|
|
|
Brenda's
Garden
by Brenda Beust Smith
(THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE’S LAZY GARDENER)
|
January
18, 2005
|
|
|
Based on
Brenda Beust Smith's “Lazy Gardener” column in the Houston
Chronicle — the newly revised and updated “LAZY GARDENER'S
GUIDE" (2nd edition/River
Bend Company) is hot off the presses and is available at area
nurseries. Month-by-month gardening tips for the Greater
Galveston/Houston area, plus 12
designs for different type gardens (sun, shade, hummingbird,
butterfly, etc.)
God is the experience of looking at a tree
and saying, "Ah!" -- Joseph Campbell
|
|
|
Dear Brenda: I have a 20
yr. old Shumard Oak that has never been pruned. It is on
the South side of the house in the front yard. There is
no grass under this tree. I am having just the lowest
branches trimmed next week. Instead of trying to grow
grass under the tree, I would like to have a flower bed around
it. Question is "What to Grow or Will Grow"?
There should be what is called Filtered Sun or Filtered Shade
under this tree - it is a very large tree. I was
wondering about Impatients and Coleus or ground cover of some
kind like Asian Jasmine. -- PH.
Dear PH: First of all, you need to realize what might
happen when you put in a garden under a tree. You
improve that soil, and the roots may start growing back toward
the tree to take advantage of the better soil and nutrients.
If this happens, the possibility develops that after very
heavy rains or in high winds, that tree just might topple
over. It happens.
This is not a problem if you have gardens all over the yard.
Roots will be
drawn to those other gardens and the tree will be well
anchored.
I'm not just trying to scare you. But if only lawn area
or other unimproved soil is available to this tree's roots,
then you need to take that into consideration.
Also remember never to pile soil or mulch up around the base
of the tree. Vital microbacterial activity takes place at the base of the
tree, where it
touches soil. So always leave an open collar of at least two
feet at the base of the tree.
Let's say tho there are plenty of other improved soil sites to
pull the
tree's roots outward. In this case, shade is your main
problem.
You have a couple of choices.
1. You can add up to 2 inches of soil a year over tree roots.
That's not a
lot of soil in which to plant plants, but you can mix this
with a coarse mulch and it will suffice for most shade
plantings.
2. Plant a groundcover without adding soil (something hardy
like wedelia will just take root and grow). Then amid the
groundcover, scatter pots of shade loving plants or little
mounds of soil. Often plants in the pots or on mounds
will, on their own, spread into the unimproved soil areas.
Hope this makes sense!
Now, to the plants. Don't buy too many of any one plant.
Instead, I`recommend you try one or two of a real wide variety until you
see which ones you like and — more important! — which like
you.
Taller (2-3 foot high):
BEGONIAS. Look for “root-hardy” begonias at
Begonia Society sales
CALLA LILY. Spring bloomer, lovely foliage. Whites
only. Other colors tend not to return.
COLEUS. Pictured in slide presentation is Duck's Foot
coleus, a tiny leafed groundcover that is very hardy.
CHOCOLATE PLANT. Large chocolate leaves; 18"
stalk with pink/lavender
blooms. Root-hardy. Mulch well.
COLUMBINE. ‘Texas Gold’ is native. Ideal under a deciduous
tree for winter
sun, put provide summer protection.
COREOPSIS. Native, hybrids. 1-2', yellow, daisy
flowers.
GROUND ORCHID (Bletilla striata). Lilac or white
orchid, 15" stalks. Tuber, cover with 1" of soil.
Root-hardy. Multiplies.
HOSTA. Worth a try. Too hot here for some.
Wide oval leaves, delicate
flowers, delicate 1+' stalks.
HYMENOCALLIS. Spider lily. Huge strapping leaves
that arch over, beautiful white flowers often bloom after
rains.
INDIGO. Pink wisteria-like Louisiana native; arching
foliage.
PAVONIA. Sweet pink flowers on arching branches.
PENTAS. Flower clusters on 2' stalk, come in red, pink,
white, lavenders. Butterflies and hummingbirds love .
PERSIAN SHIELD Beautiful irridenscent purple
foliage.
PIGEONBERRY. Wonderful shade groundcover which often has
pink flowers and red fruit on it at same time. Birds
love.
PINK POLKADOT PLANT. Pink dots on green leaves.
Grown for foliage. Flower is tiny.
SPRING SNOWFLAKES (Leucojum vernum). Nodding,
bell-shaped, white flowers, green tips in spring.
TOAD LILY. Strange looking purple flowers but will take
a lot of shade.
LOWER-GROWING:
CHENILLE PLANT. Interesting groundcover or hanging
basket plant with long furry red finger-like flowers.
TORENIA. Beautiful little deep purple or pink flowers on
1' foliage. Reseeds if it likes you.
TOADFLAX (Linaria). Snapdragon-like flowers.
POLYGONUM ‘PINK BUTTONS’. Funny little groundcover
with pink flowers.
RUELLIA, KATY’S COMPACT. Native, low-growing,
spreading greenery, purple flowers. Root-hardy.
PETUNIAS, OLD FASHIONED. Perennials, smaller flowers
than the annual hybrids but more fragrance, longer
stalks.
OXALIS (clover). White flowered easy to find on St.
Pat’s Day. Also, purple leafed with pink flowers.
And new larger pink one.
IMPATIENS. 1' mounds, multi colors. Common ones
varieties hardiest. If
leggy, pinch tops off. Root tops.
GINGER. Peacock gingers, a low, spreader, attractive leaves,
blue flowers.
There are more flowers, and some shade garden plans, in my
book (see below).
Hope this helps.
Here are some great upcoming gardening events. All are
in Houston unless otherwise noted.
Brenda
GARDEN CALENDAR
Monday Jan.17: "How to Start a Community or School
Garden" by Dr. Bob
Randall, 1-3:45 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane; free. Register
at 713-880-5540. Information at www.urbanharvest.org.
Learn the basic ingredients for a successful community garden,
including planning, coordination, finances, and garden design.
Dr. Bob Randall has advised over 150 community garden projects
since 1987.
Jan. 18, 2005: Pruning and Trimming Trees, Shrubs and
Natives – How and When by Donna Fay Hillard, 7:00 p.m.,
Burgess Recreation Center, 4200 Kalwick in Deer Park, Free.
Deer Park Petal Pushers Garden Club meeting, 281-542-9731.
Jan. 18: "Attracting and Identifying Frogs and
Toads" by Mike Howlett, 6:30 pm., Harris County
Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr; Free Master Gardener
event. Call 281-855-5600; access http://hcmga.tamu.edu.
Tuesday, Jan. 18: “New Plants You Shouldn't Be
Without,” 10 a.m., Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage
Way in Sugar Land; free. Sugar Land Garden Club event.
281-565-4658.
Thursday Jan. 20: "Organic Vegetable Specialty
Series," 6:15-8:45 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane;
$197.50. Register at 713-880-5540. Information at www.urbanharvest.org.
This is the first class in a 10 class series. This class
includes the best varieties of common vegetables and their
care, as well as lesser-known varieties particularly suited
for Gulf Coast gardens.
Jan. 21: reservation deadline Jan. 27: Harris County
Master Gardener Fall
Class, Thurs. for 12 weeks, 9 am-3 pm. Cost will be
$150, call 281-855-5600 for application. Harris County
Extension office, 3033 Bear Breek Drive. Master Gardener
event. Access http://hcmga.tamu.edu
Reservation deadline is Jan. 21st.
Friday Jan.21: "Backyard Orchard III: Hands-On Fruit Tree
Pruning" by Dr. Bob Randall and Diana Liga, 4:00-6:00
p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane; $20. Register at
713-880-5540. Information at www.urbanharvest.org.
Winter is the season for this garden maintenance activity so
critical to healthy trees and successful fruit production.
Friday (Jan.21): Tree Planting Ceremony, 11 a.m., Jaboe Park
in Clear Lake Shores; free. Kemah-Bay Area Garden Club
event, 281-334-1706.
Jan. 22: Harris County Master Gardener Fruit Tree Sale,
Seminar and
Demonstrations, “Fruit Trees” by Dr. Ethan Natalson 8-9
a.m., sale 9 a.m.-2 p.m., grafting and pruning demonstrations
by Bill Adams, Dr. Natelson and George McAffee, 10 a.m.-noon,
Harris County Extension offfice, 3033 Bear Creek Dr; Master
Gardener event. Call 281-855-5600 access http://hcmga.tamu.edu.
Saturday Jan.22: "Preparing Herbal Teas" information
table, 8 a.m-noon, Bayou City Farmer's Market, 3000 Richmond;
free. Information at 713-880-5540 and www.urbanharvest.org.
January 22: "Arbor Day 2005 Celebration", 10:00 a.m.
- 3:00 p.m.,
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway 77024;
Free. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 713-681-8433, www.houstonarboretum.
Join the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center for a day of
celebrating trees - free seedlings will be given away as
available, tree planting demonstrations, puppet shows,
papermaking and Smokey Bear and Johnny Appleseed will be on
hand for the festivities.
Saturday, Jan. 22: Environmental Care radio shows with John
Foster: “Fun in the Orchard with Sharp Instruments” by
Karen Breneman and Bill Adams, 8-9 a.m., KKHT (100.7 FM) and
“City Forestry Today,” by Bard Hendricks and Mickey Merrin,
4-5 p.m., KNTH (1070 AM). Today’s Lazy Gardener
reading by Brenda Beust Smith.
Sunday, Jan. 23: “Green Thumb Trees,” 1-3 p.m.,
Sugar Land Community
Center, 226 Matlage Way in Sugarland; free but reservations
required at
281-313-5752. Keep Sugar Land Beautiful event.
January 23: "Sowing Mind Flowers - A Journaling in Nature
Workshop" by Kelly Penrod and Dr. Michael Winters , 2:00
p.m., Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway
77024; Free. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center,
713-681-8433, www.houstonarboretum.org.
Tuesday Jan.25: "From Seed to Fruit.Tomatoes!" by
Mark Cotham, 6:15-8:15 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane; $20.
Register at 713-880-5540. Information at www.urbanharvest.org.
Foolproof tips on dealing with pests, diseases, caging,
harvesting, and plant rotation will be shared.
Thursday, Jan. 27: “Rescuing Heirloom Plants” by
Kent Whealy, 9:30 a.m., IMAX Theter, Museum of Natural
Science, One Hermann Place; free. Sadie Gwin Blackburn
Environmental Seminar, River Oaks Garden Club event, ,
713-523-2483 or www.riveroaksgardenclub.org
January 27, 2005 - "Questions, Answers & Crazy
Results," presented by Vince Mannino, County Extension
Director - Fort Bend. Vince will share humorous garden
tales based on years of diagnosing common and unusual
problems. Ft. Bend County Master Gardener monthly
programs are held at the Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330
Band Road, in Rosenberg from 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm. For
more information call 281.341.7068 or visit www.co.fort-bend.tx.us
or www.fbmg.com.
Friday Jan.28: "Backyard Orchard III: Hands-On Fruit Tree
Pruning" by Dr. Bob Randall and Diana Liga, 4:00-6:00
p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane; $20. Register at 713-880-5540.
Information at www.urbanharvest.org.
Winter is the season for this garden maintenance activity so
critical to healthy trees and successful fruit production.
Friday Jan. 28: Registration deadline for the January 29 Peach
& Plum
Workshop, 9 a.m.-noon, Extension Office, 5115 Highway 3 in
Dickinson; free but reservations required at 281-534-3413,
Ext. 6 or email: GALV3@wt.net.
Galveston County Master Gardener event.
Friday, Jan. 28: Registration deadine for the January 29
Propagation and
Grafting Workshop, 9 s.m.-noon, Brazoria County Extension
Service Auditorium, CR 171 in Angleton; $7. Brazoria County
Master Gardeners event, 979-864-1558 or www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/brazoria.
Saturday, January 29 "Volunteer Orientation and
Training" 9 a.m. to 12:30
p.m., Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306
Aldine-Westfield, 281-443-8731, www.cp4.hctx.net/mercer/index.htm.
Reservations requested.
Mercer offers information on learning what it takes to be a
volunteer.
Orientation is from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and provides
information about Mercer and what volunteering is all about.
Garden and greenhouse training is from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. and shows volunteers what they can expect to do at Mercer
as they join the ranks of others that give their time.
Saturday Jan.29: "Solar Power Basics" information
table, 8 a.m-noon, Bayou City Farmer's Market, 3000 Richmond;
free. Information at 713-880-5540 and www.urbanharvest.org.
January 29: "EarthKind Roses" Seminar,
presented by Rose Specialist, Gay Hammond, 11:00 am at
Martha's Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6 Bypass, Navasota, Free.
Reservation deadline Friday, January 28 by calling 936
870-4044 or email: registration@marthasbloomers.com
January 29th Harris County Educational Outreach for
Gardeners ~ Michael Morrison - Extension Agent & Hurley
Miller - Director 8am to 9am on Environment Care 101 with John
Foster free on 100.7 FM. Call in Line toll free 877 625 1070
Saturday Jan.30: "Backyard Orchard V: Apples, Pears &
Persimmons" by Ethan Natelson, MD, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Urban
Harvest, 1900 Kane; $20. Register at 713-880-5540. Information
at www.urbanharvest.org.
This class will focus on the best varieties both for flavor
and adaptation to our climate.
Sunday, January 30: Fruit Tree Seminar with Heide
Sheesley
Treesearch Farms 11:00am, The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM
2920,Tomball 281-351-8851 or www.arborgate.com;
free Learn how to grow fruit and citrus here in Houston.
January 31: Registration deadline for the February
21-April 5 Master
Gardener Training Course, 1-5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursdays,
Extension Office, 5115 Highway 3 in Dickinson. Galveston
County Master Gardener event, 281-534-3413, ext. 6 or http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston.
Saturday (Feb. 2): “Introduction to Hybrid Tea
Roses” by John Jons, 10
a.m., 1202 Genoa Red Bluff; free. Harris County Master
Gardener Precinct 2 event, 281-991-8437. John Jons is a
Galveston Master Gardener and member of the American and
Houston Rose Societies. His presentation on an
"Introduction to Gorwing Hybrid Tea Roses" won a
first place award at the 2004 Tecas State Master Gardener
Conference.
Wednesday February 2, 2005 . Slide show and talk by
Paula Furtwangler, Director of the Plumeria Society of
America about propagating, feeding, growing and storing
plumerias 7-9 PM, Bear Creek Park Community Center,
Highway 6 at Patterson Road. Free. Houston Pond
Society event. 713-688-8875 or www.houstonpondsociety.org
Thursday, February 3: "Volunteer Orientation and
Training" 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Mercer Arboretum &
Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine-Westfield, 281-443-8731, www.cp4.hctx.net/mercer/index.htm.
Reservations requested. Mercer offers information on learning
what it takes to be a volunteer. Orientation is from 9 a.m. to
10:30 a.m. and provides information about Mercer and what
volunteering is all about. Garden and greenhouse training is
from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and
shows volunteers what they can expect to do at Mercer as they
join the ranks of others that give their time.
Friday Feb.4: "Backyard Orchard III: Hands-On Fruit Tree
Pruning" by Dr. Bob Randall and Diana Liga, 4:00-6:00
p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane; $20. Register at
713-880-5540. Information at www.urbanharvest.org.
Winter is the season for this garden maintenance activity so
critical to healthy trees and successful fruit production.
FEBRUARY 4-5: Southwest Lavender Conference, Clarion Inn &
Conference Center, 2200 IH 35 South, Austin, TX 78704;
800-434-7378; $150. Gabriel Valley Farms, 440 Old Highway 29
East, Georgetown, TX 78626; 512-930-0923; www.gabrielvalleyfarms.com.
Saturday Feb. 5: Fruit Tree Sale & Seminar, 8 a.m.
“Fruit Trees” by Heidi
Sheesley, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. sale, Carbide Park's Wayne Johnson
Community Center, 4102 FM 519 in La Marque; free. Galveston
County Master Gardener event, 281-534-3413, ext. 6 or http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston
Saturday Feb 5, "Bird ID Skills" with Gary Clark,and
"Roses" with Gaye
Hammond of the Houston Rose Society,10 am,Buchanan's Native
Plants, 611 E 11th St, 713-861-5702, www.buchanansplants.com;
free.
Sunday, Feb. 6: Herb Garden Dedication Honoring Madalene Hill,
2-4 p.m., The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920 in Tomball; free but
reservations required at 281-351-8851.
Sunday, Feb. 6: “Landscapining with Begonias” by Tom
Keepin, 2 p.m.,
Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Drive; free. Begonia
Society event, 713 686-8539.
Monday, February 7: "Master Gardener Registration",
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Harris County residents only from 8 a.m. to
10:30 a.m.) Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306
Aldine-Westfield, 281-443-8731,
www.cp4.hctx.net/mercer/index.htm.
Mercer offers registration for upcoming Master Gardener
training. Designed for gardening enthusiasts of all ages and
backgrounds, Master Gardener training includes landscaping,
vegetable gardening, lawn care, pest control, propagation,
pruning, and more. Class size is limited to 35 with a course
fee of $150. Register in person only. For more
information and a brochure, please call (281) 443-8731.
Tuesday, February 8, "Orchids You Can Grow With
Camellias" by Gregg Scott, 7:30 p.m., St. Luke's
Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer, free. Houston.
Camellia Society event. 713-781-1996
February 8, 2005. "Garden Petites on Parade"
by Claire Lober, 9:30 a.m.,
Jersey Village Civic Center, 16327 Lakeview Drive.
Visitors Welcome, $5 program fee. Jersey Village Garden Club
event, 713-466-6885 or 832-243-0909.
Wednesday, February 9: "Snakes" by Mike Howlett,
noon to 1 p.m., Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306
Aldine-Westfield, 281-443-8731, www.cp4.hctx.net/mercer/index.htm.
Reservations requested. Join Mike Howlett from Jesse H. Jones
Park & Nature Center for a discussion on common local
snakes. Howlett tells why snakes can be great to have around
and which ones to avoid. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy during
the program. Please call ahead for reservations.
Thursday, Feb. 10: “Home Lawn Care” by Fort Bend
Master Gardeners, 7-9 p.m., Bud O'Shieles Community Center,
1330 Band Rd in Rosenberg; free. Green Thumb Seminar event,
(281) 342-3034 or www.fbmg.com.
Friday Feb.11: "Backyard Orchard III: Hands-On Fruit Tree
Pruning" by Dr. Bob Randall and Diana Liga, 4:00-6:00
p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane; $20. Register at 713-880-5540.
Information at www.urbanharvest.org.
Winter is the season for this garden maintenance activity so
critical to healthy trees and successful fruit production.
February 12: Spring Volunteer Orientation, 9 a.m. - noon,
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway77024;
Free. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 713-681-8433, www.houstonarboretum.org.
February 12: "Antique Roses", presented by Clyde
Cannon, Texas Master Gardener and Rose Specialist, 11:00am at
Martha's Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6 Bypass, Navasota, Free.
Reservation deadline Friday, February 11 by calling 936
870-4044 or email: registration@MarthasBloomers.com
Saturday, Feb. 12: Volunteer Orientation, 10 a.m.-noon,
Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center,
Park Road 138 off Business 90, 281-456-2800 or www.foslsp.org;
free. Also Feb. 17-19. The newly renovated Learning
Center needs volunteers who enjoy working with kids to help
them learn to fish, take nature walks looking for herons,
alligators and other wildlife or help with other outdoor
activities. Volunteers work with park staff weekday
mornings and many weekends. Volunteers are also needed
for native plant gardening, trail maintenance and other
projects.
Saturday, Feb. 12: Fruit Tree Sale and Program, 8 a.m.
"Fruit Trees
Available" by Heidi Sheesley; 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. sale, Fort
Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 Highway 36 South; free. Fort
Bend County Master Gardeners event, 281-341-7068 or www.fbmg.com
February 13: Rose Pruning Seminar and Demonstration, 1 p.m.,
Antique Rose Emporium, 10,000 Highway 50 in Independence,
979-836-5548 or www.weareroses.com;
free.
Monday Feb.14: "How to Start a Community or School
Garden" by Gary Edmondson, 4-6:30 p.m., Urban Harvest,
1900 Kane; free. Register at
713-880-5540. Information at www.urbanharvest.org.
Learn the basic
ingredients for a successful community garden, including
planning,
coordination, finances, and garden design. Gary Edmondson is
the School & Youth Gardens Coordinator for Urban Harvest.
Monday, Feb. 14: “Organic Soil Preparation” by John
Ferguson, 7-9 p.m., Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 2929
Woodland Hills Drive in Kingwood; free. Lake Houston
Garden Club event, 832 368-9870.
Feb. 15: Trees for Suburbia by Kathy Lord, Executive
Director with Trees for Houston, 7:00 p.m., Burgess Recreation
Center, 4200 Kalwick in Deer Park, Free. Deer Park Petal
Pushers Garden Club meeting, 281-542-9731.
Feb 15: "The Native Are Friendly Once You Get to
Know Them" by Tim Kiphart, Naturalist & Native Plant
Nut, 6:30 pm., Harris County Extension ofice, 3033 Bear Creek
Dr. Free. Master Gardener event. Call
281-855-5600; access http://hcmga.tamu.edu
Feb 15: "The Native Are Friendly Once You Get to
Know Them" by Tim Kiphart, Naturalist & Native Plant
Nut, 6:30 pm., Harris County Extension ofice, 3033 Bear Creek
Dr. Free. Master Gardener event. Call
281-855-5600; access http://hcmga.tamu.edu
Thursday, February 17, "Where Native Plants Fit into the
Whole Web of
Existence," by Kate Hillhouse. 7 PM at the Houston
Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway, free. Native Plant
Society event. (713)681-3665, or www.npsot.org.
Friday Feb.18: "Backyard Orchard III: Hands-On Fruit Tree
Pruning" by Dr. Bob Randall and Diana Liga, 4:00-6:00
p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane; $20. Register at
713-880-5540. Information at www.urbanharvest.org.
Winter is the season for this garden maintenance activity so
critical to healthy trees and successful fruit production.
Saturday, February 19: Preparing Your Garden for Summer"
by Greg Harmison, 10 a.m. to noon. Mercer Arboretum &
Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine-Westfield, 281-443-8731, www.cp4.hctx.net/mercer/index.htm.
Reservations requested. Are you ready for summer? You have
dusted off your swimsuit and blown up the kids wading pool,
but what about your garden? Attend this seminar at Mercer
Arboretum to learn what you can do to have a beautiful garden
throughout the summer. Please call ahead for
reservations.
February 19: "Fruit & Nut Trees for the Home
Gardener", presented by Millie Burrell, M.S.
Horticulture, Texas A&M, 11:00am at Martha's Bloomers,
8101 Hwy. 6 Bypass, Navasota. Free. Reservation deadline
Friday, February18 by calling 936 870-4044 or email: registration@MarthasBloomers.com
February 20: "Planting for your Spring Garden" by
Greg Harmison, Program
Manager of Mercer Arboretum, 2:00 p.m., Houston Arboretum
& Nature Center, 4501 Woodway 77024; Free. Houston
Arboretum & Nature Center, 713-681-8433, www.houstonarboretum.org.
Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 19-20: Spring Home & Garden
Show at The Woodlands, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Feb. 20, Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601
Lake Robbins Drive at The Woodlands Mall; seminars and
consultations by Brenda Beust Smith and Joni Porter; $8
adults, $6 seniors, children free. Complete schedules
available at www.woodlandsshows.com
or 832-274-3944.
Monday Feb.21: "How to Start a Community or School
Garden" by Dr. Bob
Randall, 1-3:45 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane; free. Register
at 713-880-5540. Information at www.urbanharvest.org.
Learn the basic ingredients for a successful community garden,
including planning, coordination, finances, and garden design.
Dr. Bob Randall has advised over 150 community garden projects
since 1987.
February 24, 2005 - "Fire Ant Biology &
Management," presented by Paul R. Nester, Ph. D., Harris
County Extension Agent - IPM. Ft. Bend County Master
Gardener monthly programs are held at the Bud O'Shieles
Community Center, 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg from 7:15 pm to
8:15 pm. For more information, call 281.341.7068 or
visit www.co.fort-bend.tx.us
or www.fbmg.com.
Friday Feb.25: "Backyard Orchard III: Hands-On Fruit Tree
Pruning" by Dr. Bob Randall and Diana Liga, 4:00-6:00
p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane; $20. Register at 713-880-5540.
Information at www.urbanharvest.org.
Winter is the season for this garden maintenance activity so
critical to healthy trees and successful fruit production.
Feb. 26-27: 17th annual Galveston Home Garden &
Leisure Show, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Feb. 27, Galveston Conventin Center at the San Luis, 56th at
Seawall Boulevard in Galveston; adults $5, children $3. www.galveston.com/homeandgardenshow
February 26-27: Spring Branch African Violet Club Annual Show
& Sale, 12
noon-4p, Hermann Park Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Dr., free,
713-462-4257
Email questions to Brenda at brenda@guidrynews.com.
------
IF YOU ENJOY BRENDA'S COLUMNS, YOU'LL LOVE HER GARDENING BOOKS
— available online at www.urbanharvest.com.
FROM THE LAZY GARDENER •
• “The Lazy Gardener's Guide” — revised and updated!
First published 10
years ago, The Guide is described by Brenda as “a gardening
book in calendar format … so you don't have to think!”
Based on her humorous-yet-informative Houston Chronicle
calendar, The Guide details what gardeners should be doing in
the garden each month, provides garden designs (using the
hardiest plants for our climate) for butterflies,
hummingbirds, sun, shade and a variety of other typical
suburban situations. Filled with funny and touching
anecdotes from decades of covering gardening in the Greater
Houston/Galveston area. As the
daughter of a BOI, many of these involve Galveston sites and
people!
• GARDENING WITH DOGS. Co-authored with Frances Burke
Goodman, this little booklet offers tips, landscape plans,
good plants for dog-challenged areas and lots of fun insights
into why dogs do what they do (and how you might just
unknowingly be encouraging “bad” behaviors!)
Look for all these River Bend Company books at your
neighborhood nursery this fall or online at www.urbanharvest.com.
For a list of potential retail sources, to order by email or
to receive an order form, contact River Bend Company at
713-621-3468 or email: RiverBendBook@aol.com.
|
|
|
|
Guidry News Service, 926 Broadway, Galveston,
Texas 77550, (409) 763 NEWS (763-6397)
© 2003, Guidry News
Service. Duplication of any part of this website in any
manner is prohibited. |
|
|
|
