Spring is in full swing, and the Senior Activity Center is taking advantage of the newly bloomed season to get outside and explore.
It’s finally nice and warm in Texas, so there’s no better time to admire the fresh spring flowers. Nature lovers, mark your calendars because two incredible trip opportunities are coming up in April that you won’t want to miss.
Friday, April 1, 8:30 AM- 5:30 PM: Texas Azalea and Spring Flower Trail in Tyler
Explore a new town and admire the natural beauty all around it! The Azalea National Historic District comprises about 950 homes built in the early 1900s and features endless miles of blooming flowers. The Azalea and Spring Flower Trail is a floral wonderland for photographers and admirers alike! Marvel at the residential gardens and historic home-sites during the best season of the year with a guided tour! This is a day-long trip, so plan accordingly and bring money for lunch. Register here.
Wednesday, April 6, 9:15 AM-3:30 PM: Chandor Gardens in Weatherford
Take a stroll outside and admire the beautifully designed Chandor Gardens in Weatherford. These gardens capture the ornate design of ancient Chinese architecture and the elegance of a formal English garden. Marvel at the 30-foot waterfall and relax by one of the numerous fountains. There is truly something for everyone at this aesthetic and tranquil destination. Join us for a guided tour as we discover this enchanting garden. Don’t forget to bring money for lunch, and be prepared to walk a lot! Register here.
Nothing makes us happier than planning fun excursions for our members! Claim your spot today!
If you’ve ever walked into the Southlake Senior Activity Center in Legends Hall at The Marq, then you’ve noticed that there are always beautiful fresh flowers.
The Senior Center strives to create world-class experiences for its members, and a beautifully decorated facility is just one way to meet that goal. However, Senior Center staff are not the only ones that take that mission to heart. Our breath-taking blooms are provided through an in-kind sponsorship from Trader Joes. The beautiful flower arrangements at the Senior Center are the creative masterworks of volunteers and members Flora Alviz, Norma Cruz, Dora Li, Chisato Louden, Susan McKinley, Marilyn Monigold, and Koko Schuh.
Those who subscribe to the Senior Center’s monthly Newsletter would have noticed the lovely section dedicated to these volunteers. These are the women who work together to keep the facility looking its best. Each lady has her favorite aspect of the Southlake Senior Activity Center. Dora’s favorite part is the welcoming environment and caring people. Chisato said she is “happy to meet friends, attend classes, [and enjoys the] nice staff and beautiful facility.” Flora also loves the volunteer and exercise opportunities, while Norma says that her favorite part is “being able to join the exercise and art programs.”
Caring and engaged member volunteers are one of the reasons why the Southlake Senior Activity Center is the premier destination for seniors 55 and better. We are proud to have such talented and invested members!
Next time you are at the Senior Center, take time to appreciate the flowers!
Many of Southlake’s roses are currently under siege by a viral disease called Rose Rosette. Thousands of roses in City parks, medians, neighborhoods and Southlake Town Square are suffering from the disease. The City maintains an estimated 4,000 roses, and many have been affected by Rose Rosette.
The disease is carried by a microscopic mite that wind spreads throughout the community. There is no known cure for this disease, except to remove the roses. All types of roses are susceptible to Rose Rosette.
“In an effort to prevent the disease from spreading, the City of Southlake is no longer planting roses,” said Community Services Director Chris Tribble. “Southlake Parks Staff will will replace all roses with appropriate plant material using a phased approach.”
Southlake resident, Diana Pospisil, a member of the Perennial Garden Society and lifetime gardener, has assisted the City in determining the next steps necessary to control the disease. Pospisil and other experts believe that once the plant has Rose Rosette, it will die within three to four years.
Southlake residents and community members are encouraged to examine their roses, looking for signs of Rose Rosette. Look for the following symptoms when determining if your plants have been affected:
Residents are encouraged to remove infected roses from their property so the disease does not continue to multiply. To remove roses, cut the canes as carefully as you can to avoid shaking the mites into the air. After the canes are cut, chop them up and place them in plastic bags to throw away. If the infected rose and all its roots are removed, experts suggest waiting three years before planting another rose.
There are many plants that residents can use to replace their roses. Lorapetalums (fringe flower), abelias, salvia greggis (autumn sage), and indian hawthorns are good blooming evergreens that come in many colors and sizes. Junipers, hollies and nandinas are non-blooming evergreens that make excellent foundation plantings and add year-round enjoyment. Some easy favorites are: grasses, summer phlox, purple coneflower, black-eyed susan, salvias, asters and perennial hibiscus.
For more information about the disease, please read the article written by Melody Rose. Learning to identify Rose Rosette is the first step toward eradicating the disease. For more information please call Southlake Community Services at (817) 748-8219.