Mark's Remarks
(PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE)

At the last meeting we learned more about the development planned for 8922 Manchaca Rd.--the land immediately south of the Church of Christ and directly east of the terminus of Comburg Castle Way. At this point the builder is seeking zoning of MF-2, which will permit building a 3-story apartment complex for retirement-age tenants. It will be a gated community and the only point of entry will be from Manchaca Rd. There will likely be a gate at the dead end of Comburg Castle Way that will be locked and accessible only by the Austin Fire Department. Those in attendance at the meeting voted to oppose any connection of Comburg Castle Way to Manchaca Rd. The builder also opposes connecting the street because it would make the lot unbuildable.

On May 3, I attended the city's Zoning and Platting Commission meeting to express COVNA's concerns about connecting Comburg Castle Way and increased traffic into the neighborhood. The Commission voted to grant the zoning change, with the stipulation that Comburg Castle Way would not be extended. I'll keep neighbors informed of further developments regarding this project.

The other bit of business we took care of at the meeting was to schedule the COVNA summer picnic. The picnic is scheduled for Saturday, June 4 at Dan and Claudia Anderson's house. We hope that everyone will make plans to come. More details will be forthcoming.

SPRINKLER TUNE-UP

Spring is here (more like summer) and now is the time to make sure your irrigation system is ready to handle another Texas summer. How? Follow the tips below:

See For Yourself
The fastest way to check your irrigation system is to check it yourself. Here's how:

1. Set your controller to operate a two-minute test program. (If the controller does not have a pre-programmed test program, set each zone to come on for only two minutes using the C or D program that may not be normally used.)

2. Start the program manually and then “walk” the system as it runs through each station.

3. Look for heads that are broken or leaking, heads that are misaligned and not watering what they ought to, or heads that are clogged or obstructed by grass stolons or shrubs.

Ideally, the test program should be run monthly to keep track of how the system is functioning. This may also prevent increases in your water bill caused by leaks or multiple broken heads. To keep your irrigation system running as efficiently as possible, call a licensed irrigator to fix the problems for you.

Don’t Overdo It

Your spring watering schedule should be about half of what you’d water during the summer (if it ever rains). Yet, in their eagerness to see new green grass, spring is when people are most likely to overwater plants and turf. With cool temperatures in the evenings and mornings, it is not necessary to water as frequently as you would during the summer.

Watering once per week, depending on rainfall, is generally sufficient during springtime.

Set controllers to run before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. It’s a more effective use of water, and it’s the law. Hand-held hoses can be used any time on any day. If an area of your landscape needs extra attention, it’s best to spot-water as needed.

Get Some Help

How can you tell if you may be overwatering? If your water bills exceed 25,000 gallons per month, you might benefit from professional help. The Water Conservation Division offers free irrigation system evaluations to check out your system and provide you with a recommend watering schedule based on your plants, the amount of light the yard receives, and the operating condition of the irrigation system.

The service is available to all City of Austin water customers or eligible MUD customers, and is ideal for new owners of irrigation systems as well as those who just aren’t sure about their lawn’s water needs. Call Water Conservation at 974-2199 to schedule your free irrigation system audit, or to talk with a licensed irrigator about your system. You can also schedule audits online at WaterWiseAustin.org.

GARDEN SPOT

Things to Plant in May

Spring planted Summer flowering annuals:
Alyssum, Amaranthus, Lantana, Marigold, Periwinkle, Petunia, Portulaca, Salvia, Verbena & Zinnia.

Vegetables:
Amaranth, Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke), Jicama, Malabar Spinach, Okra, Southern Pea, Peanut, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Tomatillo, Water Spinach, Watermelon.

Herbs:
Anise, Basil, Bay, Caraway, Catnip, Chives, Cumin, Fennel, Germander, Horseradish, Lamb's Ear, Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Mexican Mint Marigold, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Sorrel, Tarragon, Thyme, Yarrow

Pests to look for:
Aphids, spider mites, stink bugs and tobacco hornworms.