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Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - October 1, 2020 Edition!
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"Reacting in anger or annoyance will not advance one's ability to persuade."
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VWOA ELECTIONS RESULTS
After an almost 5-month pandemic-related delay, the 2020 Members' Annual Meeting was held in September via Zoom and three candidates were elected to the VWOA Board of Directors. We want to extend our congratulations to them:
- Richard Gentry
- Heather Mallia
- Richard Riggie
The Members' Annual Meeting, originally scheduled for April 16th, 2020, was postponed due to the county's COVID-19 restrictions on in-person gatherings. We consulted with our attorneys to explore how we could safely hold the Members' Annual Meeting and still meet our governing documents requirements. Based on their advice, the meeting was rescheduled for September 10th and held via Zoom.
A new meeting notice was mailed to homeowners per our CC&R guidelines. Available voting options were online, absentee ballot, and in-person voting held at the office. We are happy to announce that 705 owners cast their votes online or by in-person voting. In other words, this was a participation rate of 20.7%. Of the votes cast, 636 were done online and 68 were dropped in the ballot box. There was 1 write-in candidate. Immediately following the Annual Meeting, the newly elected Board held their Organizational meeting to decide what "officer" positions they would serve in for the upcoming year. The results are as follows: - Richard Gentry - President
- Kevin Drummond - Vice President
- Heather Mallia - Treasurer
- Richard Riggie - Secretary
- Daniel Schafer - Assistant Secretary
Submitted by: Kevin Drummonds, VWOA Vice President |
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VWOA BUDGET APPROVED
On August 11, 2020, the Finance and Reserve Study Committee conducted a thorough line by line review of the Proposed 2021 Budget. The committee then submitted the proposed budget to the Board of Directors. At the September 17th Board Meeting, the Board voted in favor of passing the 2021 Budget.
The most significant item of note in the passing of the 2021 budget is that there will be NO INCREASE in annual assessments. This will be the 5th consecutive year with no increase in assessments!
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer |
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RESERVE STUDY UPDATE
A new Reserve Study was conducted in 2020. The Board is awaiting a finalized copy to review and have presented to the community. For those unfamiliar with the Reserve Study, it's a long-term capital budget planning tool.
This study itemizes the life expectancy and suggested repair timeline for all facilities, amenities, and monuments in The Villages of Westcreek's common areas. An updated Reserve Study will give management and the Board a better idea of what funds will be needed in our Repair & Replacement account to plan future repairs and expenditures. Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
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MONUMENT REPLACEMENT PROJECT
The Country Oaks monument project is nearing completion. We are waiting for the electrician to install the LED lighting. The next scheduled monument replacement will be The Oaks and Royal Oaks.
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer
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IMPACT ON COMMUNITY GATHERINGS AND AMENITY USE
The concern over the COVID-19 pandemic is a grave issue for our nation and community. The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association wants to make sure we are all doing our part as individuals and as a community to help stay ahead of the curve and slow down this virus's spreading.
The Board of Directors will follow city, county, and state guidelines to determine the reopening of amenities and classes. The current status of community openings and closures are as follows:
SPORTS PARK POOL TO REOPEN ON OCTOBER 2nd
Starting October 2, 2020, the Sports Park pool will be open (with a capacity limit of 50%), from 10 am till 10 pm and will close for sanitation during the times listed below:
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OPEN: 10 am till 12:15 pm - CLOSED: 12:15 pm till 1 pm
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OPEN: 1 pm till 3:15 pm - CLOSED: 3:15 pm till 4 pm
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OPEN: 4 pm till 6:15 pm - CLOSED: 6:15 pm till 7 pm
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OPEN: 7 pm till 10 pm - CLOSED
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
- Early Lap Swims are not scheduled.
- The VWOA pool furniture will not be out for use. Please feel free to bring your pool furniture for use.
- The Sports Park pool will be closed on Tuesdays for cleaning.
- RFID cards will still be mandatory to enter the pool for residents 12 years of age or older. CLICK HERE for additional information!
- NO guests allowed - residents ONLY.
- Access will be first come, first serve. There will be no reservation times or sign-up sheets available.
- The Community Center Pool will not be open at this time.
- CLICK HERE for the COVID-19 Pool Rules!
OTHER AMENITY/ACTIVITIES OPENINGS AND RESTARTS
- The Sports Park Fields, Dog Park, Walking Track, Tot Lot, Basketball Court, and Tennis Courts are OPEN. Per the county's latest declaration of a public health emergency, all community members should practice social distancing of 6ft or more.
- VWOA Sports Programs have resumed.
- Monthly "Garage Sales" are permitted on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Estate Sales are also allowed.
- The VWOA Office has reopened. See details in the "Front and Center Office News" section of this newsletter. Masks are required for entry.
- Please check with the VWOA Office for the most up-to-date Facility Rental guidelines.
MEETINGS AND CLASSES
- We have suspended all "in-person" Committee and Board Meetings until further notice. These meetings are being held on Zoom. Meeting announcements and Zoom links will be sent to all registered emails and posted to the VWOA website.
- All Community Center classes and activities have been canceled until further notice.
FUTURE UPDATES AND RESOURCES
- The Board and Staff are monitoring the situation closely and will notify the community of any other updates as they impact meetings, activities, access to amenities, etc. These communications will be sent out in the "What's the Buzz" publication and posted on our website and Facebook page.
- A link to the Spectrum COVID-19 Community Resource page is on the VWOA website.
We appreciate your understanding and attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
Submitted by: Heather Mallia, VWOA Treasurer |
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COVID-19 AND FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS
The Board understands the effect on the community that COVID-19 has had and the financial hardships it has created.
If you have been affected and unable to make your HOA assessment payments, please email the office staff or Community Manager with your request for relief of the late fees assessed. We will review each request on a case by case basis and communicate back to each homeowner individually. Submitted by: Jacob Fey, VWOA Community Manager
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HOLIDAY DECORATION SCHEDULE
As we approach the Holiday Season, we thought it would be a good time to review the timelines on when you can display your outdoor holiday decorations! Holiday decorations may be displayed on the premises, without ARC approval. Under our current guidelines, you can display your Christmas/New Year's holiday decorations forty (40) days prior to the holiday but they must be removed no later than 15 days after the holiday.
For all other holidays during the year, the decorations can be displayed 30 days before the holiday and must be removed no later than 15 days following the actual holiday date.
Special event decorations such as birthdays, anniversaries, newborns, returning veterans, etc., may only be displayed on the premises for three (3) days without the Standards Department's approval if the number of decorations are minimal and, the decorations and signs are not placed anywhere else within the Villages of Westcreek, including the properties fronting any entrance to the Villages of Westcreek. We hope you find the chart below helpful as you decorate for the upcoming Holiday Season!
| HOLIDAY |
DECORATIONS UP
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DECORATIONS DOWN
| Halloween
| October 1st | November 16th | | Thanksgiving | October 29th | December 13th | Christmas and New Year's
| November 15th | January 16th |
Reference: Section 6.7 of the Standards
Submitted by: Beverly Hover, Standards Manager |
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JOINT GENERAL, SPECIAL, CHARTER AND BOND ELECTION NOVEMBER 3, 2020
EARLY VOTING & ABSENTEE BALLOTS
There are two (2) ways to vote early in Texas: in person and by mail/absentee ballot. Either option will eliminate waiting in long lines on Election Day.
EARLY VOTE PERIOD - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13-FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
During early vote, voters may vote at any location. View Early Vote Locations Listing and Hours for addresses, a map, and directions to polling sites. www.bexar.org/2237
IN PERSON
Registered voters may vote early at a convenient polling location within their political subdivision. Unlike early voting by mail, you don't need to state a reason for voting early in person. Polling locations may vary from election to election and will be posted on the Bexar County Elections Department homepage as the information becomes available.
CURBSIDE VOTING
This service is available to any voter who has difficulty walking or standing for long periods. Please call ahead to the Elections office so that the early voting clerk at your vote center can be notified that you want to vote from your car. All polling locations in Bexar County have the Express Touch voting unit for curbside voting use.
BY MAIL/ABSENTEE BALLOT
Voting by mail/absentee ballot has been available to elderly voters and voters with physical disabilities in Texas for decades. Applications for a ballot by mail may be submitted to the Bexar County Elections Department anytime in a calendar year but no later than 11 days before Election Day.
YOU MAY VOTE BY MAIL IF YOU ARE:
- Going to be away from your county on Election Day and during early voting
- Sick or disabled
- 65 years of age or older on Election Day
- Confined in jail, but eligible to vote
COVID-19 VOTING BY MAIL UPDATE
On May 27, 2020, the Texas Supreme Court determined that the lack of immunity alone is not a "disability" for purposes of voting by mail. However, the court also stated that a voter can take into consideration aspects of their own health and health history when determining whether in-person voting will cause a likelihood of injury due to a physical condition.
To request a ballot by mail based on a disability, an eligible voter can check the box for disability on the request form and submit to the Bexar County Elections Department which will then provide a ballot by mail. If you would like an application to request a ballot by mail please visit, the Early Voting & Absentee Ballots page. www.bexar.org/1573/Early-Voting-Absentee-Ballots
Applications to vote by mail may be requested from the Bexar County Elections Administrator, Jacquelyn F. Callanen at 210-335-(VOTE) 8683 or by mail at: Jacquelyn F. Callanen, Bexar County Elections Administrator, 1103 S. Frio, Ste. 100, San Antonio, TX 78207.
Applications for a ballot by mail may be submitted to the Bexar County Elections Department anytime in a calendar year but no later than 11 days before Election Day.
The early voting clerk must receive your marked ballot by 7:00 PM on Election Day.
For further information, please call 210-335-0362.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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POLITICAL SIGNS
Signs expressing support for an individual political candidate or party or local bond issue or referendum may be placed in a private front yard no earlier than ninety (90) days prior to a primary or general election and must be removed no later than ten (10) days after the election unless the candidate is involved in a runoff election.
Such political signs shall not exceed five (5') square feet and must be professionally produced. Homemade signs are not permitted. The limit for political signs is one (1) per candidate or ballot item per lot.
Note: Banners may be approved by the ARC on a case-by-case basis.
References:
Submitted by: Beverly Hover, Standards Manager |
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SOLICITATION FOR VOLUNTEER ARC MEMBERS
The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is currently recruiting to fill vacancies on the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). The ARC shall consist of 3 Regular Members and 2 Alternate Members. You must be a homeowner to be appointed by the Board of Directors to serve on this committee.
The primary objective of the ARC is to enhance and preserve property values throughout the community while being as consistent and fair as possible with their decisions and recommendations. The ARC has the authority to:
- Adopt and administer the review process on behalf of the VWOA;
- Review and approve or disapprove plans and specifications for each Property Improvement Application (PIA) regarding changes to the premises;
- Make changes to the "Standards for Architectural Design and Property Maintenance" as deemed necessary in accordance with the CC&Rs and applicable Federal, State and local laws; and,
- Make reasonable efforts to assist the applicants with their requests and any other concerns regarding the "Standards."
ARC members will be trained and expected to conduct business using an automated system. This system allows ARC members to view, comment, approve or deny PIAs digitally.
Ideal candidates will
- have access to a computer and internet.
- be available on a consistent basis to meet in person should homeowners request a meeting to discuss their PIA.
- Have knowledge of the VWOA's current standards.
HOW TO APPLY!
CLICK HERE to send an email to the VWOA Community Manager to submit your name for consideration. Be sure to include your home address, phone number and email address.
Submitted by: Jacob Fey, VWOA Community Manager
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VWOA OFFICE OPENING
We are happy to announce the office is open for regular business (M-F 9am-6pm). The plexiglass barriers are up for the safety of the staff and residents. We are committed to the health and safety of our residents, and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, individuals are required to wear masks and practice social distancing when they are in the building.
On June 22, 2020, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff put out an executive order to all commercial entities in Bexar County which requires visitors to wear a mask in order to enter business premises and receive services. With this being said, please cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when entering the Villages of Westcreek Community Center.
Please note the following: - Limit 4 people maximum in the lobby.
- If you need to meet with specific staff members, you will need to schedule an appointment by calling 210-679-8761.
SOCIAL DISTANCING Social distancing, also called "physical distancing," means keeping space between yourself and other people. To practice social or physical distancing: - Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from other people.
- Tape Markings will be set up outside of the VWOA office for Social Distancing.
- Do not gather in groups.
FACE MASKS REQUIRED - Cloth face coverings should NOT be placed on children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others, even when you wear a face covering.
RFID CARDS We are happy to announce that we have started the process of issuing residents their Radio Frequency Identification Cards. Simply come to the office during our regular business hours (Mon- Fri 9am-6pm). RFID cards will be issued in the Community Center Hall. - Please enter the side entrance by the Community Center Pool.
- All residents and children over 12 will need to be issued an RFID Card.
- This process can take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to issue the new cards to each household since we must take new photos of each cardholder.
- Limit 4 people maximum in the Community Center Hall.
RFID CARDS WILL BE ISSUED DURING THE FOLLOWING HOURS: - Morning Session -10 am till 1 pm.
- Closed for Sanitizing - 1 pm till 2 pm.
- Afternoon Session - 2 pm till 5 pm.
RFID CARD FEES: - First RFID Card for Homeowners is FREE.
- Replacement RFID cards fee is $20.00.
- Tenant's RFID cards fee is $10.00 (Updated Lease Needed).
If you need a Replacement RFID card or Tenant's RFID card, please drop by the VWOA Office first to prepay your fees. |
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The VWOA Office will be closed on Monday, October 12th in observance of Columbus Day!
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HAPPY HALLOWEEN
As we get ready to celebrate Halloween, we encourage you to review and follow the recommended guidelines of the CDC and local health officials!
The CDC recommends that you avoid activities that are higher risk for spread. Consider fun alternatives that pose lower risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
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We regularly receive inquiries on where residents can find information regarding Community Yard Sales and Estate Sales.
This information can be found on the VWOA website under the drop-down menu for "Community." Please check out both pages on the links provided below: |
Our next scheduled Community Yard Sales will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2020. Community Yard Sales listings will be posted on the VWOA website, the day prior to the event.
If you wish to add your yard sale to the listing, please call the VWOA Office at 210-679-8761 by 12 noon on the Friday before the scheduled yard sale.
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SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FARMERS!
The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is happy to announce that the "Farmers Market" is back! Please be sure to drop by and support the Farmers Market which is located in the overflow parking lot at the VWOA Community Center.
Hours of Operations: Every Wednesday from 10:00 AM till 2:00 PM
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Your 4th Quarter Assessment of $99.00 is due on October 1, 2020.
On October 30, 2020, all accounts with outstanding balances begin incurring a late fee of $20.00, plus a delinquent interest charge.
CLICK HERE for more information about how to pay your assessments and our Billing/Collection Policy.
NOTE: The Office is open Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, excluding holidays. In addition, the Office is open on the 2nd Saturday each month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
- Payments can still be made here at the VWOA onsite office during business hours.
- Payments may also be mailed to our office, made payable to VWOA, at 12395 Military Dr. West, San Antonio, TX 78253. You can also mail your payment directly to Spectrum Association Management, P.O. Box 299008, Lewisville, TX 75029. Mailed payments are processed electronically; please do not send cash!
- You may drop off cash (in a sealed envelope), check, or money-order at the drop box, located to the right of our front entry doors at the business office. Make sure you include your address on your check/money order.
- Cash is accepted in the office.
- Card Payments will be accepted only after the homeowner is registered with Spectrumam.com.
- Pay by Phone- 1-877-342-6233 (your account number needed).
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If you need extra time to pay your assessments, fill out the form on the website below to see if you qualify for a payment plan. Payment plan requests are reviewed within two business days, and if approved, a payment plan agreement will be emailed to sign and return to our office within five business days.
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SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS
If you know of a Food Truck that you think would be interested in joining the "StrEATS of Westcreek," have them contact the VWOA Office at 210-679-8761 during our normal business hours. There is a small $25 fee for each truck that participates in the program. We only allow one truck per evening.
CLICK HERE to view the StrEATS of Westcreek Food Truck schedule and menus!
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Bexar County requires that domestic pets must be leashed when outside the confines of the home or fenced area and that all vaccinations be current. Walkers must clean-up after their pets, not only for sanitary purposes, but also for the consideration of their neighbors and others.
The Standards addresses this issue as follows:
Animal noise issues should be resolved personally by contacting the animal's owner, in a friendly manner, and asking for consideration.
Any loud, irritating, vexing or disturbing sound that originates from neighboring properties which causes injury, discomfort, or distress of a person of reasonable nervous sensibilities are unlawful. Quiet time should be observed between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM weeknights, and between 12 AM and 6 AM weekends.
References:
Submitted by: Beverly Hover, Standards Manager
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As you drive through our community, do you ever see a maintenance issue that you would like to see addressed by the Owners' Association? Maybe it's a problem with a specific property not being maintained in accordance with our governing documents or an issue with property maintained by the Association.
If you answered "Yes," the Association needs your help in identifying these areas so they can address these problems to protect the property values in Westcreek. Listed below are three optional ways you can report an issue to the Association. Option 1 - Report a Violation Online
This is one of the simplest ways to report an issue. The online tool takes a few minutes to complete and has an option where you can upload an image to your report. Click here to report a violation online! Option 2 - Report a Violation by Phone
Call 210-679-8761 and speak to the Standards Manager. Option 3 - Report a Violation by Email
Send an email to Standards@villagesofWestcreek.com. Include the address of the violation and a description of the violation. You should also include your contact information in the event we need further information. No matter how you choose to report an issue, please be sure to include the property address of the alleged violation along with your contact information in the event we need to follow-up with you. Under no circumstances will the Association disclose the name of any party reporting an alleged violation. These reports are confidential. Submitted by: Beverly Hover, Standards Manager
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SOCCER PROGRAM COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The following safety guidelines have been approved by the Board of Directors to provide a safe Soccer Program during COVID-19.
- If you are experiencing any symptoms or feel you may have contacted anyone who may have COVID-19, please refrain from attending.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be available at the park as well as the league tent.
- There will be no after-game handshaking lines. We will line up and pass by with positive words and "Good Game."
- Players on the sidelines will need to remain distanced from one another.
- Please keep spectators to family only, and we ask you to use your best judgment when bringing an extended family.
- Spectators are to remain 6 feet apart while at the park and watching games. If this cannot be achieved, masks will be required within 6 feet of other groups.
- Feel free to add whatever additional precautions you feel safest with for you, your family, and those around you.
We thank you for your continued support and understanding! If there are any changes or updates, we will communicate them to the community. In the meantime, please remain safe, and we will see you all soon.
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JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN
Halloween Word Search
Halloween Games Printable Activities
Halloween Coloring Pages
Halloween Mad Lib
Fall Leaf Art Projects for Kids of All Ages
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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OCTOBER MONTHLY GARDENING TIPS
Vegetable Gardens
Now that the weather is cooling, winter crops can be planted like: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages, spinach, onions, mustards and other greens, Brussel sprouts, artichokes, etc., all throughout winter. Lawn Care
October means it's time for fall fertilizing/winterizing your turf. This simple garden task could be one of the most important things you do for your lawn this year and next. Apply winterizing formulas for winter hardiness. Ratios vary, but make sure they are "winter" or "fall" formulas designed for southern grasses. Rainbow Garden's 18-6-12 winterizer formula is a great choice. These formulas will make lawns winter-hardy and provide for early spring green up. The temperatures are cooling so it's a great time to use beneficial nematodes for control of soil dwelling pests. They can be applied to lawns, garden and vegetable beds, container plants and houseplants. Beneficial nematodes are tiny but mighty pest warriors. Time to Plant Wildflowers
It's about time to plant bluebonnet and other wildflower seeds if you want beautiful flowers in spring. Plant the seeds in October and November (early October is best).Texas bluebonnets germinate in the fall and grow throughout the winter, and usually bloom around the end of March to mid-May. There are many other wildflowers to choose from or even seed packets with a variety mix of native flower seeds. Plant Trees
In San Antonio, the best time to plant trees is in fall. This allows your trees to establish roots all through winter. Our trees, shrubs, and woody perennials need the 6 months of winter to get their roots established so that they can take on the brutal heat of our summers. In summer, moisture from the soil is directed to the plant parts above ground. So it's not so much the cold we worry about when planting trees here in San Antonio. It's the summer heat. (If planting tropical fruit trees or citrus, you will need to protect them in the event of a freeze.)
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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ALAMO VINE - (Merremia Dissecta)
Sun or partial shade. Deciduous, with lobed leaves and white flowers that look like hibiscus or morning glory. Alamo Vine is easily grown from the previous year's seed and spreads freely with a twining habit; it'll easily cover a fence line with no additional irrigation.
Fast growing in sun, especially in rainy years. It grows gangbusters during warm weather, but freezes back to the roots in winter. Cut back as needed in winter or summer.
Click here to learn more about this beautiful plant, maintenance requirements and plant features from Garden Style San Antonio!
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We know we can't make it out to all the schools and child care establishments like we would normally for "Fire Prevention Week." Instead we created a fun fire and life safety video to ensure we follow through on our mission to educate our kids. So parents, get out the popcorn and have a seat with your children and enjoy this video with them! If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call. We hope you enjoy watching our video as much as we did making it!
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