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Greetings!
I don't know about you, but we've had no real, meaningful rain at Papershell lately. I'm a bit encouraged by the 20% chance of rain in the forecast everyday: in early June, we didn't even get that! The long-range forecast models seem to suggest that it will take some tropical activity to shake loose the high-pressure cap that's been keeping the rain at bay. Oh boy. As warm as the Gulf is, it could be quite an exciting August and September for tropical storms!
To keep our minds off the weather, Kristy and I've been planting our new bed. We watched our shrub arrangement for a week or two before deciding that, no, we really didn't have enough sun there for roses. Sigh! We really liked the idea of the "Blush" Knockout roses on the west side of the flowerbed. But we've regrouped: the bed is now mainly azaleas, with accents like dianella and viburnum thrown in. Look for plant profiles of our choices in the next newsletter.
We've got quite a few new classes scheduled. Remember, you can always access our calendar from our website. We also try really hard to keep the Facebook Events page updated too.
I know it's not much of a garden yet, but PaperCup: A Beer Garden is open for business. And, it has its own Facebook page! Stop by sometime and have a beer or a lemonade with us. We'll let you have the shady chair!
Thanks for signing up for our email newsletter! Come see us soon!
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Red Jatropha
When we're making new displays, sometimes Kristy and I walk around the garden center, discussing plants and arguing about which one looks the best.
I won this round: I think the Red Jatropha looks wonderful right now. Jatropha integerrima is also known as Spicy Jatropha or Peregrina and makes a beautiful shrub or small tree. The leaves are variable in shape, but glossy and dark, rich green -- quite a contrast to the bright red flowers.
 | | Jatropha integerrima |
I like Red Jatropha in a pot so it can be protected against winter's cold winds. Because it blooms on new growth, it can be pruned anytime, and is easy to keep to a manageable size. The one thing it must have is well-drained soil. Overwatering is a sure-fire recipe for disaster. It tolerates full sun or partial shade, but may require more watering in the full sun.
Red Jatropha is a true tropical, native to the West Indies, and cannot tolerate a freeze. Pull it into the house when temperatures start dropping into the 30s, just to be on the safe side. This is one little shrub well worth protecting!
Interesting fact: one of its common names, Peregrina, means wanderer. Welcome one into your home!
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Birds of Summer: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
This isn't a bird you'll see at Papershell, but you'll certainly see them on the way! Scissor-tailed Flycatchers are all up and down FM 2218, TX 36 and Powerline Road this time of year, perching on the overhead wires looking for insects. These birds are noisy and aggressive, and you can't help but notice that long, deeply forked tail. If you look closely, you'll notice the salmon-pink sides and underbelly of the adults.  | | Photo: BirdsofOklahoma.net |
Although the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is the State Bird of Oklahoma, they are quite common in Texas, one of only 7 states where they nest. Next time you visit Papershell, keep an eye out for these dramatic birds. If you're lucky, you may see the males perform their impressive courtship ritual, known as the Sky Dance. |
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New Classes
Where to begin? There are so many wonderful classes on the calendar! First, Cecilia & Guillermo have agreed to continue teaching painting for kids ages 4-10 on Thursdays in July, from 1:00-2:00pm. This is a great way to get the kids inside during the heat of the day, and take advantage of some truly professional art teaching. Lisa Bonin's Fused Glass class is coming up, on July 9. Participants will make 3 pieces of glass, of their own design, which can then be turned into pendants, earrings, pins or whatever you choose! Susie Curry is teaching a new mosaic class on July 17. Each class member will select a trivet, address plaque, 12x12 mirror or 12x12 square stepping stone. All of these pieces can be sealed for use outside.  | | Mosaic Suncatcher |
Susie's also teaching a class for us on July 27 that's suitable for kids. Using a new adhesive sheet, students will bond rounded cathedral glass to acrylic to make colorful suncatchers. No grouting -- you can take your piece home with you that very day! Artist and DIY Rebel Stevie Ballow is teaching a class centered around fabric flowers on July 23. Learn to make 2 or 3 different types of flowers, and then experiment with incorporating them into your home and wardrobe. This class is first in a series called DIY Style! We're working on a new series of watercolor painting classes with Michael Vollmer that will begin in late July or August. And there's gardening classes too! There'll be a Fall Tomato Orientation on August 7, a Rainbarrel-Making class on August 14 and two Fall Gardening classes, in August and September. For information about any of these classes, please email us or call (281) 232-4485. See you at nursery school! |
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Okay, I couldn't let the newsletter out of here without a word about watering trees and shrubs. Please take a minute to read this informative brochure from Clemson University -- a very good explanation of water requirements.
Please stop by and visit! Have a glass of world-famous lemonade -- we'd love to meet you!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Barrow
Papershell: A Garden Gallery
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Acrylic Painting Class For Kids Thursdays in July 2:00-3:00pm Cecilia Campos Merino (see above) will teach a series of Thursday classes for children ages 4-10 years. Each week, participants will complete an original painting. Sign up to take one or all four! Classes are $35 each and include all tools, supplies, materials & refreshments. Class size limited to 8. More information here.
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Fused Glass Jewelry Class Saturday, July 9 10:00am-12:00pm Make three unique pieces of fused glass jewelry in this fun 2-hour workshop. Pieces will be fired and cooled overnight -- ready to pick up the next day. This class is taught by Lisa Bonin and is $60. Preregistration is requred and space is limited. More information here.
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Mosaic Class: Your Choice! Sunday, July 17 1:00-5:00pm Select one of four different projects: 12x12 mirror, footed trivet, 12" address plaque or 12x12 square stepping stone. You'll do the design work and gluing in this class and meet at a time TBD for the grouting. This class is taught by Susie Curry and is $90. Preregistration is requred and space is limited. More information here.
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DIY Style: Fabric FlowersSaturday, July 23 2:00-4:00pm Learn techniques to make fabric flowers from new or thrifted materials, then use them for home and fashion accessories! This class is taught by Stevie Ballow and is $35. Preregistration is requred and space is limited. More information here.
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Easy Mosaic SuncatchersWednesday, July 27 10:00am-12:00pm No grouting! This easy mosaic suncatcher project is suitable for adults and kids ages 6 and up! Apply rounded cathedral glass using a special adhesive sheet to acrylic forms -- you'll take your work home the very same day. Projects are about 8" and shapes vary. This class is taught by Susie Curry and is $40. Preregistration is requred and space is limited. More information here .
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Watercolor Classes Coming Soon!
Back by popular demand! Michael Vollmer will teach a series of four watercolor classes beginning in late July or August. The classes will be in-depth and you can take one or all four. Stay tuned for class descriptions, and dates.
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