The Leaflet - April 2026

The Leaflet

~ April 2026 ~

We are heading full tilt into the busiest time of year. Our home gardens need planting, trimming, weeding, mulching, and tending. Our Highland Rim gardens and projects throughout the county need care as well.

Please bring tools and join us for 3rd Saturday Work Days, or any other day when you have time. We have our annual Plant Sale and Spring Seminar on May 9, followed by our annual picnic on May 16. Tobacco, Beef, and More will be June 25, and we've been asked to give tours again this year.

There will be so many opportunities to gain volunteer hours and enjoy time with fellow Master Gardeners. I'm looking forward to seeing you!

Beth Hannabass, President

RCMGA

In addition to Earth Month, April is also Native Plant Month! Head on over to UT Hort to find helpful links to resources and information on native plants and wildlife. Their Native Plants database is a great tool that can be used to research different species and how to incorporate them into your outdoor spaces.

If you aren't already composting, maybe now is the time to start! Even if you're not ready to start at home, learning more about this beneficial process will help you understand our Highland Rim composting efforts. Click on over to the EPA's Composting site to learn more about the impacts of food waste, the unnecessary strain placed on landfills, and the overall benefits of this easy, earth-friendly process.

Rose Bedwell shared this image of rose classes from the Antique Rose Emporium for reference. She owned the beautiful Plum Perfect (Floribundas class) when she lived in Texas. This is also where she ordered the Peggy Martin (Climber class) from for the Highland Rim Demo Garden. She used to visit this nursery when she lived in Central Texas, but now she now utilizes their website and mail order service.

2026 Search for Excellence Awards Applications are OPEN now until May 1st!

These awards provide the opportunity to recognize excellent outreach and service across the state as well as the amazing people who power that outreach. There are six categories for local outreach as well as two individual volunteer and partner categories!

Service Project Categories:

· Teaching site

· Workshop or presentation

· Innovative outreach to new or under-served audiences

· Written or recorded educational content

· Youth outreach

· Applied research project

Individual Categories:

· Outstanding Extension Master Gardener

· Outstanding local partner

The updated for 2026 Search for Excellence Handbook with all the information to apply is online!
Click HERE!

Registration is open now for the 2026 Extension Master Gardener State Conference on May 27-29!

All EMG volunteers from interns onward are welcome to register for one, two, or all three days of the conference. Early registration closes on May 1st. All tours and sessions are filled first come, first served.

Forms can be mailed in with a check or you can use the online registration.