The Houston area offers an abundance of resources and activities 
for gardeners and garden lovers, if people only know where to 
look:

Love roses?

Go to the Garden Center in Hermann Park.

Want fresh vegetables?

Pay in advance for a weekly supply at Central City Co-op.

Can't live without daffodils?

Find twenty varieties at the Bulb and Plants Mart.

    In this handy, versatile guide to all things related to gardens in 
Houston and its environs, Texas Master Gardener Eileen Houston 
presents the book she wished had been available when she first 
moved to the city. Writing about public gardens, garden events, 
farmers' markets, garden clubs, retail nurseries, volunteer 
opportunities, and more, Houston shares her favorite finds in an 
opening section, called "Best of the Best," listing places and 
events she believes garden enthusiasts will not want to miss.

    For each garden site, event, and outlet, readers learn what they 
need to know about times, fees, locations, and contact 
information. A map and key help identify which destinations will 
require some planning and which can be easily enjoyed, 
depending on where readers live or work. Helpful descriptions 
focus on the special features or distinctive ambience of each place 
or happening.
 
    A chapter on retail sources is packed with advice:

where to buy native or organically raised plants;
how to find specialty shops and nurseries devoted to specific 
kinds of plants, such as African violets, 		
bonsai, tropicals, roses, orchids, and cacti;
which retailers offer fountains, benches, sculptures, and 
antique garden accessories.
    At the end of the book, Houston steers readers to her 
recommended garden books and websites.

    Anyone interested in exploring the gardening scene in Houston 
and surrounding areas—whether resident or visitor, participant or 
spectator—will discover in this book much to do and share with 
family, friends, and fellow gardeners.

_________________________________________________________

EILEEN HOUSTON completed the Texas Master Gardener program 
in 2003 and currently serves on the publications committee of the 
Harris County Master Gardener Association. She earned a B.F.A. 
from Rice University and has written commentary, reviews, and 
articles for Houston area newspapers.


Number Thirty-eight: W. L. Moody Jr. Natural History Series


What people are saying about this book

"Eileen Houston’s handy guide leads us to the abundance of 
garden-related resources in our town. . . . It’s a must for a 
newcomer. But grab a second copy for yourself so you don’t 
overlook horticultural treasure such as the Rose and Japanese 
garden in Hermann Park, the world of daylilies at Shimek’s 
Gardens or the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center."—Houston 
Chronicle, December 22, 2007

". . . I am always grateful for books designed to introduce me to 
places where I can find gardening inspiration. Such books don't 
get much better than Eileen Houston's The Garden Lover's Guide 
to Houston, released this month. This guide is packed with 
information about gardens available for year-round visitations in the 
Houston area. Ms. Houston's book is also outstanding for its 
excellent organization.—Texas Gardener's Seeds, November 2007

"This guide presents many lovely photographs and is flexbound with 
flaps. It is user friendly and full of information. . . . This book is 
recommended for public libraries in the Houston area and private 
libraries for readers who love everything associated with gardening."
—Review of Texas Books, Fall 2007