Congratulations to Roland and Diane McDougal for being selected as the December 2010 Yard of the Month! The McDougals live at 26211 Pleasant Knoll Ln. Thanks for helping keep our neighborhood beautiful!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
December 2010 Yard of the Month
Congratulations to Roland and Diane McDougal for being selected as the December 2010 Yard of the Month! The McDougals live at 26211 Pleasant Knoll Ln. Thanks for helping keep our neighborhood beautiful!
Christmas Party!
Thanks to Billie and Boots Fontana for once again hosting our Christmas party. We had a great homecooked Mexican meal, and wonderful deserts! We had lots of fun with the "dirty Santa" gift swap. The metal dog was quite a hit!! Thanks to all of our Members and their guests for a wonderful evening.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Christmas Party is tonight!
The CCLGC Christmas Party is tonight at Billie Fontanas house - 26123 Timberstone Ct. We will be doing a “dirty Santa” gift if you would like to participate, please bring a wrapped gift. We look forward to seeing you there!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Annual Tour of Brookwood
Twelve Garden Club members with family and friends toured Brookwood Community’s Holiday and Open House on December 4, 2010. Brookwood has expanded their retail facilities since our tour in 2009. We found many holiday treasures including new plants for our gardens. It was a festive and fun tour filled with holiday laughter. We had a great lunch after at Saltgrass in Katy.
How to care for your farm grown fresh Christmas Tree
When a Christmas tree is cut, over half of its weight is water. With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your displayed trees. Below are a number of tips relating to the care of displayed trees:
* Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.
* Make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don't cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree.
* Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don't bruise the cut surface or get it dirty.
* If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.
* To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand.
* Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.
* Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
* The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.
* Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.
* Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake.
* Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.
* Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.
* Do not overload electrical circuits.
* Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
* Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.
* Go to www.realchristmastrees.org and type in your ZIP code to find a recycling program near you.
* Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.
Thanks once again to Houston Plants & Garden World for providing this information!
* Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.
* Make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don't cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree.
* Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don't bruise the cut surface or get it dirty.
* If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.
* To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand.
* Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.
* Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
* The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.
* Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.
* Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake.
* Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.
* Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.
* Do not overload electrical circuits.
* Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
* Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.
* Go to www.realchristmastrees.org and type in your ZIP code to find a recycling program near you.
* Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.
Thanks once again to Houston Plants & Garden World for providing this information!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Caring for your Poinsettia
Holiday Poinsettia Plant Care
Poinsettia care begins with proper light, water, and temperature conditions. During the holidays, while in full bloom, they typically enjoy semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture. Poinsettia plants should be watered thoroughly; taking care not to drown them by ensuring adequate drainage is available. Likewise, avoid letting them sit in water-filled saucers, which can lead to root rot. Adding plants nearby can help increase humidity levels in dry rooms, as will humidifiers.
Once flower bracts have fallen, you have the option of discarding the plant or keeping it an additional year. For those choosing to continue with poinsettia care, decrease regular watering to allow the plant to dry out some. However, don't let it dry out completely. Also, relocate the poinsettia plant to a cool, dark area until spring or around April.
Fertilizing Poinsettia Plants
Fertilizing poinsettia plants is never recommended while they're still in bloom. Fertilize poinsettias only if keeping them after the holiday season. Apply fertilizer every two weeks or once monthly using a complete houseplant fertilizer. Provided the poinsettia plant is given the proper environmental conditions, it should begin to regrow within weeks.
Poinsettia Care After the Holidays
In spring, return the plant to a sunny area and water well. Cut back all canes (branches) to about six inches from the pot's rim. It may also be a good idea to repot the poinsettia using the same type of soil. While poinsettias can be kept indoors throughout summer, many people choose to move them outdoors in a sunny, but protected, area of the flower garden by sinking the pot into the ground. Either way is fine.
After new growth has reached between six to ten inches, pinch out the tips to encourage branching. This can be done once a month until the middle of August. Once nights become longer in fall, bring the poinsettia indoors.
From about September through November light becomes crucial in poinsettia plant care. In order to encourage blooming, poinsettia plants require long periods of darkness at night (about 12 hours). Therefore, move the poinsettia to a location where it will not receive any nighttime light or cover it with a box. Allow plenty of light during the day so the plant can absorb enough energy for flowering. Warmer days (65-70 degrees F.) and cooler nights (55-60 degrees F.) are also recommended. Provide semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture once blooming occurs.
Poinsettia Plant Leaves Are Falling Off
It's important to pinpoint the possible cause in the event that your poinsettia plant leaves are falling off, as in some cases, this can be easily fixed. Environmental factors, such as warm, dry conditions, are most often the reason for leaf drop. Stress can also be a factor. Keep the plant in a cool, draft-free area and provide plenty of water. If all else fails, the plant may need to be discarded.
Now that you know how do you take care of poinsettias you can keep these lovely plants year round. With proper poinsettia plant care, they will give you many years of beauty.
Thanks to Houston Plants & Garden World for this information.
Poinsettia care begins with proper light, water, and temperature conditions. During the holidays, while in full bloom, they typically enjoy semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture. Poinsettia plants should be watered thoroughly; taking care not to drown them by ensuring adequate drainage is available. Likewise, avoid letting them sit in water-filled saucers, which can lead to root rot. Adding plants nearby can help increase humidity levels in dry rooms, as will humidifiers.
Once flower bracts have fallen, you have the option of discarding the plant or keeping it an additional year. For those choosing to continue with poinsettia care, decrease regular watering to allow the plant to dry out some. However, don't let it dry out completely. Also, relocate the poinsettia plant to a cool, dark area until spring or around April.
Fertilizing Poinsettia Plants
Fertilizing poinsettia plants is never recommended while they're still in bloom. Fertilize poinsettias only if keeping them after the holiday season. Apply fertilizer every two weeks or once monthly using a complete houseplant fertilizer. Provided the poinsettia plant is given the proper environmental conditions, it should begin to regrow within weeks.
Poinsettia Care After the Holidays
In spring, return the plant to a sunny area and water well. Cut back all canes (branches) to about six inches from the pot's rim. It may also be a good idea to repot the poinsettia using the same type of soil. While poinsettias can be kept indoors throughout summer, many people choose to move them outdoors in a sunny, but protected, area of the flower garden by sinking the pot into the ground. Either way is fine.
After new growth has reached between six to ten inches, pinch out the tips to encourage branching. This can be done once a month until the middle of August. Once nights become longer in fall, bring the poinsettia indoors.
From about September through November light becomes crucial in poinsettia plant care. In order to encourage blooming, poinsettia plants require long periods of darkness at night (about 12 hours). Therefore, move the poinsettia to a location where it will not receive any nighttime light or cover it with a box. Allow plenty of light during the day so the plant can absorb enough energy for flowering. Warmer days (65-70 degrees F.) and cooler nights (55-60 degrees F.) are also recommended. Provide semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture once blooming occurs.
Poinsettia Plant Leaves Are Falling Off
It's important to pinpoint the possible cause in the event that your poinsettia plant leaves are falling off, as in some cases, this can be easily fixed. Environmental factors, such as warm, dry conditions, are most often the reason for leaf drop. Stress can also be a factor. Keep the plant in a cool, draft-free area and provide plenty of water. If all else fails, the plant may need to be discarded.
Now that you know how do you take care of poinsettias you can keep these lovely plants year round. With proper poinsettia plant care, they will give you many years of beauty.
Thanks to Houston Plants & Garden World for this information.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
November General Meeting
In our November meeting we learned about water gardens. Anita Nelson, of Nelson Water Gardens was our speaker. She showed us how almost anything can be used as a water feature -- small or large. There are many ways to add interest to your garden or yard. Did you know that you do not have to dig to have a stream in your yard?? Check out their website: Nelsonwatergardens.com. Thanks Anita for all the valuable information and the tote bags!
November 2010 Yard of the Month
Congratulations to Dale and Theresa Stasney for being selected as our November 2010 Yard of the Month. The Stasneys live at 27219 Windy Grove Ln.
Friday, November 5, 2010
November General Meeting
Our November General Meeting is this Monday, November 8, 2010 at 26811 Cascade Woods Ln from 7-9pm. Our speaker this month is Anita Nelson from Nelson Water Gardens and her topic is Putting Pizzazz in your Garden. We look forward to seeing you there!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Upcoming Events
We have two outings planned before for the end of this year. They are coming up soon and will be here before you know it. If you are interested in either of these trips please contact Cathy Oland at 281.758.1340. We will be carpooling and I will be happy to coordinate our transportation.
The first trip is to The Antique Rose Emporium in Brenham www.antiqueroseemporium.com/events on Friday, Nov 5, 2010 for the Fall Festival of Roses. We will leave at 10:00 am. We will stop for lunch.
The next tour is Christmas at The Brookwood Community in Brookshire , TX on Saturday, December, 4, 2010. Those who attended this event last year loved the experience and felt it was well worth another excursion. I am sure you will enjoy it. We will leave at 10:00 am and have lunch there if possible or somewhere else on the way home. http://www.brookwoodcommunity.org/ for more information.
The first trip is to The Antique Rose Emporium in Brenham www.antiqueroseemporium.com/events on Friday, Nov 5, 2010 for the Fall Festival of Roses. We will leave at 10:00 am. We will stop for lunch.
The next tour is Christmas at The Brookwood Community in Brookshire , TX on Saturday, December, 4, 2010. Those who attended this event last year loved the experience and felt it was well worth another excursion. I am sure you will enjoy it. We will leave at 10:00 am and have lunch there if possible or somewhere else on the way home. http://www.brookwoodcommunity.org/ for more information.
Friday, October 15, 2010
October General Meeting - Companion Gardening
We had a wonderful meeting this month. We talked about Companion Gardening. Did you know that Cucumbers like to be planted with beans, corn, english peas, sunflowers and radish? Make sure you don't plant them around Irish Potatoes and Aromatic Herbs though!! Tomatoes like to be near Nasturtium, Marigold, Asparagus, Carrots, Parsley and Cucumber, but definitely not near Irish Potatoes, Fennel and Cabbage. Join us next month -- you never know what you will learn.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
October General Meeting
The October General Meeting is this Monday, October 11 from 7-9 at 26930 Rockwood Park Ln. This month's presentation is on companion plant gardening. We look forward to seeing everyone at the meeting!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
LONG FLOWERING PERENNIAL FLOWERS
Perennial flowers are among some of the favorite plants gardeners enjoy because they come back every year and put on a colorful show.
Their beauty and longevity make up for the work many of them require such as pruning, staking, deadheading and dividing. But some perennial flowers make up for the work we put into them by having extra long bloom times or having repeat flowering times all season long.
Their large blocks of color are show stoppers. So here are some perennials to consider for your garden if you enjoy perennials that flower for long periods of time:
1. Centranthus (Red Valerian)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 to 4 months
Good Varieties: Centranthus ruber 'Albus'
2. Coreopsis (Tickseed)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 or more months
Good Varieties: Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb', C.v. 'Golden Showers', C. grandiflora 'Early Sunrise'
3. Corydalis lutea (Fumewort)
USDA Zones 4 - 9
Bloom Span: 4 months
Good Varieties: C. lutea is the best one
4. Dianthus (Pinks)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 2 or more months
Good Varieties: Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Bath's Pink', D. g. 'Cheddar Pink', D. deltoids (Maiden Pink)
5. Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 2 to 3 months
Good Varieties: Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus", E.p. 'Fragrant Angel', E. "Art's Pride'
6. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
USDA Zones 2 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 to 4 months
Good Varieties: Gaillardia x grandiflora, Gaillardia 'Goblin' (dwarf), G. 'Burgundy', G. 'Monarch'
7. Nepeta (Catmint)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 2 to 3 months
Good Varieties: Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant', Nepeta x faassenii 'Dropmore' (Sterile and doesn't need deadheading)
8. Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)
USDA Zones: 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 months
Good Varieties: Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'
9. Scabiosa (Pin Cushion Flower)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 or more months
Good Varieties: Scabiosa caucasica 'Butterfly Blue', S. c. 'Pink Mist'
10. Sedum (Stonecrop)
USDA Zones 3- 9
Bloom Span: 2 to 3 months
Good Varieties: Sedum 'Autumn Joy', S. 'Bertram Anderson', S. Madrona, S. 'Brilliant'
11. Veronica spicata (Spike Speedwell)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 to 4 months
Good Varieties: Veronica 'Sunny Border Blue'
Thanks to Houston Plants and Garden World for this information!
Their beauty and longevity make up for the work many of them require such as pruning, staking, deadheading and dividing. But some perennial flowers make up for the work we put into them by having extra long bloom times or having repeat flowering times all season long.
Their large blocks of color are show stoppers. So here are some perennials to consider for your garden if you enjoy perennials that flower for long periods of time:
1. Centranthus (Red Valerian)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 to 4 months
Good Varieties: Centranthus ruber 'Albus'
2. Coreopsis (Tickseed)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 or more months
Good Varieties: Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb', C.v. 'Golden Showers', C. grandiflora 'Early Sunrise'
3. Corydalis lutea (Fumewort)
USDA Zones 4 - 9
Bloom Span: 4 months
Good Varieties: C. lutea is the best one
4. Dianthus (Pinks)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 2 or more months
Good Varieties: Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Bath's Pink', D. g. 'Cheddar Pink', D. deltoids (Maiden Pink)
5. Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 2 to 3 months
Good Varieties: Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus", E.p. 'Fragrant Angel', E. "Art's Pride'
6. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
USDA Zones 2 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 to 4 months
Good Varieties: Gaillardia x grandiflora, Gaillardia 'Goblin' (dwarf), G. 'Burgundy', G. 'Monarch'
7. Nepeta (Catmint)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 2 to 3 months
Good Varieties: Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant', Nepeta x faassenii 'Dropmore' (Sterile and doesn't need deadheading)
8. Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)
USDA Zones: 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 months
Good Varieties: Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'
9. Scabiosa (Pin Cushion Flower)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 or more months
Good Varieties: Scabiosa caucasica 'Butterfly Blue', S. c. 'Pink Mist'
10. Sedum (Stonecrop)
USDA Zones 3- 9
Bloom Span: 2 to 3 months
Good Varieties: Sedum 'Autumn Joy', S. 'Bertram Anderson', S. Madrona, S. 'Brilliant'
11. Veronica spicata (Spike Speedwell)
USDA Zones 3 - 9
Bloom Span: 3 to 4 months
Good Varieties: Veronica 'Sunny Border Blue'
Thanks to Houston Plants and Garden World for this information!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
September 2010 Yard of the Month
Congratulations to Mr. Yun-L:Chang, our September Yard of the Month Winner! His fabulous yard is at 26306 Ridgefield Park Lane. Check it out! Thanks for helping our community look great.
September 13, 2010 - General Meeting
We had a great meeting to this past Monday to start our 2010-2011 Garden Club year. Thanks to Dr. Mike Owens for his informative talk on How Much Water and When. Did you know you should only water your lawn for 6 minutes, then wait 30 minutes and water again?
Friday, September 10, 2010
September General Meeting
The first meeting of the 2010-2011 Garden Club year will be this Monday, September 13 from 7-9 at 26818 Rockwood Park Ln. Our speaker will be Mike Owens speaking on How Much Water and When. We look forward to seeing everyone at the meeting and welcoming our new friends and neighbors!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Hydrangeas: When do I prune them? Why didn't they flower?
Hydrangeas can be divided into two categories. Those that bloom on the current year’s growth, and those that bloom on old wood, (last year’s growth).
The Hydrangeas that bloom on old wood are from the macrophylla family. These include Nikko Blue, Endless Summer and many other pinks and blues. When I say they bloom on old wood I mean that they are busy right now setting flower buds for next summer. So next year when they take off growing in the spring, the flower shoots will actually emerge from the older wood, the wood that was produced this year.
The hydrangeas that bloom on new wood are typically the white hydrangeas like Annabelle and Paniculata Grandiflora (PG). They put on new growth in the spring and then later in the summer the flower buds are actually produced right at the end of that new growth. That’s why the Annabelle and PG are such prolific bloomers. They set flower buds and almost immediately those buds produce big, beautiful, abundant flowers. Almost nothing can go wrong with their blooming sequence.
But with the Blue and Pink Hydrangeas (macrophyllas) all kinds of things can go wrong with the flower buds. Since the flower buds are produced in August and September they have to make it through the harsh winter before they can bloom. The flower buds can be damaged by extreme cold.
Pruning? You should prune macrophylla hydrangeas right after they bloom, before they have a chance to start making new flower buds. Annabelle and PG hydrangea and other hydrangeas that flower on new wood can be pruned during the late fall, winter or early spring. Once they start growing in the spring, do not do any pruning until after they bloom.
One of the most popular new varieties on the market is “Endless Summer Hydrangea” and it is known to bloom more than once in a season. It’s in the macrophylla family and sets flower buds on old wood, but it is also known to set more buds and produce flowers during the growing season. It should still be treated as a hydrangea that blooms on old wood.
So . . . with all of that said, if your hydrangea did not bloom then the flower buds might have gotten pruned off, or more likely the flower buds were damaged over the winter.
Hydrangeas like more water than most plants, and at least a smidgen of shade helps them stay healthy and happy.
I hope this helps you understand the world of Hydrangeas. For even more information on hydrangeas and how to care for these beautiful plants, go to http://freeplants.com/hydrangeas.htm
The Hydrangeas that bloom on old wood are from the macrophylla family. These include Nikko Blue, Endless Summer and many other pinks and blues. When I say they bloom on old wood I mean that they are busy right now setting flower buds for next summer. So next year when they take off growing in the spring, the flower shoots will actually emerge from the older wood, the wood that was produced this year.
The hydrangeas that bloom on new wood are typically the white hydrangeas like Annabelle and Paniculata Grandiflora (PG). They put on new growth in the spring and then later in the summer the flower buds are actually produced right at the end of that new growth. That’s why the Annabelle and PG are such prolific bloomers. They set flower buds and almost immediately those buds produce big, beautiful, abundant flowers. Almost nothing can go wrong with their blooming sequence.
But with the Blue and Pink Hydrangeas (macrophyllas) all kinds of things can go wrong with the flower buds. Since the flower buds are produced in August and September they have to make it through the harsh winter before they can bloom. The flower buds can be damaged by extreme cold.
Pruning? You should prune macrophylla hydrangeas right after they bloom, before they have a chance to start making new flower buds. Annabelle and PG hydrangea and other hydrangeas that flower on new wood can be pruned during the late fall, winter or early spring. Once they start growing in the spring, do not do any pruning until after they bloom.
One of the most popular new varieties on the market is “Endless Summer Hydrangea” and it is known to bloom more than once in a season. It’s in the macrophylla family and sets flower buds on old wood, but it is also known to set more buds and produce flowers during the growing season. It should still be treated as a hydrangea that blooms on old wood.
So . . . with all of that said, if your hydrangea did not bloom then the flower buds might have gotten pruned off, or more likely the flower buds were damaged over the winter.
Hydrangeas like more water than most plants, and at least a smidgen of shade helps them stay healthy and happy.
I hope this helps you understand the world of Hydrangeas. For even more information on hydrangeas and how to care for these beautiful plants, go to http://freeplants.com/hydrangeas.htm
Saturday, August 14, 2010
We're almost ready!!
Keep the date open! Our first meeting of the 2010-2011 year will be Monday, September 13, 7-9pm. Check back for more information! We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Planning Committee for 2010-2011 CCLGC Year
The planning for the upcoming Cypress Creek Lake Garden Club is under way! We held a planning meeting on Tuesday, August 3. Debbie Haluch, Patti Foucha, Helen Lombardo, Billie Fontana, Cathy Oland and Jennifer Buchert are hard at work getting plans ready for our next year. We look forward to seeing everyone in September. Keep watching the blog and our Facebook page for more information on the September meeting!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Back Yard Tour - July 12, 2010
CCLGC hosted a back yard tour on June 12th. The tour began at our new butterfly garden and encompassed 4 neighbors back yards. Helen Lombardo, Sandra Gilbert, Cathy Oland, Herb Berryhill, Marcia and Dave Mausolf and Debbie Haluch spent the morning gathering tips and new ideas and enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Pavilion at Blackhorse Golf Club. Visit our Facebook page to see more pictures!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Summer Outing Planned - June 12, 2010
Tour CCLGC Members gardens and Lunch at Blackhorse Country Club
Saturday, June 12th
starting at CCLGC new Community Butterfly Garden (by the splash pad)
10 AM
Garden Club Members and Guests are welcome!!
Details of homes to follow
Please RSVP as we will need a count to make reservations for lunch
Call Cathy 281-758-1340 or 713-876-6473 after June 6th
Saturday, June 12th
starting at CCLGC new Community Butterfly Garden (by the splash pad)
10 AM
Garden Club Members and Guests are welcome!!
Details of homes to follow
Please RSVP as we will need a count to make reservations for lunch
Call Cathy 281-758-1340 or 713-876-6473 after June 6th
Friday, May 21, 2010
Come see the CCLGC in Action this Saturday!
Come check out the CCLGC at work this Saturday, May 22, 2010. The Garden Club will be planting and mulching the Community Butterfly Garden located by the Splash Pad Recreation Center . Many of you saw the garden design work done last weekend. We loved your support and comments! Come see the newest addition to our community -- a Giant Butterfly!!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Final Meeting of the 2009-2010 Garden Club Year
Our final meeting of the 2009-2010 Garden Club year was held Monday May 10th. We had a great turnout and made the final plans and preparations for our Community Butterfly Garden. Thanks to Debbie for working so hard to make this project happen – it’s be a full year of planning, fundraising , and more planning. We reviewed our year, and took suggestions for next year. We look forward to seeing all of our members thru the summer with a few of the events we will schedule. Have a great summer!!
Patti
Patti
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Congratulations to our May 2010 Yard of the Month winners!
Congratulations to our May, 2010 Yard of the Month winners! Jerry, Shauna, Zack and Zoe Ethridge have done a wonderful job on their yard! The Ethridges live at 26043 Jodie Lynn Circle – pass by and check it out! Thanks for helping keep our community beautiful
Friday, May 7, 2010
May General Meeting - This Monday
Our May general meeting will be held this Monday, May 10 at 11402 Lake Louise Ct. This is the last meeting of the 2009-2010 Garden Club Year. We will be finalizing the plans for our Butterfly Garden. We look forward to seeing you there.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
April 2010 General Meeting
Our April meeting was a special meeting for the CCLGC. Our speakers were our own members. Each of us talked about our favorite plant, telling about the plant, and why it is our favorite. Here are our favorites!!
Mike Owens
Equisetum commonly called horse tail because it grows in tall thin strands is the only genus of this group of plants that reproduce by spores not seeds. Common to the wet clay soils of Cypress it grows easily to about four feet tall. The cell walls are of silica so the stems are rough to the touch. Equisetum is a living fossil that has existed for over a hundred million years. The stems spread by rhizomes or underground stems and can be invasive. It is best grown in pots or contained areas. There are no leaves but the green stems are hollow and easy to cut. Use them in arrangements and children enjoy breaking it apart. The local Indians used the coarse texture of the stems to polish wood and scour dishes. Equisetum are often used to analyze gold concentrations in an area due to their voracious ability to take up the metal when it is in a solution.
Patti Foucha
Night Blooming Cerus
This is the ugliest plant you will ever love! If it had not been given to me, I never would have experienced the true beauty of this plant, because I certainly would not have bought it. It is a member of the cactus family. It prefers filtered light, and LOVES to be ignored. Yep, that’s’ what I said, a plant that doesn’t want much attention at all. It even prefers to be root bound! The blossom is unbelievable. Each flower only opens once, and that is at nighttime. The scent, along with the beauty of the flower, is magnificent. When the plant is ready to bloom, a bud will appear along the edge of a leaf. The day of the blooming, the bud will begin to open around 9 or 10pm and should be fully opened by midnight. By morning, the flower will have closed up. It has been said that you could cut the flower and put it in your refrigerator and it will stay a bit longer.
Sandra Gilbert:
*PURSLANE/annual, full sun, height 6”, spread 12”
“This favorite sun loving annual creates a vibrant carpet of clear yellow, pink, rose, orange or bi-color blooms all summer long. The succulent foliage is low and spreading with free flowing, vigorous blooms that thrive in intense heat and dry conditions. They are perfect for planting in mass in rock gardens, annual beds, borders, hanging baskets, or spilling over the sides of containers. “
*VERBENA [HOMESTEAD PURPLE]/perennial, full sun, height 6-8”, spread 12-18”
“Beautiful purple flower clusters on spreading plants in summer.” This variety survived last summer [heat and drought] and winter [freeze]. Attractive to bees, butterflies and birds [hummers].
*MEXICAN FLAME VINE/ perennial vine, full sun, height 8-10’
Beautiful red-orange flowers on lush evergreen vine. Easy to propagate. High heat tolerance, low water requirements, seldom bothered by pests. Attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds [hummers].
*FRAGRANT DELIGHT HELIOTROPE/ annual herb, sun or part sun, height 15-18”
Clusters of sweet vanilla-scented vibrant purple flowers. Attractive to butterflies and hummers.
Bonnie Segura
Brought Roses. A hybrid tea rose called Veterans Honor, a climber named Don Juan and miniatures Rainbow End and Texas.
Wendy Hrncir
Oregano. This survived the freeze! It propagates itself slowly, has a sweet little flower. You can cook with it fresh or dried. If you step on it or hit it with the weed eater, it comes right back, and it offers a nice fragrance. Oregano can be cut back and shaped – it won’t hurt it at all.
Monday, April 12, 2010
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!
The CCL Garden Club would like to THANK everyone in our community who supported our recent fundraising activities by purchasing flats of plants and attending our “Garden Treasures” sale. The proceeds will be used towards our Community Butterfly Garden, scheduled to be completed in May of this year, as well as other future projects.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Garden Treasures and Plant Sale
Thanks to Billie Fontana, Bonnie Segura, Cathy Oland, Laura Bockoven, Helen Lombardo, Mike Owens, Nicole Alverez, Norma Chiaramonte, Patti Foucha, Debbie Haluch, Sandra Gilbert and Wendy Hrncir who donated items and came out to support the club at our Garden Treasurers and Plant Sale this past Saturday. Special thanks to Billie Fontana for having the sale at her home again this year. We also would like to thank all of our neighbors and friends who stopped by to purchase treasures and plants and make donations to our future projects! The sale was a great success.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Garden Treasures Sale - This Saturday!
CCLGC is holding their Treasures in the garden sale. Replanting is occurring in Cypress Creek Lakes subdivision. Support the Cypress Creek Lakes Garden Club rejuvenation projects by visiting your gardening neighbors and purchasing secret garden treasures and plants, Saturday, April 10th during the garage sale. You can find us at 26123 Timberstone Ct between 7-2pm
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Teaching Girl Scout Troop 16041 about Butterflies
Debbie Haluch, Patti Foucha and Norma Chiaramonte met with Girl Scout Troop 16041 at their April 1, 2010 meeting to hear what they have learned about Butterflies and to give them more information about butterflies and what to put in your garden to attract them.
We also did a craft of making paper flowers and attaching a butterfly to each flower. The girls, and their leader, Melanie Jackson, were awesome.
We had so much fun with them! Thanks, Troop 16041 for inviting us! We look forward to seeing you in May when we plant our Butterfly Garden!!
We also did a craft of making paper flowers and attaching a butterfly to each flower. The girls, and their leader, Melanie Jackson, were awesome.
We had so much fun with them! Thanks, Troop 16041 for inviting us! We look forward to seeing you in May when we plant our Butterfly Garden!!
CCL Community Easter Egg Hunt
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The CCLGC had set up a table at the splash pad in the area that will be our Butterfly Garden with material and information on the Garden Club Thank you to Debbie Haluch, Helen Lombardo, Sandra Gilbert, Norma Chiaramonte and Patti Foucha for talking to those participating in the successful Egg hunt.
Our drawing prize winners were:
o Keith Uyeda- Easter lily (donated by Debbie)
o Kathleen Linton – silk flower arrangement (donated by Helen)
o Ruth Westra- butterfly craft stamps (donated by Norma)
o Carrie Villarreal- container water bulbs (donated by Debbie)
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Easter Egg Hunt Drawing Winners!!
Congratulations to the winners of our drawings at the Community Easter Egg Hunt.
o Keith Uyeda- Easter lily (donated by Debbie)
o Kathleen Linton – silk flower arrangement (donated by Helen)
o Ruth Westra- butterfly craft stamps (donated by Norma)
o Carrie Villarreal- container water bulbs (donated by Debbie)
Thank you to Helen Lombardo, Sandra Gilbert, Norma Chiaramonte, Debbie Haluch and Patti Foucha for talking to those participating in the successful Egg hunt.
o Keith Uyeda- Easter lily (donated by Debbie)
o Kathleen Linton – silk flower arrangement (donated by Helen)
o Ruth Westra- butterfly craft stamps (donated by Norma)
o Carrie Villarreal- container water bulbs (donated by Debbie)
Thank you to Helen Lombardo, Sandra Gilbert, Norma Chiaramonte, Debbie Haluch and Patti Foucha for talking to those participating in the successful Egg hunt.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
March General Meeting
Our March meeting was held Monday, March 8, 2010. John Ferguson of Nature's Way Resources was our speaker.
John Ferguson is the founder and owner of Nature's Way Resources, a Houston based composting and recycling company that specializes in high quality compost, mulch, and soil mixes. He has won many awards in horticulture and environmental issues. His personal garden has been featured in several gardening books, "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine and his business has been recognized in the Wall Street Journal for the quality and value of the products.
John talked to the garden club about the Soil Food Web
This presentation covers the latest innovations in modern soil science, horticulture and landscaping
It was a non-technical introductory presentation illustrating why we need to change. It works better than older conventional chemical rescue methods and lowers maintenance costs. Additionally this makes our lawns and gardens safe for children and pets.
John Ferguson is the founder and owner of Nature's Way Resources, a Houston based composting and recycling company that specializes in high quality compost, mulch, and soil mixes. He has won many awards in horticulture and environmental issues. His personal garden has been featured in several gardening books, "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine and his business has been recognized in the Wall Street Journal for the quality and value of the products.
John talked to the garden club about the Soil Food Web
This presentation covers the latest innovations in modern soil science, horticulture and landscaping
It was a non-technical introductory presentation illustrating why we need to change. It works better than older conventional chemical rescue methods and lowers maintenance costs. Additionally this makes our lawns and gardens safe for children and pets.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
March, 2010 Yard of the Month
Congratulations to Cheng and Sunny Lin for being selected the March, 2010 Yard of the Month. The Lins live at 26302 Ridgefield Park Ln. Their yard is awesome!!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Reminder - Order your Plant Vouchers!!
Now is the time to have your roses trimmed. Hold on for two or so more weeks before planting new plants.
Reminder: Cypress Creek Lakes Garden Club is currently raising funds for upcoming projects, including our community butterfly garden. We are selling vouchers for flats of plants provided by Buds and Blossoms. Please contact us at cclgc1@gmail.com to reserve your plants now! Annuals: $16, Perennials: $19. Flats of 18 plants, 4” pots. We will bring you the voucher and you (or your landscaper) can pick up your plants any time before June 1! Thanks for your support!
Reminder: Cypress Creek Lakes Garden Club is currently raising funds for upcoming projects, including our community butterfly garden. We are selling vouchers for flats of plants provided by Buds and Blossoms. Please contact us at cclgc1@gmail.com to reserve your plants now! Annuals: $16, Perennials: $19. Flats of 18 plants, 4” pots. We will bring you the voucher and you (or your landscaper) can pick up your plants any time before June 1! Thanks for your support!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
When to Start Seeds for a Vegetable Garden
When to Start Seeds for a Vegetable Garden
As winter begins to wind down, gardeners anxiously await the
arrival of spring and the gardening season. Even though winter
may still have a few tricks up its sleeve, vegetable gardeners
can begin to prepare for the gardening season and get a head
start on spring by starting some crops early indoors.
But if seeds are started indoors too soon, the little plants
may outgrow their indoor growing space and become too leggy.
If they're planted too late, the seedlings will not be large
enough for transplanting in the garden when planting time
comes round. For the best results and the least amount of
frustration, it's important to know the right time to plant
seeds.
Broccoli and cabbage can be started early indoors or direct
seeded. The proper time for planting seeds for broccoli or
cabbage indoors would be four to six weeks before
transplanting to the garden.
The timing for planting cauliflower seeds is similar to the
timing for broccoli. Sow the seeds in flats starting in
early March. For successive crops, continue sowing seeds
through June, and plant out the seedlings 4-5 weeks after
sowing the seeds.
Cucumbers can be started early indoors or direct seeded in
the garden. For an earlier crop, sow cucumber seeds indoors
4-5 weeks before they can be planted outdoors.
Melon plants grow best in warm weather. Melon seeds can be
sown indoors one month before they can be transplanted into
the garden. Handle seedlings carefully as they do not like
to have their roots disturbed.
Onions are often grown from tiny bulbs called sets, but
onions can also be grown from seed. Plant onion seeds
indoors in flats 6-8 weeks before they seedlings are to be
planted out. Or plant onion seeds directly in the garden as
soon as the soil can be worked. For more details on growing
onions, go to http://freeplants.com/growing-onions.htm
Peppers grow rather slowly and in most climates the plants
should be started indoors. Sow pepper seeds indoors eight
weeks before planting out the little seedlings, and do not
plant them outdoors until the soil has warmed and summer
weather has settled in.
Pumpkins and winter squash are vigorous plants that grow well
when the seeds are planted directly in the garden. If you
have a short growing season, you may start pumpkin winter
squash seeds indoors no more than 3-4 weeks before planting
out the seedlings.
Tomato plants cannot handle cool temperatures or frost, so
the seedlings must not be planted outdoors until all danger
of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 70
degrees. Sow tomato seeds indoors 5-6 weeks before the
seedlings can be planted out.
For more details about starting vegetable seeds, including
spacing for the plants in the garden, go to
http://freeplants.com/garden-seeds.html
As winter begins to wind down, gardeners anxiously await the
arrival of spring and the gardening season. Even though winter
may still have a few tricks up its sleeve, vegetable gardeners
can begin to prepare for the gardening season and get a head
start on spring by starting some crops early indoors.
But if seeds are started indoors too soon, the little plants
may outgrow their indoor growing space and become too leggy.
If they're planted too late, the seedlings will not be large
enough for transplanting in the garden when planting time
comes round. For the best results and the least amount of
frustration, it's important to know the right time to plant
seeds.
Broccoli and cabbage can be started early indoors or direct
seeded. The proper time for planting seeds for broccoli or
cabbage indoors would be four to six weeks before
transplanting to the garden.
The timing for planting cauliflower seeds is similar to the
timing for broccoli. Sow the seeds in flats starting in
early March. For successive crops, continue sowing seeds
through June, and plant out the seedlings 4-5 weeks after
sowing the seeds.
Cucumbers can be started early indoors or direct seeded in
the garden. For an earlier crop, sow cucumber seeds indoors
4-5 weeks before they can be planted outdoors.
Melon plants grow best in warm weather. Melon seeds can be
sown indoors one month before they can be transplanted into
the garden. Handle seedlings carefully as they do not like
to have their roots disturbed.
Onions are often grown from tiny bulbs called sets, but
onions can also be grown from seed. Plant onion seeds
indoors in flats 6-8 weeks before they seedlings are to be
planted out. Or plant onion seeds directly in the garden as
soon as the soil can be worked. For more details on growing
onions, go to http://freeplants.com/growing-onions.htm
Peppers grow rather slowly and in most climates the plants
should be started indoors. Sow pepper seeds indoors eight
weeks before planting out the little seedlings, and do not
plant them outdoors until the soil has warmed and summer
weather has settled in.
Pumpkins and winter squash are vigorous plants that grow well
when the seeds are planted directly in the garden. If you
have a short growing season, you may start pumpkin winter
squash seeds indoors no more than 3-4 weeks before planting
out the seedlings.
Tomato plants cannot handle cool temperatures or frost, so
the seedlings must not be planted outdoors until all danger
of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 70
degrees. Sow tomato seeds indoors 5-6 weeks before the
seedlings can be planted out.
For more details about starting vegetable seeds, including
spacing for the plants in the garden, go to
http://freeplants.com/garden-seeds.html
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Get your garden ready!!
DID THE FREEZE KNOCK OUT YOUR GARDEN?
DO YOU JUST WANT TO PUT IN SOME COLOR?
CYPRESS CREEK LAKES GARDEN CLUB
CAN HELP!
March is the time for bedding plants to give your garden
that spot of color
Reserve your plants now!
Top quality plants are provided by Buds and Blossoms
Flats of Annuals $16.00
Flats of Perennials $19.00
(a flat has 18 plants in 4" pots!! That’s a great deal!)
To purchase your plant voucher, please contact the Garden Club
cclgc1@gmail.com
When you receive your voucher, you (or your landscaper)
can pick up your flats at ANY TIME from:
BUDS AND BLOSSOMS
14120 CYPRESS N. HOUSTON
CYPRESS, TX 77420
(North of 290 on Cypress North Houston
Between Telge and Huffmeister)
DO YOU JUST WANT TO PUT IN SOME COLOR?
CYPRESS CREEK LAKES GARDEN CLUB
CAN HELP!
March is the time for bedding plants to give your garden
that spot of color
Reserve your plants now!
Top quality plants are provided by Buds and Blossoms
Flats of Annuals $16.00
Flats of Perennials $19.00
(a flat has 18 plants in 4" pots!! That’s a great deal!)
To purchase your plant voucher, please contact the Garden Club
cclgc1@gmail.com
When you receive your voucher, you (or your landscaper)
can pick up your flats at ANY TIME from:
BUDS AND BLOSSOMS
14120 CYPRESS N. HOUSTON
CYPRESS, TX 77420
(North of 290 on Cypress North Houston
Between Telge and Huffmeister)
February General Meeting
Our February General meeting was held on February 8th. Our speaker,Loretta Coussirat gave a wonderful presentation, including a fantastic slide show and movie, teaching us about design, selection and ways to prepare our yards for a freeze as well as how to fix our yards after a freeze. The best way to cover your plants for an freeze is to use a freeze blanket. They allow the sunlight in, yet keep your plants warm. They are available at most of the local stores. She also told us that any plant that is a native plant to the area will come back after a freeze. Our zone is 8B, so we should keep that in mind when purchasing plants. This zone designation indicates the temperatures that the plant can survive in.
Monday, February 8, 2010
February General Meeting
Reminder: The CCLGC February General Meeting is Today - Monday, Feb 8 at 7pm at 26615Ridgefield Park Ln.. Our speaker this month is Loretta Coussirat. Lorettas presentation will include landscape design techniques, plant selection, and repairing our yards after the big freeze.
We look forward to seeing everyone there!
We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
January 2010 Yard of the Month
CONGRATULATIONS to Tony and Sherian Hardin on being selected as the January, 2010Yard of the Month! The Hardins live at 26610 Ridgefield Park Ln. Thanks for keeping your yard looking great!!
January General Meeting
Our January General Meeting was held Monday, January 11, 2010. Our speaker was Anna Perry, Master Gardner, designer and planter for the Ault School Butterfly Garden.
Anna was very gracious in sharing her valuable information on Butterfly Gardens! She shared her plans, fundraising activities, and volunteer information to help get us on the right track with our planned CCL Community Butterfly Garden. This will be a big project, but we know with the support of the Garden Club and our CCL Community, it will be beautiful. We are also involving Girl Scout troops from our community in the activities of the Butterfly Garden.
A reminder to everyone that the Community Garage Sale will be in March. The Garden Club will, once again, have a sale to help raise funds for the Butterfly Garden. If you have any garden items (tools, plants, pots, or anything garden related) that you would like to donate to the Garden Club for the sale, please contact either Debbie or Patti at cclgc1@gmail.com.
Be sure to check out our FACEBOOK page, become our fan, and see more pictures!
If you would like more information on the CCLGC, please contact us at cclgc1@gmail.com
Anna was very gracious in sharing her valuable information on Butterfly Gardens! She shared her plans, fundraising activities, and volunteer information to help get us on the right track with our planned CCL Community Butterfly Garden. This will be a big project, but we know with the support of the Garden Club and our CCL Community, it will be beautiful. We are also involving Girl Scout troops from our community in the activities of the Butterfly Garden.
A reminder to everyone that the Community Garage Sale will be in March. The Garden Club will, once again, have a sale to help raise funds for the Butterfly Garden. If you have any garden items (tools, plants, pots, or anything garden related) that you would like to donate to the Garden Club for the sale, please contact either Debbie or Patti at cclgc1@gmail.com.
Be sure to check out our FACEBOOK page, become our fan, and see more pictures!
If you would like more information on the CCLGC, please contact us at cclgc1@gmail.com
Sunday, January 10, 2010
January General Meeting
The January General Meeting will be held this Monday, January 11, 2010 at 26818 Rockwood Park Ln.. Our speaker is Anna Perry, Master Gardener, designer and planter for the Ault School Butterfly Garden. We look forward to seeing you there!
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