Favor? If you send me a gardening question (which I'm delighted to have), please tell me where you live. It can make a HUGE difference in the answer.

DEAR BRENDA: My geraniums were so beautiful and now they look awful. I'm not doing anything different. What could be wrong? Amy

DEAR AMY: You don't say where you live, but if it's anywhere close to the Gulf Coast, I'd say they're going dormant. That's normal. They like cooler weather and while they may be able to take Connecticut summer sun, they don't like Gulf Coast summer sun.

Just put them in a cool shady spot somewhere, don't let them completely dry out but try hard not to overwater them. They don't look awful because they're thirsty. They look awful because they're trying to conserve energy by reducing their leaf space. They do this by allow some of the leaves to die. They need less water than normally.

In September bring them back out, cut them back to live pretty greenery/wood, and giving them 1/2 strength feedings twice as often as recommended on the label. They should return to bloom all fall, summer and spring. This is what they're supposed to do down here. 

DEAR BRENDA: I have this wonderful pride of Barbados plant. I love it but it just won't bloom for me. I watered and fertilized regularly. S.L.

DEAR S.L.: First of all, quit watering. Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia or Poinciana) are incredibly drought tolerant plants. They grow wild in the cemeteries in El Paso.

They need all day, full sun and an extremely well drained site. If you've given them these, then I'd say your problem is overwatering. Cut back.

One other possibility: age. Is it old enough to bloom? We expect instant flowers from our plants, but many need to set strong root systems before they can put energy into blooming.

DEAR BRENDA: I think you need to say something to the nurseries. I bought a bunch ($$$$$$!!!!!) of pink fringe plants to put in the front of my garden. Those things are now about 6 foot tall! Why didn't they tell me? I bought these at a national store chain. I live near Port Arthur. GEORGE L.

DEAR GEORGE L.: I assume you're talking about the Chinese fringe flower, Loropetalum  chinense. Here in Houston they stay small for two or three years, then shoot up to 10 foot tall and wide.

Did you ask for advice before you bought them? If you did, and they told you these plants would stay small, then you certainly have grounds for complaint and I'd go straight to the manager. If you didn't ask, and didn't do any research before spending all that money, then I'm afraid it's your fault.

If you shop for plants in a national chain store, then you're going to have to be extra careful. These plants are purchased for a wide customer base. If you live around Houston, you live in a unique little subtropical pocket where plants often perform differently than in other areas.

The best way I know to protect yourself is to get to know your neighborhood nurseryman. He wants your repeat business; he knows your environment and he knows what various plants do in your area. True, his prices may be higher. But look how much money you've wasted here.

By the way, I got fooled the same way by cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia lancelata). It makes a lovely low spreading rosette of leaves at first. Then it sends up these 7 foot tall flower spikes! I love it, but it was a shock.

Ditto for Philippine lily. Mine was blooming with this lovely white flower on a 1' stalk when I was given it. I planted it and next think I knew, I had  a five foot tall flower spike with a cluster of white lilies on top.

And, while we're talking about “fooled ya!” you do know, don't you, that hydrangea colors depend on the soil acidity? The more acid the soil, the bluer the flower. The more alkaline the soil, the pinker the flower.

EMAIL GARDENING QUESTIONS TO BRENDA AT: brenda@guidrynews.com. (Be sure to tell me where you live!)

***

GREATER HOUSTON/GALVESTON/BEAUMONT GARDENING CALENDAR

(If your group has a May event that is not listed, it's because it was not sent to me in time. Send gardening event notices to Brenda at brenda@guidrynews.com. Gardening event notices must be submitted by the 20th of the preceding month (e.g., July events must be submitted by June 20. Events submitted to this column may also appear in the Houston Chronicle Garden Calendar if space permits. These are pretty much printed as submitted.)


July 21: "Frequently Asked Questions about Native Plants," - John Foster, the radio-show host has a "radio interview" with native plant experts. 7 p.m., Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway, free. Native Plant Society event. (713)681-3665 or www.npsot.org.

Saturday July 23: “Common Garden Insects - Friend or Foe” by Karen Breneman, 11 am, Martha's Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6 Bypass, Navasota, 936-870-4111, www.marthasbloomers.com; free.

Sunday, July 24: Hibiscus Show and Sale, 1-4 p.m., Bellaire Community Center, 7008 S. Rice Avenue in Bellaire; free. Hibiscus Society event, 281-756-0965 or www.lonestarahs.org. New members get two free plants. Many hybrid varieties available for sale at reasonable prices.

Monday, July 25: “Selling at the Farmers Market” by Jim Bundscho, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane, 713-880-5540; www.urbanharvest.org; $30. Whether you own a backyard garden in the city or a farm in the countryside, selling at the farmers' market is an easy way to get a big return for labor. Find out how to set up shop at a market, including packaging, displays, pricing and market rules. Jim Bundscho is Urban Harvest's Bayou City Farmers' Market Manager.

Thursday, July 28: Registration deadline for July 30 “Get Ready for Your Fall Vegetable Garden" by Dr. Bob Randall and Diana Liga, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane, 713-880-5540; www.urbanharvest.org;  20. It is still hot, but experienced gardeners know now is the time to prepare for a great fall garden. The class includes soil preparation, fertilization, seeds, transplants, and how to grow the favorite fall crops. Dr. Bob Randall is the Executive Director of Urban Harvest, a community gardening nonprofit organization. Diana Liga is a horticulturist who has worked with dozens of community vegetable gardens.

Thursday, July 28: “Gingers” by Linda Gay of the Mercer Arboretum, 7:15 p.m., Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg, free. Ft. Bend County Master Gardener event 281-341-7068 or www.fbmg.com.

Wednesday Aug. 3: “Native Habitats in Your Backyard” by Marya Fowler, 7-9 p.m., Bear Creek Park Community Center, 3055 Bear Creek Drive, Room B.; free.
Houston Pond Society event, 713-688-8875 or www.houstonpondsociety.org.

Wednesday (August 3): “Gardening Fun by the Square Foot” by John Jons, 10 a.m., 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, free. Harris County Master Gardener Precinct 2 event, 281-991-8437 or hcmgap2@tamu.edu.  

Friday-Saturday, Aug. 5-6: Summer Orchid Workshop 2005, Holiday Inn Select, Kirby Drive at Southwest Freeway; $48. August 6 Plant sale only, noon-5 p.m.
$5. Houston Orchid Society event, 936-520-6631. Register for workshop at www.houstonorchidsociety.org.

Saturday, August 6: “New House — Old Tree” by Rich Boettler, 10 a.m., Teas Nursery, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400, www.teasnursery.com; free.

Saturday, August 6: “Easy Ways of Organic Gardening” by Sharon Murray, 11a.m., Martha's Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6 Bypass in Navasota, 936-870-4111or www.marthasbloomers.com; free.

Saturday, Aug 6: “How to Succeed with Cactus and Succulents” by Jay Arrendondo of Desert to Tropics, 10 a.m., Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E 11th St, 713-861-5702, www.buchanansplants.com; free.

Monday, August 8: “How to Start a Community or School Garden” by Gary Edmondson, 4:00-6:30 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane, 713-880-5540 or www.urbanharvest.org; free but registration required. Have you been thinking about starting a community or school garden? Learn the basic ingredients for a successful community garden, including planning, coordination, finances, and garden design. Gary Edmondson has helped to build community and school gardens in his work at Urban Harvest.

August 11: “Yard Care Basics,” 7-9 p.m., U of H Cinco Ranch, 4242 S. Mason Rd., Rm. 118; free. Fort Bend Master Gardener event, 281-341-7068 or www.fbmg.com.

August 16: "A Taste of the Tropics: Flowers, Form and Fragrance" by Linda Gay, Director of Mercer Arboretum at 6:30 pm., Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr; Master Gardener event. Call 281-855-5600. Access http://hcmga.tamu/edu

Monday, August 15: “How to Start a Community or School Garden” by Dr. Bob Randall, 1:00-3:45 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane; free; 713-880-5540 or www.urbanharvest.org; registration required. Have you been thinking about starting a community or school garden? 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.

Tuesday, August 16: “Beneficial Insects in the Garden” by Don Johnson, 2 PM, Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge in Sugar Land; free. Sugar Land Garden Club event, 281-565-9813 or www.sugarlandgardenclub.org

Thursday, Aug. 18: Registration deadline for the Master Gardener Fall Class starting August 25, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursdays for 12 weeks, Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Drive, http://hcmga.tamu.edu;  $150. Register at 281-855-5600.

August 18, "Gardening with Native Plants in the Floodplain," by Margaret Gnevuch. 7PM, Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway. Native Plant Society event, free. Phone (713)681-3665 or www.npsot.org.

Friday (August 19): Registration deadline for the August 27 Tropical Gems
Workshop: “Make and Take a Mounted Staghorn Ferns/Learn to Plant Tropical Container Gardens” by Angela Chandler, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., Vaughn’s Nursery 15647 Ave. C in Channelview; $40. Register at (281) 991-8437 or hcmgap2@tamu.edu. Harris County Master Gardener Precinct 2 event.

Monday, August 22: “Selling at the Farmers Market” by Ray Sher, 4-6 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane, 713-880-5540 or www.urbanharvest.org; $30. Whether you own a backyard garden in the city or a farm in the countryside, selling at the farmers’ market is an easy way to get a big return for labor. Find out how to set up shop at a market, including packaging, displays, pricing and market rules. Ray Sher is a market gardener at the Westbury Seeds Market Garden.

August 25: “Flower Arranging” by Marsha Gould, 7:15-8:15 p.m., Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg; free. Fort Bend Master Gardeners event, 281-341-7068 or http://fbmg.com

Friday, September 2: Registration deadline for Harris County Master Gardener Precinct 2 Classes, Tuesdays, Sept. 6-Dec. 13, 9 a.m.-2 p.m, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff; $150. Register at 281-991-8437 or hcmgap2@tamu.edu 

Saturday, Sept. 3: “Compost Your Vegetables” by Rich Boettler, 10 a.m., Teas Nursery, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400, www.teasnursery.com; free.

Wednesday, September 7: “Herb Primer” by Lana Simms, 10 a.m., 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, free. Harris County Master Gardener Precinct 2 event, 281-991-8437 or hcmgap2@tamu.edu

Monday, Sept. 12: “Ferns” by Walt Hesson, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 2929 Woodland HIlls in Kingwood; free. Lake Houston Gardeners event,
832 968-9870.

September 13: “Old Fashioned Plants for the Garden” by Suzzane Chapman, Jersey Village Civic Center, 16327 Lakeview Drive; $5. Jersey Village Garden Club event, 713-466-6885.

Tuesday, September 20: “Dazzling Discoveries and Timeless Treasures for Your Garden” by Heidi Sheesley, 10 a.m., Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way in Sugar Land; free. Sugar Land Garden Club event, 281-565-9813 or www.sugarlandgardenclub.org

Sept. 22: “The Ecological City: Just How Green Is It?” by Dr. John Jacobs, 7:15-8:15 p.m., Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg; free. Fort Bend Master Gardeners event, 281-341-7068 or http://fbmg.com

Saturday, September 24: Fall Plant Sale, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., at Clear Lake United Methodist Church 16335 El Camino Real in Clear Lake City. Harris County Master Gardeners Precinct 2 event, 281-991-8437 or hcmgap2@tamu.edu

Saturday, September 24: “Garden Art and Plant Sale,” 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 930 Sugar Lakes Drive in Sugar Land; free. Sugar Land Garden Club event, 281-565-9813 or www.sugarlandgardenclub.org

Saturday-Sunday, October 1-2: Peckerwood Garden Open Days, 1-5 p.m., 20571 FM
359 in Hempstead, 979-826-3232, www.peckerwoodgarden.com; $5. Open Days are an opportunity for the public to visit Peckerwood Garden for self-guided tours between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Parking is at Yucca Do Nursery. Please contact us or visit our web site for further information.

Wednesday, October 5: “Cactus and Succulents” by Phyllis McEuen, 10 a.m.,
1202 Genoa Red Bluff, free. Harris County Master Gardener Precinct 2 event (281) 991-8437 or hcmgap2@tamu.edu

OCT. 6-7-8, 2005 63rd Bulb and Plant Mart will be October 6, 7, and 8, 2005 at Westminster United Methodist Church 5801 Bering at San Felipe.

Saturday, October 15: Herb-a-Palooza: Herb Sale, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., Clear Lake United Methodist Church 16335 El Camino Real in Clear Lake City; free. Precinct
2 Harris County Master Gardeners event, 281-991-8437 or hcmgap2@tamu.edu.

Saturday-Sunday, October 15-16: Peckerwood Garden Open Days, 1-5 p.m., 20571 FM 359 in Hempstead, 979-826-3232, www.peckerwoodgarden.com; $5. Open Days are an opportunity for the public to visit Peckerwood Garden for self-guided tours between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Parking is at Yucca Do Nursery.

Saturday, Oct. 29: Bazaar for All Seasons, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg; free. Fort Bend Master Gardeners event, 281-341-7068 or http://fbmg.com

Wednesday, November 2: “Preparing Your Beds for Spring” by Suzanne Chapman, 10 a.m., 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, free. Harris County Master Gardener Precinct 2 event, 281-991-8437 or hcmgap2@tamu.edu.

Sunday, Nov. 6: “Holiday Decorations for Mantel and Wreaths” by Hollie Fairchild, 9 a.m.-noon, Burgess Recreation Center, 4200 Kalwick in Deer Park; $25.
Deer Park Petal Pushers Garden Club event, 281-542-9731.

Thursday, November 17: “Plants Growing in the Lazy Gardener’s Garden” by Brenda Beust Smith, 7:15-8:15 p.m., Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg; free. Fort Bend Master Gardeners event, 281-341-7068 or http://fbmg.com

February 11: Fort Bend County Fruit Tree Sale, time to be determined, Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg; free. Fort Bend Master Gardeners event, 281-341-7068 or http://fbmg.com

March 18: Fort Bend County Perennial Sale, time to be determined, Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg; free. Fort Bend Master Gardeners event, 281-341-7068 or http://fbmg.com


April 4, 2006: A Garden Club of America Small Flower Show. Presented by the
18 Clubs of The Garden Club of America Zone IX (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, & Texas), The Omni Hotel, Four Riverway in Houston. 713-871-8181


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.