Hi, I, too, have been a nurse (for 23 years) and am acutely aware of the stress of the career. I took a MG course in '92 (one day a week for 6 wks). We didn't have to apply for the course, just sign up. We recieved a very large binder with all the information that was taught to us during the course for our own use and reference guide. We did hands-on things outside so we could do these on our own after the course was over. We did not have to take a test after it was over, and we had to return 50 hours of volunteer time within 2 years to the extension office. That was easy, because they weren't too picky about what we could do. As long as you were helping someone in need with a gardening problem, it was OK. I usually go to an inservice every fall that they have in different areas of the state because I want to, not because I have to. I always go home learning something new every year. We do have to return a few hours back to the ext office every year, but it's not a great deal of time. I enjoy hearing other's problems and solutions. I have met and gotten to know many people from across the state and it's been wonderful to see them every year. Yes, it is basic for people that have a degree in hort or other landscaping areas. But, if you are going into it just for the joy of gardening, then do it. It's great. I judge for the achievement days that we have every year for 4-H and you find some very young kids that really enjoy the challenge of gardening from year to year. No, you can't get a job in landscaping or design after taking this class, but it sure helps if you're trying to do your own yard (like I have been for the last few years). If you're doing it for your own self-worth and to get a little R-and-R, it's worth it. Our state usually has 3 sites in different areas of the state that you can attend, whichever is closer to you (usually one in the west, middle and east part of the state) Here, you can call the ext agent and request that one of the classes be in your area. (It's not guaranteed that it will be there that year, but it is there eventually.)For me, it was worth the trouble of taking the class. It's help me grow as a person and as a gardener! Weze

Here are some thoughts from the southern fringe of the Hill Country, AKA Canyon Lake. Water and electricity are expensive but to well heeled folk moving here it doesn't seem to be an issue to scrap bare the native vegatation and transpose what ever city concept of plants they choose to use. They bring in "top soil" (with weeds:( and want their city lawn grasses. I guess what I am saying is many new folks moving in and think they want what they had from where ever they came from to grow here. Some even succeed to a degree but many learn over a few years not to try and subjugate Mother Nature and learn to adapt often after they have destroyed their ecosystem. On the other hand there is a groundswell of people moving in that appreciate Mother Nature and try to adapt to their environmnent and utilize the local plants to make their landscapes an extentsion of the surrounding area. Getting involved with the Master Gardner program will be a big plus. It is what I did when I came to Texas from Hawaii 11 years ago. I would also look at the Master Naturalist program to further educate you about the local flora and fauna. Deer will be an issue so learning about the basics of plants that are deer resistant (there is not such a thing as deerproof IMO:). Many folks will do raised beds to adapt to the area instead of trying to punch holes in the limestone rock. I would expect you to do just fine with finding work after a period of adjustment and real Hill Country living. Welcome to the Hill Country and enjoy the majestic beauty that abounds here and look to educate those behind you how to help keep Austin weird and the Hill Country, the Hill Country. An Eagles song says a lot for how I feel about the Hill Country or any place we humans call Paradise. The song is Paradise Lost. I love the Hill Country and try to help other keep it that way as a horticulturist and garden center manager. Mulch of choice local when possible, red cedar if not. I am of the camp that termites are not an issue except those that build on the ground. I am on pier and beam so I would see tunnels before any damage would be done. Not much leaves my property unless I can't figure out a way to reuse it some way. Welcome and Happy Growing David

Oh Barbra and TexanJana, I would love to see what the unknown plants look like that you got from Schumachers!!! They have so many unusual plants. I got the native West Texas Velvet Pod Mimosa that I posted about last year there, but didn't see any this time. It is such a great plant I can't imagine why nurseries aren't carrying it. I did pick up the similar looking 'fairy duster bush' the other day. Last year I tried to move the one I had and it died. This is creeping violet mentioned in my first post ... The South African Hosta ... When I told the very nice lady at the check out counter I was going to post about the nursery, she laughingly said, "Tell everyone to bring gloves and pull a few weeds while they are here." When Chip took the nursery back after having sold it a lot of people did go over and help get the place back in shape. The unsung hero of Schumachers, Chip, is not in the greatest of health. He has really struggled to keep the nursery going. Cast a few prayers his way. BTW, they have the yellow yucca that someone mentioned wanting.

When I drove across country a few years ago, I was really struck by the varied landscapes of Texas. It's probably the only state besides California where, in a mild/subtropical climate, you can move from very arid areas to very moist ones in a day's drive. (although it would be a long day of driving! San Antonio was my "pit stop" between Big Bend NP and New Orleans) Of course the moistness of SE TX is very different that the moisture of coastal Northern California. But you go from very desert looking areas, through where Centex lives that almost looks like Mediterranean garrigues, to the swampy humid bayou of the LA/TX border...and you really see the effect of average annual precip going up.