Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #963791 in Books
• Published on: 2007-11-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 216 pages

Review
". . . 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." -- Texas Gardener's Seeds, November 2007

"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

"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

About the Author
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.

Customer Reviews

Wonderful guide

I checked this book out of the library several times before finally purchasing it to use as a reference book. For individuals that love to explore different nurserys, this book is invaluable. The author provides addresses, accurate directions, and great synopsis of the nursery. I also love the fact that she includes other places of interest for those who love plants and gardening.

Great book-colorful and informative. . .
I loved this book-got it as a gift-it's got some wonderful ideas for places to go in and around Houston. I've lived here for 25 years, but this book taught me about a ton of hidden gems in the area. Highly recommend it!