March 18, 2020
  
Boost your landscape's curb appeal in one weekend
 
By Melinda Myers
 
Create a front garden that is sure to boost your mood and welcome visitors all year round. All you need is one weekend and a bit of paint, flowers, décor and edging material to boost your landscape's curb appeal.
 
Define garden spaces with decorative garden edging while keeping unruly plants out of the lawn and off walkways. (Photo: Photo courtesy of Gardener's Supply Company)
Add a splash of color by painting your front door. Look for colors that complement your home's siding and the surrounding landscape. Then add a seasonal wreath or other door decoration. A wreath of seed packets in the spring, succulents or silk flowers in summer, dried materials in fall and greens in winter add seasonal interest to your home. Visitors will look forward to the change of seasons marked by your door's décor.
 
Add a few containers at the front entrance. Select a color and size that complements your home's size and architecture style. Reduce maintenance with self-watering containers that extend the time between watering. Further your enjoyment with solar-illuminated planters powered by the sun to add a magical glow to the landscape as the sun sets.
 
Define planting beds and create a finished look with edging. Use a sharp shovel to dig a V- shaped trench around small garden beds or employ the help of an edging machine for larger areas. Fill the trench with mulch to create a mowing edge and keep weeds out.
 
Or boost the aesthetic appeal and further define the space with edging materials such as the Stomp Edge. This easy-to-install edging material is made from recycled rubber and only requires a few hand tools and minimal time to install.
 
Keep unruly plants out of the lawn or off walkways while defining the garden space with decorative garden edging. You can keep it simple with Gardener's Supply Company's Stratford Edge Irons that mimic the edging found in Shakespeare's garden in Stratford England. Or add an artistic flare with a more decorative edging like the Nocturne Border Edging.
 
Weed garden beds to improve the overall appearance and health of garden plants. Weeds not only compete with your desirable plants for water and nutrients, but many are hosts for insect pests and diseases that can harm your desirable plants.
 
Once weeded, spread a one- to three-inch layer of organic mulch like shredded leaves, evergreen needles or woodchips over the soil surface. The finer the material, the thinner the layer of mulch needed. Organic mulch helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds and improve the soil as it breaks down. Select a mulch that is aesthetically pleasing and won't overwhelm the beauty of the plants.
 
Keep mulch off tree trunks, shrubs, stems and crowns of perennial and annual plants. Covering stems and plant crowns can lead to root rot and other problems that can negatively impact the plants' health and longevity.
 
Freshen existing wood mulch by lightly tilling or raking, so the darker mulch below the surface moves to the top. Avoid over mulching. It is a waste of money and can be harmful to your plants.
 
Make it a fun weekend by mixing in some tasty treats or a barbeque once the work is done. As you enjoy the benefits of your weekend's efforts, you'll be anxious to start tackling those bigger landscape tasks.
 
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including  Small Space GardeningShe hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" gardening DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers' web site is www.melindamyers.com.
Are you backyard ready for spring?
 
TurfMutt Foundation
 
Your family yard is extension for your home - providing a respite from stress, offering an outside entertainment area, expanding your living space and giving kids and pets and a safe place to play. Research shows children reap numerous health, social and personal benefits from spending time outside playing.
 
Here are TurfMutt's top tips to help you get Backyard Ready this spring courtesy of the TurfMutt Foundation.
 
Plan for Fun:   Depending on your lifestyle and climate, consider an outdoor room, turfgrass for a game of croquet and a place for kids to run and play, trees and shrubs for privacy and a game of hide and seek, fire pit, pergola, sandbox (for kids and dogs to dig!), outdoor furniture, or a decorative water feature.
 
Plant for Kids & Pets:  There are many species of turfgrass to choose from to create pet and kids play space. Your local garden center or landscaper can help you identify what will work best for your climate zone and lifestyle. And don't forget to avoid toxic plants to pets if they are a member of your family.
 
Remember Wildlife & Pollinators:  Grass, trees, shrubs and flowering plants provide food and habitat for birds, small mammals, and pollinators, so plant to support them.
 
Take Stock of Equipment:   Do you need to update, upgrade or replace your outdoor power equipment, like a lawn mower, hedger/trimmer or edger? Want to install a water solution like a smart irrigation system? Invest in outdoor power equipment now so you are ready to roll for spring!
Gardening tips

Several types of blooming trees are coloring the landscape. It is not too late to plant a fringe tree, redbud or dogwood to enhance your views 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 2020 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.

The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has caused the cancellation of many events. Because SEEDS has a long lead time, events listed below may, in fact, have already been cancelled. We strongly encourage you to take care of yourself by practicing social distancing. If you do wish to attend any of the events listed below, please contact the presenters in advance to determine if the event has been cancelled or if it will take place as planned.
MARCH

San Antonio: The San Antonio Garden Centers' Annual Plant Sale  will be held Friday, March 20, 9-4; Saturday, March 21, 9-4 or until sold out, at 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave @ Funston. Both days are tax free. This is an indoor event, so come rain or shine. Bexar County Master Gardeners along with the San Antonio Herb Society and the San Antonio Cactus and Xerophyte Society will be available to assist in plant selections and answer your gardening questions. Be inspired for your spring garden with annuals, perennials, natives, daylilies, succulents, herbs, hanging baskets, vegetables including the rodeo tomato and much more. Always fun to check out the donated plants and garden related items from our membership. For more information, visit www.sanantoniogardencenter.org.

College Station: The Brazos Co unty  Master Gardeners present their 2020 Spring Plant Sale, 9:00 a.m.-noon, March 21, at the Thomas G. Hildebrand Equine Complex, 3240 F&B Road, College Station. This event is open to the public.

San Antonio: Friday, March 20, 9-4Saturday, March 21, 9-4 or till sold out. Both days are tax free. Come support the San Antonio Garden Centers' Annual Plant Sale at 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave @ Funston. This is an indoor event, so come rain or shine. Be inspired for your spring garden with annuals, perennials, natives, daylilies, succulents, herbs, hanging baskets, vegetables and much more. Always fun to check out the donated plants and garden related items from our membership. For more information, visit www.sanantoniogardencenter.org.

Tyler:  Smith County Master Gardeners at the Library. "Changes in Bird Life in Texas-What's All the Flap About?" Presented by Cliff Shackleford, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Non-game Orinthologist. 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., March 20. Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College, Tyler. Free and open to the public. Free parking garage. Seating is limited and doors will close at beginning of program. Call (903) 590-2980 for more information.

La Marque: "Louisiana Irises": with Galveston County Master Gardener Monica Martens presenting, 9-11 a.m., March 21, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email  galvcountymgs@gmail.com ; for additional details visit  http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html . Free, but you must pre-register.
 
La Marque: "Aquaponics": with Galveston County Master Gardeners Gene Speller and Briana Etie presenting, includes tour of aquaponics unit, 1-3 p.m., March 21, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email  galvcountymgs@gmail.com ; for additional details visit  http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html . Free, but you must pre-register.

Tyler:  The Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office will be hosting a private landscape tour Tuesday, March 24, from 9:00-noon in the beautiful garden of Guy and Joan Pyron located in the Azalea District, 212 W. Dobbs St., Tyler. The personally guided tour will be led by Smith County horticulturist Greg Grant and Texas A&M AgriLife Research Professor and Regents Fellow and Azalea District resident Brent Pemberton. Both are professional horticulturists and garden writers with advanced degrees in horticulture and many years of gardening experience. This one-of-a-kind walking tour will not only showcase the Pyrons' spectacular spring garden and orchid house but will also include specific information focusing on ornamental plants for East Texas along with their requirements and care. Pre-registration is required with attendance limited to 35 people due to the size of the garden. Cost of the tour is $15 and is payable in advance at the Smith County Extension office. There will be no registration or payment at the door. Parking is available at the First Presbyterian Church parking lot or on the street. The tour is sponsored by the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Horticulture Education Committee. To register or for more information contact the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at (903) 590-2980.

Bonham: Fannin County Master Gardener's 16th Annual Garden, Home and Lawn Expo, Saturday, March 28, 8:30-4:00 at the Bonham Civic Center, 1100 W. 5th St. (corner of Hwy 56 and Hwy 121), Bonham. Programs include "Invasive Plants: We Must Fight the Good Fight" presented by Ricky Linex, Wildlife Biologist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service; a program on pollinators, how to create a pollinator friendly garden and how to build habitats for pollinators given by horticulturist Danielle Dunn, former intern of Michael Marchant; a program on growing micro-greens for human consumption; and another on micro-greens as fodder for small farm animals. Vendors will have lots of plants, yard art, home and lawn care products, equipment and services. Door prizes given after each speaker session. Silent Auction. Contact information: 903-583-7453; email  fanninmastergardeners@gmail.com ; or visit  https://txmg.org/fannin .

Conroe : Saturday, March 28, Spring Plant Sale. Free Presentation 8:00 a.m., sale 9:00 a.m. unti 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 information, call (936) 539-7824 or visit www.mcmga.com.

Gonzales: Gonzales Master Gardeners will hold their Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, March 28, from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Texas Heroes Square in downtown Gonzales. They will have a variety of vegetables, herbs, annuals, perennials, citrus trees, succulents, houseplants and more for sale. There will be a Silent Auction, children's activity and Ask the Master Gardener. Rain or Shine.

Hempstead: The annual Budding Out Festival will be held on Saturday, March 28, at The John Fairey Garden (formerly known as Peckerwood Garden), 20559 FM 359 Rd., Hempstead. Free admission. Plant and art vendors, music and food.  For additional information, call (979) 826-3232.

Huntsville: Saturday, March 28, Herb Festival at the Wynne Home, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., on the beautiful grounds and gardens of the Wynne Home Arts Center, 1428 Eleventh St., Huntsville. A huge selection of locally grown herbs, perennial, pollinator, bulbs, native, and vegetables plants will be for sale. Speakers, herbal and garden vendors, food, music, artists, and more round out the day. Visit the historic Wynne Home Arts Center and its current art exhibition. Sponsored by the Texas Thyme Unit of The Herb Society of America. For more information, call (936) 891-5024 or visit  texasthymeunit.org.

La Marque: "Greenhouse Selection and Management": with Galveston County Master Gardener and Greenhouse Specialist Briana Etie presenting, 9-10:30 a.m., March 28, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email  galvcountymgs@gmail.com ; for additional details visit  http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html . Free, but you must pre-register.
 
La Marque: "Rainwater Harvesting": with Galveston County Master Gardener and Certified Rainwater Harvesting Specialist Nat Gruesen, 1-3 p.m., March 28, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email  galvcountymgs@gmail.com ; for additional details visit  http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html . Free, but you must pre-register.

Marshall: The Harrison County Master Gardeners will hold their annual Plant Sale on Saturday, March 28, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Marshall City Arena, 3310 Poplar St, Marshall. The Arena can be reached from both US Hwy 59N and Texas Hwy 43N. Just follow the signs. Plant selection will include plants grown by the Master Gardeners and plants grown by professional growers specifically for the sale. The sale will feature annuals and perennials for both sun and shade, vegetables, herbs, roses, hanging baskets, mixed containers, succulents, house plants, pass-along plants, thornless blackberries, and fig trees. Custom-made garden art will also be available. Every customer gets a free milkweed plant to help us save the Monarch butterfly. Bring a wagon and come early for best selection. Our new location is indoors at the show barn arena, so we will not be affected by wind or inclement weather. Proceeds are used to fund educational projects of the Harrison County Master Gardeners, including programs at local schools and libraries, scholarships for graduating seniors majoring in a horticultural field, Farm-City Week scholarship, membership fees for 4-H students, and other community outreach programs. For more information, call (903) 935-8413.

Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardener Association will hold its 2020 Spring Plant Sale Saturday, March 28, at Victoria Educational Pavilion, 283 Bachelor Dr., across from the Victoria County Regional Airport control tower. The event will be held 8 a.m.-2 p.m. rain or shine. Spring and landscape plants will be sold tax free. Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted. No pets are allowed in the pavilion during the sale.
APRIL

La Marque: "Successful Container Gardening" with Galveston County Master Gardeners Karolyn Gephart and Kaye Corey presenting, 9-11 a.m., April 4, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension  Bldg.  in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email  galvcountymgs@gmail.com ; for additional details visit  http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html . Free, but you must pre-register.
 
La Marque: "Promoting Inner Peace (How to make a Zen/Serenity Garden)": with Galveston County Master Gardener Trish Reustle presenting, 1-2:30 pm, April 4, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension  Bldg.  in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email  galvcountymgs@gmail.com ; for additional details visit  http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html . Free, but you must pre-register.

Conroe : Saturday, April 11. Educational Classes. Session 1: Soil Issues in Your Garden. 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Session 2: Best Herb Selections for Montgomery County. 10:30 until 12:30. $5 per session or $8 for both. Learn what you need to know about having healthy soil and fresh herbs in Montgomery County. Montgomery County Master Gardeners, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. For more information, call (936) 539-7824 or visit www.mcmga.com.

La Marque: "Trees and Their Care 101": with Galveston County Master Gardener and International Society of Arboriculture certified Susan Roth presenting, 9-11 am, April 18, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension  Bldg.  in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email  galvcountymgs@gmail.com ; for additional details visit  http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html . Free, but you must pre-register.
 
La Marque: "Composting": with Galveston County Master Gardener Jim Gilliam presenting, 1-3 pm, April 18, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension  Bldg.  in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph 281-534-3413, email  galvcountymgs@gmail.com ; for additional details visit  http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html . Free, but you must pre-register.
Weekly Meetings

Galveston: The Young Gardeners Program is a school garden and healthy eating program operating on Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. Every Saturday, 9-11 a.m., they host a garden Community Day at one of the schools. It's an opportunity for community members to work and play in the garden and it's kid-friendly. First Saturday - Crenshaw, 416 State Hwy 87, Crystal Beach; Second Saturday - Rosenberg Elementary, 721 10th St., Galveston; Third Saturday - Morgan Elementary, 1410 37th St., Galveston; Fourth Saturday - Oppe Elementary, 2915 81st St., Galveston.
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
 
Jasper: The Jasper County Master Gardeners meet on the first Monday of each month at St. Michael's Catholic Church from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The evening begins with pot luck social and then guest presentations and/or educational class to conclude. Visit https://jasper.agrilife.org/jasper-master-gardeners/ 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; Visit  https://mastergardener.tamu.edu/become/ to become a member.
  
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.

Schulenberg: Schulenburg Garden Club meets the first Tuesday of the month, at 11:30 a.m., September-May, at the Schulenburg First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 110 Upton Ave., Schulenburg.

Dallas:  Garden Masters, Inc., meet the first Wednesday of each month, Sept.- May, at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas, 75230. The club hosts different speakers each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Come early and order lunch from the The Cafe, which features a healthy menu, fresh local produce and sustainably produced meats and fish (or call in advance to order  972-338-2233) . For more information about Garden Masters Inc, email Marcia Borders at  borderlineart1@gmail.com .
 
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: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners (Ector/Midland counties) have monthly meetings at noon on the first Wednesday of each month at the West Texas Food Bank, 1601 Westcliff Drive in Midland. For more information 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 Insider's Tour at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. Spaces are limited so pre-registration is encouraged. $15, free for members. For more information, visit http://peckerwoodgarden.org/product/peckerwood-insiders-tours/.
 
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. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; club business begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by a presentation. 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 The First Methodist Church, 1031 TX-456 Loop, Jacksonville. For additional information, contact Kim Benton at kim.benton@ag.tamu.edu.
 
Cedar Park/Leander/Liberty Hill: The Hill Country Bloomers meet the second Tuesday of each month (except December) at 7 p.m. at the Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main Street, Cedar Park. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to socialize and swap plants and seeds. Meetings feature guest speakers on a variety of topics for the home gardener or landscaper. They host a plant sale in the spring and a garden tour in the late summer/early fall. Throughout the year they contribute time and expertise to local projects. Those with any level of experience are welcome. Non-members are invited to their first meeting at no cost. Membership and speaker info is available at www.hillcountrybloomers.com.

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.

San Marcos: The Spring Lake Garden Club meets the second Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m., September-May, at McCoy's Building Supply Headquarters, 1350 IH-35, San Marcos. Contact Terri Boyd (512) 395-66644 x6134.

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.

Killeen: Youth Backyard Gardening Initiative holds community engagement meetings the second Saturday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at Monarch Academy, 4205 Old Florence Road, Killeen. To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/ybkydgarden/.
 
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 Big Country Master Gardeners Association at mgardeners@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/.

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@gmail.com for more information.
 
Houston: The Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston Chapter meets at 6:45 pm on the third Thursday of each month at the American Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Fwy. For more information about meeting presentations and native plants, visit http://npsot.org/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 with presentation is held 6:00-8:00 p.m. During the intervening months (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct.), afternoon educational seminars/general meetings are held from 1:00-3:00 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.
 
Fort Worth: The Greater Fort Worth Herb Society meetings are held the third Saturday of each month at Texas Garden Club Inc, 3111 Old Garden Club Rd., Fort Worth (located next to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden), 10:00 a.m. to noon, September through June. For more information, email herbalhen@yahoo.com.
 
FOURTH WEEK
 
New Braunfels: The New Braunfels Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the fourth Monday of each month except July and December. Meetings are held at the Westside Community Center, 2932 S. I-35 Frontage Road, New Braunfels. Meetings start at 6:15 p.m. with a meet and greet time, followed by a short business meeting. Programs begin around 7:00. Native plant and seed exchanges are held monthly. Expert speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information or to join, visit www.npsot.org.
 
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 (except November and December) at the Houston Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Freeway, Houston. Refreshments served at 6:30 p.m. 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.
 
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, hosts a garden Open Days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. Drop-in tours are permitted but pre-registration is encouraged. Docent led tours are $10 for guests, free for members. For more information, http://peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
 
Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month (except November and December) at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Road, Dallas. For more information, visit www.gdogc.org. 
 
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Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. You may forward this publication to your friends and colleagues if it is sent in its entirety. No individual part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher.


 

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