March 13, 2015

Dear Friends,

Here is the 98th 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: [email protected]. 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!


Sometimes a flower's true significance lies in its roots, not in its present form. Some scholars say the Biblical reference to "Lilies of the field..." could refer to, left to right, amaryllis, crinums, gladioli, irises or even other wildflowers native to that area.

GIVING OUR GARDENS A DEEPER MEANING . . .

BY BRENDA BEUST SMITH

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; 
they toil not, neither do they spin..."
-- Matthew 6:28

Gardens that reflect plants named in the Bible and other religious documents, in their own way, unite gardeners the world over. The good news is there are no rules. Such a garden can be huge and formal, a tiny corner in your backyard or perhaps at your place of worship.

Whether the inspiration comes from the Christian Bible or another historical religious tome, the concept is the same. For the sake of brevity, I'll use the term Biblical Garden in the general sense.

Many of the plant names used in ancient writings were so general, no one knows exactly to which specific varieties they actually refer. Take "lilies of the field." Depending on what expert you consult, this phrase could refer to actual lilies of which hundreds of varieties are native to that area, including amaryllis, crinums, gladioli, irises . . . or, even, in fact, wildflowers in general.

Ironically, it's a great time to start a Biblical Garden in this area. We can now grow apples, one of the first plants mentioned in the Bible. (Of course, some folks say the "apple" growing in the Garden of Eden was really an apricot, but . . . )

In decades past, it was very difficult to grow apples in Houston. Most available varieties needed more and longer winter cold than our climate reliably supplies. Thanks to local hybridizers, the right varieties produce easily now. Highly recommend are Anna, Dorsett Golden, 2-in-1 and Reverend Morgan Atlaspur, to name just a few. Even better for those of us with shrinking backyards, Anna and Dorsett Golden are dwarfs.

The important thing in a Biblical Garden is to convey very special associations through the choice of plants, your garden designation and labels.

Ideally, these plant labels will include common names, botanical variety (optional) and the Biblical reference. Better nurseries carry a variety of label options.

Labels give a garden a clearer sense of identity, depth, an interesting purpose, and, let's face it, will help you remember what you planted where!

A couple of other general tips:

* Many plants mentioned in the Bible will grow easily here. Others won't. But in this modern age, it may be possible to find new hybrids or introductions of these ancient plants that will grow here. The important thing is that you do a bit of research and make sure you pick varieties that like our Gulf Coast ecology.

* Unless you have a lot of resources and help, start small. Gardens can always be expanded. But bite off too much in the beginning, and you may end up chucking all if upkeep is too overwhelming. Even super hardy plants need some maintenance in the beginning.

* Keep in mind Biblical plants mentioned grew in a Mediterranean setting. You probably can't recreate the exact environment, but you can place rocks, earth-colored hardscapes and appropriate hardscapes strategically around to create atmosphere.

* Generally speaking, these plants will require excellent drainage - a challenge given our spring, fall, and sometimes summer and winter monsoon rains. Raise the beds to accomplish this.

* The good news is that (according to one source at least), plants listed in the Bible tend to be 
1. low-water plantings and 
2. deer-resistant!

(If deer are a problem for you, email me at [email protected] for a free list of "Deer-No Plants" and appropriate tips.)

* Document your plantings, along with the Biblical or other religious references - what works, what doesn't work, what you like and what you didn't - and why! You'll or others will want this information in years to come. 

I could only find two publicized Biblical Gardens in our area, but didn't receive any response to email queries on either one (Wheeler Baptist Church and First Baptist Conroe). 

If you know of any others, open to the public, or whose creators would be willing to talk to prospective Bible Garden designers, please email me at [email protected]

In our Spotlight below, Jean Fefer shares some of the thoughts she'll be presenting in her free, open-to-the-public presentation:

Thurs., April 23, "Plants of the Bible," 1-2pm, at the Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, 1666 Pine Forest Lane. Details: 713-274-3250; http://www.pct3.hc.net/senior/glaziersec.aspx).  

A Master Gardener Past President, Jean is also a Plant Propagation and Organic Vegetable Specialist of Master Gardeners, chair of Education Committee, Plant Propagation Specialist, Organic Vegetable specialist, Urban Harvest advisory board member. 

In the meantime, remember: the Bible says it took God three days to create plants. 

You will probably need a little more time.

*  *  * 

POTPOURRI
√ A GOOD CAUSE AT BUCHANAN'S. On Fri., Mar. 20, a benefit for Planted: Houston - a network of urban farms throughout what are so-correctly-described as "Food Desert Neighborhoods" - will be held at Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E. 11th St. in the Heights. A portion of the tickets ($75) for "Gardeners Night Out" will benefit CanDo Houston (http://www.candohouston.org/). Details (including the long list of goodies!): buchanansplants.com/gno.

√ EDUCATION BOOTHS AT MARCH MART. The last two weeks we've talked about the plants at the big March Mart at Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens. While you're there, don't overlook the Education Booths manned by experts: Organic Gardening (Urban Harvest ), Composting (Keep Kingwood Green), Prairies & Wetlands (Katy Prairie Conservancy), Antique Roses (& sales - Texas Rose Rustlers), Rare Plant Species, History, Etc. (Peckerwood Garden and Trees (Trees for Houston).

√ JANE LONG OLEANDER STILL IN PRODUCTION. The Jane Long Oleander will, unfortunately, not be available at the Galveston Home and Garden Show Saturday and Sunday as was mistakenly published in some media. The International Oleander Society, which is propagating these cuttings for sale, ran into some serious challenges over the winter, delaying their public sale. 

But do come to the Galveston Home & Garden Show! Lots of gardening folks speaking (including yours truly at 2:30 on Saturday, Mar. 14). 

Other speakers include Saturday 10:30am-Rainwater Harvesting-Jim Jahnke; 11:30-Tree Conservancy-Priscilla Files; 1-Roses-Baxter Williams. Sunday 11:30-Growing Peppers-Gene Sepller; 12:30-Plumeria-Loretta Osteen. Details: www.galvestonhomeandgarden.com  

Speaking of the Jane Long Oleander, mark your calendar.  The free 2015 Jane Long Festival will be Sat., Oct. 10 at Fort Travis Seashore Park, Bolivar Peninsula. 

 

Need speakers for your group? For a free continually-updated copy of Brenda's 
"LAZY GARDENERS SPEAKERS LIST," simply email your request to [email protected]







Plants for a Biblical Garden, left to right, almond (Texas almond), dill, aloe and mint.

PLANTS OF THE BIBLE
By JEAN FEFER
It is exceptional that a country the size of Israel, which comprises most of what we think of as the Land of the Bible, supported over 2,600 plant species. Even more interesting since the country is 1/2 desert.

The Bible mentions about 110 plants either by name or by description. Since the Old Testament was written originally in Hebrew and Aramaic, after 1,000 years of oral transmission, it is a challenge to figure out which plant one is actually talking about in a particular passage.

The New Testament was written in Greek with some of the oral sources from Hebrew and Aramaic. There have been several translations of the Bible and so there are discrepancies in assigning names depending on the horticultural knowledge or lack thereof of the translator.

Modern botanical knowledge and a study of the modern flora of the area has given researchers aid in a more accurate identification of the biblical plants. The general climactic conditions have scarcely changed at all in the last millennia. Even so, a fair number of plant names have not been specifically identified and some may never be.

The social structure, livelihood and domestic life of the ancient Israelite family revolved around agriculture. Vegetables were grown in small gardens near houses with or without irrigation. One would not find root vegetables like turnips or beets, but scores of wild edible herbs.

Fruit tree gardens were important, such as date palm, olive, fig, walnut and almond.
Many religious laws centered on agriculture. Fallen sheaves of grain had to be left for the poor to collect and the corners of the fields were not harvested for the same reason. All crops were tithed for the priests.

Laws prohibited gathering fruit for the first three years after planting, banned crossbreeding and established every seven years the Smittah. Smittah was a sabbatical year in which cultivation was prohibited so the natural yield of the land could be shared by all and the land could rest.

JEAN'S LIST OF BIBLICAL PLANTS FROM HER PRESENTATION

1. Acacia tree-Acacia radian - Exodus 25:10
2. Almond - Amygdalus communis - Numbers 17:8
3. Aloes - Aquilaris sp. Or Aloe vera? - John 19:39, Numbers 24:6, Song of Solomon 4:14
4. Broadbeans - Vicia fava - Samuel 17:28
5. Calamus - Acorus calamus or Lemon grass? - Song of Solomon 4:14
6. Carob - Luke 15:16
7. Cinnamon(Cinnamomum zelandicum) 
and Cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum) - Song of Solomon 4:14
8. Coriander - Exodus 16:31
9. Cumin - Cuminum cymimum - Matthew 23:23
10. Dill -Anethum graveolens - Mathew 23:23
11. Etrog - primitive lemon (Citrus Medica - citron) - Leviticus 23:40
12. Fig -Ficus carica - Genesis 3:7, Numbers 13:23
13. Frankincense - Boswellia sp. - Exodus 30:34, Revelations 18:13
14. Garlic - Allium sativum - Numbers 11:55
15. Grapes - Vitis vinifera - Numbers 13:23, Deuteronomy 24:21
16. Henna -Lawsonia inermis - Song of Solomon 1:14
17. Hyssop - Origanum syriacum - Exodus 12:22, Psalms 51:7
18. Mint - Mentha longifolia - Matthew 23:23
19. Mustard - Brassica nigra - Matthew 17:20, Luke 13:19
20. Myrrh - Commiphora gileadensis - Matthew 2:11
21. Myrtle -Myrtus communis - Nehemiah 8:15, Genesis 35:4
22. Rue - Ruta chalepensis - Luke 11:42
23. Saffron - Crocus sativus - Song of Solomon 4:14

BIBLIOGRAPHY
* "Plants of the Bible" by Louis Untermeyer, Golden Press, NY 1970
* "Plants of the Bible" by Michael Zohary, Cambridge Univ. Press 1982
* "Plants of the Bible" by Harold and Alma Moldenke, Dover Pub., 1952


 
 
JOHN'S CORNER 
 


 

Organic Fertilizers and Nutrients - 29


 


CORN MEAL and CORN GLUTEN MEAL


 

I was at The Woodlands Home & Garden show this weekend and the subject of corn meal came up.  So this week we are going to look at the two common corn products that are used in horticulture; corn meal and corn gluten meal.  Both of these products have generated a lot of controversy in the gardening and horticultural industry.

 

CORN MEAL

 

Corn meal is the whole meal unlike corn gluten which is only part of the corn meal. Corn as a grain is a mix of proteins, sugars and other carbohydrates that varies greatly depending on the cultivar and the quality of soil it was grown on. 

 

As in all grains it has some fertilizer value although much less than alfalfa or cottonseed meals.  Typically it is applied at the rate of 10-20 pounds per thousand square feet of lawn or garden and is a naturally slow release source of nutrients.  It should not be over applied, since corn meal has the potential to become very odorous if it gets wet and sours before it breaks down.

 

The controversial issue on corn meal is its anti fungal effects in gardening. Thousands of people have reported good results in suppressing fungal pathogens in lawns using corn meal while others have had zero results. Similarly university studies have shown fungal control while others have shown no beneficial results.

 

A number of years ago I was invited to lecture at a research center in Costa Rico. While there I went rafting, trips through the rain forest and to the volcanoes.  During the visit I picked up some form of fungus that attacked my crouch area which was very painful. First my doctor tried various medications to no avail and then sent me to specialists whom performed tests and cultures, prescribed various additional medications that also did not solve the problem.  After reading about corn meal as a natural fungicide for years, in desperation I ground up some agricultural corn meal in my coffee grinder and applied it as a paste a couple times a day and within a few days I started healing. I ran out of corn meal and continued treatment using a corn starch based baby powder. Within two weeks I was free of the fungal infection.

 

As a result I started wondering why does corn meal work for some and not for others. 

 

It is well known in soil microbiology that sugars stimulate the growth of bacteria.  A species of soil dwelling bacteria (trichoderma) is known to feed on many species of pathogenic fungi that live in the soil. The sugars in corn meal have been shown to stimulate the growth of this bacteria in the laboratory.  Other studies have shown that other sugars like those found in molasses stimulate this bacteria in the soil, hence it is reasonable to assume that sugars in corn might also have this effect.

As a result, it is theoretically possible that many species of fungal pathogens would be suppressed.

 

Many years ago I read a report by the USDA on this subject.  They tested 14 brands of store bought corn meal.  They found that most provide varying to little beneficial effect in suppressing fungus except for Aunt Jemima stone ground corn meal which provided suppression.  Hence there was a difference due to brands, processing and even corn cultivars that could explain the differences in results found in the literature.

 

Over the years as we have hybridized plants like corn for flavor and sweetness they have lost many of their nutrients and chemicals that naturally protect them from insects and disease. It is possible that the older varieties that are found often in agricultural corn meal (lower cost seeds and more resistant to environmental stress) would have more of the fungal fighting ability.

 

 

CORN GLUTEN MEAL

 

Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn milling that contains several types of proteins hence it is often used in animal feed. Due to the higher protein levels corn gluten meal has a fertilizer value (NPK) around 10-1-0 that varies a little between brands. It is a natural slow release source of nitrogen for our gardens and lawns.  Corn gluten meal can be found as a fine powder, granulated or pelletized for easier spreading.

 

The controversy with corn gluten meal is in its use as a pre-emergent herbicide. Researchers at Iowa State University first discovered the herbicidal properties of corn gluten meal.  It only works on newly germinated seedlings and does not affect established plants. It works by inhibiting root formation in newly germinated seeds of most all plants.

 

After application in requires a light wetting to activate it.  Results also seem to get better with repeated applications. Due to its high protein content it will stimulate many species of fungus as it is degraded.  Many of our plant species that we call weeds prefer soils that are bacterial dominated.  Hence repeated application might shift the fungal-bacterial ratios to a fungal dominated microbial community that would naturally select against these weedy species increasing its effectiveness over time.

 

Research has shown that the effectiveness of corn gluten has a temperature dependence and does not work well after the soil has warmed up in the spring.  Corn gluten meal is most effective when applied in late winter to early spring when soils are still cool (55-650 F) and the effects typically last between 5 to 6 weeks depending on the weather.

 

 

SUMMARY: 

 

Thousands of gardeners have had very good success using these products.  At the same time they are others that have tried them with little effect. There are many variables that come into play and we need a lot more research to understand how to use these products in a more efficient manner.  They both provide some nutritional benefit and add small amounts of organic matter to the soil, hence go ahead and try them as they can only help and provide benefits that vary depending on weather, soils, and type.

 

 

PROS:

 

- source of a nitrogen

- small amounts of minor and trace elements

- releases nutrients relatively slowly

- may control fungal problems in lawns

- may work as a pre-emergent herbicide

- corn gluten can be a nitrogen source for compost piles

 

 

CONS:

- not a balanced fertilizer

- may cost more than alternatives

- results and benefits vary



 

  
   WEEKLY GARDENING EVENTS &
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
CALENDAR

TO SUBMIT EVENTS: Find a similar event in our calendar below and copy the format EXACTLY. 

Then you can add additional information. Email to lazy [email protected]

Any other formatting will result in a delay in publication. Events will not be picked up from newsletters.

  


  

Sat., Mar. 14: City of Houston STAR Master Composter program begins. 20-hour, 10am-2pm class meets alternate Saturdays through May 9, City of Houston Building Resource Center, 1002 Washington. Details: http://www.greenhoustontx.gov/gbrceducation-2015spring.pdf  

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; [email protected] 


Sat.-Sun., Mar. 14-15 Galveston Home & Garden Show, Convention Center, 56th street at Seawall Blvd., Galveston. Details: www.galvestonhomeandgarden.com  

  

Sat.-Sun., Mar. 14-15 & 21-22: Spring Native Plant Sale, 9am-4pm, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive. Free. Also Mar. 21-22. Details: http://houstonarboretum.org/events/spring-native-plant-sale/.

  

Mon., Mar. 16: Open Garden Day with Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2, 8:30-11am, Genoa Friendship Garden,1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd. Details:https://hcmga.tamu.edu 

  

Tues., Mar. 17: Hummingbirds!  Allen or Rufous, it's all Selaphorus to Me. Details: http://sugarglandgardenclub.org 

  

Tues., Mar. 17: Honey Bees Around The Garden by Stewart McAdoo and Robert Marshall,

6:30-8:30pm, Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Free. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston
 
Wed., Mar. 18: Texas SuperStars by Paul Winski, 10 am, Clear Lake  Park Meeting Room, 5001 NASA Parkway, Seabrook.  Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 event.  Details: https://hcmga.tamu.edu 

  

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

  

Thurs., Mar. 19: Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston Chapter: The Watson Preserve: Jewel of the Big Thicket by Pauline Singleton, 7-9pm, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4505 Woodway. Free. Details: http://npsot.org/wp/houston/activities/monthly-meetings/

 
Fri., Mar. 20: March Mart Plant Sale
, noon-4pm. Mercer Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble. Free. Details: http://www.hcp4.net/community/parks/mercer 

  

Sat., Mar. 21, March Mart Plant Sale. 8am-4pm. Mercer Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble. Free. Details: http://www.hcp4.net/community/parks/mercer; 281-443-8731


Sat., Mar 21: MCMGA Spring Plant Sale, Montgomery Co. Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. 8am: Program; 9am-1pm: Sale Details: 936-539-7824 or www.mcmga.com


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.

 

Sat., Mar. 21: The Culture and Care of Palms by O.J. Miller,  9-11:30am, and Minimize Tomato Stress Factors to Maximize Yields-Part 3 by Ira Gervais, 1-3pm, Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Free. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Details

Sat., Mar., 21: Tomball Garden Club Annual Plant Sale, 9am-2pm, Grannys Korner, 201 Market St. (near Tomball Depot), Tomball. Details: [email protected], T281-259-9159
 

Mar. 21-22: : Spring Native Plant Sale, 9am-4pm, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive. Free. Details: http://houstonarboretum.org/events/spring-native-plant-sale/

  

Sun., Mar. 22: Earth Kind Plants by Margaret Lloyd-Bingham, 2-4pm, Mercer Arboretum & Botanical Garden, 22306 Aldine-Westfield Rd., Humble. Free. Cypress Creek Daylily Club event. Details. 713-697-0362.  [email protected]

 

Tues., Mar. 24: 50 Ways to Live a Greener Life by Ken Steblein, www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston


Wed., Mar. 25: Cypress Creek Daylily Club Plant Sale. 9:30am-6pm.  Klein United Methodist  Church, 5920 FM 2920, Spring. Free. Details.  713-697-0362.  [email protected].

 

Wed., Mar. 25: The Prickly Pear Cactus: The Magical History of a Plant by Liliana Cracraft, 7:30pm, Metropolitan Multi-Services Center, 1475 West Gray. Free. Details: http://www.hcsstex.org/

 

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 

 

Fri., Mar. 27: Gulf Coast Green 2015, 8am-5pm, Norris Conference Center, 816 Town & Country Blvd., Suite 201.   Gulf Coast Green-AIA Houston event. Details: aiahouston.org/v/site-home/Gulf-Coast-Green/35/ (https://aiahouston.org/v/site-home/Gulf-Coast-Green/35/)

  

Sat., Mar. 28: Birthday Party for Jerry Seymore (Jerry's Jungle Gardens), 1pm, Baker's Back Yard, 417A Gentry St., Spring. Free. Details: www.bakersbackyard.com 
 

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. 28: Memorial Northwest Ladybugs Garden Club Plant and Tree Sale, 9am-2pm, Memorial Northwest Community Center Parking lot, 17440 Theiss Mail Route, Rd., Spring 


Sat., Mar. 28: Roses and Companion Plants by Gaye Hammond, 10am and 2pm, The Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond, and Enchanted Forest Nursery, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond. Free. Details: www.myenchanted.com 

  

Sat, Mar. 28: Urban Harvest's Starting a Community or School Garden, Class #2 of 2, 9-11:30am. $20. University of St. Thomas, Welder Hall. Room TBD, 3800 Montrose Blvd. Details: 713-880-5540  or  www.urbanharvest.org. 

  

Sat., Mar. 28:  Garden Villas Garden Club Annual Plant & Garden Accessories Sale, 9am-1pm, Garden Villas Paetk Community Center, 6720 S. Haywood. Free.  Details:  [email protected] or 713-545-2926.  

  

Sat.,Mar.28: Herb Festival and Coushatta Camellia Society camellia tea plant sale, 8am-2pm, Wynne Home, 1428 Eleventh St., Huntsville.  Free. Details [email protected]

  

  

Sat., Mar. 29: Open Days at Peckerwood Gardens, Hempstead. Garden Conservancy event. Tours 11am & 1pm. $10. Details: peckerwoodgarden.org, 979-826-3232; [email protected] 

  

Sun, Mar. 29: Urban Harvest's Restoring Nature Through Permaculture Class 1 of 4, 1-6pm. $238. U of Houston Central Campus, 4800 Calhoun, McElhinney Hall, Room 106.Details: 713-880-5540  or  www.urbanharvest.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 

  

Tues., Mar. 31: Tool Care by Tim Jahnke and Henry Harrison III, 6:30-8:30pm, Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Free. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston


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 

  

Thurs., April 2: Planting for Bees and Butterflies by Fort Bend Master Gardeners Entomology Group, 9:30 am, Municipal Utility Building, 805 Hidden Canyon Drive, Katy.  Free.  Nottingham Country Garden Club Program. Details: nottinghamgardenclub.org; 713-870-5915.

 

Sat., Apr. 4: Perennials - Best Picks for Texas, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss Rd. Free. Details: www.corneliusnurseries.com/events

  

Sat., April 4: Basic Grafting & Roostock Propagation with James Britt, 1:30-3 p.m., Wabash Feed & Garden Store, 5701 Washington Ave., Houston, TX 77007, Free. Details: http://wabashfeed.com/eventcalendar.html or 713-863-8322.

  

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

  

Thurs., Apr. 9 : Roses in the West - A Must See, 7:30pm, St. Andrews Episcopal Church parish hall, 1819 Heights Blvd. Free. Houston Rose Society event. Details: www.houstonrose.org 

   

Thurs., Apr. 9: Purple Martins: Aerial Insectivores with Mary Anne Weber, 7:30 p.m., L.G.I. Lecture Hall, McCullough Jr. High School, 3800 S. Panther Creek Dr., The Woodlands.  Free. Co-sponsors The Woodlands Township, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., Nature's Way Resources & Waste Management. Details:   in the Woods Nature Lecture or 281-201-3800.

 

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; [email protected] 


Sat., Apr. 11: Plants for Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss Rd. Free. Details: www.corneliusnurseries.com/events 

  

Sat, Apr. 11: Urban Harvest's Constructing the Home Vegetable and Fruit Garden. 9-11:30 am. $45. University of St. Thomas, Welder Hall. Room TBD, 3800 Montrose Blvd. Details: 713-880-5540  or  www.urbanharvest.org.

  

Sat., Apr 11: Bromeliad Society/Houston Spring Sale 9am-3pm, Metropolitan Multi-Services Center 1475 W. Gray. Details:  www.bromeliadsocietyhouston.org or 713-858-3047

 

Wed., April 15: Bromeliads by Jimbo and Joanna Woolsey, 10am, Clear Lake Park Meeting Room, 5001 NASA Parkway, Seabrook.  Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 event. Details:https://hcmga.tamu.edu

  

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

  

Sat., Apr. 18: Colorful Sun & Shade Plants from Burpee Home Garden, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss Rd. Free. Details: www.corneliusnurseries.com/events

 
Sat., Apr. 18 : Houston Rose Society Rose Show, 12:30 pm, St. Andrews Episcopal Church parish hall, 1819 Heights Blvd. Free. Houston Rose Society event. Details: www.houstonrose.org

  

Mon., April 20: Open Garden Day with Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2. 8:30-11am, Genoa Friendship Garden,1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd. Details:https://hcmga.tamu.edu

 

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

 

Tues., April 21: "Plants to Enjoy After the Sun Goes Down" by Judy Jones of Enchanted Landscapes, 10am, Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. Sugar Land Garden Club event. Details: sugarlandgardenclub.org  

 

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 

 

Fri, Sat & Sun April 24, 25,26 Heritage GardenersSpring Garden Tour, Flower and Horticulture Show at the Marie Workman Garden Center and Briscoe Gardens, 112 W. Spreading Oaks for details call 281 992-4438 or go to www.heritagegardener.org

  

Sat., Apr. 25: Easy Care Flowers, Top Picks from "Proven Winners," 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss Rd. Free. Details: www.corneliusnurseries.com/events 

   

Sat., Apr. 25: Urban Harvest's Organic Pest Control, 9-11:30am. $45. University of St. Thomas, Welder Hall. Room TBD, 3800 Montrose Blvd. Details: 713-880-5540  or  www.urbanharvest.org.

  

Sat. April. 25, 2015: Spring Sale by Harris County Master Gardeners. 9am-1pm, County Extension Office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Details: http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/pubSales.aspx

  

Sat. Apr. 25: 32nd Annual Herb Day by The Herb Society of America, South Texas Unit, 9am-2pm, Fondren Hall, St. Paul's Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. at Bissonnett. $45 (box lunch). Registration deadline: April 15. Details: www.herbsociety-stu.org

  

Sat., May 2: Spring Garden Tour, 9am-3pm, Venetian Estates; rain date May 9;Sugar Land Garden Club event. Details: sugarlandgardenclub.org 

  

Sat., May 9: Cypress Creek Daylily Club Flower Show. 1-4pm. Mercer Arboretum & Botanical Barden, 22306 Aldine-Westfield Rd., Humble.  Free. Details. 281-356-2543 [email protected]

  

Sun., May 10: Open Days at Peckerwood Gardens, Hempstead. Garden Conservancy event. Tours 11am & 1pm. $10. Details: peckerwoodgarden.org, 979-826-3232; [email protected] 

  

Tues., May 12: Plumeria Society of America quarterly meet, 7pm, Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Drive in Hermann Park. Details: www.theplumeriasociety.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

 
Fri., Sat., Sun., May 15-17 Bromeliad Society/Houston 44th Annual Standard Show & Sale, Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens 22306 Aldine Westfield, Humble. Hours and Details: www.bromeliadsocietyhouston.org. 713-858-3047
 
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 


Sun., May 17: Shimek's Open Gardens, 8am-6pm, 3122 Country Road 237, Alvin. Details: 281-331-4395 or 832-489-4395; www.cityscope.net/~neshimek (under Open Gardens)


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; [email protected]


Sat., June 13: Plumeria Society of America Sale, 9:30am-3pm, Bay Area Community Center, 5002 NASA Parkway, Seabrook. Details: theplumeriasociety.org


Tues., July 14: Plumeria Society of America quarterly meet, 7pm, Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Drive in Hermann Park. Details: www.theplumeriasociety.org


Sat., July 25: Plumeria Society of America Sale, 9:30am-3pm, Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Richmond.  Details: theplumeriasociety.org


Tues., Oct. 13: Plumeria Society of America quarterly meet, 7pm, Garden Center, 1500 Hermann Drive in Hermann Park. Details: www.theplumeriasociety.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!
 

 

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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 periodic article contributor.


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. 
 
 
 
 
 
COUPON: Nature's Way Resources. 20% off Garden Mix Light Plus. http://natureswayresources.com/products.html 
. (Offer good for retail purchases of this product by the cubic yard at Nature's Way Resources (101 Sherbrook Circle, Conroe TX). Expires 03/22/15.
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