June 6, 2018
|
|
The garden reader:
Beloved pass-alongs - heirlooms, cacti, houseplants
By William Scheick
William Woys Weaver. Heirloom Vegetable Gardening: A Master Gardener's Guide to Planting, Seed Saving, and Cultural History. Voyageur Press, 2018. 481 pp. $40.00.
Heirloom Vegetable Gardening
features stories about food, particularly "why this food is important to our identity as Americans." These heritage veggies, William Woys Weaver contends, "are as much a socializing métier with loaded philosophical messages as they are simple food."
After a short review of gardening history, the author profiles the origins and impact of over 300 veggies, from artichokes to yams. He includes, as well, a fascinating, lengthy inventory of a variety of beans.
If such an inventory sounds predictable, think again and expect the unexpected - such as the red-flowered asparagus pea (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus). "This cheerful garden vegetable," which is neither an asparagus nor a pea, proves to be an easy-to-grow "epicurean treat."
Also consider martynia (Proboscidea louisianica), a green-podded Southern perennial. Loving "hot, humid weather and warm summer nights," this Cajun ingredient should be cultivated like okra.
Weaver's treasure-trove book is chock full of other unusual heirloom veggies, such as earth almond (Cyperus esculentus), crosne (Stachys affinis), salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius) and skirret (Sium sisarum).
Chris McLaughlin. Growing Heirloom Flowers: Bring the Vintage Beauty of Heritage Blooms to Your Modern Garden. Cool Springs Press, 2018. 160 pp. $$25.00.
"It's the club-of-plants-past that holds the flowers of my heart," Chris McLaughlin explains in Growing Heirloom Flowers. "This book is all about the old-fashioned flowers that connect yesterday's gardeners to today's gardeners and most assuredly to tomorrow's gardeners."
In this fabulously designed hardback, even the most familiar plants (hollyhock, dahlia, foxglove, poppy, larkspur and the like) appear in photos so radiant they seem to invite touching and sniffing! Less familiar beauties worth more attention include heliotrope, love-in-the-mist, straw flower, statice, honesty and kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate.
Besides giving short, precise histories of these heirlooms, McLaughlin indicates which ones should be considered ideal for cutting, fragrance, handcrafts and cottage-garden effects. He also offers instruction on the art of pressing flowers as well on how to make frozen-flower ice cubes, lavender-honey syrup and an apparently tasty brew called "blue-goddess smoothie."
Gideon F. Smith. Cacti and Succulents: Basic Growing Techniques and a Directory of More Than 140 Common Species and Varieties. Companion House Books, 2018. 192 pp. $ 19.99.
Strictly speaking, cacti are not usually referenced as heirloom plants. Even so, they share the pass-along tradition of heirloom flowers and veggies.
"Given the popularity that succulents have attained in horticulture," Gideon Smith hopes that an updated edition of his book "will further inspire gardeners who prefer low-maintenance and waterwise plants for cultivation."
Expect plenty of solid information on the nature and care of cacti, especially as landscape features. The award-winning author also devotes a unique section to a seasonal cacti-care calendar, starting with the first month of high summer and ending with the second month of winter.
Most of this handy guide profiles specific plants. Each informational entry lists number of species, place of origin, common names, description, special cultivation notes and suitable growing locations.
Even if you already have a book on cacti and succulents, check out the exquisite photos in this one. Besides its useful data, the bright and glossy photos alone might persuade you to add this book to your garden-lit collection.
Jon VanZile. Houseplants for a Healthy Home: 50 Indoor Plants to Help You Breathe Better, Sleep Better, and Feel Better All Year Round. Adams Media, 2018. 128 pp. $17.99.
Who hasn't passed along houseplants or received them as gifts? What if these plants bring more to our lives than sheer beauty?
Houseplants for a Healthy Home
considers various "health benefits," such as removing airborne toxins, capturing hydrocarbons and increasing nighttime oxygen. Sometimes such benefits stem from the growing plants (such as areca palm and Gerbera daisy); sometimes they come from harvesting and processing the plant (such as rosemary and jade plant).
The health gains from most of these houseplants remain a subject of ongoing debate and research, especially concerning whether the plants or their soil microbes account for any air-cleansing effect. Whenever he can in his book, Jon VanZile wisely cites holistic medicine, traditional Chinese practices and various provisional scientific studies to support a claim.
Cute paintings highlight each profile in Houseplants for a Healthy Home. Besides data concerning appearance and size, each informed entry advises about light, water, temperature and other how-to-grow tips.
|
|
 |
|
4 reasons for putting the right plant in the right place this spring
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
Spring planting season is in full swing, and as you spruce up your outdoor spaces, the
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) shares a few important reasons for putting the right plant in the right place. It's more than selecting full-sun or full-shade varieties of foliage. By choosing the right plants for your climate and lifestyle, and you'll be rewarded with a beautiful green space your entire family will enjoy.
Know your climate zone. Do you have long, hot summers? Are you in an arid region or a wet one? Understanding your environment will help you select climate-appropriate plants that will thrive with minimal input from you. Check out the
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to learn which plants, grasses, shrubs and trees are most likely to succeed in your location.
Understand your lifestyle needs. Your grass, flowering plants and trees expand the living space of your home. Without our living landscapes, our backyards, patios, fire pits and pool areas would be hotter and less enjoyable overall. Determine how you use your yard, and then plant accordingly. Do you need a shade tree to sit under during hot summer days? Do you travel a lot in the summer, or will you be home to care for your plants? Do you need a grassy area for your kids and pets to play?
Plant for pets. Speaking of pets, you'll want to keep their needs in mind when you're mapping out your planting plans. Consider planting a hardy grass like buffalo or Bermuda, which is more likely to withstand pet traffic. When pets are in the picture, you'll want to keep resilient plants and flowers in heavily-trafficked areas of your yard and save the delicate varieties for raised planters on your porch or patio. Finally, know which plants are dangerous to your pets by downloading the ASPCA's list of poisonous plants.
Plant for pollinators & wildlife. Your
living landscapes aren't only for your enjoyment. They are also vital to pollinators (bees, butterflies and birds) and other backyard wildlife who rely on the certain plants in your backyard ecosystem for food and shelter. Planting nectar and pollen-rich flowers that are appropriate for your climate (see #1) will help nourish pollinators. Let a pile of grass clippings decompose on your lawn (rather than bagging) to shelter insects, worms and other backyard critters. Dead tree branches can create nooks for butterflies, bees, birds and other wildlife.
|
|
Houston's Memorial Park accelerates visionary plan with $70 million gift from Kinder Foundation
Memorial Park Conservancy
With a focus of creating the best urban park in America, Houston's Kinder Foundation has granted $70 million to fast-track Memorial Park's Master Plan, one of the nation's largest and most distinguished restorations directed by Memorial Park Conservancy, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, and Uptown Development Authority.
Esteemed landscape architectural firm, Nelson Byrd Woltz (NBW), led the Master Plan's design in 2015; incorporating vast public and stakeholder input as well as expert consults from ecological, biological, and conservation scientists. NBW achieves beautification and excellence through organic revitalization, indigenous design, integrity of historical intent, and stewardship of space, hallmarks desired for the park's sustainable future. With Kinder Foundation's $70 million lead gift, the largest single parks grant in Houston history, private-public funding is in place to complete Master Plan priorities within 10 years. This gift also catalyzed a public-private park operations model to provide for park care and maintenance for decades to come.
NBW challenges the traditional paradigm of public parks with contemporary design language, embedding regional ecology into cultural narratives and natural histories. Firm owner, Thomas L. Woltz illustrates, "In tribute to Memorial Park's original use as a WWI training camp, instead of constructing memorial statues, we are planting trees perfectly lined in a row to honor soldiers marching in formation."
Memorial Park is unique because of its central location and size; at 1,500 acres, Houston's largest green asset is almost double New York's Central Park. The park's 600-acre urban wilderness is one of the largest centrally located urban forests in the country. So, preserving the park's natural environment, sustainably balancing conservation with recreation, serves as a nationwide model for urban forest and park renewal.
Completed projects over the next decade will improve Houston's mobility, connectivity, economic vitality, and resiliency. Hundreds of acres of parkland currently inaccessible will become accessible, and urban barriers that isolate and segregate the park will be replaced with bridges and access points.
The most notable is a signature land bridge, artfully planned as a habitat overpass with restored prairie and trails. This central connector provides safe crossing over the park's dividing thoroughfare for humans and wildlife, and creates a cohesive park experience.
To Woltz, "Parks are one of the last truly democratic places," and Kinder Foundation must arguably agree. Kinder Foundation has been instrumental in Houston's nationally recognized green space renaissance over the past ten years, giving $106 million in transformational grants before Memorial Park's gift, that often serve as the cornerstone for additional philanthropic and government funding.
|
Gardening tips
Pinch off new blackberry growth about chest high to encourage branching. When the plants are through producing and harvest is complete, remove those old canes that produced this year's crop by cutting them off at the ground. This will make them easier to manage and harvest next year.
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.
|
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.
|
JUNE
Athens: Jim Kracht, a Brazos County Master Gardener, will share his knowledge and expertise on "Plant Propagation," the process of creating new plants from existing ones, Thursday,
June 7, from 6:30-8:00 p.m., at the Athens Senior Citizens Center, 3344 Hwy 31 E, Athens (next to the arena). This presentation is a part of the Henderson County Master Gardener Association Summer Series, a series of invited speakers and horticultural experts designed to share their knowledge and love of gardening to the community. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call 903-675-6130 or visit
txmg.org/hendersonmg.
Austin: The Travis County Master Gardeners Association is sponsoring a seminar on June 9 on Easy Composting with Worms! Let these "little composters" save landfill space while turning your kitchen vegetable and fruit waste into black gold! Even if you live in an apartment, you can host a small bin under the kitchen sink. Worm casting are useful in many ways: compost tea, potting soils, top dressing for houseplants and seedlings, just to name a few. Tommie Clayton, Master Gardener Compost Specialist, will show you how worm bins work, demonstrate how to construct your own worm bin and get it started, and review methods for harvesting castings and for brewing your own tea. The seminar will be held from 10 a.m. to noon in the Austin Area Garden Center at the Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Spring Road, Austin. A park entrance fee is required. Fees are $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over), and $3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted. For more information, visit http://www.zilkergarden.org/about/events/calendar.html#june.
Conroe
: Saturday, June 9, Educational Classes. Session 1: Attracting Butterflies to Your Garden, 8:00 til 10:00 a.m. Session 2: Breeding Queen Bees Using the Nicot Method, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $5 per session or $8 for both. Learn about attracting butterflies to your garden and important information on breeding queen bees. Montgomery County Master Gardeners, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. For more information, visit www.mcmga.com or call 936-539-7824.
Dallas: "Bitty Bugs Half Day Summer Camp,"
June 11, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at
Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park,
Fair Park at Gate 6, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas.
Young ones (3-4 years old) can learn all about the bugs in their backyard - and get home by naptime! $20; $17/members.
For more information, email
EDU@TexasDiscoveryGardens.org
.
Dallas: "All About Bugs Day Camp,
June 12, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 3-5 years old and June 13 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 6-9 years old at
Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park,
Fair Park at Gate 6, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas. The
day is full of bug encounters, songs, games and crafts! A perfect event for the young entomologist! $35; $30/members
For more information, email
EDU@TexasDiscoveryGardens.org.
Marion: Guadalupe Chapter Presents "From Pasture to Postage Stamp - Restoring Native Habitat," Tuesday, June 12, 7:00 p.m. at St John's Lutheran Church, FM 465, Marion. Love the look of a healthy, natural Texas meadow, but have no room for one of your own? Sure you do, and Dr. Eric Grahmann will show you how. His most recent position was in gamebird science and habitat and restoration ecology at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute of Texas A&M University, Kingsville. His field of research was native grassland/shrubland restoration. He is also experienced in supporting pollinators and in wildscaping in Central Texas. He is currently employed by a private landowner, doing restoration and habitat work full time. Meetings are open to the public. Visitors are welcome. There is a plant/seed exchange and greeting at 6:30 PM followed by the program at 7:00. For more information, directions to St John's Lutheran Church, or membership applications, visit http://npsot.org/wp/guadalupe/.
Georgetown: NPSOT will meet at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 3151 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown,
June 14 at 7 p.m. Presentation will be from Michael Eason, author of a new botanical guide called Wildflowers of Texas. Arrive as early as 6:30 p.m. for informal information sharing. Free and open always.
Houston: "Organic Rose Protocols and Plant Health" is the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting, Thursday, June 14, 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. Daniel Millikin will present the program. Previously, Millikin was a horticulturist employed by the McGovern Centennial Gardens. These are the lovely gardens that are behind the Cherie Flores Garden Pavillon. Currently he is employed by the Memorial Park Conservancy. Millikin will discuss the best organic practices for roses. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m., arrive at 7:00 p.m. for social time. Remember to bring a special rose from your garden for Grow and Tell. Free Admission. For more information, visit www.houstonrose.org.
La Marque: "Soil Health": with Galveston County Master Gardener Jim Gilliam presenting, 1-3 p.m., June 16, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration required: Ph 281-534-3413, email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com
; for additional details visit
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html
. Free, but registration required.
Bryan:
Master Gardener Janet Madsen will present "Shady Characters - Low Light Plants" at 7:00 p.m., June 26, at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest, Bryan. Do you have shady spots in your yard and struggle to find plants that will thrive? Discover which varieties of flowers, shrubs and other plants grow well in Brazos Valley shade. Learn also about container gardens that can perk up a shady corner. Madsen is a former small nursery owner and certified as a Master Gardener in Maryland in 2001. A move to Texas allowed her to transfer to Brazos County Master Gardeners in 2014, where she leads the shade garden demonstration team. She is a container garden princess, a fan of old movies and has two dogs.
There is no admission charge for this community event.
Visit brazosmg.com for more information.
Seguin: Guadalupe County Master Gardener Marvin T. Taylor will present "Tips on Improving your Smartphone Photos," noon- 1:00 p.m.,
June 28, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension 210 E. Live Oak, Seguin. Free. Everyone is welcome. For additional information, visit
www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.
|
JULY
Conroe:
Saturday, July 14, Educational Classes. Session 1: Water and Your Yard - Basics, 8:00 til 10:00 a.m. Session 2: Water and Your Yard - Advanced, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $5 per session or $8 for both. Are you trying to figure out what grass you have? Are you overwatering? When and how to irrigate? Join Master Gardeners for both sessions to learn about lawns, watering properly, irrigation systems (exactly what kind you have!) and more with hands-on classes. Montgomery County Master Gardeners, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. For more information, visit http://www.mcmga.com or call 936-539-7824.
|
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 10:00 a.m. 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.
Abilene: The Master Gardeners meet the
third Tuesday 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.
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/.
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.
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/.
|
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
http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/productlisting.aspx?id=4
2018 Planning Guide & Calendar
Only $14.95 per copy (includes tax and shipping)
Make gardening easier and more enjoyable in 2018. No more keeping it in your head or, worse yet, juggling all those wrinkled, sweat-stained pieces of paper that seem to accumulate and end up lost. It's time to get organized and the perfect way to start that off is with your very own copy of the 2018 Texas Gardener Planning Guide and Calendar. No more guessing when to plant or do different activities. You will find everything you need in one simple but informative guide and calendar. Plus plenty of room to record your own planting dates, rainfall events and other data for future reference.
Here's a sample of what you will find in this information-packed guide:
- Many, many practical and timely garden tips that are for Texas - not Maine or California!
- Organic, earth-friendly tips to make your garden grow and prosper
- Lots of space to record your own activities for future reference
- Planting dates and tips for vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit and lawns
Order today, while it's fresh on your mind. Don't forget to order copies for your gardening friends and relatives!
Easy Gardening for Texas
By Joseph G. Masabni
Only $31.94 (includes tax and shipping)
Gardening in the Lone Star State has unique challenges, but that doesn't mean you can't grow vegetables here. This new book tells what varieties are best, how to handle insect and disease problems, and how to control weeds with a minimum of work, plus detailed growing information on a host of vegetables that do well in Texas. This is the perfect guide for gardeners new to the state as well as those more-experienced gardeners looking for a handy guide of research-tested advice. 220 pages with lots of color photos! Click on this link to order
http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/viewproduct.aspx?id=126.
Easy Edibles
By Judy Barrett
Only $29.75 (includes tax, shipping)
Eating fresh and eating local has really caught on! Easy Edibles: How to Grow and Enjoy Fresh Food focuses on ways to grow some of your own food without devoting a lot of space, time and work to the project. Barrett also covers how and where to find the bounty offered at local farmers markets, farm stands and pick-your-own operations. This book is the perfect gift or guide for folks new to gardening or those who have limited time and resources but still want to eat fresh! Click on this link to order
http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/viewproduct.aspx?id=123
Garden Design Bible
By Tim Newbury
Only $26.59 (includes tax, shipping)
Like having your own landscape architect and contractor at your constant disposal without the cost. Whatever your desire the Garden Design Bible has a plan that you can adapt to your own space. Choose from 40 designs, or mix and match elements from several to create your own ideal garden. Over 100 color photos and illustrations. If you have the space and need inspiration and direction, let the Garden Design Bible be your guide! Click on this link to order
http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/productlisting.aspx?id=1
|
|
|
|
|
