Forced amaryllis and paperwhite narcissus
 are great holiday gifts, especially for
shut-ins, teachers, office workers
and non-gardeners

In my garden there is a large place for sentiment.
My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams.
The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers,
and the dreams are as beautiful. ~ Abram L. Urban

As long as my Grandmother Mimi Gracida was alive, every winter I’d buy her a boxed potted amaryllis bulb.  She’d watch the stalk grow and grow and await the gorgeous red, white, pink or mixed colored flowers.  When they’d bloomed out — usually well into May —  she’d give me back the bulb and I’d plant it in the garden.  And the next winter, I’d buy her another one. 

Today when those bulbs bloom in my garden, I remember her with such tender fondness.  And I’ve continued the tradition with my own mother,  Carmita Gracida Beust, who is living in a retirement community. 

I give at least a dozen boxed potted amaryllis every year as Christmas gifts.  They are perfect for anyone with limited space, like apartment dwellers or office workers or special programs, like the one my son is in.   

Watching those tall elegant stalks gradually reach higher and higher, and then those spectacular flowers that appear … well, it’s certainly a relatively-inexpensive Christmas gift that keeps giving for months and, if they like, for years and years to come.  For these are one of the few forced bulbs that will rebloom winter after winter in a container.    

Paperwhites are about the only other “forced” bulb that can be planted outside afterwards.  The others are usually too “spent.” In a well-drained garden site, amaryllis are almost totally carefree in the Greater Houston area as long as they get good morning sun.   

And, if you’re REALLY into amaryllis, the Amaryllis Society can tell you how to time the reblooming for any date you — like, in time for a wedding or big party. 

My Dec. 16 Lazy Gardener column in the Houston Chronicle details how to force these (and other bulbs and flowering branches) for indoor color at home.  The boxed amaryllis also come with instructions.  Boxed ones to force are available all over now at any place that sells plants, and most that sell cut flowers.  

But as with anything you buy, you get what you pay for.  Shop cheap and you take a chance it might not perform as well as one purchased from a better nursery.  I’ve gotten some pretty nice flowers off those “cheapies.”  It’s just a gamble that you might take for yourself but not with a gift.   

One of the best places to get these bulbs, of course, where you can find the greatest variety (just scope out the pictures here!) is at the Amaryllis Society Sale and Display December 16-17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. both days at Buchanan’s Native Plants, 611 E. 11^th in the Houston Heights area.    

They will have plenty of the exciting new varieties including Cybister Night Star, Monaco, Popov, Darling, Monte Carlo, Cherry Nymph & Mega Star.   

You can get more information at  713-433-4477.  To learn more about these different varieties, log onto www.google.com.  Type in: amaryllis ________  (name of variety). 

DEAR BRENDA:  I know this is a gardening column, but I’m new to Houston and really would like to know something about birders.  Anything you can tell me?  H. A. 

DEAR H. A.:  I just got something from the Citizen’s Environmental Coalition that might help you.  At the very least, you should join the Houston Audubon Society.  See below. 

The annual Christmas bird counts will begin on December 14 and continue for the next three weeks. In Texas, there will be counts at more than 40 sites. A complete list can be found at <http://houstonaudubon.org>.  

 “We’re looking for specific information about sites where five species of threatened birds overwinter,”  said Scott Hecker, director of the Coastal Bird Conservation Program. “Data from Christmas bird counts is currently recorded only for the entire 15-mile diameter count circle, but we need more detailed information to be able to direct conservation efforts to the specific sites that host the most birds.” 

To obtain forms for Coastal Bird Conservation Program reports, e-mail Hecker at <coastalbirds@audubon.org> or see https://loon.audubon.org/payment/donate/SCICBCP.html.  

Most counts welcome novice birders as well as experts, although Hecker says that it is challenging for even expert birders to distinguish the different species of plovers. He said that Oystercatchers are easier to spot – they have a red bill that looks just like an oyster knife.  

The Mad Island Marsh count, which generally takes the national award for highest count of the most species, is Dec 18. It is a rugged count, but many are much easier. The Buffalo Bayou Count on Dec 30 is centered at the Edith Moore Bird Sanctuary on Houston’s west side. It also includes a program for a back yard bird count.  

DEAR BRENDA:  I’m from Nebraska, and we seeded snapdragons, larkspur, hollyhocks and delphiniums in the spring when the ground thawed.  Someone told me here (Meyerland) I should be planting these now.  Can that be right?  Won’t winter kill them?  Susie 

DEAR SUSIE:  They told you right. These seed need cold to germinate properly.  If you wait until spring, you may or may not get good flowers; it depends on the weather and  how cold the ground is.  But if you plant them now, chances are you will have really beautiful flowers come spring. 

If we have an exceptionally cold spell, say, down into the teens when the green sprouts are up, just throw a blanket over them for the night.  Most of the time, however, our cold spells, even down into the 20s, are so short-lived the ground doesn’t freeze.  Once the greenery comes up, pile the leaves up around the stalks.  This will help keep the ground warmer and more moist.   

DEAR BRENDA:  We’ve moved into a high rise with a balcony that faces east.  I’ve tried so many flowers but no luck.  Can you make an recommendations?  Pip 

DEAR PIP: The biggest problem with high rise gardening is wind.  Wind dries out the leaves and soil so quickly, plants are mortally damaged before you even know what’s happening.  The plants that do best are those with tiny or even needle-like leaves.  These are the least likely to lose moisture to the wind. 

First of all, you need to be SURE and incorporate water-holding polymers in your potting soil.  Two brand names are Agrosoak and SoilMoist.  You soak them in water until they swell up.  Then mix them into the soil, maybe one handful to every 3-4 cups of soil.  But the exact proportions aren't that important.  You just want about 3/4th soil and 1/4th polymers.  

While you're at it, toss in a handfull of Osmocote slow release fertilizer.  Can't hurt.  And buy some fine pine bark mulch to put on top the soil (to conserve moisture).  If you can afford it, buy two pots for each plant, both with drainage holes (very important), one slightly smaller than the other. The air wall around the inside pot will also help conserve moisture and keep them cooler in summer and warmer in winter. 

Now, the plant's I'd recommend.  Only buy one or two of each, but get the largest ones you can afford. They'll have the best root systems.  You can put a variety in each pot.  This will give you a chance to see which ones you like and, more important, which like you.  Not all will, so be prepared.  But you can always fill in with more of those that do like you. 

Some of these get large in the garden but will be bonsai-ized somewhat by being in a pot.  And you can always cut these back if they get too large.  Don't overwater any of these.  They're all drought tolerant so a drainage hole is essential if you don't want to drown the roots. That's the beauty of those polymers.  They hold water in a form plant roots can access without keeping them too wet. 

ANTIQUE ROSES.  Try Martha Gonzales.  Great low grower with reddish new foliage and wonderful velvety red flowers.

BLACK-EYED SUSAN (Rudbeckia).  Don't overwater!

BLUE DAZE:  Low spreader, blue flowers.  Annual. H.

BLUEBONNETS:   Great for slopes, containers; must have excellent drainage.  Buy plants in spring.

BUSH DAISY. (Europys).  Yellow daisies with evergreen foliage.

BUTTERFLY WEED (Asclepias) . 2-3'; orange or red flowers in a flat clusters.  Attracts butterflies.

CAT WHISKERS (Oithosithon).  Great feathery flowers.

CLEOME.

CONEFLOWERS:

COPPER CANYON DAISIES.  Wonderful airy foliage with a distinctive fragrance when brushed.  Yellow.

COSMOS.  My favorite, easiest-to-seed summer annual.  Brilliant colors with lacy foliage.  Gather drying seed and toss in other parts of garden.

CREPE MYRTLES.  The new weeping crepes are wonderful! Bloom all summer, love the drought.

CUPHEA (Cigar plant).  Tiny red/yellow cigar-shaped flowers on airy stalks.  Attracts hummingbirds.

DAYLILIES.  Bloom April-July; fan leaves nice background or border.  Plant anytime.  Divide when stop blooming.

DURANTA (Golden dewdrop).

GUARA.  Beautiful airy stalks, delicate white, pink or red flowers.  Whites are native, often seen in fields.

LANTANA.  Extremely hardy, 2-4' shrub.  Flowers early summer through frost.  Pinch off tips to make bushier.

LAVENDER, FERN LEAF.  Mounds of lacy foliage, soft lavender spikes.  I got ours (do great at the beach) at the Brookwood Community gift shop on Westheimer.

PAVONIA (Rock rose).  Native.  2-4'. Pink flowers spring to frost.  Root-hardy, reseeds.  Pinch to make fuller.

PLUMERIA.  Thumbs down to most tropicals.  This one you stick in garage. Forget until spring.

RUSSELIA. Coral fountain plant is the cascading variety.  'Red Rocket' has upright red spikes. Both are musts for hummingbirds.

VERBENA.  New varieties more heat tolerant.  12" tall, multicolored flowers.  Pinch to make bushier.

WINECUPS.  Great over rocks in dry spots. 

Most of these will be available in the spring at better, independent nurseries.  You may have trouble finding them at mass outlets. 

To see what they look like, go to www.google.com.  Click on "images"  and type in the name of the plant.  Beware of any general gardening advice on the internet. They consider "south" to be Dallas, not our subtropical environment. 

LOOKING FOR A FUN DAY OR EVENING ADVENTURE OUTDOORS?  VISIT ARMAND BAYOU.

Now every Saturday!   Pontoon cruises on Armand Bayou

Breakfast on the Bayou - Start your weekend by enjoying a leisurely Saturday morning breakfast drifting down the bayou on our "Bayou Ranger" pontoon boat. Observe wildlife searching for their breakfast on the bayou. This trip through the heart of Armand Bayou Nature Center presents an uncommon opportunity to watch and learn about bayou life. Enjoy rolls, juice and coffee while underway. The "Bayou Ranger" will pick you up at the Bay Area Park boat launch.  8 – 9:30 am

Fee:  Members:   $20 adults,   $15 children & seniors
          Non-members:   $25 adults,   $20 children & seniors

Sunset Cruise - Join us for a relaxing and educational trip on the bayou in the cool of the evening. Sunset on the water is a peaceful experience as you observe the wildlife of Armand Bayou. Most Saturdays, see Moonlight Cruise below. Times vary with sunset.

Moonlight Cruise - Nightlife on the bayou is a lively chorus of frog songs and owl calls. Some of the workers of the night shift include: raccoons, opossums, nutria, deer, owls, snakes, turtles and alligators. Leave from Bay Area Park aboard the "Bayou Ranger" pontoon boat and travel south to the narrow confines of Horsepen Bayou, a smaller tributary of Armand Bayou offering unique opportunities for up close wildlife viewing.  On Saturdays near full moons, times vary with sunset.

Fee:  Members:   $15 adults,   $10 children & seniors
          Non-members:   $20 adults,   $15 children & seniors

All trips:  For ages 5 and up.  Maximum 12 people.  Reservations and advance payment required. One week’s notice of cancellation required for refund.  Call Armand Bayou Nature Center at 281-474-2551 or check out our web site at www.abnc.org. 

They get into some discussion of invasive species on the bayou and how they get there (largely through the garden trade and backyard ponds).  They also talk about restoration efforts along the bayou's edge, what they plant and how they work to get it established (including protecting it from even more invasive species, like grass carp and nutria).  

THANKS! 

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 Lazy Gardener Garden Calendar (Saturdays, Star Section). All in Houston unless otherwise specified.  All are listed almost exactly as submitted.  Call and confirm; dates, times, etc., may have changed.  If you attend any of these please tell them you saw the notice in Brenda’s ONLINE column. Now that the Chronicle is running only one week’s worth of events with my Lazy Gardener column, this is our area’s ONLY advance notice calendar of gardening events.  Help spread the word to your friends that this is available. 

Saturday Dec 16: Citrus Festival at the Bayou City Farmers’ Market, 8 a.m.-noon, 3000 Richmond (back parking lot), 713-880-5540 or www.urbanharvest.org for more information; free admission.  Celebrate the peak of the citrus season in the Houston area. We’ll feature citrus recipes being prepared on site and citrus “professors” with expert information on how to grow your own citrus.

Saturday-Sunday, December 16-17: Amaryllis Society Sale, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E. 11th Street; 713-433-4477; free.

Monday Dec 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.

Friday (Dec 29) Registration deadline for the Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 intermediate level workshop: The Key to Managing Insects in Your Garden held on Wed Jan 17^th from 9 am-1 pm at the Environmental Institute of Houston, University of Clear Lake.  Fee $48.00.  Call (281) 991-8437 or visit our website at: http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu to download a registration form.  Class size is limited, please register early.

Saturday, Dec 30: “Secrets of Success with Orchids, 2 p.m., Clown Alley Orchids, 3119 Lily Street in Pasadena; 281-991-6841; free.

---------=---2007--------

Tuesday January 2: “Getting Ready for Spring” by Ron Brown, 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 (Jan 3) Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 Monthly Educational Program: Fabulous Fruits, Tantalizing Tomatoes, and a Peck of Peppers by Angela Chandler, 10 am at 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Houston, TX  77034.  Call (281) 991-8437 or website: http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu free program, open to the public.

Thursday Jan.4: “Backyard Orchard II: Care of Fruit Trees” by Dr. Bob Randall, 6:15-8:45 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane St.; 713-880-5540 to register; www.urbanharvest.org for details and directions; $25. Dispel the myth that fruit trees require too much work. Learn how to gain a bountiful fruit harvest without headaches. Dr. Bob Randall grows a wide variety of fruit at his home and in the Urban Harvest Teaching Garden.

Thursday Jan.4: Registration deadline for Saturday Jan. 6 class “Backyard Orchard IV: Peaches, Plums, Pomegranates & Other Fruit” by Ethan Natelson, MD, 9:30 a.m.- noon, Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane St.; 713-880-5540 to register; www.urbanharvest.org for details and directions; $25. These are some of the best tasting fruits you can grow, and many are beautiful ornamentals too. Ethan Natelson, MD is a past President of the North American Fruit Explorers.

Friday Jan.5: “Backyard Orchard III: Hands-On Fruit Tree Pruning” begins, Dr. Bob Randall and Gary Edmondson, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane St.; 713-880-5540 to register; www.urbanharvest.org for details and directions; $30. Winter is the season for this garden maintenance activity so critical to healthy trees and successful fruit production. Six pruning sessions are available on Fridays in January and February.

Saturday, Jan. 6:  “Growing Peaches Workshop” by Herman Auer, 9 a.m.-noon, Galveston County Extension office, 5115 Highway 3 in Dickinson, 281-534-3413; free.

January 8: “Internet Gardening” by Alan Raymond, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 2929 Woodland Hills in Kingwood. Lake Houston Gardeners event, 281-324-4838.

Tuesday, January 9, 2007.  9:30 a.m.  "Landscaping/Curb Appeal" by Carol Brouwer. Jersey Village Civic Center, 16327 Lakeview Drive.  Visitors welcome.  $5 program fee. Jersey Village Garden Club event.  713-466-6885.

Tuesday January 9: The Woodlands Garden Club program, 9:30 A.M., Rayford Road Community Center, 2325 Rayford Road.  Johnothan Pixler, Student at Texas A. & M. majoring in Horticultural Science, will present Tropical Horticulture program.  All interested in gardening invited to attend.  If interested call 281-363-9964.

Wednesday, Jan. 10: “Selection and Care of Garden Tools”, by Greg Harmison, Noon to 2 pm, Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd., (281) 443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

Wednesday Jan. 10: “Successful Fruit Varieties for the Greater Houston Area,” Heidi Sheesley and Ray Sher, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane St.; 713-880-5540 to register; www.urbanharvest.org for details and directions; free class.  Houston's climate is ideal for growing oranges, grapefruit, apples, pears, figs, grapes, blackberries, peaches, and many more varieties. Find out what you can grow in your yard. Sheesley and Sher have decades of experience growing a wide variety of fruits using organic methods.

Wednesday,  January 10:, "Galveston Bay Estuary Program", Scott Jones, Estuary Program Public Information Officer, 10:30a.m., Amegy Bank, 303 E. Main Street.  League City Garden Club event, free to the public.

Thursday Jan 11: “Growing Organic Vegetables Series” begins, 6:15-8:45 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane St.; 713-880-5540 to register; www.urbanharvest.org for details and directions; $205.  Ten classes on a variety of veggies that grow well in our area and organic techniques to grow them.

Friday January 12: "Azaleas and Camellias" by Bart Brechter, 10:30 Houston Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Drive: Free, Houston Federation of Garden Clubs Event, 281-252-4539

Monday Jan 15: “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 and school garden projects since 1987.

Tuesday, Jan 16: “Proven Fruit and Nut Trees for the Houston – Galveston Area”, by John Panzarella, 11 am to 1 pm, Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd., (281) 443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

Tuesday, January 16: "Millenium Seed Bank Project-Plant Conservation in Texas" by Michael Eason, 10:00 a.m., Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way, Sugar Land; Sugar Land Garden Club event; 281-565-4658 or sugarlandgardenclub.org; free.

Tuesday Jan 16: “An Introduction to Permaculture” by the Permaculture Guild of Houston, 7:00-9:30 p.m., Chimney Rock and San Felipe area; 713-880-5540 to register; www.urbanharvest.org for details and directions; free class. Learn about four courses over the next year that will help you turn your yard or farm into a vibrant bird and butterfly-filled space with gourmet vegetables and fruits. The Permaculture Guild of Houston is a group of permaculture designers who co-teach these classes.

Tuesday January 16: "Attracting Purple Martins", Pau Fagala at 7:00 PM. Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Free Master Gardener event. 281-855-5600, access http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort.  

Wednesday (Jan 17) Registration deadline for the Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 intermediate level workshop: Weed Identification and Management in Your Garden held on Wed Jan 24^th from 9 am-1 pm at the Environmental Institute of Houston, University of Clear Lake.  Fee $38.00.  Call (281) 991-8437 or visit our website at: http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu to download a registration form.  Class size is limited please register early.

Wednesday Jan 17: “How to Start a Community or School Garden: Class 2 - Design” by Gary Edmondson, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane St.; 713-880-5540 to register; www.urbanharvest.org for details and directions; free class.  Learn the criteria needed to choose a site and design considerations. Place measurements on paper.

Saturday, Jan. 20: “Arbor Day Tree Lecture”, by John Ross, 10 am to noon, Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd., (281) 443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

Saturday, January 20: “Pruning for Spring” by David Albrecht and Stewart Thompson. 11 am, Martha’s Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6 Bypass, Navasota , 936-870-4044 or email: registration@marthasbloomers.com, Free

Saturday Jan.20: Urban Harvest Fruit Tree Sale, 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 1900 Bering Dr., 713-880-5540 or www.urbanharvest.org for details and directions, free admission. Fruit talk by Heidi Sheesley and Ray Sher from 8:00 a.m. to 9:20 a.m.  Houston's climate is ideal for growing oranges, grapefruit, apples, pears, figs, grapes, blackberries, peaches, and many more varieties. Choose your favorites at this once-a-year sale. New location and expanded selection including exotic tropical fruit trees.

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.

Monday Jan 22: “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.

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.

Tuesday Jan 23: “The Ecological Foundations of Permaculture Design” by the Permaculture Guild of Houston, 7:00-9:30 p.m., Chimney Rock and San Felipe area; 713-880-5540 to register; www.urbanharvest.org for details and directions; $140. Course topics include world ecosystems, climate, water conservation, water supply and waste treatment, soil, trees and forests, pests, and Texas ecosystems. The Permaculture Guild of Houston is a group of permaculture designers who co-teach these classes.

Wednesday Jan 24: “How to Start a Community or School Garden: Class 3 - Implementation” by Gary Edmondson, 2:00-4:30 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane St.; 713-880-5540 to register; www.urbanharvest.org for details and directions; free class.  Critique garden designs from Class 2 , determine materials needed and cost of your garden build. Review fruits that grow well in the Houston area.

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, One Hermann Circle Drive. River Oaks Garden Club event, 713-523-2483 or www.riveroaksgardenclub.org; free.

Thursday Jan 25: Registration deadline for Saturday Jan 27 class “Backyard Orchard V: Apples, Pears & Persimmons” by Ethan Natelson, MD, 9:30 a.m.- noon, Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane St.; 713-880-5540 to register; www.urbanharvest.org for details and directions; $25.  Learn to grow the best varieties of apples, pears and persimmons for flavor and adaptation to our climate. Ethan Natelson, MD is a past President of the North American Fruit Explorers.

Thursday, Jan 25:  "Fruit Trees and Their Care" by Dr. Robert Randall of Houston Urban Harvest. 7:15-8:15 pm (social hour starts at 6:45pm), Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Rd in Rosenberg; free. Fort Bend Master Gardeners event, 281-342-3034 or 281-341-7068  www.fbmg.com

Friday (Jan 26) Registration deadline for the Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 intermediate level workshop: Tree, Shrub and Fruit Tree Pruning held on Sat, Feb 3^rd from 9 am- 1 pm at Clear Lake United Methodist Church at 16335 El Camino Real, Clear Lake, TX 77062.  Fee $20.00.  Call (281) 991-8437 or visit our website at: http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu to download a registration form.  Class size is limited, please register early.

Saturday, January 27: “Container Planting for Late Winter and Spring” by Karen Wier and Gar Houston, 11 a.m., Martha's Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6 Bypass in Navasota, 936-870-4044 or www.marthasbloomers.com; free.

Tuesday Jan.30: “Growing Great Tomatoes!” by Mark Cotham, 6:15-8:15 p.m., Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane St.; 713-880-5540 to register; www.urbanharvest.org for details and directions; $20.  Foolproof organic tips on planting, dealing with pests, fertilization and getting the largest harvest. Mark Cotham is an author of Growing Tomatoes in Greater Houston: the Community Garden Experience.

Saturday, February 3: "Antique Roses" by Glenn Schroeter of the Antique Rose Emporium, 11 a.m., Martha's Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6 Bypass in Navasota, 936-870-4044 or www.marthasbloomers.com; free.

Tuesday February 6:  "Compost Tea/Organic Gardening" by Phil Shannon 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.

Saturday, February 10 "Using Compost & Organics for Better Gardens" by Warren Johnson, 11 am, Martha's Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6 Bypass, Navasota, 936-870-4044, or email: registration@marthasbloomers.com, Free!

Saturday, Feb. 17: Dr. William E. Barrick. Of Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile, AL,  will speak at the University of Houston. Bellingrath Gardens are considered a premier example of Southern charm and graciousness.  Free, but reservations are required as space is limited.  For information, email lazygardener@sbcglobal.net. 

Tuesday, Feb. 20: “Simple Irrigation Repair”, by Greg Harmison, 11 am to 2 pm, Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd., (281) 443-8731, www.hcp4.net/mercer; free.

Tuesday February 20: "Curb Appeal" by Dr. Carol Brouwer at 7:00 PM. Harris County Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Free Master Gardener event. 281-855-5600, access http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort. 

Tuesday, February 20: "Basics of Seed Propagation" by Angela Chandler, 10:00 a.m., Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way, Sugar Land; Sugar Land Garden Club event; 281-565-4658 or sugarlandgardenclub.org; free.

Saturday (Feb 24) Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 Spring 2007 Garden Treasures Plant Sale and Seminar, sale hours 9:15 am-1 pm Landolt Pavilion, Clear Lake Park 5001 Nasa Rd 1, Seabrook, TX  77586.  Classes Schedule: 8 am Fruit Tree Preview, Heidi Sheesley, 8 am Tomatoes, Peppers and Vegetable Preview, Angela Chandler, 11 am Planting and Caring for Fruit Trees, 12 noon Planting and Caring for Tomatoes and Peppers.  For more information call (281) 991-8437 or visit our website at: http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu

Wednesday (Feb 28) New date and location for the Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 Monthly Educational Program: Color in the Garden by Ginia Keen, 10 am, Clear Lake Park 5001 Nasa Rd 1 meeting room on south side of the lake, Seabrook, TX  77586.

Wednesday (Feb 28) Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 Monthly Educational Program: Texas Superstars by Dr. Carol Brouwer at Clear Lake Park in the meeting room located at 5001 Nasa Rd 1, Seabrook, TX 77586 at 10 am (on the south side of the lake), free and open to the public.  For more information please call (281) 991-8437 or visit our website at: http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu

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.

Tuesday, March 20: "Everyday Ikebana," by La Verl Daily, 10:00 a.m., Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way, Sugar Land; Sugar Land Garden Club event; 281-565-4658 or sugarlandgardenclub.org; free.

Saturday, March 24: "Herbs for Now & Later" by Ann Wheeler, 11 a.m., Martha's Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6 Bypass in Navasota, 936-870-4044 or www.marthasbloomers.com; free.

Saturday, March 31: "Jazz Up Your Landscape Plantings" by Dr. Doug Welsh, 11 a.m., Martha's Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6 Bypass in Navasota, 936-870-4044 or www.marthasbloomers.com; free.

Saturday, April 14: Spring Garden Gala plant sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Stephen F. Austin State University ’s Mast Arboretum, intramural field on Wilson Drive, 936-468-4404 or  http://arboretum.sfasu.edu; free. “We will offer a great selection of rare, unusual, and Texas-tough trees, shrubs, succulents, and herbaceous perennials, as well as many heat loving tropicals,” said Dawn Stover, Mast Arboretum research associate. “All of the plants are produced at SFA by the staff, students and volunteers.”  Greg Grant, Pineywoods Native Plant Center research associate, will have a number of his introductions available as well, including the pink flowered ‘Pam Puryear’ and large flowered ‘Big Momma’ Turk’s cap, according to Stover.  “Many of the rare Aromi hybrid deciduous azaleas will be offered, as will a good number of the rarely available native East Texas red buckeye,” 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.

Tuesday, April 17: "Natural History & Cultivation of American Pitcher Plants" by Mike Howlett, 10:00 a.m., Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way, Sugar Land; Sugar Land Garden Club event; 281-565-4658 or sugarlandgardenclub.org; free.

Saturday, April 28:  "Accessorizing the Landscape" by Dr. Bill Welch, 11 a.m., Martha's Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6 Bypass in Navasota, 936-870-4044 or www.marthasbloomers.com; free.

May 1-2: Florescence flower show, Museum of Fine Arts, Beck Building, 5601 Main Street. River Oaks Garden Club, the Garden Club of Houston and the Museum of Fine Arts event, www.riveroaksgardenclub.org  or 713-523-2483; free.

Saturday, May 12:  "Basil, Basil & More Basil" by Ann Wheeler, 11 a.m., Martha's Bloomers, 8101 Hwy. 6 Bypass in Navasota, 936-870-4044 or www.marthasbloomers.com; 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)