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Dear Friends,
Here is the 102nd issue of our weekly gardening newsletter for Houston, the Gulf Coast and beyond. We really appreciate all of our readers hanging in there with us, sharing stories and inspring us in so may ways.
Thanks so much!
This newsletter 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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BLUE BELL'S ROSES AMID THE BLUEBONNETS . . .
SPLENDOR AT NIGHT . . . FINDING SPECIAL AMARYLLIS
AND OTHER TREASURES
By BRENDA BEUST SMITH
This weekend, folks from all over Texas will head to the Brenham/Chappell Hill area for Texas' official Bluebonnet Festival. Headquarters is Chappell Hill for 51st annual celebration of our state flower, the bluebonnet. Details: www.chappellhillmuseum.orgThe real stars, however, are spread all over that region and maps available at the festival or online will take you on breathtaking drives. One plea: Stop in a safe spot, post your children with fields of color IN THE BACKGROUND. Please don't teach your children that it's okay to stomp down the bluebonnets. You're stopping them from setting seed for next year's blooms. Maybe you don't stomp down that many. But those who see you out there will then stop and let their children stomp down more. (Not to mention which, many of these fields are private property!)
Another great Bluebonnet Country tradition, our Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham ( www.bluebell.com) is also taking a bit of a "stomping" these days. I want to show my support for them as well as for the bluebonnets.
For decades the beautiful roses planted around the Creamery circa 1985 by Mike Shoup of the Antique Rose Emporium have been contributing to the beauty of this area.
On the fence, left above, are the "mannerly" (to quote Mike!) Climbing Pinkie. At right, are Caldwell Pink shrubs. Remember these names if you're looking for extraordinary antique roses. Mike gave both these roses to A&M AgriLife's Steve George to study and they became two of the now-famous Texas AgriLife Extensions' EarthKind roses. ( aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkindroses) Hopefully all the Blue Bell Creamery roses will be in full bloom throughout this bluebonnet bloom season.
Both Climbing Pinkie and Caldwell Pink should be available the big upcoming May 16 Texas Rose Rustler's Spring Symposium, either on their sale tables, in their plant lotto or at the symposium site in Nature's Way Resources' new plant nursery. Details: www.texasroserustlers.comL to r, yummy earthworms, pot up those excess plants! and a "friendly" warning from Bizarro: "Maybe next time you'll think twice before planting a bush not approved by the neighborhood association."
POTPOURRI
* YEH, KIDS! EARTHWORMS! Missouri City Green is offering a family-friendly Worm Composting Workshop Sat. 9 at Missouri City Recreation and Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Drive. $15 per family. Space is limited, so register early. Details: http://www.missouricitygreen.org/events.html or info@missouricitygreen.org.
* PLANT SWAPS are an ideal way to:
- Pick up great free plants
- Discover what new-to-you varieties do best in your area
- Learn tips on holding your own neighborhood, club, church, etc., plant swap
The Galveston County Spring Plant Swap, one of our oldest and best-run such events, is Sunday, April 19, 2pm til sell-out (probably around 5). No charge, bring your own table (ideally), well-labeled and potted or bagged plants/bulbs/seeds to swap and your own wagon (as surely you'll want to visit every else's table). Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions. Details: www.freewebs.com/gcplantswap/index.htm. A great getting-started link: www.freewebs.com/gcplantswap/faqs.htm
* MEA CULPA to the International Oleander Society and to Mercer Botanic Gardens. I had a senior moment on the calendar and inserted "Mercer" on the May 1 International Oleander Society's Oleander Festival Kickoff Luncheon event. No Mercer involved! It's at Moody Gardens!
* THIS BIZARRO CARTOON (above) is a perfect introduction to the upcoming 2015 Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) Conference in Houston May 20-23. The theme is "Passion Into Action" (makes the cartoon even funnier, doesn't it!). Details: www.houstontx.gov/nusa2015//. The conference will feature tours of some of Houston's unique neighborhoods and great networking opportunities. More Bizarro at bizarro.com/facebook.com/BizarroComics* WATERING WOES AND A TIP O' THE TROWEL. If you haven't already been subjected to water rationing, don't smirk. It's coming. Learn from the experiences of now-three years of summer water rationing in The Woodlands area at the Sat., April 18, Montgomery County Water Conservation Symposium, 9 am - noon. Speakers include state climatologist and water experts from around the state. Details: http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/waterconservation, 281-210-3800. The Woodlands Joint Power Agency just received the prestigious Blue Legacy Award for their work in water conservation. Congrats!
Speaking of conserving water, May 9 is the deadline for ordering rain barrels - and compost bins - through the City of Houston Green Building Resource Center and RainWater Solutions. Details: www.RainBarrelProgram.org/Houston
. The Green Building is also sponsoring an April 22 Earth Day Seminar "Tiny Houses in Houston" for those interested in "living smaller." Details: www.greenhoustontx.gov.
Don't know what to do with a rain barrel? On Mon., Apr. 13, Nell Wheeler and Jessica Haskins will give tips on "Rain Water Collecting for Plants" at the free meeting of Houston Urban Gardeners (HUG), 6:30pm at Houston Metropolitan Service Center, 1475 W. Gray. Remember we only list open-to-public events in this newsletter. Always feel free to attend.
Above, Dapple Dandy (7"-9"), Ketchup (7"-9"), Pulsar (7"-9"), Seaspray (6"-8") and Sparkling Water ( (4"-5"), will be among the more special selections of California, Florida and local hibiscus available this Sunday (Apr. 12) at the Lone Star Chapter/ American Hibiscus Society's Show and Plant Sale. See calendar for details.
SHOP PLANT SOCIETY SALES FOR FLOWERS NAMED FOR YOUR MOTHER
So many great plant society sales are coming up. Wouldn't a flower named for your mother make a great gift for Mother's Day (May 10)? Or, a memory planting for a beloved mother no longer with you? Many flowers do have women's names so be sure and ask! If your mother has a favorite flower, google that flower and your mother's name. Plenty of time to order a bloom, bulb, plant, etc. Check the calendar below for details on these:
* SAT., APR 11: BROMELIAD SOCIETY/HOUSTON SPRING SALE.
* SAT.-SUN., APR. 11-12: HOUSTON AMARYLLIS SOCIETY SHOW AND SALE
(If your mother's name is - or was - Marilyn, check out the amaryllis for sale pictured below!)
* SAT,-SUN., APR. 11-12: HOUSTON ORCHID SOCIETY 2015 SHOW & SALE
* SUN., APR. 12: LONE STAR HIBISCUS SHOW & PLANT SALE.
Available at Saturday and Sunday's Houston Amaryllis Society Sale will be,
left to right, Best Seller, Cherry Nymph, White Nymph and Marilyn.
The Saturday, April 18, Houston Rose Society Show has been cancelled. Instead they'll have a booth selling rose bushes, 12:30 pm, St. Andrews Episcopal Church parish hall, 1819 Heights Blvd. Free. Details: www.houstonrose.org. HRS's Baxter Williams says if you're looking for a rose with the same name as your mother, log onto www.houstonrose.org, click on "To View Houston Area Rose Lists" and look for the "Congo Nursery 2015 Rose List."
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. FOR A FREE COPY OF BRENDA'S SPEAKERS LIST, EMAIL HER AT lazy gardener@sbcglobal.net
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Night Blooming jasmine, moon vine, banana shrub and sweet olive
FRAGRANT AND NIGHT-BLOOMING GARDENS
by Judy Jones Ulke
Spring is FINALLY here....seemed it was a loooong time coming! When you own and work in a garden center the word "Spring" brings to mind many things.
Truth be told, just like most of you, the majority of my days (especially weekends) are spent working and taking care of my family. The only time I stop long enough to really "enjoy" and relax outside in the garden is in the evening, after dinner, when the sun is going down and the vibrant blooms of my garden are fading with the light. I love to walk around the garden in the evening (wine glass in hand) and see how things are looking. Everything seems softer in the garden as nightfall approaches. It's quiet, lovely fragrances linger and the lack of light softens all the imperfections to a soft glow.
What a lovely idea to actually plan to enjoy your garden in the moonlight, when you can just sit and relax. There is an antidote to the fading daytime blooms and colors so that night time can be it's own garden delight. Plant white or light blooming plants, add silver and variegated foliage and be sure to include fragrant night blooming plants to envelope all the senses.
A few of my favorite plants for evening fragrance include: Angels Trumpet, Almond Verbena, Banana Shrub, Sweet Olive Viburnum, Night Blooming Jasmine, Star Jasmine, Moon Vine and hens such as Rosemary and Lavender.
Judy can be reached directly through Enchanted Landscapes & Nurseries, 832-519-6192 or myenchanted.com. To learn even more of Judy's tips, drop by this meeting:
TUES., APRIL 21: PLANTS TO ENJOY AFTER THE SUN GOES DOWN BY JUDY JONES,
10am, Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land.
Sugar Land Garden Club event. Details: sugarlandgardenclub.com.
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JOHN'S CORNER
Organic Fertilizers and Nutrients - 33
SHRIMP and CRAB MEAL
A couple very useful organic fertilizers are made from the shells of shrimp or crabs. It is widely used in other areas of the country and many brands are available online, but we do not see them very often in our area.
They are sometimes combined and sold as shellfish fertilizer or a.k.a. Crustacean Meal. Both shrimp and crab shells are a natural source of nutrients and they contain one item that most other organic fertilizers do not, Chitin.
These meals are a renewable resource and are generally made from waste products from the seafood industry. Basically the process is to dry the shells and then grind them into a powder that can be sold as a meal or even pelletized. Some manufactures wash the shells to remove excess salts like sodium (Na) and the method of drying can also effect the quality of the meal. Hence, just like any other product in life the quality and value will vary between brands.
The exoskeletons of some pathogenic fungus, parasitic nematode eggs, and many species of insects contain chitin. When these meals are applied they encourage the growth of chitin consuming microbes in the soil. Over a few months these microbes can grow to very high numbers as they eat the chitin in the meal. When all the chitin has been consumed they start looking for other sources of chitin to eat that can be found in the bad fungus, pest nematodes and other insect pests, killing them in the process resulting in a natural control as a side benefit.
For example chitin digesting bacteria produce enzymes (chitinases) that degrades chitin hence it attacks insects and other pest that use chitin in there exoskeleton. One of the chitinases called Chitosan has been shown to increase photosynthesis, stimulate plant growth, activate natural plant immune system defenses, increase nutrient uptake, increase seed germination and sprouting, and increase overall plant vigor.
These meals in addition to being a natural fertilizer are considered a bio-pesticide (prevents, destroying, or repelling) many pests. It is non-toxic to birds, animals, fish, pets or us. Several manufacturers also claim that Flea eggs have chitin as a component of their shells hence it works on them also. Crab and Shrimp shells provide a slow release form of nitrogen (N) and other nutrients along with minor and trace minerals including chitin.
Due to the chitin effects some manufacturers claim that crab shells can help with ants, grubs, slugs and many other insects and a natural source of N-P-K (2-3-0) and 23% calcium (Ca), 1.3% Magnesium (Mg).
Shrimp meal has more nitrogen and less calcium and may have a N-P-K of 6-6-0 and only 10% calcium. Some vendors blend the two together and call it Crustacean Meal.
Typical usage would be 10 pounds per 100 square feet, or a couple of tablespoons per transplant hole.
Another use for these types of meal is in making a special compost to make compost tea. For years we have made a special compost called "Compost Tea Blend" where we have used crab meal as an ingredient just to drastically increase the population of chitin degrading microbes. Thus when the tea is brewed in addition to its disease preventing and nutritional components it will also have a bio-pesticide aspect.
Home owners can make their own meal by just drying the shells in the sun and then crushing them with a hammer. Some folks will also run them through their chipper/shredders if they have a lot of shells and grind them up for use as a fertilizer.
The shells are also a great feedstock for a compost pile. The only negative is that animals may try and dig them up.
Note: Lobsters, crayfish and other crustaceans also contain chitin and will have similar benefits.
SUMMARY:
Crab and shrimp meal is a very important organic fertilizer that gardeners should be using more for the trace elements and bio-pesticide benefits as part of their regular management plan. My only concern is that along the Gulf Coast using them too often may cause a salt issue, however using one or two times a year should not cause any problems.
PROS:
- excellent source of slow and long acting nitrogen
- often used as an ingredient in organic fertilizers
- renewable resource
- many brands available
- excellent slow release nitrogen source for a compost pile
- does not pollute waterways
- sometimes used in animal feed
- good source of calcium
- good source of trace elements
- does not burn plant
- additional bio-pesticide benefits
CONS:
- nitrogen slowly available
- may be dusty
- limited availability
- poorly processed brands may create odors
- may attract animals
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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 gardener@sbcglobal.net
Any other formatting will result in a delay in publication. Events will not be picked up from newsletters.
.
Sat., Apr. 11: White Oak Garden Spring Plant Sale, 9-10am "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
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
SAT. APRIL 11: 2015 BROOKWOOD GARDENING EXPO, 1752 FM 1489, Brookshire. 10am & 4pm-"Successful Organic lawn & Gardens" by Mike Serant; 10am & 1pm,-"Great Gardening Starts With the Soil" by John Ferguson. Free. Details: www.brookwoodcommunity.org
SAT., APR. 11: URBAN HARVEST FINAL FRUIT TREE SALE, 8am-noon (or sell-out), Farmers Market, 3000 Richmond. Details: www.urbanharvest.org
SAT,-SUN., APR. 11-12: HOUSTON ORCHID SOCIETY 2015 SHOW & SALE, 9am-5pm Sat., 9am-4pm Sun., Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Circle Dr. Free. Details: www.houstonorchidsociety.org
SAT.-SUN., APR. 11-12: HOUSTON AMARYLLIS SOCIETY SHOW AND SALE, 10am-5pm, The Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond. Free. Details: 713-874-7465.
SUN., APR. 12: LONE STAR HIBISCUS SHOW & PLANT SALE. 1-4pm,KFC Hall, 702 Burney Rd., Sugar Land. American Hibiscus Society Lone Star chapter event. Details: lonestarahs.org
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: Basic Irrigation & Rainwater Harvesting 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, APR 16: MILKWEEDS BY MALCOLM & GAIL VIDRINE, 7-9pm, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4505 Woodway. Free. Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston Chapter event. Details: npsot.org/wp/houston/activities/monthly-meetings
THURS., APR. 16: WILDFLOWER WALK WITH LAN SHEN, 6-7pm. Start: pedestrian bridge parking lot, 7575 N. Picnic Lane. Native Plant Society of Texas-Houston Chapter & Native Prairies Association of Texas event. Details: http://npsot.org/wp/houston/activities/monthly-meetings/ Free. Details: HNPAT@TexasPrairie.org
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 sale, 12:30 pm, St. Andrews Episcopal Church parish hall, 1819 Heights Blvd. Free. Details: www.houstonrose.org.
Sat., Apr. 18: Sat., Apr. 18: Earth Day Celebration and Native Plant Sale, 10am-2pm, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 (Woodway. Free. Details: houstonarboretum.org
Sat., Apr. 18: Garden Conservancy's open days program garden tour/plant sale, 10am-4pm, 802 West Temple Street. $7. Details: https://www.gardenconservancy.org/events/all-events/houston-tx-open-day
SAT., APR. 18: GARDEN CONSERVANCY HOUSTON OPEN DAY. 6 private gardens. Details: https://www.gardenconservancy.org/events/all-events/houston-tx-open-day
SAT., APRIL 18: MONTGOMERY COUNTY WATER CONSERVATION SYMPOSIUM, The Woodlands. 9 am - noon. Speakers include state climatologist and water experts from around the state. Details: http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/waterconservation
SUN., APR. 19: GALVESTON COUNTY SPRING PLANT SWAP, 2pm, Walter Hall Park, 807 Highway 3 N, League City
Free. Details: http://www.freewebs.com/gcplantswap/index.html
SUN. APR. 19: CITRUS TREE SELECTION BY DIANNE NORMAN, 1:30 p.m., Wabash Feed & Garden Store, 5701 Washington Ave. Free. Details: 713-863-8322, http://wabashfeed.com
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.
WED., APR. 22: THE KATY PRAIRIE CONSERVATION GREAT GROW-OUT BY KATY PRAIRIE CONSERVANCY, 7:30pm, Metropolitan Multi-Services Center, 1475 West Gray. Free. Houston Cactus & Succulent Society event: http://hcsstex.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/g laziersec.aspx
Fri-Sun., Apr. 24-26: Heritage Gardeners Spring Garden Tour, Flower and Horticulture Show, 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: 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
Tues., Apr. 28: Harris County Master Gardener Open Garden Day and Irrigation and Rainwater Harvesting Workshop, 9-11:30am, 3033 Bear Creek Drive. Free. Details: harris.agrilife.org/hort; 281-855-5600
Tues.-Wed., Apr. 28-29: Florescence Illusions Flower Show, 10am-5pm, Museum of Fine Arts' Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main. Regular museum admission. River Oaks Garden Club, The Garden Club of Houston and Museum of Fine Arts event. Details: www.flohouston.org/
Fri., May 1: "The Oleander in the Old World - An Impressive Heritage, An Exciting Future" By JAMES NICHOLAS, Oleander Festival Kick-Off Luncheon, Moody Gardens. Reservation details: www.oleander.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 2: NATIVE PLANTS FOR TEXAS GARDENS, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss. Free. Details: www.corneliusnurseries.com/events/
SAT-SUN., MAY 2-3: 2015 OLEANDER FESTIVAL, MOODY GARDENS. Free. Details: www.oleander.com.
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 billyandjeanlewis@sbcglobal.net
SAT., MAY 9: WORM COMPOSTING WORKSHOP, 9:30-11:30am, Missouri City Recreation and Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Drive. $15/family. Limited space: registration details: www.missouricitygreen.org or info@missouricitygreen.org
SAT., MAY 9: BEAUTIFUL & PRACTICAL GROUNDCOVERS 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss. Free. Details: www.corneliusnurseries.com/events/
SAT., MAY 9: MONTGOMERY COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS OPEN GARDEN, 9-11am, Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Rd., Conroe. Free. Details: 936-539-7824.
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.
Thurs., May 14-Sun, May 17: Master Composter Program, City of Houston Green Building Resource Center, 1002 Washington Ave. $40. Details: http://www.greenhoustontx.gov/gbrceducation-2015spring.pdf
Fri.- 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.
SAT., MAY 16: THE ART OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss. Free. Details: www.corneliusnurseries.com/events/
SAT., MAY 16: TEXAS ROSE RUSTLERS' SPRING SYMPOSIUM. 9:30am-4+pm, Nature's Way Resources,101 Sherbrook Cir, Conroe. Details: www.texasroserustlers.com
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 Daylily Gardens, 8am-6pm, 3122 Country Road 237, Alvin. Details: 281-331-4395 or 832-489-4395; www.cityscope.net/~neshimek (under Open Gardens)
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
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.
THURS., MAY 21: THE CREATION OF A SCHOOL GARDEN BY AHLENE SHONG & JAMIE SCOTT, 7-9pm, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4505 Woodway. Free. Native Plant Society o America- Houston Chapter event. Details: http://npsot.org/wp/houston/activities/monthly-meeting
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
SAT., MAY 23: JUST IN TIME, DRIP IRRIGATION, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss. Free. Details: www.corneliusnurseries.com/events/
Sat., Mar. 28: Documenting Peckerwood Garden Plants by Sue Howard, noon, Peckerwood Gardens, 20559 FM 359, Hempstead. Free but reservations required: info@peckerwoodgarden.org; peckerwoodgarden.org, 979-826-3232
SAT., MAY 30: DESIGN STYLISH CONTAINER GARDENS FOR POOLSIDE AND PATIO, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss. Free. Details: www.corneliusnurseries.com/events/
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: www.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!
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 gardener@sbcglobal.net
Any other formatting will result in a delay in publication. Events will not be picked up from newsletters.
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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 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.
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| COUPON: Nature's Way Resources. 20% off Herb Soil Mix. 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 04/19/15.
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