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Greetings!
Are you keeping your head above water? We have gotten so much rain lately! Not that I'm complaining - anything is better than last summer's drought. When the sun breaks through the clouds in the afternoon and you can see how lush and green everything is, I really appreciate what an extra 4-6" of rain can do. The frogs in our little pond sing their hearts out day and night, giving thanks for rain. And our soil is recovering somewhat from last summer's damage.
 | | This week's painting! |
Just a reminder - our painting classes for kids will go on, rain or shine. Unless the weather is downright dangerous, we'll have the Wednesday afternoon classes. If you're concerned, give us a call at (281) 232-4485.
 | | Farm-Fresh Eggs! |
Are you interested in sustainably grown local produce? Needville Farmer Stacey Roussel's CSA program is registering customers for the fall season. Community Supported Agriculture is a way for you to buy local, seasonal, sustainably-produced food directly from a farmer. Here's a link to Stacey's website and here is more information about CSAs in general, if you're not familiar with the concept. (We are a pickup site at Papershell, but there are other pickup spots available. Returning members, click here to update your membership!)  | | Pink Lemonade - only 1 left! |
And don't think the gardening season is over! We're still getting new plants in all the time. And having all this luxurious rain means it's that much easier to get new shrubs established. Look around in your garden - is there something missing? If so, come see us!
Thanks for signing up for our email newsletter! Come see us soon! |
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Sturdy Succulents
Succulents & cacti are enjoying a renewed popularity lately. I like them because they're relatively easy to grow but I love them for their interesting shapes, textures & colors. As the weather gets hot, we get more questions about succulents, so here's a bit of info you might find useful.
 | | Echeveria 'Afterglow' |
Succulents & cacti store water in their thick, fleshy stems (most have done away with leaves altogether) and are adapted to a very dry climate. Typically cacti have sharp bristles or spines, while succulents don't. They can range in size from tiny 1" babies to giant 20' trees. If you follow a few simple rules, they are very easy to care for and can be a showpiece in your garden.
 | | Aloe dorotheae. |
Most succulents will appreciate water about once a week during the growing season, from mid-March through mid-November. You may have to adjust this schedule if your soil drains poorly or if it's been raining cats & dogs. When the weather gets cooler, back off on the watering, maybe only once per month unless the pots are very small. Some succulents may need no water at all in the winter. You'll be able to tell when the plant needs water because it starts to shrivel.
 | | Nice in a mixed container! |
Cactus & succulent soil should be very well-drained. You can purchase a special mix or make your own. I've been using 1/3 soil, 1/3 peat and 1/3 fine gravel for long-term plantings.
We tend to think that because succulents are adapted to arid conditions, they can also take our hot summers, but some succulents will prefer afternoon shade. Some, like Orchid Cactus or Christmas Cactus, will absolutely require afternoon shade. You'll notice that we've put up a little shade structure over our succulent table to provide a bit of relief from the summer sun.
 | | And on the roof! |
Many succulents will need protection from frosts and freezes too. Most are more hardy if they've gone dormant first. It's those early frosts & freezes that cause the most damage.
Here's a list of some of the more common succulents, popular for their unusual shapes, colors or textures.
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Doing Battle with Squirrels
Our friend LaVon is the winner this time -- she suggested we write a newsletter article about controlling squirrels in the garden. It's a great idea, and I only wish I had a great solution to her problem.
Squirrels are notoriously hard to control. As pests go, they're relatively smart and have the time and motivation to defeat many of your normal defenses. The best way to control them in the back yard may be a good hunting dog who patrols the garden. Please note that this does not work in MY garden. Our current dog doesn't think much of this idea and spends his time on the couch.
 | | May work! |
Baffles can be constructed around the trunks of fruit trees, about 6-7 feet from the ground and about 1.5-2 feet wide. As long as the trees are at least 8 feet away from your roof or other unprotected trees, the squirrels won't be able to jump into your fruit trees or climb past a metal baffle.
For vegetable gardens, cayenne pepper oils and mothballs will deter them for a while, but these products must be applied rather frequently. Even ground cayenne pepper will deter them for awhile, but the rain will wash it away.
There are commercial products available which we can special-order for you, but like home-made remedies, they must be reapplied frequently.
Netting is not very useful against squirrels, though it does work for birds. Squirrels tend to tear up the nets and get to the fruit anyway. I know it sounds awful, but the best thing might be to feed the squirrels something else. Seeds and nuts may distract them from your fruits and vegetables, but it may also attract more squirrels (and other, creepier rodents). If you feed the squirrels, put the food as far away from your fruit trees or veggie garden as possible.
 | | He's up to no good... |
Read more about these and other semi-useful methods for deterring squirrels here. May the Force be with you on this project! Those little devils are quite stubborn!
Thanks, LaVon, for the idea! If you've got an idea for the newsletter, let me know. If your idea is selected, you'll win a $20 gift card.
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July in the Garden
July is a riotous time in the garden, especially when we get our (much-deserved) rain. The days are long & warm and plants are growing like crazy! The lawns need mowing almost as soon as it stops raining and insect populations are booming.
 | | Is this your yard? No, wait! It's MY yard! |
Here's a few things to look out for in July:- Check your azalea beds. If your shrubs didn't bloom well this spring, are they getting enough light right now? Most azaleas set buds for next year in the summer.
- Are your crape myrtles blooming? If you can reach them deadhead to prolong the bloom cycle. If you have sooty mold, address the aphid issue with soapy water, horticultural oil sprays or a systemic insecticide.
- Keep your annuals well-fertilized with compost, organic fertilizer or a high quality conventional fertilizer like ColorStar.
- If you need to water, soak the soil deeply. Don't use a programmable irrigation system without a rain sensor. It's better for your plants to have water less often, but in greater quantity. Watering lightly encourages roots to come to the surface where they dry out rapidly.
- Get that fall garden ready! Tomatoes can go in late this month, followed by bush beans, broccoli, cauliflower, corn (again!), cucumbers, eggplant, southern peas, and summer squash in August.
- If you suspect chinch bugs, make sure that area of your lawn isn't staying too dry. Treat if necessary and apply a thin layer of compost to encourage grass to grow there.
- If you suspect fungal disease, make sure that area of your lawn isn't staying too wet and that you're not overfertilizing. Treat with fungicide if necessary -- organic options are available - and apply compost to encourage regrowth.
 | | It's almost time! |
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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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Acrylic Painting For Kids Wednesdays this summer 2:00-3:00pm Artist Cecilia Campos Merino leads this weekly workshop for kids ages 4-10 years. Each week, student artists will complete a new 16x20 acrylic painting on canvas. This workshop is $35 per week and refreshments are provided. Call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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Art Lessons for Adults Thursdays this summer 1:30-4:00pm Artist Suzanne Stevens offers art instruction for adults, including oil painting, acrylic painting and drawing. Classes are appropriate for all skill levels. Download the Supply List here. Lessons are $150 per month (4 lessons). Call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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Easy Mosaic Suncatchers Friday, July 20 2:00-4:00pm 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. The class is $40 and includes all tools, supplies & refreshments. Class size is limited and reservations are suggested. Call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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Get Started With Drip Irrigation Sunday, July 22 2:00-3:30pm Drip irrigation saves water and time! Learn to install a simple drip system for your garden. This class is taught by licensed irrigator and rainwater harvester Jim Cowan. The class is $10 and includes a coupon valid for 15% off today's garden center purchases. Class size is limited and reservations are suggested. Call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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Express Yourself with Artist Trading Cards! Saturday, July 28 10:00am - 1:00pm Artist trading cards are 2.5x3.5" miniature works of art that anyone can make! Techniques include painting, assemblage, collage, photography, mosaic, textile work and any other art medium you choose! Artist Susie Curry facilitates this workshop, and all materials are included (even refreshments!) The class is $35 and you can make as many ATCs as you like. Read more about ATCs here. Class size is limited and reservations are suggested. Call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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Backyard Poultry Sunday, July 29 2:00-3:00pm Get started with backyard poultry! Learn about safe and easy ways to raise ducks & chickens at home. This class is taught by Mike Hensley, who has been raising chickens for over 3 years. Mike is also a teacher at Galena Park High School. This class is $10. Participants receive a coupon good for 15% off that day's purchases. Class size is limited and reservations are suggested. Call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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