February 29, 2004
Cut back last year's perennials
If you've been procrastinating like me and haven't cut back last summer's perennials, now is the time (in fact, it's getting a bit late). New growth is starting to appear, so you'll have to prune carefully.
New ferns growing from last year's debris.
Mahonias attract bees in late winter
After morning rain, it turned out to be a nice day, with the temperature near 70. The bees enjoyed the weather too, hanging out by the leatherleaf mahonia.
Vegetable Planting
Now is the time to plant beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, greens, lettuce, onions, English peas, spinach, and turnips.
If you are planning to plant asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, or potatoes you should do so in the next few days (provided the ground isn't too wet). I planted potatoes today, in big (20") pots. . . I've never done this before so it's a bit of an experiment.
2004 Natural Urban Living Garden Show
This year's Natural Urban Living Garden Show will be held on Saturday, June 19. We are pleased to announce that Howard Garrett has again agreed to speak at the show. Stay tuned to www.aogc.org for more show details in the upcoming weeks.
Show hours are 9-5, and entry is free to the public. We will have organic vendors, speakers, non-profits, and a Kid's & Family room. Come early for the plant sale. . . we will have many hard-to-find well-adapted plants for North Texas. Raffles will be held throughout the day . . . if you have been to our show (or our meetings!) you will already know what terrific prizes our club sponsors donate.
See you there!
February 22, 2004
2004 Speaker List
We meet at 7:00 PM, Bob Duncan Community Center
Arlington, TX
February 26
Malcolm Beck (Founder of Gardenville) – Fruits & Berries
March 25
Amanda VanHoozier, Coppell Community Garden
April 29
Patsy Rosen (Ft. Worth Iris Society) – Irises
May 27
Bob Dunfield (Cowtown Gourd Patch) – Gourds
Saturday, June 19
Natural Urban Living Garden Show
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Bob Duncan Community Center
Plant Sale, Vendors, Speakers, Kids’ Room, Raffle
July 29, August 26, September 30
Speaker TBD
October 28
Potluck & Business Meeting
Special Guest: Jay Mertz (Rabbit Hill Farm)
Big Green Insect (False Katydid?)
I ran into this guy while cleaning out one of the flower beds. I think he's a "false katydid" but I need to do more research to make sure. He looks like he's waiting for the garden to green up so he can eat all my leaves. But he was nice enough to pose for a picture so I cut him some slack.
Violets
Violets are starting to bloom among the St. Augustine in our shady backyard. They will bloom until the weather gets too hot, or until the weekly lawn mowing finally takes its toll. But for now the grass is still dormant so they will grow untouched for awhile.
February 15, 2004
Snowy Day
We woke up to a beautiful snowfall yesterday. Can you spot the hairy woodpecker in the photo?
(hint. . . she's near the lower right-hand side)
February 12, 2004
Kalanchoe
This is a kalanchoe my husband bought me several years ago. It stays outside all summer, and overwinters in the greenhouse. Even with very little water, it happily blooms all winter!
Winter Honeysuckle
Winter honeysuckle is a bit of a wild-looking bush, but once you are surprised by the wonderful scent in the dead of winter, it will become a treasured part of your garden. Mine is towards the back of the yard, near the compost pile.
Leatherleaf mahonia
Leatherleaf mahonia are in full bloom right now. After the flowers have faded, they will be replaced by dark blue berries.
Daffodils
Daffodils will be blooming soon. Those are snowdrops behind the daffodils.