December 28, 2016
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Research team enhances identification process for bacterial pollution in watersheds
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
For more than a decade, the Texas Bacterial Source Tracking Program has improved the identification process for bacterial pollution sources in watersheds across Texas, helping restore water quality and protect human health, according to a Texas Water Resources Institute official.
"Because of the efforts of this joint program with the Texas Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health in El Paso, bacterial pollution sources in watersheds can now be characterized more precisely," said Dr. Kevin Wagner, Texas Water Resources Institute deputy director, College Station. "As a result, we can now take more targeted and effective approaches to watershed restoration."
The program is made up of a team of researchers, including Wagner, Dr. Terry Gentry of AgriLife Research's department of soil and crops sciences, Dr. George Di Giovanni of the UT Health School of Public Health in El Paso, Dr. Lucas Gregory of TWRI, and others.
"The program has filled a need in the state's water quality efforts that no other program was delivering, that of in-stream measurements of human and animal sources of bacterial pollution," Wagner said.
He said identifying bacterial pollution is important because bacteria is the No. 1 pollutant of Texas water bodies, with 255 water bodies currently failing to meet water quality standards due to excessive levels of bacteria.
Bacterial source tracking, or BST, is an assessment tool that uses DNA fingerprinting and other genetic and phenotypic tests to differentiate between wildlife, pets, livestock or human sources of fecal bacteria, including E. coli, bacteroidales and enterococci, according to Di Giovanni.
"The premise is that DNA fingerprinting can identify source-specific bacterial strains that have adapted to the unique gut environments of different animal hosts," he said.
Gregory, who has been involved in the collection of known source fecal samples and data assessment, said E. coli is the state's indicator bacterium of choice for assessing the safety of fresh water for swimming and other recreation. Water samples with E. coli are cultured in a lab and analyzed using DNA fingerprinting. The researchers also DNA fingerprint E. coli collected from the predominant animal species in the watershed.
"Then, by comparing the two fingerprints, the sources of E. coli in that watershed can be identified," Gregory said.
The researchers found wildlife to be the largest source of E. coli in Texas rural watersheds tested to date, with feral hogs being among the first or second most commonly detected source of E. coli.
"The tendency of feral hogs to concentrate in riparian zones may exacerbate their impact in rural watersheds," Gentry said.
"Livestock can also be substantial contributors of E. coli, but they generally have lower contributions than computer models estimate," he said. "Agricultural best management practices, such as rotational grazing, riparian protection and providing alternative water supplies, can greatly decrease both livestock and wildlife contributions."
Di Giovanni said the team's findings have led to a better understanding of human health risks for recreation in rural water bodies impaired with bacteria from wildlife.
"Although wildlife feces may be a source of zoonotic pathogens, that is, those transmitted from animals to humans, generally speaking the risk to humans may be lower than exposure to water contaminated with human sewage," he said.
Over the years, the team has expanded the number of animal species and regions represented in a statewide sampling library for which Di Giovanni's and Gentry's labs oversee and maintain data and bacterial culture collections.
Di Giovanni said the library currently contains more than 1,700 E. coli DNA fingerprints obtained from more than 1,500 different domestic sewage, wildlife and livestock fecal samples, representing more than 50 animal subclasses from throughout Texas. These isolates were selected after screening more than 6,700 E. coli samples from almost 3,000 fecal and sewage samples collected through 18 projects completed throughout the state.
Gentry said initially differences in methods, inconsistent approaches and limited geographical coverage of library sampling caused concern over the applicability of BST results between watersheds.
"But through the years, we have been able to allay those concerns by focusing on increasing application, capacity and coverage of bacterial source tracking resources available in the state," he said. "In doing so, we have been able to accomplish several of the research and development needs recommended by a statewide task force on bacterial source tracking."
Wagner said before BST many computer models attributed much of the bacterial contributions to cattle because this was one of the few sources for which there was sufficient data.
"But BST helped us confirm what many landowners suspected - that cattle were only part of the contributions; on average, cattle contribute about 13 percent of E. coli in the rural watersheds studied to date," he said.
The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board has funded the program since its inception. The Texas Bacterial Source Tracking Program has been used in water restoration efforts in 14 watersheds, including Buck Creek, which was delisted from the state's impaired water body list in 2010, Wagner said. Buck Creek's restoration efforts were recognized as a success story by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and awarded a 2013 Texas Environmental Excellence Award.
DiGiovanni said segments of the Leon and South Leon Rivers were also delisted in 2014, due in part to management of pollution sources identified through the program.
"BST has been incredibly helpful in every watershed where we've used it," Wagner said.
The program is now turning to water quality efforts in urban watersheds, Wagner said.
"We're really turning our attention to try to do more of this work in more urbanized settings," he said. "In predominantly rural watersheds, wildlife contributes about half of the bacteria. We'll see if that differs in urban settings or not."
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Rodent season brings greater potential for vehicle damage
Rodents are a year-round issue but the fall and winter months are the peak of rodent season. Rodents, like rats and mice, seek warm places for shelter and often find their way under the hoods of vehicles causing hundreds and potentially thousands of dollars in damage.
"Particularly in newer model and hybrid vehicles, rodents are attracted to the soy-based coating on wiring in vehicles," Brian DiCicco, owner of Pest Management, Inc. said. "Approximately 21 million homes nationwide report a rodent issue every winter, which means the pests can easily invade cars parked inside or outside as they look for warmth."
Rodents have teeth that continuously grow and leads to their need to gnaw and chew on almost anything they encounter. The soy-coated wires are becoming more common because they are eco-friendly and economical. Prevention is essential to protecting your vehicle from rodent damage. DiCicco offers tips to keep rodents away and from chewing on wires:
- Wrap wiring in rodent-repellent tape
- Spray the wiring with hot sauce or rub the wire with a cotton ball soaked in peppermint oil
- Place mothballs under the hood
- Never use poison on the wiring to avoid potentially harmful contact through air circulation
The most rapid and effective method to control rodents are those administered by highly trained pest control professionals.
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Gardening tips
With winter finally upon us, it is time to get out the seed catalogs or shop online for those varieties you plan to grow next spring. Choose proven varieties if you are interested in predictable results and food on the table. Try something different to make gardening interesting. Resist the temptation to order enough seed to plant the entire county. And always, dream a little about spring - it will be here before you know it!
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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DECEMBER
Schertz: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners are now accepting applications for their upcoming "Become a Master Gardener" Class 29 evening class. This class will be held on Tuesdays starting January 17, 2017 through May 23, 2017 from 5:45 p.m.-8:45 p.m. at the Schertz Civic Center located at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz. Cost of the class is $190. Application deadline is
December 30, 2016. Class size is limited, so applications are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or registration, please contact Cynthia Lyssy at
cmlyssy@prodigy.net or text (210) 275-3970.
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JANUARY
La Marque: "Collection of Dormant Peach and Plum Graft Wood" with GC Master Gardeners Sue Jeffco and Herman Auer presenting, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., January 5, at the Galveston County Master Gardeners' Research & Demonstration Garden in Carbide Park, 4102 Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/. Seating limited to 90 persons.
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardener Association will hold its first "Lunch and Learn With the Masters" program Monday, January 5, at the Pattie Dodson Health Center, 2805 N. Navarro St., Victoria, noon-1 p.m. Master gardener Charlie Neumeyer will discuss "Landscape Chores to Do Now." The event is free to the public. Those who wish to do so may bring a sack lunch and beverage.
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Peckerwood Insider's Tours: Saturday,
January 7, 10 a.m., 20559 FM 359 Rd. Hempstead. Pre-Registration Required. Tours will highlight a focused subject each month, ranging from Peckerwood's specific plant groups, garden design strategies, seasonal interest and more. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to see sections of the garden never visited during the general tours as we explore "Early Interest Winter Plants." $15 admission and parking, Free for members. For more info, visit
http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/ or
info@peckerwoodgarden.org.
La Marque: "Wedge Grafting" with GC Master Gardener Sue Jeffco presenting, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., January 7, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/. Note: Class limited to 32 participants; pre-registration required to participate. Others may attend to observe.
La Marque: "Propagation of Plants by Cuttings" with GC Master Gardener Bill Cummins presenting, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., January 7, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/. Note: Class limited to 24 participants; pre-registration required to participate. Others may attend to observe. Bring a small, sharp knife, if participating.
Austin: The Austin Organic Gardeners' Club kicks off their 72nd year with their first meeting of 2017 on Monday, January 9. They will have a compost panel discussion with local commercial compost experts: George Altgelt of Geogrowers; Lisa Boatman, a DilloDirt engineer from Hornsby bend; Phil Gosh from Organics by Gosh; and Dakota from Whittlesey Landscape Supply. The Austin Organic Gardeners' Club meets 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 local gardeners. Club business begins at 7 p.m., followed by our guest speaker's presentation. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org.
Schertz: Peggy Jones will present "Growing and Pruning Roses," noon-1 p.m., January 9, at the Guadalupe County Office Building (Annex), 1101 Elbel Road, Schertz. For additional information, phone 830-303-3889.
Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners Precinct 2 Lecture Series
featuring Charlene Perry of "Diggit Organics." She will present a program on Vermiculture, Composting Worms. 10:00-11:30 a.m., January 12, at the Genoa Friendship Garden Educational Building, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston. Note: New Location. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.
Houston: "Backyard Rose Hybridizing" will be the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting on Thursday, January 12, at the
Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion,
1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. The parking lot is Lot C, located at Hermann Drive and Crawford Street. The program will be presented by John Jons, an award-winning Galveston County Master Gardener, Texas Master Naturalist and American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian. John has hybridized the new and unique 'Texas Tough Roses.' One of his roses has been selected as an American Rose Society 'All American Rose Center Trial Grounds Winner.'
Free admission. For more information, visit www.houstonrose.org.
San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society meets January 12. Beginning in 1995, the International Herb Association has chosen an Herb of the Year to highlight. Based upon being outstanding in at least two of the three major categories: medicinal, culinary, or decorative; the herb of the year is selected. This year's selection is Coriander/Cilantro. Leslie Bingham will present a fun and informative look at the Herb of the Year with the assistance of fellow herb society member, Adrienne Hacker. Leslie has a degree in Horticulture, was a member of the Herb Society of America, Southern Ontario Unit for more than 20 years, and is currently a member of San Antonio Herb Society. In addition, Leslie has worked on the restoration of several 19th century museum gardens including Dundern Castle, McKenzie House Museum, and Montgomery's Inn Museum where she delved into the historical archives, letters, journals and diaries to re-create the garden designs of the early 19th century inhabitants.
The meeting will be held at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels at Parland,San Antonio, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free and the public is welcome. For more information, visit www.sanantonioherbs.org.
Tyler: Smith County Master Gardeners at the library, January 13 at 11:30 a.m. "Winter Sowing" with Trish Wittinger. Presentation with Q&A to follow. Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College, Tyler. Free and open to the public. For additional information, call 903-590-2980.
La Marque: "Growing Great Tomatoes (Part 2 of 3)" with GC Master Gardener Ira Gervais presenting, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., January 14, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.
La Marque: "Successful Spring Vegetable Gardening" with GC Master Gardener Herman Auer presenting, 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m., January 14, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.
San Antonio: David Rodriguez, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Horticulturist will present a
Fruit Tree Seminar, January 14, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Milberger's Landscape Nursery, 3920 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio. Whether you want to plant one fruit tree or an orchard, learn the basic steps of selecting appropriate tree species, how to properly plant them, how to train and manage these trees as well as harvesting and general overall maintenance.
Email
Angel Torres-Luna at matorres@ag.tamu.edu
for more information.
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Evening at Peckerwood Lecture Series: Friday,
January 16, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., 20559 FM 359 Rd. Hempstead. Topics will include various aspects of horticulture, botany, garden design, plant collecting adventures, conservation and many other related fields of interest. Wine and refreshments provided. $10 admission and parking, $5 for members. For more info, visit
http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/ or
info@peckerwoodgarden.org.
Houston: Open Garden Day
, with Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2. 8:30-11 a.m., January 16, Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston. Master Gardeners will also be available to answer your gardening questions. FREE. Plants for sale in the Greenhouse. Details: https://hcmga.tamu.edu.
La Marque: "Gardening by the Square Foot" with GC Master Gardener John Jons presenting, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., January 17, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.
Smithson Valley: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold their monthly meeting
on
January 17 at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, Smithson Valley. The doors open
at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts
at 7:00 p.m. The speaker will be Andrew McNeil-Marshall, LBJ Wildflower Center. Andrew will speak on "Texas Oak Collection, Hall of Texas Heroes and other exciting exhibits at the Center." The meeting is free and the public is welcome. For more information, call Martha Guethle,
830-438-5996.
LaGrange:
The Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association is offering a training program with weekly classes running from January 19 to graduation on April 25. Classes will be held on Thursday mornings at the Fayette County Agriculture Building in LaGrange. Topics for the class include plant growth and development, entomology, soils and plant fertility, landscape and fruit trees, plant pathology, vegetable gardening, lawn care and various aspects of environmental horticulture. Classes are taught by Texas AgriLife Extension specialists, agents, and local experts. The Texas Master Gardener program boasts the largest corps of Master Gardener volunteers in the nation. A love of gardening and search for knowledge is central to why Master Gardeners join the program. They remain Master Gardeners to enjoy the camaraderie and friendship of others who share their interests, to gain and share horticulture knowledge, and to give back to the community. For additional information, contact Susan Yancey at susan.yancey@gmail.com.
La Marque: "Fig Tree Pruning and Propagation" with Certified, GC Master Gardener Terry Cuclis presenting, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., January 19, at the Galveston County Master Gardeners' Research & Demonstration Garden in Carbide Park, 4102 Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/. Bring gloves.
San Antonio: The Bexar County Master Gardeners will meet Thursday, January 19, 6-8:30p.m., at 3355 Cherry Ridge, San Antonio. Meeting begins with a social time at 6 p.m. followed by the special presentation at 6:30pm. For information, email
Jack Downey, BCMG President at
President@bexarmg.org, or call
210-699-0663.
San Antonio: Dr. Larry Stein from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
, will present the Annual Fruit Tree Seminar, Sat., January 21, 9 a.m. to noon, at Fanick's Garden Center Inc., 1025 Holmgreen Rd, San Antonio. Stein will demonstrate how to properly select, plant, prune and maintain fruit and nut trees for maximum production. For more information, visit
http://www.fanicknursery.com/Upcoming%20Events.htm.
Conroe:
Montgomery County Master Gardeners are having their Fruit and Nut Tree Sale on Saturday,
January 28, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. The presentation starts at 8 a.m., the sale is from 9 a.m. until noon. Varieties sold will grow well in Montgomery County. Trees and plants include apples, blackberries, blueberries, citrus, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, and much more. Take your wagon! Visit
www.mcmga.com or call 936-539-7824 for more info.
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Peckerwood Garden Open Day: Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m, 20559 FM 359 Rd. Hempstead. Visitors enjoy 1-hour guided tours of the garden led by knowledgeable docents. Guided tours are offered approximately every 30 minutes, leaving between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Purchase Tickets. $10 admission and parking, Free for members. For more info, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/ or info@peckerwoodgarden.org.
La Marque: "Growing Peaches in Galveston County" with GC Master Gardener Herman Auer presenting, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., January 28, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.
La Marque: "Kitchen Gardening" with GC Master Gardener Mary Demeny presenting, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., January 28, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.
Orlando, FL: Join the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) for the 56th
Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference,
January 28-31, in Orlando. The annual conference brings together nearly 900 seed industry professionals from more than 20 countries for four days of global networking and education. Held at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort next to EPCOT Center, the 2017 Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference will bring agricultural innovation to life with exclusive tour opportunities at Disney's trial gardens, greenhouses, and a special version of Disney's "Behind the Seeds" tour, in addition to ASTA sessions on plant breeding, organic seed, communications, and more. On the evening of Saturday, January 28, All-America Selections (AAS) and National Garden Bureau will provide an update on both organizations' yearly activities and new AAS Winners, followed by a meet-and-greet cocktail reception. Sunday, January 29 and Monday, January 30, will feature special Disney "Behind the Seeds" tours, including the AAS trial garden. On Monday, January 30, the General Session will feature Walt Disney World's Eric Darden, the man behind the magic of EPCOT's International Flower and Garden Festival - an event that has grown in popularity in each of its 20-plus years to an audience that is now over 7 million! Bringing to life a renewed interest in gardening, produce and food, this festival has been instrumental in the creation of EPCOT as the "festival park" of Walt Disney World. For more information including the full schedule of events, visit
http://www.betterseed.org/events/asta-vegetable-flower-seed-conference/.
La Marque: "Anyone Can Grow Roses" with GC Master Gardener and American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian John Jons presenting, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., January 31, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.
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FEBRUARY
San Antonio: Spring Youth Garden Educator Training will be presented Sat., February 4, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Phil Hardberger Park, West Urban Ecology Center, 8400 NW Military Highway, San Antonio. This training is designed for teachers, educators, and volunteers in support of youth gardening in the classroom and community. If you are interested in starting a gardening program in your school/community or you are looking for ways to enhance your already existing youth garden, do not miss this educational opportunity! Breakout sessions will be conducted with different garden topics for you to choose from, and a starter garden kit will be distributed to youth gardens that are ready for planting. (Plant material is given per school/institution.) For only $20, training and lunch is provided to all participants. Walk-ins will not be accepted, so please register early at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/2191. For additional information, email Ruby Zavala, Youth Gardens Coordinator, at Ruby.Zavala@ag.tamu.edu.
Tyler:
Smith County Master Gardeners at the library, February 10 at 11:30 a.m. "Rose Rustlers" with Greg Grant, Smith County horticulturalist and Texas Gardener contributing editor . Presentation with Q&A to follow. Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College, Tyler. Free and open to the public. For additional information, call 903-590-2980.
San Antonio: Rosarian Ed Bradley
will present "Roses for 2017," Thursday, February 16, 1-3 p.m., at
3355 Cherry Ridge, San Antonio. Free. Bexar County Master Gardener (BCMG) Educational Seminars/General Meetings are held on the afternoon of the third Thursday every other month at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, Suite 208. Bradley will share his expertise his wealth of knowledge on growing roses in San Antonio. For more information email
President@bexarmg.org, or call 210-699-0663.
Hitchcock: "Galveston County Master Gardeners 2017 Spring Plant Sale" with pre-sale seminar 8:00 a.m.-8:50 a.m., plant sale 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., February 18, at Jack Brooks Park Rodeo Arena, 10 Jack Brooks Rd and Hwy 6, Hitchcock (Galveston County Fairgrounds).
Pasadena:
Harris County Master Gardener "Fruit Tree and Tomato" Sale will be held February 18 at Campbell Hall, Pasadena Fairgrounds, 7600 Red Bluff RD., Pasadena. For more information, visit
https://hcmga.tamu.edu
.
Smithson Valley: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold their monthly meeting on February 21 at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, Smithson Valley. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. The speaker will be Kathryn Bryant, Management Chair, Lindheimer Chapter Plant Sale. Kathryn will speak on "Plant Sale Primer." Kathryn will review native plants of interest for the sale and propagation techniques. The meeting is free and the public is welcome. For more information, call Martha Guethle, 830-438-5996.
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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.
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.
Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners usually mee tat 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.
Fort Worth: The North Central Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. except (January and July) in the Fort Worth Botanical Garden Building at
3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard, Fort Worth. For additional information, contact President Theresa Thomas at kayleetl@sbcglobal.net.
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.
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/.
Seabrook: The Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold an educational program at 10 a.m. on the
third Wednesday of each month at The Meeting Room at Clear Lake Park (on the Lakeside), 5001 NASA Road 1, Seabrook. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu.
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.
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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Texas Gardener digital edition available
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Vegetable Gardening in the Southwest
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