A. One of the best ways to do it, and get involved with a great group of people, is to become a Master Gardener. The program is instructional through lectures, hands-on practice, and greenhouse work. You will need free time, since Master Gardeners serve their community throughout the year. The projects are valuable and personally rewarding.

For more information, call the Travis County Cooperative Extension Service or go to www.tcmastergardener.org.

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Perennial Hibiscus (H. moscheutos) This is a favorite of mine, for its gaudy, red flowers. It comes in other colors like pink and white, but I really go for the red. Some new varieties like 'Muy Grande,' 'Flair,' and 'Red River' have flowers the size of a dinner plate. 'Disco' is similar but smaller in size.

The flowers only last one day, but you can enjoy them indoors by picking the flower in early morning. Place in a bowl of water in the refrigerator; remove that night for a nice floating flower arrangement.

These plants are virtually pest-free. Plant in sun, and cut it back when winter frosts kill it to the ground. It'll be back next spring!

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We're seeing a lot of spring webworms, which is harbinger of a fall infestation as well. It's too late to spray, but that is difficult without the right equipment. Simply poke a hole in the web with a broomstick, and let the wphps take care of them! This will build up the wphp population, as well, so they are on the ball for fall webworms.

These insects really don't cause much problem. A bunch of them may weaken a tree, but they won't kill it. They're not much cause for concern.

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