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Greetings!
We are so excited about our new classes! In addition to the next Urban Harvest Class, which is Planning the Summer Vegetable Garden, we have two great artists who've agreed to host classes at Papershell!
The first class is Saturday, April 9, from 9:00am to 12:00pm and it's called "Papercrafting!" Participants will create a set of 8 notecards in 2 different designs to take home with them. This class is taught by Jennifer Roden of Houston, Texas and is $20. Preregistration is required: call (281) 232-4485 or email me for more information.
The next class will be taught in 2 sessions: Saturday, April 16 from 9:00am to 12:00pm and Saturday, April 23, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. In this class, participants will create a mosaic piece from their own original design. The piece will be approximately 12x8" and will be suitable for hanging indoors or out. This class is taught by Susie Curry of Richmond, Texas and is $80. Preregistration is required: call (281) 232-4485 or email me for more information.
For both classes, all materials and refreshments will be provided. The classes are indoors and hurray! We've turned the air-conditioners on. So there's no reason for you not to come on out and make something of your own.
Papershell. Original art for original people.
Thanks for signing up for our email newsletter! Come see us soon!
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The Macronutrients: Phosphorus
Two weeks ago, we talked a little bit about nitrogen, which is a plant macronutrient and perhaps the easiest of the nutrients to understand. Today, the topic is phosphorus, which can be a bit more mysterious.  | | Phosphorus: Plant Macronutrient |
Like nitrogen, phosphorus is an essential part of the photosynthesis process and is involved in the plant's production of oils, starches and sugars. The availability of phosphorus affects root growth and blooms. Its presence can encourage rapid growth. Under most conditions, the lack of phosphorus is a limiting condition, because plants require a relatively large amount of it, and it is released only very slowly from insoluble sources. Phosphorus is often found in the soil, but in a form that is not available to plants. To address this, fertilizer companies introduced "superphosphates," or fertilizers high in phosphorus (the middle number). The new fertilizers were great for plants, but their production extracts a heavy environmental toll and the overuse of phosphates is a major contributor to water pollution. What can you do? Try to maintain a normal pH. Your soil's own phosphorus isn't available to plants if the pH is too high (for alkaline soils) or too low (for acid soils). Improve your soil's organic content. When soils contain a great deal of organic matter, phosphorus cannot become fixed to clay molecules as easily, giving plants more time to absorb it. Even if phosphorus is present in your soils, it might not be available to plants. Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency include: weak, spindly, thin stems; stunted new growth; unusually dark green color; and inability to form flowers or seeds. Because overuse of phosphorus fertilizers is such a problem, we always recommend a soil analysis before using products with a larger "middle number." For organic gardeners, animal manures and fertilizers derived from animal manures, as well as plain rock phosphate, are good sources of readily available phosphorus. Next time, we'll talk about potassium, another plant macronutrient. Wondering about your soil? Papershell does soil analysis. Download this fact sheet and stop by to pick up a sample bag. |
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Azaleas and Camellias: Now's Your Chance!
Were you smitten with azaleas and camellias this year, perhaps on the Azalea Trail? Spring's a great time to plant shrubs: it allows their root systems to get well-established before the onset of hot weather in the summer. And, all azaleas and camellias are on sale! Any azalea or camellia, including Encore Azaleas and those stately camellia trees, are 30% off for the next 2 weeks! Need another reason to plant an azalea? Azalea/Camellia fertilizer is on sale too, 20% off. This acidifying food is great for hollies, gardenias, hydrangeas and all acid-loving plants. Stock up now!  | | What about this one? |
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Watering
It has been very, very dry so far this spring, and now that the weather's warming up, it's time to talk a little bit about water. When something goes wrong in the garden, 9 times out of 10 it seems like water is the problem. It's either too much or not enough. Sometimes the trouble is determining which one it is!
 | | Water: The Most Important Thing |
Wilting is often a sign of water deficiency, but even before wilting occurs, water-stressed plants will slow their growth rates, and limit the production of new leaves, flowers and fruits. Then, stem growth stops, older leaves turn yellow, leave margins turn brown and eventually leaves drop off. The smaller a plant is, the quicker you'll see this reaction to lack of water. But a larger plant, like a tree or shrub, can suffer extensive damage sometimes before we even notice it.
 | | Lack of Water: Turfgrass |
The soil around newly planted trees and shrubs should always be kept moist (but not soaking wet) for weeks and weeks after planting, to allow the development of a strong root system. This is a job for a water hose: it's very difficult to program a sprinkler system to take care of a new plant.
What are the symptoms of overwatering? Wilting, the yellowing and dropping of lower leaves, brown spots on new foliage, stunting, and root rot. If you've been watering by hand, chances are your problems are related to underwatering. It's been very dry and windy. In this sort of weather, it's hard to overwater plants. However, if you have a sprinkler system running in the middle of the night, you may be overwatering. The best way to tell the difference is to check the soil. The morning after you irrigate, the soil should be moist (but not wet) and cool or damp to the touch. You may have to scratch around under the mulch to check soil moisture.
Careful watering can ward off many, if not most, garden problems! Call or stop by if you have questions about your particular plant.
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Please stop by and visit! The coffee's on us -- we'd love to meet you!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Barrow
Papershell: A Garden Gallery
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Odds and Ends
Just a few things going you that might interest you! You say you love begonias? You should see the Brussels Flower Carpet, an astonishing floral replica of an oriental carpet. Our own Jo Edwards will be at the Midtown Art in the Park on April 9. Take a drive into town and strol among the trees! While you're there, say hi to Jo!
Do you talk to your plants? Read about a London Orchestra that played a concert especially for flowers!
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Reception Honoring Student Artists
Saturday, April 2
4:00-5:30pm
Meet the young artists whose work is featured in the gallery in April. Enjoy a snack and a beverage while you mingle! | |
Urban Harvest Class: Planning the Summer Vegetable Garden
Sunday, April 3
2:00 - 3:00 pm
$15 for Urban Harvest Members. $23 for non-members. Registration required
Click Here! | |
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Beer Tasting!
Sunday, April 3
3:00 - 5:30 pm
Sample craft beers from around the great state of Texas, with our compliments!
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Papercrafting! Saturday, April 9 9:00am-12:00pm Make a set of 8 original notecards in 2 different designs. $20. Registration required - email me!
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Make a Mosaic! Saturday, April 16 (part 1) 9:00am - 12:00pm and Saturday, April 23 (part 2) 10:00am-12:00pm Make an original mosaic artwork, based on your design or sketch. $80. Registration required - email me!
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