GARDENING
SHELIA THORNE
JMG Specialist/Urban Farmer/USMC Veteran
Project Lead Gardenkids of Kemah
281-334-7529 | [email protected]
www.Gardenkidskemah.org
GARDENING IN THE HEAT
We are enjoying the benefits of
our gardens during the COVID
environment. According to
#TexasPlantGuy, Daniel Cunningham,
gardening allows us to “Grow Food for
the Body (Fruit and Veggies), Food for the Mind (trees/
plants) and Food for the Soul (Flowers).”
We have experienced the wonderful taste of fresh
produce from our gardens. The calming effect of
sitting under or enjoying the view of a tree from
a nursing home window can be priceless. Do
not forget how the sight and smell of fragrant
flowers soothes the soul of both young and
old. The essential element that keeps our
garden going during these
hot days of Summer is Water.
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) says that while
Texas population will increase
60% by 2050, our water supply
is expected to decrease. A
look at rising cost in water bills
foreshadow water’s greater
scarcity and increased cost.
Most of our water usage,
30%, is from outdoor use.
We can take an active role in
decreasing our water usage and
thereby keeping more money
in our pockets. Take a look at
ten simple things that you can
adopt in your landscape to save
water and money. It might be
as simple as replacing water
with a rake or broom to clean
up the driveway and sidewalks.
Can you add a nozzle to your
garden hose to avoid run off?
Maybe landscape with native/
drought resistant plants that
need less water such as Texas
Sage? Everyone can not adopt
every suggestion, but every
action taken is a step to ensure
there is water for us all. Saving
money is your bonus for the
work. So go out and continue
to make food for the Body, mind
and soul – Garden On!
10 ways Save
Water and
Money
24 MOMENTUM