As a public service, public health stories are free to Central Texans during the coronavirus crisis. Please support our local journalists by subscribing today. Call 512-392-2458.

Features

Supertunia Picasso in Purple petunia, Superbells Yellow calibrachoa and White Knight Sweet alyssum are reaching peak bloom in this container made of recycled bamboo.

This Eastern Tiger Swallowtail has been making frequent stops at the Supertunia Picasso in Purple flowers. Photos by Norman Winter

Picasso in Purple: One Special Supertunia

Sun, 10/10/2021 - 5:00am

Naming a petunia Picasso gives clear indication this plant is something special. That is precisely what I thought, too, the first time I saw Supertunia Picasso in Purple in plant trials. Actually, I felt a little intimidated as I started thinking what would I do with this beautiful flower in containers or in the landscape.

Read more about Picasso in Purple: One Special Supertunia

rik Nam Pla Thai's yellow chicken curry. A serving of tender chicken, yellow curry which uses Turmeric as its main ingredient, with potatoes, yellow onions and bamboo shoots. Daily Record photos by Lance Winter & Nick Castillo

Foodie Friday: Prik Nam Pla Thai

Thu, 10/07/2021 - 5:42pm

It’s said Thai cuisine is all about balance. It’s finding that perfect rapport between sweet, sour, spicy and salty.

Read more about Foodie Friday: Prik Nam Pla Thai

M. Ray Perryman

The Economist: When zero isn’t zero

Wed, 10/06/2021 - 6:24pm

Recent quotes from many politicians claim that the proposed $3.5 trillion spending bill costs “zero.” Just in case you were wondering, this is not so.

Read more about The Economist: When zero isn’t zero

Perennials to add dazzle to your cool season containers

Goldilocks Creeping Jenny hangs down like 24K gold in this planter box with violet colored pansies.

Lemon Coral sedum gently tumbles over the edge of this mixed container with pansies, tall dianthus and Evergold carex grass. Photos by Norman Winter

This cool season container offers a variety of texture and color with pansies, Ogon Japanese sweet flag, Goldilocks Creeping Jenny and Burgundy Glow ajuga. Photo by Norman Winter

Perennials to add dazzle to your cool season containers

Sun, 10/03/2021 - 5:00am

Perennials for cool season containers may seem like the proverbial horticultural oxymoron, but that is exactly what I have been planting the last few days in my zone 8a landscape. My favorite pansy pals are Goldilocks lysimachia, Lemon Coral sedum, Ogon Japanese sweet flag and Burgundy Glow ajuga.

Read more about Perennials to add dazzle to your cool season containers

Answers to Go

Sun, 10/03/2021 - 5:00am

SAN MARCOS PUBLIC LIBRARY

Read more about Answers to Go

The Journey Continues: Reflections from 45 years of journals

Sun, 10/03/2021 - 5:00am

My journey this week reflects that because of COVID-19, I had time to review my 45 years of daily journals. My Georgia friend Jim Bazemore said, “A faintly written word is more powerful than the best memory.” These written journals help remind me of some good memories.

Read more about The Journey Continues: Reflections from 45 years of journals

There are around 800 native bee species in Texas. Photo from Metro Creative

EXPLORING NATURE: BEES

Sun, 10/03/2021 - 5:00am

I know bees should be my good buddies. I am aware they pollinate plants and provide tasty honey.

Read more about EXPLORING NATURE: BEES

Pictured left to right: Commander Stephanie Brown; State Rep. James White; and President Bernie Adams. Photo submitted by VFW Post 3413

VFW Post holds POW/MIA ceremony

Sun, 10/03/2021 - 5:00am

On Friday, Sept. 17, Commander Stephanie Brown of Maurice T. Suttles, VFW Post 3413 honored the nation’s Prisoners of War and Missing in Action (POW/MIA) for all wars and conflicts in an annual ceremony.

Read more about VFW Post holds POW/MIA ceremony

People who cannot stomach foods that contain gluten can still indulge in their favorite holiday flavors. Photo from Metro Creative

Gluten-Free

Sun, 10/03/2021 - 5:00am

The holiday season is a popular time to entertain. Food is often a focal point of holiday season entertaining.

Read more about Gluten-Free

Front entrance of Hansen’s historic hillside house features colorful native plants.

Bold yellow esperanza and pale blue plumbago blossoms contrast with minimal carpet grass lawn edged with passalong irises. Photos by Sharon Lockett

Backyard artist’s studio (with guardian cat) is a semi-shaded retreat and outdoor workplace.

Front lawn plants include yellow esperanza (with drooping seedpods), deep purple blossoms of giant spiderwort, and blue plumbago. Photos by Sharon Lockett

Yard of the Month

Sun, 10/03/2021 - 5:00am

Old-fashioned native plants decorate the front garden of one of San Marcos’ historic houses on Burleson Street, home of local artist Johanna Kohlleppel Hansen, and Spring Lake Garden Club’s Yard of the Month for October. Brilliant yellow blooms of esperanza mingle with deep purple spiderwort and pale blue plumbago blossoms in this hillside yard between Blanco and Moore Street in the Lindsey-Rogers historic district.