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Greetings!
I hope you've got your fig tree planted. Mine already have tiny figlets and I am greatly looking forward to making my favorite fig preserves. If I can get to the figs before the mockingbirds do, I will make up a special batch for you to try. Meanwhile, our friend Anne Ondrusek returns to teach her famous Home Canning classes. Last year's class was such a success that we created a series this year. Part 1, Fruits & Fruit Products, is this Saturday at 3:00pm. Future classes include Vegetables & Tomato Products, Pickling & Fermenting, and Dehydration.
 | | Figlets! |
We had so much fun with the last two Terrarium Parties! We're trying to figure out now how to squeeze a few more into the schedule -- stay tuned. We're also planning summer activities. Are you interested in the children's painting classes we held last year? Email me and let me know your thoughts.
 | | Blackspot on Rose |
With the rain and cloudy weather recently, I've noticed a spike in fungal problems. Roses have blackspot, some fruit trees have cercospora and there's even a bit of powdery mildew afoot. In many cases, fungal problems resolve themselves when dry weather returns, but sometimes an application of fungicide will really help. If you're not sure, snip a sample, seal it in a ziplock back, and bring it in to the garden center. We'll try to help you identify the problem and get some answers.
A new shipment of pottery arrived Monday -- and as I write this, it's still not unpacked yet. But soon it will be and I'll put some pictures up on Facebook for you to see. New colors in softer tones, perfect for tropical flowers & foliage, also arriving weekly.
Thanks for signing up for our email newsletter! Come see us soon! |
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What's In My Seed Packet?
There's been a lot of talk lately about seeds that might be confusing to some. Here's a few facts about seeds that might surprise you.
 | | Mendel's Sweet Pea |
Genetic modification is not the same as genetic engineering. When scientists use recombinant DNA techniques to combine genes from organisms that aren't compatible, that's genetic engineering. Genetic modification includes all the long-time plant breeding techniques such as selecting for a particular trait or crossing species to create hybrids. Some of these techniques have been in use since the dawn of agriculture. Gregor Mendel's experiments with cross-breeding sweet peas took place more than 150 years ago.
Open-pollinated means that seeds pollinated by wind or insects "come true" to the parent plant. This is a benefit for seed-savers as long as proper planting and collecting techniques are observed.
 | | The mutt: good example of hybrid vigor! |
Hybrid means a breeder has selected two pure lines and cross-pollinated them. Hybrid seeds can be more vigorous than open-pollinated varieties and are often selected for specific traits such as disease resistance. Typically seeds collected from hybrids do not "come true" to the parent plant. Both open-pollinated and hybrid seeds are grown in organic gardens and conventional gardens. In fact, some organic gardeners report more success using organic methods with hybrid seeds precisely because they are bred for disease resistance, and require no spraying.
Want to know more? Here's a link to a great glossary produced by the Home Garden Seed Association.
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Bougainvilleas
When I start to see beautiful, blooming bougainvilleas, I know that summer is right around the corner. These lovely flowering vines are native to Brazil and were named after French explorer Admiral Louis de Bougainvillea.
 | | Bougainvillea 'Flame' |
Want to keep your bougainvillea blooming as much as possible? Follow a few simple guidelines.- Keep the long shoots cut back to 18-20" or shorter. Bougainvilleas bloom best on new growth. Added bonus - the thorns aren't quite as spiny on the new shoots.
- Feed bougainvilleas heavily. I use a granular bougainvillea fertilizer monthly during bloom and every other week when the plant is not blooming. In a pinch, you can substitute hibiscus fertilizer.
- Keep your plants a bit on the dry side, but don't allow the leaves to wilt. The best scenario is plenty of water and an extremely well-draining soil.
- Provide full sun. Bougainvilleas won't perform well in partial shade or shade.
- Consider keeping your bougainvilleas in containers. Not only do they stay drier in pots, but bougainvilleas also prefer to be a bit root-bound. In the ground, they can become vegetative and bloom less.
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Gardening for Wildlife
We are excited to announce that it really does look like our red-shouldered hawks are nesting again in the same tree. The female (larger) spends a good bit of time up there and the male will often call to her from the treeline on the west side of the property when he's caught some supper. The nest is about as large as it was last year, and we have high hopes for new little hatchlings this year!
 | | Bringin' home the bacon! |
We don't worry too much about providing for wildlife at Papershell. We are located in a semi-rural area and there are plenty of resources for animals like rabbits, birds, snakes, frogs, butterflies, hummingbirds and honeybees.
But it takes a little bit more thought to provide for wildlife in an urban or suburban garden. You can find some great guidance at Texas Wildscapes. You can even have your garden certified as a Best of Texas Backyard Habitat. Their website offers resources on planning and planting a wildlife habitat that is also harmonious and ornamental.
Another great resource is the Texas Master Naturalist program. The Master Naturalists specialize in protecting and conserving our natural resources, both private and public. Some of their projects in Fort Bend County include an extensive nature park and prairie restoration at Seabourne Creek Park in Rosenberg. The Coasta Prairie Chapter of Master Naturalists are collecting names for their 2012 certification program, which begins in September of 2012. Here's a link to more information about them.
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Last Seed Sale Saturday!
One more Saturday - all seeds are buy 2, get 1 free! Focus on the warm-season veggies and flowers now, including Blanket flower (gaillardia), cleome, cosmos, marigold, moonflower, morning glory, sunflowers, zinnias, pole beans, bush beans, melons, cucumber, eggplant, okra, peppers, pumpkins, squash, basil, arugula, & parsley!
Plant spring seeds now, stock up for fall planting later...
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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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Home Canning: Fruits & Fruit Products Saturday, March 31 3:00-4:30pm Preserve the bounty of the spring and summer garden! This is the first in a four-part series on food preservation, led by Master Gardener and Cook Extraordinaire Anne Ondrusek. In this class, we'll go over preparing fruit and fruit products in the home kitchen. Topics may include syrups, fruit butters, jams, jellies, fruit salsas & pie fillings. This lecture-based class is $10 and includes a coupon good for 15% off today's garden center purchase. Reservations suggested: call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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Herbicides, Insecticides & Fungicides Sunday, April 1 2:00-3:30pm How to know when to use what products in your garden pharmacy! Papershell owner Elizabeth Barrow leads this workshop designed to help improve your problem-solving skills in the garden. This class is $10 and includes a coupon good for 15% off today's garden center purchase. Reservations suggested: call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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Demonstration: Tibetan Prayer Flags
Saturday, April 7
10:00am-12:00pm
Paper artist Lee Steiner demonstrates the techniques involved in Tibetan Prayer Flag making, including paper making. Watch this free demonstration and sign up for her in-depth class on April 21. (Free)
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Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 8
In observance of the holiday, Papershell will be closed today. Thank you for your understanding!.
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Watercolor Painting Part 3 Saturday April 14 9:00am-1:00pm Artist Michael Vollmer leads this 4-part watercolor painting workshop, designed for students of all skill levels. The classes will address landscape composition, balance, hue, creating textures and much more! Take one class for $35 or register for all four for $125. Reservations required: call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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Watercolor Painting Part 4 Saturday April 21 9:00am-1:00pm Artist Michael Vollmer leads this 4-part watercolor painting workshop, designed for students of all skill levels. The classes will address landscape composition, balance, hue, creating textures and much more! Take one class for $35 or register for all four for $125. Reservations required: call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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Paper Art: Tibetan Prayer Flags Saturday April 21 1:00-4:00pm A tradition in Tibet for centuries, prayer flags, or Lung ta (literally wind horses) are believed to carry our compassion to the four directions- and bring happiness, long life, and prosperity. In this workshop, you'll make your own prayer flags with abaca, a banana tree fiber from the Philippines, mixed with some recycled paper and plant materials. We will dry the flags on sheets of glass to create a smooth surface on which to write, draw, or paint your prayer. While drying, we'll attach sticks, cords, and tiny bells to complete our Lung ta. Artist Lee Steiner leads this workshop. This class is $0 and reservations are required: call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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