San Marcos Record

2021 was the second year of the pandemic. The Texas Legislature met in regular session, as usual, but then followed that session with three special sessions on issues that had to be done (redistricting) and on issues lawmakers didn’t address during that 140-day regular session. The issue of drawing new political maps came late, because the pandemic delayed the 2020 census. Others — new voting and election laws, and restrictions on what can be taught in public schools, for instance — were priority issues for Republicans at the legislative and at the statewide level, and could be the subject of debate in 2022’s election cycle.

Common concerns shared by San Marcos gardeners are landscape maintenance, rainwater management, deer browsing and use of front yard space. All these elements are addressed in a recent renovation of the Sutherlun residence on West Mimosa Circle in Spring Lake Hills, the January Yard of the Month for Spring Lake Garden Club. The Sutherlun home now has a fresh face and newly-established landscape of native plants which neighborhood deer pass over, although young trees are protected until mature enough to withstand occasional browsing. New trees include an anacacho orchid, loquat, Mexican plum, persimmon, redbud and yaupon holly.

The Garden Guy wasn’t stopping to smell the roses but instead stared in awe at the form of a rosebud. Even though this new rose variety called Suñorita is considered a miniflora, the bud looked like a classic tiny hybrid tea. Then — out of nowhere as if to confirm my admiration — a butterfly landed on top and proceeded to investigate.

Editor’s note: This story is the final installment of a four-part series looking back at the year that was — 2021.