|
|
|
|
|
Dear Friends,
Here is the 122nd 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 inspiring us in so many ways.
Thanks so much!
This newsletter is a project of The Lazy Gardener, Brenda Beust Smith, John Ferguson and Mark Bowen.(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!
|
|
AZALEAS ON TRIAL! Left to right, 'Autumn Sunburst,' 'Coral Amazement,' Autumn Chiffon' and 'White Nobility' are among the Encore and RE-Bloom azaleas Texas A&M will test as eligible for "EarthKind" honors.
SUPER-HARDY PLANTS - IT'S ALL IN HOW MUCH THEY CAN SURVIVE . . . START A NEIGHBORHOOD GARDEN TOUR!
BY BRENDA BEUST SMITH
May seem strange talking about native plants under a picture of azaleas. But actually there is a common denominator here. See below how A&M is trying to put azaleas in the "super-hardy, low-care, environmentally-friendly" category!
In the meantime, going native can be scary. Everyone is advising us to plant more native plants - for a variety of reasons, most as benefits to our Earth.
But, let's face it, sometimes natives out of bloom aren't the prettiest sights on the block. On top of that, native to "where?" makes a huge difference. Native to Austin does not automatically translates into "low care in Houston" unless you know how to compensate for environment/climatic differences.
Wish I could give you a one-answer-fits-all, but not possible. The best way is to listen when folks talk about good natives for OUR AREA. And the best folks to do that are our local experts.
A great opportunity to find good low-care, low-water, visually-acceptable, landscape-compatible natives is coming up Sat., Sept. 19, at the Houston Zoo. The Wildscapes Workshop (by reservations) includes a natives plant sale that will then be open to the public 1-3pm. Event details/reservations: 832-859-9252 or www.npsot.org/houston
Among the landscape-worthy natives for sale will be:
Left, purple lovegrass. 20" high. Full sun. Masses of pink in fall.
Center, sanguine coneflower (Echinacea sanguinea). Right, rough leaf coneflower (Rudbeckia grandiflora)
Another great way to learn about good plants for the Gulf Coast - take advantage of neighborhood garden tours. Generally speaking, docents at each stop can identify the more successful plantings for you.
Even better, plan one in your own area to learn about good plants. As today's Spotlight article demonstrates, the best way to get started is with tips from veteran sponsors like the League City Garden Club which is holding its 5th annual "Making Garden Memories" Tour on Sat., Sept. 19 (www.leaguecitygardenclub.org, or leaguecitygardenclub@gmail.com ). F ederated in 1949, League City Garden Club is one of League City's oldest all-volunteer organizations.
Always take along a pad and pen on such tours. Make note of how other solves landscaping problems similar to yours as well as of successful plantings.
BUT FIRST . . . SOME POTPOURRI . . .
* YELLOWING TREE LEAVES If you descry more yellowing/falling tree leaves than usual this time of year, The Dirt Doctor says it's normal, just a bit more obvious this year. Howard Garrett, Texas' Dirt Doctor, produces a free emailed newsletter that focuses on organic treatments for Texas problems - well worth receiving. He writes in the current newsletter this is due to our: ". . . cool and super-wet spring. When it's extremely hot, plants can lose more moisture going out from the leaves than the root system can pull up from the ground. Thus the tree adjusts by releasing foliage." These trees should be fine. The rest of the story: dirtdoctor.com/Burned-Leaves-on-Plants_vq5420.htm.
* A TIP O' THE TROWEL . . . to Dr. Steve George and his fellow A&M researchers. They've already made Earth-Kind Roses famous for incredible hardiness. Now they're tackling - TA! DA! - azaleas!
I'd be willing to bet that more azaleas are planted and die in Houston than any other single type of plant. Most azaleas like a loose, porous, slightly alkaline soil, even moisture applied, warm but not baking hot summers and a reasonable amount of cold in winter
Most of us have heavy gumbo, poorly-draining soil that's like Play-Doh when it's wet and concrete when it's dry, monsoon rains, prolonged droughts, blistering heat and relatively warm winters.
Azaleas have never been on my Favorite Lazy Gardener Plants List. I tried for years to have a strip of azaleas across my front yard. I bet I replaced those azaleas a dozen times. My neighbors started called it "Brenda's Azalea Graveyard."
So this 3-year trial is really exciting to me. Kudos to Texas A&M, Dr. George et al and thanks to trial donors: Flowerwood Nursery, Greenleaf Nursery, Bartlett Tree Services and Harris County Master Gardeners. Can't wait to publicize the winners.
Details: http://agrilife.org/harrishort/2015/09/01/earth-kind-azalea-trial-established-at-bear-creek-office/#.VecTr87zKKy
PS. For a copy of my free "Favorite Lazy Gardener Plant List," email me at lazygardener@sbcglobal.net.
Home landscape tours like the upcoming League City Garden Club's Sept. 19 garden tour are great places
to discover up creative ideas and learn about successful plant choices for your area.
10 TIPS FOR FUN AND SUCCESSFUL GARDEN TOURS
1. Humor: Always have fun as you spread your passion for gardening while sharing its beautiful results. It's contagious; makes it easier to work with volunteers.
2. Planning and work:
* Start planning 5 to 6 months before the event.* Work with large groups: garden clubs, master gardeners, historical societies, civic groups, charitable organizations. It's easier to enlist passionate, talented, and skilled volunteers.* Organize committees. Appoint committee leaders. They should: possess good interpersonal skills; have a sense of humor; be problem solvers: be clear communicators; delegate tasks and network with others; show due courtesy and respect.
* Identify your Cause: Charity, awareness, education, fundraising, scholarships, etc.?
3. Theme: The theme's title should bind the gardens by what they share in common; should be catchy, easily remembered, and publicized by print and electronic media.
4. Money: Is there enough seed money?
* Build a flexible budget: Estimate costs: e.g., insurance, rental, permits, photography, security, print materials, website, hospitality, entertainment, paid advertising, signs, etc.
* Assign a bookkeeper, usually a treasurer, to keep track of expenses, and to assure budget status.
* Ask businesses to donate their services for the cause, leading to future possibility they'll become an integral part.
5. Liability Insurance/ disclaimers: Insurance and disclaimers are necessary for peace of mind of garden owners, tourists, your city. Place disclaimers on your print material, tickets, and website.
6. Permits, Fees: Research city and subdivision ordinances, obtain permits, and pay fees.
7. Flexibility and Back-Up Plan: Things ALWAYS change. Always have a back-up plan!
8. Health: Relax and indulge in stress-busters. Remember to eat and enjoy being with family.
9. Event Day (s): Assure volunteers meet, greet, and guide visitors; assist with directions, promote, interact, and clean up.
10. Wrap -up meetings: After the event, schedule meetings for feedback; discuss "goods" and "bads;" budgets. Were goals met? Is it worth doing again? Reward, thank garden owners, all donors and volunteers. Pat yourselves on the back. PARTY!
* * *
SATURDAY, SEPT. 19: "MAKING GARDEN MEMORIES" GARDEN TOUR, 10am-4pm, League City, TX. $10 advance ticket, $15 door. League City Garden Club event. Details: www.leaguecitygardenclub.org, or leaguecitygardenclub@gmail.com
|
JOHN'S CORNER
BOOK REVIEW
EATING on the WILD SIDE - The Missing Link to Optimum Health, Jo Robinson, 2013, Little Brown & Company, ISBN: 978-0-316-22793-3 (pb)
I finished reading this fascinating book this week on the food we eat. If one has ever wondered why there are so many health problems today that did not exist a few decades ago then this book is for you.
Our ancestors did not have the massive health problems we see today from cancer to diabetes, autism to dementia, high blood pressure to joint problems and so much more. These have all been linked to the low quality of our food supply. This book is about what our ancestors eat and how the nutritional values have changed for worse so dramatically. As we bred our food for higher yields and to grow on nutrient deficient soils the good chemicals in the food (polyphenols, phytonutrients, antioxidants, etc.) have dropped. Modern food is markedly lower in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Eating this almost worthless food has led to the hundreds of health problems we now face in society.
A simple example is the wild purslane. It has 6 times more vitamin E than spinach, fourteen times more omega 3 fatty acids, 7 times more beta carotene than carrots, not to mention the fiber and far less calories. The author goes through every food group and discusses how they have changed over the years. She also provides information on which varieties we find at the grocery store have the highest nutrient levels and how to select for them.
She discusses how to prepare each of our common vegetables to prevent the loss of nutrients during cooking and to increase their flavor. For example eating raw broccoli gives 20 times more sulforaphane (a very beneficial chemical) than cooked broccoli. She shares many examples of how to look for and identify the healthiest choices.
Additionally, for us gardeners she list which varieties of fruit trees by climate zone that provide the highest amounts of nutrition. To top the book off the author provides a few recipes that maximize nutrition.
This book is a great resource for anyone whom wants to provide healthier and more nutritious food for their families.
|
* * *
WEEKLY GARDENING EVENTS &
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALENDAR
TO SUBMIT EVENTS - PLEASE - USE OUR FORMAT!
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.
Not using our format will result in a delay in publication! Events will not be picked up from other newsletters.
If we inspire you to attend any of these events, please let them know you heard about it in
THE LAZY GARDENER & FRIENDS NEWSLETTER!
WED., SEPT. 9: ORGANIC VEGETABLE GARDENING. 10am-noon. Houston Museum of Natural Science, Moran Hall, 5555 Hermann Park Dr . $45. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540 or urbanharvest.org
THURS, SEPT 10: INDOOR GARDENING-PEST PROBLEMS & ANIMAL SAFETY BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30pm. Barbara Bush Library, 6817 Cypresswood Dr., Spring. Free. hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2015-green-thumb.pdf; 281-855-5600
THURS., SEPT. 10: FALL ROSE FEEDING - WITH WHAT AND WHEN?, 7:30pm, (new location) Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion, 1500 Hermann Drive. Free. Houston Rose Society event. houstonrose.com FRI., SEPT. 11: GREATER HOUSTON PLANT CONFERENCE, 8am-3:30pm, Extension Office, 3033 Bear Creek Rd. $60 (until 9/9). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension industry event. Registration:
FRI., SEPT. 11: WALL GARDENS IN MANY WAYS WITH SUCCULENTS AND SEDUM BY BOBBIE MASON, 10am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Drive. Free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs.
SAT., SEPT. 12: BASIC ORGANIC VEGETABLE GARDENING, 9-11am. Houston Museum of Natural Science, Moran Hall, 5555 Hermann Park Dr . $45. Urban Harvest event. Details: 713-880-5540 or urbanharvest.org
SAT., SEPT.12: FALL LAWN CARE, 10:15am, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss Road; free.
SUN., SEPT. 13: MINIATURE GARDEN WORKSHOP BY KAMILAH COLE, 2-3pm. Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 East 11th. Pay for supplies used. buchanansplants.com/calendar/events
MON., SEPT. 14: "GROWING COFFEE IN ECUADOR BY RICH VEGA, 6:30pm, Moody Park Community Center, 3725 Fulton. HUG (Houston Urban Gardeners) event. houstonurbangardeners.org
TUES., SEPT 15; INDOOR GARDENING-PEST PROBLEMS & ANIMAL SAFETY BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30pm, Spring Branch Memorial Library, 930 Corbindale. Free. hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2015-green-thumb.pdf; 281-855-5600
TUES., SEPT. 15: GARDENING BY THE SQUARE FOOT BY JOHN JONS, 6:30-8:30pm, Galveston County AgriLife Extension, 4102 Main, La Marque. Free. Master Gardener event. 281-534-3143; aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston
WED., SEPT. 16: KITCHEN VEGETABLE GARDENING BY MARY DEMENY, 10am, Clear Lake Park Meeting Room, 5001 NASA Parkway, Seabrook. Free. Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 event. hcmga.tamu.edu WED., SEPT. 16: TEA FROM YAUPON HOLLY - YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING! BY KIM McHUGH. 7pm, Judson Robinson Community Center, 2020 Hermann Dr. Herb Society of America/South Texas Unit event. herbsociety-stu.org
SAT., SEPT. 19: "MAKING GARDEN MEMORIES" GARDEN TOUR, 10am-4pm, League City, TX. $10 advance ticket, $15 door. League City Garden Club event. leaguecitygardenclub.org, or leaguecitygardenclub@gmail.com
SAT., SEPT. 19: SQUARE FOOT GARDENING. 9-11am. University of St. Thomas, Malloy Hall, Room 14, 3918 Yoakum Blvd. $45. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540 or urbanharvest.org
SAT., SEPT. 19: WILDSCAPES WORKSHOP & NATIVE PLANT SALE, 8:30am-3:30pm, Houston Zoo Brown Education Center, Hermann Park. $40 ($50 after Sept. 12). Native Plant Society of Texas Houston Chapter, Texas Parks & Wildlife and Houston Zoo event. npsot.org/wp/houston/ or 832-859-9252.
SAT, SEPT 19; INDOOR GARDENING-PEST PROBLEMS & ANIMAL SAFETY BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 10 am-Noon. Maude Smith Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd., Katy. Free.
SAT., SEPT. 19: MCMGA FALL PLANT SALE, 9am-1pm, PROGRAM, 8am, Montgomery Co. Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. 936-539-7824 or mcmga.com
SAT., SEPT. 19: FALL IN LOVE WITH VEGGIE GARDENING. 10am. Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond, TX. Free. 281-937-9449, myenchanted.com
SAT., SEPT 19: FALL IN LOVE WITH VEGGIE GARDENING, 2pm. Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond, TX. Free. 281-341-1206; myenchanted.com
SAT., SEPT. 19: FALL CONTAINER WORKSHOP BY DIANE BULANOWSKI, 10-11am. Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 East 11th. Pay for supplies used. buchanansplants.com/calendar/events
SUN., SEPT. 20: SQUARE FOOT GARDENING - NOT BY THE BOOK BY ANGELA CHANDLER, 10am, The Arbor Gate, Tomball. arborgate.com
MON., SEPT. 21: OPEN GARDEN DAY, 8:30-11am, Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd. Free. Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 event.hcmga.tamu.edu
TUES., SEPT. 22-THURS., NOV. 19: TEXAS GULF COAST GARDENER PROGRAM TIER I & II, Mercer Botanic Gardens, 22406 Aldine-Westfield, Humble. $200. Registration: hcp4.net/community/parks/mercer
TUES., SEPT 22: HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS OPEN GARDEN DAY & SEMINAR: INDOOR GARDENING, 9-11:30 am, 3033 Bear Creek Drive. Free. 281-855-5600; hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2015-open-garden-days.pdf
WED., SEPT 23: TREES FOR ANY LANDSCAPE, noon-1pm, The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. Free. arborgate.com or 281-351-8851
THUR., SEPT 24: BASIC ORGANIC GARDEN - IT'S ALL ABOUT THE SOIL, 10am, The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920,
SAT., SEPT. 26: AUTUMN PLANT SALE & MARKET, 10am-4pm, Mercer Botanic Garden , 22306 Aldine-Westfield, Humble. Free. The Mercer Society and Mercer Botanic Garden event. 713-274-4160;hcp4.net/community/parks/mercer
SAT., SEPT. 26: GARDEN TO TABLE. 9-11am. University of St. Thomas, Malloy Hall, Room 14, 3918 Yoakum Blvd. $45. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540 or urbanharvest.org
SAT., SEPT 26: FALL INTO SPRING - CONNECT THE SEASONS WITH COLOR, 10:00 am, The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. Free. arborgate.com or 281-351-8851
SAT., SEPT 26: HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS FALL PLANT SALE; OVERVIEW AT 8 AM, SALE FROM 9 AM-1 PM, 3033 Bear Creek Drive. Free. hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/pubSales.aspx; 281-855-5600
SAT., SEPT. 26: FALL CENTERPIECES WITH JEFF KRAUSE. 10am. Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond, TX. Free. 281-937-9449; myenchanted.com SAT., SEPT 26: FALL CENTERPIECES WITH JEFF KRAUSE, 2pm. Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond, TX. Free. 281-341-1206; myenchanted.com
SAT., SEPT. 26 COCKRELL BUTTERFLY CENTER FALL PLANT SALE, 9am-noon, Houston Museum of Natural Science Parking Garage/7th floor, 5555 Hermann Dr. Free parking with $30+ purchase. hmns.org
SAT., SEPT. 26: ORCHIDS FOR BEGINNERS BY ERICA PAQUIN, 10-11am. Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 East 11th. Pay for supplies used. buchanansplants.com/calendar/events
SAT., SEPT. 26: FALL FESTIVAL AND PLANT SALE. Treesearch Farms and Brookwood Community Plants. 10am to 5pm. Houston Museum Natural Science at Sugar Land. 13016 Univeristy Blvd, Sugar Land. Free. The Great Grow, Inc.
SAT.-SUN., SEPT. 26-27: HOUSTON CACTUS & SUCCULENT SOCIETY SHOW/SALE. 9am-5pm. Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 West Gray. Free. http://hcsstex.org
SUN., SEPT. 27: SUSTAINABLE LIVING THROUGH PERMACULTURE - CLASS 1. 2-6pm, I-610/Stella Link area residence. $40. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540 or urbanharvest.org
SUN., SEPT 27: GRAFTING 101, 11:00 am, The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. Free. arborgate.com or 281-351-8851
THUR., OCT 1: ATTRACTING BLUEBIRDS TO THE GARDEN, 10:00 am, The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. Free. arborgate.com THURS., OCT. 1: ANTIQUE ROSE EMPORIUM & VERSATILITY OF ANTIQUE ROSES IN GARDEN SETTINGS BY MICHAEL SHOUP, 9:30am, Municipal Utility Building, 805 Hidden Canyon Drive, Katy. Free. Nottingham Country Garden Club event. nottinghamgardenclub.org or 281-351-8851
SAT., OCT. 3: ART OF FALL LANDSCAPE DECORATING, 10:15am, AND FAMILY DAY! FALL FESTIVAL, 9am-6pm, Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss Road; free. corneliusnurseries.com/events
SAT., OCT. 3: CONTAINER VEGETABLE GARDENING. 9-11am. University of St. Thomas, Malloy Hall, Room 14, 3918 Yoakum Blvd. $45. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540 or urbanharvest.org
SAT., OCT. 3: FALL FESTIVAL WITH URBAN HARVEST, 10-11am. Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 East 11th Street, free,
www.buchanansplants.com/calendar/events
SUN., OCT. 4: SUSTAINABLE LIVING THROUGH PERMACULTURE - CLASS 2. 12:30-5:30pm. University of Houston Central Campus. $50. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540 or urbanharvest.org
THUR., OCT 8: HERBS - THE BASICS & MORE, 10:00 am, The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. Free. arborgate.com; 281-351-8851
THUR. OCT. 8: COMPOST TEA - NATURE'S ELIXIR BY JOHN FERGUSON. 7:30pm, Cherie Flores Center, Hermann Park. Houstonrose.org
FRI., OCT. 9: 12th ANNUAL WATER QUALITY SYMPOSIUM FEATURING CHAD PREGRACKE, 7:30am-3pm, United Way Community Resource Center, 50 Waugh. Bayou Preservation Association event. bayoupreservation.org
FRI., OCT. 9: WATER FOR TEXAS, WATER FOR THE FUTURE BY KATHLEEN JACKSON, 10:15am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Drive. Free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org
SAT., OCT. 10: CONSTRUCTING THE HOME VEGETABLE AND FRUIT GARDEN. 9-11am. Westbury Community Garden, 12581 Dunlap. $45. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540 or urbanharvest.org
SAT., OCT 10: HERBS - THE BASICS & MORE, 10:00 am, The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. Free. arborgate.com or 281-351-8851
SAT., OCT. 10: ATTRACTING BIRDS TO YOU R GARDEN WITH KATHY ADAMS CLARK. 10am. Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond, TX. Free. 281-937-9449, myenchanted.com
SAT., OCT 10: ATTRACTING BIRDS TO YOUR GARDEN WITH KATHY ADAMS CLARK, 2pm. Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond, TX. Free. Details: 281-341-1206, myenchanted.com
SAT., OCT. 10: FALL BULB WORKSHOP BY DIANE BULANOWSKI. 10-11am. Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 East 11th. Pay for supplies used. buchanansplants.com/calendar/events
SUN., OCT. 11: DESIGNING BOUNTIFUL GARDENS THROUGH PERMACULTURE. 6-classes. University of Houston Central Campus. $404. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540 or urbanharvest.org
WED., OCT 14: HERBAL BEVERAGES, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. Free. arborgate.com or 281-351-8851
THURS., OCT. 15: PECKERWOOD GARDEN TAKING ROOT LUNCHEON WITH MICHAEL VAN VALKENBURGH, 11:30am-1pm, Bayou Club, Houston. $150. Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation event. Reservations:
THUR.-SUN., OCT. 15-18: MASTER COMPOSTER PROGRAM & OCT. 15: BASICS OF COMPOSTING BY JOHN FERGUSON, 5:40pm, Green Building Resource Center, 1002 Washington Ave. Steve Stelzer, 832-394-9050, steve.stelzer@houstontx.gov
SAT., OCT. 17: THE EDIBLE LANDSCAPE. 9-11am. University of St. Thomas, Malloy Hall, Room 14, 3918 Yoakum Blvd. $45. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540 or urbanharvest.orgSAT, OCT 17; PROPAGATION & SEED SAVING BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 10am-Noon. Maude Smith Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen, Katy. Free. hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2015-green-thumb.pdf; 281-855-5600
SAT., OCT 17: GARDENING IN THE HELL STRIP, 10am, and TOUGH AS NAILS, PRETTY AS A PICTURE, 2pm,The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. Free. arborgate.com or 281-351-8851
SAT., OCT. 17: PUMPKIN PALOOZA. 10am. Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond. Free. 281-937-9449 or myenchanted.com
SAT., OCT 17: PUMPKIN PALOOZA, 2pm. Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond. Free. 281-341-1206 or myenchanted.com
WED., OCT. 21: BACKYARD COMPOSTING AND VERMICULTURE. 10am-noon. Houston Museum of Natural Science, Moran Hall, 5555 Hermann Park Dr. $45. Urban Harvest event. Details: 713-880-5540 or urbanharvest.org
THUR. OCT. 22: SOIL FOOD WEB BY JOHN FERGUSON, Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway. Native Plant Society of Texas/Houston Chapter event. npsot.org/wp/houston/; 713-254-4778
SAT., OCT. 24: HOUSTON ROSE SOCIETY'S ROSE-A-PALOOZA, Harris County AgriLife Extension Center, 3033 Bear Creek Drive. 10am educational programs; noon - Rose Show. $30. houstonrose.org; suzzieq1971@gmail.com
SAT., OCT. 24: BACKYARD COMPOSTING AND VERMICULTURE. 10am-noon. Houston Museum of Natural Science, Moran Hall, 5555 Hermann Park Dr. $45. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540 or urbanharvest.org
SAT., OCT. 24: MIX-UP A PARTY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. 10am. Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond. Free. 281-937-9449 or myenchanted.com
SAT., OCT. 24: MIX-UP A PARTY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. 2pm. Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond. Free. 281-341-1206 or myenchanted.comWED., OCT. 28: INTERNATIONAL OLEANDER SOCIETY KEWPIE GAIDO LUNCHEON AND ANNUAL MEETING. Lydia Miller, 409-770-4312: www.oleander.org
SAT., OCT. 31: HIGH DENSITY ORCHARD. 9-11am. University of St. Thomas, Malloy Hall, Room 14, 3918 Yoakum Blvd. $45. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540 or urbanharvest.org
SAT., OCT. 31: FRIGHTFUL FUN IN THE GARDEN WITH CLINT THE SNAKE MAN. 10am-noon. Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond. Free. 281-937-9449 or myenchanted.com
SAT., OCT. 31: FRIGHTFUL FUN IN THE GARDEN WITH CLINT THE SNAKE MAN. 2-4pm. Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond. Free. 281-341-1206 or myenchanted.com
FRI., NOV. 13: MOTHS OF TRINITY RIVER REFUGE - GOOD, BAD AND UGLY BY STUART MARCUS, 10:15 am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Dr. Free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org
SAT., DEC. 5: HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, 10am-4pm, Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 East 11th Street, free, buchanansplants.com/calendar/events
FRI., DEC. 11: A WARM WELCOME BY BARBARA BAKER, 10:15 am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Drive. Tickets required. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org
FRI., JAN. 8: PERSONALIZING YOUR GARDEN FOCAL POINTS BY DARNELL SCHREIBER, 10:15am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Drive. Free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org
FRI., FEB. 12: THE HOLISTIC GARDEN, BY DR. JOE NOVAK, 10:15am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Drive. Free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org
FRI., MAR. 11: BULLET PROOF VIBURNUMS FOR THE GULF SOUTH BY DR. DAVID CREECH, 10:15am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Drive. Free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org
FRI., APR. 9: XPLORING CREATIVITY BY LILLIAN RICO, 10:15am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Drive. Free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org
FRI., MAY 13: NIGHT SOUNDS - TWILIGHT WALK THROUGH THE GARDEN BY DEBBIE BANFIELD, 10:15am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Dr. Free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs; houstonfederationgardenclubs.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
Not using our format will result in a delay in publication.
Events will not be picked up from newsletters.
|
|
THE ADOPTABLE ANIMAL
OF THE WEEK
Winnie is a super sweet, well socialized little black kitten that we think was most likely dumped at Nature's Way Resources. She seems to be about 6-7 weeks old and appears to be in good health. She absolutely loves being an inside cat and is already all set in terms of making it to the litter box. She would would be perfect for someone that is home a good bit and/or has children. She loves to play and cuddle.
We are looking for someone to either foster or adopt her.
For more information, please contact Jill Limbaugh or Mark Bowen at (936) 321-6990.
|
THIS NEWSLETTER IS MADE
POSSIBLE BY THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS |
|
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.
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.
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 theBayou 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| COUPON: Nature's Way Resources. 20% off our: Seed Starter 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 09/20/15.
|
I
|
|
|
| |
| COUPON: Nature's Way Resources. 25% off our: POMEGRANATES
. (Offer good for retail purchases of this product by the cubic yard at Nature's Way Resources (101 Sherbrook Circle, Conroe TX). Expires 09/20/15.
|
I
|
|
|
|
|
