One of the unique plants in the Garden of the Holy Innocents is a bulb which blooms in the spring with a deep crimson, trumpet-shaped flower. It is the St. Joseph’s Lily.  This is a bulb that is not found in nurseries, but is called a pass-along plant.  Sources on its introduction say 1799, others say 1810, but it is the earliest of all amaryllis hybrids.   This hippeastrum remains the most prolific and hardy of the garden amaryllises. It blossoms in early April, and it is a wonderful addition to any landscape. We have it planted near the statue of Jesus with the children. If you missed the blooms this year, be on the look- out next spring.

          

Mission:  The purpose is to design, develop, maintain and enjoy the gardens around our church and buildings.  With these gardens, we also invite those within our church and the community to stop and reflect on God’s blessings through his wondrous creation.
 
Duties:  Quarterly garden maintenance to include, with guidance, weeding, fertilizing, replenishing mulch topdress, trimming, pruning and some additional plantings.
 
Time Commitment:  Some quarters may not have much to be done, but spring and fall would require more effort.
 
Training:  On the job with general instruction for trimming and pruning. Work in the garden is very fulfilling and rewarding.  Come join us as we enjoy the wonders of God’s natural world.
 
Honors and Memorials:  A beautiful way to commemorate loved ones, memories and special occasions. Please inquire if you are interested. Plants and site features are available.
 
Contact:   Mary Ann Everett  254-721-0931
                  Mike Lynch            254-760-5582

              The sign is up identifying our St. Mary’s School & Church as a Texas Wildscape Schoolyard Habitat Demonstration Site, through Texas Parks and Wildlife.  The church and school gardens have been connected to attract birds and wildlife with native plants and herbs, some vegetables, a purple martin house, water source, and a monarch butterfly area to one day become a tagging station for the monarch butterfly.  The benefit to the school is to utilize the areas to learn about wildlife and how to care for the area, learn about soils and composting and vermiculture, insects, using native plants and grasses as sources for wildlife, teaching tools to compliment what is learned in the classroom.