March 7, 2018
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The garden reader:
Backyard projects, including beekeeping
By William Scheick
Joann Moser. Garden Builder: Plans and Instructions for 35 Projects You Can Make. Cool Springs Press, 2018. 192 pp. $24.99.
"Chosen for their ease of construction," the woodcraft projects in Joann Moser's new guidebook are presented with well-illustrated, step-by-step instructions. These plans minimize waste and "utilize simple joinery and can be made with common hand tools, such as drills and circular saws."
Designs for backyard decorative elements range from a faux rock cairn to a fire-cube tower and a bottle-leaf sculpture. Other small-space projects include a bat hotel, garden obelisk, kid's potting bench and vertical corner arrangement.
Variations on raised beds appear, followed by nifty construction advice for a cabinet greenhouse, water-barrel tower, strawberry vault and pergola awning with integrated lighting. Also on hand is a bee-friendly planter, which features a bottom shelf of cut limbs drilled with holes to provide apian nesting spaces.
Kim Flottum. The Backyard Beekeeper: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Keeping Bees in Your Yard and Garden. Quarry, 2018. 240 pp. $24.99.
Much larger bee-appealing projects comprise Kim Flottum's book, a source so well informed and well regarded that this version is in fact a fourth edition. Beekeepers have had to contend with new environmental challenges since the first edition, published fifteen years ago.
Although the fundamentals of beekeeping remain the same, "a tsunami of change has crashed over the beekeeping world" and "we must look anew at what it is to be a beekeeper." Multiple threats to apian wellbeing have emerged, resulting in fewer bees and less honey.
Flottum provides easy-to-follow advice about understanding bee behavior, getting started with beekeeping, harvesting honey and processing beeswax. His book smartly ends with "rules" related to the queen, the worker bees and their human keepers.
Early in his book, the author notes that in most places restrictions apply to beekeeping - laws requiring permits, specifying distance from neighboring properties, stipulating spacing or restricting number of colonies. Texas is no exception, and so always consult your county regulations before venturing into beekeeping.
Jessica Walliser. Container Gardening Complete: Creative Projects for Growing Vegetables and Flowers. Quarto, 2017. 272 pp. $30.00.
Jessica Walliser's large and inviting container-gardening book also features many backyard projects, such as a cedar planter box and also rain gutters hung along privacy fences. She cleverly utilizes a toaster for tiny succulents, a bike-rim to support sweet potatoes and a wheelbarrow to grow herbs.
Walliser offers plenty of design advice, too - managing proportion, focal points and balance. Besides a beautiful "design gallery" highlighting gorgeous arrangements, the author provides sections on designing with edible plants, including a squash arch.
Texans will particularly appreciate the Walliser's advice on fashioning a self-watering patio container - basically a tub within a tub - and on making a bean-trellis bin. And reader beware - her easy-to-follow instructions for building hypertufa planters may lead to a craft-addiction.
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Spring shopping for yard equipment
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
Spring is almost here, and you are ready to get outside and make your yard both beautiful and functional. Maybe you're aiming to have the best yard on the block, want to install an outdoor family room, or want to expand your space for entertaining. Perhaps your kids or pets could use a better space for play. Regardless of need, now is the time to get "backyard ready" for spring. What tools do you need?
"Completing big outdoor jobs is always easier with help from outdoor power equipment," said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). "The right outdoor power equipment can help you get the work done faster, and can help you safely maintain your yard." Here are some tips from Kiser to help you select the machinery you need to get the job done.
Plan your needs. Draw a sketch of your yard. Include any major features like trees, bushes, herb or vegetable gardens, flower beds, lawn furniture, play or sports equipment, outdoor patios, or bird baths. Note where maintenance may be required. Will bushes need to be trimmed back from your home or garage? Do you want to put in some flowering bushes or a tree? Are you planning to install a fence and more grass for your pet? Now list the tools and equipment needed to take care of your yard, and what will make the job easier.
Consider equipment needed. Visit your garage or shed and find those forgotten lawn and garden tools. Wheel out your mower and get out other equipment. Look it over and make a list of what is needed or could be upgraded. Repair anything that needs attention or identify where a newer or other machine is required. If you have a large vegetable garden, you need a cultivator or tiller. If you have a large lawn, an upgrade to a riding lawn mower might make mowing easier. A string trimmer might make caring for bushes or trimming grass near a fence line easier. A pole pruner can help trim back limbs that are too high to reach safely with a saw, and a leaf blower can clear leaves faster than a rake.
Research equipment online before you buy. Think about efficiencies of scale. The right equipment can mean more time for other activities, and make doing yard work more enjoyable, too. Doing online research in advance will help you pick the right equipment for the job. Outdoor power equipment can be gas, electric or battery powered, and technology is rapidly impacting product design. There are even robotic lawn mowers available today. Equipment may be sized to handle a smaller job or a massive one. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your needs.
Ask questions. Talk with the staff at the store or ask online about the equipment. In the store, ask to pick up and hold equipment to determine its "fit" for you. Discuss safety features and ask about manufacturer fueling and care instructions. Find out how often equipment may need to be serviced.
Make a plan for storage and maintenance. Store your equipment in a cool and dry place. It also should typically be serviced at the end of the fall and the beginning of the spring. Put service dates on your calendar with a reminder.
For safety information and to find out which manufacturers make various outdoor power equipment products, visit
opei.org.
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How does biochar work to improve, or even decontaminate, soil?
The Soil Science Society of America
What can be made with unwanted materials, looks like charcoal, and provides multiple benefits to soil health? Biochar! The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) February 15 Soils Matter blog explains what biochar is and how it helps improve - or decontaminate - soil.
Biochar is plant debris or other materials that have been heated to high temperatures in a low- to no-oxygen environment. The result is a black, carbon-rich material similar to charcoal.
"Think of it like a charcoal sponge," says Jim Ippolito, Colorado State University. "This large surface area can hold a lot of chemicals and toxic metals, making it quite valuable."
The addition of biochar to problematic soil can have positive results:
- It can be a nutrient source for helpful soil microbes.
- It can improve soil texture and allow for better water filtration.
- Biochar can trap other chemicals in the soil, such as pharmaceutical wastes.
- It can also reduce metal toxicity, allowing more plants to grow in places such as reclaimed mining areas.
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Gardening tips
Our usual advice for planting warm-season crops like tomatoes, squash, green beans, etc. is to wait until after the last average freeze date in your area. However, it can be a smart idea to plant those tomatoes a little ahead of schedule because they need some extra time to produce a crop. Just be prepared to cover them in the event of a freeze. We like to pot ours up into larger containers, put them in a wagon on the back porch where they can easily be moved to the garage for protection. Then we plant them in the garden when it is safe to do so.
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
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.
San Antonio: David Schultz, owner of David's Garden Seeds, will discuss the benefits of companion planting with herbs and will also give us the important details necessary for success growing from seeds, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.,
March 8, at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 New Braunfels, San Antonio. Schultz is a veteran who started his business after his return from serving in the Middle East. David's Garden Seeds is committed to providing top quality, non-GMO seeds so families can learn to garden and love it. The event is free and open to the public.
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.
Dallas: Family Friendly Container Gardening,
March 10, from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
at
Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park
, Fair Park at Gate 6, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas.
Container gardening is a great hobby for all ages. Bring the whole crew out, and have fun as you plant your own container garden! $35/Container $28/Member. You can decide how many containers your family wants to plant!
For additional information, visit TexasDiscoveryGardens.org.
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
.
Dallas: Spring Break Safari Week,
March 12-16, from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at
Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park
, Fair Park at Gate 6, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas.
Get out of the house and into the gardens with your family during Spring Break. Enjoy discovery-themed activities and crafts each day! Included with admission. For additional information, visit TexasDiscoveryGardens.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.
Athens: Master Gardener Bob Erickson will present "Where Did Our Food Come From?" on Tuesday, March 20, 5:30 p.m., Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library, 121 S. Prairieville, Athens. This extremely interesting presentation will explore the mouth-watering subject of how and why our food has evolved through the years. This presentation is a part of Henderson County Master Gardener's 'Learn at the Library' series, presented on the third Tuesday of each month. The presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, visit
http://henderson-co-tx-mg.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.
Dallas: Butterfly Gardening Workshop,
March 24, from 9:30 a.m.-noon, at
Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park
, Fair Park at Gate 6, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas.
If you plant it, they will come! Discover how easy it is to attract native butterflies with Horticulture Director Roger Sanderson and Entomologist John Watts. Take home a starter flat of host and nectar plants. $60, $48/members. For additional information, visit TexasDiscoveryGardens.org.
Gonzales: Gonzales Master Gardeners' Spring Plant Sale will be held Saturday, March 24, in
Downtown Gonzales, Texas Heroes Square, St. Louis and St. Joseph Streets, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vegetables, herbs, roses, annual and perennial plants, succulents, cacti, houseplants and hanging baskets available for purchase. Activities include "Ask the Gardener" booth to answer gardening questions, and the silent auction as well as gardening activities for the children. New this year is a plant give away starting at 11 a.m. to close. Must be present to win. Proceeds from the event go to gardening education for the school children, adult education programs and other community projects. For more information, please contact Fran Saliger at 830-672-2953.
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.
Marshall: The Harrison County Master Gardeners will hold their annual Plant Sale on Saturday, March 24, 2018, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Tractor Supply parking lot, 105 N. East End Blvd. (US 59), Marshall. Plant selection will include plants grown by the Master Gardeners and plants grown by professional growers specifically for our sale. The sale will feature annuals and perennials for both sun and shade, vegetables, herbs, roses, hanging baskets, succulents, pass-along plants, thornless blackberries, and fig trees. There will be door prize drawings every 15 minutes, and every customer gets a free milkweed plant. Help us save the Monarch Butterfly! Bring a wagon and come early for best selection. Proceeds are used to fund educational projects of the Harrison County Master Gardeners, including programs at local schools and libraries, a scholarship for a graduating senior 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.
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.
Waxahachie: Ellis County Master Gardeners 2018 Lawn & Garden Expo will take place
March 24. Located at Waxahachie Convention Center at I-35 and US 287 in Waxahachie, the annual event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be a Master Gardener Plant Sale and 100+ vendors sell plants and other garden and outdoor related items. There will be workshops in the morning featuring Val Nolen "Solving the Mystery of Tomatoes and Peppers, 10:00 am. Afternoon workshops will include: 1:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m. - Roses & Companion Planting; Ollas; Garden Design; Seed Saving; 2:30 p.m.,-4:00 p.m. - Herbs & Edible Flowers. There will be a children's workshop and multitude of other activities. For more information contact Arlene Hamilton at
a.p.hamilton@att.net. Interested vendors should contact James Kocian at
expo.ecmga@gmail.com.
Tyler:
The Smith County A&M AgriLife Extension Office will host a private landscape tour Tuesday, March 27, from 9:00-noon in the beautiful garden of Guy and Joan Pyron, located in the Azalea District, 212 W. Dobbs St. Tyler, Texas. The personally guided tour will be led by current Smith County horticulturist and Texas Gardener Contributing Editor Greg Grant, and retired Smith County horticulturist Keith Hansen. Both are professional horticulturists and garden writers with master's degrees in horticulture and many years of gardening experience. This one-of-a-kind walking tour will not only showcase the Pyron's spectacular spring garden but will also include specific information focusing on plants of East Texas along with their requirements and care. Pre-registration is required with attendance limited to 30 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 or the day of the tour. 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 Environmental Education Committee. To register or for more information contact the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 903-590-2980.
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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