Dear Gardeners: Whether you
qualify as a lazy gardener or of the more energetic
persuasion, I hope you’ll at least consider attending the
big Wildscapes Workshop in Houston. Sept. 1 is the
registration deadline.
Many of the speakers are
good friends, but that’s not why I think this is one of the
single most important horticulture event for homeowners in
the entire Upper Texas Gulf Coast region and beyond.
We have got to change our
mindset when it comes to gardening. Already it’s being
changed for us. No matter where you stand on what should be
done to stop global warming, already the changes have had a
massive effect on our home gardens.
I’ve been playing around with creating a pdf file out of my
now-out-of-print book The Lazy Gardener’s Guide.
My publisher, River Bend
Company, has elected not to reprint. I couldn’t find another
publisher, so a friend recommended I make a pdf file of it,
burn it to a CD and sell the CDs. Great idea as my publisher
is going to give me the copyright.
However, in playing around
with this, I am finding that some of the information I put
in when this book was originally written about a decade ago
must be updated. Even some of the few changes I made when we
did a second printing several years ago haven’t compensated
for those out-of-date statements.
The warmer winters mean our
shrubs are getting MUCH larger, which may mean we have to
prune more often.
On the plus side, it means
we need fewer plants, because they take up so much more room
in our yards.
Plants that I NEVER would
have recommended for most Greater Houston gardens are now
perennials. A good example: ixora. Great plant that easily
grows all winter now. If someone had told me, a decade ago
that, in Houston, we’d see 10 foot bougainvillea shrubs
planted in the ground out in the open, I’d have laughed at
them. In Galveston sure. But not in Houston. Now they’re all
over.
This is the good news. The
bad news is that we simply need to be more concerned about
this planet on which we live. Most of us pay lip service,
but we really haven’t changed our basic lifestyles.
The least painful thing we
can do is to gradually switch to plants that require little
or no water, fertilizer or even attention in our area. That
list is growing by leaps and bounds with the warming
temperatures.
By doing this, we will
eliminate much of the havoc we homeowners are wreaking on
Galveston Bay with our excessive use of chemicals.
The Wildscapes Workshop is
a cooperative effort of numerous local, state and national
agencies, the two most visible of which are the WaterSmart
Program of the Texas Cooperative Extension Service and the
Native Plant Society of Texas.
One of the neatest things about this workshop is the way the
location came about. The University of Houston is emerging
as a leader in ecology-conscious landscaping. Glenn Olsen of
the Native Plant Society’s Houston Chapter was brought to
the attention of University powers-that-be by the Entrances
and Perimeter Committee, a group that is looking at how UH
visually and educationally can positively impact and
contribute in an environmental way to Houston’s urban
community.
Glenn in turn began
consulting with other UH grounds people about the benefits
of incorporating more native plants into the campus
landscape. In exchange for his contributions, and in
fulfilling its educational mission, UH is allowing the
Wildscapes Workshop to use the campus facility with its
ample parking.
But, back to the workshop,
if you can possibly attend and hear the speakers, do. It
will be well worth your time and the minimal cost. If you
can’t spend that much time, at least try to drop by the
Plant Sale which will be open to the public after the
workshop attendees get first pick.
Sept. 1 is the registration deadline for the Saturday, Sept.
9 Wildscapes Workshop, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., University of Houston
Central Campus.
• Dee Howell, City of
Houston Superintendent of Horticulture, will be the MC.
Houston is so lucky to have Dee. Not only is she an
extremely entertaining speaker, she is an avid organic
gardener. She has done so much to make Houston municipal
gardens as organic as possible.
• Chris LaChance, head of the WaterSmart program will
discuss in detail how homeowners can not only reduce their
water needs, but also how to stockpile the rainwater we do
get in such abundance for the benefit of our trees and our
house foundations, many of which are cracking from our
problems with subsidence.
• Gloria and John Tveten, bird and butterfly
specialists, will discuss “Butterflies as Botanists.”
• Lisa Gonzalez, Research Scientist, Houston Advanced
Research Center, will speak on invasive plants and the
dangers they are presenting to all of us.
Go! You’ll thank me afterwards.
DEAR BRENDA: A friend has given me a plant that is growing
so fast, but I don’t know what to do with it. She says
it’s a duranta. Do you know that plant? S.H.
DEAR S.H.: Duranta, or
Golden Dewdrop, is one of my most favorite plants because it
definitely qualifies as a plant-it-forget-it. It will be
available, I’m sure, at the Wildscapes Workshop (see above)
Plant Sale because it is one of our most popular native
plants.
Long cascades of tiny,
orchid-like purple (pictured) or white flowers are followed
by grapelike clusters of golden berries, hence the name.
This plant grows from a
multi-stem base, sending out long cascading branches.
Gradually over the years it will get taller and taller. I
have one that is a cascading shrub and another that I’ve
pruned off all the lower branches but a few and turned it
into a small ornamental tree. Mine’s white and those long
flower cascades are really pretty hanging down over the
woodpile.
Like most of the
commercially-popular native Texas plants, this one needs
EXCELLENT drainage. It’s native to Central Texas areas where
the rain, what little there is of it, passes through the
porous soil so quickly, it just sort of kisses the roots as
it passes by. Overwatering will stop it from blooming. The
more sun the better, altho it can take morning shade. You
can’t go wrong with the this plant.
GREATER HOUSTON/GALVESTON/BEAUMONT GARDENING CALENDAR These
events are all in Houston unless otherwise specified. All
are listed almost exactly as submitted. Call and confirm;
dates, times, etc., may have changed!
Monday August 14: “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, August 15: “Gardening With Nature” by Karen
Breneman, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Mercer Arboretum, 22306
Aldine Westfield, 281-443-8731,
www.hcp4.net/mercer;
free.
Tuesday, August 15: Reservation deadline for the Thursday,
August 17: “Special Workshop: Make a Decorative Rain Gauge”
by Cynthia Douglas, from 10 a.m. to noon., Mercer Arboretum,
22306 Aldine Westfield, (281)-443-8731,
www.hcp4.net/mercer;
$15.
Tuesday (August 15): “Snakes in Houston” by Mike Howlett,
6:30 p.m., Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek
Dr., 281-855-5600 or harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort. Master
Gardener event; free.
Tuesday, August 15: “Rain Barrels & Butterfly Propagation”
by Linda Rippert, 2 p.m., Sugar Land Branch Library, 550
Eldridge Road; Sugar Land Garden Club event; 281-242-0566 or
sugarlandgardenclub.org; free. Fort Bend County Libraries’
Sugar Land Branch, 550 Eldridge, will host the Sugar Land
Garden Club’s Annual Meeting, with a special presentation,
“Butterfly Propagation and Rain Barrels for Your Garden,” on
Tuesday, August 15, beginning at 2:00 PM, in the Meeting
Room. Sugar Land Garden Club member Linda Rippert will
discuss ways of attracting and raising butterflies in a
garden. She will also discuss various ways of capturing
rainwater for irrigation.
An accompanying exhibit of pictures showing the different
stages of butterfly propagation will be displayed throughout
the month of August, courtesy of the Sugar Land Garden Club.
Club librarians Gay Chavez and Edna G. Matamoros coordinated
the exhibit. The program and exhibit are free and open
to the public. For more information, please call the branch
library at 281-277-8934 or the Public Information Office at
281-341-2677.
Thursday, August 17: Reservation deadline for the Saturday,
August 19: “Tropical Workshop”, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mercer
Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, (281)-443-8731,
www.hcp4.net/mercer;
$50.
August 17, “Fall Wildflowers,” Ruth Milburn, 7PM, Houston
Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway, free. Native
Plant Society event, (713)681-3665 or
www.npsot.org.
August 19: “Ground Covers”, Suzzane Chapman, Mercer Gardens
at 6:30 pm. Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Crek
Park. Free Master Gardener event. 281-855-5600;access
http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort
Saturday (August 19) Registration deadline for the
Wednesday, August 30th Harris County Master Gardener
Precinct 2 Intermediate Level Horticultural Workshop:
The Key to Understanding Flowering Plants in your Garden. 9
am – 1 pm Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Dr, Houston,
TX 77004. Fee $38. Register
at http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu
or call (281) 991-8437
Monday August 21: “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.
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.
Tuesday, August 22: “Native Plant Garden”, 9 a.m.-noon,
Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield, 281-443-8731,
www.hcp4.net/mercer;
free.
August 22: “Landscape Design” by Carol Brouwer, Green Thumb
series at the Tracy Gee Community, 3599 Westcenter Dr.
6:30-9 pm. Texas Cooperative/Master Gardener event.
Free to public. Call 281-855-5600; access
http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort
Thursday, August 24, “Hibiscus”, 7:15 pm-8:15 pm., Bud
O’Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg
from, 281.341.7068 or www.co.fort-bend.tx.us or
www.fbmg.com, free.
Saturday, August 26: “Planting for Butterflies Seminar” by
Karen Breneman, 11 am, Martha’s Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6
Bypass, Navasota, 936-870-4044 or email:
registration@marthasbloomers.com, Free!
Sat., August 26: Houston Plumeria Society at Teas Nursery
Hawaiian Festival, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Teas Nursery, 4400
Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400
www.teasnursery.com;
free; no reservation needed.
Sat., August 26: Kids Gardening Club Goes Hawaiian at Teas
Nursery Hawaiian Festival, 11:00 am, Teas Nursery, 4400
Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400
www.teasnursery.com;
free; no reservation needed.
Sunday, August 27: “Leaping Lizards - Lizards as Pets” Gina
Disteldorf, East TX Herpetological Society, 2 p.m., Houston
Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Dr.; 713-681-8433 or
www.houstonarboretum.org; free.
Monday August 28: “Sell What You Grow at a Green Market” by
Jim Bundscho, 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. Jim Bundscho is a market gardener
and managed the Bayou City Farmers’
Market.
Aug. 30: Registration Dedline for Saturday, September 9:
Fall Volunteer Orientation, Houston Arboretum & Nature
Center, 4501 Woodway Drive; 713-681-8433 or
www.houstonarboretum.org; free **Register by
Wednesday, August 30 **
Sept. 1: Registration deadline for the Saturday, Sept. 9
Wildscapes Workshop with Dee Howell, Chris LaChance, Diane
Cabiness, Gloria and John Tveten and Lisa Gonzales, 9 a.m.-3
p.m., University of Houston Central Campus, Register at
281-558-3710 or email:
sarahbethsmith1@aol.com; $30.
Sept. 5: “Gardening Fun by the Sq. Foot”, John Jons at 12
noon. Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr.
Free Master Gardener meeting. 281-855-5600, access
http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort
Wednesday (Sept 6) Perennials for the Gulf Coast by Angela
Chandler, 10 am 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Houston, TX 77034,
free. Harris County Master Gardener Precinct 2 Event (281)
991-8437, Website:
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu
September 6: Rice University’s continuing education studies
department will network with Houston Audubon Society (HAS)
to offer an introductory birding class beginning the end of
Sept. 06. Details about this and other classes are available
at
www.houstonaudubon.org/index.cfm/MenuItemID/292/MenuSubID/39.htm
or
www.houstonaudubon.org or from Glenn Olsen,
281-345-4151.
Thursday Sept 7: “Backyard Composting” by John Cleveland,
6:15-8:15 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane St.; 713-880-5540
to register;
www.urbanharvest.org for details and directions; $20.
Compost improves plant health, makes the soil more fertile,
helps retain water in dry periods and decreases soil erosion
and disease damage. John Cleveland is a Certified Master
Composter.
Saturday, September 9: Fall Volunteer Orientation, Houston
Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive; 713-681-8433
or
www.houstonarboretum.org; free **Register by
Wednesday, August 30 **
Saturday, September 9-10: Cat Spring 12th Annual Antiques &
Garden Show,9 a.m.-5 p.m.; September 9, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
September 10, Historic Cat Spring Agricultural Hall, 13035
FM 1094 in Cat Spring: (5.00. Kids Free), (979-865-5618)
Sunday, September 10:”Nature Photography” by Therese Tusa, 2
p.m., Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive;
713-681-8433 or
www.houstonarboretum.org; free
Sept. 11: “Garden Tool Maintenance” by Greg Harmison, Good
Shepherd Episcopal Church, 7 p.m., 2929 Woodland Hills in
Kingwood. Lake Houston Gardeners event, 713 256-6314; free.
Monday Sept 11: “How to Start a Community or School Garden”
by Gary Edmondson, 4:00-6:30 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane
St.; 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, September 12, 2006. 9:30 a.m. “Amaryllis” by
Charles Prasek, Houston Amaryllis Society. Jersey Village
Civic Center, 16327 Lakeview Drive. Visitors welcome. $5
program fee. Jersey Village Garden Club event, 713-466-6885.
Tuesday Sept 12: “Using Land Effectively By Sustainable
Design” by The Permaculture Guild of Houston, 7:00-9:30
p.m., Location TBA; 713-880-5540 to register;
www.urbanharvest.org
for details and directions; $160. Class topics include
methods for observing the natural and material environment;
for using natural patterns in garden designs; and for
raising vegetables, fruits, and animals using sustainable
methods.
September 14, “Native Vines of the Upper Texas Coast,” by
Glenn Olsen. 7PM, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501
Woodway, free. Native Plant Society event, (713)681-3665 or
www.npsot.org.
Saturday & Sunday, September 16 & 17: “Bromeliad Society
Plant Sale” , Sat: 9 am-5 pm, Sun: 11 am-4pm, Houston
Bromeliad Society/Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501
Woodway; For info. HBS: 713-858-3047,
www.bromeliadsocietyhouston.org, free
Monday Sept 18: “How to Start a Community or School Garden”
by Dr. Bob Randall, 1:00-3:45 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane
St.; 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, September 19: “Fabulous Finds for Fall Gardening”
by Heidi Sheesley, 10 a.m., Sugar Land Community Center, 226
Matlage Way in Sugar Land; Sugar Land Garden Club event;
281-565-4658 or
www.sugarlandgardenclub.org; free.
Saturday, September 23: Sugar Land Garden Club Garden Art
and Plant Sale, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sugar Lakes Clubhouse,
930 Sugar Lakes Drive in Sugar Land;
281-565-4658 or
www.sugarlandgardenclub.org; free.
Saturday, September 23 “Kindergarten for Rose Lovers..Learn
About Teachers Pets!” Presented by Mark Chamblee, Chamblee’s
Rose Nursery, Tyler Texas. 10am, The Arbor Gate 15635 FM
2920 Tomball, 281 351 8851,
www.arborgate.com,
free
Sunday: September 24: “Biodiversity” by Dr. Barry Sullender,
Rice University, 2 p.m., Houston Arboretum & Nature Center,
4501 Woodway Dr.; 713-681-8433 or
www.houstonarboretum.org; free
Monday Sept 25: “Sell What You Grow at a Green Market” by
Ray Sher, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane St.;
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. Ray Sher is a market gardener at
Garden of Eden.
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.
Sept. 26: “Landscape Maintenance”, Carol Brouwer, Harris
County Agent. Green Thumb series; 6:30-9 pm. Tracy Gee
Community, 3599 Westcenter Dr. Texas Cooperative/Master
Gardener event. Free to public. 281-855-5600; access
http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort.
Thursday Sept 28: “Working With Soils And Mulches” by John
Ferguson, 6:15-8:15 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane St.;
713-880-5540 to register;
www.urbanharvest.org
for details and directions; $20. Learn the basics of
soil preparation, how to select and use mulches, and a
primer on the soil food web.
Bring a baggie with some of your garden soil. John Ferguson
has a soil science background and is considered one of the
top lecturers on this subject in Texas.
Saturday, (Sept 30) Fall Garden Treasures Plant Sale, 9:15
am- 1:00 pm. Clear Lake Park, 5001 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook,
TX 77586-5305. Free seminars starting at 8 am. Harris County
Master Gardener Precinct 2 Event. (281) 991-8437, website:
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu
Saturday, Sept. 30: Harris County Master Gardener Fall
Symposium & Plant Sale, 8 a.m.-Plant Sale preview; 9 a.m.-2
p.m.-plant sale; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.-symposium, Harris County
Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Drive. Symposium
registration at 281-855-5600 or harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort; $15
in advance includes lunch; $10 at door. Plant sale free. The
Harris County Master Gardener Fall Symposium and Plant Sale
will be September 30, 2006 at the Harris County Extension
Office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr.The Symposium topics and speakers
are as follows: 10:00 am Proper Pruning and Tree Care by Jed
Day (Davey Tree); 11:00 am Irrigation Systems by Howard
Starr; 12:00 noon Lunch and Time to Shop; 1:00 pm Fall Bulbs
by Gregg Grant; 2:00 pm Container Water Gardens and
Disappearing Fountains by Anita Nelson (Nelson Water
Gardens). Symposium concludes at 3:00 pm.
Pre-registration $15.00 includes lunch, call 281-855-5600 or
access
http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort; registration at the door
$10 (no lunch). Plant material will be open to all for
overview at 8:00 am. Plant sale from 9:00 until 2:00.
September 30 - October 1: Spring Branch African Violet Club
Annual Sale, 9a-5p Sept. 30; 12 noon-4p Oct 1, Hermann Park
Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Dr.,
713-462-4257 or
www.orgsites.com/tx/sbavc, free.
Wednesday (October 4) Herbal Delights by Ginia Keen, 10 am
1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Houston, TX 77034, free. Harris County
Master Gardener Precinct 2 Event (281) 991-8437, Website:
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu
Thursday October 5: “Fertilizing Fundamentals” by Mike
Serant, Mike Baum and Dr. Bob Randall, 6:15-8:15 p.m., Urban
Harvest, 1900 Kane St.; 713-880-5540 to register;
www.urbanharvest.org
for details and directions; $20. Explore the basics of soil
fertility and plant nutrition, as well as the many excellent
organic fertilizers available for landscape and food crops.
Application techniques will be profiled as will
fertilization schedules. Mike Serant has 20 years of
professional experience with organic fertilizers and
amendments.
Saturday, October 7 “Cooling Down the Garden-Plants from
Fall through Spring” presented by Linda Gay, Mercer
Arboretum, 10am The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920 Tomball, 281
351 8851
www.arborgate.com, free
Monday Oct 9: “How to Start a Community or School Garden” by
Gary Edmondson, 4:00-6:30 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane
St.; 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, October 10 “Heirloom Bulbs for Gulf Coast Gardens”
presented by Chris Weisinger, The Southern Bulb Company,
10am The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920 Tomball, 281 351 8851
www.arborgate.com
free
Thursday Oct 12: Registration Deadline for Sat. Oct 14 class
“Rainwater Cisterns and Other Ways to Use Rainwater in the
Landscape” by Jennifer Walker, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Urban
Harvest, 1900 Kane St.; 713-880-5540 to register;
www.urbanharvest.org
for details and directions; $25. Catch water when it rains
and use it to water plants during dry times. This class
discusses low cost methods you can do to absorb water on
your property such as swales and rain gardens, as well as
cost effective methods such as rainwater cisterns. Jennifer
Walker is a civil engineer, a certified permaculture
designer, an organic vegetable specialist, and grows a wide
range of plants in her Houston garden.
Thursday-Saturday (Oct. 12-13-14): Oct. 12-14; Bulb & Plant
Mart; Thurs & Fri 9:30 am - 5:00 pm and Sat 9:30 am - 2:00
pm with horticulture speakers each morning 8:30 - 9:30;
Westminster United Methodist Church; 5801 San Felipe at
Bering; Garden Club of Houston; 713-816-6631;
www.gchouston.org;
free parking & admission.
Saturday, (Oct 14) Herb-a-Paloooza, Herb Sale and
Celebration, 9 am- 1 pm. Clear Lake United Methodist Church,
16335 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77062.
Free seminars and demonstrations starting at 8 am. Harris
County Master Gardener Precinct 2 Event. (281) 991-8437,
website:
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu
Saturday, October 14 “Garden’ and Grillin’ with Herbs” Ann
Wheeler, Log House Herb Farm and Chef Chris Crowder 11am,
The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920 Tomball,
281 351 8851
www.arborgate.com, free
Monday Oct 16: “How to Start a Community or School Garden”
by Dr. Bob Randall, 1:00-3:45 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane
St.; 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, October 17 “Turning Ordinary Garden Places Into
Extraordinary Ones” Heidi Sheesley, Treesearch Farms, 10 am
The Arbor Gate 15635 FM 2920 Tomball, 281
351 8851
www.arborgate.com free
Thursday Oct. 19: “Ecological Pest Management” by Ron
Breland and Dr. Bob Randall, 6:15-8:15 p.m., Urban Harvest,
1900 Kane St.; 713-880-5540 to register;
www.urbanharvest.org
for details and directions; $20. Manage pest problems
in your landscape and garden using organic methods and learn
to attract beneficial organisms to destroy your pests. Feel
free to bring pictures or a baggy filled with your latest
insect problems (leaves or insects). Ron Breland is owner of
Organoscapes and has many years experience in organic insect
control. Dr. Bob Randall is author of Year Round Vegetables,
Fruits and Flowers for Metro-Houston.
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. 21-22 Fall Gardening Symposium and Garden Tour, The
University of Texas Center for American History and its
Winedale Division in Round Top.
Saturday, October 21 – “Planting Bulbs for Spring” Seminar
by Margaret Cherry, TMCNP#496, 11 am at Martha’s Bloomers,
Navasota; (936) 870-4044, free.
Saturday, Oct. 21: Daylily Sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., West Oaks
Mall, Highway 6 at Westheimer. Houston Area Daylily Society
event, 281-351-8827; free.
Monday Oct 23: “Sell What You Grow at a Green Market” by
Gita VanWoerden, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane
St.; 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 Owner of Animal
Farm Permaculture Center.
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.
Tuesday, October 24 “Herbs, Herbs, Everywhere!” presented by
Ann Wheeler, Log House Herb Farm, 10 am The Arbor Gate 15635
FM 2920 Tomball 281 351 8851
www.arborgate.com
free
Thursday Oct. 26: Registration deadline for Sat. Oct. 28
class: “Constructing Nature Ponds And Wetlands” by Ron
Jones, South Main/Butler Stadium area, 713-880-5540 to
register;
www.urbanharvest.org for details and directions; $30.
Learn to build a nature pond and wetland and stock it with
fish and Gulf Coast wetland plants. Ron Jones is a a
specialist in the creation and restoration of ponds and
wetlands with the U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Service.
Saturday, October 28 “Herbs, Herbs, Everywhere!” presented
by Ann Wheeler, Log House Herb Farm, 10 am The Arbor Gate
15635 FM 2920 Tomball 281 351 8851
www.arborgate.com
free
Saturday (Oct. 28): The Woodlands Wildflower Festival, 10
a.m.-2 p.m., Cochran’s Crossing Shopping Center in The
Woodlands.
Saturday, October 28, 2006: 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.msnw.
Sunday, October 29 “Landscape Photography-The Window to Your
Garden” Bill Adams, Garden Writer and Photographer, 1pm The
Arbor Gate 15635 FM 2920 281 351 8851
www.arborgate.com
free
Thursday Nov. 2: “Growing Transplants With A Focus On
Tomatoes” by Diane Norman, 6:15-8:15 p.m., Urban Harvest,
1900 Kane St.; 713-880-5540 to register;
www.urbanharvest.org
for details and directions; $20. Learn to grow
transplants from seed using low-cost methods and easy
procedures. Diane Norman is co-owner of the Arcadia Nursery
& Farm. She grows and sells organic transplants and
vegetables.
Saturday, November 4 “Welding 101-Build a Trellis” Charles
Strack, Iron Visions, 9am-noon, The Arbor Gate 15635 FM 2920
281 351 8851
www.arborgate.com FEE, limited space available.
Tuesday, November 7 “Deck the Halls” Usher in the holidays
with your friends at The Arbor Gate! 3-7pm The Arbor Gate
15635 FM 2920, 281 351 8851
www.arborgate.com
free.
Monday Nov 13: “How to Start a Community or School Garden”
by Gary Edmondson, 4:00-6:30 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane
St.; 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.
Thursday Nov. 16: “Irrigation For Gardeners” by Howard Starr
and Angela Chandler, 6:15-8:45 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900
Kane St.; 713-880-5540 to register;
www.urbanharvest.org
for details and directions; $20. Summer is the perfect
time for using a water-conserving irrigation system, and
winter is the perfect time for planning it and installing
it. Compare several types of systems, learn how to design
the layout, install, and maintain an economical and
practical irrigation system. Howard Starr is a mechanical
engineer and certified Organic Vegetable Specialist who has
installed several irrigation systems. Angela Chandler is
President of Harris County Master Gardeners and has taught
micro-irrigation for four years.
Monday Nov 20: “How to Start a Community or School Garden”
by Dr. Bob Randall, 1:00-3:45 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane
St.; 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.
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.
Saturday, December 2 Tenth Annual Christmas Open House Food,
Fun, Friends, Music and Merriment! 3-7pm The Arbor gate
15635 FM 2920, 281 351 8851
www.arborgate.com
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.
These are all the events submitted to me for my Houston
Chronicle column. First preference for that column calendar
are Greater Houston area events; however, I’ll be glad to
include other area events in this column. Submit them at
least a month in advance (two is better) to:
lazygardener@sbcglobal.net
IF YOU FOUND THIS COLUMN HELPFUL, YOU MIGHT LIKE SOME OF
BRENDA’S FLYERS FROM HER GARDENING TALKS:
($1 each plus a self addressed, stamped envelope; 3 flyers
will fit in one envelope. Make checks payable to Brenda
Beust Smith and mail to: Flyers, 14011 Greenranch, Houston,
TX 77039)
• RAIN/BOG GARDEN DESIGN. Turn that low spot into an asset
to help store water for drought periods.
• ECOLAWNS. How to have a healthier, more
environment-friendly lawn from a lazy gardener’s
perspective.
• 10 COMMANDMENTS OF LAZY GARDENING. It’s a mindset with
very practical steps.
• DEER NO! PLANTS. Tips and planting suggestions.
And, from Brenda’s now out-of-print “Lazy Gardener’s Guide”
($1 each) — designs for:
A BUTTERFLY GARDEN
AN HUMMINGBIRD GARDEN
AN ANTIQUE ROSE GARDEN
A WILDFLOWER GARDEN
A GARDEN IN SHADE ALL DAY (NO DIRECT RAYS)
A GARDEN IN FILTERED OR PARTIAL SUN
A GARDEN IN ALL DAY SUN OR AFTERNOON SUN
A TROPICAL GARDEN FOR WINTER BEAUTY
($1 each plus a SASE; 3 flyers will fit in one envelope.
Make checks payable to Brenda Beust Smith and mail to:
Flyers, 14011 Greenranch, Houston, TX
77039)
Brenda Beust Smith
Brenda@guidrynews.com
Have you visited Brenda's Garden lately? Her online column
(with its year-long Garden Calendar of Area Events) can be
read at
http://www.guidrynews.com/brenda.htm
Brenda's informational flyers: "No Deer Plants” •
"Eco-Lawns” • "10 Commandments of Lazy Gardening” • “A
Butterfly Garden" • "A Hummingbird Garden" • "An Antique
Rose Garden" • "A Wildflower Garden" • "A Garden in Shade
All day (no direct sun rays)" • "A Garden in Filtered,
Partial or Dappled Sun All Day" • "A Bog (Rain) Garden" • "A
Garden in All Day Sun or Strong Afternoon Sun" • "A Tropical
Garden for Winter Beauty" • "A Winter Color Garden" • Each
flyer is $1. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope (3
flyers per envelope) with check payable to Brenda B. Smith)
to: Lazy Gardener Flyers, 14011 Greenranch, Houston, TX
77039.
Be sure to list flyers ordered.
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