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Dear Friends,
Here is the 91st issue of our weekly gardening newsletter for Houston, the Gulf Coast and beyond. This is a project of The Lazy Gardener, Brenda Beust Smith, John Ferguson and Mark Bowen (both John and Mark are with Nature's Way Resources). We also have a great supporting cast of contributing writers and technical specialists who will chime in and tweak away regularly. We would love to keep receiving your input on this newsletter . . . . comments . . . . suggestions . . . . questions. . . .Email your thoughts to: lazygardenerandfriends@gmail.com. Thanks so much for your interest.
Please or sign yourself up to receive this newsletter by clicking the "Join Our Mailing List" link just below. We will never sell or share our mailing list to protect the privacy of our subscribers.
Enjoy!
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THIS WEEK: Left and center: Are those beautiful bulb boxes on store shelves now too hard to resist? Right, Camellias are queens of the garden - no doubt about it.
BULB BOXES & CAMELLIAS
BY BRENDA BEUST SMITH
Do you have as hard a time as I do passing by those stands of colorful boxes of bulbs that are all over plant departments right now? The bulbs are so beautiful and so inexpensive, it seems a crime not to at least try a couple.
But which to try? Do they work here? Some do. Some might. Some probably won't, but don't let that stop you! You never know.Here's my quickie take on some I photographed last week.
(Apologize for the photo quality. I was shooting quickly, before someone asked me what I was doing!)
If you plan to make a substantial investment in bulbs, go to a nurseryman you trust. The cheaper the cost, the greater the likelihood the bulbs may have been overheated, too cold, banged around in transport, etc. Remember, you usually get what you pay for.On the other hand, some of these do so well for us, they're worth taking that chance. It's such fun to see what comes up. Always let the foliage die back normally. Bulbs use dying foliage to replenish themselves for future blooms. Even if they don't come back, dying foliage makes good compost.CRINUMS (top left photo). Try 'em. They're native to this area and so easy to grow. Full or part sun. They can take our heat, drought, monsoon rains, etc. Fabulous plants. Plant now.COLUMBINE (Aquilegia, top center photo ). Iffy, especially these. Doesn't hurt to try. Usually ones pictured here want more prolonged cold than we get. Plant now if you want to try them. However! We do have a native columbine, Aquiligia chrysantha 'Texas Gold,' one of Texas A&M's SuperStars. Look for this specific name. You'll probably find it only at better nurseries. Shade. Blooms in spring. Need to be extremely well drained - raised areas or slopes.Above left to right:AMARYLLIS. Like crinums (see above), but will appreciate a well-drained area. If bulbs have been mistreated, may take a couple of years to bloom. Amaryllis bulbs store two year's worth of blooms. Plant now. If they like you, they'll bloom for years and years to come. CALADIUMS. Great for shade but some (usually reds) can take sun. These are normally annuals. Some may come back if they really like you, but most may not. Don't take it personally. These do not like cold weather. If you buy them now (a good idea), start them in pots you can protect, or wait until (traditionally) Easter to put them in the ground. They like shade, and an extremely well drained site.CANNAS. Another good buy but be aware they may like you TOO much. Some folks consider these invasive. But they can't be beat for hardiness and spectacular color. Plant now. Great for background plantings. Also come as dwarfs which aren't quite so sexually-active. In spring the leaf-rollers will pass through. When you see a leaf rolled up and tied with a silky thread, just cut it off and throw it in the garbage can (not the compost pile). The canna will reward you with two or three new stalks. Or just ignore it. They'll go away and that leaf will die. They won't kill the plant.Left to right above:DAHLIAS. We really don't get enough cold for these to do well. Put them in the ground NOW if you want to try them. If they work, they're gorgeous. But don't expect them to come back next year.GLADIOLI. Put in ground now. Sometimes they'll come back. Sometimes not. Don't take it personally. But I have a glad story I'd love to share at the end of this list. They like sun, and a well drained spot. Against a fence is perfect. FREESIAS. I tried these on a whim several years ago. They're in a sunny spot that is not well drained. Don't do as I do. Do as I say. Put them in a well-drained sunny spot. Mine return every year, but they've never multiplied. Which they probably would if they were well-drained.MY GLAD STORY: After Hurricane Ike I was looking for flowers coming back on Bolivar Peninsula (which was left covered with many feet of sand and salt water. The whole area looked like it had been sprayed with napalm). Gloria Sievers's yellow gladiolus not only returned, it had an amazing story.After Ike, five feet of salty water covered Gloria's Port Bolivar property. She had no hopes for her treasured yellow gladiolus would return. The corms were a gift from the family of Vera Cecilia Hughes who, at her funeral, shared their loved one's famous glads with those who attended. The glad had bloomed faithfully for Gloria, but it had never sent up any new shoots. To Gloria's amazement, after Ike, not only did the yellow glad return, it then spouted two new shoots. Obviously that glad, like Gloria and Cecilia, is Bolivar tough. Just a quick lesson: the term "bulb" generally also includes, left to right, corms (like gladiolus) and tubers (like cannas) as well as traditional bulbs (like amaryllis). PECKERWOOD LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD DOCENTSOne of our most beautiful (and most important) local horticultural treasures - Peckerwood Gardens - is the private landscape of John Fairey. Located just outside Hempstead, this Garden Conservancy site is open to public viewing several times a year. Docent training for Peckerwood will be held on Feb. 21, Feb. 28 and Mar. 11. If you're interested, contact Bethany Jordan, bethany@peckerwoodgarden.org or 979-826-3232.CAMELLIA LOVERS HEADING THIS WAYCome Saturday, Feb. 7, camellia lovers will be heading to Huntsville for the 7th Annual Texas Camellia Show. A tip o' the trowel to the Coushatta Camellia Society of Conroe for hosting this landmark show. One of 60 such American Camellia Society chapters across the nation, the Coushatta folks will oversee a display of about 400 blooms and encourage entries from local gardeners. Entries must be entered between 7 and 10am.This will also be a great place to have your camellias identified or problems diagnosed. But be sure to bring them in sealed zippered bags. It's a real treat to see camellias in the limelight. I can't tell you how much I miss my longtime camellia guru, the late Greg Davis, long Houston's premier expert and mainstay of the Houston Camellia Society. Greg also served as President of the International Camellia Society. Below, Coushatta Society President Don Marcotte shares some insights on growing these beautiful flowers which I've always thought of as the queens of the garden.
Among the beautiful camellias that will be available at the Sat., Feb. 7th Texas Camellia Show sponsored by the Coushatta Camellia Society will be C. 'Brother Rose,' left, and C. 'Firecone.'
IF THE BLOOM IS OFF THE ROSE FOR YOU, TRY CAMELLIAS
by Don Marcotte
President of the Coushatta Camellia Society
funny-farm2@sbcglobal.net
Camellias, native to Asia, have become fixtures in the West ever since their introduction in the 1700s. Their leaves are dried to make traditional green or black tea, and many gardeners plant them for their showy winter blooms, which have a wide range of colors. Camellias thrive in temperate regions, but there are now also cold-hardy varieties that have expanded the growing range as far north as Canada. Florence Crowder, a founder of the Great Gardens of America Preservation Alliance, said that although camellias have beautiful flowers like roses, "only camellias are easy to care for, don't have thorns and aren't ugly when they aren't blooming." There are countless species in the genus camellia, but these three species (or hybrids of them) are the most common.* C. JAPONICA The most common ornamental species, it has large showy blooms, like a cabbage rose or a peony. The flowers fall off like a wilted pompom when spent, rather than shedding their petals one at a time.* C. SASANQUA Another ornamental, but its blooms look more like an antique rose with fewer petals than C. japonica and a prominent yellow stamen/ the petals fall to the ground singly.* C. SINENSIS Also known as the tea plant , this species is the source of traditional black, green, oolong and white teas. It is squat and has small, fragrant white flowers.Some of the must-have camellias for the Conroe-Huntsville area which will be available at the Huntsville Show are Punkin, Southern Secret, and Brother Rose. The nicest thing about camellias are the people you meet. On Saturday, Feb. 7, the Coushatta Camellia Society will host the Texas Camellia Show at Katy and E. Don Walker Sr, Education Center 1400 19th St Huntsville, Tx. The Show is open to the public from 1-4pm. Event is free. There will be 25 varieties of hard to find camellias for sale. More info contact Don Marcotte funny-farm2@sbcglobal.net or 936-661-1101
* Brenda's group lectures include: "How to Reduce the Size of Your Front Lawn to Save Water Without Infuriating Your Neighbors," "Landscaping for Security," "10 Commandments of Lazy Gardening," and "What's Blooming in the Lazy Gardener's Garden." Details: lazygardener@sbcglobal.net. * Brenda's "Lazy Gardener's Guide" - a when-to-do-what in Greater Houston area gardens - is now available on CD only (pdf file). $20. Checks payable to Brenda B. Smith and mailed to: Lazy Gardener's Guide on CD, 14011 Greenranch Dr., Houston, TX 77039-2103.
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JOHN'S CORNER
Organic Fertilizers and Nutrients - 23
GREEN SAND
Over a year ago we talked about greensand as a soil amendment however it is much more than that since it is loaded with nutrients.
Greensand has been used for over 100 years as a natural source of a slow release fertilizer and soil conditioner. The slow release of potash and phosphate does not burn plants and the minerals improve the moisture holding properties of soil.
For years many gardening books and horticultural publications talked about the importance and value of New Jersey greensand. However shipping it into Houston was extremely expensive as it can weighs over 3,000 pounds per cubic yard. About 15 years ago several deposits of greensand were discovered in Texas and now it is only pennies per pound! It is the most economical way of adding a huge range of nutrients to your soil.
Origin of Greensand
Greensand was formed in anoxic (without oxygen) marine environments that are rich in organic detritus and low in sedimentary inputs. As in fish emulsion, seaweed and other products from the ocean it has all the nutrients (elements) found in seawater (see chart below). The geological formation is a sedimentary rock known as "Glauconite". It is often an olive-green colored sandstone like rock found in layers in many sedimentary rock formations of marine origin. It is called a sand due to its crumbly and grainy nature, but in reality the minerals are very similar to clay minerals.
Since greensand was formed under pressure in deep oceans and without oxygen the mineral complex's become unstable after being mined and exposed to oxygen at atmospheric pressure, hence these nutrients are released into the soil.
Greensand in our area is a dark greenish gray color when dry and turns almost black when wet when it is first mined. Greensand is a very heavy mineral with a density of approximately 90-120 pounds per cubic foot (2,500-3,000 pounds per cubic yard) depending on moisture content.
The minerals are normally released slowly over time but occur much faster in organic rich soils full of beneficial microbes (microbes produce organic acids as they break down organic matter which facilitates the release of the minerals for plant absorption). The pH of greensand varies from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline depending on the source and has little effect on the pH of soils. Some greensands can contain up to 12% iron (Fe). As greensand weathers (starts to breakdown and oxidize) the iron combines with oxygen (O) and the color becomes rusty looking.
Note: This oxidizing process of iron is what gives many of the iron rich soils in East Texas their reddish color.
Most of the soils around Houston and along the Gulf Coast tend to be very nutrient deficient. We are located far from any areas where the weathering of igneous rocks would release the required minerals and allow them to be deposited in our soil for plants to use. Historically, we also receive a lot of rainfall. The slight acidity of rain tends to make these minerals soluble and allows them to be leached out of the soil. The result is our area soils tend to be very low in the minor and trace elements. This is why it is so important that we have lots of organic matter in our soils to feed the microorganisms. These guys will absorb the nutrients into their bodies and prevent them from leaching. As they eat each other the nutrients are released into the soil and the plant roots can get them. For example fungus will form calcium oxalate crystals on their hyphae and store it into the soil till it is needed. Blossom end rot on tomatoes is an example of a calcium deficiency and some weeds like Dandelions require soils low in available calcium.
Traditionally, we were taught that plants can grow with only 16 elements. However recent research has shown that plants grown with a much wider assortment of nutrients have less disease and insect problems, use less water, taste better, have larger and more fragrant flowers, etc. The human body has 90 elements in it and if they are not in the soil then plants cannot absorb them and we do not get them when we eat the plants and fruits, nuts, etc. and many health problems are the result.
There is an excellent lecture available on CD on the importance of trace elements. It is called "Dead Doctors Don't Lie", By Joel Wallach, DVM, N.D, (available at many health food stores or online). It explains why we have so many health problems are associated with the lack of nutrients in our food supply. Almost all of Dr. Wallach's statements have been confirmed by other researchers since this lecture was recorded many years ago. This is a fun lecture to listen to, as Dr, Wallach has quite a sense of humor as he explains the importance of trace elements for both animal and human health.
In December I was able to attend a multi-day workshop on advanced soil science. During the seminars several of the speakers talked about the role of these micro and pico-nutrients working as co-factors in enzyme reactions for both plants and animals including humans. The research showed that a lack of these elements prevented the enzymes systems from working properly and led to more insect and disease problems in plants and health problems in animals and humans.
Additionally I was given a copy of the newest edition of a book on diagnosing plant health and nutrition problems that goes well beyond the obsolete 16 nutrient model of plant health.
Plant Analysis Handbook III - A Guide to Sampling, Preparation, Analysis, and Interpretation for Agronomic and Horticultural Crops, Multiple Authors, Micro-Macro Publishing, Inc., 2014, ISBN: 978-1-878148-01-8 .
Uses of Greensand
Greensand often has the consistency of sand but is able to absorb 10 times more moisture which makes it a good amendment for use in agriculture and horticulture for many soils types. Greensand does not burn plants and helps the beneficial microbes to grow in the soil. It also has been found to be a good conditioner to help loosen heavy and tight soils and help bind loose soils.
Recommended application is 2-4 pounds of greensand per 100 square feet, 40 pounds per 1,000 square feet or 1 ton per acre. For potting soils 5-20 pounds per cubic yard can be beneficial. It is a good idea to repeat this every few years to replace the nutrients that have been used up or leached from the soil.
Many gardeners add a few cups of greensand to their compost bins to increase the nutrient density. I like to sprinkle a little greensand in my worm bin (vermi-composting) to add some mineral roughage that helps the worms eat the feedstock and it increases the nutrient content of the castings.
A field test by Rutgers University in a sandy loam soil with greensand applied in the row at the time of planting, found that the application of greensand increased the yield of potatoes by 16%.
The benefits of greensand, largely unexplained by scientific research are far more than a laboratory analysis would indicate. However numerous greenhouse and field studies have shown significant improvement in the growth of plants. Other studies have shown that the use of greensand improves the taste, color, nutritional value, the health of plants and the health of soils.
Note: The crushing process of the glauconite ore produces both greensand and rock. The rock can be screened to different sizes and used as a landscape rock. It gives a very different look than commonly used gravels, crushed granite or basalt. The green rock portion when used on pathways packs well, is black when wet and greenish grey when dry. The greenish grey color makes yellow flowered plants (Daylilies, Tunera, etc.) stand out and really "sizzle and pop".
SUMMARY:
Greensand is the most cost effective method of adding minor, trace, micro and pico nutrients to ones soil. Always look for screened greensand where the rock portion has been removed.
PROS:
- good source of iron phosphorous, potassium and calcium
- inexpensive
- good availability
- available in bag or bulk
- nutrients moderately available
- easy to use
- often used in compost piles to enrich it
- almost a unlimited resource
- good for all plants
CONS:
- may be dusty when dry (wear a mask)
- not a complete fertilizer
- some lower cost brands do not screen it to remove rock portion
BOOK REVIEW:
I find one of the benefits of the winter and holiday season from Thanksgiving through January is that gardening slows down. As a result I get caught up on my reading from numerous books, research articles and other materials. Another book I read this winter was:
"TOXIN TOXOUT Getting Harmful Chemicals out of our Bodies and Our World", Bruce Lourie and Rick Smith, 2013, Knopf Publications,
ISBN: 978-1-250-05133-2
This is the second book by these two authors. Their first book "Slow Death by Rubber Duck- How The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Life Affects Our Health" became an international best seller.
This book reviews many of the toxic chemicals we come into contact with every day and the health problems they cause from allergies, autism, cancer, and many more. It also offers alternatives and ways to remove these toxic chemicals from our bodies. It strongly reinforces the concept that most experienced gardeners already knows: healthy soil = healthy food = healthy bodies.
This book is an easy to read overview of what has happened, the consequences and how to remove toxic chemicals and recover from the damage that has been done to our bodies.
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WEEKLY GARDENING EVENTS &
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALENDAR
Gardening events only. Events listed are in Houston unless otherwise noted.
Events must be written in the format used below, specifically earmarked for publication
in the 'Lazy Gardener & Friends Newsletter." Email to lazy gardener@sbcglobal.net
Sat., Jan. 24: Fort Bend Master Gardeners Fruit and Citrus Tree Sale, 9am-1pm or sell-out, Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Barn H, 4310 Highway 36 S, Rosenberg. Details: http://www.fbmg.com/events/annual-sales/fruit-citrus-sale/ or 281-341-7068.
Sat., Jan. 24: Montgomery County Master Gardeners Fruit and Nut Tree Sale, 8am: presentation. Sale: 9am-1pm, Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Rd., Conroe. Bring wagon. Details: www.mcmga.com or 936-539-7824.
Sat., Jan. 24: Successful Spring Vegetable Gardening by Luke Stripling, 9-11:30am, Galveston County Agri-Life Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Free but reservations required at 281-534-3413. Details:
Tues., Jan. 27: Harris County Master Gardeners Open Garden Day, Soil & Composting: 9am- noon (10 am-adult workshop, children's activities). Free. AgrilLife Extension Office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Details: https://hcmga.tamu.edu
Tues., Jan. 27: Anyone Can Grow Roses by John Jons, 6:30-8pm, Galveston County Agri-Life Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Free but reservations required at 281-534-3413. Details: www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston
Thurs., Jan. 29: The Soil Will Save Us by Kristin Ohlson, 4-8pm, United Way Building, 50 Waugh Dr. Organic Horticulture Benefits Alliance (OHBA) event. $75. Details/registration: OHBAonline.org.
Fri., Jan. 30: 3rd Annual Sustainable Landscape Conference - Sustainable Parking Solutions, 8:30am-3:30pm, Big Stone Lodge, Dennis Johnston Park, 709 Riley Fuzzel Road, Spring. Hosted by Mercer Botanic Gardens. Reservations/fees: 281-443-8731
Sat., Jan. 31: Harris County Master Gardeners Fruit Tree Sale and Symposa. 9am-1pm, County Extension Office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Preview at 8am. Details: hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/pubSales.aspx
Sat., Jan. 31: Winter Tree ID Walk, 10am & 2pm, Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Dr., Humble. Free. Details: www.hcp4.net/jones or 281-446-8588
Sat., Jan. 31: Growing Great Tomatoes (Part 2) by Ira Gervais, 9-11:30am, and Growing Blueberries by Dr. David Cohen, 1-3pm, Galveston County Agri-Life Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Free but reservations required at 281-534-3413. Details: www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston
Sun., Feb. 1: Basic Propagating: Seeds & Cuttings by Angela Chandler, 1:30-3:30pm, Wbash Feed & Garden Store, 5701 Washington Ave. Free. Details: http://wabashfeed.com; 713-863-8322
Wed., Feb. 4: Bonsai Repotting Round Table, 7:30pm, Hermann Park Garden Center, Houston.Houston Bonsai Society event. Details: www.houstonbonsai.com
Thurs., Feb. 5: 30th Annual Fort Bend Vegetable Conference, 8am-3:30pm, Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Buildings B&C, 4310 Hwy 36 S, Rosenberg. $25 ($20 before Jan. 26). Sponsored by Fort Bend, Austin, Brazoria, Colorado, Galveston, Harris Waller and Wharton Counties. Details/registration: agriliferegister.tamu.edu/FortBend or 979-845-2604.
Sat., Feb. 7: Galveston County Master Gardeners Annual Fruit, Citrus Tree and Vegetable Sale, Wayne Johnson Community Center in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. 8am - Preview of Sale Plants by John Jons; 9am-1pm - Sale. Details: www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston; 281-534-3413. Sat., Feb. 7: Compost Class, 10-11am, The Woodlands Township Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services Campus, 2801 Millennium Forest Drive, The Woodlands. Free. Co-sponsored by The Woodlands Township, Montgomery County Master Gardeners, Nature's Way Resources and Waste Management. Details:
Sat., Feb. 7: Starting Transplants for Your Garden by Dr. Joe Novak, 9-11am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine. $20. Near Northwest Management District event. Details/registration: www.nnmd.org or 713-895-8021.
Sat., Feb. 7: 7th Annual Texas Camellia Show, 1-4pm, Katy and E. Don Walker Sr, Education Center, 1400 19th St Huntsville. Hosted by Coushatta Camellia Society. Free. Details: Don Marcotte, funny-farm2@sbcglobal.net; 936-661-1101
Sat., Feb. 7. Water Wise Your Landscape. 9 a.m. to noon. The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Dr., The Woodlands. A Gardening 101 Seminar. Free, but registration is required at Gardening 101 or call 281-210-3800
Thurs., Feb. 12. 7 p.m. Local Snakes 101. 7 p.m. McCullough Jr. High School, 3800 S. Panther Creek Dr., The Woodlands. A Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture. Free. Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture or call 281-210-3800.
Sat., Feb. 14: HarrisCounty Master Gardener Fruit Tree Sale, 9am-1pm, Campbell Hall, Pasadena Fairgrounds, 7600 Red Bluff Rd., Pasadena. Details: hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/pubSales.aspx
Sat., Feb. 14: Make Your Garden Grow - Really! by Dr. Joe Novak, 9-11am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine. Near Northwest Management District event. $20. Details/registration: www.nnmd.org or 713-895-8021.
Sat., Feb. 14. Spring into Vegetable Gardening. 9 a.m. to noon. The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Dr., The Woodlands. Free, but registration is required at Vegetable Gardening or call 281-210-3800.
Tues., Feb. 17: Plant a Diverse Garden by Chris LaChance, 10am, Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. Sugar Land Garden Club event. Details: http://sugarlandgardenclub.org/
Tues., Feb. 17: Spring Vegetables-Harvesting Know How by Harris County Master Gardeners, 6:30-8:30pm, 930 Corbindale. Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register 281-855-5600
Fri., Feb. 20: Rose Pruning by Baxter Williams, 10-11am, Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Details: 713-274-3250; http://www.pct3.hctx.net/senior/glaziersec.aspx
Sat., Feb. 21: Brazoria County Master Gardeners Fruit and Citrus Tree Sale. Details: brazoria.agrilife.org
Sat., Feb. 21: Composting for the Home Garden Garden by Dr. Joe Novak, 9-11am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine. Near Northwest Management District event. $20. Details/registration: www.nnmd.org or 713-895-8021.
Sat., Feb. 21: Texas Tuff landscape Plants - Blooming and Beautiful by Sandra Duvall, 9-11:30am, and Kitchen Gardening" by Mary Demeny, 1-3pm, Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Free. Reservations: 281-534-3413; galv3@wt.net. Details: www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston
Sat., Feb. 21. Organic Gardening and Landscaping Seminar. 9 a.m. to noon. The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Dr., The Woodlands. An Organic Horticulture Benefits Alliance regional seminar. Free, but registration is required Organic Gardening and Landscaping Seminar or call 281-210-3800
Sat., Jan. 24: Montgomery County Master Gardeners Fruit and Nut Tree Sale, 8am: presentation. Sale: 9am-1pm, Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Rd., Conroe. Bring your wagon. Details: www.mcmga.com or 936-539-7824.
Tues., Feb. 24: Harris County Master Gardeners Open Garden Day, Spring Vegetable Gardening: 9am- noon: 10am adult workshop, children's activities. Free. AgrilLife Extension Office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Details: https://hcmga.tamu.edu
Tues., Feb. 24 "The ABC's of Home Composting" by Ken Steblein, 9-11am, Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Free. Reservations: 281-534-3413; galv3@wt.net. Details: www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston
Thurs., Feb. 26: Preview of Fort Bend County Master Gardeners Feb. 28 Vegetable-Herb Plant Sale, 9-11am, Bud O'Shields Community Center, 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg. Free. Details: www.fbmg.com or 281-341-7068
Sat., Feb. 28: Harris County Master Gardener Tomato & Pepper Sale & Symposia. AgriLife Extension office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Details: http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/pubSales.aspxSat., Feb. 28: Fort Bend Master Gardeners Vegetable-Herb Plant Sale, 9am-noon or sell-out, Agricultural Center Greenhouse, 1402 Band Road, Rosenberg. Details: www.fbmg.org or 281-341-7068.
Sat., Feb. 28: Soil Management for the Home Garden by Dr. Joe Novak, 9-11am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine. Near Northwest Management District event. $20. Details/registration: www.nnmd.org or 713-895-8021
Mon., Mar. 2: Citrus Gardening with a Harris County Master Gardener, 1-2pm, Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Details: 713-274-3250; www.pct3.hctx.net/senior/glaziersec.aspx
Thurs., Mar. 5: History of Shangri La Botanical Gardens by Joseph Johnson, 9:30am, Municipal Utility Building, 805 Hidden Canyon Drive, Katy. Free. Nottingham Country Garden Club program. Details: nottinghamgardenclub.org; o713-870-5915 or 979-885-6199
Thurs., Mar. 5: Plant and Seed Swap, 10-11am, Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Details: 713-274-3250; www.pct3.hctx.net/senior/glaziersec.aspx
Fri.-Sun., Mar. 6-8: 2015 80th Annual Azalea Trail. River Oaks Garden Club event. Details; http://www.riveroaksgardenclub.org
Sat., Mar. 7: Compost Class, 10-11am, The Woodlands Township Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services Campus, 2801 Millennium Forest Dr. The Woodlands. Free. Co-sponsorsThe Woodlands Township, Montgomery County Master Gardeners, Nature's Way Resources & Waste Management. Details: http://thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or 281-201-3800
Sat., Mar. 7: Pest ID and Management in the Home Garden Garden by Dr. Joe Novak, 9-11am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine. Near Northwest Management District event. $20. Details/registration: www.nnmd.org
or 713-895-8021.
Sat.-Sun., Mar. 7-8: Spring Branch African Violet Club 35th Annual Show and Spring Sale, Judson Robinson Jr., Community Center, 2020 Hermann Park Drive. Sat.: Show 1-5pm, Sale 9am-5pm. Sun.: Show & Sale 10am-3pm. Details: Karla Ross, 281-748-8417, kjwross@yahoo.com
Sat., Mar. 14: Growing Vegetables in Containers Garden by Dr. Joe Novak, 9-11am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine. Near Northwest Management District event. $20. Details/registration: www.nnmd.org or 713-895-8021.
Sat.-Sun., Mar. 14-15 Galveston Home & Garden Show, Convention Center, 56th street at Seawall Blvd. Horticulture speakers: Saturday 10:30am-Rainwater Harvesting-Jim Jahnke; 11:30-Tree Conservancy-Priscilla Files; 1-Roses-Baxter Williams; 2:30-Lazy Gardening-Brenda Beust Smith. Sunday 11:30-Growing Peppers-Gene Sepller; 12:30-Plumeria-Loretta Osteen. Other speakers,fees, hours: www.galvestonhomeandgarden.com
Tues., March 17: Hummingbirds! "Allen or Rufous, it's all Selasphorus to Me!" Details:
Thurs., Mar. 19: Providing Homes for Outdoor Wildlife by a Texas Parks and Wildlife Urban Biologist, 11am-noon, Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Details: 713-274-3250; www.pct3.hctx.net/senior/glaziersec.aspx
Fri., Mar. 27: Plant Propagation by Jean Fefer Ph.D., 1-2pm, Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Details: 713-274-3250; www.pct3.hctx.net/senior/glaziersec.aspx
Sat., Mar. 28: Nottingham Country Garden Club Annual Plant Sale, 10am-1pm, Villagio Courtyard, Westheimer Pkwy. @ Peek Rd. Details: nottinghamgardenclub.org; 713-870-5915 or 979-885-6199.
Tues., Mar. 31: Vegetable Container Gardening by Robert "Skip" Ritcher, 1-2pm, Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Details: 713-274-3250; www.pct3.hctx.net/senior/glaziersec.aspx
Wed., Apr. 1: Orchid Gardening by John Stubbing, 11am-noon, Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Details: 713-274-3250; www.pct3.hctx.net/senior/glaziersec.aspx
Wed., Apr. 8: Hibiscus gardening by Marti Graves, 2-3pm, Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Details: 713-274-3250; www.pct3.hctx.net/senior/glaziersec.aspx
Sat., Apr. 11: White Oak Garden Spring Plant Sale, 9-10am Presentation on featured plants by Heidi Sheesley, 10am-2pm Sale; White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Dr. Details: www.nnmd.org
Mon., April 21: What's Blooming in the Lazy Gardener's Garden by Brenda Beust Smith, 10am, Walden on Lake Houston Clubhouse. Lake Houston Ladies Club event. Non-member reservations required: Carol Dandeneau, 832-671-4475
Thurs., Apr. 23: Plants of the Bible by Jean Fefer Ph.D., 1-2pm, Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Details: 713-274-3250;
If we inspire you to attend any of these events,
please let them know you heard about it in THE LAZY GARDENER & FRIENDS NEWSLETTER!
WANT YOUR EVENT IN THE LG&F CALENDAR? YOU HAVE TO SEND IT TO US!
EVENTS WILL NOT BE PICKED UP FROM OTHER NEWSLETTERS OR GENERAL MEDIA RELEASES.
Events submitted in the exact format used above will receive priority in inclusion in the calendar.
Events NOT submitted in our format take longer to get published as someone has to reformat and retype them. Email to: lazygardener@sbcglobal.net
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THIS NEWSLETTER IS MADE
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ABOUT US
BRENDA BEUST SMITH
WE KNOW HER BEST AS THE LAZY GARDENER . . .
. . . but Brenda Beust Smith is also:
* a national award-winning writer & editor
* a nationally-published writer & photographer
* a national horticultural speaker
* a former Houston Chronicle reporter
When the Chronicle discontinued Brenda's 45-year-old Lazy Gardener" print column a couple of years ago, it ranked as the longest-running, continuously-published local newspaper column in the Greater Houston area.
Brenda's gradual sideways step from Chronicle reporter into gardening writing led first to an 18-year series of when-to-do-what Lazy Gardener Calendars, then to her Lazy Gardener's Guide book and now to her Lazy Gardener's Guide on CD (which retails for $20. However, $5 of every sale is returned to the sponsoring group at her speaking engagements).
A Harris County Master Gardener, Brenda has served on the boards of many Greater Houston area horticulture organizations and has hosted local radio and TV shows, most notably a 10+-year Lazy Gardener run on HoustonPBS (Ch. 8) and her call-in "EcoGardening" show on KPFT-FM.
Brenda recently ended her decades-long stint as Production Manager of the Garden Club of America's BULLETIN magazine. Although still an active horticulture lecturer and broad-based freelance writer, Brenda's main focus now is THE LAZY GARDENER & FRIENDS HOUSTON GARDEN NEWSLETTER with John Ferguson and Mark Bowen of Nature's Way Resources.
A native of New Orleans and graduate of St. Agnes Academy and the University of Houston, Brenda lives in Aldine and is married to the now retired Aldine High School Coach Bill Smith. They have one son, Blake.
Regarding this newsletter, Brenda is the lead writer, originator of it and the daily inspiration for it. We so appreciate the way she has made gardening such a fun way to celebrate life together for such a long time.
JOHN FERGUSON
John is a native Houstonian and has over 27 years of business experience. He owns Nature's Way Resources, a composting company that specializes in high quality compost, mulch, and soil mixes. He holds a MS degree in Physics and Geology and is a licensed Soil Scientist in Texas.
John has won many awards in horticulture and environmental issues. He represents the composting industry on the Houston-Galveston Area Council for solid waste. His personal garden has been featured in several horticultural books and "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine. His business has been recognized in the Wall Street Journal for the quality and value of their products. He is a member of the Physics Honor Society and many other professional societies. John is is the co-author of the book Organic Management for the Professional.
For this newsletter, John contributes articles regularly and is responsible for publishing it.
MARK BOWEN
Mark is a native Houstonian, a horticulturist, certified permaculturist and organic specialist with a background in garden design, land restoration and organic project management. He is currently the general manager of Nature's Way Resources. Mark is also the co-author of the book Habitat Gardening for Houston and Southeast Texas, the author of the book Naturalistic Landscaping for the Gulf Coast, co-author of the Bayou Planting Guide and contributing landscape designer for the book Landscaping Homes: Texas.
With respect to this newsletter, Mark serves as a co-editor and article contributor.
MARY BOWEN
Mary is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker United and an avid volunteer with the Montgomery County Animal Shelter.
With respect to the newsletter, Mary came up with the idea for the Garden Tails column and co-writes it. Mary is the newest addition to our group of contributors. We will expand her bio as we go.
PABLO HERNANDEZ
Pablo Hernandez is the special projects coordinator for Nature's Way Resources. His realm of responsibilities include: serving as a webmaster, IT support, technical problem solving/troubleshooting, metrics management, quality control, and he is a certified compost facility operator.
Pablo helps this newsletter happen from a technical support standpoint.
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| COUPON: BUY ONE OLD GARDEN ROSES & GET A SECOND FREE At Nature's Way Resources www.natureswayresources.com
. (Offer good for retail purchases at Nature's Way Resources (101 Sherbrook Circle, Conroe TX).
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