes require large amounts of water and much of this water is applied inefficiently. While adopting efficient lawn irrigation techniques can help save large amounts of water, a comprehensive program of landscape water conservation can dramatically reduce landscape water demand.

This idea is better known as Xeriscape landscaping but it need not be all cactus and rocks. A Xeriscape landscape has plenty of room for lush turf grass and shade trees. There are seven water saving principals of Xeriscape landscaping: planning and design, soil analysis and preparation, practical turf areas, appropriate plant selection, efficient irrigation, use of mulches, and appropriate maintenance. None of these practices are new and by incorporating these seven principles, you can help preserve our most precious natural resource – water.

Planning and design is the starting point for any water wise landscape. Consider how you use the various areas of your yard, how you want your yard to look, the amount of maintenance you plan to give it, and the budget you can afford. When designing the landscape, keep in mind that turf grasses need more water and maintenance than most other plants. To conserve water, reduce the size of the lawn by including patios, decks, shrub beds and groundcovers in the landscape design. Also consider the ease of watering turf areas. Areas that are long and narrow, small, or oddly shaped are difficult to water efficiently. Confine grass to blocky, square areas that are easier to maintain. The purpose of planning is to design a landscape that will have the appearance and function you desire while conserving water. You can implement your landscape design gradually over several years.

Prepare your soil by starting with a good soil test. Soil analysis will show whether the soil should be improved so that it will absorb and hold moisture better. Most soils benefit greatly from organic matter. Adding organic matter to the soil of shrub and flower bed areas makes plants healthier. Organic matter also helps the soil absorb and store water. As a rule-of-thumb, till in 4 to 6 inches of organic material such as shredded pine bark, compost or leaves.

Select trees, shrubs and groundcovers that are adapted to your region’s soil and climate. The use of native plants in Texas landscapes has become extremely popular. Combining Texas natives with well adapted exotic plants is one key to a beautiful, interesting landscape that conserves water. Native plants generally use less water than exotic plants, but there is room for both in well-designed landscapes. Native Texas plants are becoming more available at retail nurseries and garden centers.

While tremendous amounts of water are applied to lawns and gardens, much of it is never absorbed by the plants and put to use. Some water runs off because it is applied too rapidly, and some water evaporates from exposed, un-mulched soil. But the greatest waste of water is applying too much too often. When too much water is applied to the landscape it can leach nutrients deep into the soil away from plant roots, and possibly pollute groundwater. Runoff also can cause pollution by carrying fertilizers and pesticides into streams and lakes. These problems can be eliminated with proper watering techniques. The key to watering lawns is to apply the water only when the grass needs it, but thoroughly saturating the soil profile to a 6 inch depth with each watering.

In addition to irrigation scheduling, irrigation application methods can be improved to decrease water usage. For tree and shrub watering around the dripline (the area directly below the outermost reaches of the branches) is highly efficient, not watering at the trunk. Simply lay a slowly running hose on the ground and move it around the dripline as the area becomes saturated to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. If you use sprinklers to water turf, make sure the sprinkler heads are positioned properly to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways. Also adjust sprinkler heads so that they spray large droplets of water instead of a fog or fine mist, which evaporates quickly and may drift away with the wind. Water between late evening and mid-morning so that water will not evaporate quickly and be wasted. Drip irrigation is an alternative to sprinkler irrigation systems that is highly efficient. Efficient irrigation can save 30 to 50 percent of the water bill for an average home.

Use mulch in flower and shrub beds to reduce water evaporation from the soil. Mulch is a layer of nonliving material covering the soil surface around plants. Mulches can be organic materials such as pine bark, compost and woodchips; or inorganic materials such as lava rock, limestone or permeable plastic (not sheet plastic). Use mulch wherever possible. Good mulch conserves water by significantly reducing moisture evaporation from the soil. Mulch also reduces weeds, prevents soil compaction, and keeps soil temperatures more moderate.

Good maintenance preserves the beauty of the landscape and conserves water. Mowing grass at the proper height conserves water because it encourages root systems to grow deeper and become more water-efficient. Fertilizing the lawn at the proper time and using the proper amount can save time, effort and money by reducing mowing and watering. Properly time any insect and disease control measures, and eliminate weeds. A well-designed landscape that uses Xeriscape principles can reduce maintenance by as much as 50 percent through reduced mowing, once-a-year mulching, the elimination of unadapted plants that require lots of water, and efficient irrigation.

Xeriscaping conserves water in the landscape without sacrificing beauty and plant diversity. The information in this article was adapted from Extension publication B-1584 “Xeriscape: Landscape Water Conservation.” For more information on Xeriscape landscaping contact our office at 361.767.5223

Individuals with disabilities, who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in any of the mentioned activities, are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office eight days before all programs for assistance. Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Wilton Girl Scouts held their first S’mores and Songs Bonfire at the Wilton Historical Society. More than 100 girls participated in the event which recognized Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday on Oct. 31.

The event, host by Girl Scout Troop 50618, also commemorated the completion of the troop’s Bronze Award, which is the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can achieve. The award requires a minimum of 20 hours of work focused on a community project.

The troop teamed up with the historical society to plan and build a victory garden. Victory gardens, also called war gardens or food gardens for defense, were vegetable, fruit and herb gardens planted at private homes and public parks during World War I and II to reduce the pressure on public food supply brought on by the war effort. The gardens were also considered civil morale boosters.

Troop 50618 worked with local experts and businesses to plan and secure supplies to build the garden. Donors included Teich Garden Systems, James Ferrone Landscaping and Tree Service, Navarro Land Unlimited, Rings End, Village Market and Young’s Nursery, with initial consultation provided by Kevin Meehan and Farmer Jonathan from Ambler Farm.

For the bonfire event, the girls turned the space into a “haunted garden” featuring a Wizard of Oz theme complete with a scarecrow and pumpkins modeled after main characters in the beloved story. Participants at the Bonfire enjoyed a scavenger hunt in the garden, s’mores around the fire, games, making stepping stones for the garden and exchanging Girl Scout SWAPS — Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere. A portion of the proceeds from the event went toward Halloween baskets for local children donated to Wilton Social Services.

Wilton Girl Scouts held their first S’mores and Songs Bonfire at the Wilton Historical Society. More than 100 girls participated in the event which recognized Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday on Oct. 31.

The event, host by Girl Scout Troop 50618, also commemorated the completion of the troop’s Bronze Award, which is the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can achieve. The award requires a minimum of 20 hours of work focused on a community project.

The troop teamed up with the historical society to plan and build a victory garden. Victory gardens, also called war gardens or food gardens for defense, were vegetable, fruit and herb gardens planted at private homes and public parks during World War I and II to reduce the pressure on public food supply brought on by the war effort. The gardens were also considered civil morale boosters.

Troop 50618 worked with local experts and businesses to plan and secure supplies to build the garden. Donors included Teich Garden Systems, James Ferrone Landscaping and Tree Service, Navarro Land Unlimited, Rings End, Village Market and Young’s Nursery, with initial consultation provided by Kevin Meehan and Farmer Jonathan from Ambler Farm.

For the bonfire event, the girls turned the space into a “haunted garden” featuring a Wizard of Oz theme complete with a scarecrow and pumpkins modeled after main characters in the beloved story. Participants at the Bonfire enjoyed a scavenger hunt in the garden, s’mores around the fire, games, making stepping stones for the garden and exchanging Girl Scout SWAPS — Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere. A portion of the proceeds from the event went toward Halloween baskets for local children donated to Wilton Social Services.

Wilton Girl Scouts held their first S’mores and Songs Bonfire at the Wilton Historical Society. More than 100 girls participated in the event which recognized Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday on Oct. 31.

The event, host by Girl Scout Troop 50618, also commemorated the completion of the troop’s Bronze Award, which is the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can achieve. The award requires a minimum of 20 hours of work focused on a community project.

The troop teamed up with the historical society to plan and build a victory garden. Victory gardens, also called war gardens or food gardens for defense, were vegetable, fruit and herb gardens planted at private homes and public parks during World War I and II to reduce the pressure on public food supply brought on by the war effort. The gardens were also considered civil morale boosters.

Troop 50618 worked with local experts and businesses to plan and secure supplies to build the garden. Donors included Teich Garden Systems, James Ferrone Landscaping and Tree Service, Navarro Land Unlimited, Rings End, Village Market and Young’s Nursery, with initial consultation provided by Kevin Meehan and Farmer Jonathan from Ambler Farm.

For the bonfire event, the girls turned the space into a “haunted garden” featuring a Wizard of Oz theme complete with a scarecrow and pumpkins modeled after main characters in the beloved story. Participants at the Bonfire enjoyed a scavenger hunt in the garden, s’mores around the fire, games, making stepping stones for the garden and exchanging Girl Scout SWAPS — Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere. A portion of the proceeds from the event went toward Halloween baskets for local children donated to Wilton Social Services.