Succulents are low-maintenance houseplants that add interest and beauty to indoor décor. (Photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply Company/gardeners.com)
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Grow a Beautiful Indoor Succulent Garden
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By Melinda Myers
It’s no surprise that succulents, including cacti, are popular. These easy-care houseplants come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes making them perfect for any home.
All you need is a lot of light and benign neglect to raise healthy and beautiful succulents. Place the plants near an unobstructed south-, west- or east-facing window.
Don’t let a lack of light stop you from enjoying these beautiful plants in your home. You’ll find many attractive options for displaying your plants while providing the light they need. A single desktop LED plant light, attractive plant light shelves and carts, and furniture-grade light gardens allow you to grow these sun-lovers anywhere in your home.
Grow these plants in cacti and succulent potting mix. These fast-draining mixes help reduce the risk of overwatering which can lead to root rot. Further reduce this risk by using containers with drainage holes that are only slightly larger than the succulents’ root system. Growing them in too large of a container that retains moisture longer can result in root rot, decline, and even the death of your plants.
Water thoroughly whenever the top inch or two of soil is dry. Some gardeners check the soil moisture at the drain hole to ensure it is dry and the plants need to be watered. Always pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer.
Avoid water collecting in the rosette of leaves or the cluster of prickly stems that can lead to crown rot. Use a watering can like the Haws Indoor Watering Can which has a long narrow spout that allows you to reach under the plants to water just the soil.
Make slight adjustments in your watering regime and growing environment as the seasons change. Adapting to changing conditions will keep your plants healthy and looking their best year-round.
Find a cool, sunny, draft-free location for your cacti and succulents in the fall and winter. Maximize the amount of light the plants receive by moving them to the sunniest, usually south-facing, window in your home. Water thoroughly but only when the top few inches of soil are dry and just often enough to keep the plants from shriveling. These changes in the growing conditions often encourage a spring display of colorful and unique flowers.
Boost your succulents’ natural beauty by displaying them in unique containers or places in your home. Create a living wall display with a 3-tier vertical wall planter (gardeners.com) or Mini Magnetic Galvanized Planter Pockets.
Grow a succulent centerpiece that can be enjoyed year-round. Plant a variety of succulents in a long narrow planter like the Veradek GEO Series Planter boxes. Display it on the table, and if needed, move it back to its sunny location between dinner parties. Small containers like the heart-shaped concrete tabletop planters allow you to create an attractive dish garden even when space is limited.
Whether you’re a busy, experienced, or new indoor gardener, creating a succulent garden may be just what you need to brighten your home and elevate your mood.
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Editor's Note: Gardening news is slow at the beginning of the year, and many gardeners are unable to work in their gardens during winter. We thought you might enjoy a change of pace during this slow season, so following is a gardening-themed short story presented for your enjoyment. — Michael Bracken, editor
By Wil A. Emerson
I was a little more than anxious about the visitor coming to meet me at the end of the week. A special visitor, at that. My husband called to tell me his father was on his way home after a yearlong commission in the South Pacific. Stopping in Dallas before heading north. I was excited for Danny. He hadn’t seen his father in more than a year. Knowing the two were bonded like a cowboy to his saddle, I wasn’t about to say, “Hey, what about me?”
Thing is, I’d never met my father-in-law and I was nervous about how a diehard Texan and a true Northerner were going to mix. Because Danny and I decided to have a quiet twosome wedding a month after his father departed for duty, I wasn’t sure how he’d feel about me. His family wanted us to wait ’til next year and do it Texas big. We just didn’t want to make a fuss.
Danny and his family hailed from Michigan and the farthest north I’d been was Nashville, Tennessee. Enough north for me, it rained and snowed all in the same day so I couldn’t imagine how tough a Michigander had to be to endure months of snow and sleet.
Wasn’t so hard to adjust to Danny, though, he’d been working in Texas for the past five years. College years in Houston, he now did technical work for an oil company. Dealt with enough of us Texans to know when to fold them. Wasn’t my first rodeo with a hard-core northerner, either. I co-managed the Plano Parkway Hotel in the south part of town and kept those various customers happy. In all honesty, sometimes I dealt with Texans, also, who were all hat, no cattle when it came to getting a point across. “Bless your heart” worked every time a customer and I had a misunderstanding.
Danny said that’s what caught his eye. At least, that’s what he tells me.
I loved his smile, his warm sense of humor and his ability to sit down to a hot Tex-Mex meal and not bat an eye. So, after a few 25-cent Tacos, we couldn’t help but become our own family and in good time, the other Franklins might join us.
But this unexpected visit wasn’t a good time. Danny didn’t understand his father’s visit was right smack in the middle of prime time to take care of my roses. New in-laws mixing with the fear of unpredictable weather coming our way? What were the odds of it going well?
You see, my family has owned old roses for five generations, and we’ve groomed them to be as splashy as their hybrid cousins. Five acres of climbing roses, tea roses and Knockouts are a lot to tend. And three inches of organic mulch is a lot to lay when time is crunching on your back. We get plenty of sun in our area, of course, and eight hours suits them just fine. Not worried on that front. The climbers that we have closer to the house need frequent looking after. Firmly staked, trellises in need of repair, check for fungus. If high winds are coming, I’m on the hunt for trouble.
My favorites are the Knockout Roses, hardy even in difficult conditions. While they are strong as an ox, they do need attention. Butter-yellow blooms that fade to white, people want them, and they’ll do almost anything to get them. So, we have some fencing and a few security cameras to look after. Theft isn’t good for a nursery that wants to sell them to decent folks. Besides, they were my parent’s favorites, and I wasn’t about to let them go without a little organic fertilizer and a whole lot of love to get them to February when the ground warms up a bit.
But back to Danny and Lt. Colonel Oscar Franklin. A week of bonding. Danny met him at the airport, and I did my best to have the grill fired up for a welcoming dinner. Porterhouse, red beans and rice. Greens on the side, too. Danny and I worked as a team. Our dog, Trader, took his usual spot on the patio and salivated.
After the usual hellos, nice to meet you, hugs friendly and Texas style, we settled down with bourbon in hand to get acquainted while the fixin’s charred. Danny kept his eye on the meat, and I had my eye toward the rose fields. If the temperature dropped, we were in for hail. If the wind kicked up without rain, we’d be covered in dust.
I tried to keep up with the conversation, but they had thirty years of memories to rake over. And I was hard pressed to strike up a new conversation about the Lt. Colonel’s assignment. “My work strictly off the record,” he’d said with a smile when first asked what he did in the South Pacific.
Danny plated the steaks, I scoped up the beans and rice, and we headed inside just about the time the sky turned an ugly black purple. Trader dragged behind, his head to the clouds.
My father-in-law said, “If I were home, I’d say it’s going to be a big winter storm.”
“Looks like it’s gonna be bigger’n Dallas,” I said. Not happy at all that I didn’t get to cover my favorite batch of Knockouts.
“You worried about those yellow roses?” Oscar asked.
Danny nodded.
I said, “They’re pretty hardy so I shouldn’t fret too much. It’s just that I usually check every area before a storm warning.”
“Put a lid on those plates. Heat them up after the work is done.” Oscar Franklin said.
I raised my hand, “Oh, no. Dinner first.”
He grinned, “Don’t win a battle if you don’t take a stand.”
There was no holding him back. I smiled, pulled out rain slickers from the closet and the three of us hustled out the back.
Wil A. Emerson writes short stories and novels. Published in women’s fiction and a contributor to multiple anthologies, she finds inspiration from people encountered on various travels. Five years as a Texas resident led her to study the wonderous southwest flora and fauna. Visit Wil at www.wilemerson.com.
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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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The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has caused the cancellation or rescheduling of many events these past few years. If you wish to attend any of the events listed below, please contact the presenters in advance to determine if the event has been cancelled, postponed, moved online or if it will take place as scheduled.
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FEBRUARY
Garland: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will teach a Junior Master Gardener Learn, Grow, Eat and Go! program on February 2 in Garland. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Dallas County District 1 Road and Bridge Complex, 715 Rowlett Road. The cost is $20 for participation or $75 for those who want to purchase the Learn, Grow, Eat and Go! curriculum. Participants should register at https://tx.ag/Feb2LearnGrow. Lunch is included. AgriLife Extension trainers will demonstrate to participants how health, nutrition and physical activity programs can strengthen the overall wellness of students, their families and the community as well as support student academic needs in relation to the state assessment requirements. Teachers will receive four hours of professional development credit. Curriculums are aligned with the state mandated Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and both the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness and STAAR supporting standards in science, math and English. Contact Butler at pibutler@ag.tamu.edu for additional information or questions.
Online: "Backyard Poultry Fundamentals" will be presented by Shannon Dietz, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent-Horticulture, at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 2. This virtual presentation is free, but registration is required: https://homegrown2023a.eventbrite.
Galveston: Fri., February 10, Noon-Sat., February 11, Noon: Spring Plant Sale. Choose from hundreds of plants adapted to the Texas Gulf Coast growing area. Visit the Galveston County Master Gardeners’ online store for more details: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/
Galveston: Sat., February 11: Urban Orchard Series: Growing peaches in Galveston County with Galveston County Master Gardener Herman Auer, 9-11:30 a.m. For additional details, visit https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/ or call 281-309-5065.
Galveston: Sat., February 11: Veggie Garden Series: Irish Potatoes with Galveston County Master Gardener Kevin Lancon, 1-3 p.m. For additional details, visit https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/ or call 281-309-5065.
Houston: Weather permitting, the annual Houston Rose Society February Rose Pruning Demonstration will be held outdoors at 2:00 p.m., February 11, in person, in the St. Andrew’s Church courtyard at St. Andrew’s Church, 1819 Heights Blvd., Houston. Participants are encouraged to bring their pruning shears and gloves to the event. Immediately following the pruning demonstration, participants are invited and encouraged to assist in pruning the rose bushes located throughout the St. Andrew’s church grounds.
Galveston: Thu., February 16: Urban Orchard Series: Pruning Apple Trees with Galveston County Master Gardeners Robert Marshall and Herman Auer, 9-11 a.m. For additional details, visit https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/ or call 281-309-5065.
Galveston: Sat., February 18: Urban Orchard Series: Growing Avocados with Galveston County Master Gardener Hazel Lampton, 9-11 a.m. For additional details, visit https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/ or call 281-309-5065.
Galveston: Thu., February 23: Urban Orchard Series: Pruning Pear Trees with Robert Marshall and Herman Auer, 9-11 a.m. For additional details, visit https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/ or call 281-309-5065.
Gonzales: The Gonzales Master Gardeners will be holding their annual Tomato/Vegetable Sale on Saturday, February 25, where they will be selling tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables. The sale will take place at PACE: Plantatarium A Center for Exploration. This is the GMG building located at 623 N. Fair Street (between the Gonzales Elementary School and Bus Barn). The sale will be held inside from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The number of people in the building will be limited at any given time. For more information, call 830-672-8531.
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MARCH
McKinney: The Garden Show 2023 will be presented by the Collin County Master Gardeners Association on March 18 & 19 at Myers Park & Event Center in McKinney. For garden lovers, it’s a great day out to immerse themselves in timely tips for successful gardening, informative demonstrations and presentations, local vendors, and fun activities for the entire family – including scavenger hunts for adults and children alike. Browse through booths featuring appealing garden and gift items and attend lectures presented by experts in horticulture on a variety of topics. Saturday’s speakers will cover “Drought Proofing Your Landscape,” “Growing Great Turf in Collin County,” Texas Tough Natives for Droughts & Floods,” and “Growing Tomatoes in Collin County.” Speakers on Sunday include three award winning “Steves” who will share their expertise on “A Primer in Tree Pruning”,,“Creating Exciting Plant Combinations,” and “A Serious Look at Garden Whimsy.” CCMGA will also bestow honorary membership to Neil and Lynn Sperry at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Together and individually the Sperrys have forged paths that have inspired millions. Neil is a Texas gardening and horticulture icon known for his books, magazine, and radio program. Lynn is a passionate educator and has served on the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees for 38 years. Together they helped found Serenity High and the Crape Myrtle Trails of McKinney. Each year CCMGA selects a local organization to be their charity partner for The Garden Show. This year all proceeds from the $2 entry donation will benefit Community Garden Kitchen. This local non-profit’s mission is to provide food insecure residents with freshly prepared healthy meals on a daily basis in a restaurant style setting. Visitors to Community Garden Kitchen can also enjoy learning, growing, and eating the produce they help raise. The Garden Show is an indoor event, so come rain or shine! Hours are from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, and from 11:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 19. Entry on both days is a donation of $2 per person. Parking is free. Bringing your own cart or wagon is strongly encouraged. Visit http://www.ccmgatx.org/TheGardenShow for up-to-date information.
Round Top: The Herb Society of America, Pioneer Unit’s Annual Plant and Gift Sale. Friday, March 17, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, March 18, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring your carts and wagons to Round Top Festival Institute to fill with plants from our annual plant and gift sale. Replace those plants that didn't make it through the winter with items from our great selection of bedding plants, herbs, shrubs and succulents. You'll find new varieties and old favorites in the plant sale as well as lovely garden gifts and delicious food items in the Thyme Well Spent Shop. Admission is free. 248 Jaster Road, Round Top. See http://herbsocietypioneer.org/events or call 832-867-9617.
Huntsville: On March 25, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., the Texas Thyme Unit of the Herb Society of America will host its annual Herb Festival at the Wynne Home. A huge selection of locally grown plants will be for sale, including herbs, perennials, natives, pollinator, passalongs, bulbs, and vegetables. There will be speakers, herb and garden related vendors and artists, music, and children's activities. It is a fun and free event. Proceeds support our scholarship program and herb gardens at the historic Wynne Home Arts Center, 1428 11th Street, Huntsville. For information: https://www.texasthymeunit.org/ or call 936-891-5024.
Jacksonville: Cherokee County Master Gardeners Spring Conference will be held March 25, 2023, 1:00-4:00 at the First Christian Church, 1920 Beaumont, Jacksonville. For questions contact Brenda Sheridan at 903-571-7417.
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APRIL
Gonzales: The Gonzales Master Gardeners will hold their annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, April 15, on Texas Heroes Square in downtown Gonzales from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. They will be offering many perennial/adaptive native plants, annuals, herbs, hanging baskets, houseplants and succulents. There will also be a few varieties of citrus and fruit trees, blackberries as well as blueberries. There will be a great Silent Auction, children’s activities and “Ask the Master Gardener” booth. They will be accepting cash/checks/credit/debit cards this year. Come on out for a great time (rain or shine). For more information, contact Shirley Frazier at safrazier@gvec.net or call 830-857-3634.
Rosenberg: Sat., April 15: Grow Your Own Series: Warm-Season Vegetables & Herbs with Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, 9-10:30 a.m. For additional details, visit https://fortbend.agrilife.org/grow-your-own/ or 281-342-3034.
Flower Mound: Texas Native Plant Sale, sponsored by the Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas,will be held Saturday, April 29, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. or sellout.! There will be more than 1,200 plants and 170+ species, and knowledgeable volunteers to help with your selection. The sale will be at Flower Mound High School, 3411 Peters Colony Road, Flower Mound, on the back parking lot at the corner of Old Settlers Road and Sagebrush Drive. Bring a flat or box to make taking home all your treasures easier.
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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.
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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
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 Gardener Association meets the first Monday of each month (second Monday if the first is a holiday) the First Community Church at 1402 Trinity Drive in Crandall. An educational program begins at 10 a.m., followed by the business meeting. For topic and additional information, visit http://www.kcmga.org/ and check Events. Refreshments will be available. For more information or to ask about accommodations, call 469-376-4520, or email Jackie Robertson at jrobertson@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 each month, at 11:30 a.m., September-May, at the Schulenburg First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 110 Upton Ave., Schulenburg.
Corpus Christi: The Coastal Bend Cactus and Succulent Society meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. The purpose is to stimulate an interest in cactus and succulent plants by providing a forum to foster and broaden knowledge of the plants. Join the society on Facebook: Coastal Bend Cactus & Succulent Society.
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 Presbyterian Church Family Life Center, 302 Nolan Street, Navasota. If not meeting at the church, a change of meeting notice will be placed on the door of the Family Life Building. 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.
Gonzales: 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.
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 Chapter, Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John 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 always welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT contact guadalupecounty@npsot.org. Or visit https://npsot.org/wp/guadalupe/
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.org and http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.
Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners meeting is held on the second Wednesday of each each month at noon at the Central Presbyterian Church, 9191 Woodway Dr., Woodway. 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. at Peace Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 2201 Rio Grande Blvd., 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.
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 Johnson. County Agricultural Office, 109 W. Chambers, 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.
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 comalmg.org.
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.
Alvarado: The Alvarado Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month during the months of September through May (excluding December). The meeting time is 1 p.m. and the locations vary for each meeting. The club hosts a different and exciting speaker each month that focuses on enriching the lives of all gardeners. Meetings are free and include a light lunch. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, please contact 817-680-4291.
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.
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/.
Waco: The McLennan County Master Gardeners host Lunch with the Masters on the third Wednesday of each month at noon at MCC’s Emergency Services Education Center (ESEC), 7601 Steinbeck Bend Dr., Waco. These educational programs are free and open to the public. Attendees bring their own lunch. For more information, call 254-757-5180.
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, 107 Fink Street, 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 afterwards. 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 Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway, Houston. For more information about meeting presentations and native plants, visit https://npsot.org/wp/houston/.
Mineola: The Fannie Marchman Garden Club meets at the Mineola Civic Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month from September through May. For additional information, find them on Facebook or email FannieMarchmanGardenClub@gmail.com.
Ft. Worth: The North Texas Daylily Society is affiliated with the American Daylily Society and is located in AHS Region 6. Club meetings are held in the Camellia Room located inside the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, on the third Thursday of each month (excluding June and July). Throughout the year NTDS hosts guest speakers, special interest programs, an annual daylily show, an annual daylily sale, and social activities and outings. For more information visit, their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/northtexasdaylilysociety.
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 New Braunfels Public Library, 700 E. Common St, New Braunfels. Meetings are “hybrid” with in-person and Zoom available. They start at 5:45 PM. with a meet and greet time, followed by a short business meeting at 6:15 PM. Programs begin at 6:30 PM. 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 about Zoom or to join, visit https://npsot.org/wp/newbraunfels/.
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 County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Ct., 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 http://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.
Denton: The Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets the fourth Thursday of each month to share information about native plants. Excellent programs are heard each month. Social time begins at 6:30, program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://npsot.org/wp/trinityforks/.
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. 2023. 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.
Texas Gardener's Seeds has been published each Wednesday since April 26, 2006.
Texas Gardener's Seeds, P.O. Box 1676, Brenham, Texas 77834-1676
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