I've had the privilege lately of talking with a lot of garden club members and, as always, I am awed. I don't know if gardening makes folks nicer, or if it just attracts nice people. But it is impossible to leave these meetings feeling anything but happy. Spending time with these pleasant, involved, caring people tells one there's definitely hope for this country and for the future.

A great question came from a member of the Idylwood Garden Club, my most recent talk. Since my memory's not what it used to be — and I have a tendency to say whatever pops in my head at the moment when asked questions — this answer may be more or less involved than I gave at that moment (in case any members read this and have better memories than I have!):

WHAT ARE SOME GOOD VINES FOR ARBORS?

My favorite vine at the moment is Rangoon creeper (pictured above). Mine hangs over the archway that leads to our dog pen. (see photo) We have four pointers and they can be lethal on most plants. But this one seems to not only survive marvelously, thanks to global warming it's now evergreen for me, blooms spring through late fall and has a wonderful fragrance.

Rangoon creepers prefer full sun, but mine gets dappled sun all day. It would probably bloom even more in full hot sun. The trick to getting it (and all "drought tolerant" plants) to bloom is to plant it high so it is well drained during our heavy spring and fall Gulf Coast rains. If you live in an area of sandy soil, this isn't as crucial. But for those of us in gumbo clay, roots that stay wet too long in spring and fall may not trigger blooms like they should. And don't overwater them!

 

I'm still waiting for my favorite sun vine, coral vine, to return. Masses of pink (not coral!) flowers have blanketed our fence for decades. But the five feet of flood water that covered this drought-tolerant vine during Tropical Storm Allison really set it back. It's slowly recovering. Last year I had a few blooms and since it's not dying back this winter (so far) I'm hoping for even more this year.

Mexican Flame Vine — hot sun, excellent drainage, don't overwater!

Passion vines — hot sun, excellent drainage, don't overwater!

Other full sun favorites (don't overwater these either!) includecrossvine, cypress vine, wow, there are almost too many to mention. Butterfly vine, Dutchman's pipe vine.

It's hard to find vines that bloom in the shade. You can try bleeding heart, hyacinth bean vine or evergreen wisteria. But the more sun, even dappled sun it can receive the more blooms you'll get.

For shade, I love bleeding heart. Usually this is red/white, but mine (pictured) is pink.

Evergreen wisterias are far more controlled growers than the regular wisteria. They won't spread as far and wide.

Don't overlook all the ivies sold in the houseplant sections. This one pictured, I have planted around my pond. Most of the plants in these are only there because they don't survive winters “up nawth” — like in Dallas. Here they are often evergreen or, at least, will return in spring.

I shot this Confederate jasmine vine at Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine-Westfield (281-443-8731; www.hcp4.net/mercer).  They have a wonderful vine collection there that's well worth a visit to see how different varieties actually grow and bloom. It's by the butterfly garden.

Mandevilla vines (pictured) used to be considered annuals, but lately they've been proving perennial along the Gulf Coast. You can't beat them for hot, dry sunny areas. Don't overwater!

By the way, that arbor over the entryway to our dogpen at the top of the
column? That is what they call hogwire — a gift from my husband and son. It
comes in strips about 12 foot long and six foot wide. Husband cut the extremely
heavy-gauge wire longways into two 12 x 3 foot sections, just perfect for heavy
vines like rangoon creeper or roses.

Roses pose special problems on arbors because of their weight. When the wind blows, or they become even heavier with rain, they can easily topple a lightweight support. So be sure you have something that is VERY secure for a climbing rose.

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.)

Tuesday (Feb. 7): “Galapogos Islands Conservation” by Karen Breneman, noon, Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Master Gardener event, 281-855-5600 or hcmga.tamu.edu; free.

Tuesday, February 7th. "How to Prune Camellia Plants" by Mr. Bob Ross-Houston's Bayou Bend Camellia Expert. 7:30 P.M. at St. Luke's Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer, Room B151. A Houston Camellia Society meeting. Visitors welcome and free to the public. Call Greg Davis- 713-781-1996- for further information.

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.

Thursday (Feb. 9): “Plant Propagation” by Jeff McMullan, 7-9 p.m., U of H Cinco Ranch, 4242 S. Mason Rd. Green Thumb Seminar, 281-341-7068 or www.fbmg.com; free.

Thursday (Feb. 9): Registration deadline for Saturday, February 11 “The Secrets of Growing Tomatoes” by Sam Scarcella, 9 a.m.-noon, Galveston County Extension Office, 5115 Highway 3, Dickinson, 281-534-3413 or aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston.  Galveston County Master Gardener Association event; free.

Thursday (Feb. 9): Fruit Tree Grafting Class by John Panzarella begins, 2-4 p.m., 404 Forest Drive in Lake Jackson. Also Feb. 11 and 13), register at 979-297-2120; $25.

Thursday (Feb. 9): “Botanical Gardens of China” by He Shanan, 6 p.m., Agricultural Building, Stephen F. Austin campus in Nacogdoches. Mast Arboretum event, 936-468-1832.free.

Friday (Feb. 10): Registration deadline for Feb. 15 Propagation Workshop, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Drive. Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardener Event, 281-991-8437 or hcmgap2.tamu.edu; $35.

Friday (Feb. 10): Reservation deadline for February 11 “Fruit Tree Funshop” by Tom LeRoy, 10 a.m., Spring Nursery & Landscape, 25252 FM 2978 in Tomball, 281-357-1800; free.

Saturday (Feb. 11): Fort Bend County Fruit Tree Lecture and Sale, 8 a.m.-Heidi Sheesley lecture, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. sale, Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg; free. Fort Bend Master Gardeners event, 281-341-7068 or http://fbmg.com; free.

Saturday, February 11, 2006, 8:00am (lecture); 9am - 1:00pm Sale - Fort Bend Master
Gardeners presents its annual "Fruit Tree Sale" at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 Highway 36 South , Building "D" (Hwy. 59 at Hwy 36), Rosenberg, Texas. (free admission) 281-341-7068 or 281-342-3034 or http://www.fbmg.com/ 

Sat. Feb 11 - "Native Plants & Butterflies" by Brenda Pennington,10am, Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E 11th, 713-861-5702, www.buchanansplants.com; FREE

February 12, Pruning and Rose Training Demonstration, 2 p.m., Antique Rose Emporium, 10,000 FM 50 Brenham/Independence, 979-836-5548. www.weareroses.com; free.

Monday (Feb 13): “Old Garden Roses” by Nancy Ibanez, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 2929 Woodland Hills in Kingwood; free. Lake Houston Gardeners event, 832-968-9870; free.

Tuesday (Feb. 14): Reservation deadline for Februry 18 “John Alex Floyd Jr, Southern Living Magazine Editor, on Pocket Gardens,” 10 a.m., University of Houston main campus. Free but reservations required at 713-743-2255.

Tuesday (Feb. 14): “Begonias” by Cheryl Lenert, 9:30 a.m., Jersey Village Civic Center, 16327 Lakeview Drive. Jersey Village Garden Club event, 713-466-6885; $5.

Tuesday (Feb. 14): “Valentine’s Day Wine and Roses” seminar, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., , Antique Rose Emporium, 10,000 FM 50 Brenham/Independence, 979-836-5548. www.weareroses.com; $55.

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

Thursday (Feb. 16): Registration deadline for February 18 “An Introduction to Growing Roses” by John Jons, 9 a.m.-noon, Galveston County Extension Office, 5115 Highway 3, Dickinson, 281-534-3413 or aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Galveston County Master Gardener Association event; free.

February 16, "The Creation of the Nature Discovery Center and Acquisition of Russ Pitman Park," Hana Ginzbarg, 7PM, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway, free. Native Plant Society event, phone (713)681-3665 or www.npsot.org.

February 19: "Fern Showmanship", Donna McGraw, 2:00 pm, Herman Garden Center, 1500 Herman drive, 713-649-3535, free, Texas Gulfcoast Fern Society.

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.

Tuesday (Feb. 21): “Creating Your Own Tropical Sanctuary” by Linda Gay, 10 a.m., Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way in Sugar Land. Sugar Land Garden Club event, 281-565-9813 or www.sugarlandgardenclub.org; free.

Feb 21: "Plants Found on Buffalo Bayou by Dr. Bart Brechter, Bayou Bend, 6:30 pm. Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Free Master Gardener event. Call 281-855-5600. access http://hcmga.tamu.edu

Thursday, Feb 23, "Choices for Growth: Quality of life and the Environment," by Dr. John Jacob, Texas Cooperative Extension Specialist, 7:15-8:15 pm, Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg, Monthly Programs, 281.341.7068 or www.co.fort-bend.tx.us  or www.fbmg.com; free.

Friday, Feb. 24: Reservation deadline for Feb.25 " All About Roses Funshop" by Linda Crum, 10 a.m., Spring Nursery & Landscape, 25252 FM 2978 in Tomball, 281-357-1800; free.

Feb. 25: Harris County Master Gardener Tomato/Pepper Sale and Symposium. Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Plant preview at 8 am, Sale 9 am- 2 pm. Symposium 10 am - 3 pm. Symposium fee is $15 (includes lunch), registration deadline is Feb.17. Master Gardener event. Call 281-855-5600; access http://hcmga.tamu.edu

Saturday, February 25, "Growing Vegetables Organically" by Mystery Speaker, 1:30 p.m., Wabash Antiques & Feed, 5701 Washington Avenue, 713-863-8322; Free. A how to on building beds, soil preparation, using fertilizers and varieties of vegetables that grow in the Houston area.

Saturday (Feb. 25th) Precinct 2 Harris County Master Gardeners 2006 Spring Garden Treasures Plant Sale 9 am to 2 pm. Featuring fruit trees, citrus, berries, grapes, blueberries, pomegrantes, avocados and the largest selection of tomatoes and peppers in the area. Free Seminars: Fruit Tree Preview: 8 am, by Heidi Sheesley, Tomatoes and Peppers Preview: 8 am, by Angela Chandler, Growing Fruit Trees: 11 am, Tomato Pepper Culture: 12 noon, How to Grow Citrus: 1 pm. New Location: 5002 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook, TX 77586-5305. Information: (281) 991-8437, http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu

Tuesday (Feb. 28): “Vegetable Gardening” by Dr. Carol Brouwer, 6:30-9 p.m., Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr. Harris County Extension event, 281-855-5600, http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort; free.

Wednesday March 1: Urban Harvest Gala, “How Does Your Garden Grow?” 6:30 p.m., The Houstonian Hotel, call for tickets 713-880-5540, details at www.urbanharvest.org. 

Thursday, March 2: Registration deadline for Saturday, March 4 program A Garden for Butterflies, by MG Anna Wygrys, 9-11 a.m., Galveston County Extension Office, 5115 Highway 3, Dickinson, 281-534-3413 Ext. 6, http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.htm;  no fee but pre-registration is required. Sponsored by Galveston County Master Gardener Association.

Thursday March 2: registration deadline for Saturday March 4 class: “Propagation: Starting Your Own Plants In Containers” by Jean Fefer, Ph.D., 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Urban Harvest, Heights area; call to register at 713-880-5540; directions and details at www.urbanharvest.org; $30.

Saturday, March 4, "Raising Chickens, Bunnies & Compost" by Kevin Topek; 1:30 p.m., Wabash Antiques & Feed, 5701 Washington Avenue, 713-863-8322; Free.  Kevin Topek will speak on how to raise chickens and bunnies when using their manure for compost.

Saturday-Sunday (March 4-5): Spring Branch African Violet Club Show & Sale, noon-4 p.m., Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Dr., 713-462-4257, www.orgsites.com/bx/sbavc; free.

Tuesday, March 7: "Ferns and Begonias" by Mike Lowery, Another Place in Time, 12 noon. Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Free Master Gardener event. Call 281-855-5600 access http://hcmga.tamu.edu

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.

Thursday, March 9, "Home Lawn Care," by Terry Douglass, 7-9 pm, U of H Cinco Ranch, 4242 S. Mason Rd., Rm. 118, Green Thumb Seminar, 281.341.7068 or www.fbmg.com"www.fbmg.com; free.

Friday, March 10: Reservation Deadline for March 11"Gardening with Herbs Funshop" by Susan Mack, 10 a.m., Spring Nursery & Landscape, 25252 FM 2978 in Tomball, 281-357-1800; free.

Friday-Sunday, March 10-12: Azalea Trail, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., starting point: River Oaks Garden Club Forum of Civics, 2503 Westheimer, 713-523-2483 or www.riveroaksgardenclub.org; seven admissions, $15 before March 9 and $20 during the
trail. Single admissions $5. (for online column: Azalea Trail, 2006, will feature four private homes and gardens, all belonging to River Oaks Garden Club members, as well as Bayou Bend, Rienzi, and the River Oaks Garden Club Forum of Civics Building and Gardens. Bayou Bend, a John Staub designed mansion was a gift from Miss Ima Hogg to the Museum of Fine Arts in 1957. The River Oaks Garden Club has maintained the woodlands and formal gardens since 1961. The 14-acre gardens at Bayou Bend will be highlighted with masses of azaleas, 2,000 tulips and seasonal annuals in full bloom. Rienzi is also a John Staub house that was built in 1953 with a ballroom addition designed in 1974 by Hugo Neuhaus. This is the seventh year that the house and gardens have been open to the public. The late Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson gave their home to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in 1991. The Forum of Civics building was built about 1880 and served as the John Smith Country School until 1920. Will Hogg restored it in 1927 as a “Forum of Civics” and the River Oaks Garden Club purchased it in 1942. It is listed in The National Registry of Historic Places and has
five formal gardens: River Oaks Garden Club Forum of Civics Building – 2503 Westheimer at Kirby Bayou Bend – 2940 Lazy Lane or One Westcott at Memorial Drive Rienzi Home and Gardens – 1406 Kirby Drive at Lazy Lane 2405 Maconda - A New Orleans shotgun footprint, also reflecting the Texas hill country in its style 959 Kirby Drive - A stately Southern Colonial home offering a welcoming entry through its deep portico 6118 Crab Orchard - A Louisiana Delta style home featuring old brick, exterior French doors, deep porches and wide planked floors 815 Briar Ridge - A beautiful front gate opens into the grace and charm
of this 19th century style New Orleans home with beautiful gardens.

Monday, Mar. 13: “March Mart Presentation” by Suzanne Chapman, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 2929 Woodland Hills in Kingwood. Lake Houston Gardeners event, 832-368-9870; free

Monday March 13: “How to Start a Community or School Garden” by Gary Edmondson, 4:00-6:30 p.m., Urban Harvest, Heights area; call to register at 713-880-5540; directions and details at www.urbanharvest.org; free.

Tuesday, March 14, 2006. 9:30 a.m. "Mysterious Monarchs" by Karen Stockton. Jersey Village Civic Center, 16327 Lakeview Drive. Visitors welcome. $5 program fee. Jersey Village Garden Club event, 713-466-6885

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.

Saturday (Mar. 18)-April 1: Nacogdoches Azalea Trail, Plant Sale, Floral Show, Azalea Symposium. Start: Visitors Center, 200 East Main in Nacogdoches, 1-888-OLDEST-TOWN or www.visitnacogdoches.org, free and fee events.

Monday March 20: “How to Start a Community or School Garden” by Dr. Bob Randall, 1:00-3:45 p.m., Urban Harvest, Heights area; 713-880-5540; www.urbanharvest.org; free class; registration required.

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 (Mar. 21): “Begonias 101 — Beyond the Wax Begonia” by Tom Keepin, 10 a.m., Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way in Sugar Land. Sugar Land Garden Club event, 281-565-9813 or www.sugarlandgardenclub.org; free.

March 21: "Garden Art" by Bill Adams, retired County Agent at 6:30 pm. Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Free Master Gardener event. Call 281-855-5600 or access http://hcmga.tamu.edu

Friday, March 24: Reservation Deadline for March 25 "Plant Care 101 and Beneficial Insects Funshop" by Carolyn Townley, 10 a.m., Spring Nursery & Landscape, 25252 FM 2978 in Tomball, 281-357-1800; free.

Saturday, March 25, "Gardening for Hummingbirds & Butterflies" by Donna Fay Hilliard; 1:30 p.m., Wabash Antiques & Feed, 5701 Washington Avenue, 713-863-8322; Free. Donna Fay, one of our Master Gardeners will talk about beautiful flowers for your garden that attract beneficials.

Saturday (Mar. 25): “Community Flood Control Begins at Home,” 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Bellaire Civic Center, 7112 S. Rice in Bellaire.

Monday March 27: “Sell What You Grow at a Green Market” by Ray Sher, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Urban Harvest, Heights area; call to register at 713-880-5540; directions and details at www.urbanharvest.org;  $30.

Tuesday (Mar. 28): “Plant Propagation” by Dr. Jean Fefer, 6:30-9 p.m., Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr. Harris County Extension event, 281-855-5600, http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort; free.

Thursday, March 30: Registration deadline for Saturday, April 1 workshop Plant Propagation 101, by MG Propagation Team, 9-Noon, Galveston County Extension Office, 5115 Highway 3, Dickinson, 281-534-3413 Ext. 6, http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.htm; no fee but pre-registration is required. Sponsored by Galveston County Master Gardener Association.

Saturday-Sunday (Apr. 1-2): Bellaire Home Tour, 1-5 p.m., start: Hana and Arthur Ginzbarg Nature Discovery Center, 7112 Newcastle, $15 for six homes; $3 per home, children under 12 free. (FOR ONLINE) Proceeds go directly to the Hana and Arthur Ginzbarg Nature Discovery Center to help fund their fantastic programs. What continues to make this home tour a must-see is the selection of very different homes. A mixture of remodeled and new, traditional and contemporary, the homes demonstrate the dramatic transformation that the City of Bellaire is undergoing. Tickets are $12 if purchased in advance at the Nature Discovery Center, Magpies, 5000 Bellaire Blvd.; and Whole Foods Market, 4004 Bellaire Blvd.

Tuesday-Wednesday (April 4-5): “Paint the Town Green...Greening the Urban Landscape” Flower Show, noon-5 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Omni Houston Hotel Grand Salon, 4 Riverway. Garden Club of Houston event; www.gchouston.org; free.

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

Thursday, April 6: Registration deadline for Saturday, April 8 workshop Grafting Fruit & Nut Trees, by MG Propagation Team, 9-Noon, Galveston County Extension Office, 5115 Highway 3, Dickinson, 281-534-3413 Ext. 6, http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.htm;  no fee but pre-registration is required.  Sponsored by Galveston County Master Gardener Association

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.

Tuesday (Apr. 18): “The Entryway to Nature” by Darrell Gorski, 10 a.m., Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way in Sugar Land. Sugar Land Garden Club event, 281-565-9813 or www.sugarlandgardenclub.org; free.

April 18: "Horticultural Therapy" by Kay Lockard, 6:30 pm. Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Master Garden event. 281-855-5600 or http://hcmga.tamu.edu; free.

Saturday (Apr. 22): Garden Gala Day, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., Mast Arboretum, Stephen F. Austin State University, Intramural Fields on Wilson Road in Nacogdoches, 936-468-1832; free. Unusual, Texas-tough plants at great prices.

April 22: Harris County Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale and Symposium. Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Preview at 8 am, Sale 9 am-2 pm, Symposium 10 am-3 pm. Fee for Symposium $15 includes lunch. Registration deadline April 14. Call 281-855-5600 to register. http://hcmga.tamu.edu

April 25: “Good Plants for Houston,” 6:30-9 p.m., Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr. Harris County Extension event, 281-855-5600, http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort; free.

Saturday, April 29, "Citrus Tree Care for Patios" by Dianne Norman, 1:30 p.m., Wabash Antiques & Feed, 5701 Washington Avenue, 713-863-8322; Free. Dianne, one of our Master Gardeners will speak on the care of containerized citrus and varieties for our area.

Saturday, April 29: Galveston County Plant Swap, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Walter Hall Park, 807 Highway 3 North in League City, 713-724-7213, http://home.houston.rr.com/galveston05swap; free.

Friday-Sunday (May 5-7): Orchid Flower & Plant Extravaganza, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. May 5-6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 7, George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston Orchid Society event, 281-286-1471; $7.50.

Friday-Sunday (May 5-7): Oleander & Gardening Festival, Moody Gardens Convention Center, Galveston. For schedule, fees, available at 800-582-4268, 409-762-9334 or www.oleander.org.

May 6-7: Yard and Garden Tour, Saturday 10 am - 4 pm and Sunday 1-4 pm., public and private gardens; $10, www.salado.com. Salado is located about 3 hours from Houston and is only 40 minutes north of Austin on I35. Salado is a treat; a quiet village with rolling hills and a spring fed creek.

Sunday (May 7): Daylily Festival, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Payne's in the Grass Daylily Farm, 2137 Melanie Lane, Pearland, 281-485-3821, www.paynesinthegrassdaylilyfarm.com; free

May 23: “Lawn Care,” 6:30-9 p.m., Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr. Harris County Extension event, 281-855-5600, http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort; free.

June 27: “Butterfly Gardening,” 6:30-9 p.m., Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr. Harris County Extension event, 281-855-5600, http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort; free.

Friday-Saturday (July 1-2): “Celebrate the Jungle,” 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Jerry’s Jungle Tropical Gardens, 712 Hill Road, 281-272-8612 or www.jerrysjungle.com; free.

July 25: “Pests and Diseases,” 6:30-9 p.m., Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr. Harris County Extension event, 281-855-5600, http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort; free.

August 22: "Landscape Design,” 6:30-9 p.m., Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599
Westcenter Dr. Harris County Extension event, 281-855-5600, http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort; free.


Sept. 26: "Landscape Maintenance,” 6:30-9 p.m., Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr. Harris County Extension event, 281-855-5600, http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort; free.

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

Oct. 24: "Soils and Composting,” 6:30-9 p.m., Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr. Harris County Extension event, 281-855-5600, http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort; free.

Nov 28: "Trees,” 6:30-9 p.m., Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr. Harris County Extension event, 281-855-5600, http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort; free.

Jan. 23, 2007:"Fruits and Nuts,” 6:30-9 p.m., Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr. Harris County Extension event, 281-855-5600.

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.