Township garden event taps into nature with water-wise tips

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – In southeast Texas, great landscapes begin in fall! From native perennials and shrubs to cool season veggies, fall is the ideal time to plant. Moderate temperatures and warm soils encourage root growth that continues into winter and through spring. By summer, plants are well established and better able to handle summer’s heat.

Woodlands Landscaping Solutions, on Saturday, September 24, 2016, from 9 a.m. to noon, will provide tools for achieving an attractive, easy-care landscape that taps into nature. The free, how-to event will spotlight water-wise techniques along with native plants, herbs, vegetables and bulbs for southern gardens. The event will be held at The Woodlands Township Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services Facility at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive in The Woodlands.

Booths and demonstrations by Montgomery County Master Gardeners will feature tried and true methods from Texas-tough lawns to drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. Tools for that water-wise project will be at the Green Garden Boutique operated by The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., who will also preview and take orders for the Ivy Rain Barrel. To demystify programming and troubleshooting irrigation systems, Woodlands Joint Powers Agency will be on hand along with the W.I.S.E. Guys.

The event is also an opportunity for attendees to explore habitat gardening and the plants that attract birds and butterflies. It will also be possible to learn to identify the good guys from the pests—does it sting, bite or damage plants—at booths about bees, snakes and insects. Invite nature with hard-to-find native shrubs, vines and perennials offered by Jason McKenzie. And, discover heirloom bulbs for hot landscapes with Chris Wiesinger, theBulb Hunter.

Develop your green thumb at demonstrations about growing plants from cuttings, healthy soil and backyard composting. The vegetable gardening guru, Ben van der Pol, will reveal how to grow your own vegetables from seed, as he shares what, when and how to plant. Vegetable starts and culinary herbs will be for sale from Veggie Village.

Meet the experts and get tips to water-wise your yard at Woodlands Landscaping Solutions! The free event is organized by The Woodlands Township with sponsorship by Woodlands Joint Powers Agency, Montgomery County Master Gardener Association, Texas AgriLife Extension, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., Waste Management and Nature’s Way Resources. For more information, please call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/gardeningevents.