Tulips and Rice Owls in Houston

February 23, 2026

Blushing orange tulips greeted me final week in Houston in my pal Amy’s backyard. Spring hadn’t but cracked open buds on timber and perennials. However oh, these tulips — such impractical magic!

Amy advised me her designer, David Morello, crops a handful of tulip bulbs every fall in massive terracotta pots as a part of his upkeep of the backyard. The orange-on-orange flowers heat up the backyard in early spring, and it doesn’t take many to make an impression.

Along with her hot-pink shirt, Amy was giving spring vibes herself.

Meet the Writer occasion at Rice College

That night, Amy and I appeared collectively at Rice College for a Meet the Writer occasion coordinated by Rice Alumni and Buddies of Fondren. In entrance of a full room (plus a Zoom viewers) of alums and different attendees, with Amy main the dialog as moderator, I shared about my years at Rice and the way my writing profession and new e-book developed.

Amy and I’m going method again — to our freshman yr of school — so it felt particularly significant to sit down beside her and reminisce earlier than a crowd of Rice Owls. I identified that three of the featured gardens in my e-book belong to alumnae: Amy’s in Houston, Dacia Napier’s in San Antonio, and my very own in Austin. Gardening Owls throughout Texas!

Again within the late ’80s, I by no means would have guessed I’d return to Rice as a featured writer. But when I had, I’m fairly certain I’d have pictured Amy proper there with me, cheering me on. Thanks, Amy!

Thanks to Buddies of Fondren and government director Mary Lowery for inviting me and placing on such a beautiful occasion. And due to everybody who got here out — mates, fellow Owls, and native backyard lovers — to rejoice Texas gardens with us.

Heading to San Antonio

A fast be aware to say on Saturday I’m heading to an occasion at San Antonio Botanical Backyard. Should you’re within the space, I hope you’ll be a part of me. And in case you have garden-loving mates in San Antonio, please share the phrase!

February 28, 1-3 pm – San Antonio Botanical Backyard

Be a part of me for a “Gardens of Texas” presentation and uncover sensible methods and inspiration for creating gardens with the resilience to climate Texas’s excessive local weather. I’ll have books obtainable on the market and signing too. This occasion is free with admission or Backyard membership! Reservations really helpful attributable to restricted area. Reserve your spot right here.

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Digging Deeper

My new e-book, Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, is right here! Discover it on Amazon, different on-line e-book sellers, and in shops all over the place. It’s for anybody who loves gardens or the pure fantastic thing about Texas. Extra information right here.

Come see me on tour! I’ll be talking and internet hosting e-book occasions throughout Texas this spring to rejoice the discharge of Gardens of Texas. Be a part of me to study, get impressed, and say whats up!

Study backyard design and ecology at Backyard Spark! I manage in-person talks by designers, panorama architects, authors, and gardeners just a few occasions a yr in Austin. Subscribe to Backyard Spark by clicking right here to electronic mail — topic line: SUBSCRIBE.

All materials © 2026 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized copy prohibited.