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Greetings!
Well, despite our hopes and prayers, it looks like summer is stubbornly hanging on! Just a few more weeks, though, and cooler weather should set in for good. October's highs are generally a very comfy 85 degrees or so, and the nights dip to a downright chilly 65 degrees. It can't come too soon!
This has been such a hot summer in part because it's been such a dry summer. Dry soil heats up so much faster than wet soil, because the evaporation of the water from wet soil is a cooling process. The dry soil also contributes to the upper level high-pressure system that's been plaguing us. What we really need is a good soaking rain! Until we get one, though, I've got some tips below to help you get through the worst of the drought so far.
 | | Chard - yummy! |
While waiting for fall weather, I've been thinking about fall vegetables. I think my very favorite one is chard -- beautiful as well as edible. You can use chard just like spinach, but my family is very partial to a potato and chard skillet pie. You can download the recipe here. Send us your favorite fall recipe -- we'd love to know what you're cooking up!
Stop by for a visit, and remember that our Facebook page is frequently updated with plants, events and miscellaneous goings-on.
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Cool Season Color!
The thermometer isn't cooperating with me right this very minute, but the fall season is rapidly approaching and it's time to think about fall color again.
 | | Calendula |
One of my favorite fall flowers to plant is calendula, because it's so reliable. It can take the warm September sun, and if you provide it with protection against a hard freeze, will make it right through the winter and on into spring. I like the cheerful colors, mostly in the yellow and orange families. Plant calendula (also known as pot marigold) in a sunny or mostly sunny location and enjoy the flowers until May.  | | Marigold |
Lots of people get all excited about mums in the fall, but I like marigolds. They tend to tolerate our warm autumn weather better than mums do, and the bloom season is much longer. Look for varieties like Janie, which is more heat-tolerant than others.  | | Dianthus Venti Parfait Crimson Eye |
Looking for something new? Here's a lovely new dianthus with a much larger flower, and, to go along with that big flower, a much longer name: Dianthus Venti Parfait Crimson Eye! The flowers on this variety are huge compared to the "regular" ones.
 | | Viola Penny Red Blotch |
There's a lot of interest too in red pansies and violas this year. It's much too hot still to plant them, but keep your eye on Viola Penny Red Blotch and Pansy Delta Pure Premium Red. Traditionally red is among the weakest in pansy and viola colors but these new ones are vigorous and strong, with bright color for the cooler weather. Next time you're at Papershell, ask about the new varieties -- these and many more! |
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Art Update
There's a lot going on in the gallery this month! We are so happy to have the work of collage and assemblage artist JZ Selewach, right next to the giant Astroworld model. You'll have an opportunity to meet JZ on October 1, when she'll be here for an Artist Chat. Read more about JZ and her highly original works on her website.  | | JZ Selewach Lunarfish |
And some of you have met Michael Vollmer, who had a booth at Papershell in June, and is currently teaching the watercolor series. His original watercolors are hanging in the gallery now, and they are beautiful. The works are expressive and spiritual, and highlight Mike's fantastic technique.  | | Mike Vollmer Lucid |
After a little hiatus, Jo Edwards is back in the gallery too, and she's brought us some new paintings in a brown mood. These lovely works will put you immediately in an autumnal frame of mind. Take a minute to look at Jo's website, too -- there are many wonderful paintings to peruse.  | | Jo Edwards Blue Aspens |
Coming soon: Lee Steiner and her paper art will be arriving in the gallery. We've got her lined to up teach a class and in the meantime, you can check out her website.
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Drought Tips
This is the sort of dry weather that really tries the patience of gardeners. It's hard enough to water without the unusually hot weather and those scorching winds out of the south don't help either. Some of you report that the tips of the leaves on your plants are burned even though you are providing enough water. This could be due to a buildup of salts in the soil -- a common problem when we go for long periods without substantial rainfall. Irrigation water tends to be more alkaline and combined with high evaporation rates can lead to an increase of salts in the soil. What's required is a really good rain to leach some of those salts out of the soil. While we wait for our (well-deserved) rain, it helps to reduce evaporative losses by adding a good layer of mulch. Any sort of mulch will do -- you just want something to cover your bare soil. Add organic matter to your soil, like compost, but be very careful not to overfertilize. All fertilizers contain salts which can exacerbate the problem. Here's a 2-page brochure containing other drought-related tips. For more information, just email me!
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Please stop by and visit! Have a glass of world-famous lemonade (or a beer!) -- we'd love to meet you!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Barrow
Papershell: A Garden Gallery
PS: Don't forget -- the September sale continues through the end of the month. All trees, shrubs & vines are 40% off!
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Watercolor Painting Saturday, September 17 1:00-4:00pm Back by popular demand! Michael Vollmer teaches this series of watercolor classes, dealing with technique and expression. Bring a 1-quart container for water and a pencil with an eraser. Space is limited, so preregistration is recommended. Each class is $35 and includes all materials, supplies and refreshments.
More information is here .
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Basic Wire WrappingSunday, September 18 2:00-4:30pm Calling all fashionistas: you've got the perfect outfit, now learn how to make the perfect earrings! The DIY Style class series continues with an introduction to wire wrapping with jewelry artist and metalsmith Stevie Ballow. Topics covered will include a short wire and tool education, simple loops, wrapped loops, and earwire production. Participants will design and make a lovely pair of earrings. Tool kits used in class will be available for purchase, as well as additional beads, supplies and finished jewelry. Class size is limited to 6 people, so register early to reserve your spot! This class is $50 and includes all materials, supplies, use of tools, and refreshments. More information here.
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Acrylic Painting for KidsSaturday, September 24 9:00-10:00am Cecilia and Guillermo return to teach their popular painting class for kids ages 4-10 years. This month's painting is "Fall Scene." The $35 class fee includes all supplies, materials & refreshments. Please note that the canvas will still be wet at the completion of the class. Feel free to pick up your painting later if you like.
More information is here .
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Watercolor Painting Saturday, September 24 1:00-4:00pm Back by popular demand! Michael Vollmer teaches this series of watercolor classes, dealing with technique and expression. Bring a 1-quart container for water and a pencil with an eraser. Space is limited, so preregistration is recommended. Each class is $35 and includes all materials, supplies and refreshments.
More information is here .
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Butterfly Gardening!
Sunday, September 25
2:00-3:00pm
Fort Bend County Master Gardener Barbara Buckley returns to teach this popular butterfly gardening seminar. Learn to attract these winged beauties to your own garden.
This event is free and open to the public.
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Artist Chat: JZ Selewach
Saturday, October 1
4:00-5:30pm
Meet assemblage/collage artist JZ Selewach, whose works are currently featured in the gallery. JZ explores sculpture, collage and painting in unique and expressive ways. Join us for refreshments and great conversation!
This event is free and open to the public.
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