I very seldom write about growing fruits and vegetables for a good reason. I don't grow fruits and vegetables.  I like plants that grow and bloom and ask nothing from me, including harvesting.  When I plant okra, I get pods so tough you could use them for tent stakes. Birds peck all our tomatoes.  I forget to water so squash, etc., shrivel up and die.

I think the most important thing for gardeners is to “Know thyself!”

But I'm always happy to pass on good information from folks I trust to those of you who do want to grow good foodstuffs. Gardeners in the Galveston area have a true treasure in Dr. William Johnson. He's the Galveston County Extension Horticulturist and a more knowledgeable gardener (especially about Gulf Coast gardening) it would be hard to find.

Plus, he's one of my most favorite folks.  He'll probably shoot me for telling this story, but I want to tell you why I treasure him.

Years ago, I did a call-in radio gardening show for KPFT (90.1 FM), our Pacifica station— public radio, no commercials.  Dr. Johnson was my very first guest.  I was petrified I'd have no callers, so I begged my sister, Audrey McMurray (of Texas Rose Rustler fame) to call in with a question. She obliged with:

“My favorite aunt just died and was cremated.  I want to know if it's okay to spread her ashes under my roses.  Are human bones okay for roses?”

I was speechless.  Dr. Johnson was waving his arms at me: “No way! Not me!”
he was mouthing.

I recovered and said:

“Well, aren't we lucky our guest is not only an expert horticulturist, he's also a government official.  Can you help her, Dr. Johnson?”

He glared (radio is SO wonderful) but rose to the occasion immediately.  He pointed out that while the ashes would be fine for the roses, there are municipal laws regarding burial of humans on residential properties.  She needed to check with her local officials.

We laugh about that every time we meet.

Now, back to why I was writing about Dr. Johnson, Galveston County has some great events coming up for area gardeners:

• The Galveston County Pecan Show — Thursday, November 10, 7 p.m., Walter Hall Park Pavilion in League City. If you have some good looking pecans, enter them in the show by noon on Nov. 7 at the Galveston County Extension office,
5115 Highway 3 in Dickinson (281-534-3413, ext. 6, or email: GALV3@wt.net).
The show is free and open to the public and also includes a Pecan Bake Show.

• Upper Gulf Coast Citrus Show — December 1, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Walter Hall Park. Entries will be accepted Nov. 28-29. Contact same as above.

Log onto the Extension website (http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston)
for additional gardening programs. A stop by the Extension demonstration gardens would be well worth any gardener's time. They are among the best demonstration gardens in our area.

Now, from the email box:

DEAR BRENDA: On a garden tour this summer I saw a plant they said was a blue ginger. I can't find anyone who knows what I'm talking about. Where can I find one? L.T.

DEAR L. T.: That's probably because it's not a ginger at all. It's a Dichorisandra thyrsiflora, also called Brazilian ginger because of its growth habit.
It's related to wandering jew.

But it looks like a ginger, and is a perfect plant for a protected shady garden. Actually they're ideal for Houston now that we're having such warm winters. They die back but will return in spring. They like lots of humidity and enjoy our very heavy rains, although they need to be in a well drained area.
They'll reach about six foot here with about a three-foot spread. They should be extremely well mulched because if we have a very cold winter, the roots might die.

I'm not sure how many nurseries carry these. It's best to call around and ask. You can find them online by logging onto: www.google.com.  Type in:
Dichorisandra thyrsiflora.

Locally the only source I know is Jerry's Jungle Gardens. That's where the one pictured was photographed. This is a private tropical garden located in Aldine. Contact Jerry through his website: www.jerrysjungle.com.

DEAR BRENDA: We have several oleander and crepe myrtle bushes. Last spring I pruned them back to about 5' high, and I sprayed them with Miracle Gro once a month during the summer. They are now 10 or 12 feet high, but they didn't bloom very much. I presume I don't need to feed them during the winter. When and how much should I prune them again? And what should I feed them to get better blooming next year? D.S.

DEAR D.S..: Oleanders never need pruning unless they're growing out of bounds. Why are you pruning them?

If you must prune, do so after they bloom. You cut off most of the flower buds by pruning in spring. Galveston prunes in winter not because it's the right thing to do, but because they simply cannot prune during the height of the tourist season. Oleanders traditionally bloom in May. They have a huge flush then and, if they need pruning, it should be done right after this huge flush.  Those not pruned will continue to bloom all summer long.

Oleanders normally don't need feeding to bloom. But if you want to, feed them in spring with a high phosphorus (high middle number) fertilizer. Other factors that will stop them from blooming:

• Overwatering. They need to be EXTREMELY well drained. Remember they thrive in Galveston where they are growing in almost pure sand. They also thrive in the deserts of Arizona and in Death Valley. It's best just not to water them at all unless we have a prolonged (month or so) drought period.

• Insufficient sun. They prefer all day sun but at the least must have good strong afternoon sun. The less sun, the fewer blooms.

DEAR BRENDA: I have read about indigofera and gettting conflicting informat
ion: it cannot handle our hot and humid summers; it likes medium wet soil, it can handle drought. I bought two plants (indigofera kirilowii) and was told they would work in my morning sun/afternoon shade location that tends to get dry. The spot is near a crape myrtle that I don't want to water. Any thoughts as to whether I should plant this or not? E.M.

DEAR E.M.: Indigo is one of my most favorite plants, so the answer is yes, they do extremely well in Houston.

One of mine gets morning sun and is shaded the rest of the day. The other gets afternoon sun only. Kathy Huber has them lining the front of her house and hers are much larger, but then she waters and fertilizes (which I seldom do).
Hers get full all day sun.

I can testify that they do fine with very little watering but, as I said, would get bigger if you gave them at least a little care.

They are native to Louisiana. Like most plants, they are happier with good drainage. But they can take a wetter soil than many of our garden plants.

They are so pretty, by all means plant them.

Hope this helps.

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

Friday-Sunday (Nov. 4-6); Fall Festival of Roses; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Antique Rose Emporium in Independence, 979) 836-5548, www.weAREroses.com;  free. Some of the speakers making presentations will be P. Allen Smith of P.Allen Smith Gardens on HGTV and the Weather Channel, Gaye Hammond of the Houston Rose Society, Bruce Dueley talk show host on San Antonio's KAHL "Organic Matters”, Maureen Detweiler, a founder of the New Orleans Old Garden Rose Society, Carlton Colmenares, Director of Village Botanica Inc. on hardy hibiscus hybrids, and Barbara Oehlbeck Garden Editor of Ft. Meyers, FL "Lee Living" magazine. In addition take a tour of the growing grounds to view 20 acres of roses in bloom.

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

Saturday (Nov. 5): Beautiful Native Grasses" by Flo Hannah of the Audubon Society, 10 am, Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E 11th St, 713-861-5702, www.buchanansplants.com; free.

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

Sunday (Nov. 6): “Exciting New Begonia Species” by Charles Jaros, and Plant Sale, 2 p.m., Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Drive, 713 686-853 A Begonia Society event; free.

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” by Paula Jones of Lynn’s Landscaping and “Bromeliads” by Joe Sandel, 10 a.m. Amegy Bank of Texas, 303 East Main St. in League City. League City Garden Club event, 281-535-0999; free.


Thursday (Nov. 10): "Trees," 7 p.m., U of H Cinco Ranch, 4242 S. Mason Rd., Room. 118. Fort Bend County Master Gardeners event, 281-341-7068 or www.fbmg.com.

Thursday (Nov. 10): Galveston County Pecan Show, 7 p.m., Walter Hall Park Pavilion in League City. Entry deadline: noon, November 7, Extension office,
5115 Highway 3 in Dickinson, 281-534-3414 or http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston;  free.

Friday (Nov. 11): "Naturalist Illustration", by Cynthia Padilla, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road in Humble, 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; $75. 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.

Friday (Nov. 11) :"Favorite Plants from the Lady Gardener's Garden" by Brenda Beust Smith, 10:30a.m., Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Drive; free.
Houston Federation of Garden Clubs event, 713-284-1989

Saturday-Sunday (Nov. 12-13): Forty-Eighth Annual Houston Camellia Show, Garden Center in Hermann Park, Free to Public, open Sat. 1 to 4 P.M., Sun, 10 to 3 P.M. A Houston Camellia Society event. Call 713-781-1996 –Greg Davis for additional information.

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

Tuesday (Nov. 15): "Flowering Epiphyic Cacti" by Dr. Rudi Dorsch at 7 pm, Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Mater Gardener event, free to public. Call 281-855-5600 or access http://hcmga.tamu.edu

Tuesday (Nov. 15): “Holiday Herbs” by Ann McLain, Dianna Munson and Lee Withers, 6:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 130 S. Arcola in Angleton. Texas Cooperative Extension event, 979-864-1558; $10.

Tuesday (Nov. 15): Brazoria County Pecan Show, 11 a.m., Extension Office,
21017 CR 171 in Angleton. Entries accepted Nov. 14, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cooperative Extension event, 979-864-1558; free.

Tuesday (Nov. 15): Creating Holiday Arrangements using containers that we have around the house by Ed Mills with The Flower Cottage, 7:00 p.m., Burgess Recreation Center, 4200 Kalwick in Deer Park. Deer Park Petal Pushers Garden Club meeting, 281-542-9731; free.
Wednesday (Nov. 16): “Cool Weather Plantings” by Linda Gay: 6:30 p.m., Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Dr, 713-524-5876, ext 332; www.hermannpark.org; $7.

Wednesday (Nov. 16): “"A Journey Thru Northern Chile, Part 2" by Phyllis and Dick McEuen. A Houston Cactus & Succulent Society event; 7:30 PM, Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Dr.; information 713-827-8545; free.

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 (Nov. 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.

Sunday (Nov. 20): "Importance of Herbariums in the Study of Ferns” by Dr.
Larry Brown, 2:pm, Houston Garden Center, 1500 Herman Drive, 713-649-3535. Texas Gulf Coast Fern Society; free.

Thursday (Dec. 1): Upper Gulf Coast Citrus Show, 7 p.m., Walter Hall Park Pavilion in League City. Entry deadline: noon, November 28, Extension office,
5115 Highway 3 in Dickinson, 281-534-3414 or http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston;  free.

Friday-Sunday (Dec. 2-4): Kingwood Christmas in the Forest Tour, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 3, noon-5 p.m. Dec. 4. Call Kingwood Garden Club, 281-358-5844, for sites, ticket prices and locations, and information on a $20 Candlelight Tour on Dec. 2.

Tuesday (Dec. 6): Creative Dish Gardens" by Susan Pietrowski at 12 noon.
Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Master Gardener event. Free to public. Call 281-855-5600 or access http://hcmga.tamu.edu

Wednesday (Dec. 14):“Creative Holiday Designs” by Claire Lober, Master Flower Show Judge,10 a.m. Amegy Bank of Texas, 303 East Main St. in League City.
League City Garden Club event, 281-535-0999; free.

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Wednesday (Jan. 11): “Sandhill Cranes” by George Regmund, stewardship biologist with Armand Bayou Nature Center,10 a.m. Amegy Bank of Texas, 303 East Main St. in League City. League City Garden Club event, 281-535-0999; free.

Tuesday (Jan. 17): The Growing and Identification of Camellias by E. Gregory Davis, 7:00 p.m., Burgess Recreation Center, 4200 Kalwick in Deer Park. Deer Park Petal Pushers Garden Club meeting, 281-542-9731; free.

Wednesday (Jan. 18): Favorite Plants of the Lazy Gardener” by Brenda Beust
Smith: Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Dr, 713-524-5876 ext 332; www.hermannpark.org; $7.

Wednesday (Feb. 8): “Gardening by the Phases of the Moon” by Galveston County Master Gardener Jackie Reeves,10 a.m. Amegy Bank of Texas, 303 East Main St.
in League City. League City Garden Club event, 281-535-0999; free.

Saturday (Feb. 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; free.

Wednesday (Feb. 15): "Topic pending" by Mark Bowen: Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Dr.; 713-524-5876 ext 332; www.hermannpark.org.; $7

Saturday (Feb. 18): The University of Houston E & P Committee is hosting a presentation on the benefits of "Pocket Gardens" by John Alex Floyd, Jr., Editor of "Southern Living" on February 18 at 10 am at no charge. Space is limited so please register early for an invitation by emailing your name and street address to UHFebruaryEvent@aol.com.

Tuesday (Feb. 21): How to Create the Back Yard of Your Dreams, landscape design by Mr. and Mrs. Bob Beyer, 7:00 p.m., Burgess Recreation Center, 4200 Kalwick in Deer Park, Free. Deer Park Petal Pushers Garden Club meeting, 281-542-9731.

Wednesday (Mar. 8): “Planning for Cottage Garden Sale” with sale co-chairmen Judy Huber and Mary Frederick. 10 a.m. Amegy Bank of Texas, 303 East Main St.
in League City. League City Garden Club event, 281-535-0999; free.

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

Tuesday (Mar 21): “What's New in Fertilizers” by Bob Patterson and Brian Boy with Southwest Fertilizer, 7:00 p.m., Burgess Recreation Center, 4200 Kalwick in Deer Park. Deer Park Petal Pushers Garden Club meeting, 281-542-9731; free.

Tuesday (April 4): 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

Tuesday (Apr 18): “A Showing of Many New and Heirloom Plants” by Scott Reeves with Treesearch Farms, 7:00 p.m., Burgess Recreation Center, 4200 Kalwick in Deer Park. Deer Park Petal Pushers Garden Club meeting, 281-542-9731; free.

Thursday-Saturday (Oct. 12-13-14): 2006 Bulb and Plant Mart. Garden Club of Houston, gchouston.org