Ann McCormick, the Herb 'n Cowgirl, to teach urban gardening
THE WOODLANDS, TX. – February 7, 2011 - While gardening may seem like a pastime restricted to homeowners with yards, Ann McCormick, the Herb 'n Cowgirl, will throw potting soil on that idea with advice on springtime plants and techniques for urban gardeners. She is a featured speaker and demonstrator at the Ninth Annual Spring Home & Garden Show at The Woodlands set for February 19 and 20 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive.
McCormick, a Texas native, has cultivated a love of flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables since her childhood and now travels the state sharing her evergreen information to create a blooming, healthy garden, whether it's planted in the front yard or in a few pots on a balcony.
At The Woodlands show, she will talk about creating culinary containers and the basics of container gardening, including how she selects plants.
McCormick said this is an ideal time to begin planting herbs like cilantro, oregano, parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Each herb has its own growing season.
'Cilantro is very popular to grow, and it is one that thrives best in cooler weather, so you must plant it early to enjoy the healthy plant and leaf production before the temperature gets too hot,' she said. 'Oregano is a great starter herb, and it will survive nicely in hot summers and will also do just fine when we have a sudden freeze. It is tolerant of neglect. Any of these herbs are great for use in cooking.'
McCormick is the author of the gardening and cook book, 10 Must-Have Herbs for Cooks.
'For each of the herbs in the book, I have about a two-page discussion on growing the herb itself, and that is followed by two recipes to try in the kitchen,' she said.
For anyone who enjoys fresh herbs in their dishes, homegrown fruits and vegetables are a must. McCormick said now is a great time to begin planting seeds indoors.
'Most of the seeds take about six to eight weeks to germinate, at which point it will be time to move them outside,' she said. 'This is a great opportunity to involve the children and grandchildren. Have them participate with you, because children who help grow vegetables are much more likely to eat vegetables.'
Tomatoes and flowers like marigolds and sweet alyssum are good plants to start early. McCormick said these plants can easily be cultivated indoors. She recommends ceramic pots. 'It is a good insulator in summer and winter and will last 10 to 15 years if taken care of.'
Visit the show to see What's New – What's Next – for your Home.
Industry experts
The show will feature speakers in the areas of gardening, landscaping, outdoor living, kitchen and bath, energy savings, green products, and home organization. View speaker schedules and a list of more than 200 exhibitors at www.WoodlandsShows.com.
Farmer's Market
New to the show this year, Grogan's Mill Farmer's Market will feature fresh vegetables and natural foods and products, with vendors from local farms, the Hill Country and area shops.
Live Broadcasts
Also speaking will be Randy Lemmon, host of NewsRadio 740 KTRH's GardenLine show, and Michael Garfield, The High-Tech Texan on The 9-5-0 KPRC, giving homeowners their tech fix. Both will be broadcasting live from the show. Lemmon will be introducing his latest book, 1001 GardenLine Questions with Randy Lemmon, and will have book signings at 10am-10:30am and 11:30am-1:00pm.
Hours
Home & Garden Show:
- Saturday, February 19, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, February 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Farmer’s Market:
- Saturday, February 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday, February 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Tickets and parking
Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and children under 12 are admitted free. FREE covered parking provided in the Convention Center garage on Six Pines with walkway to the hotel. Valet parking is available at the Hotel entrance, just 100 feet from the Convention Center.
Web site
www.WoodlandsShows.com –Download a $1.00 coupon toward show admission and look for the money tree to see money-saving special offers from exhibitors.
Media contacts:
Tony Wood, 832-274-3944
tony@texwoodshows.com
Susan Love Fitts Communications, 936-597-8825
susan@susanlovefitts.com