August 19, 2011
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzzanne Chapman, (281) 443-8731
Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens Fall/Winter 2011 Program Schedule
Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, a Harris County Precinct 4 facility under the leadership of Commissioner Jerry Eversole, is located at22306 Aldine Westfield Road, one mile north of FM 1960. Harris County Precinct 4 programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, sex, religion, national origin, or physical ability. Anyone requiring special assistance to participate in any program, or to obtain additional information, should contact Mercer at (281) 443-8731, or on the Web at www.hcp4.net/mercer. For more, see the full calendar of events.
September
Lunch Bunch: Paper Casting Workshop. Wed., Sept. 14, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Virginia (a ceramist) and Andy (an artist and landscape architect) Bally conduct this hands-on workshop. Paper Casting includes a segment on mold making, and ceramic tile making. Use readily available materials that are recycled to capture paper pulp. This workshop is limited to the first 10 participants who prepay a required $25 materials fee. Call Mercer at (281) 443-8731 for reservations and additional information. Bring a sack lunch.
Children’s Story Time in the Garden. Mon., Sept. 19, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. The Crunching Munching Caterpillar by Sheridan Cain. Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library’s children’s librarian Nancy Rodriguez shares some of her favorite nature books with children and their parents in the garden. A craft project is included. This program has quickly become a favorite with moms and children, and gives them a chance to spend time out of doors and revel in wonderful garden stories. Check in at the visitor’s center for the specific location. Free.
Garden Faire & Fall Festival: Sat. and Sun., Sept.24 and 25, 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. This 5thannual family event is located on the west side at the picnic/playground area. Join Mercer volunteers as they encourage youngsters of all ages to participate in nature-related crafts including making recycled paper hats. Ride along with Stan the Train Man as he tours the picnic area. Visit with booths and vendors that offer nature and garden-related items from local honey to insectivorous plants. Art works that fit into the home or garden will be available. Food concessions round out the day of family events.
October
Lunch Bunch: Decorating for the Holidays. Wed., Oct. 12, noon–2 p.m. Join Mercer’s very own decorating diva Sherry Cruse to learn how to liven up your home with wild colors and unusual plant material. Sherry’s experience with the March Mart Annuals & Perennials Committee has exposed her to many new and exciting plant choices. As chair of the Mercer Garden Party she knows how to throw a party, and as a children’s docent she will keep you entertained as she demonstrates design techniques. Please call to reserve a spot.
Children’s Story Time in the Garden. Mon., Oct. 17, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert. Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library’s children’s librarian Nancy Rodriguez shares some of her favorite nature books with children and their parents in the garden. A craft project is included. This program has quickly become a favorite with moms and children, and gives them a chance to spend time out of doors and revel in wonderful garden stories. Check in at the visitor’s center for the specific location. Free.
November
Lunch Bunch: Artistic Arrangements with Bromeliads. Wed., Nov. 9, noon–2 p.m.Charlien Rose of the Houston Bromeliad Society shows how these light as air plants can be woven into wreaths and decorative containers perfect for your home where we have mild Gulf Coast winters. Please call to reserve a spot.
Children’s Story Time in the Garden. Mon., Nov. 21, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. The Busy Little Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri. Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library’s children’s librarian Nancy Rodriguez shares some of her much loved nature books with children and their parents in the garden. A craft project is included. This program is a favorite with moms and children, and gives them a chance to spend time out of doors and revel in wonderful garden stories. Check in at the visitor’s center for the specific location. Free.
December
Chrysanthemum Society Show and Sale. Sat., and Sun., Dec. 3 and 4, noon – 4 p.m.Check out Mercer’s Visitor Center for this decorative and judged display. Showy plants will be for sale. Please call (281) 443-8731 for details.
Lunch Bunch: Winter Vegetables. Wed., Dec. 14, noon–2 p.m. Scott Snodgrass with Edible Earth Resources gives this enticing program on growing delicious and healthy organic cool-season vegetables. Please call to reserve a spot.
Children’s Story Time in the Garden. Mon., Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Time to Sleep by Denise Fleming. Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library’s children’s librarian Nancy Rodriguez shares some of her much loved nature books with children and their parents in the garden. A craft project is included. This program is a favorite with moms and children, and gives them a chance to spend time out of doors and revel in wonderful garden stories. Check in at the visitor’s center for the specific location. Free.
Ongoing
Chrysanthemum Society. Fourth Friday of each month from 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. These meetings include discussions about growing chrysanthemums and floral arranging. The Society also provides plants for Mercer’s collection. Call (281) 443-8731 to verify meeting months and dates, and for more information.
Public Garden Tour. Third Saturday of each month from 9-10:30 a.m. Join a Mercer staff member for an educational and lively tour of Mercer’s botanical collections featuring rare plants and beautiful water features. From 10:30 a.m. to noon participants are invited to attend a slide show presentation on the many fun and rewarding volunteer opportunities at Mercer.
Space is limited at this free program, so please call and reserve a spot (281) 443-8731.