Features

New Hawaiian Ti varieties create a dazzling taste of the tropics

Hawaiian Ti plants known botanically as Cordyline are becoming popular in high profile landscapes as they perform from late spring through frost.

When grown in combination with other tropical foliage the look becomes magical, synonymous with the islands. Photos by Norman Winter

New Hawaiian Ti varieties create a dazzling taste of the tropics

Sun, 05/29/2022 - 5:00am

Our Taste for the Tropics just got a lot larger this year as Proven Winners has added five new Hawaiian Ti varieties under their Proven Selections label. This brings the Cordyline group to a total of eight selections. Most of us have never seen a named variety of Hawaiian Ti known botanically as Cordyline fruticosa or Cordyline australis.

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Above, Otsu Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar's General Tso’s chicken, which came with a hearty portion of deep fried chicken, which came re-stir fried with Otsu’s house special sauce. Below, Otsu's chicken katsu served with panko crusted chicken, fried rice and a house salad. Daily Record photo by Nick Castillo & Lance Winter

Foodie Friday: Otsu Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar

Thu, 05/26/2022 - 9:52pm

San Marcans looking for a modern and welcoming Asian restaurant should visit Otsu Asian Bistro & Suhsi Bar.

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M. Ray Perryman

The Economist: Undercount!

Wed, 05/25/2022 - 7:57pm

The US Census Bureau recently released the 2020 Census estimated undercount and overcount rates from its Post-Enumeration Survey.

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This newly planted bed features Mangave Catch a Wave, a trending new plant hybrid between Agave and Manfreda with Heart to Heart Burning Heart caladium and Shadowland Coast to Coast hostas. Begonias and Torenia will complete the project.

Heart to Heart Burning Heart is a large new landscape caladium for 2022 offering a bold new color. The hot red color is more intense in the sun and offers a tempting bronze in shadier locations.

Heart to Heat Tickle Me Pink caladium and Wee Bit Giddy hydrangea made the perfect marriage at The Garden Guy’s house. Photos by Norman Winter

Let Heart to Heart Caladiums

Sun, 05/22/2022 - 5:00am

The Garden Guy made a trip across town to chat with son James and came away giddy on one hand and grumpy on the other because I had been scooped. I am used to being the dud when it comes to comparing my plant partnerships with his, but this time he showed me up with a new variety. I’m the new variety guy, not this whipper snapper, but he was grinning like the ‘Cheshire Cat’ with this year’s new Heart to Heart Burning Heart caladium.

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Exploring Nature: Attracting Birds

Sun, 05/22/2022 - 5:00am

I was honored to meet Stephen Kress many years ago on a trip to Egg Rock Island about six miles off the coast of Maine. He wore a very distinguished sort of beanie and was a sage source of puffin lore and logic.

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Beta chapter names Marla Johnson Woman of the Year

Sun, 05/22/2022 - 5:00am

Four local Beta Sigma Phi Chapters recently named Marla Johnson as the 2022 Woman of the Year. Chapter Presidents Pictured from left to right Kathryn Webber, Diane Gardner, Marla Johnson, Margie Harmon and Jamie Lee Case. Photo submitted by Sue Cohen

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Tickets on sale for Broadway in Austin’s ‘Mean Girls’

Sun, 05/22/2022 - 5:00am

Texas Performing Arts will present Broadway In Austin’s musical “Mean Girls” from Aug. 2 – 7 at Bass Concert Hall.

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Answers to Go

Sun, 05/22/2022 - 5:00am

San Marcos Public Library

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During this year’s 45th Annual Heritage Home Tour, guests will have the opportunity to tour two thriving local San Marcos businesses — Germer Insurance Services and Zelicks Icehouse. Vibrant yellow agarita blossoms precede red berries in summer and fall. Deer avoid spiny leaves of this plant. Above, Germer Insurance Services located at 221 North St. Below, Zelicks Icehouse located at 336 W. Hopkins St. Photos by Carl Deal

During this year’s 45th Annual Heritage Home Tour, guests will have the opportunity to tour two thriving local San Marcos businesses — Germer Insurance Services and Zelicks Icehouse. Above, Zelicks Icehouse located at 336 W. Hopkins St. Photo by Carl Deal

45th Annual Heritage Home Tour

Sun, 05/22/2022 - 5:00am

During this year’s 45th Annual Heritage Home Tour, guests will have the opportunity to tour two thriving local San Marcos businesses — Germer Insurance Services and Zelicks Icehouse. These local treasured properties have been significantly enhanced — preserving the rich history of our town for current and future generations to enjoy.

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Here to Help: Artist Eric Scarlett lends support to local veterans

Eric and Kristy Scarlett have arrived in San Marcos, ready to help veterans live fuller lives.

Painted with auto body paint and hand-crafted, each of Scarlett’s flags is custom-made for the veteran for which it is created. Photos by Eric Scarlett

The Eternal Flame: a 9-foot metal monument in Victoria, was created by Scarlett during 2021. The project, which will be re-dedicated at the end of this month, garnered a DIY Hero nomination and honors all veterans who have fallen in the Golden Crescent since World War I. Photo submitted by Eric Scarlett

Here to Help: Artist Eric Scarlett lends support to local veterans

Sun, 05/22/2022 - 5:00am

Eric Scarlett has done a lot of living with his life. Born and raised in Ventura, Calif., Scarlett transitioned from being a machine shop kid to being in the military and then starring in a series of high-powered TV shows about cars, like Overhaulin’ and Monster Garage.