Back in late December, Gill’s had the pleasure of donating the planting of a new pollinator garden at Windsor Park Elementary School for kids, parents, and teachers to enjoy this Spring and for years to come. James Gill designed the garden in an empty parking median using mostly Texas native plants like Kidneywood, Texas Lantana, Frogfruit, Skeleton-leaf Goldeneye, and more to attract different birds and butterflies. This is a very special project for us, and we chose to dedicate it to Gabe Velasquez, long time Gill landscaper and friend who passed away.
A few words about Gabe from James Gill:
“Very early in the growth and evolution of Gill’s, we were so fortunate to connect with a wonderful young man, Gabe Velasquez. He quickly learned the basics of landscape installation and became quite a craftsman, with high personal standards of quality work and materials. His good nature and work ethic made him a favorite of our Gill team and our customers.
We lost contact with him for several years, but managed to lure him back, and he not only retained his high personal standards, but was so willing to mentor younger crew members.
Tragically, we lost Gabe during the Covid pandemic, and the folks at Gill’s have been looking for some kind of worthy tribute. We think Gabe’s Garden at Windsor Park Elementary School, which will bring butterflies, humming birds, and thousands of smiles to children and their parents, would suit him just fine.”
The volunteer team for Gabe’s Garden included current Gill landscape crew leaders Arnold Charles and Jimmy Chavira, who both worked with Gabe for many years, Aracely Negrete (Master Naturalist from Kingsville), Sara Jose (Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve Manager), Jesse Jenkins (Gill’s new owner), and the whole Gill family; James and Sally, son Stuart, wife Anne, and granddaughter Bea, + son Trevor and girlfriend Catherine in town for the holidays!
Gill’s has had a connection to Windsor Park Elementary for many years. Stuart and Trevor Gill both attended! Here they are helping plant Gabe’s Garden all these years later!
Patricia says
HI. I have a very large bi-color iris. I cut it back after the big freeze 2 years ago and it’s really big again. Doesn’t seem harmed by this past freeze. Can I cut it back again or should I just keep it as is?
Also, I planted some Esperanza Sparklette last year. Looks brown and crunchy now, even though I covered it. Is it a goner? I read that they are not very freeze tolerant.
James Gill says
You can cut back the iris if you like, but at some point some years in the future, the center will lose vigor and all new growth will be on the edges. At that time, dig it up and replant one of the most vigorous sections.
The esperanza will likely sprout somewhere along the trunk and regrow.
Mrs. Sheehan says
Thank you! Windsor Park Elementary School and Gills have a longstanding relationship. Trevor and Stuart, so glad to see this beautification pollinator project. Once an Owl always an Owl!
Sally Gill says
Yes, James and I are very thankful to the teachers and staff who made learning fun for their students. Thanks so much Mrs. Sheehan. Yes, once an Owl always an Owl! Can’t wait to see the garden blooming this spring! Sally Gill