Two gift-worthy children's books

By William Scheick

Book Reviewer

Marianne Berkes. What's in the Garden. Dawn Publications, 2013. 32 pp. $8.95 (paperback); $16.95 (hardback).

Marilyn Smith, Ashley Gamell and Sara Epstein. The Kid's Guide to Exploring Nature. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 2014. 120 pp. $12.95.

Graced with eye-pleasing and mind-stirring illustrations by Cris Arbo, What's in the Garden is deftly aimed at youngsters between the ages of 5 and 8. Each visually represented fruit and vegetable also comes with a kid-friendly recipe.

Before the recipe, an appealing rhymed verse invites youngsters to guess what plant they are seeing in an accurately depicted garden scene. Here's an example: "It's usually brown, way down in the soil./You scrub it to bake, or peel it to boil./It doesn't have ears, but does have eyes-/It's really a favorite when mashed or as 'fries.'"

As this smart excerpt shows, Marianne Berkes's rhymed verses are enticingly packed with information ready to be unpacked by inquiring young minds. Besides chapters devoted to individual fruits and vegetables, there is also a section on gardening and on plant parts.

So far What's in the Garden has received 14 well-deserved prizes, including the prestigious American Horticultural Society's Growing Good Kids Excellence in Children's Literature Award. During this gift-giving season, this beautiful little book would make a perfect present for the youngest school-aged children.

Also handsomely illustrated, The Kid's Guide to Exploring Nature will appeal to older elementary-school children. Laszlo Veres's engaging paintings include numerous natural settings so well detailed that young readers will want to observe them very closely.

Often natural features are numbered in these paintings, which are accompanied by an explanatory key on the opposite page. In one example, young viewers are encouraged to identify common milkweeds, flower crab spiders, aphids and monarch caterpillars, cocoons and butterflies.

Absorbing topics include signs of each season, awesome amphibians, baby animal secrets, nest patterns, bird behavior, pond life, plant scents, nocturnal navigators, weed mania, leaf coloration, fungi fun, bark differences and bee pollination.

During the 1950s I spent hours pouring over the elaborate and annotated foldout illustrations of The World We Live In, a striking oversize Life Book given to me as a gift. If The Kid's Guide to Exploring Nature had existed back then and if I had been lucky enough to have been given a copy, I would have worn it out while trying this book's many fun projects while also learning to identify every ecosystem feature included in Veres's vibrant paintings.

Gardening doesn't stop in Texas in December, but it does slow down considerably. Use the time to catch up on your note-taking and get some "catalog" time in.

Mulch, mulch, mulch. Sometimes it's the only way to protect cold-tender plants.

Spider mites thrive in warmth. Be sure to check your indoor plants for mites and take appropriate action.

Birds and Wildlife

Suet is available in easy-to-use blocks that attract the woodpeckers, chickadees and titmice.

Use weight-sensitive metal feeders.

Color

After they freeze back, you can cut lantana, mallow hibiscus, esperanza and other cold sensitive plants to the ground.

Get those spring-flowering bulbs in the ground this month.

Plastic cups sunk in the ground and half-filled with beer attract and drown slugs and snails. They like Budweiser best.

It is not too late to plant pansies.

December is a good time to transplant roses

Fruits and Nuts

This is a good month to plant bare root fruit and pecan trees

Wait until January to do any major fruit tree pruning.

Collect pecans as they fall to the ground.

Shade Trees and Shrubs

Mulch the fallen leaves with your lawn mower.

Eliminate the mistletoe (a parasite) from your trees after the leaves fall.

It's OK to plant trees in December...even bare-root trees.

Consider a living Christmas tree. Arizona cypress or Italian Stone pines do well.

December is a good month to prune oak trees. Avoid topping.

Plant fruit trees on 8' x 8' raised beds with drip irrigation.

Turf Grass

St. Augustine that is dry is very susceptible to freeze damage.

Vegetables

Side-dress your cole crops and onions with a cup of slow-release lawn fertilizer or ammonium sulphate per 10 feet of row.

If tomatoes are full sized, but not showing any color, pick them and bring them into the house. They'll ripen on the counter. 

La Marque: The Texas Upper Gulf Coast Citrus Show will be held 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, December 4. Awarding of the Rosettes, 7:00 p.m.: Citrus grown by local gardeners will be on display for the general public. Rosettes and ribbons will be awarded to the best quality entries. Home citrus growers are encouraged to enter any type of citrus fruit for judging. Details, including dates and times for entry submission will be available at http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/. Educational Program (Citrus Greening, Production and Pest Problems), 7:15-8 p.m. As a continuation of the Citrus show, a presentation by Monte L. Nesbitt, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Program Specialist, will give an update on the Citrus Greening issues in Galveston County and surrounding counties. He will also cover the topics of citrus variety selection and establishment, production, and pest problems. (Pre-registration for this program is not necessary.) Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. For additional information: call 281-534-3413, ext. 12 or email GALV3@wt.net.

Round Rock: The Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock, presents "Seed Starting for Those with a Brown Thumb," from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4. Many people are intimidated by the thought of having to start their own seeds for the garden or the landscape. Learn why starting your own seeds is easier, less costly and provides you with a wider choice of plants. The program will be conducted by Jeff Ferris, a gardener in Austin for more than 25 years, staff horticulturist and diagnostician at The Natural Gardener, certified Permaculturist, and instructor in the ACC Landscape and Horticulture program since 2008. Through Neighborhood Harvest Project, he co-founded the first public community garden in Round Rock - Unity Park Community Garden. Jeff is a frequent guest and occasional host of "John Dromgoole's Gardening Naturally" program on KLBJ radio, the longest running organic gardening show in the country. For more information, please contact Julie Chapa, 512-218-7014.

La Marque: "Growing Tomatoes from Seed" will be presented Saturday, December 6, 9-11:30 a.m. at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (FM 519), La Marque.Do you want to learn how to grow great tomatoes? The first in a series of programs on growing tomatoes by Galveston County Master Gardener Ira Gervais on learning all about how to grow great tomatoes here in Galveston County. This first part will cover learning how to grow tomatoes from seed and where to obtain seeds and supplies needed to start and grow your seedlings. Discussion topics include how to pick the best varieties for Galveston County, seed starting methods and growing techniques and preparing your starter plants for garden planting. For additional information: call 281-534-3413, ext. 12 or email GALV3@wt.net.

La Marque: "Herbs in the Garden" will be presented Saturday, December 6, 1-3 p.m. at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Master Gardener Cindy Croft will present a program on herbs that work well for the Gulf Coast Garden. The program will include growing tips, lore, propagation and the various uses of the herbs. The audience is encouraged to bring their experiences to share and participate in the discussion. For additional information: call 281-534-3413, ext. 12 or email GALV3@wt.net.

Nacogdoches: The SFA Gardens will host a garden seminar, "Deck the Halls - Using Evergreens to Decorate for the Holidays," on December 6 from 9 a.m.-noon in the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet Street, Nacogdoches.Evergreen branches and garlands once served as symbols of enduring life and a fruitful year to come. Join Dawn Stover, Research Associate at the SFA Mast Arboretum, to learn how to create elegant wreaths and garlands using materials from the garden. Participants will learn principles of wreath, garland, and centerpiece construction and make a wreath to enjoy at home for the holidays. In addition to the traditional wreaths and garlands, Dawn will be introducing new crafts using natural items from the garden and forest. All materials will be provided. Class size is limited, so please register in advance for this wonderful holiday seminar. To register or for more information, call 936-468-1832 or email erodewald@sfasu.edu. Cost is $25 for SFA Garden members and $30 for non-members.

Houson: Houston Urban Gardeners will meet at 6:30 p.m., December 8, at the Multi-Service Center, 1475 W. Gray, Houston, for a potluck and "Sharing What's Working for Us in Our Vegetable Gardens." 

Bryan: Future use of water and its impact on agriculture will be the focus of the 2014 Texas Plant Protection Association conference scheduled Dec. 10-11 at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan. Dr. Travis Miller, interim director for state operations with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, will be one of the featured speakers during the opening general session Dec. 10. Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas state climatologist, and Carlos Rubinstein, chairman of the Texas Water Development Board, will also be general session featured speakers. Nielsen-Gammon will discuss climate variability and Rubinstein will give a Texas water outlook. Other presentations during the general session will focus on water conservation, comparative irrigation methods, agricultural innovations from industry in dealing with climate change, and a Texas farmer's perspective on dealing with water management. Afternoon sessions on Dec. 10 will include a look at the Texas drought's impact on wildlife, unmanned aerial vehicles in agriculture, and decision and precision applications of nitrogen. The second day of the conference will feature sessions on grain, cotton, horticulture/turf, and pasture and rangeland. A student poster contest will be held as well as an awards luncheon. For registration information, visit http://bit.ly/ZwpjOD.

Humble: Succulentarriums will be presented Wednesday, December 10, noon-2 p.m.

at the Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble.

Learn how to combine remarkable succulents, moss, and cacti with recycled glassware to create fun and fanciful display items for your home or office. These unique items also make great holiday gifts! For additional information or to make reservations, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 281-443-8731.

La Marque: "What is a Galveston County Master Gardener? ... It takes a village!" will be presented Thursday, December 10, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Interested in learning more about the Galveston County Master Gardener Program? ... Interested in becoming a Master Gardener? Are you interested in the various programs offered by the Galveston County Master Gardeners? Then the following program is for you. Galveston County Master Gardener Coordinator and County Agent, Dr. William Johnson, along with a panel of Galveston County Master Gardeners will give a forum-style presentation discussing the many facets of this MG volunteer program. For additional information: call 281-534-3413, ext. 12 or email GALV3@wt.net.

La Marque: Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office Open House will be held Thursday, December 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Meet all the County Extension Agents and administrative staff in Galveston County; learn about the many programs offered through this office. Displays of the volunteer projects and program information will be available. Master Gardener Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and will provide tours of the Horticulture Demonstration Garden. For additional information: call 281-534-3413, ext. 12 or email GALV3@wt.net.

Nacogdoches: SFA Gardens at Stephen F. Austin State University will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 11, in the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. in Nacogdoches. SFA Gardens Director David Creech will present "The True and Unabridged Story of This Past Year." Creech has been at SFA since 1978 and is director and founder of the SFA Mast Arboretum, Ruby Mize Azalea Garden and Gayla Mize Garden. He also co-directs the Pineywoods Native Plant Center. Creech received his bachelor's and doctoral degrees in horticulture from Texas A&M University and his master's degree from Colorado State. His research efforts have focused on blueberry germplasm and production studies, alternative crops and technology, crop nutrition, and evaluation of new plant materials for the South. The Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series is held the second Thursday of each month at the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture's SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center. A rare plant raffle will be held after the program. The lecture is free and open to the public, but donations to the Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series Fund always are appreciated. Parking is available at the nearby Raguet Elementary School, 2428 Raguet St., with continual shuttle service to the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building. For more information, call Elyce Rodewald at (936) 468-1832 or email grantdamon@sfasu.edu.

Pearland: Ed Barrios will present "Gardening & Insects" at 7 p.m., Thursday, December 11, at Busy Bee Café, 4009 W. Broadway, Pearland. Free. Brazoria County Master Gardeners. For more details, call John at 713-818-8806.

Houston: Monday, December 15, is Open Garden Day, with Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2. 8:30-11 am, Genoa Friendship Garden,1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston.  Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions. Free. Children welcome. Details: https://hcmga.tamu.edu.  

San Antonio: An Olive Production & Management Seminar will be held Monday, December 15, 8:30 a.m-2:30 p.m. at the San Antonio Livestock Exposition Dairy Barn, West Gate/Gate A 3201 E. Houston Street, San Antonio. 5 CEUs for Master Gardeners. RSVP with registration fee of $30 (includes lunch), payable to Bexar County Master Gardeners, Attn: Angel Torres, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 212, San Antonio, TX 78230. For more information, call Angel Torres 210 467-6575, or email matorres@ag.tamu.edu.

• Many, many practical and timely garden tips that are for Texas - not Maine or California!
• Organic, earth friendly tips to make your garden grow and prosper
• Lots of space to record your own activities for future reference
• Planting dates and tips for vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit and lawns

The Vegetable Book

By Dr. Sam Cotner

Finally, back by popular demand and in its fourth printing, the most informative and comprehensive "how-to" book on vegetable gardening in Texas (also, suitable for most other areas of the South) written by the late, great Dr. Sam Cotner, former head of horticulture at Texas A&M University and lifelong gardener. This interesting read has over 370 pages of detailed information on every crop, from Asparagus to Watermelon including problem/solving sections for each vegetable. If you want to maximize your enjoyment and success growing vegetables in Texas, this book is a "must have," whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener. Price $34.02

By William D. Adams

The best thing for tomato enthusiasts since the tomato itself! Adams draws on more than thirty years of experience to provide a complete, step-by-step guide to success in the tomato patch. Learn everything from soil preparation, planting, feeding, caging and watering. Liberally sprinkled with the author's easy humor and illustrated with his own excellent photographs, this must-have book has everything you'll need to assure a bumper crop! 189 pages. Lots of color photographs! Price: $31.94

($15.82 if ordered separately)

Remit payment to:

TG Books * PO Box 9005 * Waco, TX 76714

or call Toll-Free 1-800-727-9020

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