R e g i o n V III
January 2013
The Year of the
Dragonfly
T
ime to pay homage to
dragonflies – and their
cousins, the damselflies
(order Odonata). These double-winged
creatures are fantastic skeeter eaters.
They just devour all sorts of pesky
insects, like mosquitos, ants, flies, gnats
and termites. If you don’t already have
these flying friends zipping around your
yard, you might want to start attracting
them to your garden. The colorful little
guys are fun to watch...big red ones, little
blue ones and iridescent green pond
lovers. Dragonflies can fly forward at
about 100 body lengths per second and
backwards at about three body lengths
per second; and they can hover in the air
for about a minute.
Water is essential for dragonflies, but
size of the source doesn’t matter. If
you don’t have an in-ground pond,
consider making a water garden in a large
container, like a half wine barrel. That’s
enough to bring dragons and damsels to
your garden. A mini water garden is an
easy project to tackle in hot weather and
it will really pay off.
Attract Dragonflies
to Your Garden
p h oto co u r t e s y: m o n r o v i a
Plants to pond-er
The presence of dragonflies and damselflies is likely
an indication of a healthy ecosystem. Plus, they’ll eat
plenty of unwanted bugs in your garden.
While dragonflies are
carnivores and don’t rely
on plants for their diet,
they are partial to foliage
in and around the pond
where they can safely hang
out. They need shelter,
relief from the heat and a
place to lay their eggs. Like
butterflies, they enjoy flat
rocks near the water where
they can warm themselves
by basking in the sun. Plant
(continued on page 4)
Save the Date!
Feb. 15, 2013
Texas Nursery &
Landsc ape
Association’s
2013
Growers’
Summit
An open discussion
on specific issues
affecting Texas
Growers.
Berry Creek Country Club
Georgetown, TX
The Emerald Garden
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Texas Natives,
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Janaury 2013
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R e g io n V I I I
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T e x a s N u r s e r y & L a n d s c ap e A s s o c iatio n
a note from your
R e g i o n V III
Officers
State Board
Representative
Doug Rowald, TCLP
Heart of Texas Landscape Irrigation Co., Inc.
254-939-6795
Chairman
Brad Seever, TCNP
New Nursery – Austin
512-310-0299
Vice Chairman/
Secretary
Amy Edwards
Best Horticultural Solutions, Inc.
512-789-6522
Immediate
Past Chairman
Jared Pyka
Native Texas Nursery
512-276-9801
TREASURER
Larry Best, TCNP 205
Best Horticultural Solutions
806-786-9787
Supplier Director
Leslie Hearne
Cow Wow
512-863-8513
Grower Director
Mark Bentsen, TCNP
Greenleaf Nursery Company
512-784-5545
R e g i o n V III C h a i r
Happy New Year!!!!
I
certainly hope everyone had a fantastic holiday season and is settling
back into a busy January. While I had a sick family at home and had to
miss the December Christmas Party, I heard it was a success! Everyone
had a great time and the money raised for Kenny Pettitte’s recovery expenses
was so greatly appreciated by his wife who was in attendance. Thank you to all
who attended and contributed to this cause, and to those who sponsored this
event and offered Region VIII the opportunity to donate these proceeds.
Region VIII will not have a January member’s meeting, but please make
every effort to attend the TNLA Business Management Workshop, January
10 – 11 at the Crowne Plaza Riverwalk in San Antonio. The changes made
this year by the TNLA staff coordinating this event, should prove to make
this most informative and successful yet.
Also, make plans to attend the TNLA Growers Summit, February 15th, at
Berry Creek Country Club in Georgetown. Not just for growers, this event
has proven to be educational for all involved in the industry.
Follow all these events and more from the HYPERLINK “http://www.
tnlaonline.org” www.tnlaonline.org website, and don’t forget to like TNLA
Region VIII on Facebook!! n
Brad Seever, Region VIII Chairman
Landscape Directors
Russell Hackworth
DFI Resources
512-427-2667
Jeffrey Price
Price Lawn & Landscape
512-218-9198
For advertising rates and
information, please contact Larry Best
at 806-786-9787.
RETAIL DIRECTOR
Emelie McDaniel
Education / Certification Chair
Red Barn Garden Center
(512) 335-8093
Texas Nursery & Landscape Association
7730 South IH-35 Austin TX, 78745-6698
Phone: (512) 280-5182 Fax: (512) 280-3012
Email: info@tnlaonline.org
Web Page: www.tnlaonline.org
Region VIII email: region8@tnlaonline.org
M i s s i o n S tat e m e n t
The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association’s mission is to enhance
members’ business success through legislative/regulatory advocacy,
education, networking, and promotion of professionalism.
T e x a s N u r s e r y & L a n d s c ap e A s s o c iatio n
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Janaury 2013
3
The Year of the Dragonfly
(continued from page 1)
Grasses, like Sedge, Sweet Flag, Cattail
and Horsetail, around the perimeter of
the pond. Never mow the grasses; you
want thick dense, lush plants to nurture
our bug-eating friends.
Splash of color
Layer in some color around your pond,
starting with Siberian Iris. They are the
water-loving Iris, unlike African types that
are just the opposite. Plant around the
edge of the pond, or keep in the container
and submerge in the water. Ruffled Velvet
has huge deep purple flowers and Chilled
Wine has pretty red-violet blooms.
Another one to try is Variegated Japanese
Water Iris, which has bright purple
flowers, and when not in bloom, still adds
interest with bright foliage. All are quite
cold hardy, to zone 4.
4
Cannas for color
Dry conditions pond-side?
Cannas make a big statement with huge
flowers in red, orange, yellow, white and
rose…plus foliage ranging from green
and gold to almost black. Tropicanna®
Gold has big leaves of green with
gold stripes and vivid yellow-orange
blooms. Tropicanna® Black, with its dark
chocolate foliage and bright red flowers,
will provide great contrast against green
and gold-leafed plants. Tropical Yellow
, with its huge yellow blooms flecked
with rose, would be very pretty alongside
purple Iris. Don’t forget Elephant Ears
for a lush, tropical look to a water garden.
They are part of the Taro root family,
eaten throughout Polynesia and tropical
Asia. They will spread freely in lush,
damp soil. Try the dusty-black, extra
large foliage of Black Magic.
Those in drier climates might have a
pond, surrounded by rocks and need
more water-wise plants. Yarrow is easy
to grow, has long-lasting brightly colored
flowers and lacy foliage. Coronation
Gold and Moonshine have cheery
yellow blooms; Paprika brightens the
garden with red-brown flowers. Tall
Verbena thrives in hot, dry conditions,
and its showy rose-purple flowers are
long lasting. Fountain Grass is another
good choice for dry areas around your
pond. Fireworks has strappy variegated
foliage of white, green, burgundy and
hot pink. Little Bunny is a dwarf variety,
reaching just 12 inches, yet full of fluffy
white tassel-like blooms. n
Janaury 2013
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R e g io n V I I I
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Janaury 2013
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