September 9, 2016

Dear Friends,

Here is the 172nd 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!
 

  

LISTENING TO THE PROS . . . FOR HAPPINESS & PRETTY PLANTS!

By BRENDA BEUST SMITH
 
This week I'm turning this column over to two highly-regarded local experts, sharing their advice on, first, creating a "happy garden" and then on pruning tricks to get the most our of our perennials.

Sound too elementary? FAR from it!

Both employ highly sophisticated techniques. It's just that both these professionals are talented enough to make extremely complicated themes simple enough for all us to understand and apply.
In our first Spotlight, Katherine Ashby of Feng Shui Houston previews her presentation on how to use this ancient Chinese art and science to manipulate flows of energy to create a "happy garden." An author and
consultant/teacher of Classical Chinese and Black Sect Esoteric Feng Shui, Katherine specializes applying her expertise to on-site residential and real estate challenges

Feng shui -- to put a very simple spin on an extremely complex study -- is a thousands of years-old philosophy of looking at, and attempting to bring harmony to, the living spirit of nature, our place in it, and the interacting energies we both produce.
Feng means wind and shui means water. In Chinese culture, wind and water are associated with good
health, thus good  feng shui came to mean good fortune. To Katherine, good fortune can translate into a pretty, easier to care for, landscape, with subtle benefits.

Of course, no landscape -- no matter how happy -- will ever be totally carefree. Change is constant. Pruning is one way we exert our power over, and sometimes take out our frustrations on, nature's inevitable and constant evolutions.

Our second Spotlight, below, offers great help in this arena from Linda Gay, who has been one of our most visible, most helpful, most energetic horticulturists for a long, long time. As Director, Manager and Horticulturist of (then-named) Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens for 25 years (1985-2011), Linda was a prime mover in what has become our largest and most valuable "living plant library."

This time of year, I might add, Mercer Botanic Garden (as it is now called) is moving into its most beautiful fall bloom season.

Linda's still educating us. She works one-on-one with developing garden clubs (eg. West University), Master Gardener programs (e.g. San Jacinto and Walker Counties), conducts classes (at The Arbor Gate, Leisure Learning University & Houston School of Flowers ) and produces volumes of articles (e.g., Houston Home & Garden) and is Houston Matters Radio (NPR)'s "Houston Horticulturist."

This month, Linda and Texas Master Florist Pat Hermes are teaching three 3-hour classes on "A Fall Garden for Cutting" at the Houston School of Flowers on Directors Row. Pat is Houston School of Flowers director & principal instructor
Did someone say Linda's "retired"? I don't think so and that's really great for the rest of us! Some of the biggest mistakes newcomers to this area make are triggered by their failure to realize our gardening chores seldom follow national patterns.  Linda points this out beautifully in her Autumn pruning Spotlight.

First, tho, Feng Shui . . .

*Brenda's column in the free, emailed LAZY GARDENER & FRIENDS HOUSTON GARDEN NEWSLETTER
is based on her 45+ years as the Houston Chronicle's Lazy Gardener.

LG&F GARDEN CALENDAR EVENTS submitted in our EXACT format will be copied & added to calendar right away. 
Any necessary re-typing/reformatting may take couple of weeks. See calendar for format. Always check the LG&F Newsletter* Calendar to make sure your submitted event is listed! If not, let me know!  Send to: lazygardener@sbcglobal.net
 *  *  * 

Katherine Ashby, left, above, with a colorful marigold and landscape examples of use
of the bagua. Below, the bagua, showing the octagon and the square. The octagon has
the colors, elements and body parts on it, and the square one (Three Door Bagua)
is the one to overlay on the property, so you have to use both in the article to make sense. 
Feng Shui Your Garden for a Happy Home
©2016 Katherine Ashby
Feng shui deals with the energy of a place, called qi (chee). The goal of landscape feng shui is to harness beneficial qi from the land and direct it to enter the house. To increase beneficial qi in your garden, consider these simple tips:
  • Identify the eight sectors of your garden by overlaying the bagua (BAH-gwa) on the lot, with the bottom part of the bagua (Knowledge/Career/Helpful People) on the property line that contains the driveway. The driveway will then fall into one of those sectors.
  • Use colors and elements of the bagua in corresponding sectors of the garden. Example: the center front of the property is Career, the colors are blue and black, and the element is water. A water feature would be perfect here.
  • A red-hot tip: place red plants in the center back garden to activate the Fame sector. It might help you get a promotion at work or free advertising for your business.
  • Attract qi to your property with color near the street. This is especially important if your house is hidden from the street.
  • Put colorful guardian plants on both sides of the building's main door, especially if the door is hidden from the street.
  • Transform a walkway that is too long and straight into the perception of a curved walkway by placing asymmetrical flowerbeds on both sides of the walkway. A curved walkway directs benevolent qi to the door, whereas a straight walkway brings aggressive qi.
  • Replace dead plants immediately. Depending on the location, dead plants can affect different parts of the body. For example, dead plants in Family can hurt the feet.
  • Landscape lighting is an instant energizer. Lighting sculptures, water features, and majestic trees adds more energy to the property.
  • Make some of the plants in your garden edible or aromatic. Think roses, basil, and rosemary. Grow them organically and eat them!
  • Help your children by adding metal wind chimes in the Children sector of the garden. Chimes stimulate the mind, helping students do better in school.
 *  *  *  
You can contact Katherine at together8@gmail.com or (713) 688-0980, or at these events
  • SEPT. 21: FENG SHUI YOUR SPACE FOR SUCCESS, 11:30am, Asian American Real Estate Association) luncheon. Dan Goon 281-830-5119.
  • THURS., OCT. 6: FENG SHUI IN THE GARDEN: QUICK & EASY SUCCESS by KATHERINE ASHBEE, 9:30am, Municipal Utility Building #81, 805 Hidden Canyon Dr., Katy.  Free.  Nottingham Country Garden Club Program. nottinghamgardenclub.org
  • OCT. 15-16: FENG SHUI PRACTITIONER TRAINING. Katherine Ashby 713-688-0980.
*   *   *
Linda Gay, left, in Mercer's Bamboo Forest. Right, properly pruned
cuttings, such as this angelonia, right, don't need to be thrown away.

PRUNING PRETTY PLANTS FOR PERENNIAL PLEASURE
By LINDA GAY
Horticulturist and Gardener
The Arbor Gate Nursery
The Fall Equinox (Sept. 22) gives us four wonderful months to work in our garden pruning, planting, feeding and nurturing.  Many long blooming perennials still have flowers, but may have gotten leggy. Prune to a nice shape so they will bloom until winter arrives.

Do not prune fall blooming perennials such as Philippine violet (Barleria), Mexican mint marigold, Salvia leucantha (Mexican sage), Salvia elegans (pineapple sage), or Copper Canyon daisy.  Trim and shape these from spring through summer. Provide food and soil after each trim.

Do not prune -- l to r, Philippine violet (Barleria), Mexican mint marigold, Salvia
leucantha (Mexican sage), Salvia elegans (pineapple sage), or Copper Canyon daisy.

UPRIGHT GROWERS: remove energy-sucking lateral (horizontal) branches and twiglets that never develop flowers. Remove top 1/3 (or more depending on species). The vascular system (xylem and phloem) is suddenly on a smaller race track. A sprout may appear where you never thought it would!  Feed the root system. Top dress with 1-2" of compost.

For low growing and spreading plants (verbena, lantana), do a "bowl cut." I hand-gather up all spreading stems or sections of stems and remove half the foliage in my hand. Release and finish pruning, even-ing up to create a dome or conical shape.

Prune skinny Angelonia stalks down to the main plant (left below) to redirect energy back to the base for more leaves, stems and new blooms.  This strengthens the plant, increasing vascular circulation. Remove sparsely blooming tips and stems. Leave a full base to regenerate about 4-6" tall.

Left, angelonia plant (far left) pruned down to main stalks, with cuttings in bucket to use later,
and a 4" pot of fertilizer. Center: sprinkle pot of fertilizer round plant's "sweet spot"
(top 4-6" of soil) to help create, right, a more lush beautiful display. Photos courtesy of Linda Gay.

After pruning add a 4" pot (measurer - white arrow) of organic fertilizer around each plant. Top-dress with compost to enhance the "sweet spot" (center white arrow - zone of active root growth).  The "sweet spot" for ALL plants is the top 4-6" of soil (not including mulch). This soil space grows new roots, increasing strength and health of upper growth. Supercharged plants can fight off pests or diseases.

NOTE: Plant roots do NOT grow in mulch as can be observed when moving mulch around the garden.

TIPS WITH PERENNIALS:
To improve the "sweet spot" of plants: remove mulch to reveal root zone, add organic fertilizer (using a 4" pot) followed by compost (1-2") on top of the organic fertilizer to "marry" the food and compost to start the microbial party! No party is complete without drinks and here is where you hand water with love!
Winter prune Angelonia stems to 1" above the ground. The cool/cold air and soil temperatures keep the plants dormant. Treat pentas, lantana, and verbena the same way, as they are perennials too!

My Green Thumb Rule of Pruning: when I remove leaves and stems I always reward with food and soil.  It is my way of healing and recovery for the abrupt removal of limbs and leaves.  The flowers, stems and leaves are gathered, put into water, and enjoyed until gone.
*  *  * 
Linda has many more fall & winter flower cutting/pruning tips to share in her and Pat Hermes' "A Garden for Cutting" class which will be held at Arbor Gate on three separate days: 9am-noon on Tues., Sept. 13, Thurs., Sept.15 & Sat., Sept. 17 at Houston School of Flowers, 4340-D Directors Road.  agardenforcutting.com
(NOTE: Linda describes Houston School of Flowers as the "Pikes Peak of Texas wholesale florist/flower market building."

 
 
 
 
 
 
JOHN'S CORNER 
 
 
News from the wonderful world of soil and plants

As more and more information on the dangers posed by the herbicide Round-Up continue to come out, the country of Italy's Ministry of Health has banned the spraying of this toxic chemical in all public places. In addition, they have banned the pre-harvest spraying of Round-Up on crops to speed up the drying of grains to make harvesting easier. Their plan is to remove all Round-Up from the shelves at stores around the country. As reported in the Health Freedom Alliance newsletter: A recent and controversial study performed by Professor Gilles-Eric Séralini has pointed out that Roundup is even more toxic than previously suggested. Published in the highly-ranked scientific journal
Toxicology, the professor and his team state:
 
"... all the glyphosate-based herbicides tested are more toxic than glyphosate alone, and [this study] explains why. Thus their regulatory assessments and the maximum residue levels authorized in the environment, food, and feed, are erroneous. A drink (such as tap water contaminated by Roundup residues) or a food made with a Roundup tolerant GMO (like a transgenic soya or corn) were already demonstrated as toxic in the recent rat feeding study (2) from Prof. Séralini team. ... These assessments are therefore neither neutral nor independent. They should as a first step make public on the Internet all the data that underpin the commercial release and positive opinions on the use of Roundup and similar products. The industry toxicological data must be legally made public."
 
Another report stated that the Country of Hungary is in the process of destroying corn crops that were planted with GMO corn. It is illegal in Hungary to grow GMO plants.
 
Many companies are involved with the cover-up of glyphosate (Round-Up) in our foods. A lawsuit filed (Moms Across America, Beyond Pesticides, and Organic Consumers Association) on Nature Valley Granola bars (General Mills) for falsely labeling the bars as 100% natural when it contains glyphosate, to trick consumers into buying their products. Studies have shown that concentrations as low as 0.1 ppb (parts per billion) can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. The granola bars has almost five times this amount. (Natural News, 8-31-16).
 
As we continue to learn about the biome of the soil, plants, and animals a new, study by the University of California has found that flowers share their bacteria with wild bee's species. It is believed that these bacteria help with the bee's health.

Scientists at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) announced that the earth is warming at a pace not seen in the last 1,000 years. The earth has just recorded the hottest year on record. They found that over the past century temperatures have been increasing at a rate 10X faster than the historical averages. At the International Geologic Congress scientists announced that human activities (industrialization, nuclear bomb testing, increased greenhouse gasses, toxic agricultural chemicals, etc.) have so profoundly altered the planet that we have entered a new geological epoch called the Anthropocene.

There is a new tomato insect pest, the tomato leaf miner that is wiping our crops in Africa, middle East and the Mediterranean countries. Scientists at Virginia Tech say it is only a matter of time before it reaches the USA. This is another reason we need to develop our yards and gardens into an organic diverse habitat where we have many predators, which will naturally control all pests.

A paper in the journal Nature Plants has found that plants have the ability to regulate their leaf temperature to some degree. They found that leaf temperature can often differ significantly from the air temperature.
A study by the Cornucopia Institute, an industry watchdog group, has found that there are over 1,300 ingredients banned by the European Union that are allowed in the USA.

Researchers have found that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) often contains mercury. Different studies have found that up to 1/2 the sample tested contained mercury, which causes many types of health and mental problems. A common source of HFCS is soft drinks. God gave us many good forms of sugar from raw unfiltered honey to sugarcane, we do not need this adulterated forms of sweeteners.

In a recent issue of Soil & Mulch Producer News (July/August 2016) stating that fires in mulched landscape beds are on the rise around the country. They stated that discarded cigarettes were the most common cause, even though broken bottles (lens effect), electrical sparks, fireworks, and other things can start fires.
Note: Several studies have shown that the most combustible mulch is the dyed mulches made from trash pallets and construction wood. To get the dyes to stick the wood must be very dry and have very high carbon content. The higher the carbon content, the faster and hotter the mulch will burn. By comparison, compost, composted (aged) native mulches have very low carbon content.

An article in the September 2016 issue of Life Extension reported that an extract from the root of the plant Rhodiola rosea slowed down aging and increased lifespan in animal studies. The root extract contains over 140 different bioactive compounds. It has been found to enhance immune function and provide anti-viral and anti-bacterial benefits.  

We have seen drastic declines in our bee populations that are so critical for pollination of our food crops. Therefore, to fight mosquitoes the state of South Carolina started carpet bombing several counties with the toxic chemical Naled, a neurotoxic insecticide. Politicians stated that it was widely successful. What they failed to mention is that they failed to inform the public as Naled, has been linked to a 60% increase in autism for those exposed. The other item they failed to report is that beekeepers had their hives destroyed. One beekeeper lost 46 hives, which had over 2.5 million bees alone.

Pope Francis in an address this week declared, "Destroying the Environment" is a sin. When we use toxic chemicals from pesticides to artificial fertilizers that pollute our waterways, we are destroying our environment. The modern methods of horticulture and agriculture based on soil and plant biology that we call "organic methods" are just about studying nature and see how God does things and then copying them.
 
 



                                                                    *   *   *
 
WEEKLY GARDENING EVENTS &
ANNOUNCEMENTS 
CALENDAR


PLEASE READ: TO SUBMIT AN EVENT FOR THIS CALENDAR, 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.
Sorry, no children's programs. Submit to: lazygardener@sbcglobal.net 
 
IF WE INSPIRE YOU TO ATTEND ANY OF THESE EVENTS, PLEASE TELL SPONSORS YOU HEARD ABOUT IT IN 
THE LAZY GARDENER & FRIENDS HOUSTON GARDEN NEWSLETTER 
 
 
SAT., SEP. 10:  KITCHEN GARDENING, by MARY DEMENY, 9-11:30am, & COMPOSTING by JIM GILLIAM, 1-2pm, AgriLife Extensio Building, Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St. (Hwy 519), La Marque.  Galveston County  Master Gardener event. Free Register: galvcountymgs@gmail.com. aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/
.
SAT., SEPT. 10: 2016 (18th ANNUAL) WILDSCAPES WORKSHOP, 8am-3:30pm, Houston Community College-West Loop Center, 5601 W. Loop S. $40 / $50 after Aug. 27. Native Plant Society of Texas-Houston event. npsot.org/wp/houston/wildscapes-workshop/ 
 
SAT. SEPT. 10: KEYHOLE GARDENS MADE EASY by ANGELA CHANDLER, Garden Academy. 10-12pm, Arbor Gate,15635 FM 2920,Tomball, TX. 281-351-8851. Free; register@arborgate.com

SAT., SEPT. 10: RAISING & CARRYING FOR BEES, 9-11am, AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Rd., Conroe. $5. Montgomery County Master Gardener event. 936-539-7824; mcmga.com.

SAT., SEPT. 10: LIGHTENING YOUR FOOTPRINT, 9:30-11:30am, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Moran Hall, 5555 Hermann Park Dr. $28. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540; urbanharvest.org.

MON., SEPT 12: SQUARE FOOT GARDENING by LYN SHAH, 9:30am, Lyn Shah, Amegy Bank Community Room, 28201 State Hwy 249, Tomball. Free. Tomball Garden Club event. tomballgardenclub@gmail.com

TUESDAYS, SEPT. 13-NOV. 15: TEXAS GULF COAST GARDENER TIER II - OUTSTANDING LANDSCAPE PLANTS, 9am-3pm, Mercer Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble. $225. Register: hcp4.net/Community/Parks/Mercer; jgarrison@hcp4.net
 
TUES., SEPT. 13: A GARDEN FOR CUTTING by LINDA GAY & PAT HERMES, 9AM-noon, Houston School of Flowers, 4340-D Directors Road. $75. agardenforcutting.com 
 
WED., SEPT. 14: SMART WATER LANDSCAPING WORKSHOP with BACKYARD & SMALL SCALE COMPOSTING by JOHN FERGUSON, 9am-noon, Sheldon Lake State Park. Register: watersmart.tamu.edu

WED. SEPT. 14: EASY EDIBLES by JUDY BARRETT, noon-1pm, Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com
 
WED. SEPT. 14: BUILD A HABITAT & THEY WILL COME, noon - 2pm,Mercer Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine-Westfield, Humble. Free. Register: 713-274-4160.

THURS. SEPT. 15: BEYOND BUTTERFLIES: PLANTING A POLLINATOR GARDEN by NANCY GREIG, Cockrell Butterfly Center, 10-12pm, Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com

THURS., SEPT 15: DECORATE YOUR CARDEN by HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30 pm. Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane.Free. hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf; 281-855-5600

TUES., SEPT. 15: A GARDEN FOR CUTTING by LINDA GAY & PAT HERMES, 9AM-noon, Houston School of Flowers, 4340-D Directors Road. $75. agardenforcutting.com

THURSDAYS, SEPT. 15-NOV. 17: TEXAS GULF COAST GARDENER TIER I - INTRO TO GARDENING, 9 am-3 pm, Mercer Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble. $225. Register: hcp4.net/Community/Parks/Mercer; jgarrison@hcp4.net

FRI., SEPT. 16: FRI., SEPT. 16: GREATER HOUSTON PLANT CONFERENCE 2016, 8am-4pm, Trini Mendenhall Community Center, 1414 Wirt Rd. $60. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Details/registration

SAT., SEPT. 17:  A PASSION FOR PLUMERIA by LORETTA OSTEEN, 1-3pm, Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building, Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St. (Hwy 519), La Marque.  Free. Register: galvcountymgs@gmail.com.
aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/
.
SAT., SEPT. 17: GARDENING IN SMALL SPACES by SKIP RICHTER, 10-noon, Arbor Gate,15635 FM 2910, Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com
 
SAT., SEPT 17: HERB CONTAINER WORKSHOP WITH URBAN HARVEST, 10-11am, Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E 11th. Pay for supplies you use. 713-861-5702; buchanansplants.com/events

SAT, SEPT 17: DECORATE YOUR CARDEN 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., SEPT. 17: WHEN & WHY TO PLANT & GROW FALL VEGGIES by TOM LEROY, 10am, Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM1750; 2pm, Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM359, both Richmond. Free. myenchanted.com
 
TUES., SEPT. 15: A GARDEN FOR CUTTING by LINDA GAY & PAT HERMES, 9AM-noon, Houston School of Flowers, 4340-D Directors Road. $75. agardenforcutting.com

MON., SEPT. 19: OPEN GARDEN DAY & PLANT SALE, 8:30-11am, Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd.  Free. Harris County Master Gardener Pct. 2 event. hcmga.tamu.edu

MON., SEPT. 19: STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN, 10:30-11:30 am, Mercer Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine-Westfield, Humble. Free. Register: 713-274-4160.

TUES., SEPT. 20: BROMELIADS IN WILDERNESS: WIDELY SEPARATED HABITATS - SIMILAR PLANTS by DENNIS CATHCART, 7:30pm, Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 W. Gray. Free. Bromeliad Society/Houston event.  bromeliadsocietyhouston. org
 
TUES., SEPT 20: DECORATE YOUR CARDEN by HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30 pm, Spring Branch Memorial Library, 930 Corbindale. Free. hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf;281-855-5600

SAT., SEP 24: PECKERWOOD GARDEN OPEN DAY, 10am-2pm tours, 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead. $10. Garden Conservancy event. peckerwoodgarden.org; 979-826-3232; info@peckerwoodgarden.org
 
SAT., SEPT. 24:  T-BUD GRAFTING HANDS-ON WORKSHOP by SUE JEFFCO, 9-11:30am, & UNUSUAL EDIBLE PLANTS by ED NASPINSKI, 1-2pm, AgriLife Extension Building, Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St. (Hwy 519), La Marque.  Galveston County Master Gardener event. Free. Register: galvcountymgs@gmail.com; http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/
.  
SAT., SEPT. 24:  LEAGUE CITY GARDEN WALK - "THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE", 10am-4pm. $15. leaguecitygardenclub.org.
 
SAT., SEPT. 24: AUTUMN PLANT SALE & MARKET, 9 am - 3 pm, Mercer Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble. Free event. 713-274-4160

SAT. SEPT. 24: FALL GARDENING: THE BEST VEGGIE GARDEN OF ALL by BILL ADAMS & TOM LEROY, 10-noon, Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com

SAT., SEPT. 24: ANNUAL SCARECROW FESTIVAL - LEARN TO BUILD A SCARECROW, 10am, Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM1750; 2pm, Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM359, both Richmond. Free. myenchanted.com

SUN., SEPT. 25: SUSTAINABLE LIVING THROUGH PERMACULTURE CLASS #1. 2- 6pm. N. Stella Link & 610 area. $40. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540; urbanharvest.org
 
Sun., Sept. 25: Cypress Creek Daylily Society, 2-4pm, Mercer Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine-Westfield, Humble. Free. Register: 713-274-4160.

TUES., SEPT 27: HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS OPEN GARDEN DAY AND SEMINAR: DECORATE YOUR GARDEN; 10-11 am, Weekley Community Center at 8440 Greenhouse Rd. Free. ogd.harrishort@gmail.com

WED., SEPT 28: WINTERY BREWS FROM THE GARDEN by CYNTHIA GRAHAM, RN, BSN, 12-1pm, Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com

SAT., OCT. 1: BASIC ORGANIC VEGETABLE GARDENING, 9:30-11:30am, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Moran Hall, 5555 Hermann Park Dr. $45. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540; urbanharvest.org
 
SAT., OCT 1: CRUCIFEROUS & OTHER FAVORITE FALL VEGETABLES, by GENE SPELLER, 9-11am, & HERBS IN THE GARDEN by CINDY CROFT, 1-3 pm, AgriLife Extension, Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Galveston County Master Gardener events. Free. Register: galvcountymgs@gmail.com, 281-534-3413, aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston 
 
SAT. OCT. 1:  MONTGOMERY COUNTY MASTER GARDENER FALL PLANT SALE,8 am presentation, sale 9-noon, AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Rd, Conroe. 936-539-7824; mcmga.com
 
SUN., OCT. 2: SUSTAINABLE LIVING THROUGH PERMACULTURE CLASS #2. 12:30-5:30 pm. University of Houston, Central Campus, Science & Engineering Classroom Building. $50. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540; urbanharvest.org

SAT., OCT 1 : PECKERWOOD INSIDER'S TOUR, 10am and 6pm, 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead. Garden Conservancy event. $15. Register: peckerwoodgarden.org, 979-826-3232; info@peckerwoodgarden.org 

SAT., OCT. 1: FALL FEST - BNP 30th ANNIVERSARY, 11am-4pm, Buchanan's Native Plants, 611 E 11th. Free. 713-861-5702; buchanansplants.com/events
 
SAT., OCT 1: HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS FALL PLANT SALE, 9am-1pm, AgriLife Extension Center, 3033 Bear Creek Drive. Free. hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/ pubSales.aspx; 281-855-5600. 

TUES., OCT 4: EASY BUTTERFLY GARDENING by PHYLLIS KOENIG, 6:30-8 pm. AgriLife Extension, Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Free, but pre-register: galvcountymgs@gmail.com,281-534-3413, aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston
 
WED., OCT. 5: HERBS FOR HEALING by LUCIA BETTLER, 9-11:30am, Clear Lake Methodist Church, 16335 El Camino Real. Gardeners by the Bay event. 281-474-5051.

THURS.OCT.6: GET YOUR GREENS ON - ASIAN STYLE!! by Jeremy Kollaus and Chef Chris Crowder, 10-12pm, Arbor Gate,15635 FM 2920 Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com

THURS., OCT. 6: FENG SHUI IN THE GARDEN: QUICK & EASY SUCCESS by KATHERINE ASHBEE, 9:30am, Municipal Utility Building #81, 805 Hidden Canyon Dr., Katy.  Free.  Nottingham Country Garden Club Program. nottinghamgardenclub.org

SAT., OCT. 8: PECKERWOOD GARDEN OPEN DAY, 10am-2pm tours, 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead. $10. Garden Conservancy event. peckerwoodgarden.org 979-826-3232; info@peckerwoodgarden.org
SAT., OCT 8: BULBMANIA!, by DODIE JACKSON, 9-10 am, & GARDENING FOR JEWELS...HUMMINGBIRDS by DEBORAH REPASZ, 1-2:30 pm. AgriLife Extension, Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Galveston County Master Gardener events. Register: galvcountymgs@gmail.com, 281-534-3413, aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston 
 
SAT., OCT. 8: BULBS AND BUDDIES by Chris Wiesinger Southern Bulb Company and Heidi Sheesley of Treesearch Farms, 10-12pm, Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com
 
SAT., OCT 8: COCKRELL BUTTERFLY CENTER FALL PLANT SALE & MARKET, 9 am-noon (or sell-out), Houston Museum of Natural Science, parking garage 7th level, 5555 Hermann Park Dr. Free parking/$30 purchase. hmns.org/cockrell-butterfly-center/
 
SAT., OCT. 8: MERCER ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY GALA: WILD ABOUT GINGERS! 5pm, 22306 Aldine-Westfield. Tickets: 713-274-4166, msociety@hcp4.net.

SAT., OCT. 8: LANDSCAPING WITH EDIBLES by SCOTT SNODGRASS, 10am, free & (following) GROW YOUR OWN LETTUCE BOWL (kids), $15. Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM1750, Richmond. myenchanted.com
 
SAT., OCT. 8: LANDSCAPING WITH EDIBLES by SCOTT SNODGRASS, 2pm, free & (following) GROW YOUR OWN LETTUCE BOWL (kids), $15. Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM359, Richmond. myenchanted.com

SUN. OCT. 9: INDOOR COMPOSTING-OUTDOOR SUCCESS by ANGELA CHANDLER, 11-1pm, Arbor Gate,15635 FM 2920. arborgate.com

SUN., OCT. 9: DESIGNING BOUNTIFUL GARDENS THROUGH PERMACULTURE by Permaculture Guild of Houston. Various locations. $404. Urban Harvest event. 713-880-5540; urbanharvest.org.

TUES., OCT. 11: GROWING PLUMERIAS, 7:30pm, Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion, Hermann Park Conservancy, 1500 Hermann Dr. Free. Plumeria Society of America event. theplumeriasociety.org 

TUE., OCT 11: MY FAVORITE PERENNIALS by JAN BRICK, 6:30-8 pm. AgriLife Extension, Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Free. Register: galvcountymgs@gmail.com. 281-534-3413, aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston 
 
WED. OCT. 12: DIGGING OUT OF DEPRESSION by CYNTHIA GRAHAM, RN, BSN, 12-1pm, Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com 

WED., OCT. 12: CACTI IN THE ROUGH - SUCCULENT TOUR OF BIG BEND, noon-2pm, Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine-Westfield. Free. Register: 713-274-4160.

THURS., OCT. 13: 2016 BULB & PLANT MART'S EARLY BIRD SHOPPING PARTY 4:30-7pm, St. John the Divine Church, 2450 River Oaks Blvd. $20. Garden Club of Houston. gchouston.org 

THURS, OCT 13: FRUIT TREES PLANTING & CAREBY HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30pm. Barbara Bush Library, 6817 Cypresswood Dr., Spring. Free. hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf; 281-855-5600
 
FRI.-SAT., OCT. 14-15: 2016 BULB & PLANT MART, 9am-5pm Fri., 9am-2pm Sat., St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd. Free admission/ tax free shopping. Garden Club of Houston event.  gchouston.org 
.
THURS. OCT.13: ATTRACTING BLUEBIRDS TO YOUR GARDEN by LINDA CRUM, 10-noon, Arbor Gate 15635 FM 2910, Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com
 
FRI., OCT. 14: EMPOWERING MONARCH HEROES COMMUNITY BY COMMUNITY by MARYA FOWLER, 10am, White Oak Convention Center, 7603 Antoine. Free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs event. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org 
 
SAT., OCT. 15:  GALVESTON COUNTY MASTER GARDENER ANNUAL FALL SALE. 8am-SALE PREVIEW by JOHN JONS; 9am-1pm-PLANT SALE, Galveston County Fair Grounds, Jack Brooks Park - Rodeo Arena, Hwy 6 at Jack Brooks Road, Hitchcock.
 
SAT., OCT.15: EDIBLE FLOWERS by HENRY FLOWERS of Festival Hill Gardens, 10am-12pm, Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com
 
SAT, OCT 15; FRUIT TREES PLANTING AND CAREBY 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.pdf281-855-5600
 
SAT., OCT. 15: GALVESTON COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ANNUAL FALL PLANT SALE, 9am-1pm, Galveston County Fairgrounds in Hitchcock, 10 Jack Brooks Road on Highway 6
 
SAT. OCT 15: MONTGOMERY COUNTY OPEN OPEN GARDENS DAY/VEGETABLE & HERB SALE, Sale 9-noon, Open Gardens 9 am-11 am. AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Rd, Conroe. 936-539-7824, www.mcmga.com
 
SUN., OCT.16: FLOWERING HERBS AND FESTIVE TREATS by ANN WHEELER and CHRIS CROWDER 11am-1pm, Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com
 
TUES., OCT 18: FRUIT TREES PLANTING AND CARE by HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30pm, Spring Branch Memorial Library, 930 Corbindale. Free. hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf; 281-855-5600
 
TUES., OCT 18: HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS OPEN GARDEN DAY & SEMINAR: FRUIT TREES-PLANTING & CARE; 10-11 am, Weekley Community Center, 8440 Greenhouse Rd. Free. ogd.harrishort@gmail.com

THURS., OCT. 20: HAPPY HERBAL NEW YEAR by Ann Wheeler of Log House Herbs, 10am-noon, Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com

THURS., OCT 20: FRUIT TREES PLANTING AND CAREby HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. 6:30-8:30pm. Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane.Free. hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/docs/2016-green-thumb.pdf;281-855-5600

FRI.-SUN., OCT. 21-23: AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT 2016 FALL ROSE SHOW & CONVENTION, Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway. houstonrose.org.
 
Sat, Oct 22. STARTING A COMMUNITY OR SCHOOL GARDEN WORKSHOP, 8:30am-2:30pm. $20. University of St. Thomas, Malloy Hall, Rm 113, 3812 Yoakum Blvd. 713-880-5540, urbanharvest.org.

SAT., OCT. 22: 2016 FAIRY GARDEN WORKSHOP, 10am, Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM1750; 2pm, Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM359, both Richmond. $10. Register: myenchanted.com

SAT., OCT. 22: GUNTERS HEIRLOOM VEGETABLES by PAM AND LEAH GUNTER 9am-1pm, & THE FALL AND WINTER FRUIT GARDENER by ANGELA, 10am-noon, Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com
 
TUES., OCT. 25: GARDEN TO VASE by Linda Gay & Pat Hermes, 9am-noon, Houston School of Flowers, 4340-D Directors Row. $75. 713-681-2400, agardenforcutting.com

WED OCT 26: FALL AND WINTER HABITAT GARDENING by DIANA FOSS, Houston Urban Biologist, noon-1pm, Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com

THURS.., OCT. 27: GARDEN TO VASE by Linda Gay & Pat Hermes, 9am-noon, Houston School of Flowers, 4340-D Directors Row. $75. 713-681-2400, agardenforcutting.com

SAT., OCT. 29: GULF COAST MEAD FESTIVAL, LUCY-STYLE GRAPE STOMP COMPETITION & GRAPE GROWING DISCUSSIONS, 10am-5pm, Frascone Winery, 308 Bayside Dr., Anahuac. Free. Frascone Winery, Mystic Oak Meadery, Bentley Bees & Crane Meadows event. Facebook: Gulf Coast Mead Festival.

SAT., OCT. 29: GARDEN TO VASE by PAT HERMES ,10am-noon, Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com

SAT., OCT. 29: FRIGHTFUL FUN IN THE GARDEN by ASHLEY GRUBB, 10am, Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM1750; 2pm, Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM359, both Richmond. Free. myenchanted.com
SAT., OCT. 29: FRIGHTFUL FUN IN THE GARDEN by ASHLEY GRUBB, 10am, Enchanted Forest, 10611 FM1750; 2pm, Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM359, both Richmond. Free. myenchanted.com

SAT., NOV 5 : PECKERWOOD INSIDER'S TOUR, 10am & 6pm, 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead. Garden Conservancy event. $15. Register: peckerwoodgarden.org. 979-826-3232; info@peckerwoodgarden.org 
   
FRI., NOV. 11: FLOWER SHOW - JUDGING DEMYSTIFIED by SUZANNE MILSTEAD & NELL SHIMEK, 10am, & TRAFFIC FLOW, 1pm, White Oak Convention Center, 7603 Antoine. Free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs event. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org

SAT., NOV 12: PECKERWOOD GARDEN OPEN DAY, 10am-2pm tours, 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead. $10. Garden Conservancy event. peckerwoodgarden.org 979-826-3232; info@peckerwoodgarden.org 
    
SAT., NOV 26: PECKERWOOD GARDEN OPEN DAY, 10am-2pm tours, 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead. $10. Garden Conservancy event. peckerwoodgarden.org, 979-826-3232; info@peckerwoodgarden.org 
    
SAT., DEC 3 : PECKERWOOD INSIDER'S TOUR, 10am and 6pm, 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead. Garden Conservancy event. $15. Register:peckerwoodgarden.org, 979-826-3232; info@peckerwoodgarden.org

SAT. DEC. 3: THE ARBOR GATE CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE, 2-6pm, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. 281-351-8851. Free; register: arborgate.com

FRI., DEC. 9: HOLLY-JUJAH by JIM JOHNSON, 10am, White Oak Convention Center, 7603 Antoine. $10 advance sale only. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs event. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org 
 
SAT., DEC 17: PECKERWOOD GARDEN OPEN DAY, 10am-2pm tours, 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead. $10. Garden Conservancy event. peckerwoodgarden.org, 979-826-3232; info@peckerwoodgarden.org

FRI., JAN. 13: PENNY WISE / POUND FOOLISH: WHEN & WHY TO HIRE A LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL by RITA HODGE, 10am, White Oak Convention Center, 7603 Antoine. Free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs event. houstonfederationgardenclubs.org

FRI., FEB.10: FLORAL DESIGN INSPIRED BY ART by HOUSTON DESIGNING WOMEN, 10am, White Oak Convention Center, 7603 Antoine. Free. Houston Federation of Garden Clubs event. 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 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.
Sorry, no children's programs. Submit to: lazygardener@sbcglobal.net 
 
 
 
THIS NEWSLETTER IS MADE
POSSIBLE BY THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS











ADOPTABLE DOG OF THE MONTH

DIESEL

Diesel was abandoned by his owners when they moved, and he ended up at Montgomery County Animal Shelter. 

Diesel is a American Blue Pittbull Mix and is thought to be about 10 years old. 

He knows basic commands- is housebroken and crate trained- loves everyone he meets... Loves bones, treats and squeaky toys- even likes a nice jog. He has a good amount of life to live and would love to have somewhere to spend it. If he has siblings- they have to be female. 

Diesel loves to play and socialize and is so much fun to have around.

He is fixed and has all of his shots.

If interested in adopting Diesel, please reply to this newsletter and type "Diesel" in the subject line. Diesel is not at the shelter currently. He is in foster care.
                                             


                                                ABOUT US



 
BRENDA BEUST SMITH
 
WE KNOW HER BEST AS THE LAZY GARDENER . . . 

. . . but Brenda Beust Smith is also:

   * a national award-winning writer & editor
   * a nationally-published writer & photographer 
   * a national horticultural speaker
   * a former Houston Chronicle reporter
   
When the Chronicle discontinued Brenda's 45-year-old Lazy Gardener" print column a couple of years ago, it ranked as the longest-running, continuously-published local newspaper column in the Greater Houston area.

Brenda's gradual sideways step from Chronicle reporter into gardening writing led first to an 18-year series of when-to-do-what Lazy Gardener Calendars, then to her Lazy Gardener's Guide book and now to her Lazy Gardener's Guide on CD (which retails for $20. However, $5 of every sale is returned to the sponsoring group at her speaking engagements).

A Harris County Master Gardener, Brenda has served on the boards of many Greater Houston area horticulture organizations and has hosted local radio and TV shows, most notably a 10+-year Lazy Gardener run on HoustonPBS (Ch. 8) and her call-in "EcoGardening" show on KPFT-FM. 

Brenda recently ended her decades-long stint as Production Manager of the Garden Club of America's BULLETIN magazine. Although still an active horticulture lecturer and broad-based freelance writer,  Brenda's main focus now is  THE LAZY GARDENER & FRIENDS HOUSTON GARDEN NEWSLETTER with John Ferguson and Mark Bowen of Nature's Way Resources.

A native of New Orleans and graduate of St. Agnes Academy and the University of Houston, Brenda lives in Aldine and is married to the now retired Aldine High School Coach Bill Smith. They have one son, Blake.

Regarding this newsletter, Brenda is the lead writer, originator of it and the daily inspiration for it. We so appreciate the way she has made gardening such a fun way to celebrate life together for such a long time.
 
 
JOHN FERGUSON
 
John is a native Houstonian and has over 27 years of business experience. He owns Nature's Way Resources, a composting company that specializes in high quality compost, mulch, and soil mixes. He holds a MS degree in Physics and Geology and is a licensed Soil Scientist in Texas. 
 
John has won many awards in horticulture and environmental issues. He represents the composting industry on the Houston-Galveston Area Council for solid waste. His personal garden has been featured in several horticultural books and "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine. His business has been recognized in the Wall Street Journal for the quality and value of their products. He is a member of the Physics Honor Society and many other professional societies.  John is is the co-author of the book Organic Management for the Professional. 
 
For this newsletter, John contributes articles regularly and is responsible for publishing it.


MARK BOWEN
 
Mark is a native Houstonian, a horticulturist, certified permaculturist and organic specialist with a background in garden design, land restoration and organic project management. He is currently the general manager of Nature's Way Resources. Mark is also the co-author of the book Habitat Gardening for Houston and Southeast Texas, the author of the book Naturalistic Landscaping for the Gulf Coast, co-author of the Bayou Planting Guide and contributing landscape designer for the book Landscaping Homes: Texas. 
 
With respect to this newsletter, Mark serves as a co-editor and periodic article contributor.



PABLO HERNANDEZ
 
Pablo Hernandez is the special projects coordinator for Nature's Way Resources. His realm of responsibilities include: serving as a webmaster, IT support, technical problem solving/troubleshooting, metrics management, quality control, and he is a certified compost facility operator.
 
Pablo helps this newsletter happen from a technical support standpoint. 


 

 
 
COUPON: Nature's Way Resources. Buy two one gallon salvias and get one free. 
 (Offer good for retail purchases of this product (101 Sherbrook Circle, Conroe TX). Expires 09/18/16.
I