I am SO excited about the new Botanical Garden of Houston.
This incredibly ambitious project is still in the planning
stages, but you can read more about it on their website:
http://www.botanicgardenofhouston.org. The goal
for having something for folks to start visiting is 2008.
Please check this out.
Another great upcoming event: On Wednesday, Apr. 5, the
Nancy Stallworth Thomas Horticulture Lecture and
Conservation Speaker will feature Dr. Fred R. Spicer, Jr.,
and Melissa Keeley, 9:30 a.m., Museum of Fine Arts Brown
Auditorium, 1001 Bissonnet,
www.gchouston.org;
free. Dr. Fred R. Spicer, Jr., is Executive Director of The
Birmingham Botanic Garden, Alabama. Melissa Keeley's “spans
urban_ecology, environmental technology, and public policy
with a particular focus on_creating, valuing and promoting
green infrastructure in urban areas."
DEAR BRENDA: Help! The deer are eating everything I have put
out! S. M.
DEAR S. M. You HAVE to tell me where you live! There is even
a HUGE difference in plants I would recommend for different
parts of the Greater Houston/Galveston/Beaumont area. If I
may digress for a moment, I've discovered over the years
that when it comes to gardening, there really a difference
in "us" and "them. "
So, not knowing where you live, I'll mention some plants and
you'll just have to see if they're good for your area. First
though, remember. Once a deer has eaten in a spot, he will
come back to that spot and gobble up whatever there before
he discoverers that you've switched to a plant he's not
supposed to like. So you have to find some way of
barricading that spot for a while until you can break this
automatic response.
Some plants deer are said to avoid: CLEOME! Use this
gorgeous summer spidery-flowered annual, which may reseed,
around susceptible shrubs. (Warning: the foliage looks like
marijuana!) Also try: agarito, blackfoot daisy, Carolina
jessamine, coralbean, daisy bush, flame acanthus, Mexican
buckeye, Mexican mint marigold, oleander, pampas grass,
possumhaw holly, pyracantha, rosemary rusty blackhaw, Texas
barberry, Texas palmetto, Texas persimmon, Texas pistachio,
Texoma stans (yellow bells), thyme, vitex and wax myrtle.
Plants that everyone says they love: Asian jasmine,
Chrysanthemums, Crepe myrtles, Daylilies, Geraniums,
hibiscus, Impatiens, Indian hawthorne, Phlox, Red tip
photinas, Roses, Spirea (bridal wreath). Wisteria. Herbs to
avoid (deer may like ‘em): English lavender, rosemary, sage,
sweet basil or sage.
The only person I ever heard say emphatically her deer
solution worked perfectly was a wonderful 80± year-old woman
who every night made her husband go “mark” the borders of
her vegetable garden (a la coyotes). She said she never had
a deer problem although all her neighbors did.
The tips go on and on. I've compiled them all into a
double-sided flyer you can order by mail if you need more
help. She $1 (to cover printing costs) PLUS a self-addressed
stamped envelope to: No-Deer Plants, 14011 Greenranch,
Houston, Texas 77039. If you want to send a check, make it
payable to Brenda B. Smith.
Hope this helps.
DEAR BRENDA: I am looking for help with my bulbs that I
planted this year. I live in Seabrook. I have amaryllis and
cannas that are doing beautifully. I simply cut them back
each year and wait for their return the following year. This
year I decided to add hyacinths, crocus and daffodils to my
garden as well. I planted about 120 bulbs in a raised bed on
December 4th thinking we would have a nice cold winter like
the year before (snow on Christmas, even down here on the
coast). But it hardly got below freezing more than two days.
The hyacinths came up very early and the ones still trying
to bloom now have very short stems and hardly any flowers.
The crocus leaves came up and are now about 10 inches long
and not one single flower. The daffodil leaves are still
trying to come up in shifts here and there and I have
spotted only one bloom trying to make it. It is now April
and the weather, as you know is about to really warm up. K.M.
DEAR K.M.: I don't think you're going to like my answer, so
I'll do the bad news first. Hyacinths, crocus and other
Holland bulbs (tulips) must be refrigerated here at least
four to six weeks before they would bloom in our old
"normal" winters. Last year's freak snow was not typical.
The cold came and went too fast to have any effect
whatsoever on the soil. These bulbs require cold soil, not
just cold temperatures. It takes extended cold, at least
four or five days, to affect soil temperatures.
For the past few years, our soil has not dropped in
temperatures at all. It's a lost cause, I'm afraid. Better
to look for plants that are coming up from Mexico and other
points south, instead of coming down from up north.
Daffodils are slightly more adaptable, but in Seabrook? I
can't imagine they would do well there, but you could leave
them in and see what happens. Traditionally "Fortune" were
the only daffs that would come back south of FM1960, but
that was back when we had winters.
The good news is that both cannas and amaryllis are super
plants for us. But don't ever cut back amaryllis leaves.
They use the dying foliage to replenish the bulb for the
next two year's blooms. Once in the ground, they can
literally be forgotten. The only keys:
• don't let them sink to the point where the narrow neck
goes below ground.
It must be above ground.
• don't plant them near spots where water stands after a
rain, or near plants that have to be watered all summer.
They are actually dormant in summer and don't want any
watering them.
Cannas are indestructible. Cut them back if you want them to
spread faster. If you don't, don't. They have so much energy
in that tuber. If they can put that energy into maintaining
large leaves and producing flowers (need leaves to flower)
they will. If you cut off the leaves, a lot of that excess
energy will go into producing new, spreading tubers.
As to removing those bulbs, I would.
DEAR BRENDA: I heard you speak at a luncheon recently and
you gave out a great flyer on building a rain/bog garden.
Can I get another copy? What other flyers do you have? M. T.
DEAR M. T. I'll be glad to send you another copy. I have a
number of other flyers so let me just list them all at once.
I have to ask you to send me $1 per flyer (to cover printing
costs) plus a self-addressed, stamped envelope. If you send
a check, make it payable to Brenda B. Smith. Be sure to list
specifically which flyers you want.
Available flyers ($1 each plus the SASE):
• Rain/bog garden (a design, tips on installing and
recommended plants)
• Deer NO! Plants (lots of tips and plant recommendations)
• EcoLawns (how to have a healthier lawn — from a lazy
gardener's
perspective)
• 10 Commandments of Lazy Gardening. Ways to insure you have
the healthiest, lowest-maintenance lawn in the Greater
Houston area.
• A Hummingbird/Butterfly Garden Design. Recommended plants
and a design.
• Favorite Plants of the Lazy Gardener. My favorite plants.
• Lazy Gardener's Library. Great books for Greater Houst
on/Galveston/Beaumont gardeners.
Don't forget: $1 per flyer, a self-addressed stamped
envelope (will hold up to 3 flyers) and be sure to specify
which flyers you want.
Hope this helps.
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.)
If you grow, or want to grow,
pecans along the Gulf Coast, take advantage of a chance to
meet and talk with experts, 4-5:30 p.m. on April 12 at
Carbide Park Pecan Orchard in La Marque. The free Spring
Pecan Field Day Program, sponsored by the Galveston County
Extension Fruit and Pecan Committee, will feature a Q&A
session, grafting techniques and graftwood distribution ($1
per stick donation request). Bring a cooler and one-gallon
Ziploc plastic bags for graftwood.
Also on the agenda is a Galveston County Extension Office is
a May 13 Home Fruit Orchard and Garden Tour. For details on
both activities, cal 281-534-3413, ext. 6. Carbide Park is
located 1.5 miles west of I-45 South (Exit 10) on FM 519.
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 & Landsca pe, 25252 FM 2978 in
Tomball, 281-357-1800; free.
Friday-Saturday, Mar. 24-25: Spring Branch Memorial Library
Plant and Book Festival, Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10
a.m.-4 p.m., 930 Corbindale; 713-468-8950; 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, Mar. 25: “All About Fertilizers” by Dan Snyder, 10
a.m.-2p.m., RCW Nurseries, 15809 Tomball Parkway,
281-440-5161,
www.rcwnurseries.com; free.
Saturday March 25: Spring Greens Celebration at the Bayou
City Farmers'
Market, 8:00 a.m.-noon, 3000 Richmond (back parking lot),
713-880-5540 or www.urbanharvest.org for more information;
free admission.
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.
Tuesday, March 28: “Herbs 101” by Ann Wheeler of Log House
Herb Farm, 10:00 am, The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball,
281 351 8851 or
www.arborgate.com; 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.
Thursday March 30 "Organic Pest Control" with Dee
Howell;5:30-6:30 pm; Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E 11th,
713-861-5702,
www.buchanansplants.com, 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, April 1; “Perennials and More” by Heidi Sheesley
of Treesearch Farms, 10 a.m., The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920,
Tomball, 281 351 8851 or
www.arborgate.com; free
Saturday, April 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/welcome1.msn;
free.
Saturday, April 1: Cottage Garden Sale, 9 a.m.-2p.m., League
park on Main Street in League City. League City Garden Club
event, 281-332-9044; free.
Saturday, April 1: Gardeners By the Bay Plant Sale, 8 a.m.-4
p.m., Bay Forest Pool, 15715 Lake Lodge Drive in Clear Lake,
281-488-5655; free.
Saturday (April 1): “Watersmart Gardening” by Dr. Carol
Brouwer, 9 a.m., “Miniature Roses” by Earl Krause, 10:15
a.m., and “Antique and Old Roses” by Deanna Krause, noon,
The Vintage Rosery, 16630 Hwy. 36 in Needville, 979-793-2888
or
www.vintagerosery.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-4 pm, 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.
Sunday, April 2: “Herbs 101” by Ann Wheeler of Log House
Herb Farm, 1 p.m., The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM2920, Tomball,
281 351 8851 or www.arborgate.com; free.
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
Wednesday (Apr. 5): “Cats in the Garden” by Tricia Bradbury,
9:45 a.m., Amegy Bank, 303 East Main Street in League City.
Kemah Bay Area Garden Club, 281-339-2367; free.
Wednesday (Apr. 5): Nancy Stallworth Thomas Horticulture
Lecture and Conservation Speaker with Dr. Fred R. Spicer,
Jr., and Melissa Keeley, 9:30 a.m., Museum of Fine Arts
Brown Auditorium, 1001 Bissonnet,
www.gchouston.org;
free. The speaker for the Thomas Horticulture Lecture is Dr.
Fred R. Spicer, Jr., Executive Director of The Birmingham
Botanic Garden, Alabama. The Conservation speaker is Ms.
Melissa Keeley, whose "work spans urban ecology,
environmental technology, and public policy with a
particular focus on creating, valuing and promoting green
infrastructure in urban areas."
Wed. (April 5) Orchids for Everyone by Lee Rowell, 10 am at
1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Houston, TX 77034, free. Harris County
Master Gardener Event. Call
(281) 991-8437. Website:
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu
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: a.m.-1 p.m., Teas Nursery, 4400
Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400
www.teasnursery.com;
free; no reservation needed.
Thursday, April 6: Memorial Northwest Ladybug Garden Club
Plant and Garage Sale, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., 17211 Abby Lane in
Spring, PHONE? (must) or website (optional); free.
Thursday April 6 "Designing Water into a Garden" By Anita
Nelson of Nelson Water Gardens;5:30-6:30 pm; Buchanan's
Native Plants, 611 E 11th; 713-861-5702;
www.buchanansplants.com FREE
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.
Friday and Saturday April 7&8, , Cockrell Butterfly Center
Spring Plant Sale 9:00 to 3:00, Houston Museum of Natural
Science, 7th Floor Parking Garage, One Hermann Circle Dr.
713-639-4753, hmns.org,
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.
Saturday, April 8; “Designing Special Places III “by Mark
Bowen, 1:00pm, The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball, 281
351 8851 or
www.arborgate.com; free.
Saturday, April 8: Plant Sale, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Church of The
Good Shepherd,
715 E. Carrell St. at FM 2029 in Tomball, 281-352-2829 or
281-787-6587; free.
Saturday, April 8: Tomball Garden Club Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-2
p.m., 510 Pine Street, 281-252-8378 or email:
ddarciejm@ev1.net;
free.
Saturday, April 8: Rockport Herb & Rose Society Herb
Festival, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Rockport-Fulton High School
Commons, 1801 Omohundro in Rockport,
www.rockportherbs.com;
free.
Saturday, April 8: NASA Area African Violet Sale and
Demonstration, 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Town Square Mall, Pasadena
Boulevard at Southmore Avenue in Pasadena; 281-762-3209;
free.
Saturday (Apr. 8): Huntsville Garden Club Herb Festival, 9
a.m.-2 p.m., Town Creek Park, 1212 Avenue M in Huntsville;
936-291-3772; free.
Saturday (April 8): “Herb Containers” by Marcia Roenigk, 10
a.m., “Fruit & Citrus” by David Brumbelow, noon, The Vintage
Rosery, 16630 Hwy. 36 in Needville, 979-793-2888 or
www.vintagerosery.com;
free.
Saturday, April 8: Pearland Area Garden Club Plant Sale, 8
a.m. - 4 p.m. Alvin Community College - Pearland Center
cafeteria, Park Street, Pearland, free.
Saturday, April 8: Nature Walk, 1-3 p.m., West 11th Street
Park, 2400 West 11th Street; 713-869-4445; 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
Saturday-Sunday, April 8-9: Houston Bonsai Society and
Japan-American Society of Houston Spring Bonsai Show, 10
a.m.-5 p.m., Japanese Garden in Hermann Park,
713-426-2995www.houstonbonsai; free.
Monday, Apr 10th: “Carnivorous Plants” by Mike Howlett, 7
p.m., Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 2929 Woodland Hills in
Kingwood; free. Lake Houston Gardeners event, 832 368-9870.
Monday April 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 to register;
www.urbanharvest.org
for details and directions; free class. Start a garden at a
school, place of worship, or vacant lot for education,
donation to the hungry, or improving your community. Learn
the basics of planning, finances, and garden design. Gary
Edmondson is Director of Community and School Gardens at
Urban Harvest.
Tuesday April 11: "An Introduction to Permaculture" by the
Permaculture Guild Of Houston, 7:00-10:00 p.m., 2990
Richmond; 1900 Kane; 713-880-5540 to register;
www.urbanharvest.org
for details and directions; free. Intro to four courses over
the next year that will help you turn your yard or farm into
a vibrant bird and butterfly-filled space with vegetable and
fruit plants. Study design concepts for gardens, landscapes,
sustainable buildings and societies. Complete four courses
to receive your permaculture designer's certification.
Tuesday, April 11: Horticulture and Flower Design Show,
12:30-1:45 p.m., Jersey Village Civic Center, 16327 Lakeview
Drive, Jersey Village Garden Club event, 713-466-6885; free.
Tuesday, April 11: “Stone Fruits” by David Byrne, 6:30 p.m.,
Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Gulf
Coast Fruit Study Group event, 713-462-7002; free.
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.
Thursday, April 13, "Plants that Thrive in Fort Bend" by Pam
Tatge, 7-9 pm, U of H Cinco Ranch, 4242 S. Mason Rd., Rm.
118, Green Thumb Seminar, 281-341-7068 or
www.fbmg.com; free.
Thursday April 13, "From Plot to Pot with Herbs" by Mary
Versfeldt; 5:30-6:30 pm; Buchanan's Native Plants; 611 E
11th; 713-861-5702;
www.buchanansplants.com; free.
Friday, April 14: "Attracting Birds to Your Own Backyard" by
Sue Durrett, 10:30a.m., Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann
Drive; free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs event,
281-379-5142.
Friday-Saturday, April 14-15: Jerry’s Jungle Garden
Tropicals Open House and Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-5p.m., 712 Hill
Road, 281-272-8612 or
www.jerrysjungle.com; free.
Saturday (April 15): Organic Landscaping by Michael Bettler,
10 a.m. and “Making Potpourri” by Lucia Bettler, noon, The
Vintage Rosery, 16630 Hwy. 36 in Needville, 979-793-2888 or
www.vintagerosery.com;
free.
Saturday (April 15): American Begonia Society Sale, 10
a.m.-3 p.m., Another Place In Time, 421 W. 11th, 713
686-8539; free.
Monday April 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 to register;
www.urbanharvest.org
for details and directions; free class. Start a garden at a
school, place of worship, or vacant lot for education,
donation to the hungry, or improving your community. Learn
the basics of planning, finances, and garden design. Dr. Bob
Randall has advised over 150 community garden projects since
1987.
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.
Tuesday April 18: "Permaculture & The Sustainable Society"
by the Permaculture Guild Of Houston, 7:00-9:30 p.m., 2990
Richmond; 1900 Kane; 713-880-5540 to register;
www.urbanharvest.org
for details and directions; $70 + $25 materials & food.
Review the global ecological situation and methods for
sustainable housing, energy and transportation. One of the
four series of classes leading to a permaculture designer's
certificate.
Wednesday-Thursday (Apr. 19-20): “A Quilt Garden” Flower
Show, 2-5 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, George &
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library, 8125 Ashlane Way. The
Woodlands Garden Club event, 936-271-9849; free.
Thursday, April 20: "Tiny and Unusual Flowers of the Big
Thicket," by Paul Roling. 7:30 PM, Houston Arboretum and
Nature Center, 4501 Woodway, free. Native Plant Society
event, (713)681-3665 or
www.npsot.org
Friday, April 21: Registration deadline for the 24th Annual
Herb Day Symposium, "Herbal Teas Around the World" , Houston
Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Drive; $45. The Herb Society of
America, South Texas Unit, event, Registration form:
www.herbsociety-stu.org or phone 713-513-7808 (voice
mail). Registration includes herbal lunch and refreshments,
program booklet and gift plant, door prizes, lectures, and a
craft to blend your own herbal tea. Speakers include Mary
Nell Jacksen, "The History of Herbal Teas"; Lucia Bettler,
"The Medicinal Teapot", and "The Japanese Teapot" featuring
Showing Japan, a non-profit group showing the art and
culture of Japan. Other tea traditions will be presented by
Herb Society members Mary Versfelt, "Russion Tea Around the
Samovar"; Jacqui Highton "English High Tea"' Beth Murphy,
"Mexico's Herbal Teas"; and Susan Wood, "Growing Herbs for
Tea". A garden gift area will have plenty of herb plants for
sale, as well as tea cozies, tea blends, tea towels, and
other herbal crafts. It will be a lovely day spent being
pampered by entertained by this wonderful group of herb
enthusiasts and educators. Proceeds help benefit the unit's
scholarship program for botany or horticulturally-related
studies.
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 and
Plant Sale, 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
Saturday, April 22, “Southern Heirlooms” by Dr. Bill Welch,
10:00am,The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball, 281 351 8851
or www.arborgate.com;
free.
Saturday, April 22: Alvin Area Garden Tour and Plant Sale,
10 a.m.-4 p.m., start and plant sale: Marguerite Rogers
House Museum, 113 E. Dumble Street in Alvin. Alvin Museum
Society and Alvin Garden Club event, 28l-393-l538 or
www.alvinhistoricalmuseum.blogspot.com; $6 for four
garden stops.
Saturday (April 22): Soil: Building on a Great Foundation by
John Ferguson, 10 a.m., and “Roses & Herbs” by Judy Barrett,
noon, The Vintage Rosery, 16630 Hwy. 36 in Needville,
979-793-2888 or www.vintagerosery.com; free.
Sat., April 22: Hibiscus Society Q&A, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm,
Teas Nursery, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400
www.teasnursery.com; 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
Sunday, April 23: Champion Forest Garden Club Backyard
Garden Tour, 1-5 p.m., Start: 16104 Stewart's Grove,
281-320-1862; four homes for $7. The Champion Forest Garden
Club is sponsoring their Backyard Garden Tour on Sunday,
April 23 from 1:00 - 5:00 rain or shine. Backyard
enthusiasts are invited to spend the afternoon touring four
of the neighborhoods most inviting backyards. Tickets can be
purchased from any Garden Club member or at each of the four
homes on the day of the tour for $7.00. You may also call
Wendy Fryfogle at 281-320-1862 for tickets or any other
information about the tour. There will be signs directing
you to the tour on Cypresswood as you enter Champion Forest.
Monday April 24: "Sell What You Grow at a Green Market" by
Gita VanWoerden, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane;
713-880-5540 to register;
www.urbanharvest.org
for details and directions; $30. Backyard gardeners in the
city as well as farmers in the countryside can sell at a
local farmers' market. Find out how to set up shop,
including packaging, displays, pricing and market rules.
Gita VanWoerden is the owner of Animal Farm Permaculture
Center.
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.
Thursday April 27; "Create a Beautiful Garden" by Mary Herr;
5:30-6:30 pm; Buchanan's Native Plants; 611 E 11th;
713-861-5702;
www.buchanansplants.com; 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.
Saturday, April 29: Texas Rose Rustlers Spring Symposium, 10
a.m.-2 p.m.,
Matagorda County Birding Nature Center, Hwy 35W, Bay City,
free. More
information, call 281-468-3677 or
http://www.texasroserustlers.org.
Saturday, April 29; “Basilmania II” Everything you wanted to
know about
Basil, but were afraid to ask! Ann Wheeler, Log House Herb
Farm and Chef Chris
Crowder, 10:00am, The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, 281 351
8851 or www.arborgate.com;
free.
Saturday (April 29): EarthKind Roses” by Dr. Steve George,
10 a.m., and “Rose Planting” by Bob Roenigk, noon, The
Vintage Rosery, 16630 Hwy. 36 in Needville, 979-793-2888 or
www.vintagerosery.com;
free.
Saturday (April 29): Thyme for Herbs Society annual Herbfest/Thyme
For Green, 8AM-2PM,@St. Mark's Episcopal Church 680 Calder
Avenue, Beaumont, Texas for info 409 861-2703 Green Market
Free, Speakers $5.00 for all.
Sat., April 29: "New Mandevillas & Echinacea " by Rand
Hopkins,10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Teas Nursery, 4400 Bellaire
Blvd., 713-664-4400
www.teasnursery.com; free
Sunday April 30: Lone Star Chapter, American Hibiscus
Society Show and Plant Sale, 1-4 p.m., Bellaire Community
Center, 7006 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire, TX; 713-723-5858; 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
Wed. (May 3rd) Insects in the Garden by Patricia Stier, 10
am at 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Houston, TX 77034, free. Harris
County Master Gardener Event. Call (281) 991-8437.
Website:
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu
Fri., Sat., May 5 & 6, Garden Festival Spring Extravaganza,
9 am - 5 pm, The Brookwood Community, 1752 FM 1489
Brookshire, 281-375-2149,
www.brookwoodcommuntiy.org, free event
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.
The 85th Oleander and Gardening Festival; May 6 - 7 at Moody
Gardens®. The International Oleander Society will host the
Oleander and Gardening Festival May 6-7, 2006 at Moody
Gardens on Galveston Island. The Oleander and
Gardening Festival is an annual event dating back to 1921
that honors the beautiful flower and educates guests about
the history of the oleander on Galveston Island and
throughout the world. Area plant societies, clubs, and
vendors are invited to set up booth space to display and
sell their plants. There will be a floral design competition
were participants can display their work to be judged. A
separate competition will be held for amateurs and children
to display their floral designs as well. “We’ve been
producing the Oleander Festival since 1989 and this time
we’re expanding to a larger facility. It will be an all
inclusive and spectacular gardening event for the family,”
said Betty Head of the International Oleander Society.
Recognized throughout the world as a symbol of love and
remembrance, the oleander has since become one of
Galveston’s long-time symbols of the island. The flower is
native to Asia and the Mediterranean region. It comes from
the Apocynaceaes family and is also commonly called Kaner.
The oleander is in bloom from April to September and can
grow up to 20 feet tall. There is an estimated 100 known
varieties of the flower in the U.S. The oleanders bloom in a
variety of colors ranging from red and white to pink and
light yellow. The Oleander Society has followed the
migration path and origins of the flower to modern times.
The original oleanders were believed to have been growing
wild along the riverbanks in the Middle East and
Mediterranean regions. The Old Testament references the
oleander as the “Rose of Jericho.” It was later suggested
that the oleander species, known as nerium oleanderderived
its name from either Nereus, the Greek god of the Sea or
from the word neros (meaning moist). The oleander is found
in the western Himalayas of India. It is used in religious
ceremonies and funerals to symbolize love and remembrance.
The Oleander and Gardening Festival will take place at the
Moody Gardens Convention Center May 6-7 from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. in Expo B. Admission is free to the public. For more
information, please call 1-800-528-4673 or visit
www.oleander.org or
www.moodygardens.com.
Sat. (May 6th) Pre-Registration deadline for the Sat., May
13th Rain Garden Workshop and Plant Sale. 9 am to 12:00 pm:
Rain Garden Workshop, 12:00-12:30 pm: Private Plant Sale for
workshop attendees only, 12:30- 2:00 pm Public Plant Sale,
16335 El Dorado, Houston, TX 77062. Harris County Master
Gardener Event. Workshop pre-registration fee $10, $15 at
the door, Plant Sale is free and open to the public from
12:30-2 pm. Harris County Master Gardener Event. Call (281)
991-8437. Website:
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu
May 6-7: Yard and Garden Tour, Saturday 10 am - 4 pm and
Sunday 1-4 pm., publi c 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.
Thursday, May 11, "Gardening to Attract Butterflies and
Birds," by Pam Tatge, 7-9 pm, U of H Cinco Ranch, 4242 S.
Mason Rd., Rm. 118, Green Thumb Seminar,
281.341.7068 or www.fbmg.com;
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.
Saturday, May 13; “Art in the Garden,” 10:00am-3:00pm.
Display gardens are in full bloom-their colors accented by
Garden art on display just for the occasion. The Arbor Gate,
15635 FM 2920, 281 351 8851 or
www.arborgate.com;
free.
Saturday, May 13: Sugar Land Garden Club Spring Garden Tour,
10 a.m. -5 p.m.
Start: 723 Borden Street, Sugar Land, 77478.
www.sugarlandgardenclub.org or 281-242-0566, $8.
Sunday, May 14: "Fireflies" by Linda Knowles, Native Plant
Society, 2 p.m., 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.
Wednesday-Sunday, May 24-28: Cullowhee Native Plant
Conference, Stephen F.
Austin Pinewoods Native Plant Center in Nacogdoches,
registration details at
http://pnpc.sfasu.edu; fees vary by programs. Join a
unique blend of plant enthusiasts, nursery professionals,
landscapers, botanists, and horticulturists to hear
nationally known speakers address region-specific topics
such as East Texas ecosystems, landscape use, invasive and
exotic plants, and conservation efforts. Enjoy the local
flora on fabulous field trips and learn from experts during
hands-on workshops.
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.
Mon. (May 29th) Registration deadline for the Master
Gardener Training Program: June 8th through July 18th every
Tuesday and Thursday, except July 4th, from 8:30 am to 2:30
pm, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Houston, TX 77034, fee $150.
Applications are taken on a first come first serve basis,
deadline May 29th or until class is full. Harris
County Master Gardener Event. Call (281) 991-8437. Website:
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu
Tuesday, 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.
Wed. (June 7th) African Violets and Their Gesnariad Kin by
Tom Solloman, 10 am at 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Houston, TX
77034, free. Harris County Master Gardener Event. Call (281)
991-8437. Website:
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu
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 (June 30-July1): Jerry’s Jungle Garden
Tropicals Open House and Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-5p.m., 712 Hill
Road, 281-272-8612 or
www.jerrysjungle.com; 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.
Friday-Saturday (Oct. 20-21): Jerry’s Jungle Garden
Tropicals Open House and Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-5p.m., 712 Hill
Road, 281-272-8612 or
www.jerrysjungle.com; free.
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! (TEMPORARILY SOLD
OUT)
• 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 or bookstore. If they don't carry them,
have nurseries and plant retailers contact Nitro Phos
Distribution in Houston; have bookstores contact Book
Marketing Plus in Fredericksburg.
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