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Greetings!
First things first! There's a coupon at the bottom of this letter -- don't forget to scroll down! And just in case you were wondering, we don't mind if you copy the coupon to share with a friend. In fact, we encourage it! We want to get to know all the gardening people around and we know not everyone does email. So please feel free to share the coupon.
I also want to remind you that the student artwork will be up in the gallery for the next few weeks, until the end of April. Please stop by for a peek. You'll be amazed at the talent, heart and soul up on the walls. Wonderful work!
We're still way behind on rain and it doesn't look like there's any on the horizon. If you have any folkloric ways to summon the rain, now's the time to do it. The plants sure need the water, and I for one would appreciate having the pollen washed away! Are your allergies as bad as our are? I hope not!
Still, it's wonderful to be in the midst of spring. I hope you are finding time to be outside in the garden while the weather is cool and the mosquitoes are napping somewhere. Take a break from the yardwork and come have a glass of lemonade with us -- we look forward to seeing you.
Thanks for signing up for our email newsletter! Come see us soon!
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Meet Trish Dean!
  | | One of Trish's Powerful Masks |
Though she calls herself "an accidental potter," I think you'll agree her work is the product of vision and talent. Trish was born and raised on the island of Trinidad, where she spent countless days creating forms in the sand. She became a potter in earnest after moving to Texas and discovering Potter's Place. Something about that studio called to her and she signed up for classes on the spot. Since then, she's pursued her passion there almost every day, teaching, learning, making friends and making art. I know you'll enjoy her beautiful work -- stop by the gallery soon for a look!
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The Macronutrients: Potassium
For the past month, we've been talking about the "Big Three" plant macronutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and today, potassium.  | | Potassium: Plant Macronutrient |
Potassium is a critical element in the growth of healthy plants, second only to nitrogen in importance. Potassium plays a critical role in developing tolerance to stresses like heat, cold, drought and pests. It isn't actually present in any of a plant's parts but acts as a catalyst for the plant's essential processes. The symptoms of potassium deficiency can be dramatic. You'll typically see it on older or lower leaves first -- a dramatic yellowing, scorch or dieback. What causes potassium deficiency? Irrigating with water that is high in sodium (which can happen with well-water), and overuse of fertilizers containing calcium and magnesium. Fortunately for us, most of our clay Texas soil is high in potassium. Sometimes plants can't access it because the pH is too high or the soil is too wet. (Hard to imagine wet soil in this drought, isn't it?) If you need to amend your soil for potassium deficiency, spring and fall is the best time to do it. Note: a good organic source of potassium is wood ash. 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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Cold-Hardy Shrubs
Lots of people are asking about shrubs that will make it through the winter without having to be covered or coddled. There are almost too many beautiful shrubs to choose!  | | Cleyera |
For shade, I like the glossy dark leaves of cleyera, whose new leaves are reddish, maturing to a rich green. Cleyera grows slowly to about 10' tall but can be pruned easily. Another lovely shade plant is fatsia, or Japanese aralia. Fatsia has large tropical-looking leaves that can withstand our cold winters. For a more traditional look, what about shrubs like hydrangea? Because they are dormant when the worst of the winter winds blow through, they survive to delight us with spring flowers.  | | Fatsia |
In sunny areas, nandina is a good option. This beautiful nandina, Firehouse Dwarf Purple, is named for its rich burgundy fall foliage, but the chartreuse spring leaves are wonderful too! And you've probably noticed how well the roses responded to the cold winter. They positively love a period of cold weather -- and reward us with a bumper crop of spring flowers.  | | Nandina Firehouse Dwarf |
If you're looking to add some winter-hardiness to your landscape, stop by for a visit. We'll show you a range of shrubs that you won't have to worry about when the mercury begins to drop. |
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How to Plant a Shrub or Tree
While we're on the subject of shrubs, it's so important, not only to purchase a quality product, but to plant it correctly. A tree will likely outlive you, and even smaller shrubs are probably going to live at your house longer than you are! It's worth it to take the time to plant it correctly.
The most important thing is to dig a hole that is about twice as wide and the root ball, but no deeper. In fact, you may wish to plant your tree or shrub a little on the high side, so that the water doesn't collect around the roots. If you need to amend the soil, do so around the entire rooting zone, not just the planting hole. Adding organic matter to the small area around the planting hole causes drainage problems. Never plant a shrub or tree deeper than it is planted in the container!
Spread the roots out, and water as you refill the hole with the original soil. Mulch after the tree or shrub is planted, but don't pile mulch up around the tree. Watering will be crucial, since the tree or shrub doesn't have a large root system. Hand-water with a hose, maintaining constant moisture but not saturation, for at least a few months after planting. It's a good idea now to water by hand through the summer to make sure your tree or shrub develops a good, strong root system.
Clemson University has two great fact sheets for you to download: Planting Trees Correctly, and Watering Shrubs and Trees. Add them to your garden binder!
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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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Green Thumb Seminar Thursday, April 14 7:00-9:00pm Elizabeth is presenting this informative seminar on herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. Free and open to the public, sponsored by the Fort Bend Master Gardeners. More information, including maps, here.
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Papershell Class: Make a Mosaic
Saturday, April 16 and April 23
9:00-12:00pm
$80 fee includes all supplies, tools and materials. This class is full, but we are planning to have another one! Email us to let us know you're interested! | |
Urban Harvest Class: Organic Gardening Fundamentals
Sunday, April 17
2:00 - 3:00 pm
$15 for Urban Harvest Members. $23 for non-members. Registration required
Click Here! | |
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Trunk Show: Stevie Ballow
Sunday, April 17
12:00 - 5:0 pm
Beautiful metal jewelry created by artist Stevie Ballow. Watch a demonstration or pick up a unique Mother's Day gift.
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Easter Sunday
April 24
Papershell will be open from 12:00 to 5:30 pm.
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