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Greetings!
Even though the calendar says it's winter, I think of this time of year as "pre-spring," especially when we get those nice 70° days. If you look closely, you can see buds swelling on trees and shrubs, and here and there, anual ryegrass has greened up around Papershell. Technically, our average last freeze occurs around mid-February, so this is also the time of year that my husband and I start to wager on when it will actually be. What say you? I think I'm going for February 1 this year.
 | Icicles. Just say no!
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Speaking of weather, the long-range forecast doesn't show any risk of freezing for the next 10 days but you never know! If you're on Facebook, we try to update our Facebook page with freeze and frost warnings for gardeners. I can be much more timely with Facebook than I can with an email newsletter, so if you're interested, head over to our page and "like" us -- we'll keep you up to date.
 | | Get growing with us! |
Our weather is one the great challenges to gardening here and it's especially hard when you're just starting out. I've put together a series of classes aimed at the new gardener, new homeowners, or those who are new to this area. The first one is Sunday, January 22, from 2:00-3:30pm. We'll discuss our climate, tips on design, plant selection and more. Later this spring, Papershell will offer a 2-part class on how to build a flowerbed from scratch. Call or email for more information and remember, you can always check our website's calendar!
I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to a great 2012! Happy New Year and thanks so much for your friendship and support.
Thanks for signing up for our email newsletter! Come see us soon! |
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Get Those Weeds!
I know you're not thinking about your lawn, because it's just not lawn time yet, but the spring weeds are just weeks away from popping up. The most effective way to prevent spring weeds is to encourage a healthy lawn in the first place, but sometimes weeds gain the upper hand. Now is the time to attack them with pre-emergent herbicides, both conventional and organic. Pre-emergents work by suppressing the growth of seeds and seedlings before the reach the sunlight, and timing is critical. The germination of spring weeds like crabgrass depends on soil temperature - and now that the days are beginning (ever so slightly) to lengthen, the soil will begin warming. Apply pre-emergents now, before the grass begins to grow. A good rule of thumb? Make sure they're applied by the time the redbuds start to bloom.
 | | Spreadable Corn Gluten |
Corn gluten meal is an organic choice for pre-emergent herticides. This natural byproduct of corn processing contains organic nitrogen and prevents the germination of seedlings -- it's appropriate for both St. Augustinegrass and Bermuda Grass lawns.
There are several other
 | | Contains Dimension |
options for weed control too -- and some are effective on broadleaf weeds, while others are effective on grassy weeds. If you have trouble with spring weeds like crabgrass, dallisgsrass, sandburs,carpetweed or chickweed, try a pre-emergent herbicide like Dimension, which lasts up to 4 months.
Let us know how we can help you with your lawn problems! |
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Fruit Trees for the Gulf Coast
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Did your New Year's Resolution include promises to eat better? Are you trying to fill your plate with more fruits & vegetables? Think about planting a fruit tree! Growing fruit trees is an easy way to garden year-round and provide tasty, nutritious food for your table. There are so many wonderful varieties of fruit that grow well here. Among the easiest are blackberries, extremely high in fiber and rich in antioxidant vitamins A and C, and figs, which are high in vitamins A, E and K, and are excellent sources of calcium and iron.
 | | Perdue Pear |
I'm particularly excited to offer a new pear tree this year! It's called Perdue, and it's said to be the finest eating pear for the South! It's beautiful to look at, with a lovely mottled blush over a green skin, with creamy, almost grit-free flesh. Best of all, it's a low-chill pear that's resistant to fire blight!
If you're not sure where to start on your mini-orchard, make plans to attend Diana's Fruit Tree Class, on Sunday, January 29 -- more information at right. We'll have a selection of varieties on hand, along with a list that can be special-ordered.
We haven't forgotten about semi-tropical fruits like oranges, avocados and papayas! We're just waiting for warmer weather to introduce them to the garden -- stay tuned!
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Farmer's Market
As you might know, we've been working with All We Need Farms in Needville, serving as a pickup location for their CSA. We're excited to represent All We Need and Sullivan's Happy Heart Family Farm in Damon at the Sugar Land Farmer's Market, too! Stop by this Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm and meet artists Lee Steiner and Mike Vollmer, as well as farmer Stacey Roussel. Each of the three will be on hand at some point during the morning to meet you and answer any questions you might have. The market is at the old Imperial Sugar facility on Highway 90 at Kempner Street.
Here's a map to the location.
 Speaking of farms... All We Need Farms is accepting payment for shares in a mini-season of greens, which runs 4 weeks. It's available with or without an egg share (and I highly recommend those eggs!) and half-shares are available for smaller families! We're still a pickup site on Friday afternoons. Then, after a short break, the 10-week spring/summer season opens, also with optional egg share, half-shares available. Here's the link to Stacey's signup sheet or simply email her.
 | | I love those eggs! |
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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
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Visit us at the Market! Saturdays, Jan. 7 through Feb. 25 9:00am-1:00pm Papershell will have a booth at the Sugar Land Farmer's Market at Imperial Sugar on Saturdays! We'll feature the work of our artists and offer fresh veggies from 2 local farms! Here's a map to the location.
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Backyard Birding in Fort Bend County Sunday, January 15 2:00-3:30pm Papershell owner Elizabeth Barrow leads this workshop focused on the common birds of our area. Learn to identify and attract these winged lovelies to your garden! Class fee is $10. Each participant receives a coupon good for 15% of today's purchases. Reservations suggested: call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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Green Side Up! Sunday, January 122 2:00-3:30pm Papershell owner Elizabeth Barrow leads this workshop designed for new gardeners, first-time homeowners or those new to gardening in this area. Learn about our climate, how it affects plants, how to plan a garden, choose plants and more! Class fee is $10. Each participant receives a coupon good for 15% of today's purchases. Reservations suggested: call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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Fused Glass Class Saturday, January 28 1:0-4:00pm Artist Lisa Bonin leads this jewelry workshop! Each participant makes up to 3 unique pieces of jewelry (and extras are available for an additional fee). Make a pair of earrings and a pendant or a brooch or whatever your heart desires! Your custom jewelry will be fused over the following days, so you won't be able to take your pieces home on Saturday. We'll make arrangements with you to get your jewelry at a later date. This class is $60 and reservations are required. Reserve a spot by calling (281) 232-4485 or just email us.
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Fruit Trees for the Gulf Coast Sunday, January 29 2:00-3:30pm Horticulturist Diana Liga leads this workshop. Fruit trees are the easiest way to grow your own food! Learn when, how, where and what varieties to plant. This class is focused on cold-hardy fruit trees such as apples, pears & peaches. Class fee is $10. Each participant receives a coupon good for 15% of today's purchases. Reservations suggested: call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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