Brenda Beust Smith
HOUSTON CHRONICLE’S
LAZY GARDENER

Brenda's Bio

Lazy Gardener's
Guide
by
Brenda Beust Smith

Gardening with Dogs
by
Brenda Beust Smith

A Gardener's Guide
to Growing Bulbs
on the Gulf Coast
by
Sally McQueen Squire

Habitat Gardening for Houston & Southeast Texas
by
Mark Bowen

The Bayou Planting Guide
by
Mark Bowen

Naturalistic Landscaping
by
Mark Bowen

Brenda's Garden
by Brenda Beust Smith
(THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE’S LAZY GARDENER)

February 27, 2006

Bulbine is a fantastic plant for a hard-to-water
spot that gets blistering sun. It will
stop blooming if overwatered.
Photo by Brenda Beust Smith

All gardening is landscape painting.
- Alexander Pope

I wish all of you could have joined us at the University of Houston recently when Dr. John Floyd Jr., “Southern Living” magazine editor, gave a free presentation on "Pocket Gardens: Wave of the Future.”

From the moment he started to speak in that incredibly beautiful new UH auditorium, John had the audience in the palm of his hand. His Southern accent is like a breath of fresh spring air, it just made you relax and smile (and forget how horribly cold it was outside). More on pocket gardens in a moment.

First, the reason for his his visit. I'm a member of a group called the University of Houston Entrances and Perimeter Committee. It was founded around five years ago by Josanna Brattis Smith, who was a cheerleader at UH about the time Bill and I were at UH. In fact, her husband Bo and Bill were both in Coach Bill Yeoman's athletic program.

Bo recently retired as president of the UH Board of Regents, so he and Josanna were constantly being updated on the incredible expansion of UH's main campus. Josanna, a flower of flowers and landscape beauty, wanted to make sure that improvement and enhancement of the grounds were an intregal part of all these expansion plans. She heads this committee which now investigates, advises and makes recommendations to the UH Board of Regents on such improvements.

We are also bringing local plant organizations into the process. The Native Plant Society of Texas/Houston Chapter, for example, has been invaluable in advising us and UH on lower-care, landscape-appropriate native plants. In exchange for all the help NPSOT's Glenn Olsen has given, UH now provides a free site (with lots of free parking!) for NPSOT's huge Wildscapes Workshop every fall.

If you haven't been out to the main UH campus in some time, you'll find real changes, starting with two long avenues of oak trees, one on University Boulevard (off Spur 5 -- where the old cattle rendering plant was in our day!) and on Cullen Boulevard as you drive in from the Gulf Freeway. These are being funded by plaques at the base. Josanna and I share one for her daughter Melanie and my son Blake.

Coming in Cullen Boulevard, you pass three more of our committee projects:
• Massive oleander plantings to hide maintenance and other necessities, done with the advice of the International Oleander Society.
• A beautiful sweep of azaleas, The Guy and Dena Lewis Azalea Garden, to honor this great man and his wife (who are also members of our committee!) This garden was accomplished with a generous donation from the River Oaks Garden Club. And Dena's input is responsible for the beautiful cypress trees backing the UH entrance monuments on Scott.
• The Margaret Sharp Antique Rose Garden next to the Moores Center, across the street from the Athletic complex. This garden is being installed in phases with major input from the Houston Federation of Garden Clubs, the Texas Rose Rustlers, the Houston Rose Society, the Antique Rose Emporium and a host of gardeners who are purchasing engraved bricks for the walkway.
I have bricks there and I hope you will consider this way of immortalizing yourself on the campus, honoring a loved one, or perhaps saying thank you to a favorite professor? For additional information or a brochure, contact Elsa Glover, 713-743-8875 or email: elglover@central.uh.edu.

Now back to those pocket gardens, this is indeed an idea whose time has come.
The concept urges homeowners to think not in grand sweeps of landscaping, but to focus on smaller, contained plantings, perhaps surrounded by lawn, or groundcovers or even wooded areas or large shrubs. The idea is to reduce those areas that require more maintenance. Properly done, they are every bit as eye-catching and pleasing in a landscape as massive plantings and designs. Properly done, with the right plants and the right soil preparation, they are also much more environment-friendly.

You'll see a lot of focus on this type of gardening, which is ideal for the new smaller spaces around homes today. Okay, I'll be honest. I think of these massive houses on tiny lots as trophy houses. You know, men have trophy wives and women have trophy houses. But then, I'm of that certain age where the motto becomes: SIMPLIFY! DISENGAGE! (and “...whatever possessed us to build a two-story house?”)

Different tastes is what makes the world go round, so to each his own. Pocket gardening is a mindset that works for all of us. Here's a good example:

DEAR BRENDA: We just built a new three-story home on a rather small lot which doesn't leave me much room for plants. I think we need something to soften the edges but I have no horizontal space. Can you give me some ideas for the north, south, east and west sides of the house? S.L.

DEAR S.L.: We have two mindset problems right off the bat.

1. You don't tell me where you live. This makes a HUGE difference. The fact that you don't see this as that important can be a major problem if you live in the Greater Houston/Galveston area. If you live north of, say, Beaumont, it's not that big a deal. You just can pay attention to the zones on plant recommendations because you have the same nice porous, slightly acidic soil that most of the south has.

But if you live in our area, you have slightly alkaline gumbo soil PLUS very heavy spring an fall rains.

We live in a GREAT growing climate and with global warming, our options are just exploding. But you have to be rather chauvinistic about where you live -- think of it as very special and demand locally-hardy plants and local gardening advice.

2. Continuing on this theme, if you live “up nawth" -- the north, south, east, west recommendation may help. Or they may not. I honestly don't know. Hate to be so chauvinistic myself, but I only really know the Greater Houston/Galveston area.

Here these compass points have almost zero meaning. What we need to know is:
1. how much sun a site gets, and
2. what kind of drainage does the site have.

These are the real keys to success in the Greater Houston area. Galveston and Beaumont have more porous soil. So there the sun/shade consideration is paramount.

I'm going to assume you live in the Greater Houston/Galveston area, okay?

In sunny spots (whether they are north/south/east/west doesn't really matter), how about a lattice that will allow vines such as rangoon creeper, coral
vine, passionvine or pandora's vine to grow upward. These need to be well
anchored to the house or wall, but not flush. Leave about four to six inches clearance forthe vines to wind around.

At the base, how about bulbine, guara, hardy salvias, rudbeckias, coneflowers, cuphea, daylilies, lantana, fernleaf lavender,

While you're waiting for these perennials to fill in, try these annuals:
cosmos, Mexican zinnias,

The weeping crepe myrtles don't have too wide an horizontal spread and they make a great low groundcover for sunny spots.
Upright shrubs without too much horizontal spread for these areas might
include:
• Lion's mane (Leonotis). Brilliant orange spike flowers.
• "Red Rocket" russellia. Bright red flower clusters on tall spikes.
Great for hummingbirds.

Thyallis is a great ornamental small delicate tree that would be ideal for a narrow space. It's easily trimmed, has lovely yellow flowers and delicate ferny foliage.

All of these need EXCELLENT drainage to keep the roots from staying too wet

For shady areas on any side, again consider an arbor or trellis (well anchored with some breathing space). On this you could try bleeding heart, hyacinth bean vine, sweet autumn clematis. My rangoon creeper only gets a little sun and it blooms. Philadelphus (mock orange, English dogwood) has long cascading branches withwhite dogwood-like flowers that are beautiful on an arbor or trellis.

Beneath try cane begonias (like angel wing, these are roothardy here), white calla lilies, columbine, coreopsis, hosta, crested iris, walking iris, indigo plants, jacobina, pentas, pavonia, summer phlox, plumbago, dwarf porterweed, spring snowflakes, strawberry bush, toad lilies,

For groundcover type plants, try chenille plant, chocolate plant, ligularia, purple or white oxalis, pigeonberry, polygonum 'Pink Buttons', Katie's compact ruellia,

Gingers (all kinds) are great for shady areas without too much horizontal space. Some are tall and slender, like the very fragrant butterfly ginger or unusual spiral ginger. Peacock gingers are low and spreading but don't grow too wide, with delicate blue flowers.

Some nice upright shade-tolerant shrubs without too much horizontal spread
include:
• Barlaria. Evergreen. Beautiful heart shaped foliage, purple flowers.
• Firespike. Wonderful tropically lush foliage with fire engine red flower spikes (great for hummingbirds).
• Turk's Cap. Bright red flowers. Great for hummingbirds.

I love lanceleaf coneflowers and they'd be great in a narrow space. They make a beautiful low rosette of leaves, then send these tall, 6 foot stalks with wonderful yellow coneflowers on top. These will bloom with 1/2 day sun.

Another similar grower, for bright shade or sun, if you have a low spot where water stands is the swamp sunflower.

Crinums and hymenocallis (giant white spider lilies) have four foot long, bea utiful strapping green leaves that cascade over, creating a shrublike planting. They often bloom after rains, and can take lower spots with poorer drainage. They can take full sun or part shade.

While you're waiting for things to fill in, use these annuals: coleus, impatiens, Persian shield, toadflax, torenia.

Now: THE MOST IMPORTANT THING! Don't put in tons of any one of these plants. Plant one or two of a wide variety. See which ones you like and, more important, which like you. You can always plant more of favorites.

Haven't heard of a lot of these plants? Then you're missing out on some great plants for the Greater Houston/Galveston/Beaumont area. Better nurseries carry most ofthese plants but they may not be in flower so you may not be seeing them. Ask! If they don't have them, ask the manager if they can order some for you.

You'll also find most of these plants (and other great ones) at many of the upcoming Master Gardener and other organizational plant sales listed below. Be willing to listen and to try something new.

One way to learn about all of these is to go to www.google.com and type in the name of the plant. But then consult a local source about actual planting advice.

Good luck!

DEAR BRENDA: I was just wondering what the long bean-like things are on my esperanza? B.

DEAR B.: Seed pods.

If you want to try propagating them, let them dry naturally on the plant (if possible) until they pop open. Then spread a sheet of newspaper on top your refrigerator (or another dry, low humidity spot) and lay the seeds on it for about a month. You want to make sure they are REALLY dried.

Then plant a bunch of them. An egg carton makes a good starter box. Poke a hole in the bottom of each cavity. Fill with a good quality potting soil or plant starter mix.

Plant the seeds at various levels, some on top the soil, some just barely under, some halfway down. Sprinkle water over all of it. Slip it into the long clear plastic bag your newspaper comes in or in one of the oversized ziploc bags. Blow into it (like you're blowing up a balloon). Seal.

You should keep a slight film on the bag. No film means you need to add water. Drops mean you have too much.

You can add a little (very little) liquid root stimulator or SuperThrive to the water when you add it. A cleaned windex bottle makes a good sprayer for adding water.

Good luck!

DEAR BRENDA: I have an amaryllis in water. The flowers have just pooped out.
Do I leave the bulb in water or let it dry out and start over? Maybe I could plant it a pot. This is my first try at an amaryllis. Thank you. C.

DEAR C.: You don't tell me where you live. (Folks, please tell me where you
live!) If you are along the Gulf Coast, put that bulb in the ground in a sunny, well-drained spot that won't be overly watered in summer (for example, not near an azalea). They go dormant in summer and overwatering then might rot the bulb. I have a yard full of fabulous amaryllis that I bought my grandmother as Christmas gifts. After they bloomed in her apartment, she'd give the bulbs tomato plant in the garden.

If you are north of this area, you will need to keep it in a container to protect in winter. Or if you want to just keep it in a pot, that's fine, it will bloom again. Don't try to force it in water a second time. It will do much better in a pot.

In the ground they are literally plant-and-forget. In pots, though, they have to be root bound to produce a new flower. The pot should be small enough so that when the bulb is set in (with neck above ground) the center of the pot, you should not be able to insert more than two or three fingers (one or two of you have large fingers) between the bulb and the edge of the pot.

Plant it now. In the bottom of the pot put a little bulb food or superphosphate or (if you don't have squirrels), bonemeal. Squirrels love bonemeal as much as bulbs do.

Water well at first and then don't water again for a long time. Do not cut off the greenery. The amaryllis uses the wilting foliage to replenish itself for the next bloom season. Never cut that all off.

Set it in a shady protected area outside if you are in a milder climate, or inside if up north. In May, turn the pot on its side. This is to remind you not to water at all until September. In Sept. upright the plant and start watering, but set it up so the water can run freely out the drain hole.

One thing you need to know about amaryllis is that they produce two years worth of blooms at a time. Trauma may cause a slight delay in that production.
There's no way to tell about a particular bulb. If this was the first of your bulb's two year cycle, then you should get another flower next year. But if this was the second year bloom, the trauma of being forced in water and then switched to soil may delay blooms for a year. I'm just telling you this so you won't think it's not ever going to flower again. It definitely will.

Good luck!

• As those of you who read my column regularly know, I don't consider azaleas good plants for lazy gardeners in Houston or Galveston. (They're fabulous for Beaumont and points north and east.) I've personally killed hundreds over the years and I do not take it personally. I don't think God ever intended them to grow in Houston. They like a very porous, slightly acidic soil with milder summers, colder winters and more even rainfall than they get in slightly-alkaline-gumbo-soil Houston with its summer droughts and spring/fall monsoons.

But there are pockets around here where azaleas do very well and when they are blooming, they are magnificent. For sheer beauty, it's hard to beat the annual Azalea Trail. Here's this year's info:

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 S mith 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 garden

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.)

Saturday (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 or http://hcmga.tamu.edu

Saturday, February 25, "Growing Vegetables Organically,” 1:30 p.m., Wabash Antiques & Feed, 5701 Washington Avenue, 713-863-8322; free.

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, pomegranates, 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.

Wednesday, March 1: “Spuria Iris” by Jim Hedgecock, noon to 2 p.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, register at 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

Wednesday, March 1: “Green Design: Building for a Better Environment” by Kathleen Carrier, 7 p.m., Nature Discovery Center, 7112 Newcastle, 713-667-6550; free.

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.

Thursday March 2; "Basic Herbs 101" with Ann Wheeler from Hilltop Herb Farm;
5-6 pm; Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E 11th, 713-861-5702; www.buchanansplants.com; free.

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 (Mar. 4): "Tree and Palm Care; Problem Diagnosis,” 10 a.m.-2 p.m., RCW Nurseries, 15809 Tomball Parkway, 281-440-5161; free.

Sat., March 4: "Azalea Talk" by Rich Boettler, 10 a.m., and “Help with Azaleas” by Marge McKinney, 10 a.m.- 2p.m., Teas Nursery, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400 or www.teasnursery.com; free

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.

Saturday-Sunday, March 4-5.: The Woodlands Home & Garden Show with Randy Lemmon and Brenda Beust Smith, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Waterway Marriott Hotel an Convention Center,1601 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands, 832-274-3944 or www.WoodlandsShows.com; $8 adults, $6 seniors, under 12 free.

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

Tuesday, March 7: March Mart Volunteer Training , 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, register at 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

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.

Wednesday, March 8: “March Mart Preview” by Suzzanne Chapman, noon to 2 p.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, register at 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

Thursday, March 9, "Home Lawn Care," by Terry Douglass, 7-9 pm, U of H Cinco Ranch, 4242 S. Mason Rd., Rm. 118, 281-341-7068 or www.fbmg.com; free.

Thursday March 9: "Gardening Organically" with John Dromgoole, 5-6 p.m.; Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E 11th; 713-861-5702; or www.buchanansplants.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 (Mar. 10): Registration deadline for the March 24-25 11th Annual Herbal Forum “A Celebration of Scented Pelargoniums, Herb of the Year, 2006,” 9
a.m.-6 p.m. Mar. 24, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mar. 25, Festival Hill at Round Top, 979-249-3129, ext 11 or www.henryf@festivalhill.org; call for fee.

Friday, March 10: "Xeriscaping for your own Backyard" by Donna Fay Hillard, 10:30a.m., Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Drive; free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs event, 281-379-5142; 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.

Saturday (Mar. 11): Montgomery County Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale and Program, 8 a.m.-program, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.,-sale, Extension Office, 9020 FM 1484 in Conroe, 936 539 7824; free.

Saturday, March 11: March Mart Preview” by Suzzanne Chapman, 10 a.m. to noon, Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

Saturday, March 11: “Rose Festival” with Dr. Steven George, Gaye Hammond and Mary Herr, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 15635 FM 2920 in Tomball, 281-351-8851 or www.arborgate.com; free.

Sat., March 11: Fred Heck - of Green Light Products, 10 am to 2 pm, Teas Nursery, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400 www.teasnursery.com; 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.

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

Tuesday, March 14: “Mysterious Monarchs” by Karen Stockton, 9:30 a.m., Jersey Village Civic Center, 16327 Lakeview Drive; Jersey Village Garden Club event, 713-466-6885; $5.

Thursday, March 16, "Edible Wild Plants" by Ed Adams, 7 p.m., Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway; Native Plant Society event, 713-681-3665 or www.npsot.org; free.

Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18: March Mart Plant Sale, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free. Attend this region's largest plant sale that offers old favorites as well as new varieties. Arrive early for this plant sale extravaganza!

Saturday (Mar. 18): Fort Bend County Master Gardeners Perennial Lecture & Sale, 9 a.m. lecture, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. sale, Fort Bend County Fairgrounds,4310 Highway 36 South, Building D, in Rosenberg, 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.

Sunday (Mar. 19): 11th Annual Lettuce Garden Party “Lettuce Celebrate St.
Joseph in the Garden, 1-4 p.m., 813 Jackson Hill, Urban Harvest event, 713-880-5540 or www.urbanharvest.org; $30.

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, 7 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.; Master Gardener event, 281-855-5600 or http://hcmga.tamu.edu; free.

Thursday, March 23, "Bromeliads" by Gene Powers, 7:15-8:15 pm, Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg, 281-341-7068 or www.fbmg.com; free.

Wednesday, March 23: Registration deadline for March 25 Ecology Walk with Pat Marks, 10 a.m.-noon, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway, 713-681-8433, www.houstonarboretum.org; $10.

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.

Saturday (Mar. 25): “Community Flood Control Begins at Home,” 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Bellaire Civic Center, 7008 S. Rice in Bellaire; Hana Ginzbarg, Workshop Coordinator, ginzbarg@hal-pc.org or 713-664-4320 or Mary Ellen Whitworth, bpa@hic.net or 713-529-6443;free.

Saturday-Sunday (Mar. 25-26): Houston Amaryllis Society Show and Sale, 10
a.m.-5 p.m., Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Drive; 713-433-4477; free.

Sunday, March 26: "Butterflies" by Pat Marks, 2 pm, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway, 713-681-8433, www.houstonarboretum.org; free

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.

March 28: "Plant Propagation" by Dr Carol Brouwer, Harris County Extension agent. 6:30-9 pm. Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr.; Master Gardener event, 281-855-5600, http://hcmga.tamu.edu; free.

Tuesday, March 28: “Tropicals,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, register at 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; 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; register at 281-534-3413 Ext. 6, http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.htm; free.

Sat., April 1: "Lawn Care Seminar" by Rich Boettler, 10 a.m., and “Bahama Bay Hibiscus” by Neville Wright, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Teas Nursery, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400 www.teasnursery.com; free

Saturday-Sunday (Apr. 1-2): Bellaire Home Tour, 1-5 p.m., start: Hana and Arthur Ginzbarg Nature Discovery Center, 7112 Newcastle, 713-667-6550; $15; $3 per home, children under 12 free.

Saturday & Sunday, April 1 & 2: Houston Bromeliad Society Plant Sale, Sat.: 9
am-5 pm, Sun.: 11 am-4pm, Houston Bromeliad Society & Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway; 713-858-3047 or www.bromeliadsocietyhouston.org; free.

Saturday-Sunday (April 1-2) Houston Heights Home and Garden Tour, noon-6 p.m., starting point: Heights Fire Station, 107 West 12th Street, Houston 77008,
713-861-4002 or www.houstonheights.org; $15 for six homes.

Tuesday, April 4: Tropical Garden Planting Workday, 9 a.m. to noon, Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine-Westfield, register at 281-443-8731,www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

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

Thurs., April 6: "Kathy Huber - Houston Chronicle Garden Writer to autograph copies of the latest edition of her gardening book", 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Teas Nursery, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400; www.teasnursery.com; free; no reservation needed.

Friday-Saturday (April 7-8): Dig ‘n’ Design Garden Club Plant Sale, 8 a.m.-noon, 206 Lakeshore Drive in El Lago, 281-326-4400; free.

Saturday, April 8: YardWise: Smart Yard Care Course, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, register at 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

Saturday, April 8: Reservation Deadline March 31 "Texas Native Plants" by Lynn Cox, 10 a.m., and “Garden Q&A” by Randy Lemmon, 1 p.m., Spring Nursery & Landscape, 25252 FM 2978, Tomball; 281-357-1800; free.

April 8-9: NASA area African Violet Show/Sale, Saturday sale 9 a.m.-4 p.m., show 1-4 p.m., Sunday both 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Amegy Ban, 303 E. Main in League City; free. NASA Area African Violet Club event, 281-762-3209 or AVSA.org

Wednesday, April 12: “Fragrant Plants,” noon to 1 p.m., Mercer Arboretum,
22306 Aldine Westfield, register at 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

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

Saturday, April 22: Bellaire Earth Day Spring Fling, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Nature Discovery Center, 7112 Newcastle, 713-667-6550; free.

Saturday, April 22: Reservation Deadline April 14 "Butterfly 101" by Eddie Holik, 10 a.m., Spring Nursery & Landscape, 25252 FM 2978, Tomball, 281-357-1800; free

Sunday, April 23: "Wildflower Walk" by Ruth Milburn, Native Plant Society, 2 pm, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway,713-681-8433, www.houstonarboretum.org; free

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.

Saturday, April 29: Upper Texas Coast Grasses” by Flo Hannah, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, register at 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

May 2: "Herbs" by Ann Wheeler, Logan House Herb Farm at 12 noon. Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Free Master Gardener event.
281-855-5600, access http://hcmga.tamu.edu

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.

Saturday & Sunday, May 6 & 7: Cactus and Succulent Plant Sale, Sat: 9 am-5 pm, Sun.:11 am-4 pm, Houston Cactus & Succulent Society & Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway, 713-681-8433 or www.hcsstex.org; Free

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

Wednesday, May 10: “Daylilies, noon to 1 p.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, register at 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

Saturday, May 13: Reservation Deadline May 5 "Deer Resistant Plants" speaker Tarroll Roberts, Master Gardener, 10 a.m., Spring Nursery & Landscape, 25252 FM 2978, Tomball; Free. Register at 281-357-1800.

Sunday, May 14: "Fireflies" by Linda Knowles, Native Plant Society, 2 pm, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway, 713-681-8433, www.houstonarboretum.org; Free

May 16: "Water Smart" Chris LaChance, Water Smart Co-ordinator at 6:30 pm.
Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Free Master Gardener event.
281-855-5600, access http://hcmga.tamu.edu

Tuesday, May 16: “Summer Annuals,” 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, register at 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

Friday, May 19: Botanical Drawing for the Complete Beginner, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, register at 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; $65.

Saturday, May 20 (separate course): Botanical Drawing for the Complete Beginner, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, register at 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; $75.

Sunday, May 21: Botanical Miniatures, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mercer Arboretum,
22306 Aldine Westfield, register at 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; $75

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.

May 23: "Lawn Care", Green Thumb series by Tom “Buddy” Lundsford, Harris County Extension agent at 6:30-9 pm. Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Drive; 291-855-5600, http://hcmga.tamu.edu; free.

Tuesday, May 23: “ Planting Summer Annuals, 9 a.m. to noon, Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, register at 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

Thursday, May 25: This Garden is for the Birds,” noon- 3 p.m., from noon to
3 p.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, register at 281-443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, May 26, 27, & 28: "Bromeliad Society Show & Sale"
, Fri. - Sale only:12-5 pm, Sat: Sale 9 am-5 pm, Show 2-5 pm, Sun: Show & Sale 11 am-4pm, Houston Bromeliad Society/Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway; 713-858-3047 or www.bromeliadsocietyhouston.org; free.

June 6: "Insects in the Garden" Marvin Keenan, noon. Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Park; Master Gardener event, 281-55-5600, access http://hcmga.tamu.edu; 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.

June 27: "Butterfly Gardening", Green Thumb series by Karen Breneman, Harris County Extension agent. 6:30-9 pm. Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Drive. Texas Cooperative/Master Gardener event, 281-855-5600, access http://hcmga.tamu; 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 18: "Landscape Construction" by Dr. Mike Arnold, 6:30 p.m., Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Park; Master Gardener event, 281-855-5600, access http://hcmga.tamu.edu; 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.

July 25: "Pests and Diseases", Green Thumb series by Dr. Carol Brouwer, Harris County Extension agent. 6:30-9 pm, Tracy Gee Community, 3599 Westcenter Dr.; Texas Cooperative/Master Gardener event, 281-855-5600, access http://hcmga.tamu.edu; 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, http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort; free.

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.

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