From the Editor | April & May 2024
It’s springtime! Bluebonnets are finally blooming and the threat of cold weather is (hopefully) over. This is one of the best times of the year, especially in Texas — not too cold, not too hot and the bugs aren’t trying to kill everyone yet. Probably because of its mild climate, spring is the perfect time for barbecues, spring cleaning, gardening and home repairs, which is the prime focus of this special Home & Garden issue of Tex Appeal.
Inside this issue, David Stone interviewed experts and home owners to share what’s hot in home design. Read all about home gyms, safe rooms and more here.
Most homeowners probably dream of having the backyard of their dreams, which is the focus of our cover this issue. The perfect backyard design is different for everyone, find out a few of the most popular designs featured here.
Did you know Central Texas is home to its own hydroponics farm? Revol Greens produces 42,000 pounds of lettuce daily, and is sold in local stores. The 20-acre facility is featured here.
Temple High School has its very own barbecue team, The Pitmasters, who earned second place in the National High School BBQ Association’s National Championship last year. Read all about how they are preparing to compete again this year here.
If you’ve ever been interested in turning your brown thumb green, you should check out Amy Rognlie’s story about Eldred’s Nursery. The facility teaches people what they need to grow plants native to Central Texas. Amy also interviewed the folks with the Bell County Master Gardeners about the classes they offer at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office.
Our very own Phoenix Carlisle was named the top speaker during the District 22-5A High School Academic Meet in the Barbara Jordan UIL Essay competition. The focus of the essay was about the T.B. Harris School, the first African American school in the area, which is now Belton’s Harris Community Center. Read Phoenix’s essay here.
Rachel Strickland visited Copperas Cove to serve up all the details about Maria’s Place where they make from-scratch meals to satisfy any appetite.
O’Briens Irish Pub is ready to transport you straight to the Emerald Isle, without ever leaving Central Texas. The brother-owned business features more than 40 beers on tap, along with a fully stocked bar.
We’re excited to bring you this great issue. Please share your thoughts, including your favorite stories, by emailing the editor at editor@texappealmag.com. If you have any subjects you believe would make for an interesting feature, please let us know.
Brandy Cruz
Tex Appeal editor
