Hearth & Homestead

HOME • GARDEN • FARM • RANCH

Where All Your Farming, Ranching, and Gardening Needs are Met. Internet Options for Your Home Home Fire Protection Herbs & More for Your Garden

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME? Written by Becky Weise Hearth & Homestead magazine encompasses the home, garden, farm and ranch.

The hearth is a symbol of one’s home. It summons feelings of warmth and light. It offers hospitality and respite from the cares of the world.

The “homestead” is the land we live on, but it also includes the home we live in with all of the beauty and functional items we need to live comfortably.

“Homesteading” is a way of life. It isn’t a new way of life. In fact it is quite old, with most homesteaders using the internet and other modern efficiencies to improve on the “old ways.”

Some homesteaders have their own YouTube channel with insights to show how they live.

Living a self-sufficient lifestyle and being good stewards of the land are common goals of homesteaders. They do this by using available, sustainable and renewable resources to take care of their family and their land. Old ways are new again.

Becky Weise Marketing and Media Director

The Fayette County Record

If you find yourself yearning to grow your own food, save your own seed, preserve nature’s bounty, and share what you have and what you know with others, you might be a homesteader in the making.

My desire to live this lifestyle stems from my childhood with the old ways passed down to me from my parents and grandparents.

It was further engrained in my life when I took home economics classes in high school.

Years later I joined a group at church that met monthly to offer education for family living. The current name of the group is TEEA (Texas Extension Education Association, Inc.), a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension service. The TEEA creed has a special place in my heart. It reads: “We believe in the sanctity of the home.

We believe in the home as the place where love, faith, trust, and devotion must be lived each day, where obedience and reverence grow, and where God is known.

We believe those within its walls should be taught to work, to play, and to have compassion for those less fortunate.

We believe sharing responsibilities is necessary and that from the fireside will come the citizens who will uphold the best ways of life.”

Whether you live in a one bedroom apartment or a mansion, your home is your homestead and home is where the heart is.

4 | FEBRUARY 2020 HEARTH & HOMESTEAD

- Becky Weise

Let Us Fill Your Tank!

Schulenburg • Bastrop • Moulton

TABLE OF CONTENTS

8

p.

La Grange Farm & Ranch

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Intro to Hearth & Homestead..............................................4 La Grange Farm & Ranch..................................................8 Sounds and Aromas of Saturday Morning.....................14 Good Thymes with Herbs...................................................16 Fayette Firefighters ‘Zero In’ on House Fires................18 Building Stronger Communities Through Network Expansion.............................................................22 Grow Your Own....................................................................24 Healthy Soils, Healthy Plants, Healthy People............26 Shady Business....................................................................28 Ad Index..................................................................................30

On the Cover • RANCH • FARM GARDEN HOME •

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ming, Ranching, Where All Your FarNeeds are Met. and Gardening

La Grange Farm & Ranch has an assortment of products for your home, ranch, or garden.

Photo by: Lindsey Fojtik

e for Your Hom Internet Optionstection Home Fire Pro for Your Garden Herbs & Mo re

Good Thymes with Herbs Official Publication

Of

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING

Regina B. Keilers

Becky Weise Jackie Daniels

EDITOR Jeff Wick

ACCOUNTING

DIGITAL EDITOR

Theresia Karstedt Nonnie Barton

Andy Behlen

STAFF WRITER/OFFICE

18

p.

Fayette County Firefighters

H.H. Howze LouAnn Adcox Jessica Montez

FREELANCE WRITER Kirsten Cornell Terry Hagerty

22

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PRODUCTION John Castaneda - Newspaper Lindsey Fojtik - Special Sections

CIRCULATION JoAnn Mueller George Kana Bobby Bedient Kara Koether

Debbie Matula Nicole Krenek Leigh Ann Bedient Jessie Montez

127 S. Washington St. | P.O. Box 400 | La Grange, Texas 78945 Ph: 979.969.3155 | Fx: 979.968.6767 Email: editor@fayettecountyrecord.com www.FayetteCountyRecord.com

Colorado Valley Communications

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Where All Your Farming, Ranching, and Gardening Needs are Met. Written by Jessica Montez | The Fayette County Record

Preston Davis and Cole Dismukes’ interest in feed production was a deciding factor in purchasing La Grange Farm & Ranch.

8 | FEBRUARY 2020 HEARTH & HOMESTEAD

Marley sits proudly in front, with Bonnie KoetherSladek, Morgan Dornak, Tammy Heger, Preston Davis, Cole Dismukes, Don Koether, and Jeff Stueber. Other staff members not pictured were assisting customers.

New beginnings are on the horizon for La Grange Farm & Ranch, Inc., located at 623 E Colorado St in La Grange because new owners, Cole Dismukes and Preston Davis are excited to meet the needs of local farmers, ranchers and gardeners in the area. They bring numerous years of experience in business and customer service and plan to take full advantage of the feed mill.

Cole and Preston first became close friends in high school and both attended Sam Houston State University. They both studied agriculture and business and following graduation their dream to open an agriculture retail business developed into a true partnership. In 2007 they purchased their first business, Round Top Farm and Ranch, and would go on to open their second business, Somerville Farm and Ranch in 2011. After selling Round Top Farm & Ranch, they are now focused on both the Somerville Farm & Ranch and the La Grange Farm & Ranch.

When asked what made them choose La Grange Farm & Ranch as their next business opportunity Cole said, “We have always been interested in feed production and all that goes into creating a ration for different stages of animal development, in particular, show projects.”

Both grew up showing animals and they own cattle Former family together which they tend business partner, Don Koether, to regularly. “So when the helps in the opportunity to purchase a transition to new owners. feed mill presented itself, we felt grown enough in our business that taking on number one problem is inconsistency, so the task of creating our own they hope the key factor to solving this feed line just seemed right,” Cole added. problem is the ability to make and control their own feed. They want each and every Both know that feed quality is important bag to be the same quality, besides what is because they have seen the best and better than your feed being locally made? the worst feed products in the industry.

They both know and believe that the FEBRUARY 2020 | 9

they are trying to accomplish with their animals. On the other hand, bulk feeding provides convenience to the customers who are trying to maintain growth and development, for example weaning calves.

Marley is more than Preston Davis’ dog. She is considered to be part of the staff.

Well, how about it being delivered straight to you? Because one exciting new addition to the store is the fertilizer bag and bulk feed delivery. “We will be able to provide customers with what their operation needs at their convenience,” Preston said. “We understand how much time goes into feeding cattle and other livestock, so being

able to provide these services allows for customers to spend more time closer to their operations,” added Preston.

What exactly is the difference between bag and bulk delivery? Bag feeding helps create a timeline to go along with the customers feeding routine and depends on what

Another great reason they chose La Grange Farm & Ranch was the opportunity to build strong relationships with the customers, community and surrounding areas. “We have new people coming into the store every day just to stop in and say hello,” Cole said. He added, “Our main goal is to make sure our customers are always happy and we hope to form a relationship with every single customer.” Farming, ranching, and gardening is a lifestyle that allows for growth every day and in all areas of life and that’s why Cole and Preston stay up to date with new products because they want to bring in new products in all areas of the store and want to be your one stop farming, ranching, and gardening shop. “Every The friendly staff at LGFR greet customers with a smile.

10 | FEBRUARY 2020 HEARTH & HOMESTEAD

It is our pleasure to announce La Grange Farm & Ranch, Inc. is now under the ownership of Cole Dismukes and Preston Davis after 55+ years of business under the ownership of the Koether family.

Cole and Preston have numerous years of experience in the business and are excited to meet the needs of local farmers and ranchers in the area.

©2020 The Fayette County Record

Carrying a Full Line of Purina Feeds

We will also be offering Purina Accuration Liquid Feed, Custom Blends of Bag and Bulk Feed, Along with Herbicides/Seed and Farm & Ranch Supplies

New Store Hours

Monday-Friday 8-5:30 • Saturday 8-12

623 EAST COLORADO ST. • LA GRANGE, TEXAS 78945 • (979) 968-6441

Now Available! BAG & BULK FEED DELIVERY

Cole Dismukes and Preston Davis with La Grange Farm & Ranch are excited to introduce their own line of feed, produced onsite in the feed mill.

day you’re learning something new or learning how to adapt to a different situation. Farmers and ranchers have been operating for generations and they all have a unique way of handling the same tasks,” Preston said. “Over the years we have been able to learn new things from our customers and then we pass that knowledge on to the next person,” he added. Farmers helping farmers...people helping people, that’s what La Grange Farm & Ranch stands for.

La Grange Farm & Ranch not only offers great customer service and customizable feed, but also a variety of retail needs such as fencing materials, farm and ranch materials, livestock and equine supplies, seeds, plants, lawn and garden supplies, a top of the line large selection of animal health products for your other four-legged friends and even homegrown garden vegetables. Because La Grange Farm & Ranch cares about every aspect of your lifestyle from agriculture to home and gardening, whether it be raising your livestock the healthiest way, to taking care

of your lawn service needs in the safest way, tending to your garden, planting new flowers in your flower bed, or just wanting to learn how to grow the freshest, ripest tomatoes, they are able to get you just about anything you need, that is if they don’t already carry it!

With new beginnings, ideas, and products in mind, Cole and Preston both hope you will continue to choose La Grange Farm & Ranch for your hometown farm and ranch needs.

For more information and updates on all the new exciting things to come at La Grange Farm & Ranch, check out

12 | FEBRUARY 2020 HEARTH & HOMESTEAD

Luis Campos has been with La Grange Farm & Ranch for 32 years.

their Facebook page, give them a call at (979) 968-6441 or just stop by and meet Cole and Preston to discuss your farm and ranching needs. They will be glad you stopped by. The new store hours are Monday-Friday 8-5:30 p.m. and Saturday 8-12:00 p.m.

The friendly atmosphere at La Grange Farm & Ranch brings in a lot of customers.

FEBRUARY 2020 | 13

A Day in the Life at Weise Farms Written by Becky Weise | The Fayette County Record

It was a cold Saturday morning. A fire was crackling in the fireplace. I just love that sound.

A cup of freshly brewed coffee warmed me from the inside. It always smells so good, especially on Saturdays.

Farm fresh eggs and bacon sizzled in the cast iron skillet, filling the air with a wonderful aroma that would last all day long.

Daisy, our Great Pyrenees was very old, and having trouble with her back and hips. New Livestock Guardian Dogs, Anatolians to be exact, allowed her to retire and enjoy all of the things old dogs enjoy. She lived out the rest of her life never knowing she was replaced. It’s amazing what a piece of prime rib and an aspirin can do for stiff joints.

My dad believed that dogs were meant to work together. He knew what he was talking about. Ronny, Mickey and Steely grew up on Weise Farms surrounded by a host of livestock and poultry to protect.

The dogs are the night-shift workers. And when the morning comes, they nap, hardly make a sound.

14 | FEBRUARY 2020 HEARTH & HOMESTEAD

The first time I saw them work together, it was magical and methodical. Coyotes were howling. Mickey took her position with the flock, as if to keep them calm. Steely ran to the perimeter, barking at the threat. And Ronny circled out further as the first line of defense. With deep booming voices, no coyote would enter their charge.

As the dogs were napping, the roosters were crowing. It was morning. It was time to get going.

The Wagyu steer was letting us know he was hungry. It was a good day for him to enjoy the grassy field behind our house.

The chickens were ready to free-range. The turkeys were laughing at all of my jokes. And the sheep were bah-bah-bahing.

Baby lambs were jumping around like pop-corn popping.

What a great day.

The sights, the sounds and the aromas of a Saturday morning on Weise Farms are beautiful to me.

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FEBRUARY 2020 | 15

The Many Uses of These Versatile Plants Written by Jessica Montez | The Fayette County Record

This year the Herb Society of America, Pioneer Unit marks the 25th Annual Herbal Forum in Round Top, Texas which will be held Friday, March 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, March 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grounds of The Round Top Festival Institute at 248 Jaster Road. This year’s theme is “A Passion for Herbs” and the herb for 2020 is the Mexican Mint Marigold. Come and enjoy their large plant sale, multiple workshops, presentations, meals and shop at the Thyme Well Spent Gift Shop, where hand-made items such as herbal jellies, mustards, teas, herb blends, sewn items and much more will be sold. To register for the workshops and presentations, you can visit www.festivalhill.org or call (979) 249-3129.

What exactly qualifies something as a herb? Well a herb is defined as any plant which is useful to mankind, generally used for flavoring foods, beauty products or medicinal purposes.

Herbs used for cooking often referred to as culinary herbs, for example rosemary, dill, mint, parsley, oregano, cilantro and sage, are commonly used to flavor foods such as meats, vegetables, breads, soups, jams, vinegars, salads, cookies, cakes, ice cream and so much more. Herbs have been used around the world to provide unique flavors for many cuisines, and in today’s world they are more readily available so it becomes easier to create a dish from a region far away from our home. Another great thing about culinary herbs and living in the south is our climate allows us to grow most culinary herbs and have them freshly available to us from our gardens.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...or the herb. As far back as the Egyptians humans have been using herbs in beauty and skin care products. Today they are more commonly used in facial 16 | FEBRUARY 2020 HEARTH & HOMESTEAD

masks, shampoos, hair rinses, lip balms, massage oils, lotions, creams, perfumes, lipsticks, etc. In particular, herbs like roses and lavender are used for their pleasant scents, jojoba and argan oils are used in shampoos and lotions and henna is used to make dark hair more vibrant. Consumers of the cosmetic community are becoming more aware of the ingredients being used in cosmetics and they are now wanting even more products with natural and organic ingredients.

The Herb Society of America, Pioneer Unit will be selling bath bombs, lip balms, lotions, facial tonic spritzes, foot scrubs, body lotions and butters, nail butter, massage oils, hand sanitizers and handmade soaps at the Herbal Forum.

All herbs to some extent offer some kind of medicinal purpose, even herbs used for culinary and beauty and skin care purposes.

For example, rosemary is great for flavoring and also helps with migraines or rose geranium, commonly used in lotions for its scent is also used as a great smelling insect repellent. Herbs have a power all their own.

If you happen to end up with too much thyme on your hands, then don’t worry because there are plenty of ways to preserve herbs. You can dry (air, oven, rack, microwave or dehydrator), freeze (bare, water, oil or rolled), blend them in oils (best for pesto) or create things like herbal vinegars, cheeses, butters and so much more. Preservation is a key factor in the northern climate because of the long winters. Here in the south we mainly need to preserve dill and basil since they only grow annually.

Other herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, bay laurel and savory are more of the hardy herbs and can be harvested fresh

An herb garden provides culinary ingredients for many varities of food.

THE 25TH ANNUAL

HERBAL FORUM AT ROUND TOP

year-round. They only need preserving for certain needs. Some herbs preserve better and others not so much.

The future of the herb industry and essential oils is looking more positive as more people each year are becoming aware that adding herbs to their food is a great way to add flavor and that they provide positive health benefits. The sale of medicinal herb products also continues to increase and it shows no signs of slowing down. However, you must be careful of fraudulent sales in the medicinal herb business. If a herbal medicinal product or an essential oil is on the cheaper side then chances are it might have been mixed with cheaper products. It takes many pounds of herbs to create one ounce of a product which in turn makes the product not cheap, but even more valuable.

If you are interested in learning even more about the Herb Society of America, Pioneer Unit, the upcoming 25th Annual Herbal Forum in Round Top, or you would like to join the Pioneer Unit, then go check out their website www. herbsocietypioneer.org to learn even more about all things herbs. I’m pretty sure you have the thyme!

“A Passion for Herbs”

Mexican Mint Marigold- Our Herb for 2020

The 25th Annual

Herb Society of America, Pioneer Unit “Thyme Well Spent” Gift Shop and

Plant Sale Friday, March 20 9am to 5pm and

Saturday, March 21 8am to 5pm

Located on the grounds of The Round Top Festival Institute at 248 Jaster Road, just north of Round Top off Hwy. 237 For further information on these events go to www.herbsocietypioneer.org or look us up on Facebook at Pioneer Unit Herb Society of America

FEBRUARY 2020 | 17

Volunteers on a Mission Written by Terry Hagerty

At the scene of a house fire, with lives often at stake, things unfold rapidly. Firefighters and the commander first have a quick meeting “by a firetruck and talk about how we are going to attack the fire,” said Frank Menefee, Fire Chief for the La Grange Volunteer Fire Department. “As commander, I direct other trucks arriving and give assignments. I am also the safety person, checking to make sure a home doesn’t fall in on our firefighters – making sure that they all get home safely.” Menefee, who has served 31 years with the La Grange VFD, including 15 years as fire chief, said his department initially responds to fires with an engine crew of six firefighters. The truck carries 1,000 gallons of water. A tanker carries 2,000 gallons. The department has two additional engines, three brush trucks, one rescue truck (carries rescue tools), and three water-rescue boats. Firefighters check to make sure all residents are out of a burning home.

“It’s very important to know if any people are still in a home –it changes the whole scheme and now goes to a rescue situation 18 | FEBRUARY 2020 HEARTH & HOMESTEAD

if people are in there,” Menefee said. Even if a home appears to be a total loss, firefighters continue to put water on the house to extinguish the flames. Menefee said that beyond the safety need to totally extinguish the blaze, “We have to determine how the fire started,” adding that letting a structure totally burn down “destroys evidence” that fire investigators will later need in determining the fire’s cause.

Menefee, who is Assistant City Manager and Fire Marshal for the City of La Grange, praised the dedication of volunteer firefighters. “The reason volunteer firefighters are so valuable is because they are not paid – everything they do comes from their heart. They are called during nights, during family gatherings, seven days per week. The (fire) tone goes out and they have to respond. What they do comes from a strong desire to serve their community – the driving force is that they care about folks.”

The La Grange Volunteer Fire Department is always there when you need them.

Firefighters Association– Stephen Kelly is President of Fayette County Firefighters Association, Vice President and Training Officer of the Muldoon VFD (served three years as Fire Chief) and one of its founding members. Kelly said new firefighters undergo thorough training. “We send them to school, and train them in house as well as train with neighboring departments. We don’t throw them right into it.” He said the Muldoon VFD has 11 firefighters including the Chief and other officers. Their coverage area of 139 square miles is the second largest in Fayette County, to the La Grange VFD. “We may get five or six firefighters at a scene,” Kelly said, adding that firefighter exhaustion – especially in hot weather – can quickly dwindle their effectiveness, thereby making a mutual aid a necessity. The scene commander determines whether firefighters can enter the structure to combat the fire or must remain outside, depending on the extent to which the structure is engulfed in flames and any additional dangers. Rescue is our primary goal; if people are still in

the house it changes our tactics. A commander has also made a ‘360’-degree search around the structure and environs to better assess the scene. Kelly said at a Flatonia fire for which Muldoon gave mutual aid, there was a power line down. “It was still a hot wire,” Kelly said. Volunteer Firefighter’s are a rare breed. You sacrifice a lot. They miss time with family and friends and even use their vacation time or take off from work without pay to attend training or respond to calls. That’s dedication and it’s becoming harder to find. Imagine if no one volunteered.

Fayetteville VFD – Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Randy Noviskie said his department carries a roster of 34 firefighters, with 24 being “real active.” He said his volunteer firefighters can usually get to the fire station within five to seven minutes, “and a lot times, under five minutes.” That time is further reduced when volunteers

FEBRUARY 2020 | 19

Home Fire Extinguishers - Fire officials agree that having the appropriate type of fire extinguisher in a home is crucial: Class A extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary combustibles – such as wood and paper; Class B extinguishers are for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline and oil; Class C extinguishers are suitable for use only on electrically energized fires; Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals. Multipurpose extinguishers can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than one class, like A-B, B-C or A-B-C.

may already be at the station working on various tasks when the alarm sounds. Fayetteville VFD has two engine trucks that carry 500 gallons each, a tanker which holds 2,200 gallons, and two brush trucks with 300 gallons each, for its response area of 71 square miles. Noviskie, who is Chief Deputy with the Fayette County Sheriff ’s Office, lauded all volunteer firefighters. “In the middle of the night they leave their families to take care of their community. These fire calls are not ‘drive out there and leave’ – some stay hours and hours at a scene,” Noviskie said.

e t a i c e r p p a e W You! Fayette

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©2020 The Fayette County Record

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Training is required for all volunteers. They learn nozzles, patterns and positioning.

Eddy Schneider, Fire Chief for the Winchester Volunteer Fire Department, also praised the commitment Fayette County’s volunteer firefighters. “You couldn’t ask for a finer bunch of people who give up their time and stop what they’re doing to come to someone else’s aid,” Schneider said. All the fire chiefs agreed that the high degree of protection and response when it comes to Fayette County fires is provided by the strong cooperation and response among the 10 volunteer fire departments: Carmine, Ellinger, Fayetteville, Flatonia, La Grange, Ledbetter, Muldoon, Round Top/Warrington, Schulenburg, and Winchester.

Fire-Escape Plans (tips from the Department of Homeland Security): For fires, create and practice a fire-escape plan. If possible, have two ways out of each room in event primary way is blocked. Make sure windows are not stuck. Practice feeling your way out of house in the dark with your eyes closed. Audible alarms for visually impaired people should pause with a small window of silence between each successive cycle so that they can listen to instructions or voices of others. Smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for the hearing impaired. Contact your local fire department for information about obtaining a flashing or vibrating smoke alarm. Smoke alarms with a strobe light outside the home to catch the attention of neighbors, and emergency call systems for summoning help, are also available.

©2020 The Fayette County Record

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Colorado Valley Communications is constantly growing and tending to our fiber-to-the-home and high-speed internet networks in-and-around Fayette County. In fact, service may already be available in your area.

Curious if you’re in our Fiber-zone? Simply visit cvctx.com and enter your address (home or business). You’ll be able to see where service is already available, sign up online or let us know if you’re interested in service.

979.242.5911 I 800.242.5911 cvctx.com Service availability may vary depending on location.

FEBRUARY 2020 | 21

2020 Will be a Year of Considerable Growth for Colorado Valley Communications Written by Colorado Valley Communications

Communications’ fiber and high-speed internet networks. As Fayette County residents and businesses demand for greater bandwidths and internet speeds continues to increase, Colorado Valley Communications continues to invest in expanding our networks – helping to deliver the speed our customers need.

Through our planning and preparation, we have discovered that many of our rural areas are finding it necessary to stay connected – including our agriculture and farming communities – with wireless devices helping to manage day-to-day operations and an efficient work-life balance of technology. We are constantly looking for rural solutions to help in areas where most internet companies choose not to venture.

We believe that we are able to build stronger communities through networks that meet the unique demands of our neighbors - residential and business.

Our fiber and high-speed internet service is fueling growth and innovation in the communities we serve, and we will continue to find ways to enhance our networks to meet our customers growing and evolving needs. As a trusted connection to the networked world, we are focused on delivering technology that

enables digital business and enhances the overall customer experience – at home, the office, and even on the farm.

Many residents in our service area can already access fiber to the home – with more expansion plans in the works to add additional locations. For our local businesses, fiber is already available in La Grange and Ellinger, with construction currently underway in Schulenburg, Fayetteville and Weimar in 2020.

To find out if you or your business are in our fiber-zone, visit us online. Simply by entering your address (home or office), you’ll discover where service is already available, sign up online or let us know you’re interested in service.

If we can’t serve you TODAY, we can build to you TOMORROW. Although fiber installation can be an expensive business venture, Colorado Valley Communications is working hard to expand our fiber and high-speed internet networks to meet the needs of area residents and businesses. If you’re interested, be sure to encourage others in your area to sign-up online and show interest. We base our expansion

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Colorado Valley Communications is working hard to expand fiber and high speed internet.

plans and efforts to areas with the most requests. The more people in one service request area, the faster we can build to the area.

See for yourself why Colorado Valley Communications was voted one of the best ISP Providers for the last two years in Fayette County.

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FIBER FACTS Fiber is one of the fastest forms of broadband technology, serving as the backbone to the internet and providing some of the fastest speeds available for effectively operating businesses of all sizes, as well as powering video entertainment, gaming and smart devices for your family and home.

• Fiber uses tiny strands of plastic or glass – just slightly thicker than a single human hair.

• Fiber offers access to greater bandwidth to support the demands of multiple users and devices.

• Fiber optic networks offer faster speeds than traditional, copper-based networks – which are less reliable since they are more easily affected by temperature fluctuation, severe weather conditions and moisture.

• Fiber is more durable and requires less hardware.

• Fiber maintenance costs are cheaper than copper-based systems.

• Fiber offers more flexibility for future growth.

FEBRUARY 2020 | 23

Save Those Seeds Written by Becky Weise | The Fayette County Record

When I was younger, my family and I went to the “Square Fair” in La Grange on the courthouse square. My dad bought a t-shirt for me that said “Grow your own.” That shirt had a sassy double meaning and I am pretty sure he would blush in his grave if he knew.

My dad, God rest his soul, always said “If you can’t eat it, it isn’t worth planting.” And yes, I gave him a beautiful wreath of collard greens at his funeral. And then I planted them. And then I ate them.

“Grow your own” has taken on a much deeper meaning over the years. There is great satisfaction in preparing a meal that consists of 100% homegrown food.

And now it’s time to start planning for the Spring Garden. Here’s a thought. Try growing an edible landscape. A mix of vegetables, herbs and edible flowers will make for a landscape that will provide topics of conversation for months.

Learn to feed your family in a healthy and wholesome way, while feeding your pride and visual interest as well.

Go one step further and buy heirloom seeds. Heirloom varieties look beautiful and taste delicious. Unlike store-bought, they are not genetically modified to have tough skin to withstand handling and transportation. They are tender. They are not meant to be picked green like store bought varieties that ripen in route to the grocery store. Instead, they are picked vine ripe.

And sometimes they go from vine to mouth, never making it to the plate. Your taste buds will thank you. No hybrid tomato I know of tastes better than heirloom varieties.

Heirloom seeds can be saved from year to year, and they will always produce the same variety year after year. The trick is to grow one variety of each vegetable to avoid cross pollination.

Growing two varieties of tomatoes create a hybrid seed. Hybrids do not come back true to the original. Heirloom seeds are a sustainable way to get the same delicious taste indefinitely.

24 | FEBRUARY 2020 HEARTH & HOMESTEAD

This is the right time to start seeds in transplantable containers and prepare your garden soil with layers of organic matter.

When danger of frost is past, the transplants will be ready to go into the garden.

Squash is so easy to grow. No transplants are required. A “hill” of squash is planted by flattening out a small area and placing 5 seeds in domino number fashion under a block of wood, or a brick. Remove the covering when the seeds sprout. Check it daily, so you’ll know when they sprout. One hill of squash can be a beautiful part of your landscape and will take up about five square feet of space. Enjoy sprawling beautiful green leaves and lovely yellow blossoms. You can eat the blossoms or wait to enjoy the squash. Yellow squash is a great source of Vitamin A.

The beauty and bounty a hill of squash provides will be something you can enjoy visually as well as in a culinary fashion.

It will be something you can take to work and share. Squash casserole freezes well and there are so many recipes to choose from.

No matter your level of gardening expertise, growing heirloom vegetables is so rewarding. Always remember to save your seeds.

Squash is easy to grow and looks beautiful in the landscape.

(979) 247-4200

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? Reserve your spot in the 2021 Hearth & Homestead issue today!

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979.968.3155

127 S. Washington St. | La Grange www.FayetteCountyRecord.com

“I can’t wait to come back next summer”

low ropes course - music - zip line - painting - camp

— CAMPER

songs - climbing - tribes - singing - soccer - wall

Texas Lions Camp is a non-profit organization funded by the Lions Clubs of Texas and other caring individuals. All children attend camp at no cost to them or their families. The Texas Lions Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

For more information visit our website

www.lionscamp.com

TEXAS LIONS CAMP

P. O. Box 290247 • Kerrville, TX 78029-0247 (830) 896-8500 Office • tlc@lionscamp.com

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FEBRUARY 2020 | 25

The popularity of organic gardening is evident in the large turnout from last year’s seminar.

Healthy SOILS, Healthy PLANTS, Healthy PEOPLE Growing Healthy Lawns and Gardens

Four top Texas organic educators will be speaking at the second Organic Garden & Landscape Seminar being held on March 7, 2020 at the Historic Casino Hall in La Grange. The event will run from 8:00 a.m. to noon. By the end of this incredible seminar, you will know how to beautifully transform your landscapes and gardens organically and be able to grow the tastiest and healthiest food ever. And it’s completely free!

Brianne Bernsen, a La Grange native and owner of Plum Fabulous Foods. She will reveal the secrets to growing abundant and nutritious organic vegetables.

The half day seminar will include coffee, kolaches, handouts, samples, and a great opportunity to meet the organic community and local organic vendors. The experts speaking are some of the top organic educators in Texas including Mike Serant, Brianne Bernsen, Brad Phillips, and John Ferguson.

John Ferguson is a compost legend and owner of Nature’s Way Resources. He will unravel the incredible wonders compost does to our plants and how to use it most efficiently.

Mike Serant has been manufacturing MicroLife Organic Fertilizers since 1988, a few of his clients include the University of Texas at Austin and the Houston Zoo. He will be talking about organic Lawn Care and creating gorgeous, poison-free lawns.

26 | FEBRUARY 2020 HEARTH & HOMESTEAD

Brad Phillips is a master arborist and co-owner of ArborTrue.

He will teach how to properly care for trees, our landscapes’ most valuable assets.

To reserve seating for this free event, go to lagrangeorganics. eventbrite.com.

For additional information, contact Sara Wissinger at swissinger@sanjacsupply.com or call 713.957.0909.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH

2nd ANNUAL | 8:00AM - 12:00PM | FREE EVENT

organic garden and landscape seminar

La Gra nge, TX

the historic casino hall | 254 N Jefferson Street, La Grange TX, 78945

Includes Coffee, Kolaches, Handouts, Samples, Meet the Organic Community & Local Organic Vendors Grow the most successful, tastiest and healthiest food EVER. Have magnificent lawns, trees, shrubs & gardens.

Get the latest intel in soil health and plant science Have beautiful, poison free landscapes & MUCH MORE!

FOUR OF TEXAS’ EXPERT ORGANIC EDUCATORS

Mike Serant

Brianne Bernsen

Brad Phillips

John Ferguson

Organic Lawn Care

Growing Organic Veggies

Trees Are The Answer

Compost Everywhere

Have gorgeous, poison free lawns.

Mike has been mfgering MicroLife Organic Fertilizers since 1988.

Clients include UT-Austin and The Houston Zoo.

Farmer Bernsen grows an amazing amount of nutritious, tasty veggies on her small farm, Plum Fabulous Foods. Come learn her secrets.

Trees are the most valuable part of our landscapes. Brad is a Master Arborist & co-owner of ArborTrue.

A fascinating lecture that teaches you how to care for your trees.

Compost, Organic Matter, is the essence of growing great plants and is essential. Learn why and how to apply. John owns Nature Way’s Resources in Conroe, TX.

ITINERARY 8:00–9:00AM

9:00–9:40AM

Coffee & Kolaches

Intro & Organic Lawn Care

Registration,

Mike Serant

9:40–10:20AM

10:40–11:20AM

11:20AM–12:00PM

Growing Organic Veggies

Trees Are The Answer

Compost Everywhere

Brianne Bernsen

Brad Phillips

John Ferguson

Get Free Ticket At Door or Online | To Ensure Seating Please Register Online @

lagrangeorganics.eventbrite.com

Tips when Planting Shade Trees Beautiful landscaping can add instant curb appeal to a property.

But beauty isn’t the only thing that makes idyllic landscaping attractive to homeowners. Some landscaping features, such as shade trees, save homeowners money while adding aesthetic appeal.

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that shading is the most cost-effective way to reduce solar heat gain in a home. Shading also cuts air conditioning costs, which tend to be expensive in areas with warm, humid climates. In fact, the DOE notes that well-planned landscapes can reduce unshaded homes’ air conditioning costs by anywhere from 15 to 50 percent.

When planting shade trees, one of the first decisions homeowners will need to make is which type of tree, deciduous or evergreen, they want to plant. Deciduous trees are those that seasonally shed their leaves, while evergreens are trees that keep their leaves throughout the year. Deciduous trees can help keep homes cool in the summer by blocking sun, and those same trees can be beneficial in winter after they shed their leaves by letting the sun in and keeping homes warm. But evergreens also can be beneficial in winter by blocking wind, potentially preventing cold air from making its way into a home through cracks in walls or around windows.

When planting shade trees, techniques vary depending on which type of tree homeowners ultimately choose to plant.

28 | FEBRUARY 2020 HEARTH & HOMESTEAD

PLANTING DECIDUOUS TREES The DOE says that deciduous trees that are between six and eight feet tall when planted will begin shading the windows of a home within a year of being planted. Depending on the species of the plant and the home, those same deciduous trees may begin shading the roof within five to 10 years of being planted.

When planting deciduous trees, homeowners should keep these tips in mind.

• Plant trees to the south of the home. When planted to the south of the home, deciduous trees can screen between 70 and 90 percent of the summer sun while still allowing residents to feel summer breezes.

• Consider sun angles. Homeowners who want to shade their homes from low afternoon sun angles should plant trees with crowns that are lower to the ground on the west side of their homes.

• Cool air before it reaches your home. Shrubs and groundcover plants can be planted to cool air before it reaches a home.

EVERGREEN TREES Planting evergreens to block wind is known as “windbreaking,” which lowers the wind chill near a home. Wind also can be used to cool a home in summer. But these benefits can only be realized when evergreens are strategically planted.

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Shade trees can save homeowners money while also adding an aesthetic appeal.

• Location, location, location: The DOE advises planting evergreen trees to the north and northwest of the home to stop wind. In addition, to get the most bang for your windbreaking buck, the distance between the home and windbreak should be two to five times the height of the mature tree.

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eville, 1424 1424E.E.E. 1424 State State E.Hwy. State Hwy.Hwy. Hwy. 159 159•159 •Fayetteville, Fayetteville, • Fayetteville, TX TX TX 1424 State 159 • Fayetteville, T 979-247-4587 TX 7000 South US Highway 77, La Grange, TX FEBRUARY 2020 | 29

ADVERTISER INDEX Brawley Dental Clinic.....................................................15

La Grange Volunteer Fire Department........................21

Budget Blinds.....................................................................2

M-G Farm Service Center...............................................30

Colorado Valley Communications...............................21

San Jacinto MicroLife....................................................27

CTL Tree Service................................................................3

The Polished Home........................................................29

The Fayette County Record.................................13 & 25

Reeder’s Air Conditioning & Heating Inc.....................15

Fayette Electric Coop....................................................15

Round Top Mercantile....................................................31

Fayetteville Propane Company....................................29

Round Top State Bank......................................................7

Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department.......................20

Tex Propane.......................................................................5

Fixin’ Things.......................................................................25

Texas Irrigation & Pipe LLC.............................................15

Herb Society of America................................................17

Texas Lions Camp...........................................................25

KJK Dozer..........................................................................30

Vincent’s Roofing............................................................29

Kleiber Tractor & Equipment...................................7 & 31

Weise Farms.......................................................................3

La Grange Farm & Ranch................................................11

Do you want to be in the next Hearth & Homestead magazine?

La Grange Napa Auto Parts..........................................32

Call Becky at 979-968-3155

FEEDS MISCELLANEOUS

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RTILIZER FERT FE ED ~~ FE ER FEED NTER CENT EN CE RDEN GARD ES ~~ GA SU H PPLILIES NC SUPP H RA & NC SE RA CA FA SE OW RM & CA SH FARM ~ OW SH ES CHES ~ ULCH MUL S/M SOILILS/ PO INGG SO TTIN ETS,S, POTT LLET HH CA TFISISHH FIFILL IT CATF DD W IT KE W OC ST KE OC RS ST ZE EE OR FR M EEZERS & OR S FREE M ER & S ND TENDER IES,S, TE FRIE CH FR FR ENCH FREN

No�Pond,�No�Lake Too�Big�or�Too�Small Services Dozer�•�Scraper�•�Excavator�Services land�clearing�And�Reshaping lake/pond�building�Restoration engineered�building�pads shredding�•�demolition�•�fully�insured Serving Fayette County Since 1995 30 | FEBRUARY 2020 HEARTH & HOMESTEAD

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COM 8584 ~ M-GINC.

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f 5 0 Years o

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36 Ye ness in Busi

SEASONAL SAVINGS on Hand Held Power Equipment and Mowers

Mark Your Calendars Spring Dealer Days April 10th-11th

©2020 The Fayette County Record

g Celebraatirns

Grocery & Imports Propane

Your One Stop Shopfor Lawn & Garden, Grocery, Hardware,and Farm & Ranch Your Kawasaki, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler and Honda Certified Technicians!

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979.249.3117

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Mon. - Sat. 7:30 am - 6 pm • Sun. 9 am - 3 pm

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FEBRUARY 2020 | 31

LA GRANGE FERRIS AND SNAPPER MOWERS

BASTROP

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Our Bastrop location carries a full line of outdoor power equipment from brands you trust, such as STIHL, ECHO, ECHO Bear Cat, Scag, Snapper, Snapper Pro, and Ferris, plus we offer financing through Sheffield, Yard Card.

Additionally, we service most makes and models of outdoor power equipment and offer pick-up and delivery for your convenience at both locations.

LA GRANGE NAPA 210 East Travis St. La Grange, TX

(979) 968-8484

B&B AUTO SUPPLY/NAPA 1101 Chestnut St. Bastrop, TX bandbautosupplyandsmallengine.com

(512) 321-2122