Let's talk about hibiscus this week. Over the weekend, I told the story of how I saved my prized hibiscus from a viral disease in the plant's root system.  If you want to know the remedy, hook up with us on Facebook. By the start of Saturday's radio show, I will also provide my recipe for preventing the soil virus in future hibiscus.

Before we do that, I want to highlight that particular variety of hibiscus and a few others that are fascinating in their color, ruffle, etc.  Hibiscus can be more than simple yellows, reds or pinks in landscapes.  There are unusual hybrids becoming more available at retail garden centers. I think these are worth the care and mollycoddling during the winter months to produce spectacular blooms that will last almost 8 months out of the year.

This introduction to more than just the standard-colored hibiscus coincides with our GardenLine appearance this Saturday at one of the most renowned tropical nurseries of our time, Maas Nursery in Seabrook.  I'll give you more details on the appearance later. First, let me introduce you to a few of the aforementioned hibiscus.

Mine is known as the Windjammer. It's not readily available yet, but that day is coming. In the meantime, check out this lineup of unusual and equally fascinating hibiscus available at Maas this weekend. 

If you want more distinctive hibiscus, make your way to an upcoming American Hibiscus Society show in our area.  In fact, one happened in Pasadena last week and prompted me to write this week's email tip. 

Here's a list of upcoming shows from some hibiscus society experts:

• Sunday, April 28 – Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Rd. Sugarland, TX.
• Saturday, May 11 – Nessler Center, Wings of Heritage Room, 2010  Fifth Ave. North, Texas City, TX.
• Sunday, June 2 – East Harris County Activity Center, 7340 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX.
• Sunday, June 9 – Bellaire Community Center, 7008 S. Rice Ave, Bellaire, TX.

Gardenline Appearance Saturday at Maas Nursery

If you would like to buy an unusual hibiscus and you can't wait until the end of April, come see us this Saturday at Maas Nursery, 5511 Toddville Rd., Seabrook, Tx. We will be there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., plus we are giving away various Microlife Fertilizer products.

If you've never been to Maas, it's worth the trip no matter where you're coming from. Visit their website and check the maps on how to get there. This is an 8-acre, eclectic gardening paradise filled with those unusual tropicals that work in this region, plus all kinds of garden art and every imaginable potting container in the world.

The words "In the world" are key here. They import remarkable items not just from Mexico but South America, Asia and the Far East. Plus, if you've not been to their new outdoor amphitheater for classes and appearances like this, you've got to come see us from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday. Everyone in attendance at the start of the show will get one of our new Lemmonhead shirts for being there and on-time.