Build & Bloom

Build   &Bloom Home and Garden Guide Spring 2018

Builders, tile artisan, window experts, gardens & much more

A publication of

Fredericksburg S tandard Radio Post

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Spring 2018

Article Index

Advertising Index

Custom approach to tile............................4-8 Doors, windows saving energy ............ 9-12 Recycling ..................................................... 13 Monarch Midwife .................................. 14-18 Hill Country Homes ...................... 20-21, 35 Watering rules, schedule ................... 22-24 Fresh at Farmer’s Market .................. 25-26 Real Estate............................................. 28-29 Succulent Garden................................. 30-32 Adopt-A-Highway ................................ 33-34 Building skills, homes......................... 36-38 ON THE COVER: This Hill Country home was built by Sierra Homes of Fredericksburg, a certified green builder with an eye for style. The home was finished in 2015 and features 4,020 square feet of living space. It features reclaimed white oak flooring and beams. It also features solar and rainwater systems. — Photo by Clicked by Lara (Lara Falardeau)

A Affordable Movers........................................... 10 All Around Irrigation..........................................8 Amish Market................................................... 17 Antique Timberworks........................................7 Audio Video Technologies............................. 27 B BCI Custom Homes....................................15 Braubach Granite.......................................32 Builders First Choice/ProBuild...............22 C Capital Farm Credit...................................37 Culligan..........................................................2 Curl’s Construction....................................18 Curtis Staudt Construction......................33 Custom Pools & Spas...............................31 D Dartez Bros. Construction........................31 Distinctive Homes......................................19 Dittmar Lumber.........................................10 F Falco Pest Management...........................19 Fredericksburg Flooring Center...............3 Fredericksburg Metal Recycling.............33 Frontier Irrigation......................................32 G Gardens at the Ridge................................29 Guadalupe Bank.........................................23 Guttermann ...............................................28 H H&R Block...................................................35 Hill Country Gardens.................................30 Hill Country Pest Control.........................11 Hill Country Propane.................................37 Hill Country Refrigeration........................13 Hill Country Structural, Inc......................10 Hill Country Windows & Doors................12 Hill Country Surface Restoration.............6

Hills of Texas Homes................................11 Historic Building Materials......................25 Holloway Plumbing...................................23 I Inside Story, The .......................................36 J J Bar C Septic.............................................36 K Kelly Hallman Design...............................28 Kingwood Cabinets......................................3 L Lochte Feed & General Store..................27 M Moore’s Supply..........................................34 Multiple Layer Chip...................................26 O Orchard Grove............................................28 P PaveCo.........................................................19 Pedernales Landscaping & Design......................................................6 Plant Haus 2, The......................................24 Pottery Ranch.............................................38 R Reeh Plumbing...........................................19 S 72 Degrees..................................................22 Shutter Factory..........................................17 Sierra Homes.............................................35 Steam Right................................................35 Stroeher & Olfers......................................27 Superior Services......................................38 Sutherland’s.................................................5 T Tatsch Well Service...................................40 Texas Tree Service....................................24 Timber & Stone Builders............................7 V Vineyard Ridge...........................................39

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Photo: Reflections Photography

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Spring 2018

A custom approach Tile artisan’s touch mixes Hill Country with clients’ own style

R

ahnee Gladwin is a hidden gem in Fredericksburg, a tile design artist who fuses the “Hill Country design” with the wants and styles of each customer. From her office at 616 W. Main St., she has become a go-to tile artisan for clients around the Hill Country, the California Bay area and the nation.

Gladwin is an interior designer, an Allied Member of the American Institute of Architects and a member of the Tile Heritage Foundation.

That knowledge and her in-depth familiarity with stone, glass, metal and ceramic tiles have wowed clients who like that personal touch and a say in their design.

“I like to meet the client and get an idea of their plans — how they want to live, the elevation, if they have kids or dogs. That can help me determine materials and practical needs before we get to ‘the pretty part,’” she said. “We determine the aesthetic they want — is it an industrial, European feel or is it a traditional, rustic Fredericksburg look?”

See TILE ▶ 6

“Tile and stone are things of permanence in any environment and their use must be approached with good design to bring out their beauty and give lasting enjoyment.

Let me help you achieve your dream.”

— Rahnee Gladwin

E R O M R&

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Order on-line and pick up in-store.

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*5% Off Instant Discount Offer: No minimum purchase required. Get 5% Off single-receipt purchases of any stock or special order merchandise charged to your Sutherlands Credit Card. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other coupons or discounts. Excludes delivery, installation, liquor, gift cards and prior purchases. Subject to credit approval.

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Spring 2018

Rahnee Gladwin used the natural beauty of the environment to decorate this backsplash mosaic in a Galveston penthouse. She customizes her artwork to her client’s interests. — Photos by Diane Purcell ▶ TILE continued

Gladwin has designed and created a 12-by-10-foot permanent installation of a mosaic interpretation for a Navajo Rug titled, “The Maze,” designed award-winning mosaics for walls and floors for clients across the U.S., helped develop tile lines for artist studios, as well as consulted and provided tile restoration work for Trinity University.

Gladwin’s knowledge of artisan studios, stone quarries

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and makers of architectural stone and ceramic pieces offers unlimited possibilities to her clients. Depending on a client’s timetable, she has access to materials from around the nation and the world.

She moved to the Hill Country 17 years ago, but still works extensively on both U.S. coasts and spots in between, like Nashville, Tennessee.

In meeting clients, some have trouble verbalizing their own style. “Sometimes I have to ‘go fishing’ to figure it out,” she said. But with online offerings like Pinterest, clients today are better able to save photos of what they like before Gladwin melds them into their own idea.

Locally, she has worked with builder Richard Laughlin on custom projects, and recently she contributed to a project at Grape Creek Winery. Locally, she has worked with designers Carol Hicks Bolton, Cecilia Berber-Thayer, Barbara White and Amy Slaughter, as well as designers across San Antonio and Texas.

An “Enchanted Rock” project, viewable on her website, brought her much attention.

Being located at “ground zero” of the Hill Country style phenomenon — which encompasses everything from German, to Spanish, to farmhouse styles — Gladwin has a knack

www.facebook.com/HCSurfaceRestoration

See TILE ▶ 8

PEDERNALES LANDSCAPE & DESIGN, LLC John Keller Person- 830.998.1635 pedernalesld@outlook.com Landscape Design and Installation, Tree Trimming and Removal, Mulch and Rock Installation, Hard Scapes, Masonry, and Carpentry

Residential & Commercial ~ Regular Maintenance ~ Free Estimates

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RUSTIC RECLAIMED BEAMS • BARNWOOD • LOG VENEERS • MANTELS 5431 E Hwy 290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Installation Available • 830-997-0999

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Spring 2018 ▶ TILE continued

for melding the flavors and spirits of each project.

“That’s the fun part — the ‘Fredericksburg style’ has such a broad range, including Cavalry, German and Spanish influence, to name a few — there’s a lot to play with,” Gladwin said. “So many clients are moving in from out of the area and they bring with them their own vision. To blend it with Hill Country feel is fun.”

Gladwin brought a piece of the sea to this bathroom in a San Antonio home.

R. Gladwin i Design Tile 616 West Main, No. 201 210-859-9939 www.idesigntile.com

All Around Irrigation, LLC

For ALL of your Outdoor Living!

• Landscaping • Irrigation • Land Clearing & Development • Pond Installation

• Rain Collection & Drainage • Outdoor Kitchens • Ranch Entrances • and much more!

830.997.8045

allaroundirrigationllc.com

Spring 2018

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A new look, energy savings Hill Country Windows and Doors offers different styles, materials

By Yvonne Hartmann

W

indows that don’t open or are painted shut, windows that have to be propped open with a stick, and windows that let in the breezes.

Sound familiar?

Maybe it’s time to call Hill Country Windows and Doors, owned by John Price and Ann Vaughan.

They focus on replacement windows and doors, and are available to help customers maneuver through the many different styles, designs, colors and more to achieve that just-right look.

“We’re specialists,” John said. “That’s all we do. It is very important for people to get not only the right windows that will look nice in their house but to have them installed properly.”

He said that they have three installers, one of whom is certified by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association.

“We sent him to school to become certified,” John said. “To many people, that’s real important.”

And while the majority of their business is replacement windows, they also work on new construction.

“Many of the windows we change out are single pane aluminum windows with clear glass,” John said. “They are very inefficient windows and the heat and cold goes right through them.

“Modern windows are all double pane,” he said. “They seal much better.”

Today’s windows also contain thermal, treated glass and they “really do work.”

“They say the energy savings of thermal versus clear, single-pane glass is somewhere in the range of 35 percent,” John said.

“It is amazing what a difference these new windows will make on the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems,” Ann said.

Also, she said, they help keep the house cleaner since dust can’t get in as easily.

John Price and Ann Vaughan are the owners of Hill Country Doors and Windows, located at 446 S. Lincoln Street, Suite B. Their focus is on replacement windows, but they also work on new construction. — Standard-Radio Post/Yvonne Hartmann

Along with windows, the Prices also offer a selection of replacement doors.

Getting started With all the styles, colors and materials available, the first step to purchasing replacement windows through Hill Country Windows and Doors is an inhome consultation.

“I will typically go out and show all the different styles,” John said. “I carry samples in my pickup, give them literature to study and talk about basic styles.”

While there, he will take measure-

ments and once back at the office, put together a free, professional quote that includes what each window costs and installation.

Orders, he said, take two to six weeks, depending on the windows, and once they have arrived in Fredericksburg, the typical home installation takes about two days.

“The personal consultation and assistance John provides is a real selling point. He helps find the right windows or doors for our customers so they are See WINDOWS ▶ 10

Spring 2018

11

O l o r t n st Co

Pe

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INC

IC

DER

E F FR

URG KSB

State Board Certified Applicators T.P.C.L. #5395

The Hill Country’s Oldest Pest Control Company Home Owned & Operated RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL TERMITE & PEST CONTROL SPECIALIST TERMITES • ROACHES • RATS & MICE ANTS • FLEAS • SILVERFISH • MOLES • GOPHERS • SCORPIONS • TICKS CARPENTER ANTS & FIRE ANTS • SPIDERS

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Todd Stephens

304 N Adams St. Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 830-889-7900 hothomesfbg@me.com website: www.hillsoftexashomes.com

Celebrating 39 Years of Excellent Service 1979 - 2018 hillcountrypestfbg.com

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94 METZGER RD. - FREDERICKSBURG e-mail: hcpc@austin.rr.com

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Spring 2018

WINDOWS Cont. from 10

With the energy savings, the comfort and less strain on heating and air conditioning systems, the windows will pay for themselves, John said.

Also, he said, modern replacement windows have lifetime warranties from the manufacturer.

The owners The Prices bought Hill Country Windows and Doors, which had been in existence for about eight years, more than two years ago.

Their office is located at 446 South Lincoln, Suite B. “We are a small, simple operation,” John said, laughing that he sometimes feels like his pickup is his office.

John is in charge of sales, administration, ordering, overseeing installation and more while Ann focuses on marketing the business.

The couple moved here from Port Aransas where they had lived for the last 20-plus years. There, John was in the boat business and Ann was president of the chamber of commerce.

“We were looking for a business opportunity and I saw a lot of growth in this one,” John said. “The previous owner had great employees and that was important.”

“We live in this community and we want to do the best job we possibly can for our customers and we want them to be happy,” Ann said.

Windows come in a variety of styles, colors and materials at Hill Country Windows and Doors. — Submitted photo

Hill Country Windows and Doors 446 S. Lincoln Street, Suite B 830-997-5302 www.hillcountrywindowsanddoors.com

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830-997-5302

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS, DOORS & INSTALLATIONS

Spring 2018

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Think outside the trash bin In 2017, the City of Fredericksburg and private recyclers collected more than 880 tons of materials for recycling.

That keeps the staff at the city’s recycling center busy and it keeps that much material out of the city landfill.

Yet, the opportunity to do more exists. The city operates this service at a deficit, but it is something that local citizens want to have.

Both city and county residents are welcomed to drop off their recycling materials at the center.

And even though everyone’s read or heard “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle” a million times, locals are still getting into the habit when it comes to recycling. To improve local recycling efforts, residents are encouraged to look to Germany, for which much of a person’s culture and tradition is owed.

According to data published by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany leads the world by recycling 65 percent of its garbage. Each German city came up with its own way of curbside recycling, although most methods ended up very similar.

But, expanding local recycling efforts would require a substantial investment. In truth, most small towns do little to any recycling, due to the smaller economy size required with the operation.

Still, residents are encouraged to continue using the center.

Recycling by material in 2017 Cardboard 43% Newsprint 13% Office waste 2% Plastic 8% Steel 11% Mixed paper 11% Aluminum 1% Books 1% Magazines 10% More recycling means less land that has to be used for the landfill. And for an area that prides itself on Hill Country beauty, the need for less landfill space is a prize in itself.

Additionally, leaf compost is available from the city’s sanitary landfill.

The compost is made from the leaves collected during the leaf collection programs

twice per year.

It is available for sale at the landfill for $20 per cubic yard.

The recycling center is located at 302 E. Ufer St. The hours of operation are as follows: Monday through Wednesday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Thursday (Closed for processing); Friday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-noon.

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Spring 2018

An adult monarch butterfly rests on a flower on a spring day. — Submitted photo

Nurturing Nature Monarch Midwife cares for butterflies throughout life cycle

By Ann Taylor

M

ore than 10 years ago, Kim Smajstrla and her family witnessed an unusual home birth.

Asking her mother and children to keep watch over the other mother, Smajstrla stepped into the shower. As the water drained away, her kids began to yell, “It’s coming out! It’s coming out,” and she rushed to her covered porch in her bath towel to witness the birth of her first monarch butterfly.

“It was a girl as it did not have two extra spots on its wings as the male does.

We named her Janet in honor of my aunt who recently passed away,” she said.

Janet spread her black and orange but-

terfly wings to hang upside down attached to the end of her chrysalis.

Slowly, fluid from her body cavity spread to her wings, expanding and lengthening them.

Kim SmajstrShe didn’t fly right la admires away, preferring to a newly hang upside down for a hatched time before deciding it monarch in was time to head into her butterfly the world. garden.

“Just like the first monarch I saw emerge from its chrysalis, each monarch I help is one of my babies,” said Smajstrla, who is known as the Monarch Midwife, after a nonprofit she

founded by the same name. “Janet, Luna, Christopher, Louise — they each touch my soul in a blissful way. It is my goal to share this experience with as many as possible.”

Smajstrla’s nonprofit, The Monarch Midwife (www.themonarchmidwife.org), has helped to create more than 30 Monarch waystations in Fredericksburg since forming in 2015. She supplies knowledge of milkweed and native plants to those interested in planting and certifying a Monarch waystation.

During the past two decades, the monarch butterfly population has decreased by more than 90 percent.

Monarch populations are measured as the number of hectares (1 hectare = 2.47

Spring 2018

15

acres) of trees occupied by clustering butterflies in Mexico in mid-December of each year.

The size of the population has varied from 2.19 to 18.2 hectares during the last two decades. Nine colonies were located this winter season with a total area of 2.48 hectares, a 14.77 percent decrease from the previous season (20162017).

During the spring and fall of last year, more than 700 monarch butterflies were born in Smajstrla’s Fredericksburg yard alone. Her garden is ripe with milkweed plants, which is a food source for the monarchs as well as where they lay their eggs, which are no bigger than the head of a pin.

Smajstrla collects the eggs from the milkweed plants and protects them in mesh enclosures so they can form into a chrysalis, safe from predators such as wasps, flies and animals.

Once the monarch emerges from its chrysalis, it will fly north, laying eggs along the way and eventually dying in just two to six weeks.

This year’s spring migration from the mountains of Mexico to Texas is much better than in years past, said Orley R. “Chip” Taylor, founder and director of Monarch Watch and professor, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas in Lawrence.

“The temperatures in Texas are cooler, there’s been a little rain and the butterflies are more confined to Texas than we’ve seen in many years,” he said. “What has to happen to fill out the population is the monarchs need to lay most of their eggs in Texas.”

A group of chrysalises hang in a mesh enclosure used by Smajstrla to protect the growing butterflies. — Submitted photo

The reason: Butterflies mature much faster in Texas — 35 days or less — than in colder climates such as Kansas or Oklahoma where it can take 45 days from egg to become an adult monarch butterfly.

Since monarchs live for only two to six weeks, this faster maturation means more adult butterflies will eventually reach Canada for the fall breeding season.

See MONARCHS ▶ 16

BCI Custom Homes has been helping families design and build dreams since 1948. We pride ourselves in our relationships with our clients both during construction and after.

Tommy Lipe, Owner of BCI Custom Homes, stays abreast of the latest building science advancements, and uses that knowledge to build homes which provide a high level of comfort, indoor air quality, and outstanding efficiencies. This environmentally friendly approach translates to lower utility bills, minimal maintenance, and lasting value, in homes that reflect true Hill Country beauty and elegance.

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Spring 2018

MONARCHS Cont. from 15

Monarchs that migrate to Mexico in the fall live much longer lives. They are born in late summer, stay alive all winter, and migrate north the following spring.

This year, Smajstrla says she hasn’t seen many monarch butterflies but is finding plenty of eggs which she collects daily.

Protecting the eggs is an important part of ensuring they mature into caterpillars and eventually form a chrysalis.

Smajstrla says she enjoys giving away the chrysalises to others, including patients at her Rising Sun Acupuncture clinic.

See MONARCHS ▶ 18

A butterfly egg is tiny in comparison to a wildflower. — Submitted photo

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410 West Main Street The Best American Furniture for the Home or Office!

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Willkommen

The Shutter Factory, Inc. Shutters, Blinds and Shades

Serving the Hill Country For 23 Years Family Owned & Operated (830) 896-7110 1-800-308-9881 1412 Broadway Kerrville, Texas 78028

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Spring 2018

MONARCHS Cont. from 16

“My favorite thing is to give someone a chrysalis who has never seen one. Most people say, ‘this is the best present I’ve ever gotten’ and it makes me so happy to be able to share that,” she said.

A Year in the Life of a monarch butterfly • December-February: Monarchs winter in the mountains of Mexico. Angangueo, located in central Mexico, is the site of a large monarch sanctuary.

• March-May: Breeding season begins as the monarchs begin their fall migration and fly north. The monarchs begin laying eggs in the south in mid-March.

• April-May: The children (first generation) of the Mexican monarchs who were born in the south migrate to the north to lay eggs.

• June: Grandchildren (second generation) who were born in the north, migrate further north to lay eggs.

• July: Great-grandchildren (third generation) travel further north to lay eggs.

• August-October: Great-great-grandchildren (fourth generation) who were born in the north migrate to Mexico.

• September-November: Some fourth generation monarchs breed during the fall in the south creating a fifth generation of monarchs.

In Smajstrla’s backyard, she has made a certified monarch waystation that contains milkweed plants.

O Construction Inc.

Serving the Hill Country Since 1982 If you are dedicated to creating a unique new or remodeled home, custom built to your specifications, you will want a home built or remodeled by Curl’s Construction, Inc. We have been building custom homes using the latest in material technology applied with old German craftsmanship since 1982.

curlsconst@ctesc.net

Although homes are our specialty, we also do light commercial construction.

Curl’s Construction, Inc. offers nothing less than perfection.

Family Owned & Operated by David, Cathy, Kevin & Keith Curl

1798 South US Hwy. 87 Fredericksburg, TX 78624 • 830-997-9397 fax 830-997-9185

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PEST MANAGEMENT

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When it comes to pests, WE MEAN BUSINESS!!!

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Lots of References In Your Area • Very Competitive Prices • Free Estimates... In Writing RANCH ROADS A SPECIALTY • Drive Ways • Parking Lots • Subdivisions ALL PHASES OF: • Base Work • Chip Seal • Hot Mix Asphalt Serving Fredericksburg & Surrounding Areas For 20 Years

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Prompt & Courteous Service • Committed to Work Performance

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Spring 2018

Homes in the Hill Country Custom home builder Tommy Lipe, of BCI Custom Homes, built this 2016 home in Comanche Trail, in Austin. The home was featured in the Tour of Homes and received Best Kitchen and Best Architectural Design.

— Submitted photo from Tommy Lipe

This eclectic modern Hill Country home built in Hunt has a stone fireplace and archways with an open concept kitchen, living and dining space.

It also has wood-looking tile floors for extended durability and fun pops of color throughout. — Submitted photo from Sierra Homes

Curtis Staudt Construction built this home in Harper in 2013. The new build features stainless steel appliances and a recessed ceiling. — Submitted photo from Curtis Staudt Construction

Spring 2018

Tommy Lipe, of BCI Custom Homes, built this Spanish-style home in 2015, in Comanche Trail, in Austin.

Curl’s Construction recently completed a front patio renovation, complete with new siding on this Fredericksburg home.

This home, built by Curl’s Construction, sits out on Creek Street and features a large patio and a sun room with custom windows.

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Spring 2018

City keeps watering schedule Water is a key component in all aspects of life and Gillespie County has gone through some droughts during the past few decades, but recent aquifer levels have shown significant recovery.

Restrictions Currently, the city of Fredericksburg is in Stage 3 water restrictions.

Under the restrictions, all outdoor irrigation may occur between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on designated days.

Watering of plants with a bucket or other hand-held container, hand-held hose or drip irrigation is permitted through Stage 4 of watering restrictions without limitation as to the day of the week; however, it can only be done

City of Fredericksburg water restrictions are currently in Stage 3, which limits watering between 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The watering day depends on the ending number of a resident’s address. — File photo

during the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The designated days for watering depend on what number a resident’s address ends in (see sidebar).

www.buildersfirstsource.com

INSPIRING IDEASHOME FOR YOUR HOME INSPIRING IDEAS FOR YOUR INSPIRING IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME

Builders First Source offers a complete solution for all of your building needs.

With high quality lumber, custom trusses, and a robust selection of building BUILDING MATERIALS ProBuild ers abuilding complete solution for all ofof your building BUILDING MATERIALS products, you with the materials for the foundation ProBuildwe offcan ers aprovide complete solution for best all ofoff your 1119 HWY 16 SOUTH needs.

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With quality lumber, custom and a FREDERICKSBURG, TX 78624 MATERIALS ProBuild offers a complete solution for allbuilding of your building selection products, we canBUILDING provide you FREDERICKSBURG, TX 78624830.997.2106 high standards andoflumber and woodrobust products areofwhat we know best.

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GEORGETOWN, TX 78626 our access to excellent quality, well milledBUILDING wood at MATERIALS the right rials for the foundation of your ProBuild offhome. ers a complete solution for all of your building But ProBuild doesn’t stop there.

We also off er a full line of 300line LEANDER RD But Builders First doesn’t stopfor there.

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Regulations The day of the week restrictions do not apply to the irrigation of commercial See WATER ▶ 24

Spring 2018

23

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WATER Cont. from 22

plant nurseries; however, these establishments shall curtail all nonessential water use.

The watering of the ground around foundations to prevent foundation cracking is permitted only during times designated for outdoor irrigation, except when watering to protect foundations is accomplished by a drip irrigation system or a hand-held hose.

A drip irrigation system or hand-held hose may be used to water the ground around foundations to prevent foundation cracking at any time.

Hotels, motels and other lodging must institute, offer and clearly notify guests of a “linen/towel change on request only” program.

Watering Schedule Addresses ending in: • 1 or 2 - Monday • 3 or 4 - Tuesday • 5 or 6 - Wednesday • 7 or 8 - Thursday • 9 or 0 - Friday

With the summer months fast approaching and water bills expected to rise, local homeowners can be proactive about protecting both their landscape and their pocketbook by reviewing the City of Fredericksburg’s water rationing policies.

City staff encourages residents and commercial businesses to familiarize themselves with the requirements of the ordinance, which is available for review online at www.fbgtx.org, and contact staff if they have any questions.

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New items come to Farmer’s Market Sale set to open in May The Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market (FFM) begins its four-month-long schedule of bringing locally grown and produced foods to downtown Fredericksburg on Thursday, May 3.

The market will be celebrating their 11th year of operation.

Every Thursday, rain or shine, from 4-7 p.m., May through August, shoppers can meet farmers while shopping for fresh produce at Marktplatz.

The producer/grower market consists of farmers, ranchers and wineries located within the geographic neighborhood of Gillespie and adjacent counties, offering a wide variety of tomatoes, vegetables, peaches, blackberries and other fruits, meats, goat cheese, eggs, Gulf seafood, baked goods, wine, lavender and more.

New for the summer market are figs and locally sourced popsicles made from fruits and vegetables grown in Gillespie County.

Visitors will enjoy the atmosphere at Marktplatz which includes a covered play space for children.

Shoppers are invited to come for the food and stay for the family friendly party atmosphere where they can purSee MARKET ▶ 26

Many types of produce are for sale at the Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market starting in May and running through August. The Farmer’s Market is usually held at Martkplatz. — StandardRadio Post file photo

Historic Building Materials is in the business of providing materials, proven by the test of time.

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Spring 2018

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MARKET

Local artisans make pizza baked in wood burning ovens at the Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market. —Standard-Radio Post file photo

Cont. from 25

chase meals and snacks while listening to live music.

Pizza baked in a wood burning oven, soups, salads, sliders and pastries are all made with local ingredients and can be enjoyed picnicstyle under the pavilion. Wine from local wineries can be purchased by the glass or bottle and non-alcoholic iced beverages are also served.

At the Chef’s Corner, visitors will find free samples prepared by local chefs using ingredients from the market. Chefs and volunteers are happy to “talk shop” and answer questions about how to cook the dish being sampled.

Meet the farmer, rancher, chef and artisan baker. Support local agriculture and viticulture in Fredericksburg, the community way to shop for great food.

FFM is celebrating its 11th year with support from Capital Farm Credit.

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Spring 2018

Real estate by the numbers

R

By Erika Vela

eal estate sales in Gillespie County were steady in 2017 after records were broken in 2016.

Sales will seemingly continue to remain that way in 2018.

From Jan. 1 to the end of March this year, 121 listings have been sold in Gillespie County for a total of $51,254,000.

That amount is down from the same time period in 2017, of $55,876,000.

The total units sold for the year 2017 was 583 listings that to-

taled $259,561,000. That was a 20 percent jump from the sales in 2016 that totaled $216,748,000.

“It seemed like last year everyone was holding off to get through the election. As soon as the election hit, everything started selling,” Central Hill Country Board of Realtors President LeeAnn Bailey said. “I think that now we are in a more normal selling state.”

The average selling price for a home in Fredericksburg this year has started out to be $345,947. The price per square foot

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REAL ESTATE Cont. from 28

average this year is $194.79. Last year’s price reflected $209.68 per square foot.

Bailey said things are not moving as quickly this year as they did previously in terms of closing property sales.

However, Bailey says the lengthy process is allowing more people to respond and make decisions. Listings are spending an average of 144 days on the market from listing day to closing day.

“The market was very great for a seller last year. We saw record-high prices, especially in residential home sales and especially in Fredericksburg city limits,” said Nicole Bartel, Gillespie Economic Development Board Chair.

Bartel shared that if property owners list something at a certain point, things have been selling at nearly 96 percent of the asking price.By the end of last month, $12,303,000 in acreage, farm and ranch has been sold.

“Last year we had $63,315,000, and that was the total volume of acreage, farm and ranch. That was 95 sales,” Bartel said.

A total of 68 city lots sold last year for a total sales volume of $5,068,000.

Typically, lots spend a more lengthy time

In 2017, a total of 583 listings were sold for a total of $259,561,000. Sales jumped up 20 percent from the year 2016. — Submitted Photo

on the market with last year’s average being 675 days.

“We sold a lot of our inventory last year, so this year we are seeing a lot of new construction. There will be more houses sold, but they haven’t been built yet to sell,” Bailey said.

“There were many items that had been on the market for a long time but most of it was sold. I think it’s going to be a little bit of a waiting game this

year, but we still have plenty of inventory to sell.”

Bailey and Bartel both agreed Fredericksburg is seeing much development in and more developers showing interest in making homes below the $300 thousand mark.

“There is a recognition now for a true need for that and people are taking the steps toward getting it done and I think that’s exciting,” Bailey said.

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Spring 2018

How to create a succulent garden

C

By Erika Vela

actus and succulent gardens have become a popular feature in homes, apartments and offices.

Easy to maintain, these gardens can be created simply.

When visiting a local garden shop or nursery, ask the experts which ones they recommend.

As there are many methods and ways a succulent garden can be created, these are some of the basic items needed to start: -A planter.

-Soil. (Succulent mix or planting soil will do.)

-Pebbles.

-Succulents.

The following are just a few options that can be found at Pottery Ranch in Fredericksburg: Jade, Zebra Cactus, Senecio and Jet Beads.

Step 1: Fill the bottom of the planter with a layer of pebbles that is about half an inch. The succulent roots do not particularly like to sit in water. It is wise to keep the roots above the water level.

The items needed for the succulent garden are as follows: blue ceramic planter was found at Pottery Ranch in Fredericksburg (free with a coupon on page 38); potting soil, $5.99; red plastic pot was purchased at Dollar General, $2 and succulents were found at Pottery Ranch, $2.97-$5.97. —Standard-Radio Post/ McKenzie Moellering

See SUCCULENTS▶ 32

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Spring 2018

SUCCULENTS Cont. from 30

Step 2: Fill the planter with soil to just under an inch or two below the top.

Step 3: Remove the succulents from their planters and transfer them to the desired planter. When trying to decide on the arrangement, think of a way they will best complement one another.

Start with the largest succulent in the grouping, and work out from there. They can be spaced close together, but allow them each some breathing room to allow them comfort.

Step 4: Be certain to water succulents and locate them in an area where they will receive light. Let the soil dry out between watering, as they do not need to be watered daily.

The great thing about a small succulent garden is that it can be moved around throughout the home or office space. If a succulent garden is given love and attention, and it will last a long time.

Spring 2018

33

Adopt-A-Highway keeps roads clean The Adopt-A-Highway program intends to keep Texas highways beautiful and clear of litter.

Gillespie County alone has 34 adopted stretches of state-maintained highway as of April, ranging from one to three miles in length.

“The (Adopt-A-Highway) program sends a message that we not only care about our community, but also our state,” said Kristi Morriss, the Texas Department of Transportations’ special projects coordinator for the Austin area and the office manager for TxDOT’s See HIGHWAYS ▶ 34

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2585 White Oak Road•Fredericksburg Rebekah Cathey and Garrett Bonn, both City of Fredericksburg employees, gather littler during a recent trash pick-up along a stretch of U.S. Highway 87 North. The city’s Adopt-A-Highway section is one of 34 located on state-maintained roads as a part of the Texas Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway program. — Standard-Radio Post/Joshua McKinney

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34

Spring 2018

HIGHWAYS Fredericksburg office. “Even the smallest efforts can make a big difference in preserving their beauty.”

The original Adopt-a-Highway program, which includes roads maintained by the state, began in 1985 and currently has more than 3,800 participating groups across the state, according to TxDOT’s website.

Anyone interested can stop by the local TxDOT office or apply online. “We are always looking for new groups or individuals to join our efforts,” said Morriss.

The local TxDOT office is located at 1623 E. Main St. The phone number is 830-997-4361.

Individuals, families, youth organizations, businesses (large and small), civic and non-profit organizations, religious groups, fraternities, sororities and schools are among the groups encouraged to adopt highways, according to Morriss.

Those who adopt roads will pledge to pick up trash along the

typically two-mile length for a minimum of two years.

Interstate highways are also eligible for adoption.

The highway adopters agree to pick up litter four times a year.

Applications are available at www.dot.state.tx.us/apps-cg/aah/ contact.htm. Guidelines for highway adoption are also available at http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trv/aah/applicationguidelines.pdf.

County highway adoption Gillespie County also provides an “adopt-a-county road” program that allows locals to adopt roads maintained by the county.

The two-mile stretches of road are adopted for a minimum of two years and the adopting entities agree to pick up litter four times a year or more in heavy traffic areas.

Like TxDOT’s adopt-a-highway program, a sign will be erected with the participant’s name, and safety information, trash bags, traffic control signs and safety vests will be provided on clean-up days. Applications and more information is available by calling 997-1726 or visiting www.gillespiecounty.org.

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This custom build in Stone Ridge was completed in 2012 by Cur- Todd Eidson of Sierra Homes completed this home in the Hunt tis Staudt Construction. The home features a limestone bar in the area, which has over 4,500 square feet of living space and a kitchen with an island.

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36

Spring 2018

Students building for future

By Joshua McKinney

C

asas Über Alles 2.0 isn’t just about building a home.

It’s also about building skills for life after graduation.

Fredericksburg High School’s Building Trades Program is in its second year of working on building a 560-square foot “tiny” house set to go up for auction the week of May 14.

The Building Trades Program’s tiny home work aims to create job opportunities for students who don’t want to pursue a college degree.

Todd Eidson of Sierra Homes serves as a consultant for the Building Trades Program’s tiny home project and believes that getting the students ready for the next step is an important part of what they do.

“We still want to continue to emphasize that not every kid needs to go to college,” Eidson said. “That’s what we try to do. We’re trying to give them another avenue to be successful. We always say, ‘It’s not a job. It’s a potential career.’

“Most people who go into being a plumber, electrician, a carpenter or framer, typically, they start their own business. So, we’re also teaching young people to be business owners in the future.”

The program also allows students to work through SkillsUSA — a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to create a skilled workforce, according to the organization’s website — to work on more individualized tasks and develop trade skills • • • • • •

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Casa Über Alles 2.0 sits outside Fredericksburg High School. The 560-square-foot house features one bedroom, one bath, a kitchen and a combination living/dining room. — Standard-Radio Post/ Joshua McKinney

outside of the classroom.

“Our mentorship with the house building also translates to what-

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ever they’re working on for their skills projects, which is really cool,” Eidson said. “It’s almost like extracurricular work.

“We had a student who built the bathroom cabinet that’s going to go into the house, but he took that project to SkillsUSA. It ties the whole thing together.”

The project has turned out a few workers after its first year.

Three students were employed by local trade workers, with more expected this summer.

“Summer’s around the corner and the builders already started looking at students for summer help,” said Joel Haby, who’s in his first year as the FHS Building Trades teacher. “It’s kind of a year-long interview process.

It’s more than just a project.”

Help from all around The 26 students working on the one-bed, one-bath house had about a month left on the build as of early April.

Students opened the school year by taking an Occupation Safety and Health Administration safety course and learning about the classroom and

shop before working on the home.

Construction on the home started after Labor Day weekend.

“I worked on the house last year,” said senior Keara Priem. “I started off freshman year in construction class and progressed from there. I was just interested in something like this.”

Casa Über Alles once again comes with a kitchen and combined living/ dining room and all the appliances.

Last year’s home sold for $69,000 in auction, with a fair market value of $109,200.

The money goes back into the program for materials, but the hope is the build up for an eventual scholarship endowment.

The Wine Country Division of the Hill Country Builders Association, of which Eidson is a member, and both area and national manufacturers are chipping in to help.

Eidson estimates that the program is on track to have 75 percent of the materials and labor come through tax-deductible donations from both local sub-contractors, suppliers and manufacturers from across the coun-

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Frankie Gonzalez checks if one of the door frames is level in Casa Über Alles 2.0.

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Spring 2018

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try.

“Not all of them are 100 percent, but some of them give us discounts if it’s not all for free,” Eidson said. “I would say every sub-contractor, they donate all their time, 100 percent of the labor, which is really cool.”

Haby says the time and labor makes leading the class easier on him.

“Even during the interview, they told me about the project,” he said. “At one point, I was talking to Todd Eidson and he was telling me about it. I said, ‘Regardless of what goes on with this interview, whether I get the job or not, I want to be a part of that.’

“Having them work with the students and the community involvement, it really takes a lot of stress off of me as a teacher. It also gives the students a large project, not just building bird houses any more.

People assume it’s an easy class and it’s not easy … I couldn’t do it without their help.”

Haby says having them work side by side with local contractors helps back up his instructions.

“I’m the teacher but having someone in the industry every day reaffirming what I’m teaching really sets that in with what I’m teaching,” Haby said. “The teacher is just making stuff up. He actually knows what he’s talking about because these other guys are doing the exact same thing.

“It’s also giving the students an opportunity to see what these industry leaders are doing.”

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