|
We recently
treated ourselves to a stop at the Anahuac National Wildlife
Refuge. (http://www.friendsofanuacnwr.org.)
If you’ve
never been to this Gulf Coast treasure, you’re missing a fun
nature outing, especially for the kids.
We stop
by whenever we have time to drive the levee around
Shoveler’s Pond looking for alligators.
It’s
always different, always changing. Sometimes the water
plants have grown so huge, you can’t see anything. Another
time, in the spring, we counted almost 100 (8+ footers)
sunning themselves in the shallow waters.
Our good
friend Doris Robinson went with us on that Easter outing.
Later, on a conversation with an Ohio relative, she noted
that we had gone hunting for alligators on Easter Sunday.
There was
this long silence, she reported. Then the reply came:
“Wow. Up here we hunt Easter eggs.”
This time
there was plenty of open water but no alligators. Still we
saw huge blue herons and lots of other fantastic birds and
butterflies. Anahuac and High Island are now on the
International Flyway, which makes them a real draw for
birders.
I, of
course, go mainly to see which wildflowers are in bloom.
Now that they’ve put in the butterfly garden, there are
plenty of these jewels of nature.
This time
I was overwhelmed by the goldenrod. It was gorgeous.
Before we go any further, let’s clear up one MAJOR
misconception:
GOLDENROD
DOES NOT CAUSE HAYFEVER.
|
Unfortunately it has gotten this bad rap because it
blooms at the same time, and often in the same
place, as ragweed.
In order for a plant to cause hay fever, the pollen
has to be so lightweight it can become airborne.
Ragweed is wind-spread. Goldenrod pollen is very
heavy. It is spread by birds, butterflies and other
insects. |
 |
It’s so
sad that we won’t use this beautiful fall bloomer in our
gardens. But we won’t. It’s our loss.
At any
rate, the fields in and around the Anahuac refuge are
absolutely brilliant gold. Normally Husband speeds (at the
legal limit, of course) down FM 1985 so all I see are blurs
of color. But once we turn onto the refuge road, the
windows come down and flowers come into focus.
He was
still going too fast for me to tell if the pink I was seeing
were penstemons or late swamp hibiscus. Nights are getting
colder so hibiscus blooms (of all types) are getting
smaller.
Baccharis
is in full bloom now. Too bad they can’t so some selective
breeding with the pure white versions of this shrub. Most
are sort of a dirty white.
Around
Shoveler’s Pond and in the butterfly garden are blooming
pink morning glories, pink evening primroses, magnificent
grass plumes, fall asters and lots of butterflies, but
surprisingly few mosquitoes.
It’s well
worth a trip and be sure you sign the visitor’s log. This
helps determine how much funding they get.
| DEAR BRENDA: I
have a great morning glory tree that I started from
a cutting at one of your lectures.
Thanks!
But it’s sending
out some side branches that are getting longer and
longer. Can I cut these back and plant them
somewhere else? A.A. |
 |
DEAR A.A.
Sure. Just whack it off wherever. The more nodes (bumps
where leaves come out) you can cut off, the better.
Everywhere a leaf comes out above ground, a root will come
out below ground. So plant as many of these as you can.
Strip all the leaves off the portion you put underground.
If you
live in the Houston/Galveston area, plant it outside now.
It will need a strong root system to make it through the
heat next summer.
You may
want to mulch it well for protection if we have a prolonged
freezing period. But mine has been out there for about five
years now and it’s doing fine.
Full sun,
well-drained area — but you know that.
Thanks
for the feedback. I often wonder what’s happened to all
those cuttings I’ve handed out over the past 30 years.
DEAR
BRENDA: I heard you say one time that you have lots of
butterflies and hummingbirds in your garden. I’m wondering
what plants you have blooming that attract them now? M.J.
DEAR M.
J.: In my garden now (October), I see butterflies on the
butterfly weed, coral vine, esperanza (Caesalpinia/poinicana/pride
of Barbados), firespike, four o’clocks, hibiscus,
hummingbird bush (hamelia), lantana, pentas, plumbago,
porterweed, ‘Red Rocket’ rusellia and coral fountain plant (rusellia)
and shrimp plants.
The
hummingbirds (boy, have there been a lot this year!) seem
partial to firespike, hibiscus, porterweed and the two
rusellias.
Just fyi
— if you live in the Greater Houston/Galveston area — also
blooming at this time in my yard are barlaria, bulbine, bush
daisies, cestrum, esperanza (Tecoma stans/yellow
bells), gingers, Mexican heather, roses, hardy salvias,
summer phlox, tickseed daisies.
Other
vines in bloom now are the alamanda, mandevilla, morning
glory tree, Rangoon creeper and bleeding heart. Many of
these may attract butterflies too.
Before
your eyes start popping, by “blooming” I mean they have a
flower on them. Most have more than one bloom, but I don’t
want anyone to envision something more than what I really
have.
On the
other hand, if you’ve moved here from northern climates
(like Dallas), you might be expecting the garden to start
going dormant now.
No way.
Our yards, and these flowers, will probably be going strong
well into December. And, if winters continue as they have
in the past, many won’t ever stop blooming at all.
Ah, the
joys of living on the Gulf Coast!!!
Hope this
helps.
Brenda
GREATER
HOUSTON/GALVESTON/BEAUMONT GARDENING CALENDAR
This is my Master Calendar — ALL the events submitted to me
for this column and for my Houston Chronicle Garden Calendar
(Saturdays, Star Section, current week only published). All
in Houston unless otherwise specified. All are listed
almost exactly as submitted. Call and confirm; dates,
times, etc., may have changed!
Wednesday
(Oct. 18): “Flower Design Qualities” by Jane Davis, 10 a.m.,
Amegy Bank, 303 East Main Street in League City. Kemah Bay
Area Garden Club event, 281-332-5294; 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.
October
19, “Pressing plants for display,” Jim Baker, 7PM, Houston
Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway, free. Native
Plant Society event, (713)681-3665 or
www.npsot.org.
Friday
(Oct. 20) Pink Elephant Sale, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-2
p.m. Oct. 21, Hornberger Conference Center, 2151 W. Holcombe
Blvd. River Oaks Garden Club event, 713-523-2483 or
www.riveroaksgardenclub.org; free.
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.
Friday,
Oct. 20-Sunday, Oct. 22: “Botanical Arts — Drawing
Still-Life, Pen and Ink With Color and Field Sketching
Nature” by Cynthia Padilla, Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine
Westfield Rd.,
www.hcp4.net/mercer. Register and fee information
at 281-443-8731. Join resident artist Cynthia Padilla for a
lesson on drawing. Fees include art supplies. This class
qualifies as educational credit for Master Gardeners, Master
Naturalists, and some teachers.
Friday-Saturday (Oct. 20-21: Hawaiian Garden Party and Plant
Sale, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Jerry’s Jungle Gardens, 712 Hill
Rd,77037. info 832-978-5358, Jerrysjungle.com; free.
Saturday,
October 21 – “Planting Bulbs for Spring” Seminar by Margaret
Cherry, 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.
Sat Oct
21: “Bird ID” with Gary Clark, 10 am, Buchanan’s Native
Plants, 611 E 11th, 713-861-5702,
www.buchanansplants.com FREE
Saturday,
October 21: 2006 Ornamentals & Perennials Seminar & Sale,
Seminar by Heidi Sheesley of TreeSearch Farms at 8 a.m.,
Sale gates open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wayne Johnson
Community Center at Carbide Park, 4102 FM 519, La Marque,
281-534-3413 Ext. 6,
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston; admission
free. Sponsored by Galveston County Master Gardener
Association.
Saturday,
October 21: “Planting Bulbs for Spring” by Margaret Cherry
, 11 am, Martha’s Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6 Bypass, Navasota,
936-870-4044 or email:
registration@marthasbloomers.com, Free
Saturday,
Oct. 21: “Bulbs” by Cornelius Noordemeer, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and,
for children, “Planting Snapdragons and Painting Pumpkins,”
11 a.m., Teas Nursery, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., 713-664-4400,
www.teasnursery.com;
free.
Today
(Oct.21): Pink Elephant Sales, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Hornberger
Conference Center, 2151 W. Holcombe Blvd. River Oaks Garden
Club event, 713-523-2483 or
www.riveroaksgardenclub.org; 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
Tuesday,
Oct. 24: “Tropical Dig,” 9 a.m. to noon. Mercer Arboretum,
22306 Aldine Westfield Rd., (281) 443-8731,
www.hcp4.net/mercer;
free. Mercer is moving the tropical garden inside for the
winter. Help prepare, pot, and move the plants to their
winter home in the greenhouse. Wear clothing appropriate for
gardening. Call for reservations. This program qualifies as
Master Naturalist advanced training.
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 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.
Saturday
(Oct. 28): Herbal Harvest Fair, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., lectures
9:30 a.m. “Scented Geraniums” by Mary Versfelt and 10:15
a.m. “Herbs in Landscape” by Lois Sutton, 7008 S. Rice in
Bellaire. Herb Society of America, South Texas Unit event,
713-513-7808,
www.herbsociety-stu.org; free.
Sat Oct
28: “Tree Care & Planting” with Kris Bitner, 10 am,
Buchanan’s Native Plants, 611 E 11th, 713-861-5702,
www.buchanansplants.com FREE
Saturday,
October 28: “ Holiday Decorations” by Tricia Barksdale,
Petals ‘n Bloomers, 11 am, Martha’s Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6
Bypass, Navasota ,936-870-4044 or email:
registration@marthasbloomers.com, Free
Saturday,
Oct. 28: “Planting Marigolds & Trick or Treat” for children,
costumes urged, 11 a.m., Teas Nursery, 4400 Bellaire Blvd.,
713-664-4400,
www.teasnursery.com; free.
Sunday,
October 29 “Landscape Photography-The Window to Your
Garden” Bill Adams, Garden Writer and Photographer, 1 pm
The Arbor Gate 15635 FM 2920 281 351 8851
www.arborgate.com
free
Wednesday, Nov. 1: Early registration deadline for the
November 15 WaterSmart Landscaping Seminar for
Professionals, 8:15 a.m.—3 p.m., Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel,
3000 North Loop West. Register at 281-218-0721 or
www.watersmart.cc;
$55.
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.
Thursday,
November 2: Registration deadline for Saturday, November 4
program Growing Blueberries, by Dr. David Cohen, 9-Noon,
Galveston County Extension Office, 5115 Highway 3,
Dickinson, 281-534-3413 Ext. 6,
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston; no fee but
pre-registration is required. Sponsored by Galveston County
Master Gardener Association.
Thursday
(Nov. 2): “A Holiday Floral Extravaganza,” 6:30 p.m.,
Shirley Acres, Society for the Advancement of Floral
Design event, 281-379-2426; (FEE?)
Friday
and Saturday, Nov. 3 and 4: Chrysanthemum Society Sale and
Program, sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., mum program 10-ll
a.m.-Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd., (281)
443-8731,
www.hcp4.net/mercer; free. Enjoy the chance to purchase
chrysanthemums for your home and garden. Many varieties will
be on sale and the experts will be here to answer your
questions about these wonderful plants. Learn all about
these versatile and beautiful plants. This program will
coincide with the sale both days.
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.
Saturday,
November 4, “ A Childs Garden” by Donna Fay Hilliard, 1:30
p.m., Wabash Antiques & Feed, 5701 Washington Avenue,
713-863-8322; FREE
Saturday
Nov 4: “Heirloom Bulbs for Houston” with Chris Wiesinger of
Southern Bulb Co.; 10 am; Buchanan’s Native Plants,611 E
11th, 713-861-5702;
www.buchanansplants.com; FREE
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.
November
7: “Seed Propagation”, Angela Chandler at 12 noon. Harris
County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Free Master
Gardener event. 281-855-5600, access
http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort; free.
Wednesday
(Nov. 8): “Lunch Bunch: Gardening 101”, noon to 1 p.m.,
Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd., (281)
443-8731,
www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.
Thursday,
November 9: 2006 Galveston Pecan Show & Pecan Bake Show. 7
p.m. Walter Hall Park Pavilion, League City. See website for
more information and map or call 281-534-3413 Ext. 6,
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston; admission
free. Sponsored by Galveston County Fruit & Pecan Committee.
Thursday,
November 9: Registration deadline for Saturday, November 11
seminar Growing and Using Herbs, by MG Suzi Hayes, 9-Noon,
Galveston County Extension Office, 5115 Highway 3,
Dickinson, 281-534-3413 Ext. 6,
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston; no fee but
pre-registration is required. Sponsored by Galveston County
Master Gardener Association.
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.
Monday,
Nov.13th: “Fabulous Gingers” by Master Gardener, Ceil Dow, 7
p.m., Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 2929 Woodland Hills in
Kingwood; free. Lake Houston Gardeners event, 713 256-6314
Tuesday,
November 14: “Fall Plants and Cutting Garden” by Patty
Bansaf, 9:30 a.m., Jersey Village Civic Center, 16327
Lakeview Drive. Jersey Village Garden Club event,
713-466-6885; $5.
Tuesday,
November 14: “Creative Design” by Virginia Woods, 9:30 a.m.,
Rayford Road Community Center, 2325 Rayford Road. The
Woodlands Garden Club 281-363-9964; free.
Wednesday, November 15, “Fall Harvest Tasting” by Mary
Versfelt, 6:30 p.m., Wabash Antiques & Feed, 5701 Washington
Avenue, 713-863-8322; $20.00 per person RSVP
Wednesday, Nov. 15: WaterSmart Landscaping Seminar for
Professionals, 8:15 a.m.—3 p.m., Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel,
3000 North Loop West, 281-218-0721 or
www.watersmart.cc;
$70 at the door.
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.
Thursday,
Nov 16: “Filming the ‘Eyes of Texas’” by Gary James
Tidwell, 7:15-8:15 p.m., Bud O’Shieles Community Center,
1330 Band Rd in Rosenberg. Fort Bend Master Gardeners event,
281-342-3034 or 281-341-7068
www.fbmg.com; free.
Friday,
Nov. 17: “Yardwise” course, 10 a.m., Armand Bayou Nature
Center, 8500 Bay Area Boulevard; register at 281-474-2551,
Ext. 14, or email
heather@abnc.org; free.
The
“YardWise” program is a FREE annual course available to all
Harris County residents interested in learning more about
environmentally responsible yard care. This two-hour course
is a shorter version of our annual full day YardWise class.
Participants will experience a classroom session that
features lectures, slides, and some field instruction.
Date: Thursday, November 17th at 10 am Location: Armand
Bayou Nature Center, 8500 Bay Area Blvd., Pasadena, TX
77507. If you are interested in participating in the
YardWise course, contact us by phone, email or visit
http://www.cleanwaterclearchoice.org/hhw/yardwise.asp.
Contacts: Heather Millar at 281-474-2551 x 14 or email
heather@abnc.org or Herman Sanders at 713-290-3000 or email
hsanders@swq.hctx.net
Saturday,
November 18, “ Growing Citrus in Houston” by Dianne Norman,
1:30 p.m., Wabash Antiques & Feed, 5701 Washington Avenue,
713-863-8322; free.
Saturday
Nov 18: “Blackwood Institute-Bringing Life to the Land” with
Cath Conlon, 10 am; Buchanan’s Native Plants, 611 E 11th,
713-861-5702;
www.buchanansplants.com; FREE
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.
December
5: “Holiday Decorations from the Yard”, Suzanne Ellis 12
noon. Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr.
Free Master Gardener event. 281-855-5600, access
http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort; free.
Thursday,
December 7: Registration deadline for Saturday, December 9
program Growing Tomatoes from Seed, by MG Sam Scarcella,
9-11 a.m., Galveston County Extension Office, 5115 Highway
3, Dickinson, 281-534-3413 Ext. 6,
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston; no fee but
pre-registration is required. Sponsored by Galveston County
Master Gardener Association.
Saturday,
December 9, “ Growing Citrus in Houston” by Dianne Norman,
1:30 p.m., Wabash Antiques & Feed, 5701 Washington Avenue,
713-863-8322; FREE
Sunday,
Dec. 10: Christmas Tour of Homes, 1-5 p.m.,: complimentary
Metro trolley departs from Omni Bank, 4328 Old Spanish
Trail. Blue Triangle Garden Club event, 713 523-4651; $10.
Thursday,
December 16: 2006 Upper Gulf Coast Citrus Show. 7 p.m.
Walter Hall Park Pavilion, League City. See website for more
information and map or call 281-534-3413 Ext. 6,
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston; admission
free. Sponsored by Galveston County Fruit & Pecan Committee.
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.
Thursday,
Jan. 25: “Overcoming Challenges to America’s National Parks”
by National Parks Conservation Association President Tom
Kiernan and National Parklands in Texas Director Jim
Nations, Sadie Gwin Blackburn Environmental Seminar, 9:30
a.m., Houston Museum of Natural Science Imax Theater,
(ADDRESS?). River Oaks Garden Club event, 713-523-2483 or
www.riveroaksgardenclub.org; free.
SOMETIME
IN FEBRUARY: AN EXCITING HORTICULTURE LECTURE AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON!
Thursday-Saturday, March 1-3: Azalea Trail, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Houstonians will celebrate spring once again with the River
Oaks Garden Club’s annual Azalea Trail!! This trail
features four private homes and gardens, as well as the
beautiful Bayou Bend, Rienzi and the River Oaks Garden Club
Forum of Civics Building and Gardens. For ticket sale
information and locations, please contact The River Oaks
Garden Club, 713-523-2483 or
www.riveroaksgardenclub.org; free.
Saturday-Sunday (March 3-4): Spring Branch African Violet
Club Show & Sale; Sat plant sale: 10am-4pm; Sat. show 1-5p;
Sun. show & sale, 10am-4pm, Houston Garden Center, 1500
Hermann Dr., 713-462-4257,
www.orgsites.com/tx/sbavc; free.
May 1-2:
Florescence flower show, Museum of Fine Arts, Beck Building,
River Oaks Garden Club, the Garden Club of Houston and the
Museum of Fine Arts event,
www.riveroaksgardenclub.org or 713-523-2483; 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)
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