A. Some varieties are naturally prone to cracking
around the stem or shoulder. If the tomato is cracking all over,
this is a result of our recent rains. Tomatoes continually develop
new cells inside, even in dry weather. If they get a lot of rain,
the cells fill up, expand, and split the outer skin. They are okay
to eat as long as you pick them fairly quickly. To avoid this problem,
maintain even moisture during the dry days so the cells gradually
fill with water.
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 Mexican
Feathergrass (Stipa tenuissima)
This is a favorite with Skip, Tom, and Linda. It’s an extremely
versatile, drought tolerant ornamental grass, which performs well
in sun or dry shade. At 2 feet tall, it’s a good size as well.
Its big attraction, aside from being carefree, is its texture—fine,
like hair, with delicate white seedheads. On a breezy day, it’s
wonderful to watch its graceful, airy movement, especially when
planted en masse. It does require good drainage. Linda learned a
good tip: In heavy soil like hers, plant in shade around tree roots.
The roots soak up extra moisture. It has worked beautifully! If
you wish, clip them back in early spring, but that’s about
all you have to do, except enjoy it.
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