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Dear Friends,
Here is the 93rd 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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MERCER - OUR LIVING PLANT GARDEN'S WINTER BEAUTY CLASS
BY BRENDA BEUST SMITH
Excitement at Mercer Botanic Gardens: Thelma Mercer's incredible camellias, 'R.L. Wheeler,' left, and 'Seafoam,' center. Right; a rendering of the Cypress Promenade for Mercer's proposed Renaissance Garden.
Next time we have a sunny day, grab it and hie yourself out to Mercer Botanic Gardens in North Harris County for a dose of beautiful. Think of Mercer as our living plant library. Now's the time to see which plants you might like to have for color in your own garden in February. That's not to say they might not get wiped out by a late super-freeze. But we're getting very close to spring now. We visited Mercer last week. Above and below are some of the color I photographed. If you take pictures, remember to photograph the identification labels they thoughtfully provide for most plants. (You don't think I actually remember all these names, do you?)
Left to right: Viola 'Penny Yellow' joins a sweep of geraniums and other winter bloomers. Nemesia 'Opal Innocence.' A sweep of ornamental cabbage. Far right: Dianthus 'Diana Lavender Picotee.'
If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask the staffers!
Right, birds will thank you for planting fire engine red coralberries. Although the giant leopard plants by Storey Pond had lost their yellow flowers, those by the Visitor's Center (center) were still gorgeous. And why wait for bluebonnets when Mercer has them in full bloom!
My firespikes have all shriveled up. Mercer's, left, are HUGE. Center and right, the Bamboo Garden
includes 30+ species, many of which tower overhead.
BIG CHANGES ARE COMING TO MERCER . . .
The Mercer Society is gearing up to raise funds for the Renaissance Garden, above, the first phase of planned renovations and expansion. This brand new garden will evoke formal European landscapes through a series of garden rooms - Neptune's Grotto, Arbor Nook, Citrus Walk, Cypress Promenade, Sundial Garden and an elegantly domed Temple of Dreams. All are threaded together with intriguing lines of sight and pathways leading through parterres of flowers, stately cypress trees, low pools, gentle fountains and traditional Mediterranean plantings. The Renaissance Garden will be sited in the former Daylily Garden and adjacent areas.
You can see sketches of the new gardens at Mercer's Visitor Center. Mercer is a Harris County Precinct 4 Park and the projected cost is $250K. The Mercer Society is a support volunteer organization that welcomes new members and will spearhead the funding drive. To contribute to the Renaissance Gardens, or for more information, log onto www.themercersociety.org
Also on the drawing board (and clearing is already very visibly in progress) is The Creekside Ramble in the area north of Storey Lake. This area was completely devastated by the heat wave and drought of 2011.
Since this garden area will not be complete until 2016, it's important that you follow "Stay on the Path" signs when heading to Storey Lake and the adjacent Bamboo Garden. Storey Lake is a must-see area for the kiddos with its ever-present turtles!
ONLY 3 CHANCES LEFT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MASTER GARDENER CITRUS TREE (AND MORE) SALES!
These folks are such great resources for home gardeners. Get to know them!.You'll never regret it, I promise!
* 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. 14: Precinct 2, Harris County Master Gardener Fruit and Citrus Tree Sale at Campbell Hall, Pasadena Fairgrounds, 7600 Red Bluff, Pasadena, TX 77507. Plant Preview by Heidi Sheesley, owner of Treesearch Farms at 8:00 am. Sale hours 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. If it's sold at our sale it, grows in our area. Details:
* Sat., Feb. 21: Brazoria County Master Gardeners Fruit and Citrus Tree Sale. Details: brazoria.agrilife.org
* 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 - 25
Mineral Sands - Part 1
There are many types of mineral sands (sometimes called rock dusts) used in horticulture and gardening. Each offers different nutrients and benefits. Today I want to look at the mineral sands of igneous or volcanic origin. The most common in the Gulf Coast region is granite sand, basalt sand, and lava sand to a lesser degree. This week we will look at granite sand.
Granite Sand - This sand comes from the breakdown of granite. It can be produced naturally through weathering of the granite rock or from the crushing of granite ores for a gravel product. Granite is a granular rock that is light in color and composed primarily of minerals we call feldspar and quartz with small amounts of mica and hornblende. Large deposits of granite are mined in Texas just west of the Austin area. It is often pinkish and sometimes has a salt and pepper look from other mineral crystals embedded in it. Enchanted Rock state park near Llano, Texas, is a granite dome that many are familiar with.
The minerals (elements) in granite vary a little depending on the source. Some average values are:
72% SiO2 Silicone dioxide (quartz mineral)
14% Al2O3 Aluminum oxide
4% K2O Potassium oxide
3.7% NaO Sodium oxide
1.8% CaO Calcium oxide
1.7% FeO Iron oxide
1.2% Fe2O3 Iron oxide
0.7% MgO Magnesium oxide
0.3% TiO2 Titanium oxide
0.12% P2O5 Phosphorous oxide
0.05% MnO Manganese oxide
They are other elements in granite that vary that are in quantities of just a few parts per million or even parts per billion. I used common chemical names above rather than being exact (e.g. P2O5 is actually known as Diphosphorous Pentaoxide).
I am sure many of you recognize the plant nutrients in granite such as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, etc. As granite breaks down these nutrients are slowly released by microbes in the soil and by chemical and physical weathering.
We use granite sand in gardening for several reasons. The sand size particles can add structure to many soil types increasing aeration and infiltration of moisture. Also as the particle size becomes smaller there is an increase in surface area that allow more processes to act on it and release the nutrients quicker.
There is a third property of granite sands that is important to some, it is widely debated in agricultural and horticultural circles and is called Paramagnetism. All materials of volcanic origin have varying degrees of this property. From observational data all over the world and thousands of samples, it was found soils that are paramagnetic tend to be more fertile, have higher productivity and have less weed, insect and disease pressure than soils that are not paramagnetic. This will be discussed in future articles.
SUMMARY:
Granite sand is another tool in a gardeners tool box. It is often used as an ingredient in high quality soil blends to increase the soils health and value.
PROS:
- source of a few major nutrients
- small amounts of minor and trace elements
- releases nutrients very slowly
- aerates heavy tight clay soils
- helps light sandy soils hold moisture
- may slightly acidify soil as it decomposes
- improves soils structure for many soils
- may be a source of Paramagnetism
- excellent availability
- available in different sizes from dust to fine gravel
- fine sizes are often added to vermi-compost bins to use as grit
CONS:
- very heavy in weight hence shipping charges are high
- releases nutrients very slowly
- may be dusty when dry
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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., 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. 7: Real Food, Fruits in the Garden, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss. Details: corneliusnurseries.com/events.
Mon., Feb. 9: Building Healthy Soils Saves Money Now, 6:30pm, Multi-Service Center, 1475 W. Gray. Free. Houston Urban Gardeners (HUG) event. Details: www.houstonurbangardeners.org
Thurs., Feb.12 : Rose Pruning Demonstrations, 7:30pm, St. Andrews Episcopal Church Parish hall, 1819 Heights Blvd. Free. Houston Rose Society event. Details: www.houstonrose.org
Thur., Feb. 12, Spring Vegetables - Harvesting Know How by Harris County Master Gardeners. 6:30-8:30pm, Barbara Bush Library, 6817 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX. Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register 281-855-5600.
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: Central Houston - Successful Organic Gardens and Lawns by Mike Serant, Skip Richter and Dany Millikin, 9am-noon, The United Way Bldg, 50 Waugh Dr. $5 per person. Register here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/organic-gardening-landscape-event-central-houston-tickets-15092524146
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.
Sat., Feb. 14: Growing Great Tomatoes by Jean Fefer, 9-11:30am, University of Houston Campus, 4361 Wheeler. $35. Details: 713-880-5540, www.urbanharvest.org/classes-calendar
Sat., Feb. 14: Create a Valentine Memory, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss. Details:corneliusnurseries.com/events.
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
Thur., Feb. 19: Spring Vegetables - Harvesting Know How by Harris County Master Gardeners. 6:30-8:30pm. Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane, Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register 281-855-5600.
Thurs., Feb. 19: Registration deadline for the Sat., Feb. 21: Backyard Basics: The Food Garden, 9-11am, Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Rd, Rosenberg. $15. Fort Bend AgriLife Extension and Fort Bend Master Gardeners event. Details/Registration: fortbend.agrilife.org/backyard-basics or 281-342-3034.
Fri., Feb. 20: Rose Pruning by Baxter Williams, 10-11am, Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Free. 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 by Mike Serant, John Ferguson and Dany Millikin. 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., Feb. 21: Spring Vegetables - Harvesting Know How by Harris County Master Gardeners. 10am-Noon. Maude Smith Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd. Katy, TX. Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register 281-855-5600.
Sat., Feb. 21: Earth-Kind Gardening for Texas, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss. Details:corneliusnurseries.com/events.
Sun., Feb. 22: Constructing the Home Vegetable and Fruit Garden by Dany Millikin, 9-11:30am, Westbury Community Garden, 12581 Dunlap St., $35. Details: 713-880-5540, www.urbanharvest.org/classes-calendar
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
Wed., Feb. 25: Growing Milkweed Dinners for Monarchs by Barbara Willy, Native Prairies Association of Texas, 6:30 pm, 3015 Richmond Avenue, 1st floor. Details: shen.gcmn@gmail.com
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
Sat., Feb. 28: Successful Organic Gardening by Michael Serant, Suzzanne Chapman and Danny Milikin, 9am-noon, Kingwood Community Center, 4102 Rustic Woods Dr., Kingwood. $5. Register here. Details: 281-855-5600
Sat., Feb. 28: Spring Vegetable Gardening by Ray Sher, 9-11:30am, University of Houston Campus, 4361 Wheeler. $35. Details: 713-880-5540, www.urbanharvest.org/classes-calendar
Sat., Feb. 28: Make Your Lawn Luxuious-Spring Lawn Care, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss. Details:corneliusnurseries.com/events.
Mon., Mar. 2: Citrus Gardening with a Harris County Master Gardener, 1-2pm, Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Free. 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. Free. 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;
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., Mar. 7: Successful Organic Gardening by Michael Serant, Boone Holladay and Danny Milikin, 9am-noon, Harmon Center, 226 Matlage Way, Sugar Land. $5. Register here. Details: 281-855-5600
Sat., Mar. 7: Starting a School or Community Garden Series, #1 of 2 by Becky Blanton, 9-11:30am, Urban Harvest, 2311 Canal St., $50. Details: 713-880-5540, www.urbanharvest.org/classes-calendar
Sat., Mar., 7: Real Food, Garden-Grown Vegetables, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss. Details:corneliusnurseries.com/events.
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
Thurs., Mar. 12, Documenting Your Garden by Harris County Master Gardeners. 6:30-8:30pm. Barbara Bush Library, 6817 Cypresswood Dr., Spring Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register 281-855-5600.
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., Mar 14: Fashionista Flower Design, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss. Details:corneliusnurseries.com/events.
Sat., Mar. 14: Open Days at Peckerwood Gardens, Hempstead. Garden Conservancy event. Tours 11am & 1pm. $10. Details: peckerwoodgarden.org, 979-826-3232; info@peckerwoodgarden.org
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 Selaphorus to Me. Details: http://sugarglandgardenclub.org
Tues., Mar. 17, Documenting Your Garden by Harris County Master Gardeners, 6:30-8:30pm, Spring Branch Memorial Library, 930 Corbindale. Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register 281-855-5600.
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
Thur., Mar. 19, Documenting Your Garden by Harris County Master Gardeners. 6:30-8:30pm. Freeman Branch Library. 16616 Diana Lane, Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register 281-855-5600.
Sat., Mar. 21, Documenting Your Garden by Harris County Master Gardeners. 10am-Noon. Maude Smith Marks Library 1815 Westgreen Blvd. Katy, TX. Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register 281-855-5600.
Sat., Mar. 21: Save Water and Money with Drip Irrigation, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss. Details: corneliusnurseries.com/events.
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.
Sat., Mar. 28: Secrets to Spectacular Roses, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss. Details: corneliusnurseries.com/events.
Sat., Mar. 29: Open Days at Peckerwood Gardens, Hempstead. Garden Conservancy event. Tours 11am & 1pm. $10. Details: peckerwoodgarden.org, 979-826-3232; info@peckerwoodgarden.org
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
Thurs., Apr. 9: Basic Irrigation & Rainwater Harvesting by Harris County Master Gardeners. 6:30-8:30pm. Barbara Bush Library, 6817 Cypresswood Dr., Spring. Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register 281-855-5600.
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
Sat., Apr. 11: Open Days at Peckerwood Gardens, Hempstead. Garden Conservancy event. Tours 11am & 1pm. $10. Details: peckerwoodgarden.org, 979-826-3232; info@peckerwoodgarden.org
Thurs., Apr. 16: Harris County Master Gardener Green Thumb Lecture on Basic Irrigation & Rainwater Harvesting. 6:30-8:30pm. Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane. Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register 281-855-5600.
Sat., Apr. 18: Basic Irrigation & Rainwater Harvesting by Harris County Master Gardeners. 10am-Noon. Maude Smith Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd., Katy. Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register 281-855-5600.
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
Tues., Apr. 21: Basic Irrigation & Rainwater Harvesting by Harris County Master Gardeners. 6:30-8:30pm. Spring Branch Memorial Library, 930 Corbindale. Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register 281-855-5600.
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; www.pct3.hctx.net/senior/glaziersec.aspx
Sun., May 10: Open Days at Peckerwood Gardens, Hempstead. Garden Conservancy event. Tours 11am & 1pm. $10. Details: peckerwoodgarden.org, 979-826-3232; info@peckerwoodgarden.org
Thurs., May 14: Basic Pest Control for Gardeners by Harris County Master Gardeners. 6:30-8:30pm. Barbara Bush Library, 6817 Cypresswood Dr., Spring. Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register 281-855-5600.
Sat., May 16: Basic Pest Control for Gardeners by Harris County Master Gardeners. 10am-Noon. Maude Smith Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd., Katy. Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register 281-855-5600.
Tues., May 19: Basic Pest Control for Gardeners by Harris County Master Gardeners. 6:30-8:30pm. Spring Branch Memorial Library, 930 Corbindale. Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register: 281-855-5600
Sun., May 17: Payne's in the Grass Daylily Farm Open Garden, 9am-5pm, 2130 O'Day Road, Pearland. Free. Details: 281-485-3821, 713-419-6661, paynesinthegrassdaylilyfarm.com
Thur., May 21: Basic Pest Control for Gardeners by Harris County Master Gardeners. 6:30-8:30pm. Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane. Free. Details: http://harris.agrilife.org/hort. Register 281-855-5600.
Sat., May 23: Open Days at Peckerwood Gardens, Hempstead. Garden Conservancy event. Tours 11am & 1pm. $10. Details: peckerwoodgarden.org, 979-826-3232; info@peckerwoodgarden.org
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
POSSIBLE BY THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS |
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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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| | Offer Expires: 02/15/15 |
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