February 28, 2018
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Shade gardening beyond hostas
By Melinda Myers
A shady spot provides welcome relief from the summer heat; but it can make growing a beautiful garden a bit more challenging. Take heart, your landscape may receive more sunlight than you suspect and if not, there are quite a few shade-tolerant plants you can grow.
Evaluating the sun and shade patterns throughout the day, season, and year is a good place to start. Sun-loving bulbs need lots of sun early in the season before most trees leaf out, while other plants need sunlight throughout the growing season. If you work all day, you may assume those shady spots in the morning and evening never light up, so take some time to evaluate the sun and shade conditions throughout the season.
Make a list of plants that you have had success with and those that failed in the shady location. Use these to help you select or avoid plants with similar light requirements. For example, if peonies bloom and tomatoes produce fruit, this area receives quite a bit of sunlight, perhaps more than you thought.
If your landscape is too shady to grow the plants you desire, try increasing the sunlight reaching ground-level plantings. Hire a certified arborist to thin the overhead tree canopy. They have the training and experience to do the job safely and correctly. You don't want to damage the health and structure of established trees, so critical to the beauty of your landscape.
If there's too much shade to grow even shade-loving plants, consider mulch to keep the mud in place, permeable pavers and a table or chair for relaxing, or a few steppers and moss to create a moss garden.
Once you've made your selections and planted your garden, you need to adjust the care to compensate for the limited light conditions. Plants growing under large trees or overhangs need to be watered more often, especially the first year or two until they become established. The dense canopy of many trees and impervious overhangs prevent rainfall from reaching the ground below. Plus, the extensive root systems of trees and shrubs absorb much of the rainfall that does make it through, so check soil moisture several times a week and water thoroughly as needed.
Tree and shrub roots can also compete with plantings for nutrients. Use a low nitrogen, slow release fertilizer that promotes steady above- and below-ground growth. Apply slow-release fertilizers at planting and once again for annuals mid-season. Fertilize new and established perennials in early spring and again in mid-summer as needed.
Avoid high-nitrogen, quick-release fertilizers that promote lush succulent growth that is more susceptible to insects and diseases. And with limited light as a potential plant stressor, this can increase the risk of problems.
When planting under or near trees be careful not to kill them when creating your shade garden. Adding as little as an inch of soil over the roots can kill some tree species. And deep cultivation can damage the feeder roots critical for water and nutrient absorption since the majority grow within the top 12 inches of soil.
There are many shade-tolerant perennials to consider. As always make sure the plants also tolerate your region's climate. And once you start reviewing the internet and plant catalogs you may find it difficult to narrow down your choices to fit in your new shade garden.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 books, including Small Space Gardening
and The Midwest Gardener's Handbook.
She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for
Birds & Blooms magazine. Her web site is
www.melindamyers.com.
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Tips for community gardens
Soil Science Society of America
With garden season fast approaching, the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) has updated their Community Gardens website. There, gardeners can find out how to design and build community gardens.
"Community gardens are where the residents of a community are empowered to design, build, and maintain spaces in the community," says Mary Stromberger, a professor at Colorado State University, and leader of the SSSA team that updated the Community Garden website.
The site has tips on designing community gardens. Some community gardens are more casual, creating a chance to meet neighbors and participate in a common hobby. Other gardens might be focused on producing enough vegetables for themselves and to contribute to local food pantries. "Discussing vision in advance can make the garden's governance flow more smoothly," says Andrea Basche, content provider and assistant professor at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The below list outlines several different purposes for communal garden structures:
- Herb garden
- Flower garden
- Orchard
- Native plant garden
- Gathering place
- Children's garden
- Demonstration garden
- Community-run volunteer (take produce as you work model)
Finding a suitable site for a community garden can also be a challenge. "Top things to consider are visibility, access, environmental conditions, and soil quality," says Sarick Matzen, content provider and Ph.D. student at University of California, Berkeley. Some of the most successful gardens are situated in a place where the community naturally gathers. Access to the garden by participants' vehicles - or even delivery vehicles (think an order of new top soil) should be considered in choosing a site.
Of course, vegetables need adequate sunlight, so the amount of shade on the site should be considered. Alternatively, a bit of shade for workers can be a benefit.
Urban soil is often compacted, and can be contaminated if near an industrial site. Amendment or even raised beds may be necessary. In fact, raised beds offer many benefits, including increased accessibility for gardeners who are older or have disabilities. The site contains a section on raised bed construction as well.
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Gardening tips
If you are planning to add any new landscape plants this spring, be sure to consider the mature size of the plants when locating and spacing them. A lot of folks make the mistake of planting trees and shrubs too close to other plants and landscape features. So, when they mature, they crowd out those other plants or grow into the house eaves or patio cover. If all that "empty" space bothers you, fill it in with annuals until your longer-term planting grows up.
Have a favorite gardening tip you'd like to share?
Texas Gardener's Seeds is seeking brief gardening tips from Texas gardeners to use in future issues. If we publish your tip in
Seeds, we will send you a copy of
Texas Gardene
r's 2018 Planning Guide & Calendar. Please send your tips of 50 words or less to the editor at:
Garde
ning Tips.
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Upcoming garden events
If you would like your organization's events included in "Upcoming Garden Events" or would like to make a change to a listed event, please contact us at Garden Events. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details at least three weeks prior to the event.
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MARCH
Austin: The annual plant sale/fundraiser for Sunshine Community Gardens, 4814 Sunshine Drive, Austin, will be held
March 3, 9:00 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sunshine Community Gardens are the largest community garden in Austin with the largest community garden plant sale. Available will be organically grown tomatoes (126 varieties), peppers (80 varieties), eggplants, tomatillos, herbs, natives and ornamentals, plus compost to help them all be healthy and happy. For more information, visit
sunshinecommunitygardens.org.
Austin:
The Austin Organic Gardeners' Club's annual plant sale will be held Saturday, March 3, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, in the Zilker Botanical Gardens. They will be selling organic vegetable and herb starts for the spring garden as well as ornamentals and seeds. Veteran gardeners will be there to answer your questions. L
ocal vendors, including many members, will have homemade goodies. Stroll the beautiful gardens at the botanical center, pick up some plants for the garden and landscape, and check out the wares from local artisans and businesses.
For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org.
Tomball: Tom LeRoy and Bill Adams, Authors, will present "
Spring Vegetable Gardening,"
Saturday, March 3, 10:00 a.m., at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. LeRoy and Adams each have 30-plus years of experience as TAMU Extension Horticulture agents in South Central Texas. They can help you with what to grow, when to grow it and the best varieties to plant. They've been trialing vegetables in test gardens with Master Gardeners and in their own home gardens for years so you can be sure they are speaking from experience. Got bugs/diseases/weeds? They can steer you to the best controls-organic and otherwise. For additional information, visit arborgate.com.
Galveston: The 6th Annual Gulf Coast Herb Fair will be held at Moody Gardens,
One Hope Blvd., Galveston,
on Wednesday, March 7, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The theme of this year's fair is celebrating the herb of the year: Hops. Hops is the flower that gives beer its distinctive bittersweet tang. It also has medicinal uses, such as a component in stress relievers, anxiety reducers and sleep aids. And pillow and sachets often use hops along with lavender, rosemary and other herbs for their sweet smells. A noon luncheon sponsored by the Friends of Moody Gardens will feature Mark Dell'Osso, owner of Galveston Island Brewing Co., and Greg Whittaker, a home brewer using sargassum to make his brew. Luncheon is $35 per person. Contact Ellen Perry at e.l.perry@att.net for more information. Vendors selling herbs and other craft items will be available in the Visitor Center at Moody Gardens. The event is free and open to the public. Other lectures will be conducted by Galveston County Master Gardener and homebrewer John Jons, who will talk at 9:30 a.m. about growing and using hops. Proceeds of the Gulf Coast Herb Fair help the Friends of the Moody Gardens provide educational outings to schoolchildren and seniors.
Navasota: "Being One with Nature" Nature Walk at Becker Home, 2578 Vista Hills Dr., Navasota, at 10:00 a.m., March 7.
Houston: "Essentials of Growing Roses"
is the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting, Thursday, March 8, 7:00 p.m., at the Cherie Flores Garden Pavillon, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. The parking lot is Lot C located at Hermann Drive and Crawford Street. James Laperouse, a Consulting Rosarian, exhibitor and American Rose Society Judge, will share his knowledge and personal experience of growing beautiful roses in Houston. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. Social time and refreshments at 7:00 p.m.
Free admission. For additional information, visit http://www.houstonrose.org.
Tomball: Ann Wheeler, Log House Herbs, and Chef Chris Crowder present Cocktails in the Garden, Thursday, March 8, 10 a.m. at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. Herbs for the garden, libations for the gardener. For additional information, visit arborgate.com.
Nacogdoches: Frantisek Majs, SFA Soils Laboratory director, leads "Taking Care of Soils of All Ages and Testing Your Soil for Better Fruits, Vegetables and Landscapes," 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., March 8, in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St., Nacodoches. For additional information, visit sfagardens.sfasu.edu.
New Braunfels: The 7th Annual Spring Seminar, "Secrets in the Garden" Native Plants and Their Pollinators, will be presented Friday, March 9, at the McKenna Events Center, 801 San Antonio Street, New Braunfels. $55 admission includes lunch, snacks, door prizes and vendors. 6 CEUs for Master Gardeners.
Tyler:
Master Gardeners at the Library, March 9, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. "Raised Bed Gardening on a Hillside" with Smith County Master Gardener Wayne Elliott. Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College, Tyler. Free and open to the public. For additional information, visit
www.txmg.org/smith
or call 903-590-2980.
Conroe
: Saturday, March 10. Educational Classes.
Session 1: Floral Plants for Montgomery County. 8:00 until 10:00 a.m. Session 2: Vegetables for Montgomery County. 10:30 until 12:30 p.m. $5 per session or $8 for both. Come learn what you need to know about having great gardens in Montgomery County. Montgomery County Master Gardeners, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. For more info, visit www.mcmga.com or call 936-539-7824.
Austin: Edward Self will discuss growing rare and tropical fruit in Central Texas at the March 12 meeting of The Austin Organic Gardeners' Club at the Austin Area Garden Center,
2220 Barton Springs Rd, in Zilker Botanical Gardens
. Doors open at
6:30 p.m.
for the opportunity to meet, mingle, and ask questions with experienced local gardeners. Club business begins
at 7:00 p.m.
, followed by the guest speaker presentation. For more information, visit
www.austinorganicgardeners.org
.
Marion:
The
Guadalupe Chapter
of the Native Plant Society of Texas p
resents
"
An Adventure in Home Rain Gardening,
" at 7:00 p.m.,
Tuesday, March 13, at St John's Lutheran Church, FM 465, Marion. This presentation features a home re-landscaping project inspired by the Mission Reach Ecorestoration Project of the San Antonio River and considerable training in Low Impact Design (LID) techniques from San Antonio River Authority staff. It encompasses a storm water management system of rain gardens and swales highlighted with a diverse array of native plants, creating a unique, low maintenance, sustainable wildscape. Donald Ewers is the Texas Master Naturalist liaison to the San Antonio River Authority and a member of SARA's Environmental Advisory Committee, as well as the vice-president of the San Antonio Chapter of NPSOT. Meetings are open to the public. Visitors are welcome. There is a plant/seed exchange and greeting at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, directions to St John's Lutheran Church, or membership applications, visit http://npsot.org/wp/guadalupe/.
Round Top: The
23rd Annual Plant and Gift Sale of the Herb Society of America - Pioneer Unit will take place 9 a.m.-5 p.m., March 16, and 8:00 a.m.-5 p.m., March 17, at Festival Hill Institute, 248 Jaster Road, just north of Round Top off Hwy 237. Replace plants and refresh beds that were freeze-damaged from the great selection of bedding plants, herbs, shrubs, roses, succulents, and trees. Attendees will find new varieties and old favorites in the Plant Sale, as well as lovely garden gifts and food items in the Thyme Well Spent Shop. Credit cards, cash, and checks accepted. There is no admission fee. Proceeds from the sale are used to provide support for the gardens at Festival Hill as well as the Sensory Garden at Brenham Elementary. For additional information, visit www.herbsocietypioneer.org or email henryf@festivalhill.org.
Bonham: Fannin County Master Gardeners 2018 Garden, Lawn and Home Expo, Saturday, March 24, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Bonham Civic Center (former Armory Bldg.) 1100 W 5th St. Hwy 121 & Hwy 56, Bonham. Speakers: 9:00 a.m., Michael Cook, Denton Co. Viticulture Specialist, Topic "Backyard Viticulture: Growing Grapes in North Texas"; 11:00 a.m., Steve Chamblee, Chandor Gardens, Weatherford, Topic "Texas Tough 50"; 1:00 p.m., Steve Chamblee, Topic "Great Garden Ideas"; 2:00 p.m. Janet Rowe, The Bee Charmer, Topic "Hobby Bee Keeping." For additional information, email: fannin@ag.tamu.edu or phone 903-583-7453.
Burnet: The Highland Lakes Master Gardeners will present their 20th Annual Lawn & Garden Show at the Burnet Community center, 401 Jackson St., Burnet,
March 24, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This free family event has variety of native, exotic plants, herbs flowers and vegetables. Demonstrations throughout the day on many garden techniques. The show features children activities, a quilt raffle, silent auction and food for purchase. For more information, contact Irene Daphin at 254-498-6009.Vendors contact Roxanne Dunegan at 512-756-9396.
Conroe
: Saturday, March 24
, Spring Plant Sale. Presentation 8:00 a.m., sale 9:00 a.m. until noon. Get your spring "yardening" needs! Don't forget your wagon. On sale are varieties that will do well in Montgomery County. Montgomery County Master Gardeners, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe
. For more info, call 936-539-7824 or visit www.mcmga.com.
Huntsville: Herb Festival at the Wynne Home, Saturday, March 24, 8:00-2:00, on the grounds of the beautifully restored Wynne Home Arts Center, 1428 Eleventh Street, Huntsville. Sponsored by the Texas Thyme Unit of The Herb Society of America. Herb plants galore; pollinator plants; vegetables, kitchen, garden and herbal vendors; gardening and culinary demonstrations; music; children's crafts; artists and more! Free admission. The Wynne Home will be open to visitors. For information, call 936-891-5024.
Nacogdoches: Join charming fairies for a delightful Little Princess Tea Party with treats, music and merriment among the enchanting pines and azaleas at either 10:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., March 24, in the Ruby M. Mize Asalea Garden at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St., Nacogdoches. Wear princess or fairy apparel and enjoy a magical day in the garden. Recommended for princesses aged 3-10 accompanied by an adult. $30 are per person and can be reserved online at sfagardens.sfasu.edu. For more information, call 936-468-1832 email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.
Orangefield: The Orange County Master Gardeners Association will hold their Annual Bloomin' Crazy Plant Fair, March 24, 8:00 a.m.-1 p.m. at Cormier Park, 8235 FM 1442, Orangefield. All types of plants will be available, including bedding plants, Texas SuperStars, citrus, avocados, blueberries, roses, succulents, trees, shrubs and many more types. Potential vendors and attendees can find more information at
https://txmg.org/orange.
Tomball: Jeremy Kollaus, Swiss Alp Growers, will present "
Want to Grow Veggies? Where, What, and When to Plant!" Wednesday,
March 28, Noon-1:00 p.m. at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball.
From seed to table, Kollaus will share his knowledge and experience on producing a bountiful harvest.
For more information, visit arborgate.com.
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APRIL
Tomball: Skip Richter, Texas Gardener contributing editor, will present Summer Color in the Landscape, Wednesday, April 25, Noon-1:00 p.m., at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. Landscape color options are plentiful in the spring but in summer our landscapes often become a "sea of green." Richter will discuss some of the best plant options for maintaining a beautiful, colorful landscape in the hot summer months. For more information, visit arborgate.com.
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Monthly meetings
If you would like your organization's events included in "Monthly Meetings" or would like to make a change to a listed meeting, please contact us at Monthly Meetings. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details.
FIRST WEEK
Kaufman:
The Kaufman County Master Gardeners meet the first Monday of each month at the First Community Church at 1401 Trinity Drive in Crandall. January through April and August and September meetings are at 9 a.m., with the remaining meetings beginning at 7 p.m. For additional information, visit http://www.kcmga.org, call 972-932-9069 or email to sbburden@ag.tamu.edu.
Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners meet at noon the
first Tuesday of each month at a location in Houston to be determined. For additional information, visit
http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/ or call 713-274-0950.
Dallas: Garden Masters, Inc., meet the
first Wednesday of each month at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas. The club hosts different speaker each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch! For more information, email Bunny Williams at
bunny-williams@sbcglobal.net.
Kerrville: Hill Country Master Gardeners meet the
first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy 27. For more information visit
www.hillcountrymastergardeners.org.
Midland/Odessa: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners meet at noon, the
first Wednesday of each month, lternating between the Midland and Ector County's Extensions Offices. For more information about location, call 432-498-4071 or 432-686-4700.
Navasota: The Navasota Garden Club meets on the
first Wednesday of each month (September through May) at 10:00 a.m., usually at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 300 Church Street, Navasota. If not meeting at the church, a change of meeting notice will be placed on the door at the North entrance. Guests are welcome. Members are from Grimes County and surrounding counties.
Allen: The Allen Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. on the
first Thursday of each month, February through December, at the Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St., Allen. For more information, visit
www.allengardenclub.org.
Atlanta: The Cass County Master Gardeners meet the
first Thursday of each month at the Atlanta Memorial Hospital Conference Room, State Highway 77 @ S. Williams St., Atlanta. A business meeting is followed by an educational program. The public is welcome to attend. For additional information, call 903-756-5391 or visit
http://cass.agrilife.org.
Fort Worth:
The Native Plant Society of Texas - North Central Chapter meets the first Thursday of each month, excluding January and July, at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7:00 p.m. Guest speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Members, friends, family, guests and the public are welcome. For a list of speakers and topics or more information, visit http://www.txnativeplants.org.
Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners usually meet at 9 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Waller County AgriLife Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. For more information on the meeting schedule, visit http://txmg.org/wallermg or call 979-826-7651.
Gonzalas: Gonzales Master Gardeners hold their monthly meeting at noon on the
first Thursday of each month at 623 Fair Street, Gonzales. Bring a bag lunch, drinks provided. Contact AgriLife Extension Office at 830-672-8531 or visit
http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org
for more information.
New Braunfels: The Comal Garden Club meets the
first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Southbank Clubhouse, 222 Southbank Blvd., New Braunfels.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts a special Peckerwood Insider's Tour at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. Spaces are limited so pre-registration is required. $15, free for members. For more information, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
SECOND WEEK
Austin: Austin Organic Gardeners Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the
second Monday of each month (except December) at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin. For more information, visit
www.austinorganicgardeners.org.
Jacksonville: The Cherokee County Master Gardeners meet on the
second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Woodmen of the World, 1800 College Ave., Jacksonville. For more information, e-mail Tom Abbott at
tom@deerfield-abbey.org.
Glen Rose: The Glen Rose Garden Club meets at 10 a.m. on the
second Tuesday of each month (September through May) at the Somervell County Community Center in Glen Rose. For additional information, email
stringer030@yahoo.com.
Glen Rose: The Prairie Rose Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 6 p.m. on the
second Monday of each month at the Somerville County Citizen Center, 209 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose. For additional information, email
prairierose.npsot@gmail.com.
Harrison County: The Harrison County Master Gardeners meet on the
second Tuesday of each month in the Harrison County Annex building, 102 W Houston St. (south side of the square), Marshall. Meetings are held in the 2nd floor AgriLife Extension meeting room. For more information, call 903-935-8413, or email
wannagrow2@gmail.com.
Marion: The Guadalupe County (Schertz/Seguin) Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the
second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John's Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John's Lutheran Church: From FM 78 turn south onto FM 465 and the church is just past the Marion School on the right. From IH-10 go north on FM 465 towards Marion. The Church will be on the left, just before you get to town. A plant exchange and meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT visit
www.npsot.org/GuadalupeCounty/
or contact
guadalupecounty@npsot.org.
Quitman: The Quitman Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. the
second Tuesday of each month at the Quitman Library on E Goode Street, Quitman. It is a diverse group that welcomes all visitors. For more information, e-mail
quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.
Denton:
The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the
second Wednesday of each month
. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit
http://dcmga.com/.
Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the
second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.
Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the
second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.
Longview:
The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners.
Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the
second
Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit
www.rockportherbs.or
g and
http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.
Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners meet on the
second Wednesday each month at noon at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd., Woodway. Educational programs follow the business session. For more information, call 254-757-5180.
Beaumont: The Jefferson County Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. (social) 7:00 (meeting) the
second Thursday of each month except in July in the AgriLife Extension auditorium, 1225 Pearl 2nd floor (downtown Beaumont next to the Court House). For more information contact: 409-835-8461 or
txmg.org/jcmg.
Georgetown: The Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. the
second Thursday of each month at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street. Georgetown. For additional information, contract Kathy Henderson at kshend@verizon.net or visit
http://www.npsot.org/wp/wilco.
Orange: The Orange County Master Gardeners Association holds their monthly meeting on the
second Thursday of each month. A short program is presented. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the new Orange County Expo Center on Hwy 1442 in Orangefield. Enter the building in the front entrance, first door on the right, Texas AgriLife offices. Pot luck supper at 6 p.m. Visit
http://txmg.org/orange
for more information.
Pasadena
: The Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold an educational program at 10 a.m. on the
second Thursday of each month
at The Genoa Friendship Garden Educational Building at 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Pasadena. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information,
visit http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu
.
San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society meets at 7 p.m. on the
second Thursday of each month at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels (corner of Funston & N. New Braunfels). For more information on programs, visit
www.sanantonioherbs.org.
Smithville: The Smithville Community Gardens meets at 5:30 p.m. the
second Thursday of each month at the Smithville Recreation Center.
Angleton: The Brazoria County Master Gardeners meet at 11 a.m. on the
second Friday of each month at the Brazoria County Extension Office, 21017 County Road 171, Angleton. There is a general business meeting followed by a brief educational program each month. For further information call 979-864-1558, ext.110.
College Station: The A&M Garden Club meets on the
second Friday of each month during the school year at 9:30 a.m. in the training room of the College Station Waste Water Facility building at the end of North Forest Parkway, College Station. Expert speakers, plant sharing, and federated club projects help members learn about gardening in the Brazos Valley, floral design, conservation, and more. For more information, visit
http://www.amgardenclub.com/.
Houston: The Spring Branch African Violet Club meets the
second Saturday of each month, January through November, at 10:30am at the Copperfield Baptist Church, 8350 Highway 6 North, Houston. Call Karla at 281-748-8417 prior to attending to confirm meeting date and time.
Kilgore: Northeast Texas Organic Gardeners meets at 1:30 p.m. on the
second Saturday of each month. For more information, call Carole Ramke at 903-986-9475.
Dallas: The Rainbow Garden Club of North Texas meets the
second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Meetings are held at member's homes and garden centers around the area. For more information, visit
www.RainbowGardenClub.com.
THIRD WEEK
Arlington: The Arlington Men's Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the
third Monday of each month (except December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact Lance Jepson at
LJepson@aol.com.
Cleburne:
The Johnson County Master Gardener's meet on the third Monday of each month at McGregor House, 1628 W Henderson, Cleburne. Meeting times are at 2 p.m. October through April, except December and at 6 p.m. May through September. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For additional information, contact Elaine Bell at 817-309-8052.
New Braunfels: The Comal Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. the
third Monday of each month (except April and December,) at the
GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. An educational program precedes the business meeting. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, call 830-620-3440 or visit
http://txmg.org/comal/.
Texarkana: The Four Corners Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 7 p.m. on the
third Monday of each month at the Southwest Center, 3222 W. 7th St. (U.S. 67), Texarkana. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Belinda McCoy at 903-424-7724 or
blackmtngardens@yahoo.com.
Corpus Christi: The Nueces Master Gardeners meet at noon the
third Tuesday of each month, except December, at Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For further information call 361 767-5217.
Evant: The Evant Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., usually at the bank in downtown Evant. To confirm the date, time and place of each month's meeting, call 254-471-5860.
New Braunfels:
The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the third Tuesday of each month at
6:30 pm
at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. Meetings include an informative speaker
and a Plant of the Month presentation. Meetings are free and
visitors are welcome. For more information,visit www.npsot.org/w/lindheimer.
Note
: there will be no meeting in June or December.
Rockport: Monthly meetings of the Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners are held at 10 a.m. on the
third Tuesday of each month at Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Aransas County Office, 892 Airport Rd., Rockport. For additional information, e-mail
aransas-tx@tamu.edu or call 361-790-0103.
Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club meets on the
third Tuesday of each month, September through November and January through April at 10 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. The club hosts a different speaker each month. For more information, visit
www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.
Denton: The Denton Organic Society, a group devoted to sharing information and educating the public regarding organic principles, meets the
third Wednesday of each month (except July, August and December) at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Avenue. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are preceded by a social at 6:30. For more information, call 940-382-8551.
Glen Rose: The Somervell County Master Gardeners meet at 10 a.m., the
third Wednesday of each month at the Somervell County AgriLife Extension office, 1405 Texas Drive, Glen Rose. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 254-897-2809 or visit
www.somervellmastergardeners.org.
Granbury: The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners meet at 1 p.m. on the
third Wednesday of each month at the Hood County Annex 1, 1410 West Pearl Street, Granbury. The public is invited to attend. There is an educational program each month preceding the business meeting. For information on topics call 817-579-3280 or visit
http://www.hoodcountymastergardeners.org/.
Abilene: The Master Gardeners meet the
third Thursday of each month at the Taylor County Extension Office, 1982 Lytle Way, Abilene. For more information, contact Lind Spivey, Corresponding Secretary at
spivey209@hotmail.com.
Brownwood: Brownwood Garden Club meets the
third Thursday of each month, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. The club meetings are at Southside Baptist Church, 1219 Indian Creek Road, with refreshments and a speaker presentation. Visitors are welcome. For more information, email
boeblingen@centex.net or call 817-454-8175.
Hallettsville: The Hallettsville Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. on the
third Thursday of each month from September through May, at the Hallettsville Garden and Cultural Center, 605 E 2nd St, Hallettsville. Each month, the club hosts speakers that provide informative programs on a wide range of gardening subjects, and refreshments are provided by member hostesses after the business meeting. Visitors are welcome. Please email Sharon Harrigan at
sharonspetals@yahoo.com for more information.
Houston: The Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston (NPSOT-H) meets at 7:30 p.m. on the
third Thursday of each month except for October (4th Thursday) at the Houston SArboretum and Nature Center in Memorial Park (4501 Woodway Dr.). For more information on programs, and for information about native plants for Houston, visit
http:/npsot.org/wp/Houston.
San Antonio: The Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) meet on the
third Thursday of each month at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 208, San Antonio. During the months of Jan., March, May, July, Sep. and Nov., an evening meeting begins with a social time at 6 p.m. followed by a free presentation from 6:30-8:30 p.m. During the intervening months (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec.), afternoon educational seminars/general meetings are held from 1-3:30 p.m. Check
http://www.bexarmg.org/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting.
Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners meets at 6:30 p.m. the
third Thursday of each month, at the AgriLife Building, 210 East Live Oak, Seguin. After a brief social hour, the meeting and guest speaker begins at 7 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 830-303-3889 or visit
www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts the Evening at Peckerwood Lecture series at 7 p.m. on the
third Friday of each month. Tickets are available online. Tickets are $10, $5 for members.For more information, visit
http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
FOURTH WEEK
Brackenridge Park: The Native Plant Society San Antonio Chapter meets every
fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Lions Field Adult and Senior Center, 2809 Broadway at E. Mulberry, Brackenridge Park, except August and December. Social and seed/plant exchange at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Bea at 210-999-7292 or visit
www.npsot.org/sanantonio.
Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners, a program of Texas AgriLife Extension, meet the
fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan. There is a public gardening program at each meeting and pertinent information may be found at
brazosmg.com or 979-823-0129.
Edna: The Jackson County Master Gardeners present their "Come Grown With Us" seminars on the
fourth Tuesday of each month, January through October, beginning at 7 p.m. at 411 N. Wells, Edna. The seminars are free, open to the public and offer 2 CEU hours to Master Gardeners or others requiring them. For additional information, contact the Jackson County Extension Office at 361-782-3312.
Linden: The Caddo Wildflower Chapter of Native Plants Society meets the
fourth Tuesday of each month at the senior citizens building at 507 S Kaufman St. in Linden at 6:30. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Karen Tromza at
khtromza@yahoo.com.
Fort Worth: The Organic Garden Club of Forth Worth meets at 7 p.m. on the
fourth Tuesday of each month except July and December at the Deborah Beggs Moncrief Garden Center, 3220 Botanic Blvd., Ft. Worth. Refreshments are served. For more information, call 817-263-9322 or visit
www.ogcfw.webs.com.
San Antonio: The Native Plant Society of Texas San Antonio Chapter meets the
fourth Tuesday of each month, except August and December, at the Lions Field Adult & Senior Center, 2809 Broadway, San Antonio. Social and plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit
www.npsot.org/sanantonio or email
npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com.
Houston: The Houston Native Prairie Association meets at 7 p.m. on the
fourth Wednesday of each month at the Cherie Flores Pavilion in McGovern Centennial Gardens at Hermann Park, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. For more information, contact
hnpat@prairies.org.
Austin: The Garden Club of Austin meets at Zilker Botanical Gardens auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, at 7:00 p.m. on the
fourth Thursday of each month. 7:00-7:30 p.m. Refreshments and Social, followed by a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Free. For additional information, visit
http://thegardenclubofaustin.org/.
Leander:
The Leander Garden Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month (except June, July and August) at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Room of the Leander Presbyterian Church, 101 N. West St., Leander, unless there is a special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, there is a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call President Kathleen Tully at 512-422-8580 or email LeanderGardenClub@gmail.com .
Dallas: The Dallas County Master Gardeners meet the
fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. For location and program information, visit
h
ttp://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.
Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 7:00 p.m. on the
fourth Thursday of each month at the REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas. For more information, call 214-824-2448 or visit
www.gdogc.org.
Arlington: The Arlington Organic Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the
last Thursday of each month (except November and December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact David at 817-483-7746.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, holds an Open Day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. Tours start at 10 a.m. and the last tour leaves at 2 p.m. Tickets available online or at the gate. $10, free for members. For more information, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
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Texas Gardener digital edition available-Only $19.95 per year (digital only) or $9 per year if you tack it on to your print subscription!
Same magazine as our print edition without the paper and at a better price. Fully compatible with your desktop, laptop, iPad or Tablet. Access Texas Gardener anywhere, anytime: at the office, home, vacation, even in the garden. Easy to use with robust features and fully searchable archive as long as your subscription is active. Click on this link to explore your options
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2018 Planning Guide & Calendar
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