WACO — Horticulture sessions at the Blackland Income Growth (B.I.G.) conference here Jan. 12 will focus on ways professional landscapers and home gardeners can make the best use of water resources.
“Texas suffered this summer from a scorching drought followed by devastating floods, and water conservation is one important lesson we draw from the experience,” said Ronald Leps, Williamson County agent with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, a sponsor of the conference. “That’s why these horticulture sessions focus on the most efficient use of water in landscapes.”
The sessions are set for 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 12 at the Waco Convention Center.
“We hope to have attendees from the landscaping and gardening professions who’ve faced these drastic weather changes this year, as well as home gardeners,” Leps said. “It’s been a disheartening year for all gardeners to see landscapes dry up and burn to a crisp for lack of rainfall and then see them practically washed away by too much rain.
“We’ve taken a three-pronged approach to the program with speakers on irrigation, mulching and choosing plants with low water demands and the ability to survive the extremes of Texas heat.”
Steve Upson of the Noble Foundation in Ardmore, Okla., will present the latest in mulching techniques using both plastic and organic mulches. He recommends raised beds for a no-waste approach to water use.
“You may not reduce the total amount of water used on plants but if you dont waste it, you make good use of every drop and see peak performance,” said Upson. “Amending the soil has worked well for us, and I’ll be talking about new techniques on that too.”
Dr. David Smith, Extension associate from College Station, will speak on irrigation systems for maximum efficiency, and Robert Richter, Travis County Extension agent, completes the program with a session on the best landscape plants to conserve water.
Motivational humorist Bryan Townsend speaks on “Making Good Things Happen” during the luncheon. Other B.I.G. sessions feature beef, forage, cotton, grain and horses plus the Texas Family Forum’s “Steps to a Healthy Life.” Sponsors of the joint conference with the Mid- Tex Farm and Ranch Show include TU Electric, the Extension Service and the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce.
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