July 7, 2011

Here's Randy's Weekly KTRH GardenLine Tip:

Issue #219

Two of this region's most famous gardening authorities passed away last week.

Sally McQueen Squire, widely known as Houston's Bulb Lady, died in her sleep Sun., June 26, at the age of 82. Her book, A Gardener's Guide to Growing Bulbs on the Gulf Coast, has long been considered a bible on the subject. Sally's influence also reached far beyond this area through her publishing firm, River Bend Co. She was also the longtime editor of The Hort Book, a popular free publication offered at the annual Garden Club of Houston Bulb & Plant Mart.

Sally's obituary in The Houston Chronicle, was complimented by a column about her by Kathy Huber, the paper's gardening editor. You can make donations in Sally's honor to the Community Memorial Fund of the Garden Club of Houston.

Our second great loss also reaches well beyond the Houston area. George Ballas Sr., the local entrepreneur best known for his invention of the Weed Eater, died Sat., June 25, at the age of 85. Anyone who cut grass near a fence or flower beds before 1971 had to use hand shears.

Ballas' invention can be credited for changing forever the way we cut grass.

His death has also saddened the world of ballroom dancing. In the 1950s, Ballas operated in Houston what was thought to be the largest dance studio in the world. His wife Maria Louisa, son Corky, and grandson Mark have also acheived fame in professional dancing.

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