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Dear Friends,
Here is the 149th 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!
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PLANT THOSE EASTER LILIES! . . . TOUGHIES
FROM THE SEASIDE . . . STAGHORN DELIGHTS . . . TREASURES FROM MERCER
BY BRENDA BEUST SMITH
When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one and a lily with the other. -- Chinese proverb Know why or how the beautiful white Lilium longiflorum, left above, became known as the Easter lily?Texas A&M's fantastic resource "Plant Answers" does. (Love this website.) Folks from almost the beginning of time loved lilies, but we really can't be sure which ones. Most modern "Easter lily" bulbs came from Japan - until Pearl Harbor when shipments were cut off.
Now, flash back to WWI, when returning soldier Louis Houghton brought a suitcase full of hybrid lily bulbs home from Japan to Oregon in 1919. Most he gave away and they thrived in Louis' California-Oregon border neighborhood. Then came Pearl Harbor and suddenly there was a huge market for home-grown Easter lilies. Houghton and his neighbors decided to cash in. Smart move!
Today over 95% of the this market is produced by just ten farms in a narrow California-Oregon border region known as the Easter Lily Capital of the World. Turns out, it has the perfect combination of climate, soil and rainfall, making their Easter lilies now the U.S.'s fourth largest wholesale floral crop, behind poinsettias, mums and azaleas. Who else would tell you these things?
We can grow Easter lilies, as my friend Sharon Axton's beautiful planting below proves. And, turning back to A&M, here are their tips for growing those you buy this March 27 celebration: - Look for plants with flowers in various stages of ripeness - one or two open or partly open blooms, and three or more puffy, unopened buds of different sizes.
- Look for dense, plentiful foliage even down by the soil line. Indicates a healthy root system.
- Avoid plants displayed with protective plastic shipping shields left on. These speed deterioration.
- Avoid wilted or waterlogged plants. Wilt could be a sign of root rot.
- As flowers mature, remove yellow anthers before pollen sheds. This extends flower life and prevents yellow staining.
- Cut off withered flowers. Remaining ones will look more spectacular.
- Keep plant out of heating or cooling draughts and direct sunlight. Ideal spot: near a window with bright, indirect natural daylight.
- Water thoroughly when soil surface feels dry to a light touch, but avoid over-watering. Remove decorative pots/covers, set plant over sink, water until no more drains out bottom hole. Set pot up so air circulates underneath. Make sure completely drained (1 +/- hour) before returning to decorative pot or cover.
Above, left, is my favorite Easter lily photo, shot at the home of my high school friend Sharon Ennis Axton,
who lives in the same house around the corner from where we lived in Southwest Houston when we were
students at St. Agnes Academy (then on Fanning St. downtown). Sharon's mother, Mary Alice Johnson,
planted five or so Easter lilies around this tree back in the late 1990s. This is how much they've multiplied!
Bulbs use fading foliage to replenish themselves for future blooms. Don't cut foliage off until it has completely died (withered). Either move the pot outside (no decorative covers) or plant in a garden site with at least ½ day sun. Most bulbs, and Easter lilies in particular, need EXCELLENT drainage, especially during our spring and fall monsoons. Never plant where water stands after a rain. * * * L to r: Super hardy, garden friendly - Seaside purslane, yucca, Salicornia and prickly pear
GIVEN THE CHALLENGES OF GARDENING NEAR THE GULF,
Wallace Ward of the Houston Cactus & Succulent Society should have a attentive audience for his free presentation "Seaside Succulents of the Texas Gulf Coast," Wed., Mar. 23 at 7:30pm at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 West Gray.
Among Wallace's many recommendations (which should be great low maintenance choices for hot sun, hard-to-water inland sites as well): - SEASIDE PURSLANE (look for it blooming from the cracks in the sidewalk along the Seawall sidewalk in August), a vine or two with succulent leaves,
- YUCCA
- SALICORNIA (Wallace's favorite) - edible but tasteless. Common at Quintana Beach behind the beach area where you encounter water channels. Also serves as the host plant for the Great Southern White butterfly, abundant around Quintana beach vegetation in spring and summer.
- PRICKLY PEAR and other cacti that Wallace will detail in his free talk
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IF THESE 'NIGHT SKY' PETUNIAS, LEFT ABOVE, don't grab your eye, I don't know what will. If you'd like to try some, Mercer Botanic Garden will have a limited number available for sale at March Mart, March 18-19 (Fri., noon-4pm; Sat., 8am-4pm. 2206 Aldine-Westfield, Humble. Free. 713-274-4160).
Early shopping options: themercersociety.org
Also available for sale, in greater numbers, will be, center, 'Sweet Coral' dianthus and bright yellow Tabebuia or trumpet tree. Mercer
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Staghorns, l to r, Platycerium ridleyi, P. veitchii and P bifurcatum 'Netherlands' STAGHORN FERNS are so elegant, so exquisite and, maybe a little scary to try? They shouldn't be -- and the Texas Gulf Coast Fern Society wants to prove it to you.
Among the growing tips Darla Harris & Larry Rucker will share with the lucky folks who attend their free lecture Sun., Mar. 20, at 2pm, Judson Robinson Community Center, 2020 Hermann Dr. tgcfernsoc.org - Provide dappled shade not deep shade but protect from afternoon sun
- Protect from winter frost
- Don't over water especially in winter, keep damp not soggy
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SPOTLIGHT ON ONE GARDENER'S ADAPTING TO OUR CLIMATE!
Like so many local gardeners, Amy Neugebauer had to make major adjustments when she moved from the totally different gardening milieu in Indiana to The Woodlands. As both a Texas Master Florist (TMF) and Certified Floral Designer (CFD), Amy was accustomed to picking flowers from her own garden to enjoy indoors as well. But first she had to learn about new-to-her plants that would thrive in her new "subtropical" landscape! She'll be sharing what she's learned in a free presentation by the Sugar Land Garden Club Tuesday, Mar. 15, but is giving us a preview in our Spotlight article below.
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PLEASE - IF YOU DO NOT GET A RESPONSE FROM ME TO AN EMAIL (lazygardener@sbcglobal.net),
ASSUME I DID NOT RECEIVE IT AND SEND IT AGAIN! CHECK NEWSLETTER CALENDAR TO MAKE
SURE YOUR EVENTS ARE PUBLISHED. IF THEY AREN'T, LET ME KNOW!
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Among Amy Neugebauer's hardy discoveries, l to r, potted zinnias, myrtle bush, 'Bob Hope'
camellia and neighbor Marilyn Bullen with a rose bush given to her by retired Chronicle garden editor Kathy Huber when Kathy spoke to the Lakewood Garden Club
CUTTINGS FROM THE GARDEN
FOR INDOOR ENJOYMENT
BY Amy Neugebauer CFD, TMF People love talking about their gardens and rightfully so. Every garden is a labor of love. A love of nature, a love of beauty and a love for the world we live in. No wonder people with whom I spoke emphasize using organic products for insect repellants, fertilizing, etc. Growing up in Southern Indiana, I was accustomed to a yard full of daffodils, iris, and roses, even lilies of the valley. Lilacs grew wild on the side of the road. My mother and aunts prided themselves on always having cut flower arrangements in the house. My paternal aunts provided flowers for the church every Sunday. Moving to The Woodlands in 2004 was a challenge. Long months of intensive heat "killed off "most flowers I planted. I grew tired of covering my special plants during winter freezes. A diagnosis of skin cancer (treatable) has kept me out of the sun. So I have learned what local gardeners know. Shade is your friend. Plants that will survive this heat include hibiscus, camellias, roses, and marigolds to name a few. Our neighbor Nancy Wells points out, "It is ok to move a plant to another location in your garden." Lucy Harrell says perennials need to be divided every 2-3 years, in the fall or early spring. Marilyn Bullen also says you can't expect a plant to keep blooming if you don't "deadhead it". Mulch is important. Raking leaves and pine needles into flowerbeds is an organic way to protect the soil and your plants. Both Marilyn and Nancy do a lot of gardening using pots. Consistent watering is a must. They both suggested a sprinkler system that provides water for each pot to ease the watering process. Both succulents and herbs grow easily in a garden. Both are trending right now, so incorporate these in your indoor arrangements. Geraniums, dianthus, marigolds, roses, lilies, hyacinths and tulips all work well for cut arrangements. Marilyn speaks highly of her shrimp plant's delicate blooms. She has two types, green blooms and coral blooms that work well for indoor arrangements. Finally have fun with greens!! The truly durable aspidistra and variegated pittosporum are super to use for indoor arrangements. Ferns also work well. And let's not forget the truly hardy asparagus fern. Wear gloves for this one, but it drapes down a vase beautifully. Create a tablescape. Try arrangements in groupings. Most importantly, have fun!! * * *
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
References:
- Marilyn Bullen: Native of New Zealand. Lifelong gardener, Houston resident for 20 years.
- Nancy Wells: Houston Native: Gardener, Artist and Geologist
- Lucy Harrell TCNP: Teaches Organic Gardening to Home Gardeners and Professionals in TX. www.lucyharrell.com Lucy Harrell TCNP teaches and creates plans for organic gardens. She also has a newsletter and a very helpful website which is listed below in the credits.
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JOHN'S CORNER
GARDENING News
A new study from the University of Otago in New Zealand has found that after ingesting very small amount of the pesticide chlorpyrifos, honeybees suffer severe learning and memory problems (they could not remember where the flowers were). The study found that chlorpyrifos was in air, water, and plant samples in Non-sprayed areas of the country. This pesticide will easily volatize and travel great distances. Problems occurred at sub-lethal doses of only 50 billionths of a gram ingested per bee! This is an amount thousands of times less than a lethal dose. I wonder if this toxic chemical is adding to the growing mental decline and dementia problem in this country as it is on many of our conventionally grown foods (another reason to buy "Organic" whenever possible).
The University of Illinois has developed a new organic weed control technology called "Weed Blasting". They blast weeds with tiny pieces of organic grit using an air compressor (think sand blaster). The grit leaves the nozzle at over 700 miles per hour and shreds the weeds killing them. This technique was as effective as hand weeding when applied at the right time during weed growth on mulched beds. They tested various types of grit (walnut shells, granulated corncobs, greensand and soybean meal) and the type did not matter. This technique has the potential for gardeners to apply organic fertilizers as a blasting media. The gardener can apply the fertilizer and do weed control at the same time. It affects some weeds more than others and the smaller the weed the better the results (similar to flame weeding methods). It was most effective on weeds, which have their growing parts above ground like annual broadleaf species. It was less effective on grasses and perennials whose growing tips are below ground.
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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: lazygardener@sbcglobal.net
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
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
SAT. 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; info@peckerwoodgarden.orgSAT., 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: galv@wt.net; www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galvestonSAT., MAR. 12: LAWN CARE by LP, 10am, Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM 2759, Richmond; 2pm Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond. Free. myenchanted.comSAT., 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; info@peckerwoodgarden.org
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, http://www.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.orgTUES., 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: galv3@wt.net; www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston 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 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, sebegnaud@gmail.com 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: galv3@wt.net; www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galvestonSAT., MAR. 19: GARDEN VILLAS GARDEN CLUB ANNUAL PLANT & GARDEN ACCESSORY SALE, 9am, Garden Villas Park Community Center, 6720 S. Haywood. bburns50@aol.com 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 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 WED., MAR. 23: SEASIDE SUCCULENTS OF THE TEXAS GULF COAST by WALLACE WARD, 7:30pm, Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 West Gray. Free. hcsstex.orgThur. 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: 2 nd 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.orgSAT., 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; info@peckerwoodgarden.org 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: galv3@wt.net; 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. SAT., APR. 2: HOUSTON ROSE SOCIETY SALE, 9am-3pm, St. Andrews Church Bazaar, 1819 Heights Blvd. :houstonrose.org SAT., APR. 2: GROWING GREAT TOat, April 2. Urban Harvest's Growing Great Tomatoes & Summer Vegetables. 9:30am, Museum of Natural Science Moran Hall, 5555 Hermann Park Dr. $45. 713-880-5540 or www.urbanharvest.org. SAT-SUN, APRIL 2 AND 3: HOUSTON ORCHID SOCIETY ANNUAL SHOW & SALE, Sat., 9am-5pm; Sun., 9am-4pm, Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Dr. Free. houstonorchidsociety.org
SUN., APR. 3: RESTORING NATURE THROUGH PERMACULTURE series Part 1 by PERMACULTURE GUILD OF HOUSTON, noon, Japhet Creek Community Classroom, 4466 Billy Street. $238. 713-880-5540
MON., APRIL 4: GROWING HIBISCUS by MARTI GRAVES, 10am, Amegy Bank Building, Community Room, 28201 SH 249, Tomball. Free. Tomball Garden Club event. tomballgardenclub@gmail.com
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., 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
SAT., APR. 9: ORGANIC GARDENING FOR CITY LIFESTYLES, 9:30am, Museum of Natural Science Moran Hall, 5555 Hermann Park Dr. $45. 713-880-5540 or www.urbanharvest.org.
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
WED., APR. 13: ORGANIC GARDENING FOR CITY LIFESTYLES, 9:30am, Museum of Natural Science Moran Hall, 5555 Hermann Park Dr. $45. 713-880-5540 or www.urbanharvest.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., 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., APR. 16: HOUSTON ROSE SOCIETY SPRING ROSE SHOW, 1-4pm, Memorial City Mall. Free. event. houstonrose.orgSUN., 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
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 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; info@peckerwoodgarden.org or frankbrowniii@hotmail.com
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/events 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. 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; info@peckerwoodgarden.org 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; info@peckerwoodgarden.org
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 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
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; info@peckerwoodgarden.org
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
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: lazygardener@sbcglobal.net
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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 jobs@natureswayresources.com.
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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 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 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. 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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