Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens "Fall Garden Faire

[Bamboo Outlaw]

http://www.hcp4.net/mercer/gardenfaire/[url]

This free two-day event, held at the west side picnic loop, features regional plant societies, local artists who specialize in garden art, garden-related authors, a canine social, and a Q&A session with Randy Lemmon from Gardenline (AM740 KTRH NewsRadio).

The public is invited to take a stroll along the trails while also visiting a variety of booths to learn more about regional plant societies and local pet adoption organizations. Garden-related art, books, and plants will be available for purchase. This year's event includes live music, food concessions, and special activities for children including train rides by Stan the Train Man.

Special Attractions and Events

Tail-Wagging Guided Trail Walk

Saturday at 10 a.m.
Urban Paws, a Houston Urban Dog Culture publication, and Runaas Resources are hosting a canine social with a tail-wagging guided trail walk. Dogs must be on a six-foot nonretractable leash and be up to date on all vaccinations. Please observe all park rules.

Q&A Session With Randy Lemmon
Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join Randy for a Q&A session on garden-related topics in the Post Oak Pavilion.

Kids' Corner

Face Painting, by Gayle and Diane
Free Train Ride
Fun Gardening Activities
Train Rides
Children can take a train ride tour of Mercer's gardens along the trails with Stan the Train Man.

Animal Rescue and Plant Societies
All Texas Dachshund Rescue
American Begonia Society—Astro Branch
Chron.com houstongardening

Cub Scout Pack 1565
Cypress Creek Daylily Club

Greyhound Rescue
Harris County AgriLife Extension

Houston Bromeliad Society

Houston Collie Rescue
Houston Sheltie Sanctuary
Native Plant Society of Texas
Peckerwood Gardens Conservation Foundation
Pineywoods Wildlife Society
Poison Control (Sunday only)

Precinct 4 Constables Office
Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue
The Mercer Society

Local Plant Society

Garden Art and Plant Vendors
André Gandin (found metal art)
Carter Bamboo
Cindy Babbitt Clay Creations
Dan's Hardware Country
Farm Fresh Soaps
House of Casteel (bird houses)

Jen and Gloria's Desert Plants
Orchid Obsession
Peggy's Garden Antiques
SCC Creations
The Art of Jackie Venegas Loafman
Wiltex Houston (Saturday only; bird houses and feeders, wind spinners, local honey)


Local Garden Art

Concessions Menu
Bottled water, energy drinks, and soft drinks
Corn dogs
Coury's Ice Cream Treats and More . . .
Hot dogs
Jumbo soft pretzels
Philly cheese steak sandwiches
Pizza (individual size)

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[mantis]

We'll be there. Not sure which day yet, but probably in the morning as our 2.5 year old takes his naps around noon.

[Bamboo Outlaw]

Historically these events have been a much slower pace than the others. This allows for everyone to visit and enjoy the company.

[mantis]

Talked to Outlaw last night, and this event has been canceled. I guess Mercer took substantial damage, and the gardens will be closed until sometime in October.

[Bamboo Outlaw]

The Fall Garden Faire was canceled due to damage at the park and Houston area from hurricane Ike. The arboretum side (west) of the park is open, yet the botanical garden side (east) is still closed while the staff works to clean up the damage.

The Mercer Bamboo Group will meet Saturday, October 25, from 9 a.m. to noon. The east side of the park remains closed to the public, but we will have a work day. The group will assist clean-up activities from hurricane Ike. Please bring your grooming tools and wear work clothes!

This is the last scheduled Mercer Bamboo Group meeting for 2008 as we do not meet Nov and Dec. Jan 24 will be our first meeting in 2009. thanks...

Here is the address and phone number for Mercer Arboretum.

Mercer Arboretum
22306 Aldine Westfield Road
Humble, Texas 77338-1071

Phone: (281) 443-8731

[mantis]

The Mercer Bamboo Group will meet Saturday, October 25, from 9 a.m. to noon. The east side of the park remains closed to the public, but we will have a work day. The group will assist clean-up activities from hurricane Ike. Please bring your grooming tools and wear work clothes!

I (we?) will be there ready to work <img src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/ ... smiley.gif">
<img src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/ ... ainsaw.gif">