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January is a time to recommit to being our best selves - it is also a time to recommit to supporting our Civic Club by paying yearly dues. Civic Club dues are only $40 per household and are vital to maintaining our beloved neighborhood.
Please send your payment via Zelle to treasurer@idylwood.org or by check to:
Idylwood Civic Club
PO Box 9225
Houston, TX 77261-9225
Be sure to include your house address in the memo line.
There will be no regular Civic Club meeting in January. This past November we elected new officers and board members to serve on the Civic Club. The board will meet in January to outline the important issues that concern our neighborhood and set a path forward for 2026. These will be announced and discussed during our regular neighborhood monthly meeting in February.
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Happy New Year!
Doug Lawson
President
Idylwood Civic Club
| | Christmas Caroling in the ‘Hood on an unseasonably warm Sunday afternoon in December. Led by Santa (Ernest Lizcano) and joined by the angel Gabriel (Barney Giesen), Karen Giesen, Brenda McAfee, Craig Miller and Danny Valdivia, they brought musical joy to our neighborhood. | | |
The Mission of Idylwood’s 2028 Centennial Task Force is to:
- Celebrate 100 Years of preservation of Idylwood’s original architecture, craftsmanship, and natural beauty.
- Enhance the reputation of Idylwood among Houston’s historic neighborhoods.
- Build Community among Idylwood’s current residents while increasing its desirability, safety, and enjoyment.
Accordingly, we are planning events and activities for everybody, to include annual Wine Tastings, a Home Tour, lectures on the history and architecture of the neighborhood, and publishing Flavors of Idylwood: A Culinary Stroll Through the Neighborhood, a book of your yummy recipes and Idylwood myths and stories.
Celebrating our centennial is a BIG undertaking, and it’s not too late to add your time, talent, and ideas. For more information, email Co-Chairmen:
| | Deed Restrictions - Reminder | | |
As a reminder, Section 4.1 of the Idylwood Deed Restrictions describes Single Family Residential Use of each Lot and Residential Dwelling on a Lot. Specifically prohibited is renting any part of the Residential Dwelling (including any accessory and outbuildings) on a Lot to others by the Single Family residing on the Lot.
For example, renting out a garage apartment or renting out a room in the house is prohibited.
For more details, download a copy of the deed restrictions here.
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The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department is inviting residents to recycle their natural Holiday trees and help give them a second life. Through Friday, January 23rd, residents can drop off their undecorated trees at any of 20 recycling locations across the city. Trees delivered to these sites will be turned into nutrient rich mulch and compost that support local parks, community gardens and other green space projects.
To prepare a tree for recycling:
- Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, wire, nails, and stands.
- Ensure the tree is not flocked, painted, or artificial, as these cannot be recycled.
Our closest facility is only 3-1/2 miles away:
Central Neighborhood Depository
2240 Central St.
Open Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-6pm.
Trees can also be recycled curbside via Yard Waste collection (1st Tuesday of odd numbered months).
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Recycle your old holiday string lights at the Houston Zoo until the last day of “Zoo Lights” on Sunday, Jan 4. Houston Zoo has placed a holiday lights recycling bin near the entrance, just outside the Exit gate. Only string lights will be accepted for recycle; please do not bring items such as flood lights, or light hooks, or other Christmas decorations.
NOTE: While this bin is set out specifically for the holiday season, the Zoo now also accepts string lights for recycling year-round. During the off-season, simply bring any lights to the ranger/safety window during entry hours, and they will be happy to recycle them for you.
The Houston Zoo also recycles a variety of handheld electronics on a year-round basis.
Devices the Zoo recycles: Cell phones, Smart phones, iPods or other MP3 players, iPads or other tablets, WIFI hot spots, Handheld gaming devices, GPS, Electronic accessories such as chargers, blue tooth headsets, etc. By recycling cell phones, YOU can help animals like gorillas, chimpanzees, and okapis by reducing the demand for new materials to be mined.
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- Jan 01: Black-Eyed Peas & Collard Greens
- Jan 03: Full Wolf Moon (“Owooooo”)
- Jan 05: Recycling
- Jan 06: Tree Limbs & Yard Waste
- Jan 08: TCB is born in Tupelo!
- Jan 09: WALK30
- Jan 16: WALK30
- Jan 17: Happy Birthday, Ben Franklin!
- Jan 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Jan 20: Recycling (delayed due to MLK Day)
- Jan 23: WALK30
- Jan 30: WALK30
- Feb 02: Recycling
- Feb 03: Heavy Trash
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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.
| | January 2026 Idylwood Pet of the Month | | |
You can bet on this fella!!
Cash is a three-year-old blue-and-tan French Bulldog with a big personality and excellent manners. He loves going on park walks and is happiest when he’s by my side.
One of his favorite adventures is shopping with me at PetSmart and our local art store, where he proudly walks alongside me—no leash needed—and never misses a step.
| | On football Sundays, Cash switches roles and becomes my official barbecue assistant and Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. He patiently supervises while I grill ribs, fajitas, and BBQ chicken, always keeping a close eye on the action. When the job is done, he happily earns his reward by sitting, rolling over, and catching a well-deserved bite of fajita meat. | | | |
He’s a real character—he’ll act tough and run right up to you, but once he gets close, he just sniffs your feet and begs for pets.
If you spot Cash at the dog park, call out his name and he’ll come running over to say hi.
| | Narrative by John Paul Segovia | | Neighbors: Submit your pet(s) to be featured in upcoming newsletters by sending 1-4 photos with a short story about your best friend(s) with the subject line "Pet(s) of the Month" to: phattenbach@gmail.com & idylwoodgardenclub@gmail.com | | |
Friendly Reminder From The Pets
For the health and safety of all neighborhood pets and people,
please scoop our poop- especially along the bayou trails !
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Garden Club 2025-2026 Calendar
First Saturdays of the Month from 10 am-noon!
(Usual exceptions may be for Labor Day, New Year's, and Easter,
then it's the 2nd Saturday)
New members are welcome to join!! Yealy dues are only $20.00!!
(Easy to pay: Zelle Treasurer Peggy Wallace (Stark) at: pwallace7820@yahoo.com)
Meeting dates for our 2025-2026 year!
Sept. 6: Hosts: Amanda Cai and Dave Martin-6652 Merry Lane; Speaker: Briony Gannon- Texas Master Naturalist
Oct. 4: Free Field Trip and Guided Tour of Finca Tres Robles;
5715 Canal St, 77011; 10am-noon; if you have not rsvp'd, there is still room to join the tour, just meet the group at the farm at 10 am.
Nov. 1: Hosts: Nathan Reedy and Josh Espinedo - 6670 Meadowlawn; It's a Double Header Meeting !!
Speakers:
1. Jaime and Joseph - Owners of Bloom Handcrafted Beauty Products (using botanicals) AND
2.Fern Specialist Darla Harris will show and tell us all about ferns for our area.
Dec. 6: Hosts: Patricia Hattenbach and Jim McCallum - 1404 N MacGregor Way; Holiday Pot Luck Brunch and Fun Gift Exchange ($15 max)! 10 am - noon; poinsettia pick up from noon - 1:00pm
Jan. 10: Host: Nicole Wood - 1725 Idylwood; Speaker: Janice Brown - Girl on the Grow!
Feb. 7: Hosts: Irma Nino and Carmen Martinez - 6625 Meadowlawn;
Speaker: Chevvy Tang, Master Gardener; Topic: Permaculture
March 7: Fieldtrip: Edith L Moore Bird Sanctuary - 440 Wilchester Blvd 77079;
Members will carpool leaving at 9:50 am
April 11: Host: Suzy Harrington - 6609 Lindy Lane; Speaker: TBD
May 2: Neighborhood Plant Sale- Host: Sally Lehr - 1704 Idylwood
June, July, & August 2026: members and meetings take a summer break.
For more information, contact the Garden Club President:
Patricia Hattenbach at phattenbach@gmail.com or at 713-724-9608
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Nature News
Keep skies alive by saving Bolivar bird sanctuary!
One of the most extraordinary places along the Texas coast is very near to us! It is the Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary. People come from all over the world to admire and study migratory and local birds. Houston Audubon is striving to preserve this unique sanctuary and can use our help.
To learn more, click on the link below:
Bolivar bird sanctuary
Oyster leases aimed at restoring Gulf reefs!
Gulf oyster reefs now have a chance to get restored. Individuals, foundations, and other entities have leased areas to embark on this endeavor for preservaton and harvesting. To learn more about this wonderful program, click on the link below:
Restoring Gulf oyster reefs
Shortage of water squeezes Texas!
Be aware that Texas is running out of water! Booming population, industry growth, and declining water supply all contribute to waters shortages throughout the state. Let's stay informed to see how we can help.
To learn more, click the link below:
Shortage of water squeezes Texas
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A feathered resident enjoys a high vantage point!
On many early morning strolls along my sidewalk at N MacGregor @ Wildwood, I can usually spot this frequent flyer taking a pause to enjoy his view. This Osprey, I call him Ossy, is enjoying the sun and keeps a watchful eye over land and sea! He is quite large just perched way up high and is huge when he takes flight. Idylwood is lucky to have great examples of Mother Nature!
If you have a photo of nature in action in Idylwood (animal or plant), send me a photo and a short story to: phattenbach@gmail.com.
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Going Native
Tips from Buchanan's Native Plants
Incorporate Texas Natives into Your Landscape!
Native plants. The term has different meanings for different gardeners. There are Texas natives, US natives and those plants that act like natives. All in all, what most of us want in our garden are low maintenance plants that are attractive and functional. Plants that are not invasive and are a benefit to wildlife.
When you plant a garden, it is not just for you – it is a habitat for all living things around you. So, with that in mind, here is our top 10 native plants for Houston that do just that. Many are heat and drought tolerant – cheerfully returning year after year in your garden.
Click here to learn more: Buchanan's Top Ten Native Plants.
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Houston Botanic Gardens
Multifans Welcome
January 4, 2026 6:00 - 8 pm
Embody
Cultivate Wholeness
January 17, 2026 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
LEGO Nite at Radiant Nature
Get Your Clicks
January 17, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Garden Design & Mood Board Workshop
Bring Your Curiosity
January 24, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
*Be sure to confirm all events' details & fees by clicking the link below*:
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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: TAMU Harris County for Texas A&M University's
yearly planting calendar for Harris County.
You may want to print this out for future reference.
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.
Houston Area Urban Forestry Council - Tree Planting Guide
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
2025-2026 Officers:
President: Patricia Hattenbach
Vice President: Nicole Wood
Secretary: Amanda Cai
Treasurer: Peggy Wallace
Thanks again to Jim McCallum and Patricia Hattenbach for providing the Pet and Yard of the Month articles and photos.
It's wonderful to learn more about our great neighbors!
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Yards of the Month
for January 2026
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Happy Holidays in Idylwood!!
Thanks to all the neighbors who brought holiday cheer to brighten our streets and our spirits!
It is the season to be merry!
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Buchanan's Native Plants
(click the link above for access to their website)
January 2026
Planting Guide
- Plant vegetables from transplants like broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, collards, and lettuce.
- Plant seeds for lettuce, radish, and carrots. Begin seeding spring tomatoes inside.
- Plant rose bushes in prepared soil where they receive 6-8 full hours of sun every day. Prune rose bushes in February.
- Plant fruiting plants such as blueberries and blackberries; it is a good time to get them established.
- Focus on cool-season color such as pansies and violas, snapdragons, and dianthus. Get green Foxgloves, hollyhocks, larkspur, poppies, and delphiniums in your beds now for a gorgeous Spring show.
- Plant spring flowering trees and shrubs such as redbuds, fringe trees, Mexican plums, azaleas, and spirea. Now is a great time to plant.
Water
Maintain watering on newly planted seeds and transplants. Containers also need more frequent water than plants in the ground. Watch for drought stress between rain showers and
Pests
Loopers and Aphids are on the prowl. Keep a close eye on plants and catch them early. Treat with the least toxic method possible. Find and squish loopers or treat with organic BT. Spray away aphids with a strong stream of water or treat with insecticidal soap.
Weeds
Best way to control early spring weeds: dig them by hand. Easiest way: MOW THEM. They will die out when it gets warm. We do not recommend “weed & feed” products. Keep fallen leaves raked up so lawn grasses can receive adequate sunlight. Reuse leaves in beds as mulch or add them to compost bins.
Pruning
Crepe Myrtles need no pruning. If you must, you may shape gently now, but don’t commit Crepe Murder. Wait to prune spring-flowering trees such as deciduous magnolias, Mexican plums, and redbuds until after they bloom.
Birds
Keep bird baths scrubbed and filled with clean water. Keep seed in feeders fresh. After rain check for moist or damp seeds, and replace them promptly to keep birds healthy and happy. Continue to put out suet cakes for high-energy winter snacks.
Freezes
Keep an eye on the weather and stay informed on nighttime 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 weigh down cloths.
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If going out of town, alert your neighbors and request a Vacation Watch from Precinct 6 Constables. Click HERE to access the form.
Please keep an eye out for unusual activity and report to HPD (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.
To view crimes reported to HPD from through Jan 2025, download the HPD Excel file here and sort by zip code or beat. Our beat is 11H10, which includes several zip codes.
Click here to view the Community Crime Map. Enter 77023 in the search window and filter by date range.
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Jake Goldstein and Steve Palmer co-chair our patrol group and report the group’s collective 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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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 (residents only)
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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Idylwood Officers and Directors 2026
PRESIDENT: Doug Lawson (Merry)
VICE PRESIDENT: Suzy Harrington (Lindy)
TREASURER: Nicole Wood (Idylwood)
SECRETARY: Danika Murphy (Rockbridge)
Directors: Class A (two-year terms ending in December 2027):
Roberto Gomez (Park); Patricia Hattenbach (N. MacGregor); Jeff Hinderer (Park); Tim Johnson (Wildwood); Blake Mudd (Meadowlawn)
Directors: Class B (two-year terms ending in December 2026):
Beth Barrette (Meadowlawn); Chris Casey (Sylvan); Amy Dinn (Sylvan); 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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