HOUSTON -- Some serious gardeners are using their green thumbs to not only help the planet, but also to raise a little bit of green for a good cause. Here is how you can get in on the action.

Garden Guru Jon Carloftis is selling his charity birdhouses to help raise money. "They are made with all-natural glazes," said Carloftis. "There are no chemicals involved. They are made by American hands, which we need."

The pink-roofed birdhouses are just part of a new green drive by the National Garden Club, Inc. This time, green means money.

Ten percent of the $65 birdhouses will go to Susan G. Komen breast cancer research programs, and another 5 percent will support the clubs' garden therapy programs.

With a sister who died of breast cancer and a mother who is a survivor, Carloftis said being able to use his green thumb to support gardening and money-raising is a treat.

"It was all meant to be," he said.

National Club President Barbara May said, "It all came together really well."

But the pink doesn't stop there, and neither does the green. Anyone donating money through the National Garden Club Web site will get a little gift in return.

"When you donate, everyone will receive a packet of Pink Dianthus seeds donated by the Burpee Seed Company," said May.

That part of the project is called Plant Pink.

"We are hoping it will grow and become a movement," May said. "People will see pink everywhere."

How To Grow Dianthus In Houston

Tips provided by Pat Spiller with the Houston Garden Club

Dianthus grows well in the Houston area but they do not like heat.
Plant in August in pots inside or a green house. When they get big enough, and you see the plant's third leaf, set them out in the plant bed.
In late January, early February they begin to bloom and will continue to until May.
You can also plant some in mid-December in the same pot in case some don't survive. This will also lengthen the blooming period a bit.
Plant the Dianthus in some place that gets sun but also gets afternoon shade.
Everything grows better in loamy soil, but we don't have that. We have clay. So, be sure you have a good root-ball to put in the ground.
Try to put mulch down once the plant is in the ground.