To ask a question, email us through Ask LCRA.

Weed management 101
April showers bring May flowers ... and often weeds! Bluebonnets, Indian blanket and horsemint are in full bloom this month, but in certain corners of my yard I also see sow thistle and a few hedgeparsley trying to take hold. The same conditions that bring to bloom gorgeous wildflowers also encourage weeds. Before you reach for a chemical herbicide to attack unwelcome plants in your yard, consider that there are effective, less-toxic approaches to weed management.

Don't forget to set your irrigation clock
Now that daylight savings time has kicked in early this year it may be taking you a while to adjust the electronics, from microwaves to VCR’s to answering machines. There is one timer that is easy to overlook-your landscape irrigation controller box. Learn more.

Time to mulch
In the last few weeks landscapes in Central Texas have come alive with the first substantial rainfall in a long time following last year’s punishing hot and dry summer and fall. Both lawns and landscape plants have been recharged, and now is the time to prepare for summer.

How to attract birds and butterflies to your yard
Native gardens are a great way to attract birds and butterflies to your yard — as well as save money on your watering bills.

How to drought-proof your landscape
The summer of 2008 was rough even for drought resistant native plants receiving no supplemental irrigation. This summer is forecasted to be another hot and dry one.

Summer gardening in the Hill Country
Those of us lucky enough to live in this part of the world must accept the price we pay for beautifully mild January weather — scorchingly hot, dry summers. In response to the question, "What should I be doing in the yard in July?" The answer is, "Not very much!"

Gardening in the Hill Country
Even though we have had some substantial rainfall in the past few weeks, we are not out of the drought yet. Summer has arrived early again this year in Central Texas, with recent temperatures similar to typical early June temperatures. With the specter of another long hot summer on the horizon, many of us are tempted to turn up the volume on our sprinkler systems.

Check for broken sprinkler heads to save water and money
If you have an irrigation system and have noticed dead areas in your yard, you may be an unintentional water waster.

Careful summer watering schedule can save plants and money
Sprinkler season is here. With a hot, dry summer looming ahead, now is the time to make sure your landscape is adjusted to a watering schedule of no more than twice a week before the 100 degree heat sets in.