Outdoors

Asparagus fern can take the heat, cold

This time of year, we are all looking for some greenery to add to our vases for a little cheer in the house. Why go buy greenery when you probably have some in your own yard. How about using the classic greenery of asparagus fern?

The asparagus fern is the voluminous greenery we’ve all seen gracing large urns and pots in the South. If you don’t want to bring in the whole garden pot, just clip some because this fern will reward a good haircut with even more abundant growth.

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Take to the inshore waters in winter

Fishing in February can be iffy at best. Since the wind, weather and water temperatures fluctuate greatly, it is difficult to learn a feeding pattern. There are some days that make trying to go fishing too dangerous. Lighting and high winds in the 25 mph plus zone along with torrential rain make for those types of days. Other than that, there is some really good fish catching available where the weather is less of a deterrent.

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It’s time get out there and catch big bass

During February and March, thousands of anglers across the Lone Star State will be looking to latch onto the largemouth bass of a lifetime. The three most important questions center on where to go, when to fish and with what lures. I’ve got some answers for you.

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Time for spring cleanup

It’s that time again! Yep, time to get out there in the yard and begin the spring cleanup. Our winters aren’t so long or so cold, but they can be really messy. Chances are your yard and garden are full of half-alive or half-dead plants, wind strewn debris and maybe even some old damp sheets or things used to cover your most sensitive plants during a couple of chilly nights.

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Winter fishing can be great

So when do folks quit going fishing? They don’t! Although most of the anglers are also hunters, there is no reason to overlook some great cold weather fishing. Even back during deer season, many deer hunters, especially in the Hill Country and in West Texas, were privileged to have access to stock tanks. There are also rivers and streams that meander near to or on their hunting grounds. The majority of ranchers that I’ve talked to about fishing in their tanks are super agreeable.

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Crab trap removal volunteers needed on Sabine Lake, East Galveston Bay

I’ve had a love/hate relationship with crab traps for years. I love to use them to catch big blue crabs and the occasional stone crab on Sabine Lake and Keith Lake. Conversely, I hate to have to get out of the boat and untangle a mangled derelict crab trap that’s been wound up on the prop of my outboard.

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Sapling giveaway on Feb. 15

Jackie Steen, Master Gardener president

Did your mama always say, “Can’t get something for nothing”? Well maybe you can after all. For the second year, the Campbell Forestry group has partnered with the Jefferson County Master Gardener group to supply tree seedlings to our county. There is no cost to anyone. Yep, the seedlings are free.

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It’s time for fishing, hiking and paddling in Southeast Texas

The warming trend we’ve had the past couple of days has set the stage for some fun outdoors that includes fishing, paddling and, of course, hiking.

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Don’t miss last weekend for waterfowl

The lion’s share of the local waterfowl season is history. With only the weekend remaining, hunters should take advantage of some great hunting. The speckled belly or white fronted goose season has been closed hereabouts since Jan. 13. The ducks, snow geese, and Canada goose season is open until Jan. 27. The Canada and speckled-belly goose season will be open until Feb. 3 in the Texas Western Zone, but not here.

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Variegated foliage adds beauty

Not every garden needs to be full of blooming flowers to be a showstopper space. Sometimes we get locked into the idea that we need green leaves and flowers to create beauty in the yard. How can you add more interest to your yard? How about adding variegated foliage plants instead of high maintenance flowers?

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