If you're in the vicinity of The Woodlands Sunday, Sept. 18, stop by The Woodlands Fall Home & Garden Show at the Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center and say hello. I'll be discussing favorite plants from my garden at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. You can get more information, and a full schedule at www.woodlandshows.com.  Randy Lemmon Host of TalkRadio 950AM KPRC’s popular GardenLine Program is Houston’s lawn and garden expert will offer advice to show attendees with ‘green thumbs’ and not so ‘green thumbs’.

I'll have a limited number of cuttings from my garden that I'll be sharing with those who attend my lectures. First come, first serve. You can bet these will be the hardiest of hardy plants, because if they're in my garden, they're not pampered in any way, shape or form.

For sure I'll have a lot of porterweed cuttings. Mine has a nice peach-colored, spiky, salvia-like bloom, but it's just too happy a grower. I have to keep cutting it back because it's crowding out too many nearby plants. I'd actually take it out altogether, but the hummingbirds love it. And it's right outside my kitchen sink window. How can anyone remove a plant that attracts hummingbirds outside your kitchen window?

Somebody ought to designate September as “Habitat Month.” It's the best month of all to plant most of the great flowers and foliage varieties that attract beneficial wildlife like butterflies, dragonflies, hummingbirds and other birds.

But a habitat garden is more than just plants. It's a mindset. It's understanding that our gardens aren't little worlds unto themselves. It's accepting the fact that everything we do in our tiny landscapes (relatively speaking) are parts of the broader ecology. What we do in our yards affects EVERYTHING.

It's realizing that the water that flows off our property into the sewers carries with it all the chemicals we pour on the lawn and garden. Fertilizers are great for our plants. They are NOT great for our bayous and bays — which is where they eventually wind up. There they encourage algae that upsets the natural ecology of the water and adjacent bog/bank/marsh areas.

But it's even more than that.  Banks of butterflyweed do not a landscape make. A habitat mimics nature. Nature loves diversity. Banks of anything invite insect and disease problems. A wide variety of plants helps keep beneficial insect populations high, and that makes for a healthier balance of predators and victims.

Diversity of plantings (lots of different varieties) also means you are providing both hosts (for egg laying) and nectar (food for hatching larvae).

Butterflyweed is a great plant because it is both a host plant and nectar plant for the monarch butterfly. Predictions are that the monarch migration passing through this fall will be one of the largest in recent history. Don't know butterflyweed? Check out the cover of the “Lazy Gardener's Guide” on the front page of this column. That's butterflyweed.

But even plants alone aren't enough. You have to think in terms of the total lives of the creatures you're trying to attract. Shrubs that provide cover, security and shade for birds are essential. All creatures need water. Both birds and butterflies alike appreciate a softly sloping side to a water source, so they can perch easily and drink.

Some plants are common to most habitat gardens. Lantana is probably our single best butterfly-attracting plant. David Verity cuphea and porterweed are favorites of hummingbirds. Among commonly used habitat plants include:

BUTTERFLIES: ageratum, asters, brown-eyed susan, buttonbush, Drummond turk's cap, Indian blanket, farkleberry, Halberd-leaf hibiscus, holly, lance-leaf coreopsis, mapleleaf viburnum, Mexican plum, oak, passionflower, persimmon, phloxes, pine, prairie verbena, purple coneflower, redbud, rusty blackhaw, sages, sunflower, sweet bays, wild black cherry, to name just a few.

HUMMINGBIRDS: coral bean, hamelia (hummingbird bush), scarlet buckeye, buttonbushes, cardinal flowers, crossvine, beebalm, Halberd-leaf hibiscus, coral honeysuckle, Carolina jessamine, prairie phlox, scarlet sage, Drummond Turk's cap.

If you're planning on putting in a habitat garden anywhere along the Gulf Coast or up through East Texas, I highly recommend these two books:

• Habitat Gardening for Houston and Southeast Texas • Naturalistic Landscaping for the Gulf Coast.

Both are written by Mark Bowen, published by River Bend Company and, if not readily available in your local nursery or bookstore, the manager should be able to order them for you.

If this doesn't work. “Habitat Gardening” sells for $28 and “Naturalistic Landscaping” for $34 (prices include postage/handling).

Make checks payable to River Bend Company and mail with your specific order
to: “Habitat Gardening,” River Bend Company, 6524 San Felipe Road #104, Houston, TX 77057.

DEAR BRENDA: A friend, who is from up north, says I need to dethatch my lawn. What does that mean? A.J.

DEAR A.J.: If you don't mind my quoting from my own book (“The Lazy Gardener's Guide”) a section titled: “Thatch: The Great Controversy!

“To dethatch or not to dethatch — that is the question. Whether ’tis nobler to leave those grass clippings on, and suffer the thatch that results, or, to remove them by hand and, by removing them, rob the soil of the riches they contain.

“Pro-thatchers say leave them on, they decay, providing protective mulch for grass roots, keeping soil cool and moist in summer, warm and moist in winter.

“Anti-thatchers say they form a non-nutritious layer (thatch) in which roots will grow, weakening the lawn.

“Thatch is usually not a problem with St. Augustine — unless you cut off
7-10+ inches at a time. Dethatchers have to be used very carefully, or
7-10+ they may
destroy the runners.

“I say: removing clippings is stupid. They are a rich source of vital nutrients for the soil.”


DEAR BRENDA: Where can I get good plants for butterflies? M. J.

DEAR M.J.: Glad you asked. Look below. We have so many plant sales this
fall, the calendar is miles long. Surely you can find one near you.

Hope this helps.

Brenda

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 event that is not listed, it was not sent to me in time. I update
the calendar with every new column. Send gardening event notices to Brenda at
brenda@guidrynews.com.  Events submitted to this column may also appear in the
Houston Chronicle Garden Calendar if space permits. These are pretty much
printed as submitted.)

Sept. 14: “Growing a Winery in Galveston” by Raymond Haak, noon, Mercer
Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield, www.hcp4.net/mercer; 
register at 281-443-8731; free Join Raymond Haak, owner of Haak Vineyards and Winery
in Santa Fe, Texas, for a discussion of growing grapes and making wine at the
first and only winery in Galveston County. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy.

Sept. 14: “Old Garden Roses” by Anna Wygrys, 10 a.m., 303 East Main in
League City. League City Garden Club event, 281-535-0999; free.

Sept. 15: “Beware but Be Informed: Poison Oak and Poison Ivy” by Glenn
Olsen. 7PM. Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway, free. Native Plant Society event.
(713)681-3665 or www.npsot.org.

Sept. 17: "Fabulous Fall Florals", by Tricia Barksdale, 11 am, Martha's
Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6 Bypass, Navasota, 936-870-4111,
www.marthasbloomers.com; free

Sept. 17: Daylily and Plant Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., West Oaks Mall, Highway 6
at Westheimer; free. Houston Area Daylily Sale, 281-448-4153.

Sept. 17: Birthday Party at the Bayou City Farmers' Market, 8:00 a.m.-noon,
Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane; 713-880-5540; www.urbanharvest.org; free.

Sept. 17-18: The Woodlands Fall Home & Garden Show, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sept. 17, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 18, Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in The
Woodlands; $8; www.woodlandsshows.com.  Seminars Saturday Schedule 10:00-11:00
Make your Backyard a Paradise” Even the smallest backyard can become a
luxurious retreat! Archie Tobias, Graduate of Aquascape Designs, Inc. Pond
College and Owner of A.J.’s Water Gardens. 11-Noon Lee Snijders Host of the
popular HGTV show, Design on a Dime appears on Saturday. Hear about behind the
scenes at Design on a Dime, his design philosophy and get tips on designing your
own space. Meet Lee up close and personal and get his autograph. 12:30-1:30
Randy Lemmon Host of TalkRadio 950AM KPRC’s popular GardenLine Program is
Houston’s lawn and garden expert. He offers advice to show attendees with
‘green thumbs’ and not so ‘green thumbs’. 1:30-2:30 Lee Snijders (same as above)
. 2:30-3:30 Michael Garfield ‘the High-Tech Texan’ TalkRadio 950AM KPRC
show host Michael Garfield helps you understand the basics of today’s new home
technologies. 3:30-4:30 Lee Snijders (same as above). 5:00-6:00 ‘Decorating
Secrets’ Get inspired with great tips on decorating basics, display secrets,
imaginative tablescapes and centerpieces to put the finishing touchs on your
home. Joni Porter, IADA , RES. Owner House Sweet it Is! Sunday Schedule:
10:30-11:30 Make your Backyard a Paradise” Even the smallest backyard can become
a luxurious retreat! Archie Tobias, Graduate of Aquascape Designs, Inc. Pond
College and Owner of A.J.’s Water Gardens. 11:30-12:30 “Favorite Plants and
Tips from the Lazy Gardener” Brenda Beust Smith, Columnist Houston Chronicle.
What’s Blooming right now in the Lazy Gardeners’s garden? Brenda will not
only tell you, she’ll be bringing free plant cuttings that meet her two
essential requirements – beautiful and EZ. Her seminar flyer hand-outs include lists
of her favorite plants and gardening tips. 12:30-1:30 “Top 10 Trends in
Kitchen Design and the 5 Biggest Mistakes” Peggy McGowen, (CMKBD) Certified
Master Kitchen and Bath Designer. Peggy is an accomplished speaker and in much
demand locally and nationally. She is a past President of the National Kitchen
and Bath Association. (A special treat: the first 50 people to attend the
seminar will receive a free Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry DVD and goodie bag) .
1:30-2:30 Lazy Gardener (same as above) . 2:30-3:30 Peggy McGowen (same as
above) . 3:30-4:30 Lazy Gardener (same as above) . 4:30-5:30 ‘Decorating
Secrets’ Get inspired with great tips on decorating basics, display secrets,
imaginative tablescapes and centerpieces to put the finishing touchs on your
home. Joni Porter, IADA , RES. Owner House Sweet it Is!

Sept. 18: 9-18-05, Plants which grow well with ferns, Linda Gay, 2:00PM,
Garden Center, 1500 Herman Drive, 713- 649 3535, Free, Gulf Coast Fern Society
event.

Sept. 19: Registration deadline for the September 24 WinterGreen Fall Plant
Symposium, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek
Drive; $15. Register at 281-855-5600. Harris County Master Gardener event.

Sept. 19: "How to Start a Community or School Garden" by Dr. Bob Randall,
1:00-3:45 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane; 713-880-5540; www.urbanharvest.org; 
free class; 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.

Sept. 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. 20: "Cool Season Color" by Gary Outenreath, horticulturist at 6:30 pm,
Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr.; free. Master Gardener
event, 281-855-5600 or http://hcmga.ramu.edu.

Sept. 20: “What, When, Why to Prune,” 11:30 a.m., Mercer Arboretum &
Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free but reservations
required at 281-443-8731. Learn about the practice of pruning. The course
information includes information on which plants require pruning and when they
should be pruned.

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

Sept. 22: "Gardening Basics II: Working with Soils & Mulches" by John
Ferguson, 6:15 p.m.-8:15 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane; 713-880-5540;
www.urbanharvest.org; $20. Learn the basics of soil preparation, bed building, and a primer
on soil structure and the soil food web. John Ferguson owns Nature's Way
Resources and is considered one of the leading experts on soil science in Texas.

Sept. 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 The sale includes ornamental
patio trees, shrubs, perennials, native plants, tropicals, gingers, bulbs
for the South, and fall vegetable plants. Many of these plants are hard-to-find
treasures. The sale features a colorful collection for the shade garden.
Special lectures: "Plant Sale Preview" at 8:00am; "Carefree Bulbs for the Gulf
Coast" at 9:00am; "Garden Pests You Can Conquer" at 10:00am; "Fall into
Spring Garden Success" at 11:00 am; free.

Sept. 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.  Sale will feature plants best suited to our area -
including unusual and hard to find selections, metal trellises (large and
small) and garden-themed art including mosaics, watercolors and jewelry, handmade
jellies and soaps.

Sept. 24: “Plant a Bulb” by Rich Boettler, for children, 10 a.m., Teas
Nursery, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400, www.teasnursery.com; free.

Sept. 24: Wildscapes Plant Sale, 12:30-3 p.m., University of Houston Cullen
College of Engineering, 4500 University Drive; 281-456-7029, 281-345-4151 or
http://www.npsot.org/Houston

Sept. 24: WinterGreen Fall Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Harris County
Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Drive, 281-855-5600; free. Harris County Master
Gardener event. Plant Sale: 9 am - 2 pm. We will have bulbs as well as
perennials, vines, herbs, roses, and vegetables. "WinterGreen Symposium" Fall is the
best time to plant many landscaping plants and vegetables. Come let the
experts show you how to have Green in the garden all Winter. The Symposium is 10 am
- 3 pm and there is a $15 fee which includes lunch. Registration is
required and the deadline is September 19th. Call 281-855-5600 to register.
Symposium Schedule: 10:00 - Building Healthy Soils for Houston. John Jacob, PhD.
Associate Professor and Environmental Quality Specialist Texas Cooperative
Extension. 11:00 - Earthkind Products and Techniques by Skip Richter County Extension
Agent Horticulture, Travis County. 12:00 - Lunch or Shop. Pick up your box
lunch and enjoy or save if for later and go shop for your favorite plant. 1:00 -
Fall Vegetable Gardening by Bill Adams, County Extension Agent, Horticulture,
Emeritus. 2:00 - Fall Herb Gardening by Michael Bettler, Co-Owner of Lucia's
Garden.

Sept. 24: Fall Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Clear Lake United Methodist
Church, 16335 El Camino Real; free. Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners
event,

Sept. 24: Plant Sale, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., CR 171 at Hospital Road in Angleton;
free. Brazoria County Master Gardeners event, 979-864-1558. For special, hard
to find great plants, come to the Brazoria County Master Gardeners Fall Plant
Sale. There will be a wide variety of top quality plants available at the best
prices around. Come early for the best selection! Saturday, September 24,
Brazoria County Master Gardeners Fall Plant Sale, CR 171 and Hospital RD,
Angleton, 8:00 am-2:00 pm. For more information, contact Paula Craig, Horticulture
Specialist, at 979-864-1558. For special, hard to find great plants, come to
the Brazoria County Master Gardeners Fall Plant Sale. There will be a wide
variety of top quality plants available at the best prices around. Come early for
the best selection!

Sept. 24: Butterfly Center Butterfly Gardening Workshop, 9-11 a.m. Cockrell
Butterfly Center, One Hermann Circle, 713-639-4753 or www.hmns.org; 30.00
Repeated Oct. 1.

Sept. 24: Woodlands Landscaping Solutions, Sage Tips for Yard & Garden, 9:00
a.m. to noon, Millennium Forest Gardens, 8203 Millennium Forest Dr., The
Woodlands, 281.210.3900, free

Sept. 24: "Herbs for Fall" by Janis Teas, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Teas
Nursery, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400, www.teasnursery.com, free; no
reservation needed

Sept. 25: "Poison Oak and Poison Ivy: Be Aware but Be Informed" by Glenn
Olsen of the Native Plant Society, 2 p.m., Houston Arboretum &
Nature Center, 4501 Woodway, 713-681-8433: www.HoustonArboretum.org, free.

Sept. 26: "Selling at the Farmers Market" by Gita Van Woerden,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. Gita Van Woerden is Owner of Animal Farm Permaculture Center & Market
Farm.

Sept. 27: Hands-On Pruning Class, 9:30 a.m., Mercer Arboretum & Botanic
Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free but reservations
required at 281-443-8731. Join in a hands-on class in Mercer's gardens to learn how
and what to prune to prepare for cooler weather. Please bring a pair of
pruners to use during this workday.

Sept. 28: Soils for Cactus & Succulents by Richard Stamper, 7:30 PM, Houston
Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Drive. Free. Houston Cactus & Succulent Society
event, 713-827-8545.

Sept. 29: Registration deadline for Oct. 1 class “Rainwater in the
Landscape” by Dr. Bob Randall, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Urban Harvest, class off-site in the
Heights; 713-880-5540; www.urbanharvest.org; $25. Cost-effective methods to
conserve water use and collect rainwater on your property, including rainwater
cisterns. Dr. Bob Randall uses cisterns at his house to irrigate.

Sept. 29, Oct. 6, 13, and 20: "Home Landscaping, Educational Track", by Greg
Grant, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd. Humble,
TX 77338, Mercer Society members $135 and $150 for non-members. (281)443-8731,
www.hcp4.net/mercer. Mercer's Educational Track features a detailed study of
plants for the landscape. Includes study materials, tours, a field trip,
lunches and snacks. Please call ahead for reservations.

Oct. 1: Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Cockrell Butterfly Center, One Hermann
Circle, 713-639-4753 or www.hmns.org.  Fall's cooling temperatures make for ideal
gardening conditions for both gardeners and plants! And by planting in the
fall, you'll have a head start on providing for butterflies and their
caterpillars in the spring. Come stock up on a selection of nectar and hostplants from
the Butterfly Center's greenhouses - always pesticide free! Parking is free
if you spend $20.00 or more.

Oct. 1: Fort Bend County Plant Swap, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Community Park, 1700
Glenn Lakes Blvd. in Missouri City; free. Seeds, plants, gardening magazines and
other gardening items are acceptable items for trading. Details at 713
398-7949 or http://groups.msn.com/FortBendCountyPlantSwap

Oct. 1: "New House - Old Tree" by Rich Boettler, 10:00 a.m., Teas Nursery,
4400 Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400, www.teasnursery.com, free; no reservation
needed

Oct 1 Buchanan's Fall Festival; 9am- Becky Lane "Fall is for Decorating",
10am-Mary Herr "Fall is for Planting", 11am-Brenda Pennington "Fall is for
Butterflies", noon - Kris Bitner "Fall is for Urban Tree Care"; Buchanan's Native
Plants, 611 E 11th, 713-861-5702, www.buchanansplants.com,  FREE

Oct. 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.

Oct. 1-2: Spring Branch African Violet Club Annual Show & Sale, 12 noon-4p,
Hermann Park Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Dr., free, 713-462-4257,
www.orgsites.com/bx/sbavc; 12 noon-4p Oct 2, Hermann Park Garden Center, 1500 Hermann
Dr., 713-462-4257, free. www.orgsites.com/bx/sbavc

Oct. 2: Begonia Society Workshop, 2 p.m., Houston Garden Center, 1500
Hermann Drive, 713 686-8539; free.

Oct 4: "Bromeliads" by Odean Head, Bromeliad Society at 12 noon, HC Extension
office at 3033 Bear Creeks Dr. Master Gardener event Free. Call 281-855-5600
access http://hcmga.tamu.edu

Oct. 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: "Gardening Basics III: Fertilizing Fundamentals" by Pete Cangelosi
and Dr. Bob Randall, 6:15 p.m.-8:15 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane;
713-880-5540; www.urbanharvest.org; $20. Learn the basics of soil fertility and plant
nutrition, and review many excellent organic fertilizers. Pete Cangelosi is an
organic specialist with San Jacinto Environmental Supplies, and Dr. Bob
Randall is Executive Director of Urban Harvest.

Oct. 6: Memorial Northwest Garden Club Katrina Victims Benefit Plant Sale, 8
a.m.-3 p.m., 17211 Abby Lane in Spring; 281-357-4795.

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. Authors
booth/rare plants—Saturday only. Sponsored by The Garden Club of Houston — One of
the largest horticultural events in Texas, the Annual Bulb and Plant Mart
sponsored by The Garden Club of Houston, will be held Thursday, October 6,
Friday, October 7, and Saturday, October 8, 2005 at Westminster United Methodist
Church, 5801 San Felipe at Bering, just west of the Galleria area. On Thursday
and Friday, the Mart will be open from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on
Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. As experienced and beginning gardeners alike
have come to expect, the Bulb and Plant Mart will again feature the widest
selection of top-quality bulbs from domestic and international suppliers and an
expanded collection of hard-to-find and unusual plants, perennials, trees,
shrubs and vines. Many of the plants and bulbs will be unique offerings from the
gardens of Club members, grown specifically for the Mart. From amaryllis to
zephyranthes, more than 500,000 bulbs will be available at the Bulb and Plant
Mart, including large bulbs such as daffodils (Narcissi), hyacinths, and more
than 55 varieties of tulips, iris, amaryllis and crinum lilies; and among
small bulbs, the most popular anemones, ranunculus, crocus, freesia, ixia,
watsonia and zephyranthes (rain lilies). In outdoor areas, shoppers will find a wide
selection of plant materials, including herbs, citrus, and unusual varieties
difficult to find in most retail outlets. Also featured will be favorite
plants of Garden Club members, such as gingers, Louisiana irises, gloriosa lilies,
and many interesting vines and ornamental trees. Visitors to the Mart will
receive at no charge an 80 page horticultural guide for Houston, prepared by the
Club. The newly revised booklet includes descriptions of the items for sale,
along with proper planting and horticulture information. And, as is always a
feature of this Mart, experts will be available to answer specific questions
or generally educate the customers on local gardening. The Bulb and Plant Mart
offers free admission and convenient parking. While a limited number of
wagons are available, shoppers are encouraged to bring their own carts or wagons
for ease in transporting purchases around the Mart. All proceeds from the Bulb
and Plant Mart benefit civic beautification and environmental projects of The
Garden Club of Houston which include landscaping of grounds and gardens of The
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Rienzi, the gardens of The Hospice at the Texas
Medical Center and The Medical Center Park.. In addition, the Club funds an
annual internship in horticulture at The Museum of Natural Science and assists
in improvements to the Cockrell Butterfly Center. The Garden Club of Houston
also donates thousands of bulbs annually to Houston parks, churches, schools,
and public spaces. For pre-order forms and additional information regarding
the 63rd Annual Bulb and Plant Mart sponsored by The Garden Club of Houston,
please check our website: gchouston.org or e-mail jledbetter1@houston.rr.com. 713
622-3881

Saturday (Oct. 8): "Fall Into Spring" by Dee Howell, Horticulturist, City of
Houston Parks and Recreation. 10am, The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920,
281-351-8851 or www.arborgate.com;  free.

Saturday (Oct. 8): Montgomery County Master Gardener sale, Extension Office,
9020 FM 1484/Airport Road in Conroe, 936-539-7824, free.

Saturday (Oct. 8): Liberty County Fall Plant Sale, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., 2329 N
Main St. in Liberty; free. Master Gardener event, 936-336-4558, ext 221, or
http://liberty-tx.tamu.edu.

Saturday-Sunday, (Oct. 8-9): Fall Plant Sale and Gardening Festival, 9
a.m.-5 p.m., Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin, 512-292-4200 or
www.wildflower.org.

Sunday (Oct. 9): Birding Walk, 10 a.m., Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens,
22306 Aldine Westfield, 281-443-8731 or www.hcp4.net/mercer;  free. Join Piney
Woods Wildlife Society member Rachel Decker as she leads a walk through
Mercer to observe the birds that call the area home. Binoculars, birding guides,
comfortable and quiet walking shoes, and no bright colored clothing is
recommended. Families are welcome.

Monday (Oct. 10): “Bulbs for the Houston Area” by Mercer’s Greg Harmison , 7
p.m., Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 2929 Woodland Hills in Kingwood; free.
Lake Houston Gardeners event, 832 968-9870.

Monday (Oct. 10): "How to Start a Community or School Garden" by Gary
Edmondson, 4:00-6:30 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane, 713-880-5540;
www.urbanharvest.org; free class; 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.

Wednesday (Oct. 12): “Herbs for Fall” by Marilyn O’Connor, noon, Mercer
Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free
but reservations required at 281-443-8731. The Herb Lady, Marilyn O'Conner,
discusses great herbs for fall. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy during the show; herbs
will be for sale following the program.

Oct. 12 – Field Trip on Clear Creek with Rex Ward, President, Clear Creek
Environmental Foundation. The League City Garden Club has announced its schedule
of meetings and programs for 2005-06. The group meets the second Wednesday of
the month at 10 a.m. at the Community Room of Amegy Bank of Texas, 303 East
Main St. in League City. 281-535-0999.

Wednesday (Oct. 12): "Green Roofs (Gardening with Water II)" by Chula Ross
Sanchez, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Urban Harvest, class off-site at University of
Houston; 713-880-5540; www.urbanharvest.org; $25. See an example of a roof covered
in plants, and discuss varying roof slopes, locations, structure and program
costs. Chula Ross Sanchez is a lecturer at the Gerald Hynes School of
Architecture at University of Houston.

Thursday (Oct. 13): Soil and Composting,” 7-9 p.m., U of H Cinco Ranch, 4242
S. Mason Rd., Room118; free. Fort Bend County Master Gardener event,
281-341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

Friday (Oct 14): Lecture by Heidi Sheesley, 11:30 a.m., Alvin Community
College-Pearland Center cafeteria, Park street in Pearland; through Keep Pearland
Beautiful, 281-652-1779.

Friday (Oct 14): "The Natives are Restless" By Dr. Dave Creech, 10:30 a.
m., Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Drive: Free. Houston Federation of
Garden Clubs, 713-284-1989.

Friday-Saturday (Oct. 14-15): Pink Elephant Sale, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; 9
a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 15), The Hornberger Conference Center, 2151 w. Holcombe
Boulevard; free. River Oaks Garden Club event, 713-523-2483 or visit
www.riveroaksgardenclub.  Clothing, Bric-a-Brac, Accessories, Shoes, Antiques & Collectibles, Priceless Treasures and Our Famous Plant Booth. Proceeds from the Pink
Elephant Sale benefit the Houston Community through education, conservation,
environmental programs, beautification projects and scholarships.

Friday-Saturday (Oct. 14-15): keep Pearland Beautiful Plant Lecture and
Sale, Pearland College Campus, 2319 N. Grand Blvd., in Pearland. Lecture by Karen
Overgaard: 11:30 a.m. Oct. 14; $30. Register at 281-652-1659. Sale: 2-6 p.m.
Oct. 14, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 15; free.

Friday-Saturday (Oct. 14-15): Hawaiian Garden Party and Tropical Garden
Tour/Sale, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Jerry’s Jungle Garden, 712 Hill Rd., 832 978-5358,
Jerrysjungle.com;  free.

October 14-18: “The Craft and Art of Bamboo” by Carol Stangler, 9 a.m.-5
p.m. , Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield,
www.hcp4.net/mercer; call 281-443-8731 for fee, reservation. Class is limited to 24
participants. Instructor: Carol Stangler. Through demonstrations, slides and studio
time, this five-day workshop offers a hands-on introduction to working with
bamboo, and explores the versatile technical and artistic possibilities of bamboo. Beginning with harvesting bamboo from a nearby grove, students will learn the basics of caring
for bamboo including the techniques of cleaning, storing, curing, sawing,
splitting, smoothing, joining, finishing, and preserving bamboo. Information on
bamboo's botanical structure and general instructions for growing and containing
bamboo will also be covered. Emphasis will be placed on getting comfortable
with the tools and techniques of working with bamboo. Enough studio time will be
allotted for students to pursue individual projects. These may include
sculptural and functional objects for the home, such as cups, containers, ladles, and
flower vases, or outdoor projects such as a creating a bamboo trellis or fence
panel. In addition, the group will construct a bamboo screen or fence for
Mercer's garden. Contact Mercer or visit their Web site at www.hcp4.net/mercer,
for more information.

Saturday (Oct. 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 (Oct. 15): “Native Wood Jewelry” by Charles Cole, 9 a.m. , Mercer
Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield, www.hcp4.net/mercer; $5.
Register 281-443-8731. Join Charles Cole to learn how to make jewelry from
native wood and take home a finished product. Supplies will be provided. Cost is
$5.

Saturday-Sunday (Oct. 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-Sunday (Oct. 15-16): Gourd Show, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-5
p.m. Oct. 16, Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road in Austin; $3.
Texas Gourd Society event, 866-801-2429 or www.texasgourdsociety.org.

Saturday-Sunday (Oct. 15-16): "Bulb Talk" Cornelius Noordermeer, 10:00 a.m.
-3:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, Teas Nursery, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400,
www.teasnursery.com, free; no reservation needed

Monday (Oct. 17): "How to Start a Community or School Garden" by Dr. Bob
Randall, 1:00-3:45 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane; 713-880-5540;
www.urbanharvest.org; free class; 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 (Oct 18): "Gardens of London and East Anglia" by Bill Adams, retired
Harris County Agent, at 6:30 pm, Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear
Creek Dr; Harris County Master Gardener event. Free to the public. Call
281-855-5600.Access http://hcmga.tamu.edu

Tuesday (Oct. 18): “Chrysanthemum Growing” by Jackie Yarotsky, 11 a.m.,
Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield, www.hcp4.net/mercer; 
free but reservations required at 281-443-8731. Join Jackie Yarotsky of the
Chrysanthemum Society for her program Chrysanthemums: Growing, Showing and
Arranging. The program includes information on all aspects of growing these
wonderful perennial garden plants.

Thursday (Oct. 20) “Bugs in the Garden - Don't Kill the good guys!” by Don
Johnson. 7PM, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway, free. Native
Plant Society event. (713)681-3665 or www.npsot.org.

Thursday (Oct. 20): "Growing Transplants With A Focus On Tomatoes (Gardening
Basics IV)" by Diane Norman, 6:15 - 8:15 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane;
713-880-5540; www.urbanharvest.org;  $20. Learn to grow transplants from seed. Diane
Norman is co-owner of the Arcadia Nursery & Farm.

Friday-Saturday (Oct. 21-22): American Bamboo Society Conference, 9 a.m.-6
p.m., Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield,
www.hcp4.net/mercer. Details at 281-443-8731. American Bamboo Society Conference. Friday,
October 21 and Saturday, October 22. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The American Bamboo
Society is holding it’s national conference at Mercer Arboretum. The Thursday
pre-conference tour, and Friday and Saturday seminars require registration, but
the plant auction and vendor booths will be open to the public. If you are
interested in registering for the seminars please come by the Mercer main office
or get a form online at http://www.hcp4.net/mercer.

Saturday (Oct. 22): Texas Rose Rustlers Fall Cutting Exchange, 10 a.m.-2
p.m., private garden in Brenham; free. Directions available at 281-468-3677 or
Texasroserustlers.org.  The Texas Rose Rustlers will hold their annual Fall
Cutting Exchange in Brenham, Texas at the beautiful gardens of Candy Fite.
Picnic lunch will follow the exchange of rose cuttings. Bring lawn chairs, a sack
lunch, ziplok bags, and paper towels. After the Exchange activities will
include a trip to the Antique Rose Emporium with a guided tour of the growing
fields arranged by Mike Shoup. On Sunday morning the Rustlers will visit a
"lost" rose in an old country cemetery and visit an innovative organic truck
farm, Home Sweet Farm. For more details contact Doana at 281 468 3677.

Saturday (Oct. 22): 33rd Annual Herbal Harvest Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bellaire
City Hall Complex, 7008 South Rice Ave; free. New date, new location!, herb
plants, books, food booth, homemade jelly, vinegars, seasoning blends, tea, and
more! Herb Society of America event,713-513-7808 or www.herbsociety-stu.org

Saturday (Oct. 22): "Landscape Styles" by Rich Boettler, 10:00 a.m., Teas
Nursery, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400, www.teasnursery.com,  free; no
reservation needed

Saturday (Oct. 22): Jumble-Plant Sale, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., St. John's UCC, 1518
Brazos St. in free. The Jumble has a large plant sale along with garden art,
crafts, country store, spaghetti dinner-$7.00 per plate, and free quilt show.

Saturday, October 22: Galveston County Plant Swap, from 10am-2pm: Walter
Hall Park on Highway 3 in League City; FREE. Details available from Mary Ellen
or Margie found on the Galveston County Plant Swap Website
http://home.houston.rr.com/galveston05swap/  713-724-7213

Monday (Oct. 24): "Green Roofs - How to Design and Install a Vegetated
Rooftop in Houston", by Dr. Carl Hacker, School of Public Health at the Texas Health
Science Center of Houston, 2 p.m., Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501
Woodway, 713-681-8433: www.HoustonArboretum.org, free. Dr. Hacker will present
the case study of the intensive green roof at the School of Public Health,
including the process of "greening a roof" from demolition, material selection
and installation.

Monday (Oct. 24): "Sell What You Grow at a Green 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 the former manager of the Bayou City
Farmers' Market.

Thursday (Oct. 27): registration deadline for Saturday October 29 class
“Nature Ponds and Wetlands (Gardening with Water III)” by Ron Jones, 9:30
a.m.-noon, Urban Harvest, class off-site in south Houston; 713-880-5540;
www.urbanharvest.org; $25. Build a pond in your yard to help with flooding and drought
problems. Ron Jones is a specialist with ponds and wetlands with the U.S.
Fisheries and Wildlife Service.

Thursday (Oct. 27): Sustainable Soil Health, by Peter Cangelosi of San
Jacinto Environmental, 7:15-8:15 p.m., Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band
Road in Rosenberg; free. Fort Bend County Master Gardener event, 281-341-7068 or
www.fbmg.com.

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

Saturday (Oct. 29): “Studying Mushrooms in the Wild” by Teri McArthur, 9:30
a.m., Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield,
www.hcp4.net/mercer; free but reservations required at 281-443-8731. A slide show
presentation introduces the study of mushrooms in the wild and the impact they have to the environment. Bring your favorite mushrooms field guide to mushrooms to use along the trails tour portion of the presentation. Teri McArthur of Texas Master Naturalists
Heartwood Chapter and the Texas Mycological Society will lead the tour.

Saturday (Oct. 29): Houston Rose Society Fall Rose Festival, 10:30 a.m.-5
p.m., Faith Lutheran Church, 4600 Bellaire Blvd.; free. Seminars, trade booths,
rose show. Public entries accepted 7:30-10 a.m. Details: 713-236-2600 or
www.houstonrose.org.  The Houston Rose Society will host a Fall Rose Festival on
Saturday, October 29, 2005, at Faith Lutheran Church, 4600 Bellaire Blvd.
The event includes a rose show, a full day of gardening seminars and booths of
gardening-related items for sale by local vendors. Rose bushes, as well as
cut flowers will be available for purchase as well. There is no admission
charge. Rose show entries will be accepted from 7:30 a.m. until 10:00,
seminars begin and the trade booths open at 10:30, and the rose show will be open
for public viewing beginning at 1:00 p.m. The festival concludes at 5:00 p.m.
Additional information is available on the society's website,
www.houstonrose.org  (see Rose Festival).

Wednesday (Nov. 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.

Friday-Sunday (Nov. 4-6); 18th Annual Fall Festival of Roses; 9:00 am to 6:00
PM, Antique Rose Emporium in Independence, (979) 836-5548, Garden related
speakers, growing field tours, food vendors. For more information on speakers and
their times www.weAREroses.com;  Free to public.

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.

Wednesday (Nov. 9): “Courageous Containers” by Dawn Stover, 9 a.m.-noon.,
Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield, www.hcp4.net/mercer
; free but reservations required at 281-443-8731. Join Dawn Stover from
Stephen F. Austin University for Courageous Containers, a tricks and tips program
for designing outstanding, colorful container gardens using traditional methods
and some unique ideas for stepping outside the box. Bring a sack lunch to
enjoy during the show.

Wednesday (Nov. 9): “Herb Design” presented by Paula Jones of Lynn’s
Landscaping and “Bromeliads” presented by Joe Sandel. The League City Garden Club
has announced its schedule of meetings and programs for 2005-06. The group meets
the second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Community Room of Amegy
Bank of Texas, 303 East Main St. in League City. 281-535-0999.

Friday (Nov. 11): "Naturalist Illustration", by Cynthia Padilla, 9a.m. to 3
p.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd. Humble, TX 77338, Mercer
Society members $65 and $75 for non-members. (281)443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer. 
Reservations by Monday, November 7.

Saturday (Nov. 12): "Young Naturalists Drawing (Youth)", by Cynthia Padilla,
9 a.m. to noon, Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd. Humble, TX 77338,
Mercer Society members $45 and $55 for non-members. (281)443-8731,
www.hcp4.net/mercer.  Reservations by Monday, November 7.

Saturday (Nov. 12): "Silk Painting/Pouring (Intergenerational)", by Cynthia
Padilla, 1p.m. to 5p.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd. Humble,
TX 77338, Mercer Society members $60 and $70 for non-members. (281)443-8731,
www.hcp4.net/mercer.  Reservations by Monday, November 7.

Sunday (Nov. 13): "Botanical Art and Illustration: Painting", by Cynthia
Padilla, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd. Humble,
TX 77338, Mercer Society members $75 and $85 for non-members. (281)443-8731,
www.hcp4.net/mercer. Reservations by Monday, November 7.

Sunday (Nov. 13): "Fall Color in Houston" by Sarah Smith of the Native Plant
Society, 2 p.m., Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway,
713-681-8433: www.HoustonArboretum.org;  free

Tuesday (Nov. 15): “Planting Winter Annuals” hands-on session, 9:30
a.m.-noon., Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield,
www.hcp4.net/mercer; free but reservations required at 281-443-8731. Learn which plants are
right for planting a winter garden while helping plant annuals in Mercer's
display gardens. Bring a trowel and dig in! We will be working outside, so dress
appropriately.

Thursday (Nov.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

Thursday (Nov.17): Native Plant Society seed and plant swap. 7PM, Houston
Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway, free. Native Plant Society event.
(713)681-3665 or www.npsot.org.

Sunday (Nov. 20): "Attracting Birds to Your Backyard" by Melissa Geis, HANC
Naturalist, 2 p.m., Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway,
713-681-8433: www.HoustonArboretum.org;  free.

Wednesday (Dec. 14): “Creative Holiday Designs” presented by Claire Lober,
Master Flower Show Judge. The League City Garden Club has announced its schedule
of meetings and programs for 2005-06. The group meets the second Wednesday of
the month at 10 a.m. at the Community Room of Amegy Bank of Texas, 303 East
Main St. in League City. 281-535-0999.


2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006

January 11, 2006 – “Sandhill Cranes” presented by George Regmund,
stewardship biologist with Armand Bayou Nature Center. The League City Garden Club has
announced its schedule of meetings and programs for 2005-06. The group meets
the second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Community Room of Amegy Bank
of Texas, 303 East Main St. in League City. 281-535-0999.

February 8 – “Gardening by the Phases of the Moon” presented by Galveston
County Master Gardener Jackie Reeves. The League City Garden Club has announced
its schedule of meetings and programs for 2005-06. The group meets the second
Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Community Room of Amegy Bank of
Texas, 303 East Main St. in League City. 281-535-0999.

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 8 – “Planning for Cottage Garden Sale” with sale co-chairmen Judy
Huber and Mary Frederick. The League City Garden Club has announced its schedule
of meetings and programs for 2005-06. The group meets the second Wednesday of
the month at 10 a.m. at the Community Room of Amegy Bank of Texas, 303 East
Main St. in League City. 281-535-0999.

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.