March 7, 2016

Dear Friends,

Here is the 148th 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 and John Ferguson (John is 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!

 
 

 
 

SUPER BOWL & "TREE BALL 2017" TO HELP BEAUTIFY HOUSTON . . . 
TWEF CHILDREN'S GARDEN . . . NO AH-CHOO! AROUND VIBURNUMS
 
BY BRENDA BEUST SMITH
 
I was talking with some gardeners recently who wondered if the upcoming 51st Annual Super Bowl -- Feb. 5, 2017 in Houston -- would trigger any new city landscaping projects.
 
The answer, it seems, is YES! 

Trees for Houston's  22nd Annual Root Ball will benefit three major landscaping projects.  Football legend Warren Moon will host the Thurs., Mar. 31, Root Ball, presented by Phillips66 and touted as "a night of dinner and dancing under Houston's starry canopy while supporting greenspace initiatives." Details: treesforhouston.org 
 
Which greenspaces?  The three beneficiaries (besides all of us!) are:
 
 
1.  BROADWAY/HOBBY AIRPORT CORRIDOR (left above). This redevelopment project will transform the two miles of Broadway Boulevard that connects William P. Hobby Airport to I-45 (near the new Houston Botanic Garden site - - "Houston's Horticultural Scene - Major Changes Coming").
 
2.  HOUSTON ARBORETUM MASTER PLAN (right above). Hurricane Ike in 2008, followed by 2011's severe drought wrought a devastating 50% loss of the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center's tree canopy and resulting an explosion of invasive species. This project will restore  acreage to resilient beautiful and sustainable native ecosystems.
 
3.  EVELYN'S PARK. This project is particularly good news to those of us who remember Teas Nursery with such fondness. Over the years, the Teas family has made so many contributions to city beautification, not the least of which was back in 1912 when Edward "Papa" Teas" agreed to oversee horticultural choices for Rice Institute (now Rice University). In fact, legend has it that Papa Teas was responsible for introducing azaleas and crepe myrtle to this area. As a boy, John Teas personally helped plant the oaks adjacent to Rice along the Main/Fannin corridor.
 
When Teas Nursery closed, the five-acre, 4400 Bellaire Blvd. property was purchased by the Rubenstein Foundation. Evelyn Rubenstein, family matriarch, was noted for her love of nature and the outdoors. Turning the Teas Nursery property into a City of Bellaire park delighted to the family. Patsy Teas (her late husband John was born on the property) noted, "This property served us well for 100 years . . .  And we have 100 years to look forward to as it becomes a park."
 
The beautiful Bayou Club will be the setting for Trees for Houston's 22nd Annual Root Ball 2016: A Celebration of Trees.  Tickets or donations: [email protected] or 713-840-8733 ext 107.
 
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TIP O' THE TROWEL TO TEXAS WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION (TWEF) and, above and below, its energetic young gardeners, on their first harvest at their Gardens, Grandparents & More project.  Fast-producing vibrant-colored radishes were a perfect choice for an Easter harvest, along with broccoli, cauliflowers and bok choy. The fledgling North Houston area garden, funded by a State Farm Youth Advisory Board grant, is in what are now designated as a "food desert" -- urban Houston areas where access to fresh fruits and vegetables is difficult if not impossible for many residents. The main, easy-access "grocery" resource? Corner stop-'n'-go type markets. One dangerous result? Higher-than-average rate of obesity.

This TWEF project aims target over 600 students and school leaders who will apply classroom lessons to eventually manage the community garden and a farmers market.  More info: twef.org.  Check out their video: youtube.com/watch?v=axYzD7VJNvc.  

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GRAB A PENCIL, IT'S AZALEA TRAIL TIME! 
Gardeners have a unique opportunity every spring to learn from the pros. Some of Houston's most beautiful landscapes are open for touring Fri.-Sun., March 11-13, on the 81st Annual Azalea Trail, sponsored by the River Oaks Garden Club. As an extra bonus, historic Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens, always a highlight stop on the Trail, is celebrating with a 50th Anniversary Open House Saturday with free tours 1-5pm.

My advice to Azalea Trail-goers is always to carry with you a pad and pencil. After savoring the overall vistas, zero in on those smaller vignettes and nooks that solve problems you may face in your own yard . . . narrow strips between driveways and houses, deeply shaded areas under trees, etc.  Notice the combinations of shrubbery and seasonal color, how beds are expanded to reduce lawn sizes and the use of hardscapes or unique plants to draw the eye away from less attractive views. We all share so many challenges. See how the pros solve theirs.

For map, ticket info & other details on the Mar. 11-13 Azalea Trail: riveroaksgardenclub.org
 
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SPEAKING OF LEARNING FROM PROS . . . ABOUT COMPOSTING
and other recycling issues, the University of Houston's free, open to public, "Let's Talk Trash" panel is looking for citizen input. Local experts from Nature's Way Resources, Reuse Warehouse and Waste Management will gather at 6pm, Tues., Mar. 8, at the UH Health & Biomedical Science Building, Room 186. Details/RSVP: uh.edu/sustainability   
 
  
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VIVACIOUS VIBURNIUMS: With allergies so prevalent these days, it's not unlikely that ligustrums are part of the problem. They're known allergens.  Fortunately we have a wonderful plant that has the same privacy-producing growth pattern, evergreen foliage, prettier flowers on many varieties, delightful fragrance, berries birds love and ... best of all ... they're Texas natives.

I'm talking about viburnums. Dr. David Creech is Stephen F. Austin State University Gardens Director, is one of Texas' most influential horticulturists. When he speaks, we all listen because usually it means exciting new plants are on our horizon. Dr. Creech is a particular fan of viburnums and, in our Spotlight below, gives a preview of his Fri., Mar. 11 "Bullet Proof Viburnums for the Gulf South" program.  The free Houston Federation of Garden Clubs lecture will be presented at 10:15am, at the White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Dr. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org. Dr. Creech will have many samples with him.

***PLEASE - IF YOU ARE SUBMITTING SOMETHING FOR THE NEWSLETTER AND/OR ASKING A GARDENING QUESTION AND YOU DON'T GET A RESPONSE FROM ME TO YOUR EMAIL, ASSUME I DID NOT RECEIVE IT AND SEND IT AGAIN!  ALL ADVERTISEMENTS WILL BE EARMARKED SPAM!
 


L to r, white flowered Viburnum X 'Lord Byron' by Paul Cox, V. cinnamomifulium's creamy
flowers on reddish stalks, red-fruited V. propinquum and V. Henryii.

VIBURNUMS  
by DAVE CREECH
When folks gather to talk about best small shrubs or small trees for the landscape of the Gulf South, Viburnums don't often make the list.

That may be changing.

With so many choices, old and new, there's a strong foundation to justify resurgence in interest. Think about it.   Viburnums are typically Texas durable and once in the ground a few years, pretty much bullet proof. They rarely need pampering. Whether heat and drought, flood or cold, most don't miss a beat. There's great diversity in the genus.

From evergreen to deciduous, with form that ranges from a small shrub to significant mid-sized trees. I lean to natives, it's true. The tried and true Rusty Blackhaw, Arrowwood, Smooth Witherod, or Small Viburnum. These are rarely affected by insects or diseases. They're not a major deer browse.
 
We love the hybrids 'Lord Byron' and 'Sir Robert', Paul Cox introductions that are the result of a cross between Rusty Blackhaw and Small Viburnum.

In the exotic world, there's too much to like. If you like huge flowers, try a Chinese snowball with white soccer ball sized blooms. That may be a bit exaggerated, but put one in a full sun well drained spot and you'll have a point of interest at least one time per year.

Chinese snowball is mophead hydrangea on steroids. For all around interest, you can't go wrong with Viburnum luzonicum, a long ago Lynn Lowrey exotic introduction with great fall color, interesting berries, and a neat habit. This is one tough plant. You kill a V. luzonicum; you need to change hobbies.

Then there's an exciting new army of Asian Viburnums just now surfacing as great landscape plants for the South. V. cinnamomifulium, V. propinquum, V. henryi, and others are making their mark.
 
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Join Dr. Creech on a Viburnum journey, March 11, 2016, at the Houston Federation of Garden Clubs event. Dr. Creech will be bringing a dozen wonderful woody plants for a raffle at the end of his lecture. There might be a Viburnum or two in the mix!

FRI., MAR. 11: BULLET PROOF VIBURNUMS FOR THE GULF SOUTH by DR. DAVID CREECH, 10:15am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Dr. Free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org  


 
 
 
JOHN'S CORNER 


NEWS FROM THE WONDERFUL 
WORLD OF SOIL AND PLANTS



 
The Journal Science Signaling had a recent article on how plants trick bacteria to protect themselves from bacteria assault (January 5th issue). Researchers have identified one of the protective compounds that plants produce called "rosmarinic acid". This compound mimics a molecule that bacteria use to communicate with each other about their population density. Normally, the bad bacteria grow and reproduce to very high numbers before they attack a plant so they can overwhelm a plant's defenses. It appears this compound tricks the bacteria into attacking before they have sufficient numbers to harm the plant, so the plants immune system can fight them off.
 
Another report in Science Daily from Arizona State University has found that blue and green clays can kill bacteria. Clay has been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes (eating for nutrition, stop bleeding from wounds, soaking in a mud bath, etc.). They found that certain clays can kill even antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacteria. The clay minerals work in tandem with certain nutrients in what chemists call their reduced state (it is not electrically balanced). A couple of these are iron (Fe2+) and aluminum (Al3+). Bacteria require small amounts of the reduced iron to live and grow. The iron atom tricks the cell wall of the bacteria into opening up to let the atom in and then the aluminum atom keeps it open and prevents the bacteria from closing it. This allows a lot of this of this reduced iron to enter the cell. This excessive amount of iron then poisons the bacterial cell, killing it as the reduced iron becomes oxidized (electrically balanced).

Note: In soils and rocks when iron is in a reduced state it gives the material a greenish color and when the iron is oxidized, it gives soils a reddish color.
 
Another study from the Journal Frontiers of Plant Science (Sept. 2015) found that plants need an active social life to stay healthy. Decades ago, researchers confirmed that talking to plants helped them grow stronger and healthier. This study found that plants use molecular signals to engage in constant life-enhancing conversations with the microbes in their ecosystem. Plants require a harmonious relation with its microbial community to thrive, and is especially critical when plants are threatened by drought or extreme weather.  These signaling chemicals are contained in the root exudates that plants release into the soil. Numerous studies have shown that organically raised plants are much more resistant to weather extremes than those grown with toxic chemicals.
 
Note: Many readers have written in and stated that I am not technical enough and other readers have written in stating that I was too technical. I try to provide enough technical information and references to those whom want it and use a lot of common language for those whom do not have a technical background.






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WEEKLY GARDENING EVENTS &
ANNOUNCEMENTS 
CALENDAR


TO SUBMIT AN EVENT FOR THIS CALENDAR, PLEASE NOTE.
Events NOT submitted in the EXACT written format below may take two weeks or longer
to be reformatted/retyped. After that point, if your event does not appear, please email us.
Submit to: [email protected] 
 
If we inspire you to attend any of these events, please let them know you heard about it in
THE LAZY GARDENER & FRIENDS HOUSTON GARDEN NEWSLETTER 
 
 


TUES., MAR. 8: EASTER FLORAL DESIGN CONCEPTS by TONY HUFFMAN. 9 am, South County Community Center, 2235 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands. Free. Woodlands Garden Club event. thewoodlandsgardenclub.org      
      
TUES., MAR. 8: GROWING PLUMERIAS, 7:30pm, Cherie Flores Garden Pavillion, Hermann Park Conservancy, 1500 Hermann Dr. Free. Plumeria Society of America event. theplumeriasociety.org\

TUES., MAR. 8: SNAKE SAFETY IN THE GARDEN by CLINT PUSTEJOVSKY,11am & HUMMINGBIRDS, MYTH, MAGIC AND MYSTERY! by MARK KLYM, 1pm, Glazier Senior Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Free. pct3.com/senior-centers/glazier-senior-center; 713-274-3250

WED., MAR. 9: MARCH MART VOLUNTEER TRAINING, 10:30-11:30am, MARCH MART PREVIEW OF SALE PLANTS, noon-2pm, Mercer Botanic Garden, 2206 Aldine-Westfield, Humble. Free. 713-274-4160.

WED., MAR. 9: HIBISCUS GARDENING by MARTI GRAVES, 1pm, Glazier Senior Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Free. pct3.com/senior-centers/glazier-senior-center; 713-274-3250

THURS, MAR. 10: RAISED BEDS & LOW VOLUME IRRIGATION by HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS, 6:30-8:30 pm. Barbara Bush Library, 6817 Cypresswood Dr., Spring. Free. hcmga.tamu.edu; 281-855-5600

THURS., MAR. 10: GROWING OLIVE TREES AND PRODUCING OIL WITH RANDY BRAZIL.10:30am, Glazier Senior Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Free. pct3.com/senior-centers/glazier-senior-center; 713-274-3250

THURS., MAR. 10: THE MONARCH'S BEST HOPE IS STILL YOU by BARBARA KELLER-WILY, 7:30pm, L.G.I. Lecture Hall, McCullough Jr. High School, 3800 S. Panther Creek Dr., The Woodlands, Free. 281-210-3925

THUR. MARCH 10: ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT MULCHES by JOHN FERGUSON, 6:30pm, Liberty High School Event Room, 2615 Jefferson Dr, . Liberty County Master Gardener event. Lindsay Rushel, [email protected], 936-334-3230

THURS., MAR. 10: HOW FERTILIZERS WORK AND FACTOR THAT IMPACT EFFICIENCY, 7:30pm, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd. Free. Houston Rose Society event.  houstonrose.org 

THURS., MAR. 10: "Ornamental Plant Trials in Harris County" by Paul Winski, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Agent - Harris County.  10 - 11:30 am, Clear Lake Meeting Room, 5001 Nasa Pkwy.  FREE.  Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 event.  281-855-5600, hcmga.tamu.edu

THURS, MAR. 10: RAISED BEDS & LOW VOLUME IRRIGATION BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30 pm. Barbara Bush Library, 6817 Cypresswood Dr., Spring. Free. Details: http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf  281-855-5600

THURS., MAR. 10: GROWING & USING HERBS by TRICIA BRADBURY, 9:30am, Recreation and Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City. Free. Quail Valley Garden Club event. QuailValleyGardenClub.org 

THURS., MAR. 10: JUNIOR MASTER GARDENER LEARN, GROW, EAT, GO!  COMMUNITY PARTNER TRAINING, AgriLife Extension Service, 3033 Bear Creek Dr. $30. Deadline Mat 7 on Eventbrite; 713-274-0978;  [email protected].
   
FRI., MAR. 11: BULLET PROOF VIBURNUMS FOR THE GULF SOUTH by DR. DAVID CREECH, 10:15am, White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Dr. Free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org

 FRI.-SUN., MAR. 11-13: LEADING WITH LANDSCAPE II: HOUSTON TRANSFORMATION CONFERENCE. Cultural Landscape Foundation event. Mar. 11 - Conference (Early registration rates). Mar. 12-13 - free tours of historic parks & projects. tclf.org

WED. MAR. 12: MARCH MART VOLUNTEER TRAINING, 9:30am, and MARCH MART PREVIEW OF SALE PLANTS, noon, Mercer Botanic Garden, 2206 Aldine-Westfield, Humble. Free. 713-274-4160.
 
SAT., MARCH 12: Peckerwood Garden Open Day, 10am-3pm tours, 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead. $10. Garden Conservancy event. peckerwoodgarden.org,  979-826-3232; [email protected]

SAT., MAR. 12: TOMATO STRESS MANAGEMENT, PART 3, by IRA GERVAIS, 9-11am, & VERMICULTURE - WORM CASTINGS FOR YOUR GARDEN, by LINDA BROWN, 1-2:30pm, Galveston County AgriLife Extension, Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Free but reservations requested for each: [email protected]; www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston

SAT., MAR. 12: LAWN CARE by LP, 10am, Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond; 2pm Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond. Free. myenchanted.com

SAT., MAR 12: MONTGOMERY COUNTY MASTER GARDENER SPRING PLANT SALE, AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. Sat. - Program @ 8 am; Sale 9 am - noon. 936-539-7824 or mcmga.com 

SAT., MAR. 12: Peckerwood Garden Open Day, Hempstead. Garden Conservancy event. Tours are approximately every half hour from 10 am to 3 pm. $10 for non-members, Members are free. Register at: http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/ , 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead, 979-826-3232; [email protected]
 
SAT., SUN., MARCH 12 and 13 : 14TH ANNUAL SPRING HOME & GARDEN SHOW THE WOODLANDS, Sat. 9am, Sun. 10 am, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands. $9 adults, $8 seniors. 832-274-3944, WoodlandsShows.com.

MON., MAR. 14: SUCCULENT GARDENING by WALLY WARD, 1pm, Glazier Senior Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Free.

TUES., MAR. 15: CREATING FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS FROM YOUR GARDEN by AMY NEUGEBAUER, 10am, St. Basil Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. Free; Sugar Land Garden Club event.  Sugarlandgardenclub.org

TUES., MAR. 15; RAISED BEDS & LOW VOLUME IRRIGATION by HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30pm, Spring Branch Memorial Library, 930 Corbindale. Free. hcmga.tamu.edu; 281-855-5600

TUES., MAR.15: CITRUS GARDENING by MARY KARISH 1pm, Glazier Senior Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Free. pct3.com/senior-centers/glazier-senior-center; 713-274-3250

TUE., MAR. 15: THE ABC's OF HOME COMPOSTING by KEN STEBLEIN, 6:30-8:30pm, Galveston County AgriLife Extension, Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Free but reservations requested: [email protected]; www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston

TUES., MAR. 15; RAISED BEDS & LOW VOLUME IRRIGATION BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30 pm, Spring Branch Memorial Library, 930 Corbindale. Free. Details: http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf  281-855-5600

THURS., MAR. 17; RAISED BEDS & LOW VOLUME IRRIGATION by HARRIS COUNTY MASTER
GARDENERS. 6:30pm. Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane.Free. hcmga.tamu.edu; 281-855-5600

THURS., MAR. 17; RAISED BEDS & LOW VOLUME IRRIGATION BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30 pm. Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane. Free. http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf  281-855-5600 

FRI., MAR. 18: PLANT SEED & EXCHANGE ON GLAZIER'S PATIO, Glazier Senior Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Free. pct3.com/senior-centers/glazier-senior-center; 713-274-3250

FRI.-SAT., MAR. 18-19: MARCH MART, Fri: noon-4pm. Sat.: 8am-4pm, Mercer Botanic Garden, 2206 Aldine-Westfield, Humble. Free. 713-274-4160. VIP shopping: hcp4.net/community/parks/mercer 

SAT., MAR. 19: RAISED BEDS & LOW VOLUME IRRIGATION by HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS, 10am, Maude Smith Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd., Katy. Free. hcmga.tamu.edu; 281-855-5600 

SAT., MAR. 19: ORGANIC GARDENING FAIR, 8am-4pm, St. Anne's Catholic Church's Giving Field, Beaumont. Sharon Begnaud, [email protected]

SAT., MAR. 19: HONEY BEES AROUND THE GARDEN by ROBERT MARSHALL, 9-10:30am, & TURNING DIRT INTO SOIL by JIM GILLIAN, 1-2:30pm, Galveston County AgriLife Extension, Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Free but reservations requested for each: [email protected]; www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston

SAT, MAR. 19; RAISED BEDS & LOW VOLUME IRRIGATION BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 10am-Noon. Maude Smith Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd., Katy. Free. hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf;  281-855-5600

SAT., MAR. 19: GARDEN VILLAS GARDEN CLUB ANNUAL PLANT & GARDEN ACCESSORY SALE, 9am, Garden Villas Park Community Center, 6720 S. Haywood. [email protected]

SUN., MAR. 20: FROM SPORE TO STAGHORN FERN IN 6 MONTHS by Darla Harris & Larry Rucker, 2:00pm, Judson Robinson Jr. Community Center, 2020 Hermann Dr.  Hands-on project. Free.  Texas Gulf Coast Fern Society event.  tgcfernsoc.org 

MON.. MAR. 21: OPEN GARDEN DAY WITH HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS AT PRECINCT 2, 8:30 - 11:00 am, Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd.  FREE.  Plants for sale in Greenhouse.  281-855-5600; hcmga.tamu.edu

SAT, MAY 21; PLANTS OF THE BIBLE BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 10am-Noon. Maude Smith Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd., Katy. Free. Details: https://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf  281-855-5600

TUES., MAY 24: HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS OPEN GARDEN DAY AND SEMINAR: PLANTS OF THE BIBLE, 9-11:30 am, 3033 Bear Creek Drive. Free. Details: http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-hcmga-open-garden-days.pdf  281-855-5600

TUES., MAR. 22: HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS OPEN GARDEN DAY & RAISED BEDS & LOW VOLUME IRRIGATION SEMINAR, 9am, 3033 Bear Creek Drive. Free. hcmga.tamu.edu; 281-855-5600

TUES., MAR. 22: HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS OPEN GARDEN DAY AND SEMINAR: RAISED BEDS & LOW VOLUME IRRIGATION, 9-11:30 am, 3033 Bear Creek Drive. Free. Details: http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-hcmga-open-garden-days.pdf  281-855-5600

WED., MAR. 23; SPRING CONTAINER GARDENING WITH SKIP RICHTER HARRIS COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT;16600 Pine Forest Lane. Free. pct3.com/senior-centers/glazier-senior-center; 713-274-3250

Thur. March 24: BEEKEEPING FOR THE AMATEUR WORKSHOP by CAMERON CRANE, 1pm, Glazier Senior Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane. Free.pct3.com/senior-centers/glazier-senior-center; 713-274-3250

SAT., MAR. 26: 2nd ANNUAL BAYOUT GREENWAY DAY, 11am-4pm, White Oak Bayou Greenway, T.C. Jester Park, 4201 T. C. Jester Blvd. Free. Houston Parks Board event. bayougreenwayday.org

SAT., MAR. 26: Peckerwood Garden Open Day, Hempstead. Garden Conservancy event. Tours are approximately every half hour from 10 am to 3 pm. $10 for non-members, Members are free. Register at: http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/ , 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead, 979-826-3232; [email protected]
 
SAT., MARCH 26: EASTER EGG HUNT, 8:30-9am, Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E 11th. Free. Kids 6 and under. 713-861-5702; buchanansplants.com/events

TUE., MAR. 29: 'TEXAS TUFF' LANDSCAPE PLANTS - BLOOMING AND BEAUTIFUL by SANDRA DEVALL, 6:30-8pm, Galveston County AgriLife Extension, Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Free but reservations requested: [email protected]; www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston 

TUES., MAR. 29: THE DANGERS OF GMO's by DR. THIERRY VRAIN, 6:30pm, Houston Museum of Natural Science, IMAX Theater, 5555 Herman Park Dr. $18. hmns.org; 713-639-4629

SAT., APRIL 2: WHITE OAK GARDEN SPRING PLANT SALE, 9am program by HEIDI SHEESLEY, 10am-2pm (or sell-out) sale. White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Dr., nnmd.org       

  SAT., APR. 2: ROSES IN THE LANDSCAPE by GAYE HAMMOND, 10am, Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond; 2pm Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond. Free. myenchanted.com  

SAT., APRIL 2:  MEMORIAL NORTHWEST LADYBUGS GARDEN CLUB PLANT & TREE SALE, 9am-2pm, Memorial Northwest Community Center, 17440 Theiss Mail Route Road, Spring, Free. mnwhoa.org

SAT,  APR. 2: BRAZORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER ANNUAL SPRING PLANT SALE, 8am-noon, Brazoria County Environmental Education Station, 799 E. Hospital Drive at CR 171, Angleton.  txmg.org/brazoria


MON., APRIL 4:  GROWING HIBISCUS by MARTI GRAVES, 10am, Amegy Bank Building, Community Room, 28201 SH 249, Tomball. Free. Tomball Garden Club event. [email protected]

THURS., APR. 7: FINIALS AND FOLLIES: A LOOK AT ARCHITECTURAL GARDEN FEATURES FROM AROUND THE WORLD by DARRIN DULING, 9:30am, Municipal Utility Building #81, 805 Hidden Canyon Dr., Katy. Free. Nottingham Country Garden Club event.  nottinghamgardenclub.org  
 
FRI., APR. 9: XPLORING CREATIVITY by LILLIAN RICO, 10:15am,  White Oak Conference Center, 7603 Antoine Drive. Free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs event. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org 

SAT., APRIL 9: HMNS COCKRELL BUTTERFLY CENTER SPRING PLANT SALE, 8am-noon (or sell-out), garage 7th level, Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Dr. 713-639-4629, hmns.org 
 
SAT., APRIL 9: Peckerwood Garden Open Day, 10am-3pm tours, 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead. $10. Garden Conservancy event. peckerwoodgarden.org,  979-826-3232; [email protected] 

SAT., APR. 9: TIME TO TALK HERBS by HENRY FLOWERS, 10am, Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond; 2pm Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond. Free. myenchanted.com   

TUES., APR. 12: PLANT PROPAGATION TECHNIQUES WORKSHOP by MONTGOMERY COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS, 9am. Extension Office, 9020 FM 1484 (Airport Rd.), Conroe. Free. Woodlands Garden Club event. 
thewoodlandsgardenclub.org 

THURS., APR. 14: ADDING A BUTTERFLY GARDEN: DESIGN, PLANTS and MORE by Mark Bowen, 7:30 pm, L.G.I. Lecture Hall, McCullough Jr. High School, 3800 S. Panther Creek Dr., The Woodlands, Free. 281-210-3925

THURS, APR. 14: HERBS-GROWING & USING BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30 pm. Barbara Bush Library, 6817 Cypresswood Dr., Spring. Free. hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf  281-855-5600

Thurs., April 14: "Roses on Fortuniana Rootstock" , 7:30pm, Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston 77004. Free. Houston Rose Society event. houstonrose.org 

FRI.- SUN., APRIL 15, 16, 17: KINGWOOD GARDEN CLUB HOME & GARDEN TOUR 10am-4pm Fri. & Sat.; noon-4pm Sun. kingwoodgardenclub.org 

SAT., APR. 16: ATTRACTING BUTTERFLIES TO POLLINATE YOUR GARDEN by NANCY GRIEG, 10am, Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond; 2pm Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond. Free. www.myenchanted.com   

SAT, APRIL 16: SPRING PERENNIAL PLANT SALE. OVERVIEW AT 8 am; SALE FROM 9 am- 1 pm. BRING YOUR WAGON AND COME EARLY FOR THE BEST SELECTION. 3033 Bear Creek Drive. Free. Details: http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/pubSales.aspx 281-855-5600    
 
SAT, APRIL 16; HERBS-GROWING & USING BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 10am-Noon. Maude Smith Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd., Katy. Free. Details: https://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf  281-855-5600

SUN., APRIL 17: 2016 HIBISCUS SHOW & PLANT SALE, 1-4pm, Bellaire Community Center, 7008 S. Rice Blvd, Bellaire. Free. Lone Star Chapter/American Hibiscus Society event. Free. lonestarahs.org 
 
TUES., APR. 19: MILLENNIAL GARDENING by DEE NASH, 10am, St. Basil Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. Free; Sugar Land Garden Club event. Sugarlandgardenclub.org 

TUES., APRIL 19; HERBS-GROWING & USING BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30 pm, Spring Branch Memorial Library, 930 Corbindale. Free. Details: http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf  281-855-5600
 
THURS., APRIL 21; HERBS-GROWING & USING BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30 pm. Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane.Free. http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf  281-855-5600 

SAT., APRIL 23: Peckerwood Garden Open Day, 10am-3pm tours, 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead. $10. Garden Conservancy event. peckerwoodgarden.org,  979-826-3232; [email protected]  
 
SAT., APR. 23: ORGANIC SOLUTIONS TO PESKY INSECTS by ANDY CHIDESTER, 10am, Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond; 2pm Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond. Free. www.myenchanted.com
 
TUES., APRIL 26: HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS OPEN GARDEN DAY AND SEMINAR: HERBS-GROWING & USING, 9-11:30 am, 3033 Bear Creek Drive. Free. Details: http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-hcmga-open-garden-days.pdf  281-855-5600

SAT., APR. 30: FAIRY GARDEN SEMINARS, 10am, Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond; 2pm Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond. $10/reservations: myenchanted.com      
 
SAT., APR. 30: GARDEN CONSERVANCY HOUSTON OPEN DAY & PECKERWOOD GARDEN PLANT SALE, Houston. Garden Conservancy event. 10am-4pm. $7/garden; $40/All Day pass. peckerwoodgarden.org/garden-conservancy-houston-tx-open-day-2/, 979-826-3232; [email protected] or [email protected]

SAT., MAY 7: 2016 HIBISCUS SHOW & PLANT SALE, 1-4pm, Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Rd., Sugar Land. Free. Lone Star chapter/American Hibiscus Society event. Free. lonestarahs.org

SAT., MAY 7: MINIATURE CONTAINER GARDEN WORKSHOP, 10-11am, Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E 11th. Pay for supplies use. 713-861-5702; buchanansplants.com/event

SAT., MAY 7: CHAPPELL HILL GARDEN TOUR & PLANT SALE, 10am-4pm, 9060 Poplar St., Chappell Hill. Chappell Hill Garden Club event. 979-836-2554; 713-562-6191.   

SAT.-SUN., MAY 7-8:  HOUSTON WATER GARDEN AND POND TOUR. Houston Pond Society/The Lone Star Koi Club event.   houstonpondsociety.org; lonestarkoi.com 

SUN., May 8: Peckerwood Garden  MOTHER'S DAY Open Day, 10am-3pm tours, 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead. $10. Garden Conservancy event. peckerwoodgarden.org,  979-826-3232; [email protected] 
 
SUN., MAY 8): Peckerwood Garden Open Day. Tours 10am-3pm. 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead. $10. Garden Conservancy event. Register: peckerwoodgarden.org/, 979-826-3232; [email protected]

TUES., MAY 10: GROWING PLUMERIAS, 7:30pm, Cherie Flores Garden Pavillion, Hermann Park Conservancy, 1500 Hermann Dr. Free. Plumeria Society of America event. theplumeriasociety.org 

THURS, MAY 12: PLANTS OF THE BIBLE BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30 pm. Barbara Bush Library, 6817 Cypresswood Dr., Spring. Free. Details: http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf  281-855-5600

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 event. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org 
 
SAT., MAY 14: SUCCULENT MAKE AND TAKE, 10am, Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond; 2pm Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond. Reservations: myenchanted.com   

SUN., MAY 15: TROPICAL FRUIT TREES WITH DANY MILIKIN OF EDIBLE EARTH RESOURCES, 2-3pm, Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E 11th. Free. 713-861-5702; buchanansplants.com/events   

TUES., MAY 17; PLANTS OF THE BIBLE BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30 pm, Spring Branch Memorial Library, 930 Corbindale. Free. Details: http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf  281-855-5600
 
THURS., MAY 19; PLANTS OF THE BIBLE BY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30 pm. Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane.Free. http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf  281-855-5600 

SAT., MAY 21: FRIENDS OF PECKERWOOD GARDEN dAY, 10am-3pm tours, 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead. $10. Garden Conservancy event. peckerwoodgarden.org,  979-826-3232; [email protected] 
 
SAT., MAY 21: HERB LORE WITH DANY MILIKIN OF EDIBLE EARTH RESOURCES, 10-11am, Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E 11th. Free. 713-861-5702; buchanansplants.com/events 

SAT., MAY 21: TOMATO & SALSA CONTEST judged by BILL ADAMS , 10am, Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond; 2pm Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond. www.myenchanted.com

SAT., JUNE 4: BUTTERFLY GARDEN WORKSHOP FOR KIDS, 10-11am, Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E 11th. Free. 713-861-5702; buchanansplants.com/events 

SAT., JUNE 11: PLUMERIA SOCIETY OF AMERICA SHOW & SALE, 9:30am-3pm, Bay Area Community Center 5002 Nasa Road One Seabrook. Free. theplumeriasociety.org 
 
SAT., JUNE 11: EDIBLE LANDSCAPING WITH DANY MILIKIN OF EDIBLE EARTH RESOURCES, 10-11am, Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E 11th. Free. 713-861-5702; buchanansplants.com/events 

TUES., JULY 12: GROWING PLUMERIAS, 7:30pm, Cherie Flores Garden Pavillion, Hermann Park Conservancy, 1500 Hermann Dr. Free. Plumeria Society of America event. theplumeriasociety.org 
 
TUES.-SUN., JUNE 14-19: WORLD BROMELIAD CONFERENCE XXII, Show and Plant Sale 9am-5pm Fri. & Sat.; 9am-noon Sun., Westin Galleria Hotel, 5060 West Alabama St.  Bromeliad Society/Houston, Inc./Bromeliad Society International event. www.bsi.org     

SAT., JULY 23: PLUMERIA SOCIETY OF AMERICA SHOW & SALE, 9:30am-3pm, Fort Bend Country Fairgrounds 4310 Texas Highway 36, Rosenberg. theplumeriasociety.org 

SAT, SEPT 24: FALL SALE (LANDSCAPE PLANTS, PERENNIALS & FALL VEGETABLES), 8am overview, 9am-1pm sale, 3033 Bear Creek Drive. Free. Details: http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/pubSales.aspx 281-855-5600    
 
TUES., OCT. 11: GROWING PLUMERIAS, 7:30pm, Cherie Flores Garden Pavillion, Hermann Park Conservancy, 1500 Hermann Dr. Free. Plumeria Society of America event. theplumeriasociety.org 
  
If we inspire you to attend any of these events, please let them knowyou heard about it in

THE LAZY GARDENER & FRIENDS NEWSLETTER!
 
 
TO SUBMIT AN EVENT FOR THIS CALENDAR, PLEASE NOTE.
Events NOT submitted in the EXACT written format below may take two weeks or longer
to be reformatted/retyped. After that point, if your event does not appear, please email us.
Submit to: [email protected]  
 
 
 

Green Job Opportunities at Nature's Way Resources

Inside Sales: duties include providing customer service, gardening advice and sales assistance. This is a part time position.

Horticulturist: duties include customer service, providing planting recommendations and helping to maintain our plant nursery.

For more information please email [email protected].


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.


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.



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. 50% off pomegranates, pears and antique roses. 
 (Offer good for retail purchases of this product (101 Sherbrook Circle, Conroe TX). Expires 03/28/16.
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