Greetings!
The beginning of February, which falls roughly halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, has long been a significant time of the year in many cultures. Among the Celts it was the time of Imbolc, observed in anticipation of the birth of farm animals and the planting of crops, and February 2 is also the date of the Christian festival of Candlemas. In the US, we await the humble groundhog.
Also known as woodchucks, groundhogs belong to a group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. They grow up to 25 inches long and can live for 10 years in captivity.
Groundhogs spend the winter hibernating in their burrows, significantly reducing their metabolic rate and body temperature; by February, they can lose as much as half their weight. When they’re out and about, the bristly rodents are ravenous and eat succulent plants, wild berries and insects, and they don’t mind helping themselves to garden vegetables or agricultural crops.
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Our speaker for the February 21st Civic Club meeting will be Celina Vargas, who is collecting public input on a 31 mile trail, which is sponsored by Harris County and Harris County Toll Road Authority. The portion that is currently under consideration extends from Mason Park to Milby Park, and more information on the process can be found at: The Destination Trail
Due to freeze damage at the Trees for Houston tree farm, we have delayed our planting for one month. Residents have another opportunity to order until February 12, 2023. See the section below with all the details.
I welcome any ideas you might have for speakers at future meetings in the new year. What interests you about our neighborhood and the East End? Send me a note at president@idylwood.org.
Regards,
Diane Schenke
President
Idylwood Civic Club
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February is now the best month for planting trees in Houston, and we have superb partners at Trees for Houston with assistance from several of our local Boy Scout troops. Of course, the entire effort on Saturday, February 18th is volunteer staffed, so the following guidelines will make the day easier for all of us.
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The event will start at 10am on Saturday morning. Trees for Houston will drop off the trees on Friday afternoon. Please don’t take any of the trees until the start time for our event.
- We will have Scouts from several troops there to assist you if you need the help. Of course, you are welcome to take your tree home on Saturday and plant it yourself.
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The order form is linked below for your reference. Final cutoff for orders is Sunday, February 12th.
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Also linked is a Houston Tree Planting Guide to help ensure your tree is planted and cared for to achieve the best results.
- You will note that the guide recommends mulching when the tree is planted (see page 4). If you would like to have the Scouts finish the planting with mulch, please have one bag of mulch available for each tree. Mulch is available at Home Depot or Lowes for under $4.
Please feel free to send me an email if you have any questions (president@idylwood.org). I’m looking forward to a fun Saturday and a greener neighborhood.
With many thanks for participating,
Diane Schenke
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Take a short drive down Harrisburg Blvd toward the light rail track overpass for a brief and “colorful” history lesson about Harrisburg, Texas. At opposite ends of the underpass you will find two long murals outlining the history of the city founded in 1826, which served for a short time as the seat of the Republic of Texas. The murals bookend a long pavilion designed as a public space.
Mural 1 at Caylor St.
1826 Founding - 1836
Mural 2 at 65th St.
1841 - 1926 Annexation
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Houston Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce their FREE recreational soccer program for youth ages 4-14 years old called Soccer For Success at Eastwood Park, 5000 Harrisburg Blvd @ Dumble/Adams Sts.
The program starts the week of February 13th and runs through May 27th three times per week from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. Should you have questions call the HPARD Youth Soccer Office at 832-395-7576 or email: Larry.nguyen2@houstontx.gov
Please visit their website for online registration and more details.
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Paddles at the Ready! Set! Go!! |
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Registration is now open for 51st Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta on Saturday, March 11.
Join hundreds of paddlers in the largest canoe and kayak race in Texas! Participants ages 12 and older can compete in solo, tandem, or unlimited boating categories, or paddle for fun along a 15-mile stretch of Buffalo Bayou. This event is an exciting, memorable way to experience the bayou and take part in a long-standing Houston tradition. Sign up to secure your spot and support Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s efforts to create and steward welcoming green space along Houston’s historic waterway.
Note: Registration price increases on February 25th!
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DEED RESTRICTIONS - REMINDER |
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As a reminder, Section 3.4 of the Deed Restrictions describes Dwelling Site and Construction. A residential dwelling may not exceed 36 ft in height and detached garage may not exceed 25 ft in height.
For more details, download a copy of the deed restrictions here
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Idylwood Community Exchange is now
Idylwood Neighborhood Exchange
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The former Idylwood Community Exchange is now being hosted on Google Groups as the Idylwood Neighborhood Exchange. To request an invitation for this group, please send a request to: Barc.Lee2020@gmail.com
Please note that like its predecessor, this group is privately maintained by a resident, and not managed by the ICC Board.
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Idylwood Pet of the Month- In All It's Glory! |
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Our best friends now get their turn in the spotlight! They bring us so much love, joy, exercise, human friendships, and truthfully, higher grocery bills!! So, here we go.....
Big Bird Has Finished Molting!!
He Is Sporting His New Feathers!!
Compare the earlier photo to the latest ones and
see how striking he is looking now!!
The Story of "Big Bird"
6646 Meadowlawn
Once upon a time, before the turn of the last century, there was an artist, who was also a welder, and a pile of iron. That's all it took to make art and "Big Bird" was born! Making art is comparatively easy but finding someone who appreciates art and is willing to pay for it is the hard part.
Along came my neighbors, Keith and Jim, who were at the Westheimer Arts Festival (held in Memorial Park), and saw the bird. In the Chinese calendar, Jim is under the sign of the chicken or rooster. So, Keith got the bird as a birthday present for Jim. Moving Big Bird from Memorial Park to Idylwood was a major project-as you can imagine. He came on a flatbed truck and probably stopped traffic along the way!
For years Big Bird resided in the backyard at 6636 Meadowlawn, Keith and Jim's home, beside a coy pond and a stand of bamboo. None of the neighbors saw him, but I could barely see him through my bathroom window and I really loved him. When Keith and Jim sold their home, moving Big Bird was basically impossible. The house was going to be torn down and Big Bird was going to be left to the bulldozer. I just could not let that happen. So, I 'got' the bird!
Once again, moving Big Bird was an issue. My husband Lloyd, an oilfield retiree, used his 'oilfield engineering expertise' and the help of a truck wench to move the bird to our property next door. There, Big Bird stood for many years until my grandson decided the bird needed to return to his original glory. And so, Big Bird started to molt and take on new colors and a new personality. We are hoping for the grand transformation to be completed soon, so stay tuned and drive by often to witness his coming into a new age!
Joann Luco
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Neighbors: Submit your pet(s) to be featured in upcoming newsletters by sending 1-3 photos with a short story about your best friend(s) with the subject line "Pet(s) of the Month" to: idylwoodgardenclub@gmail.com
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Friendly Reminder From The Pets
For the health and safety of all neighborhood pets and people,
please scoop our poop!
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Please watch for email updates for the February meeting from
Idylwood.neighbors.group@gmail.com.
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Garden Club Upcoming Meeting Dates
First Saturdays from 10 am-noon
New members are welcome to join us!!
February 4, 2023: Hosts: Joshua Espinedo/Nathan Reedy -
6670 Meadowlawn
Speaker: Dany Millikin - Houston Botanic Gardens
March 4, 2023: Host: Sally Lehr - 1704 Idylwood
Speaker: Dr. Liliana R. Cracraft - Use of Medicinal Herbs in Prehispanic and Traditional Mexican Medicine
April 1, 2023: Field trip to the Eastern Glades in Memorial Park; carpool;
Lunch at the Black Walnut
* Election of Officers
May 6, 2023: Host: Diane Schenke - 6715 Fairfield
Speaker: TBD
June, July, August: summer break
For more information, contact the Garden Club President:
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After A Freeze, Learn To Like Ugly In The New Year !
(Try To Wait Until Valentine's Day To Begin The Yard Work)
This Dec. 31 Houston Chronicle article by Brandi Keller is a must read from beginning to the end to understand the best practices for tending to plants, flowers, trees , and shrubs that have been in a freeze. Some will make it, some will not, some need removing and others can be left in place. We are all in the same boat, so it will be a while before our landscapes return to their former glory. Be patient, follow these tips, and in a couple of months our yards and gardens will be providing us with renewed growth and the lovely colors of spring.
Remember to research the specific needs of the plants, shrubs, and trees that you have. When pruning, follow their natural shape and growth. Drastic chopping and blunt cutting of limbs will usually result in gnarly knobs of undersized limbs, awkward growth patterns, and permanent loss of the natural shape. Click on the following link to read this very helpful article!
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Tree Planting Guide For Houston
As our Idylwood trees age, succumb to disease and storm damage, and grow too close to our homes and power lines, we sadly see these marvelous companions disappear. Now is a good time to start researching the best trees for your yard to properly fit your needs, desires, and space.
The Houston Area Urban Forestry Council has a fabulous planting guide for trees in the Houston area. This guide is packed with all the basic info you need when considering planting new trees.
Some of the topics include:
why plant - what to plant -
where to plant - selecting your tree -
extensive charts for types of small and large trees for the Houston area -
pruning - energy conservation -
wildlife habitat - improved air quality - and more!
Click on the link below for this very helpful guide:
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Houston Botanic Gardens February Events
Amazing Animal Encounter - Endangered Species Week
Saturday, February 4, 2023 10:00 — 11:00 am
Non-member tickets- $35 per adult, $20 per child.
Members save $10 off adult and child tickets.
Join us as Wild Things Zoofari provides an up-close-and-personal encounter with animals from all over the world; some that are endangered, and some that are thriving due to changing environments. You’ll learn all about each animal and what we can all do to help them.
Grandpa's Garden
Unique & Universal Musical from Brave Little Company
Saturday, February 11, 2023 10:00 — 11:00 am
Brave Little Company presents this unique, universal, and upbeat musical celebrating Black history through one family’s story that will have
EVERY audience member on their feet.
Meet Bebe and her Grandpa, who’s a world champion gardener! If you’re ready to learn something new, he’ll teach you how to plant your own fruits and vegetables.
Tickets- pay what you can starting at $10 for children and students ages 3-16, and pay what you can starting at $15 for adults.
Babies and toddlers ages 2 and under are free.
Seed Paper Valentines - Show your love in an eco-friendly way
Saturday, February 11, 2023 1:00 — 3:00 pm
Non-member fee of $30 includes general admission.
Members receive a $10 discount.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day celebrations, join us to learn the simple art of paper-making. We’ll add dried flowers for beauty and wildflower seeds that will make your valentines bloom for the benefit of your loved ones & native wildlife.
Conservation of Endangered Native Plants - Endangered Species Week
Saturday, February 11, 2023 4:00 — 5:00 pm
Non-member fee of $30 includes admission to the Garden.
Members receive a $10 discount.
Join us during Houston’s Endangered Species Week for an enlightening talk by Anita Tiller, botanist and conservation manager at Harris County Precinct 4’s Mercer Botanic Gardens, where she directs operations for its research facility, the Mercer Botanical Center. Tiller will share how participants can help conserve some of Texas’ endangered plants.
She also teaches for the Gulf Coast Gardener, Texas Master Naturalist, Texas Master Gardner, and Texas Invasive Species programs.
Wet N' Wild - Spring Break BotaniCamp
Monday-Thursday, March 13-16 9:00 am — 2:00 pm
Youth & Family $200/child
(Garden members save $25 per child)
Get Wet N’ Wild this spring break with Houston Botanic Garden’s BotaniCamp, a plant-centric nature camp for K-5 students. The sensory and inquiry-driven curriculum will present many opportunities to go beyond just observation Discover amazing aquatic animals & plants, experiment with water chemistry, and help clean up Sims Bayou to keep our waterways safe and healthy.
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Visit these areas throughout the Botanic Garden:
The Island
Natural Ecosystems
South Gardens ~~ Community Garden
Ticket Window: 713.715.9675 ext. 100
Call to verify details for each event.
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Vegetable Garden Planting Dates Chart
Do you want to know exactly when to plant vegetables and herbs in your garden? Click here for Texas A&M University's yearly planting calendar for Harris County. You may want to print this out for future reference.
Happy gardening!
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Remember: COH Tree Trash Gets Turned Into Mulch
When Picked Up on The First Tuesdays of Odd # Months
Keep in mind that trimmings from trees, shrubs and bushes can be placed on your curb for the city's Tree Trash pick-up on the first Tuesday of odd months.
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Thanks for your membership and love of nature!
Let's keep Idylwood beautiful and safe!
Kind regards,
Patricia Hattenbach
phattenbach@gmail.com
713-724-9608
2022-2023 Officers:
President: Patricia Hattenbach
Vice President: Hugo Banda
Secretary: Richard Vela
Treasurer: Nicole Wood
Thanks again to Jim McCallum for providing the Yard of the Month write-ups and photos. It's wonderful to learn more about our great neighbors!
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Redo and Renew!!
The Idylwood Garden Club Yard of the Month for February goes to Joshua Espinedo and Nathan Reedy on
6670 Meadowlawn.
Change in our landscapes can happen for many reasons: droughts, freezes, diseases, 'old' soil, overgrowth, too much or too little sunlight and/or moisture, plant placement for safety, and to just make some desired changes, to name a few.
So, for these reasons Joshua and Nathan are taking the steps to redo and renew their front landscaping. Old and overgrown plants were removed along the retaining wall (now freshly painted) to make way for Birds of Paradise and colorful annuals. Sego Palms were trimmed after taking a big hit from the freeze. Hundreds of Amaryllis bulbs were carefully dug up and saved to be replanted in beds of fresh, rich soil. All beds were pruned and cleared of the winter debris, fresh soil was added, and other new plants will be added. The Crepe Myrtles are looking great in their natural shape and will continue to grow and flourish as they age.
How exciting for us to be able to watch the transformation of this lovely property and see this garden grow! We will feature this yard again in the summer to provide an update on its progress. Meanwhile, stroll by the house on your walks and runs to get your own up close and personal look!
(Photos by Jim McCallum)
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click link above for access to their website
February Gardening Tips
Planting
Strawberries can be planted now; hanging baskets are an ideal way to grow the berries to avoid fungus and insects attacking the fruit. Tomatoes can be transplanted into pots that can be brought inside for frosts and freezes; later on (after last frost) they can be planted in larger pots or in the ground. Lettuce can be started from seed, for continual harvesting. Set out fresh seeds every 2-3 weeks through the cool season. Bluebonnets are available for transplanting to make a great spring show. It is past the prime time to set out seeds for bluebonnets.
Pests
Keep an eye out for loopers and aphids on cool-season vegetables and annuals. Use the most organic solution possible for treating these insects. Check for scale insects on ornamentals such as camellias, hollies, magnolias, and Japanese blueberries. Treat with horticultural oil spray while it is still cool.
Lawn
Apply pre-emergent to stop spring weeds such as crabgrass, goosegrass and dallisgrass before they start. Corn gluten meal is an organic approach, while Barricade is a non-organic approach (both products can be found in our plant care shed).
Birds
Lower purple martin houses, clean and repair as necessary. Re-raise and position for martin scouts. Keep 20 feet away from trees and buildings for a clear flight pattern. Goldfinches are feeding. Hang thistle or nyjer seed socks for these cuties. Keep suet feeders filled for hungry winter birds – their natural food sources are slim right now.
Freezes
Continue to keep an eye on the weather and stay informed on night time lows. Have frost cloth on hand for light frosts. If the temperature drops below 32, double wrap tender plants to ensure proper insulation. Avoid using plastic against foliage, but it can be used as the second exterior layer when covering plants. Remove plastic during the day. TIP: Heavy duty clothespins or spare bricks can be used to secure and weight down cloths.
Beds
Lower purple martin houses, clean and repair as necessary. Re-raise and position for martin scouts. Keep 20 feet away from trees and buildings for a clear flight pattern. Goldfinches are feeding. Hang thistle or nyjer seed socks for these cuties. Keep suet feeders filled for hungry winter birds – their natural food sources are slim right now.
Fertilize
Fertilize established trees and shrubs, except Azaleas and camellias with a good all-around organic fertilizer like MicroLife.
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Keep eyes out for your neighbors!
If going out of town, tell your neighbors but do not post on social media. Please keep an eye out for unusual activity and report to HPD (911) and (713) 884-3131 and the Constable's office (713) 274-3400. Please keep your home and cars locked at all times. Report any incidents to ALL authorities;
more reports = more patrols.
HPD is moving to a National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS). To view crimes reported to HPD from Jan-Mar 2022, please go to HPD's website and download the excel file here and sort by zip code or beat. Our beat is 11H10, which includes several zip codes.
A screenshot of last month's crime map is below. To interact with this map, including date ranges and area, go to Community Crime Map.
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Jake Goldstein and Steve Palmer co-chair our patrol group and report the group’s collective 30 patrol hours per month to HPD. Please contact Jake if you are interested in volunteering with our citizens patrol group.
Having a patrol presence in the neighborhood is a crime deterrent and a great way to give back to our community.
Please join us! More information on HPD's Volunteer Citizen Patrol is available here.
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Upcoming Dates to Remember |
- 02/02/2023: Groundhog Day
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02/06/2023: Recycling
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02/07/2023: Heavy Trash
- 02/14/2023: Valentine's Day
- 02/18/2023: Neighborhood Tree Planting
- 02/21/2023: Idylwood Civic Club Meeting: 7:30pm @ Magnolia Multi-Service Center
- 02/20/2023: Recycling
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03/06/2023: Recycling
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03/07/2023: Tree Limbs & Yard Waste
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Stay Informed!
Check out info about the neighborhood, including downloading a copy of the deed restrictions here.
Report a pothole, get your trash bin repaired or replaced, report a problem with a traffic signal, missed trash pickup, and more.
GRAFFITI ABATEMENT
Call the East End District at 713.928.9916 during business hours with the tagged address, intersection, and colors.
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Stay Connected!
NEXTDOOR.COM
Great way to connect with East End residents. It’s a great place to report or look for a missing pet, announce a garage sales, put out a crime alert, etc. This site is endorsed and its use encouraged by HPD. Sign up here
FACEBOOK
Google Email Group - Idylwood Neighborhood Exchange
If you are not currently a member and would like to join, please send an invitation request to Barc.Lee2020@gmail.com.
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If you have something you would like to see published in the Newsletter, drop us a line. Comments or concerns?
Let us know how we're doing.
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Idylwood Officers and Directors 2022-2023
PRESIDENT: Diane Schenke (Fairfield)
VICE PRESIDENT: Keith McCarthy (Merry)
TREASURER: Nicole Wood (Idylwood)
SECRETARY: Monique Studak (Sylvan)
Directors: Class A (two-year terms ending in August 2023):
Keith Hamm (Meadowlawn); Patricia Hattenbach (North MacGregor Way);
Irma Niño (Meadowlawn); Charlie Storer (Fairfield); Richard Vela (Lindy)
Directors: Class B (two-year terms ending in August 2024):
Beth Barrette (Meadowlawn); Amy Dinn (Sylvan); Joshua Espinedo (Meadowlawn);
Jeff Klemm (Merry); Paul Leggett (Merry); Laura Manion (Meadowlawn)
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Post Office Box 9225
Houston, TX 77261-9225
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