Saturday, Feb. 7, 1998

Bugs in garden? Attend gardening exposition

Topics will range from identifying helpful insects to Xeriscape to roses and vegetables

MICHAEL WOMACK
Special to the Staff Writer

   The Texas Agricultural Extension Service is announcing the second annual South Texas Gardening Exposition to be held Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Holiday Inn Airport. This year's event will feature five concurrent talks each hour beginning at 9 a.m. covering all areas of gardening. We have designed the schedule to provide opportunities for novice and long-time gardeners to learn how to grow plants in the harsh conditions of South Texas.
   Corpus Christi area plant societies, garden clubs and other horticultural groups have been invited to participate through free informational booths. Representatives will be on hand to answer your questions about the various organizations and membership.
   Last year we had 210 participants. This year's event should attract well over 300 people. Several topics are back by popular demand. Other popular topics are offered at multiple times.
    The following seminars are available at 9 a.m.:
   -- 9A: Knowing the Good Guys: Beneficial Insects
   -- 9B: Down Home Plants: Natives in the Landscape
   -- 9C: Growing Roses in South Texas
   -- 9D: Gardening 101: Basic Vegetable Gardening
   -- 9E: Getting Started: Home Landscape Design.
    The following seminars are available at 10 a.m.:
   -- 10A: What's Bugging You?: Lawn and Garden Insects
   -- 10B: Shady Propositions: Tree Selection and Maintenance
   -- 10C: Getting Your Feet Wet: Basic Water Gardening
   -- 10D: Floral Design from Your Backyard
   -- 10E: Xeriscape: Water-smart Landscapes.
    The following seminars are available at 11 a.m.:
   -- 11A: Turf 101: Turf Management and Selection
   -- 11B: Tropicals in the Landscape
   -- 11C: Growing Roses in South Texas
   -- 11D: Herbs 101: Spice Up Your Garden
   -- 11E: Chirp and Flutter: Attracting Birds and Butterflies.
    The following seminars are available at 1 p.m.:
   -- 1A: Problems Under Foot: Turf Diseases
   -- 1B: Composting 101: Fighting the Sand and Clay
   -- 1C: Shady Propositions: Tree Selection and Maintenance
   -- 1D: Paradise Inside: Indoor Plant Selection and Care
   -- 1E: Cut Flower Gardens: South Texas Style.
    The following seminars are available at 2 p.m.:
   -- 2A: Intensive Care: Ornamental Plant Diseases
   -- 2B: Walk on the Wild Side: Urban Wildscapes
   -- 2C: Tiny Trees: Basic Bonsai
   -- 2D: Back to Basics: Organic Gardening
   -- 2E: Bright Ideas: Color in the Landscape.
   For the novice gardener we are suggesting the following curriculum: 9D: Vegetable Gardening 101, 10A: Lawn & Garden Insects, 11A: Turf 101 or 11B: Tropicals in the Landscape, 1B: Composting 101 or 1C: Tree Selection & Maintenance, 2A: Plant Diseases. These seminars will give any beginning gardener the basics to successful gardening in South Texas.
   Registration is $15 and includes attendance at five one-hour seminars and on-site lunch. To pre-register, send in a registration form and fee. If a vegetarian lunch is needed, please indicate that on your registration form. Space in each session is limited, so preregister as soon as possible to get first choice of seminars. Reservations for a talk are on a first-come, first-served basis.
   Registration is available on site as space permits. For more information, contact the Texas Agricultural Extension Service at 767-5217 (Nueces County) or 790-0103 (Aransas County).