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Had an interesting experience recently when I was asked to
do a segment on growing herbs on the Great Day Houston show
(9 a.m., Ch. 11). They wanted me to discuss chia pets too.
The chia pets didn’t make it on air (ran out of time) but I
did learn some things.
Have to admit I’ve never tried to grow a chia pet but they
would be a fun thing for children. The plants are Salvia
Columbariae and while they are edible, I don’t think I’d eat
them. Also, don’t take it personally if they:
1. Don’t sprout at all or
2. Sprout, grow a while and then die.
You never know what they’ve been through. Seeds stay viable
for along time, but if they’ve been exposed to extreme heat,
extreme cold or moist conditions, that may affect both their
ability to spout and/or to grow into adult plants.
Something else really fun I found at Buchanan’s Native
Plants (on 11th St. in the Heights,
www.buchanansplants.com). They’re called Pot Heads
(company name: Grow a Head) and would be an ideal gift for
anyone with a desk.
 |
They’re cute
little “heads” with rye seed planted for hair. The
faces are adorable and I found myself actually
talking to the one Buchanan’s loaned me for the show
as I drove to the Ch. 11 studio.
Maybe it’s the live
hair that makes them so friendly. |
Just a thought
if you’re looking for an inexpensive gift. I forgot to ask
what they cost.
DEAR BRENDA: Does anyone around here worry about invasive
plants? Where I come from (Florida) this is a big issue and
we are constantly advised to be on the lookout for certain
plants. But since moving to Clear Lake, I’ve heard nothing
about this problem. Surely you have invasives here? Sam
DEAR SAM: Of course we do, and there has been a great deal
of publicity about them. I guess the problems is TMI, too
much information. Here’s some information from the Citizens
Environmental Coalition (www.cechouston.org),
a group to which anyone who cares about the environment
should belong:
In the most recent CEC newsletter, Ella Tyler writes about a
new free pocket guide to the twenty most dangerous invasive
plant species in the Galveston Bay Area. Published by
Galveston Bay Estuary Program and the Houston Advanced
Research Center, the guide has color pictures and info on
local distribution, preferred habitat, reproduction, and
growth patterns.
The guide also describes the ecological, economic, or social
impact of each plant, which is useful in encouraging plant
suppression. The guide can be found on the web at
www.galvbayinvasives.org. Or, to request a free
hard copy of the guide, contact Jeff DallaRosa at
jdallaro@tceq.state.tx.us or Lisa Gonzalez at (281)
486-1242 or at
lgonzalez@harc.edu or (281) 364-6044.
DEAR BRENDA: Never thought I’d say this, but the biggest
problem in my garden now is the way everything is growing!
Shrubs are getting huge, much larger than they should, and
crowding out other plants. Any suggestions? T.R.
DEAR T.R.: Not only do I understand, I totally empathize.
It’s called global warming, too warm winters, a summer with
excessive rainfall. Boy has it changed our gardens.
Here’s what I’ve done. Every other shrub I turn into a tree.
That way one grows tall so the two adjacent can spread out
horizontally. For example, in a row I have a barlaria,
variegated hibiscus and firespike. They’ve already
smothered the lower-growing plants that were in front of
them and were starting to battle each other.
The varigated hibiscus I am turning into a tree, so it can
tower above and the barlaria and firespike can grow
sideways. This is officially called underpruning and means
you remove all but 3-5 lower horizontal stalks that will, in
effect, become the tree “trunks.” You can leave just
one but remember these are genetically programmed to be
shrubs, so leaving 3 or 5 (an uneven number is best) will
make the plant stronger.
Just keep pruning away all the lower branches. As the plant
grows taller, begin removing the lower horizontal branches.
Just keep this up until you’ve got it at the height you
like.
I’m doing the same thing, in another part of the yard, with
a duranta.
Hope this helps.
Brenda
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!
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. Free plant sale open to
the public.
Sept. 5: “Plumeria Culture” by Paula Furtwangler, 12 noon.
Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Free
Master Gardener meeting. 281-855-5600, access
http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort
Tuesday Sept
5: “How to Start a Community or School Garden – Class 2:
Design” 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. This class is open
to those who have attended Class 1. Learn the criteria
needed to choose a site and design considerations. Design a
small garden and review native and well adapted plants that
you can use for ponds, habitat or butterfly gardens in the
Houston area. Gary Edmondson is Director of Community and
School Gardens at Urban Harvest.
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; free.
Wednesday (Sept. 6): “Plumerias and Other Unusual Plants of
Hawaii” by Lee and Lou Jacobs, 9:30 a.m., Amegy Bank, 303
East Main in League City. Kemah Bay Area Garden Club event,
281-332-5294; free.
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.
Thursday (Sept. 7): Registration deadline for the September
9 “Easy Propagation Techniques for the Home Gardener”
workshop, 9 a.m.-noon, Extension Office,
5115 Highway 3 in Dickenson. Galveston County Master
Gardener event, 281-534-3413, ext. 6; free.
Friday, September 8: “Container Gardening in Your Own
Backyard” by Ron Brown, 10:30a.m., Houston Garden Center,
1500 Hermann Drive: free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs
event, 281-252-4539
Saturday, September 9: “Orchids” by Dr. Rainer Fink, Orchid
Specialist, 11 am, Martha’s Bloomers, 8101 Hwy 6 Bypass,
Navasota, 936-870-4044 or email:
registration@marthasbloomers.com, Free!
Saturday, September 9-10: Cat Spring 12th Annual Antiques &
Garden Show,9 a.m.-5 p.m., 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 12: “Native Plants” by Diane Cabiness, 9:30 a.m.,
Rayford Community Center, 2325 Rayford Road. The Woodlands
Garden Club event, 281-363-9964; free.
Tuesday (Sept. 12): “Irrigation/Water Management” by Melinda
Sperl, 7 p.m., St. Peters United Methodist Church, 20775
Kingsland Blvd. in Katy. Texas Gardening Sanctuary event.
Register at
txgardeningsanctuary@msn.com or 713-530-4144; $25.
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.
Thursday (Sept. 14): Registration deadline for the September
16 “Graft Your Own Fruit & Nut Trees” workshop, 9 a.m.-noon,
Extension Office, 5115 Highway
3 in Dickenson. Galveston County Master Gardener event,
281-534-3413, ext. 6; free.
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.
Wednesday (Sept. 20): “Natives for Sunny Gardens” by
Patricia Martin, 9:30 a.m., Amegy Bank, 303 East Main in
League City. Gulf Coast Gardeners’ Forum event,
281-332-5269; free.
Thursday (Sept. 21): Fall Pecan Field Day with Bill Ree,
4-5:30 p.m., Jim Hall’s Pecan Orchard, 11813 28th Street in
Santa Fe. Galveston County Extension event, 281-534-3413;
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
Communtiy, 3599 Westcenter Dr. Texas Cooperative/Master
Gardener event. Free to public. 281-855-5600; access http://
harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort.
Tuesday (Sept. 26): Gardening Day: The Garden Speaks to the
Soul by Loretta Coussirat and Leedell Scott, 9:30 a.m.-3
p.m., The Cenacle Retreat House, 420 N. Kirkwood Rd.,
281-497-3131 or
www.cenacleretreathouse.org; $25.
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.
Tuesday Oct 3: “How to Start a Community or School Garden –
Class 3: Implementation” 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. This class is open
to those who have attended Classes 1 and 2. Critique designs
from Class 2 and review decisions on placement of the
garden. Create a spreadsheet of materials needed and
determine the cost of your garden build. Learn to set a
schedule for ordering materials and build dates. Other
topics include laying out your design at your site,
construction, tools needed for building day and routine
maintenance, and maintaining your site. Review fruits that
grow well in the Houston area. Gary Edmondson is Director of
Community and School Gardens at Urban Harvest.
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.
Saturday, Oct. 7: Fabulous Fall Festival Sale, 9 a.m.-2
p.m., Mast Auditorium, Stephen F. Austin State University,
Nacogdoches, (936) 468-2159 or
http://arboretum.sfasu.edu. The annual Fabulous Fall
Festival plant sale at Stephen F. Austin State University's
Mast Arboretum will be from 9 a.m. to
2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at the intramural field on Wilson
Drive. As usual, a great selection of rare, unusual, and
Texas-tough trees, shrubs, vines, herbaceous perennials,
grasses and groundcovers will be available, said Dawn
Stover, Mast Arboretum research associate. Almost all of the
plants are produced at SFA by the staff, students and
volunteers. Greg Grant, Pineywoods Native Plant Center
research associate, will introduce his pink ‘Pam Puryear’
Turk’sCap; ‘Buttercream’ Lantana; and the 2006 Texas
Superstar, ‘Henry Duelberg’ Sage, according to Stover. Many
of the rare Aromi hybrid deciduous azaleas will be offered,
as will a good number of the rarely available Texas native
Southern sugar maple, Acer barbatum, Stover said. Proceeds
from the plant sale help support the SFA Mast Arboretum, the
Ruby Mize Azalea Garden, the Pineywoods Native Plant Center
and educational programs.
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
Tuesday, October 10, 2006. 9:30 a.m. “Ferns” by Mike Lowry.
Jersey Village Civic Center, 16327 Lakeview Drive. Visitors
welcome. $5 program fee. Jersey Village Garden Club event,
713-466-6885.
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.
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.
Saturday (Oct. 21): Fall Plant Sale and Flea Market, 8
a.m.-2 p.m., Extension Office, 1 TAM Road in Huntsville.
Walker County Master Gardener event, 936-435-2426; 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.msn.
October 28, 2006 - 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - The Herb Society
of America, South Texas Unit hosts its 34th Annual Herbal
Harvest Fair, 7008 S. Rice Ave, Bellaire, TX - herb plants,
herbal products made by members: herbal seasoning blends,
jelly, honey, tea, mustard, vinegars, fragrance items,
herbal wreaths and refreshment area. Free admission, open to
the public. For more info:
www.herbsociety-stu.org or
www.herbsociety.org
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 FREE, limited space available
Monday Nov 6: “How to Start a Community or School Garden –
Class 2: Design” 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. This class is open
to those who have attended Class 1. Learn the criteria
needed to choose a site and design considerations. Design a
small garden and review native and well adapted plants that
you can use for ponds, habitat or butterfly gardens in the
Houston area. Gary Edmondson is Director of Community and
School Gardens at Urban Harvest.
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.
Monday Dec 4: “How to Start a Community or School Garden –
Class 3: Implementation” 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. This class is open
to those who have attended Classes 1 and 2. Critique designs
from Class 2 and review decisions on placement of the
garden. Create a spreadsheet of materials needed and
determine the cost of your garden build. Learn to set
a schedule for ordering materials and build dates. Other
topics include laying out your design at your site,
construction, tools needed for building day and routine
maintenance, and maintaining your site. Review fruits that
grow well in the Houston area. Gary Edmondson is Director of
Community and School Gardens at Urban Harvest.
January 22: Reservation deadline for the Saturday, January
27, 2007 “Tea Thyme: When Memories Bloom”: celebrating the
65th Anniversary of the Houston Garden Center. Proceeds to
benefit Houston Civic Garden Center renovations. Old
fashioned tea…circa 1942 — “Serving our Grandmothers’
Recipes” ... made with love. Vintage Style Show “Petticoats,
Parasols, and Paraphernalia” — 100 years of women’s history
and fashion in a series of charming vignettes, decade by
decade, presented by the Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum.
Flower Arrangements Through the Decades — Renee Blannchke of
Smithville, designer; creative flower arranging has changed
between 1942 and 2007; dazzling arrangements will
demonstrate the trends. Scavenger Hunt in Our Backyard
(weather permitting). Attire: Vintage accessories/costumes
of all decades. Or, dress in the 21st Century with purple
dress and red hat. At the Garden Center in Hermann Park,
2-5p.m. Sponsored by the Houston Federation of Garden Clubs.
For information 281-341-7702; $25. Reservations by January
22, 2007
January 22: Reservation deadline for the Jan. 27 “Tea Thyme:
When Memories Bloom — Houston Garden Center’s 65th
Anniversary celebration, 2-5 p.m., Houston Garden Center,
1500 Hermann Drive. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs
event, 281-341-7702; $25.
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 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
lazygardener@sbcglobal.net
Have you visited Brenda's Garden lately? Her online column
(with its year-long Garden Calendar of Area Events) can be
www.guidrynews.com/brenda.htm. This column
includes her entire MASTER CALENDAR, every event sent to her
by deadline. It's a great resource for clubs and gardeners
alike.
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