March Winds

Progress in the yard/garden is slow, there is no instant gratification. Therefor, no pictures to post today.
However, a few noteworthy accomplishments to report.
Flagstone is here. The sidewalk will be flagstone and we finally ordered the stone and crushed granite embedment. Hurray! Next step is the sweat equity factor. If you want to come help break your back, you have my number, give us a call.
Drip Irrigation completely installed in one flower bed. Oh, it is so, so simple and affordable. A starter kit costs $20 and it has all the pieces to irrigate a 20' x 15' bed (depending on water demand and soil type.) You can even purchase battery operated timers so you can water while you are away for $30. Soooo, I have a list of parts and will complete the irrigation system in beds two and three. I am still undecided about bed number 4, I may use an old fashioned soaker hose.
Landscape plan. Yes, yes, we've decided to add flower bed number 4, just to the SE of the back porch so that we can enjoy the seasonal color when we sit out doors.
Irrigation, you ask? This is Texas. Even making "Earth Kind" or "SmartScape" choices, in the dog days of summer irrigation or water supplements are a must. Welcome to Texas. The goal is to keep watering to a minimum. Well adapted and native plants are being selected.
Vegetable beds. The funny looking frames that resembled covered wagons have been placed out in the full sun. The frames have been filled with organically (composted) rich garden soil and covered with crop row cover cloth. The winds have been gusty today and the thin white fabric is flapping about wildly despite my best efforts to tuck, tack and stake the film in place. Bella has been growling at the poltergeist beast that has moved into her pasture.
Target date to move seedlings and plants into the new frames is March 27. I am tempted to start some seeds this weekend but a trip out of town is keeping me from playing the odds of avoiding a obliterating freeze. So, since I won't be about to tend or water the sprigs, I have to wait and it will probably prove the prudent choice due to the erratic temperature shifts of this past winter.
Mulch mulch mulch. The power company has been busy trimming (or butchering) the trees that were hanging over the power lines in the area. I asked for and received a free load of wood chips.
We have plenty to keep us busy in our garden during March while we battle the gusty winds. The sidewalk is the priority.