FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT: Suzzanne Chapman (281) 443-8731
May
Garden Party and Auction. Sat., May 5, starting at 5 p.m. Dine under the stars at the arboretum while bidding on unique and extraordinary garden-themed treasures during The Mercer Society’s 6th annual fund-raising event. The theme of ‘An Evening in Paradise’, entices you to put on your tropical cocktail attire and join us for social time with appetizers and refreshments as you bid on silent auction items that kick off the event at 5 p.m. Dinner follows and a live auction which concludes the evening’s activities. Tickets: $40 individual; $75 couple. Reservations required. Major table sponsors receive a surprise benefit. Please call (281) 443-8731 for details.
Lunch Bunch: Native Trees and the Wildlife they support Wed., May 9, noon-2 p.m. Join Anita Howlett, staff naturalist from Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center for this look at the creatures and their intricate relationships with our trees. Explore how tree and shrub diversity shapes wildlife populations and discover how tree selections attract local wildlife to your yard.
Bring a sack lunch to enjoy during the program. Please call (281) 443-8731 for reservations.
Bromeliad Society of Houston Annual Show and Sale: Fri., Sat., & Sun., May 18, 19 & 20. These colorful and drought tolerant plants range worldwide and many species are native to North America. They surprise us with their hardiness from growing at ground level in the soil to living in the tree-top canopy as epiphytes. Many even provide micro-environments as tiny frogs breed and live in their water-filled bracts. Join the Bromeliad Society members as they display floral and ornamental species, and enjoy the wide variety on sale. Please call 281-443-8731 for times and details.
June
Lunch Bunch: Beneficial Insects Wed., June 13, noon-2 p.m. We welcome Skip Richter back to the Houston area as Horticultural Extension Agent for Harris County. Many of you will be familiar with Skip as previously he was in Austin – Travis County, and before that Montgomery County. Some of them may look scary, but insects play a vital role in the well-being of our gardens. Learn to identify the good guys and how to attract and keep them in your landscape and gardens. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy during the program. Please call (281) 443-8731 for reservations.
July
Lunch Bunch: Earth-Kind Landscapes. Wed., July11, noon-2 p.m. Carol Brouwer, former Harris County Extension Agent talks about research-proven techniques to provide maximum garden and landscape enjoyment while preserving and protecting the environment. Topics include water conservation, less pesticide usage and less waste entering landfills. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy during the program. Please call (281) 443-8731 for reservations.
Texas Rose Rustlers Meeting: Sat., July 14, 8:00 a.m. – 3 p.m. Gaye Hammond, Past President of the Houston Rose Society, will be speaking at 10:30 on the History of the Rose in America. Members will bring a pot luck dish and lotto plants for the drawing that is open for all that come to the meeting, which is open to the public. Call 281-443-8731 for more details.
Summer Symposium and Plant Sale: Sat., July 28, 8:00 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find out what is hot for our summer gardens at this day-long immersion into plants that love the heat. The symposiums featured speakers: David Glover of Tejas Tropicals, speaking on ‘Gingers & Heliconias’. Mike Lowery of Another Place in Time, will discuss ‘Ferns and Hoyas’. Gary Outenreath of the Beaumont Botanical Gardens will focus on ‘Plants for a Tropical Effect’, and Tom Keepin with the Astro Branch of the Begonia Society, will show you wonderful ‘Landscape Begonias’. Mercer Director Darrin Duling will conduct a tour of the tropical-looking plantings in the gardens. There is a specialty plant sale for participants and the general public. Reservations are required at this fee-based program; please call 281-443-8731 for additional details.
August
Lunch Bunch: Native Plant Conservation at Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens. Wed., August 8, noon-2 p.m. Mercer Botanist Anita Tiller takes you on virtual trip on protecting and preserving our wild places and what you can do to make a difference. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy during the program. Please call (281) 443-8731 for reservations.
Ongoing
Children’s Story Time in the Garden. Third Monday of the month, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Leanne Connery, the Children’s Librarian at Baldwin Boettcher shares some of her favorite nature books with children and their parents in the garden. A craft project is included. Check in at the visitor’s center for the specific location. Free.
May 21: The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss
June 18: Growing Colors by Bruce McMillan
July 16: In the Tall Tall Grass by Denise Fleming
Aug. 20: Clara Caterpillar by Pamela Edwards
Chrysanthemum Society. Fourth Friday of most months from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. These monthly meetings include discussions about growing chrysanthemums and floral arranging. The Society also provides plants for Mercer’s collection. Call (281) 443-8731 for more information.
Cypress Creek Daylily Society. Fourth Sunday of most months from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. This group meets in the Mercer visitor center and presents various programs on gardening with daylilies. No meetings May through August.
*NEW*Tai Chi for Arthritis: Every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Classes taught by Certified Instructor John Spencer. This free beginners class helps relieve pain associated with arthritis & fibromyalgia; relieves stress and improves balance in the calming atmosphere of the garden. Most classes will meet outdoors under ‘tree house’, check in the visitor center or call 281-443-8731 for details.