FAMILY OUTING
Take mom to a garden or farmers market.
Horticulturist Brandon Hubbard says the staff at Mercer Botanic Gardens’ annual spring plant sale wants to lend advice and tips so home gardeners can successfully nurture their purchases.
The Mercer Society’s horticultural manager works with master gardeners to tend to native plants on the property’s 450 acres, and he encourages the public to ask anything about plants, trees and shrubs.
Shoppers, who are encouraged to bring their own wagons, will be looking for color to refresh yards and beds wiped out in the ice storm, he says.
The selection of 1,000 varietals and 15,000 plants includes several types that aren’t available anywhere else in Houston, he promises. The Mercer team was able to save varietals during the inclement weather by storing plants in greenhouses then replanting outdoors in recent weeks.
Gulf Coast native plants on offer include milkweed that has been lovingly cared for for about two years, Hubbard says, making it easier for a novice green thumb to keep it thriving.
A milkweed seedling can be stripped by a single hungry caterpillar — frustrating for home gardeners, he says. The mature plants on offer, which will attract butterflies, have established roots and are ready for purchase in 1-gallon pots.
A variety of hibiscus is available, including Texas Star, along with annuals, perennials, a limited number of rose bushes and “tropical gingers I guarantee you won’t be able to buy anywhere else in Texas,” Hubbard says.
Prices range from $3 to past $100, with most in the $6-$10 range.
The property’s playground has recently reopened and, after shopping, families can choose a spot for a picnic, hike or bike the trails and explore the children’s garden, home to miniature fairy villages built into tree stumps.
An oversized chair is a popular photo op, Hubbard says.
Especially this time of year, chasing butterflies in the children’s area will keep kids entertained. Children will spot cacti, seed gardens and vegetable gardens, including corn and tomatoes, Hubbard says.
Seeing how familiar foods look in the ground engages kids and prompts them to ask questions. “‘I see it at the store; this is how it actually grows on the plant,’ ” they tell him. “It smells so good, you just see their faces light up. It’s something different in their smile,” he says.
The annual plant sale brings visitors to the gardens who have never before visited, he says. “You feel like you’re walking through a forest in the middle of the city.”
9 a.m.-4 p.m., May 8, Mercer Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield, Humble; hcp4.net/parks/mercer.
And area farmers markets are celebrating Mother’s Day this weekend with garden-fresh gift ideas.
At The Woodlands Farmers Market at Grogan’s Mill from 9 a..m.-1 p.m. on May 8, each mom will receive a flower when she arrives.
Organizers have beefed up the number of local vendors offering fresh-cut stems, bouquets and potted plants, including Elizabeth Florals, Scarlet’s Eden Floral Studio and Plantonic Friends Nursery.
On the same day from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., a Mother’s Day market along the promenade of Heights Mercantile features about 50 small businesses and makers offering wearables, ceramics, apothecary, art and gifts.
Ready-made bouquets from independent florists will be available, along with macramé plant hangers from the Crafty Glammie and terrariums by Ms. Moss Potter.
The family-friendly event has a pot-your-own station led by Front Porch Succulents and other gifts children can select for their moms. They might find particular interest in artwork from local Bug in the Box, which features butterflies and other once-living insects in frames and beneath shadow boxes. grogansmill.org/fmabout
On Mother’s Day, the 9 a.m.-1 p.m. biweekly farmers market at Heights Mercantile (heightsmercantile.com) will have special products including Bee2Bee Honey’s pink, hibiscusinfused honey made with locally grown roselle. Migaloo Chocolatier will sell truffle boxes and chocolate slabs folded with edible flower confetti from local Flora Cocina.
Nearby, Blackwood Land Educational Institute will educate shoppers about the nutritional benefits of edible flowers including nasturtium, brassica and violas.
Little Dreamer Coffee’s special blend for the day is called Gaia. Nearby, another maker will sell fresh-squeezed “mom-mosas.”
Sounds like two delicious ways to toast mom.