Brook MeadowsBrook Meadows Volume 7, Number 2 www.brookmeadows.org February 2012
The Official Publication of the Brook Meadows Homeowner's Association
(Continued on Page 2)
2012 Promises More Landscaping Challenges!The Landscape Committee
Landscaping in Texas is a hard nut to crack! I have been here over 20 years and I thought I had finally figured out what plants work …that is until last year’s scorcher. And, from what I read in the paper, we should expect more of the same this year. In view of this news, I have been looking into what the “aggie horticulture” folks are recommending. I thought I’d share a bit with you.
Booming populations in our area has increased the demand on our already limited water supply. We are constantly in a feast or famine situation. In urban areas, 25% percent of the water supply is used for landscape and watering. And let’s face it; we sometimes tend to water inefficiently. Anyone know what I am talking about?? It is easy to go to the sprinkler controller and just knock the switch up 15 more minutes, isn’t it?
The Texas Agricultural Extension Service is currently trying to educate Texans in Xeriscape landscaping…quality landscaping that conserves water and protects the environment. I know what you’re going to say. AWH..cactus and rocks! A Xeriscape landscape doesn’t have to be all cactus and rocks!! It can be full of beautiful plants maintained with water efficient practices.
Here is a short synopsis of what the Extension Service recommends in their
“Landscape Water Conservation…Xeriscape” publication.
• Start with a Plan. Develop a well thought out landscape plan that includes consideration of budget, appearance, functionality, maintenance and water requirements. A well designed landscape
can decrease maintenance costs by 50%.• Do a soil analysis. Amend the soil to
meet the needs of your design by adding organic matter that will allow the soil to absorb and store water in a form available for your plants.
• Select plants, trees, shrubs and groundcovers based on their adaptability to our region. Look for Texas natives and those plants designed as Star performers by our Texas agriculture gurus. Most have lower fertilizer and water requirements, and experience fewer pest problems. Consider some adding in a few exotic plants with Texas natives such as the beautiful bronze rubber plants we put into Brook Meadows common landscaping this year.
• Note that turfgrasses require more frequent watering and maintenance. Consider zoysiagrass, buffalograss and centipedegrass which have in the past been used less in lieu of St. Augustine and Bermuda. The former grasses offer better water conservation than the latter. Or consider planting the lowest water use turfgrass. Reduce the size of lawns by adding more shrub/flower beds, patios, decks and groundcovers. I am opting for putting another large bed in the middle of my backyard since it is shaded by trees, will only grow fescue which is dead by June, and overall is only good for housing moles and voles.
• Watering – Big problem here for me…much of my irrigation simply runs downhill into the historical cemetery behind my house…my friends swear that I am going to have an uprising of caskets due
to the amount of run-off. TOO MUCH, TOO OFTEN! Excess irrigation can leach nutrients deep into the soil away from the plant roots. Since I moved here 20+ years ago, I have lost 3 very large oak trees from my backyard. Arborists have all indicated that the frequency with which we water our beautiful landscapes here in North Texas causes our tree roots to become shallow by rising to the top looking for that daily sprinkle. The largest tree (over 100 years old) knocked down our brand new brick columns and laid gently over the front of my husband’s truck, as it pulled slowly up from the ground creaking like a squeaky door to a haunted attic. Trees need more frequent and deep water from a slow running hose from planting time until well rooted which may take 2 years. Once established, they can take less water. Water infrequently but thoroughly. In the absence of rain, keep in mind that lawn watering is not a substitute for tree and shrub watering. Apply water and fertilizer to trees inside and just beyond the dripline. Use a slow running hose on the ground and move it around the dripline. It may take several hours to saturate the ground around the dripline.
• Consider manual watering or drip irrigation to water more effectively where and when needed. Assure sprinkler heads are adjusted properly…and don’t water the sidewalk or driveway. Keep in mind that LARGE DROPS OF WATER FROM A HOSE OR SPRINKLER HEAD
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2010 - 2011 Board of DirectorsPresident - Mic Deakin ................................ 817-399-9885Vice President - Tom Kader ........................... 817-3544248Treasurer - Roger Poirier ............................... 817-684-0419Secretary - Carol Crosby ............................... 817-267-4018At Large Member - Rich Shcreder ................ 817-545-7753Newsletter Editor
ASSOCIATION INFOLandscape Challenges - (Continued from Cover)
NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE
ARE LESS LIKELY TO EVAPORATE THAN A FINE MIST. Irrigation systems should only be used between late evening and midmorning to avoid wasting water due to evaporation. Efficiency is increased with drip systems over sprinkler irrigation because of the slow application resulting in less runoff. Drip irrigation hoses are very inexpensive (can be purchased readily at any store carrying yard supplies) They can be located around the yard as needed and in small sections of the landscape. I have placed several drip hoses in flower beds and leave them all summer. I have one large hose connected to my water supply that I can connect to each of my drip hoses as needed.
• Lastly, mulch, mulch, mulch. Use it wherever possible. It will greatly conserve water by reducing evaporation and keeping the soil cooler. I even use it in my container plants.I hope you find some of this information helpful, and keep in mind that the Texas Extension Services has lots of knowledge
to share. Good Luck with your planting this year!
The Taylor FamilyJoins Brook Meadows
Randy and Denise Taylor celebrated the holidays amid packing boxes and rejoicing about being in their new home at 4710 Shadywood. They, along with their 2 daughters are settling in from Kansas City, Kansas. Randy was relocated to our area by AT&T, where he is a sales manager. Denise, a former OB/GYN registered nurse, spends her time keeping up with their 5th grader Jillian, and Quinlyn who is in 3rd grade. In addition to being involved with Bible Study Fellowship, the family enjoys outside activities (LOVES our fabulous Texas winter sun), movies, swimming, walking their two dogs Max and Ruby, and are HUGE Kansas University basketball fans. Excellent schools and the solid quality of home construction drew them to our neighborhood whose quiet tree lined streets remind them of their home in Kansas.
• 2. go to www.brookmeadows.org home page and fill out the “E-MAIL ADDRESS - CLICK HERE” link.
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TEAM TIARA &PINKTOBER 365
Team Tiara is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to raising money to fund research and education for breast cancer as well as provide outreach services to those affected by it. 2012 will mark our 7th year in this fight against breast cancer. To date, we have raised over $600,000 for breast cancer awareness, research and direct support for survivors. In 2012, Team Tiara will begin directly funding research into metastatic breast cancer. This is an under-funded area of research where we need to have a lasting impact. Men and women do not die when their cancer is confined to their breasts. We lose them when that cancer spreads to their bones, liver, lungs, brain and other organs -- robbing them of time with their families and friends. This is the heart-breaking side of breast cancer, and an area of research we need to be a part of.
Our goal is to raise $100,000 in 2012, specifically targeted to metastatic breast cancer research. SO WE are excited to announce that www.pinktober365.com launched January 1. This new website will profile 365 pink warriors -- survivors, walkers, researchers, and advocates. We want to hear your story, whether you are a fighter, survivor, family or friend affected by breast cancer. Go to www.pinktober365.com to share your story or obtain more information. Team Tiara would be honored to hear from you.
SPRING IS JUSTAROUND THE CORNER!
Which means it is time to start planning for the BMHA Spring Patio Party. Last summer and fall there were many of you who updated your back yards, transforming them into an urban oasis. Be the first to raise your hand and host the
neighborhood so you can share your new digs with your friends and neighbors. We have heard that several of you are mulling over hosting this event. All you have to do, is pick a date, and open up your back yard. The Social Committee will make and distribute the flyers. So if you are interested, contact Rich and Mary Schreder at [email protected]
APPROXIMATELY EVERY 60 SECONDS, AN AMERICAN WILL DIE FROM A CORONARY EVENT.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), an estimated 71 million Americans have some form of heart disease, the most common being high blood pressure. And most of these problems are self-created by poor lifestyle choices.
What can you do to live heart healthy? The AHA recommends:
EATING A HEALTHY DIET• Lean, skinless meats and poultry• Fat-free, 1% fat, and low-fat dairy products• Avoid foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oil or
added sugars• Avoid foods high in dietary cholesterol• Prepare foods without added salt, saturated fat, and trans fat
EXERCISING REGULARLY• 20-to-60 minutes per day, 3-to-5 times per week
AVOIDING TOBACCO PRODUCTS& TOBACCO SMOKE
• LIMITING YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE• Women: 1 drink per day (maximum)• Men: 2 drinks per day (maximum)
In addition to poor lifestyle choices, heredity plays a factor in heart disease, too. It is therefore important to know your family history to help identify familial risk factors and help prevent the development of certain familial illnesses.
What should be included in a family history?
ANY KNOWN CONGENITAL OR HEREDITARY DISORDERS
MAJOR ILLNESSES
CHRONIC AILMENTSOR RISK FACTORS
• Smoking• Obesity• Alcohol problems
(Continued on Page 5)
Pick up the PileHappy New Year to all! As we embark on 2012’s journey, some will
think of ways to improve upon themselves. I’d like to offer an idea to those that still think dog poop is fertilizer, let’s try picking up after our dogs. In case you were not aware, scientists have established the fact that the dog's gut harbors a particular type of bacteria known as the coli form bacteria. This bacterium includes the dreaded E. coli bacteria and also contains strains of salmonella and giardia. Now, since the rains have finally come, all the piles that have been left behind will be washed into our storm drains and contaminate our water supply. Not only is our water supply affected but perhaps even the air we breathe...I came across this article:
SCIENCEDAILY (AUG. 18, 2011) “Bacteria from fecal material -- in particular, dog fecal material
-may constitute the dominant source of airborne bacteria in Cleveland’s and Detroit’s wintertime air, says a new University of Colorado Boulder study.”
This was the first test conducted, for air borne disease so far, however, scientist presume other cities, with an abundance of the canine kind, will show similar results. Please be kind, don’t leave it behind. To those that pick up....THANK YOU
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Heart Healthy Lifestyles- (Continued from Page 4)
THE CAUSE & AGE OF DEATHOF ANY DECEASED RELATIVES
CHILDHOOD CONDITIONS• Major illnesses• Vaccinations• Surgeries• Treatments, especially those involving radiation
For more information on living a heart healthy lifestyle, you can contact your health care provider or visit the American Heart Association’s Web site at: www.AmericanHeart.org.
& What To Do About ItDo you experience discomfort in your
teeth? Do you find it difficult to drink icy or hot beverages? You may have a case of sensitive teeth. Luckily, it’s very treatable. Find out what causes sensitive teeth and how to change your habits to avoid sensitivity.
What does it meanto have sensitive teeth?
If you experience pain or discomfort when consuming foods or beverages that are hot, cold, sweet, or sour; when brushing or flossing; or even when breathing sharp, cold air, you may have sensitive teeth.
What is the reason for sensitive teeth?
COMMON CAUSESOF TOOTH SENSITIVITY:
OVER-BRUSHINGBrushing your teeth too hard may wear
down enamel or irritate the gum line, causing it to recede and expose the tooth’s sensitive roots.
CRACKED TEETHA crack or chip in your tooth may expose
the underlying dentin or may fill with bacteria from plaque, causing the nerve to inflame.
TEETH GRINDINGOver time, grinding or clenching your
teeth can erode enamel and expose dentin.GUM DISEASE
Gum disease leads to tooth decay which breaks down enamel; gum disease can also lead to infection which may attack the tooth’s roots or cause the gum line to recede.
TOOTH WHITENINGUsing products with peroxide or baking
soda can seriously aggravate exposed roots or dentin.
AGEStudies have shown that tooth sensitivity
occurs most often in people between the ages of 25 and 30.
It is possible to experience tooth sensitivity after routine dental procedures such as the placement of a filling or crown, tooth restoration, or even tooth cleaning. Such sensitivity is temporary; if it does not cease after four to six weeks please consult your dentist.
How should I take care of myteeth if they are sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity is very treatable, no matter what the cause. Here are a few remedies you
can take advantage of at home:
• Try a desensitizing toothpaste which contains chemicals that block sensations like hot and cold from reaching the nerves in your teeth.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that will be gentler on both your teeth and gums.
• Switch to a fluoride mouthwash.
• Avoid acidic foods such as tea, tomatoes, and citrus fruits.
• Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice every day and flossing once daily.
Depending on the cause and severity of your sensitivity, you may benefit from professional treatment. If you suffer from sensitive teeth, please be sure to contact your dentist. We can set up an appointment to discuss what is bothering you and determine the best way to address the problem.
