September 13, 2017
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It's Time for Texas' Second Annual Pollinator BioBlitz
Texas Parks and Wildlife
In support of Texas' second statewide Pollinator BioBlitz, organizations and sites around the state will soon be hosting a variety of events to get people outdoors to observe pollinators of all types in yards, natural areas, gardens, parks and community centers. Of course, you don't have to visit a particular site to participate. Your very own yard or green space will do.
Thanks to the success of last year's BioBlitz, this very special event has been extended to two weeks, Sept. 23-Oct. 8, 2017. This longer timeframe will allow students, citizen-scientists and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to increase the amount of data collected during the peak of fall migration and focus greater attention on the critical habitat needs of Monarchs and native pollinators across the state.
The BioBlitz is designed to be fun for all ages, with no experience required. Participants are simply asked to look for pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and moths, and nectar-producing plants; photograph or take video of them; and share their discoveries online via Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #TXPollinators.
Plant and insect species may be difficult to identify, so observers are encouraged to post what they know. For example, "Small bee on sunflower at Bryan Elementary, Mission, Texas" is fine. Participants who would like to take their experience to the next level are encouraged to sign up and record their observations in the Texas Pollinator BioBlitz Project through the iNaturalist application on their phones or home computers (www.inaturalist.org/projects/2017-texas-pollinator-bioblitz). There is no cost to participate and the only tools needed are a camera or smartphone, plus internet access.
"The monarch, our state butterfly and symbol for the Texas Pollinator BioBlitz, is one of the most beautiful and recognizable insects on Earth," explained Ben Hutchins, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department invertebrate biologist. "Unfortunately, monarch populations have declined dramatically over the last 20 years due to loss of overwintering habitat, loss of nectar plants, and disappearance of milkweeds, on which monarch caterpillars feed. And the monarch tells us a lot about the health of other pollinators too, like the 1,000 native bee species that call Texas home. We all depend on the services that these animals provide."
In addition to the monarch, 30 species of pollinators have been designated as "Species of Greatest Conservation Need" by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Native butterflies, bees and moths, along with bats, hummingbirds, wasps, flies and beetles, are essential to healthy ecosystems and sustain native plant species, human food crops and crops for livestock. To learn more about the importance of pollinators, sign up to be counted, and locate events across the state, visit the Texas Pollinator BioBlitz website at www.tpwd.texas.gov/pollinators. Sign up for daily challenges that will add to the excitement as everyone works together to increase awareness of our pollinators and the availability of their habitat.
It's easy to get involved. Individuals and families, schools and clubs are all asked to Join, Observe, Identify and Share, Sept. 23-Oct. 8, 2017, which signals the start of butterfly migration season in Texas. At this time of year, cooler temperatures across the state also alert bees to eat as much as they can before hibernation begins, so it's the perfect time to photograph, post and record all of the insects you see, while enjoying the great outdoors.
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Proper tree planting and care is critical to survival
By Melinda Myers
Whether planting a tree to add seasonal beauty, grow backyard fruit, provide a bit of shade, or reduce energy costs, it's a big upfront investment. Make the most of your money spent by giving your tree its best chance at survival with proper planting and care.
Now is a great time to plant trees. Cooler air temperatures make it less stressful on newly planted trees and the gardeners planting them.
Select a tree suited to the growing conditions. Make sure it tolerates the sunlight, soil and temperature extremes. Check the tag for the mature height and spread. You'll have a better-looking plant that always fits the space with minimal pruning.
Plant it correctly to ensure your tree thrives for many years to come. Dig a saucer-shaped hole three to five times wider than the root ball. It should only be as deep as the distance from the root flare to the bottom of the root ball. The root flare, where the roots bend away from the trunk, should always be at or slightly above the soil surface.
Set the tree in the hole, then peel back and cut away any burlap and wire cages. These can eventually constrict root growth. Roughen the sides of the hole and backfill with the existing soil. Water thoroughly to moisten the roots and surrounding soil.
Continue to water thoroughly whenever the top few inches of soil are crumbly and moist. Proper watering, especially during the first two years, is critical for establishing trees. Watering thoroughly as needed encourages deep roots and a more drought-tolerant and pest-resistant tree.
Make the job easier with a watering aid like the
GreenWell water saver. This contains and concentrates the water where it is needed, acting as an insurance policy for your tree during the critical root establishment phase. It also holds the mulch in place and prevents weed whips and mowers from damaging your tree.
Be sure to mulch the soil surface with a two- to three-inch layer of woodchips or shredded bark to conserve water, suppress weeds and improve the soil as it decomposes. Pull the mulch back from the trunk of the tree to avoid disease problems.
Remove any tags that can eventually girdle the tree and prune out any broken or rubbing branches. Wait a year to fertilize and two years, once the tree is established, for additional pruning.
Continue providing tender loving care for at least the first two years. Make regular checkups, prune to create a strong structure, and keep grass, weeds and lawn care equipment away from the trunk throughout the lifetime of your tree. Your efforts will be rewarded with years of beauty, shade, and for some bushels of fresh fruit.
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The Compost Heap
Soil tests
"In the recent issue of Seeds," writes Sharon Black-Greene, "I read about soil tests, but didn't see the one offered by TPS Lab, that George Altgelt, founder of Geo Growers, LLC, mentioned when he spoke to the Austin Organic Gardening Club recently (https://www.tpslab.com/)."
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Gardening tips
Cool-season vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and collards should be planted this month in most of the state. The idea is to get them established so they can start producing once the weather cools off some.
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 2017 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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Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath have disrupted activities all along the Gulf coast and well inland. Before attending any event listed below, please contact the event organizers to ensure that it has not been cancelled, rescheduled, or relocated.
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SEPTEMBER
Bryan:
Skip Richter, host of
KAMU-FM "Garden Success" and contributing editor of Texas Gardener, will talk about vegetable gardening and scouting for pests 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Thursday, September 14, under the pavilion in the Demonstration Idea Garden of the Brazos County Extension Office, 2619 Highway 21 W, Bryan The public is invited at no charge. For additional information, call (979) 823-0129.
Georgetown: The Native Plant Society of Texas, Williamson County chapter meeting on September 14 will feature entomologist Mike Quinn, and he plans to "bug us" with information about Pollination Beetles of Texas. Quinn has been involved with the field of entomology for 30 years and has a lot to say about the evolution of flowering plants and which ones cater to beetles. Quinn's background includes a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences and an M.S. in Entomology, both at Texas A&M University. His work history has been diverse and includes working as an entomologist on Monarch Surveys and Beetle Surveys at Texas A&M and on an All Taxa Survey for University of Texas at Austin. Also, at UT-Austin he has been a Curatorial Associate for the UT Insect Collection. Besides working as an entomologist, he has worked as an ornithologist, a botanist and a photojournalist. He has posted photos of over a quarter of Texas' estimated 7500 beetle species in BugGuide. The meeting will be held in the Hewlett Room at the Georgetown Library, 402 Eighth Street, Georgetown, beginning at 7 p.m. Arrive early for fellowship and to pick up some seeds from the seed board. For additional information, contact kshend@verizon.net.
Houston: Herman Auer, Galveston County Master Gardener, will present "Fall Gardening," 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Genoa Friendship Garden Education Building, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston. Arrive Early, Limited Seating. Free. For additional information, visit hcmga.tamu.edu.
Houston: Linda B. Gay will present "Roses Love Companions" at
the Houston Rose Society meeting, September 14, 7:30 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. Gay was director of Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens from 2000-2011. In 2015, she assisted in the development of the new McGovern Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park, sharing her knowledge and love of plants, tweaking new garden plantings and teaching staff and volunteers best management practices for the garden. Gay can be found at The Arbor Gate on the weekends, teaching classes, meeting garden friends and helping newbies pick the best plants for our area. She writes a monthly garden article for Houston House and Home and "talks dirt" with Craig Cohen on Houston Matters Radio. This fall Linda will be an adjunct professor in the Horticulture Department at Houston Community College in Katy. Free Admission. For more information, visit www.houstonrose.org.
Nacogdoches: Stephen F. Austin State University's SFA Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 14, in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St. George Edward Hull, horticulturist from Portland, Oregon, will present "From Over the Top to Down Under: Adventures in Horticulture." Hull's career spans 40 years in the horticulture field. He has researched a variety of plant-based topics, including appropriate shade tree selections for cityscapes, production positions in the Southwest, and development of new cultivars for the nursery trade and teaching positions. Hull is a frequent speaker and writer on uses of plant materials both in this country and abroad. His current projects focus on breeding and the introduction of adapted materials for the Southwest. Many current selections in the Phoenix, Arizona, horticulture trade have been introduced by Hull. He holds plant patents on new Tecoma hybrids, which are being offered in the U.S., Europe and Asia. He also has taught at the community college level and spent 10 years teaching plant materials to landscape architecture students at the Herberger Institute at Arizona State University. Hull has recently relocated to Portland, Oregon, to start a new chapter in horticulture, growing things nearly impossible to grow in the low desert. The Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series is held the second Thursday of each month and includes a rare-plant raffle after the program. The lecture is free and open to the public, but donations to the Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series fund are always appreciated. Parking is available at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center and Raguet Elementary School, located at 2428 Raguet St., Nacogdoches. For more information, call 936-468-4129, or email
sfagardens@sfasu.edu
.
San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society's
September 14 program features Cristiano Prada, the owner of Austin's Lua Brazil and the maker of a gourmet version of traditional Brazilian breakfast rolls and bite-size snacks. Be the first to taste Pao De Queigo, a South American cheese bread along with three other flavors: basil, jalapeño and vegan. These wholesome, savory snacks are gluten free. They are crunchy on the outside, and warm and gooey in the inside. Learn about using the cassava plant to create gluten-free flour, taste the finished product and consider buying a package to delight visiting guests. Meetings are held at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio, starting at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge and the public is invited.
La Marque: "A Passion for Plumeria" with Galveston County Master Gardener Loretta Osteen presenting, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.,
September 16, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main (Hwy 519), La Marque. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413, e-mail
galvcountymgs@gmail.com; further details see
www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Fee/Free.
Tomball: Bill Adams and Tom LeRoy will present "The Fall Vegetable Garden," at 10:00 a.m. Saturday,
September 16, at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. The authors of
The Southern Kitchen Garden share tips for success. For additional information, call 281-351-8851, email
info@arborgate.com, or visit
www.arborgate.com.
New Braunfels: Learn all about the sunflower family when Craig Hensley leads "Confusing Composites: An Introduction to the Sunflower Family" at the Lindheimer Native Plant Society (NPSOT) meeting September 19 at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. The meeting begins with social time at 6:30 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. by the presentation.
Bryan:
Brazos County Master Gardener Fred Rapczyk will discuss drip irrigation and demonstrate how to set up a system, noon-1 p.m., Wednesday, September 20, under the pavilion in the Demonstration Idea Garden of the Brazos County Extension Office, 2619 Highway 21 W, Bryan The public is invited at no charge. For additional information, call (979) 823-0129.
Tomball: Ann Wheeler, Log House Herbs, will present "Growing Herbs in Big Containers: What's the Big Deal?," at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 21, at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. For additional information, call 281-351-8851, email info@arborgate.com, or visit www.arborgate.com.
New Braunfels and Sattler: The Native Plant Society needs help in creating plant beds on the grounds of Folk Fest at the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture in New Braunfels on Wednesday, September 20, and Saturday, September 23; and in establishing screening plantings to separate a neighboring business under construction at Tye Preston Memorial Library in Sattler on Wednesday, September 27, and Saturday, September 30. Times will be posted closer to the dates at http://npsot.org/wp/lindheimer/ or https://www.facebook.com/npsot.lindheimer/.
Belton:
Bell County Master Gardeners will meet 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., September 21, at the Bell County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1605 N. Main, Belton. A BCMG Herbal Specialist will present an informational class on growing and cooking with herbs. For additional information, contact carol.j.morisset@gmail.com or j-upchurch@sbcglobal.net.
La Marque: "Bulb Mania" with The Garden Club of Houston award-winning member Dodie Jackson presenting, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.,
September 23, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main (Hwy 519), La Marque. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413, e-mail
galvcountymgs@gmail.com; further details see
www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Fee/Free.
La Marque: "Composting, Turning Dirt into Soil & Soil Health Assessment" with Galveston County Master Gardener Jim Gilliam presenting, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.,
September 23, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main (Hwy 519), La Marque. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413, e-mail
galvcountymgs@gmail.com; further details see
www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Fee/Free.
Tomball: Ann Wheeler, Log House Herbs, will present "Growing Herbs in Big Containers: What's the Big Deal?," at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 23, at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. For additional information, call 281-351-8851, email info@arborgate.com, or visit www.arborgate.com.
Bryan:
Brazos County Master Gardener Tommy Myrick will present on building a raised bed for your garden, noon-1:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 27,
under the pavilion in the Demonstration Idea Garden of the Brazos County Extension Office, 2619 Highway 21 W, Bryan The public is invited at no charge. For additional information, call (979) 823-0129.
Arlington:
Native Plant Sale hosted by the Native Plant Society of Texas - North Central Chapter, Saturday, September 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at River Legacy Park - Elm Grove Pavilion, 701 NE Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington. All sale plants have been grown organically from local seed by members, so they don't have neonicotinoids. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and offer tips. Native plants are better adapted to our climate, have minimal water needs, don't need pesticides or fertilizers, and benefit birds, butterflies and the ecosystem in general. The event raises funds for outreach, including training, education and demonstration gardens. For a list of species with photos, visit http://www.txnativeplants.org/plantsale/index.php.
La Marque: "Favorite Fall Vegetables (Cruciferous & other vegetables)" with Galveston County Master Gardener Gene Speller presenting, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.,
September 30, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main (Hwy 519), La Marque. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413, e-mail
galvcountymgs@gmail.com; further details see
www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Many of the vegetables included in this presentation will be offered for sale as transplants at the Galveston County Master Gardener Fall Plant Sale on October 14. Fee/Free.
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OCTOBER
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardeners will have a Fall Plant Sale on
October 7 at the MG Pavilion & Victoria Educational Gardens, 283 Bachelor Dr., Victoria. The sale will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude when the plants are sold out. This year the theme will be "Fall Is The Time For Planting" and will have fruit and citrus trees, fall color bowls, fairy gardens, succulents, Texas Superstars, fall annuals, perennial shrubs and color. Arrive early for the best selections.
Tyler: From Bulbs to Blooms - Fall Conference and Sale will be held October 14. Greg Grant, Texas Gardener contributing editor, and Smith County Horticulture Agent and Bulb Expert, will be the featured speaker on Hard to Find Bulbs and Bulbs good for the South. Along with bulbs, trees and shrubs will be available. Registration, 8:30 a.m.; Program, 9:00 a.m.; Sale, 11:30 a.m. Harvey Hall, 2000 W Front St., Tyler. Free and open to the public. For additional information, visit https://txmg.org/smith/coming-events/ or call 903-590-2980.
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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 the Texas AgriLife Extension, 3033 Bear Creek Drive (near the intersection of Highway 6 and Patterson Road), Houston. For additional information visit
http://hcmga.tamu.edu
or call 281-855-5600.
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 Sue Matern at 817-517-9076.
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/.
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 July and August) at 10:30 a.m. at the community room behind the Greater Texas Federal Credit Union,1300 N. Bell, Cedar Park, unless there is special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, we share a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call president Cathy Clark-Ramsey at 512-963-4698 or email
info@leandergc.org.
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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