After 9/11, someone (I wish I knew who) said:

“At that point, I needed my garden more than it needed me.”

Certainly many of us feel the same way after two huge hurricanes, Katrina and Rita, devastated our Gulf Coast shores. There are no words to describe our losses, many even more internally devastating than just the external damage to homes and cities.

Much of the pain, the frustrations, the anger, the tears will pass in time, but not all. We will cope because that just what we Southerners do.

When the limbs are cleared away, homes repaired and life restored, then — and probably only then — will many of us will take time to look at our gardens.

Don't wait. Let your garden take care of you for a little while. Ignore the damage. Dead or damaged plants can be replaced if necessary. And there's always the chance that they are a lot tougher than you give them credit for being. They may just come back out from the roots stronger than ever.

Take just a second to notice, if you will, the flowers that are in bloom in spite of the hurricanes and all the damage to man-made structures.

We expect wildflowers to provide spots of color, but many of our garden plants will be there for us too, and they're asking nothing in return.

ou do what you have to do now, they seem to be saying, and we'll be here for you when you're ready.

When our house was innundated by four feet of water in the Allison Flood, one of my most vivid memories is of sitting in our second story window looking at lavender buddleias and bright yellow lanceleaf coneflowers abloom above the water level. I stared at them for hours waiting for my husband to reach us.

The buddleias didn't last. They can't tolerate wet feet and 36 hours under all that water was simply too much for them. But the lanceleaf coneflowers are still going strong as are most of the plants that were in my garden.

The trauma of that storm certainly put my gardens WAY down on my priority list, just as gardens are the least of concerns of Katrina and Rita victims now.

I can identify with gardeners who glance out the window at withered foliage and debris filled gardens. We may “pull a face” as the British say, sigh a little and shrug. Like Scarlett, we'll think about it tomorrow.

But do take the time to look for color. You'll probably spot some somewhere, if not in your yard, then in a neighbor's yard, a vacant lot or anywhere.
Let those spots of color give you a moment's smile.

Tuck this thought in the back of your mind. Sometime in the future, when things are back to “normal,” and we start slowing down, remember the beautiful public gardens that may have been destroyed by these two storms. Contact your city or park and recreation folks to see how you can help restore these gardens. Often it's as simple as digging up some of the excess plants from your own landscape and volunteering to replant them in a public spot.

We can all take a lesson from those incredible stalwart women who helped rebuild Galveston. They knew the importance of beauty in our lives. They collected cuttings of the oleanders that remained after the 1900 and 1915 storm, which certainly is one with which folks in New Orleans can identify.

These cuttings they set folks to growing and these are the wonderful plants we see blooming all over the Island today. I hope your garden club, church group, schools and other organizations will help to restore your area's damaged gardens.

The truth is: we do need our gardens more than they need us.

Brenda

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

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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. 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 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 soilfertility 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 63rdAnnual 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, Horticulturalist, 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 tobuild community and school gardens in his work at Urban Harvest.

Tuesday-October 11—The Houston Camellia Society meets at 7:30 P.M. at St.
Luke’s Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer. Greg Davis will discuss his recent trip to China for their National Camellia Shows. Free and the public is welcome.
Call 713-781-1996 for additional information.

Tuesday, Oct.11th: "Ferns as companion plants to Begonias" by Helen Spiers, 10a.m., Pasadena Town Square Community Room, Southmore at Pasadena Blvd. in Pasadena. Begonia Society event, 281-998-0953; free.

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.

Wednesday, October 12, "Fall Herb Tasting Event" by Mary Versfelt, 6:30 p.m., Wabash Antiques & Feed, 5701 Washington Avenue, 713-863-8322; $10.00 per person RSVP. A lite casual supper made with herbs grown from her garden.

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 ornberger Conference Center, 2151 w. Holcombe Boulevard; free. River Oaks Garden Club event, 713-523-2483 or visit www.riveroaksgardenclub.org    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. Rare tropical plants, Hawaiian music!

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 workshopoffers 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): “Chyrsanthemum 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.

October 19, 2005 – “A Year in Bulbs” presented by GregHarmison; 6:30 p.m.
to 9:00 p.m. - Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Dr, 77004: $7.00;
713-524-5876 ext 332; www.hermannpark.org.  Program Description: “A Year in Bulbs” will explore the various types of hardy bulbs that can be grown in the Houston area. Despite popular perception, bulbs can provide year round color when well planned varieties are planted, and they can last a lifetime. Their survival strategy of hiding underground gives them the edge during heat, cold and drought.  The class will walk away with a greater appreciation of the beauty hidden beneath their gardens.

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 United Church of Christ, 1518 Brazos St., in Rosenberg, 281-342-6377 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. Thanks. Margie Krenek

Saturday, October 22 from 10am-2pm: Galveston County Plant Swap, 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 or 713-724-7213

Saturday, October 22, " Make Premium Compost without Equipment" by Kevin Topek, 1:30 p.m., Wabash Antiques & Feed, 5701 Washington Avenue, 713-863-8322; FREE

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).

Saturday, October 29: Orchid Care Clinic by Jim Butler, Director of the Houston Orchid Society, 10 am to 2 pm, Teas Nursery, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400, www.teasnursery.com; free; no reservation needed;

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.

Saturday, November 5, " Herbal Holliday Gifts" by Donna Fay Hilliard, 1:30 p.m., Wabash Antiques & Feed, 5701 Washington Avenue, 713-863-8322; FREE Demonstration

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. Instruction in this intensive drawing workshop includes pencil, pen and ink, colored pencil, and water-soluble pencil, and participants draw from an exciting collection of small natural science subjects. Students should bring a selection of feathers, shells, seeds, birds' nests, mushrooms, fruit, fossils, etc. Work exclusively in one medium, dabble in all, or bring a medium of your choice. Course fee: The Mercer Society members:
$65; non-members: $75. Course fee includes lunch and limited art supplies.  Participants need to bring an 81/2" x 11" (approximately) spiral bound sketchpad, and one small and medium watercolor brush. Optional supplies: magnifying glass/hand lens.

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. Learn how to draw through direct observation from an exciting collection of small natural science subjects brought in to class by the instructor, or students can bring in birds nests, butterflies, minerals, fossils, vegetables, fruit, feathers, shells, etc.  Instruction includes graphite pencil, color pencil, and water soluble pencil. Weather permitting, class will be held outdoors. This special offering, by Cynthia Padilla, a leading naturalist illustrator, was conceived to encourage youth to cultivate a sense of personal kinship with nature, and to begin a life-time visual journaling habit. The course fee for members of The Mercer Society is $45 members and $55 for non members. Participants need to bring an 81/2" x 11" (approx.) spiral bound sketchpad. Optional: magnifying glass/hand lens. Dress for limited outdoor weather.

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", byCynthia 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

Monday, November 14: “Garden Record Keeping” by Bill Duebner, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 2929 Woodland HIlls in Kingwood; free. Lake Houston Gardeners event, 832 968-9870.

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.

November 16, 2005 – “Cool Weather Plantings” presented by Linda Gay: Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Dr, 77004: $7.00; 713-524-5876, ext 332; www.hermannpark.org

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.

Saturday, November 19, " Winter Container Herb Gardening" by Chipp Thompson; 1:30 p.m., Wabash Antiques & Feed, 5701 Washington Avenue, 713-863-8322; FREE

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.

January 18, 2005 – "10 Commandments of Lazy Gardening" presented by Brenda Beust Smith: Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Dr, 77004: $7.00; 713-524-5876 ext 332; www.hermannpark.org

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

Feb. 15, 2005: "topic pending" presented by Mark Bowen: Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Dr, 77004: $7.00; 713-524-5876 ext 332; www.hermannpark.org.

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

Sept. 28-30: 2006 BULB & PLANT MART.


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.