June 28, 2017
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One simple step can improve the health and vigor of your lawn
By Melinda Myers
Do just one thing this fall and you can improve the health and vigor of your lawn. Fall fertilization helps lawns recover from the stresses of summer and provides needed nutrients to grow deeper roots and a denser stand of grass. And that means fewer weeds and a healthier lawn that's more resistant to drought, insects and diseases.
Fertilize around Labor Day as the temperatures begin to cool and lawns start spreading outward instead of growing upward. Continue to leave clippings on the lawn. They return nutrients, moisture and organic matter to the soil. Consider it free fertilizer applied every time you mow the lawn.
One fall application will give low-maintenance lawns the nutrient boost they need. You'll have a healthier lawn with minimal care.
Consider using a slow release, organic nitrogen fertilizer that helps improve the soil while providing needed nutrients. Research discovered that as the microorganisms work on releasing the nutrients from its pellets they also make some of the phosphorous, which promotes root development, as well as potassium, which promotes hardiness and disease resistance, and which is bound to the soil available to the grass plants.
Continue to mow high as long as the grass continues to grow. You can gradually reduce the mowing height for winter if desired.
Fall fertilization is the first step in growing a healthy lawn next year. Do this one thing this fall and you will decrease your lawn care challenges and workload next year.
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9 ways to mosquito-proof your yard this summer
NDS, Inc.
A winter that wasn't as cold as it should have been, combined with a warm, wet spring has created a "perfect storm" this summer for mosquitoes, ticks and other insects.
NDS, Inc., a leading manufacturer of stormwater management and drainage products, encourages all homeowners to be proactive about standing water on their properties so they don't run the risk of having their yards, gardens and landscapes become breeding grounds for mosquitoes this summer.
"As summer arrives and temperatures heat up, the single most effective thing a homeowner can do to minimize the presence of mosquitoes is to eliminate standing water wherever it occurs," says Ryan Larsen, a civil engineer at NDS. He is also known as "Dr. Drainage" in
NDS's YouTube instructional video series about how to properly use and install stormwater and drainage products. "Mosquitoes love standing water and it doesn't take much water for mosquitoes to lay their eggs; it only takes as little as a thimble full of water. Your yard can quickly accumulate a good amount of still, stagnant water, from watering your yard and plants to those sporadic summer downpours."
The National Pest Management Association's annual "
bug barometer," which is based on past and current weather patterns forecasts, projects this summer will be especially bad for mosquitoes and ticks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it only takes one week for standing water to turn in to a breeding habitat for mosquitoes.
These biting pests are not only a nuisance, they can also transmit dangerous diseases, like malaria, West Nile virus, heartworms and Zika virus.
To assist homeowners, Larsen aka Dr. Drainage offers nine no-low cost ways to reduce the presence of mosquitos in outdoor spaces this summer:
1. Eliminate standing water around your home. First and foremost, eliminating standing water in your yard wherever it occurs is one of the most important things you can do. Your yard can quickly accumulate a good amount of still, stagnant water, from watering your yard and plants to those sporadic summer downpours, and it's the perfect environment for insects. This is why it's important to keep gutters clear of debris; check at least once a week for any discarded cans, buckets, pots, overturned children's toys and anything that can hold water; cover trash containers; change water in outdoor pet dishes daily; and change water in bird baths several times a week.
2. Move potted plants indoors. Speaking of standing water, potted plants also tend to fill up with excess water, which is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. So, remove potted plants from your yard and keep them indoors during the muggy summer months.
3. Place herbs and scented oils around your backyard. Certain plant herbs and essential oils can naturally repel mosquitoes. For instance, the scents of citronella, lemongrass and chrysanthemum, are non-toxic and keep mosquitoes at bay. Scented oils and candles placed on your outdoor tables will keep any bugs away from food, not to mention provide some evening ambiance. These products can be found at many home improvement or outdoor furniture and garden stores.
4. Scatter coffee grounds. A simple at-home solution for mosquito repellent is coffee grounds. All you need to do is sprinkle coffee grounds wherever you discover standing water in your yard. Any mosquito eggs present will be forced to rise to the surface and be deprived of oxygen. This will kill any mosquitoes before they hatch and will prevent them from breeding further.
5. Grow insect-repellent plants. Discourage flies with plants like lemon balm, mint, chrysanthemums, marigolds, basil, garlic, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and more. Luckily, these herbs and plants are loathed by mosquitoes, but quite pleasant to look at and smell for us humans!
6. Install a drain in planter boxes. If you want to keep your beautiful flowers outside for all to see, consider using a drainage solution in
planter boxes, such as a catch basin connected to a drainage pipe. Excess water enters the basin through a raised atrium grate, which prevents leaves, mulch and other debris from entering the system, and connects to a drain pipe where the water can drain to a safe location.
7. Install insect-repelling lights around your yard. Consider installing mosquito-repelling lights, such as sodium lamps, yellow bug lights or LED lights in your backyard to deter those irritating buggers away from your mouth-watering hot dogs. All-in-one outdoor lighting and mosquito repellent fixtures can be purchased at several home goods stores and large retailers.
8. Hire a professional to spray your yard with an organic treatment. Using an insect-controlling yard spray is an effective way to get rid of mosquitoes. However, many sprays contain toxic chemicals that can harm your health and the health of the environment. Nontoxic bug control solutions can work wonders and will kill off fleas, ticks and other insects, while not harming the family pet! Choose products labeled natural or organic and pet friendly, and follow the manufacturer's instructions completely.
9. Install a French drain. Another common solution for eliminating standing water around your home is with
drainage solutions that can be purchased at your local home improvement or hardware store. A
French drain is a popular choice, which consists of a slightly sloped trench filled with gravel surrounding a perforated pipe. It provides an easy channel for water to flow through, collecting water over the entire length of the drain instead of one particular spot and redirecting the surface and ground water away from your home. This
NDS French Drain is a simple solution that cuts installation time in half by eliminating the need to shovel and move heavy gravel or rocks. For more information about how to spot and fix the 8 most common homeowner drainage problems, visit NDS's
Home Drainage Center.
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Gardening tips
If you have a strawberry patch, production will soon be over. You have the option of carrying the old plants over, along with the daughter plants, that can be rooted alongside the mother plants or in a large container. Sometimes this works well and the plants will rebound with good production the following year. Sometimes, disease and spider mites get the best of the those carryovers. In that case, it is better to start over with new plants next spring. That frees up some space and gives you the option of planting another vegetable crop in that space for fall production.
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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JUNE
Overton: The 2017 East Texas Horticultural Field Day will feature more than 500 ornamental plant and vegetable trial varieties for public viewing, along with presentations by experts at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton. The event, slated for June 29, will be held rain or shine. Gardeners, professional landscape managers and seed company representatives can learn which landscape plants and vegetables do well under East Texas conditions. The trials started in 1993 to meet the needs of commercial seed companies, local nursery managers and gardening enthusiasts. There is no cost to attend or for the barbecue lunch provided by sponsors, but organizers ask that attendees RSVP by June 23 for an accurate meal count. The field day will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. at the center's East Farm 2 miles east of Overton on Texas Highway 135 N. The Ornamental Trial garden is on County Road 133 just past the former Kilgore College Demonstration Farm on Texas Highway 135. A tour of the ornamental trials at the Demonstration Garden at the Overton center will follow. The center headquarters are about 2 miles north of downtown Overton at 1710 Farm-to-Market Road 3053. For driving directions to the center or the East Farm site, visit http://flowers.tamu.edu/field-day/ or call 903-834-6191. The trials include some standard varieties from previous tests, including both old and new varieties of begonias, New Guinea impatiens, salvias, coreopsis and pentas. Dr. Joe Masabni, AgriLife Extension vegetable specialist, Overton, will also present plants in ongoing vegetable trials at the center. This year, Masabni will feature ongoing trials of grafted tomato varieties. The field day will move to the ornamental trials and demonstration garden at the Overton center headquarters from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Lunch is from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Afternoon speaker programs will be indoors at the Overton center's Bruce McMillan Jr. Auditorium. Speakers and topics will include: Brent Pemberton, Texas A&M AgriLife Research ornamental horticulturalist, Top Performers from Recent Trials - the Labor Day Report; Jenny Wegley, Dallas Arboretum horticulture director, Dallas, Top Performers at the Dallas Arboretum; Suzanne Wainwright, Buglady Consulting ornamental entomologist, Using Biological Control in Production; and Dr. Dotty Woodson, AgriLife Extension water resource specialist, Dallas, Rain Barrel Demonstration.
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JULY
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Peckerwood Insider's Tour: Saturday, July 1, 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 Peckerwood's North Dry Garden and other collections located across the creek. $15 admission and parking, Free for members. For more info, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/ or eventregistration@peckerwoodgarden.org
Austin: July 8, The 6 D's of Container Gardening Success. Whether you want winter color or summer vegetables, you can grow it in containers. The session covers the major considerations and decisions that lead to gardening success - from design and soil to irrigation and sunlight. Participants will come away with a list of recommended plants and resources suitable for Central Texas. Travis County Master Gardener Kirk Walden is a hands-on experiential gardener. Seminar is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over), $3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted. For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service - Travis County, 512-854-9600.
Conroe
: Rainwater Harvesting and Irrigation by the Homeowner on Saturday, July 8. 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. $5.00 per person at the door. Concerned with costs for water? Prepare for extended dry spells by using rainwater harvesting. Methods for limiting "over watering" and "wasting water" are enhanced by using irrigation systems. How to create an irrigation system for your
own landscape will be shared. Montgomery Co. Master Gardeners, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe
. 936-539-7824 or www.mcmga.com.
Houston: "Tomato Culture" by Retired Liberty & Harris County Master Gardener, Lawrence Gibson. Harris County Master Gardeners Prec. 2.
10-11:30 a.m., Thursday, July 13, at the Genoa Friendship Garden Education Building, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston. NOTE: NEW LOCATION. For additional information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.
Houston: The Houston Rose Society will hold its annual Ice Cream Social and Summer Celebration on Thursday, July 13, from 7 to 9 p.m. Join the fun! There will be vendors, door prizes and make-your-own ice cream sundaes with lots of toppings to choose from. Admission is free. Just bring your favorite ice cream topping or finger food. This event will be held at the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. Free parking is in Lot C, located at Hermann Drive and Crawford Street. Details are available at www.houstonrose.org.
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Evening at Peckerwood Lecture Series: Friday,
July 15, 5 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
eventregistration@peckerwoodgarden.org.
La Marque: "The Great Pepper Extravaganza - Presentation & Tasting" with Galveston County Master Gardener Gene Speller presenting, 9:00 a.m.-Noon,
July 15, 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.
Rosenberg:
Fort Bend Master Gardeners and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present Garden with Confidence: Fruit Trees for Fort Bend County on July 15, 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Fort Bend County Extension Education Center, 1402 Band Rd., Rosenberg. Registration $15. Register in advance at http://fortbend.agrilife.org/gwc or contact Brandy Radar 281-342-3034.
Woodway: Dr. Joan Windmiller will present "The Lore of Herbs" at Noon, July 19, at The Pavilion at Carleen Bright Arboretum
, 1 Pavilion Way, Woodway
.
Dr. Windmiller has been growing herbs for over 30 years. Join her as she discusses the folklore of the most fascinating plants we have and their links to the past. They flavor our foods and heal our wounds. What is the difference between herbs and spices? Bring a lunch, relax and learn that and much more. Free. For additional information, email jschaffer@woodwaymail.org or call 399-9204.
La Marque: "Arranging Fresh & Artificial Flowers" with Galveston County Master Gardener Jackie Auer presenting, 9-11 a.m.,
July 22, 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.
Seven Points:
Ann McCormick, the Herb 'n Cowgirl, will present "Homegrown Herb Garden," Thursday, July 27, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Cedar Creek Library, 410 E. Cedar Creek Parkway, Seven Points. This is a free presentation sponsored by the Henderson County Master Gardeners Association. For more information call (903) 675-6130, email hendersonCMGA@gmail.com or visit www.henderson-co-tx-mg.org.
Seguin:
Guadalupe County Master Gardeners are now accepting applications for the next "Become a Master Gardener" class, to be held on Tuesdays starting August 8, and continuing through December 5, from 12:45 p.m.-4:45 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension, 210 E. Live Oak, Seguin. Cost of the class is $190. Application deadline is July 31. Class size is limited. Contact Kay McElveen at hkaymcelveen@gmail.com or 479-790-2933. Registration forms available at www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.
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AUGUST
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Peckerwood Insider's Tour: Saturday,
August 5, 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 Peckerwood's North Dry Garden and other collections located across the creek. $15 admission and parking, Free for members. For more info, visit
http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/ or
eventregistration@peckerwoodgarden.org.
Brookeland: Sodbusters Symposium,
August 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rayburn Country Club, 2376 Wingate Blvd., Brookeland, near Lake Sam Rayburn in East Texas. Lectures by Chris Weisinger, The Bulb Hunter; Melda Siebe of Wild Thymes Herb Farm; and Randall Kroll, Texas Parks and Wildlife. Ticket holders are treated to lunch, door prizes and a live auction, but anyone can drop in and shop the vendors, plant sales and silent auction. For more information and an order form, visit
http://counties.agrilife.org/jasper/files/2017/03/Sodbuster-2017-order-tickets-early-4.pdf.
Woodway: Carol Wood, Master Gardener, will discuss " What to Plant in the Fall" at Noon, August 16, at The Pavilion at Carleen Bright Arboretum
, 1 Pavilion Way, Woodway
.
Join the discussion of the best trees, bulbs, flowers and vegetables to plant in one of the best growing seasons in Texas. Free. For additional information, email jschaffer@woodwaymail.org or call 399-9204.
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Evening at Peckerwood Lecture Series: Friday,
August 19, 5 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
eventregistration@peckerwoodgarden.org
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SEPTEMBER
San Angelo: Registration is underway for the 6th Annual Fall Landscape Symposium sponsored by the Concho Valley Master Gardeners, to be held Saturday, September 9, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Center, 7887 N. US Highway 87, San Angelo. Due to limited seating, pre-registration is required. Deadline to register is Wednesday, September 6, but don't wait too late seats fill up fast. Three excellent speakers who are tops in their fields will be presenting throughout the day at this year's Symposium: Steve Kainer-Owner/Manager, Hill Country Gardens & Nursery, presnting "Landscape Water Features--Using water features and small ponds in the garden"; Bill Adams-Author and Photographer, presenting "Garden Photography" and "Fall Gardening and Planning for the Spring Tomato Patch"; and Felder Rushing-Author, Radio & TV Personality & Photographer, presnting "Slow Gardening" and "Yard Art--The Good, The Bad and the Unbelievable." Registration cost for the Fall Landscape Symposium is $30 per person. The deadline is Wednesday, September 6. Cost includes refreshments throughout the day and lunch. On the day of the seminar, sign-in starts at 8 a.m. The speakers start at 8:30 a.m. and continue until 3:15 p.m. Due to limited seating, pre-registration is required. No refunds for cancellations. To pay by check or cash, go to txmg.org/conchovalley, download the registration form, and mail or bring it to the Extension Office, 113 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, Texas 76901. You'll also find parking and hotel information on the website. To pay on-line with a credit card, go to http://squareup.com/store/cvmg . For questions or more information call 325-659-6522. No childcare will be provided.
Gonzales: Registration is currently underway for Gonzales Master Gardeners fall class. Classes start September 12 and run through May. Classes are held every other Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the PACE building located at 623 Fair St., next to Gonzales Elementary. Learn with the experts. Class topics include botany, plant propagation, soils, vegetables, fruit and nut trees, insects, fertilizers, rainwater harvesting, and many more. Contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 1709 Sarah DeWitt, Gonzales, call 830-672-8531 for an application and more
information, or contact Robbie Cole for more information at 281-734-1391. For more information, visit
http://Gonzales.agrilife.org
or http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org.
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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.
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.
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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