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Greetings!
I am so excited to report that there are no freezes forecast for at least the next 10 days! Not only that, but there are many days with at least a chance of rain in the forecast. Every little bit of moisture is so helpful now, rebuilding the soil profile and refilling our reservoirs. At Papershell, we are anticipating a wonderful spring.
 | | Get growing! |
Do you know anyone who has recently taken up gardening? Just moved here from a different climate? Perhaps bought a house for the first time? Our class, Green Side Up!, is designed for that person. It's a perfect intro to gardening basics, along with some very helpful information about our climate. It's so distressing to meet new gardeners after they've already spent so much money on plants that won't work here. If you know someone who's just starting out with gardening, please pass along the information about the Green Side Up! Class, at right.
We're looking forward to returning to the Sugar Land Farmer's Market this Saturday. In addition to the wonderful veggies, herbs & eggs provided by All We Need Farms and Sullivan's Happy Heart Farms, we'll have artwork by Lisa Bonin, Susie Curry & Jo Edwards. Stop by if you're in the neighborhood.
Thanks for signing up for our email newsletter! Come see us soon! |
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Winter Weeds
In the last newsletter, we discussed pre-emergent solutions for spring and summer weeds, but right now I am seeing lots of winter weeds too! Winter weeds have already "emerged," so pre-emergents won't have much effect on them this season. Depending on where you're finding these weeds and what sort of lawn you have, you may choose to treat with an herbicide or simply hand-pull. It always seems to me that weeding is less of a chore when the weather is nice and cool and the mosquitos aren't swarming!
 | | Ground Ivy |
Our friend Penny reports seeing lots of Glechoma hederacea or Ground Ivy recently. This rather attractive member of the mint family is notable for its square stems, round leaves arranged in circles around the stem, and little pink flowers. It roots wherever a node touches the ground, and also spreads by seeds. It's difficult to control because it survives mowing. If hand-pulling is not an option, sometimes an herbicide is the answer.
 | | Buck Plantain |
We have a good bit of buck plantain or Plantago lanceolata around Papershell. This cool-season perennial weed is very common wherever grazing has occurred, and is in fact an archeological tool: wherever grains of Plantago pollen are found, you can be sure that civilizations were present, all the way back to the Neolithic age. That sort of lifespan makes me wonder if it can ever be eradicated. The narrow leaves are rather attractive and bright green, but the clumps should be removed before they set seed. If they are too numerous and are causing difficulty in your lawn, be prepared to dig roots and apply herbicide for several years to provide adequate control.
Next time you're in, ask about your winter weeds. We can help.
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Eastern Bluebirds
We had such a great time last Sunday in the Backyard Birding workshop that I thought I'd share a bit about one of our favorite wintertime visitors, the Eastern Bluebird.
Eastern Bluebirds are small members of the Thrush family that prefer open farmlands and areas with scattered trees -- and that almost perfectly describes much of our county. They breed in Eastern Texas and can raise up to three families per season. It's always such a treat to see these brightly colored birds!
 | | Eastern Bluebird |
In the early 1960s, Eastern Bluebirds were threatened, due to loss of habitat, and concerned citizens began placing bluebird boxes along specially designed bluebird trails. Since then, Eastern Bluebirds have been making a strong comeback. We've seen many of them at Papershell and in the surrounding areas.
 | | "This is it, dear!" |
If you'd like to attract bluebirds to your area, try to limit the use of insecticides. Bluebirds are primarily insect predators, although they will eat fruit during winter months. Provide clean water all year round. Nesting season starts in February! Consider placing a nest box on your property. Bluebirds have very specific requirements for their homes; we carry boxes built to their demanding specifications for only $9.99.
For more information about Eastern Bluebirds, here's a one-page PDF document courtesy of the Texas Bluebird Society.
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2012 Seeds Are In!
Our new seeds are here! As we did last year, seeds to be planted this month are outside near the cash register, while the rest of them are in the gallery. We switched seed vendors this year, and most of our 2012 seeds are provided by Lake Valley Seeds. After much research, I felt that Lake Valley offered the best combination of good value and southern selections. None of their seeds are treated, and none of them contain GMOs. We've got a number of organic and heirloom Lake Valley varieties available as well.
 | | Grow it from seed! |
However, no seed company is perfect, and we've augmented our selection with seeds from Baker Creek. Baker Creek specializes in organic, heirloom seeds and we just were not able to find things like Red Malabar Spinach or India Jwala peppers anywhere else.
Stop by and check out our seeds racks! And remember, if you don't see what you're looking for, there's a good chance we can special-order it for you.
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Spring Planting
I know, I know. Everyone is anxious to get a jump on spring. Here's what we see on the horizon:
 | | Soon! |
Cool-season flowers like pansies, violas, snaps, & dianthus are still appropriate to plant now. Onion and garlic plants are available and seed potatoes should be here within a week. Tomato plants will be available right after the first week of February, but I warn you: it's probably too cold for them, and if you buy them, you'll have to find a way to keep them warm. Peppers won't be available until mid to late February and the peak season for herbs will be February through May. Right now, it's much too cool for basil. Even if you protected it from the cold, it simply will not grow until the weather is warmer.
We should see lettuces, cabbages and bok choi available as plants, in February and cantaloupe, corn, cucumber, eggplant, squash and watermelon in March. Then April will bring us okra and late in the month, sweet potatoes. It's best to grow things like carrots and beans from seeds; they don't transplant well.
 | | Soon! |
In the flower garden, we should have petunias in February, coleus and pentas in March and vincas and angelonia in April. Look for caladium bulbs and plants in April too!
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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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Green Side Up! Sunday, January 22 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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Papershell Birthday!
Weekend of February 3-4
This week marks our 1-year anniversary! Come celebrate with us -- we'll have cake and lemonade all weekend, in addition to some great classes and events. We want to personally thank you for your support!
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Build A Bed, Part 1 Saturday, February 3 3:00-4:30pm Want to install a brand-new flowerbed but don't know how to go about it? This class covers the first steps, including grass removal, drainage, soil mixes, irrigation 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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Sharpen Up! Sunday, February 4 12:00-4:00pm Bring your garden tools, scissors and kitchen knives for sharpening while you wait! Premier Sharpening is sending a mobile unit to Papershell. View their price list here.
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Rose Roundup! Sunday, February 4 2:00-3:30pm Caring for America's favorite flower doesn't have to be hard! Master Gardener and Rose Rustler Barbara Buckley leads this workshop on roses, with a particular focus on Earthkind, easy-care roses suitable for any landscape 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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