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

Wall planter with trailing succulents hangs on wall near Gainer front door.

Native plants fill Gainer home front yard beside flagstone entry walk. Photos by Sharon Lockett

Above, rooster garden ornament surveys rosemary, agaves, red yucca, and spineless cactus by mountain laurel tree.

Right, Unexpected bluebonnets fill Gainer yard in spring. Photo by Jesse Gainer

Feather grass on curbside slope is low-maintenance and stabilizes soil. Photo by Sharon Lockett

Yard of the Month

Sun, 01/03/2021 - 5:00am

Jesse Gainer and Nancy Valdez-Gainer were delighted to move in July 2019 to a San Marcos house on Franklin Street near the Texas State campus, especially since the property included a sustainable landscape with many native plants. But then spring 2020 brought a huge surprise when the front lawn became a solid field of bluebonnets. The new owners have added a few of their own touches to the yard, but give full credit to former owners Kris Spilker and Sean McMannnis, for the crowning glory of a space full of Texas bluebonnets.

Read more about Yard of the Month

Lady Godiva Calendulas: Award-winning performance North to South

Lady Godiva Orange calendula and Superbells Pomegranate Punch calibrachoa make a wonderful partnership.

Lady Godiva calendulas come in orange and yellow and reach 16- inches tall and 18-inches wide. Photos by Norman Winter

This Zebra longwing butterfly has found valuable nectar in the Lady Godiva Orange calendulas. Photo by Norman Winter

Lady Godiva Calendulas: Award-winning performance North to South

Sun, 01/03/2021 - 5:00am

The Garden Guy fell in love with calendulas a long time ago, and then suddenly they became like the four-leaf clover at the garden center. Hopefully Lady Godiva will change all of that. If you have never grown this Aster family member, you are in for a treat.

Read more about Lady Godiva Calendulas: Award-winning performance North to South

Above, a Frito pie spud from Spud Ranch. A behemoth potato with perfectly cooked and seasoned chili, along with cheddar cheese, Fritos, the butter most are accustomed to having on a baked potato, sour cream and chives. Daily Record photo by Lance Winter.

Foodie Friday: Spud Ranch

Fri, 01/01/2021 - 12:02am

Got a Texas sized appetite? Well then, you’ll need a Texas sized meal! Look no further than the ranch — Spud Ranch.

Read more about Foodie Friday: Spud Ranch

Jason Mock

New year, new beginning

Thu, 12/31/2020 - 6:52am

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the Chamber looking back on the year 2020. Today I would like to focus on the new year, a new beginning in our organization.

Read more about New year, new beginning

M. Ray Perryman

The Economist: 2020 — A Retrospective

Thu, 12/31/2020 - 6:49am

Without question, 2020 will be remembered as the year of the coronavirus.

Read more about The Economist: 2020 — A Retrospective

Alexander “Santa” Jaramillo delivers toys and cheer to San Marcos children according to the route his sister, Maria, coordinated on Facebook. Submitted photos

Masked Samaritins: Alexander Jaramillo and his Mom, Janie Perez. Submitted photo

Samaritan Santa

Sun, 12/27/2020 - 5:00am

Last weekend, despite the chilly, drizzly weather, Janie Perez and her family hitched up their ‘sleigh’ to deliver toys to local neighborhoods in San Marcos. Perez’ son, Alexander Jaramillo, dressed up as Santa for the toy distribution, complete with a COVID-safe face mask beneath his curly, snow-white beard.

Read more about Samaritan Santa

Fall Planting of Supertunias: A great idea for the South

The Cloudless Sulphurs make regular visits to the Supertunia Vista Paradise petunia.

These Supertunia Vista Paradise were planted in late October and still blooming after repeated freezes. Photos courtesy of Norman Winter

Fall Planting of Supertunias: A great idea for the South

Sun, 12/27/2020 - 5:00am

Fall planting of petunias was a great idea. The period right after Christmas has always been kind of like a breather for garden gurus as we pause to evaluate plants and ideas that we have put into place in our landscape or perhaps watched other seasoned professionals try.

Read more about Fall Planting of Supertunias: A great idea for the South

Answers to Go

Sun, 12/27/2020 - 5:00am

SAN MARCOS PUBLIC LIBRARY 625 E. HOPKINS ST. 512-393-8200

Read more about Answers to Go

The Journey Continues: The rest of the Christmas story

Sun, 12/27/2020 - 5:00am

The past two weeks I have used this column space for the Christmas script about the birth of Christ our Savior and the arrival of the Magi. Today, we will continue with the holy family’s journey — with the rest of the story.

Read more about The Journey Continues: The rest of the Christmas story

Supporting local businesses can have a lasting impact on the community. Photo by Metro Graphics

Simple ways to give back every day

Sun, 12/27/2020 - 5:00am

Giving back to one’s community strengthens towns and neighborhoods and makes them better places to live. Many people volunteer with local charitable organizations, while others make annual donations that help charities and nonprofits achieve their missions.