September 20, 2017
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Crapemyrtle pest to be targeted by $3.3 million grant to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
By Kathleen Phillips
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
The most popular flowering shrub in the U.S. has a new ally in a fight against a new, devastating exotic pest.
A $3.3 million grant will fund the study "Systematic Strategies to Manage Crapemyrtle Bark Scale" to be led by Dr. Mengmeng Gu, associate professor and ornamental horticulturist for
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, College Station.
The study is one of 12 totaling $35 million by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture for science-based solutions and new technology for the specialty crop industry.
Gu said crapemyrtles had a wholesale value of $66 million in 2014, the latest year for which figures are available. But the bark scale could take a serious bite out of that.
"Crapemyrtle bark scale is severely impacting this industry, and poses a unique risk to other major crops including soybean, apple
and pomegranate," she said. "Its newly reported infestation on the native American beautyberry may pose a threat to the native plant community and ecosystem."
Bark scale originated in Asia, and no one knows
how it came to the U.S., Gu said.
"Crapemyrtle bark scale feeds on the plant's vascular system - the stems, branches, flower stems and leaves - sucking out plant sap," Gu said. "That affects the overall plant health so it doesn't grow or flower. And in the pomegranate, that stops the fruit production and yield."
She said honeydew secretion from scale feeding also causes black sooty mold on trunks and branches, which significantly reduces the aesthetic value of trees in landscapes.
If a solution is not found, Gu said, the landscape industry likely would stop using them, and that would be a severe economic hit.
She said now that it has been reported on American beautyberry, which is a totally different plant family, it is very likely that the scale may start to attack other plants as well. It has been already documented on plants in six genus in 11 families, she said.
In Asia, crapemyrtle bark scale has been controlled by using both insecticides and biological control on crapemyrtles and pomegranates. This study will look at these control methods as well as new approaches, she said.
First, the team will evaluate non-chemical control methods such as biological, cultural and mechanical, Gu said. They also will evaluate chemical efficacy and the potential impact on beneficial insects and pollinators, based on the established understanding of crapemyrtle bark scale biology.
"We also will evaluate alternative hosts and feeding preference for future plant selection and development," she said.
And ultimately, the study will seek ways to improve the understanding of consumer and industry preferences and how that impacts crapemyrtle sales, Gu said.
"We are going to develop a two-way information pipeline for monitoring this pest by training volunteers and commercial/professional stakeholders, having a Best Management Practices training curriculum
and creating an outreach network," she added.
Gu said it's important to map where the crapemyrtle bark scale infestation is, including where it is on other plants, so volunteers will be encouraged to learn about the pest and how to report their sightings.
An infestation map has already been developed at
http://bit.ly/2f8Fpbi
, and learning where outbreaks are will help the industry be on the lookout and "nip problems in the bud" more quickly, Gu noted.
"The overall goal to manage this pest will contribute to the long-term profitability and sustainability of crapemyrtle production and landscape uses," she said. "And it will help protect against future risks to other commodities from this pest."
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Successfully transition houseplants indoors for winter
By Melinda Myers
Help your houseplants make a smooth transition from their outdoor summer home back inside for winter. The lower light and humidity indoors along with any insects that hitched a ride indoors make it difficult to keep these plants looking their best.
Give them a shower before they move indoors. A gentle blast of water washes dust and dirt off the leaves and dislodges aphids and mites that might be feeding on the plants.
Gradually prepare the plants for the lower light conditions indoor. Start by placing plants in the sunniest south- or west-facing window available or grow them under artificial lights. Leave them here for several weeks if the final destination receives less light.
Next move them to an east-facing or well-lit north facing window. Again, leave them here for several weeks. Gradually decrease the amount of light the plants receive until they reach their final location. This gradual acclimation helps the plants develop more shade-tolerant leaves. Foregoing this process results in yellow leaves and massive leaf drop. This is stressful on the plant and its caretaker.
Skip this step, reduce the stress on your plants and keep them looking their best throughout the winter by growing them under artificial lights. Using a combination of natural and artificial light helps plants better tolerate the less-than-ideal indoor growing environment.
Isolate these plants from your indoor houseplant collection until you are sure no insects tagged along. Check under the leaves and along the stems for aphids, mites, scale and white flies. Use an eco-friendly product to prevent these pests from moving onto the rest of your indoor garden.
Continue monitoring for pests over the next few weeks. Reapply the organic insecticide every two weeks as needed. Always read and follow label directions when using any organic, natural or synthetic chemical.
Increase the humidity by grouping plants together. As one plant loses moisture from its leaves, or transpires, it increases the humidity around its neighboring plants.
Further increase the humidity and decrease your workload by placing the plants on a gravel tray. Place pebbles in the bottom of the saucer or other shallow container. Set the pot on top of the pebbles. Allow excess water to collect in the pebbles below the pot. As this water evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plants.
You'll also eliminate the amount of time spent and mess made when pouring off the excess water that collects in the saucer. Plus, you'll avoid root rot and other diseases caused by plants sitting in a water-filled saucer.
Give your plants a bit of TLC as you tuck them into their winter lodgings. Your efforts will be rewarded with healthier, pest-free and better-looking plants to enjoy all winter long.
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Gardening tips
Now is a great time to divide spring-blooming perennial flowers and blubs for your own use or to share with friends. This includes iris, violets, Shasta daisy, daffodils, paper whites and snowflakes. Wait until next spring to divide fall-blooming perennials.
Have a favorite gardening tip you'd like to share?
Texas Gardener's Seeds is seeking brief gardening tips from Texas gardeners to use in future issues. If we publish your tip in
Seeds, we will send you a copy of
Texas Gardene
r's 2017 Planning Guide & Calendar. Please send your tips of 50 words or less to the editor at:
Garde
ning Tips.
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Upcoming garden events
If you would like your organization's events included in "Upcoming Garden Events" or would like to make a change to a listed event, please contact us at Garden Events. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details at least three weeks prior to the event.
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Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath have disrupted activities all along the Gulf coast and well inland. Before attending any event listed below, please contact the event organizers to ensure that it has not been cancelled, rescheduled, or relocated.
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SEPTEMBER
Tomball: Ann Wheeler, Log House Herbs, will present "Growing Herbs in Big Containers: What's the Big Deal?," at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 21, at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. For additional information, call 281-351-8851, email info@arborgate.com, or visit www.arborgate.com.
New Braunfels and Sattler: The Native Plant Society needs help in creating plant beds on the grounds of Folk Fest at the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture in New Braunfels on Wednesday, September 20, and Saturday, September 23; and in establishing screening plantings to separate a neighboring business under construction at Tye Preston Memorial Library in Sattler on Wednesday, September 27, and Saturday, September 30. Times will be posted closer to the dates at http://npsot.org/wp/lindheimer/ or https://www.facebook.com/npsot.lindheimer/.
Belton:
Bell County Master Gardeners will meet 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., September 21, at the Bell County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1605 N. Main, Belton. A BCMG Herbal Specialist will present an informational class on growing and cooking with herbs. For additional information, contact carol.j.morisset@gmail.com or j-upchurch@sbcglobal.net.
Tomball: Ann Wheeler, Log House Herbs, will present "Growing Herbs in Big Containers: What's the Big Deal?," at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 23, at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. For additional information, call 281-351-8851, email info@arborgate.com, or visit www.arborgate.com.
Bryan:
Brazos County Master Gardener Tommy Myrick will present on building a raised bed for your garden, noon-1:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 27,
under the pavilion in the Demonstration Idea Garden of the Brazos County Extension Office, 2619 Highway 21 W, Bryan The public is invited at no charge. For additional information, call (979) 823-0129.
Tomball: Nancy Greig, Cockrell Butterfly Center, will present "Monarch Butterflies and other Pollinators"
Wednesday, September 27, noon-1.p.m
.
Monarch butterflies and honeybees can be thought of as the "canaries in the coal mine," warning us with their recent drastic population declines that other, less obvious pollinators may also be facing a crisis.
Attendees
will take a look at the status of the monarch population (it's not all bad news) in addition to discussing the importance of many other pollinators, and learn what the home gardener can do to attract and sustain bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and more.The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. For more information, call 281-351-8851, email
info@arborgate.com, or visit
www.arborgate.com.
Arlington:
Native Plant Sale hosted by the Native Plant Society of Texas - North Central Chapter, Saturday, September 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at River Legacy Park - Elm Grove Pavilion, 701 NE Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington. All sale plants have been grown organically from local seed by members, so they don't have neonicotinoids. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and offer tips. Native plants are better adapted to our climate, have minimal water needs, don't need pesticides or fertilizers, and benefit birds, butterflies and the ecosystem in general. The event raises funds for outreach, including training, education and demonstration gardens. For a list of species with photos, visit http://www.txnativeplants.org/plantsale/index.php.
Austin: Expanding on a popular seminar series, a Water-Wise Symposium for home gardeners has been set for
September 30 at the Cepeda Branch, Austin Public Library on the Eastside. Participants will learn how to save precious water and money by capturing, channeling and controlling water in the lawn and garden. They will get practical advice from a distinguished panel of Austin experts. Topics covered in the day-long program include rainwater collection, rainscapes, efficient home and garden design, grey water use and City of Austin rebates. Attendance at the symposium is free. But, advance registration is required because seating is strictly limited. The agenda for the full-day symposium is as follows; 10:00-10:50 Rainwater Collection, Ed Parken, Travis County Master Gardener; 11:00-noon Rainscapes, Tom Franke, COA Watershed Protection Department; 1:00-1:50 Water Efficiency, Jerry Naiser, Travis County Master Gardener; 2:00-2:50 Holistic Home Design for Water Collection and Conservation, Billy Kniffen, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, ARCSA instructor; 3:00-3:50 Grey Water Use and Design, Robert Stefani, Austin Water; 4:00-4:15 Rebates from City of Austin, Chris Charles, COA; and 4:15-4:45 Panel Discussion: Best Practices. Attendance at the symposium is limited to 45 people. Based on similar programs, the symposium is likely to sell out well in advance. Interested residents should register as soon as practical. Attendance is free. But advance registration is required at
http://bit.ly/wisewater_conservation. The program will be held at the Cepeda Branch, Austin Public Library, 651 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin. Lunch is not provided. Numerous restaurants are nearby. More information at
http://www.tcmastergardeners.org/travis-county-master-gardeners-association.
Belton: The Bell County Master Gardeners will hold a fall plant sale 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., September 30, at the Bell County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1605 Belton. For additional information, contact carol.j.morisset@gmail.com or j-upchurch@sbcglobal.net.
Nacogdoches: Stephen F. Austin State University's SFA Gardens will host the inaugural Kiwifruit Field Day with Dr. David Creech, SFA Gardens director, and Tim Hartmann, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service employee, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. September 30 at the Brundrett Conservation Education Building. Through this introduction to growing kiwifruit in East Texas, Creech will lead participants on a journey through kiwifruit production practices in China, New Zealand, Nacogdoches and Alabama. He also will discuss best management practices from established growers across the world. Hartmann will discuss the "nuts and bolts" of growing kiwifruit, including site selection, pruning, pest control, trellising, and pre- and post-harvest techniques. He also will discuss species and varieties that will grow best in the South. Research into the adaptation and feasibility of kiwifruit production in the state by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and SFA has been made possible thanks to a Specialty Crop Block Grant through the Texas Department of Agriculture. 4 pesticide applicator CEU credits are available for the Field Day. The registration deadline is Sept. 25. The field day costs $25 and includes lunch. To register, please fill out an online form: Kiwifruit Regisration Form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpqOQQrGtwEPRCPBQ_QJ1Niq7g7T_zH8pMbEWB0aiXLChHMQ/viewform), or contact SFA Gardens at (936) 468-4404 or dawnstover@sfasu.edu.
The Woodlands:
Woodlands Landscaping Solutions will be presented Saturday, September 30, 9:00 a.m.-noon at The Woodlands Township Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services, 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, The Woodlands. Free to attend, no registration required. For more information, please visit
http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=5931
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OCTOBER
Tyler: First Tuesday in the Garden. October 3. MG Anne Pattullo will preview the bulbs for sale at the "From Bulbs to Blooms" sale on October 14. Noon at the IDEA Garden within the Tyler Rose Garden, 420 Rose Park Dr. Tyler. For more information 903-590-2980 or https://txmg.org/smith/coming-events.
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardeners will have a Fall Plant Sale on
October 7 at the MG Pavilion & Victoria Educational Gardens, 283 Bachelor Dr., Victoria. The sale will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude when the plants are sold out. This year the theme will be "Fall Is The Time For Planting" and will have fruit and citrus trees, fall color bowls, fairy gardens, succulents, Texas Superstars, fall annuals, perennial shrubs and color. Arrive early for the best selections.
Belton: The Bell County Master Gardeners will hold a general membership meeting 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., October 11, at the Bell County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1605 Belton. For additional information, contact carol.j.morisset@gmail.com or j-upchurch@sbcglobal.net.
Tomball: Angela Chandler, The Garden Academy, will present "What Your Weeds Are Trying To Tell You," Wednesday,
October 11, noon-1 p.m.
Weeds are unwelcome trespassers in the home landscape, but they have a lot to say. Learning to read them will help you diagnose soil conditions so you can improve the overall health and fertility of your soil. Before you pull them out or reach for the sprayer, take a minute to listen. Your weed management strategy will take a giant leap forward. This class will cover how to read the weeds and what to do with the information. We will also cover the place weeds have in nature, some useful weeds, and a long term strategy to reduce their presence in your garden. The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. For more information, call 281-351-8851, email
info@arborgate.com, or visit
www.arborgate.com.
Tyler: From Bulbs to Blooms - Fall Conference and Sale will be held October 14. Greg Grant, Texas Gardener contributing editor, and Smith County Horticulture Agent and Bulb Expert, will be the featured speaker on Hard to Find Bulbs and Bulbs good for the South. Along with bulbs, trees and shrubs will be available. Registration, 8:30 a.m.; Program, 9:00 a.m.; Sale, 11:30 a.m. Harvey Hall, 2000 W Front St., Tyler. Free and open to the public. For additional information, visit https://txmg.org/smith/coming-events/ or call 903-590-2980.
Tomball: Cynthia Graham, RN, BSN, will present "Liver Lingo of Plants," Wednesday,
October 25, noon-1 p.m.
Our livers cleanse the blood. They are the filtering factories of our bodies. Plants can supply the nutrients to keep the liver clean, clear and healthy. When the liver is working properly the blood moves nutrients, hormones are flushed, recycled and balanced. Weight can be better regulated when fat, drugs and other toxins can be removed from the abdomen. Learn the plants involved in Liver Lingo. Maybe this year the holiday 5-20 lbs. gain will miss you. The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. For more information, call 281-351-8851, email
info@arborgate.com, or visit
www.arborgate.com.
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Monthly meetings
If you would like your organization's events included in "Monthly Meetings" or would like to make a change to a listed meeting, please contact us at Monthly Meetings. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details.
FIRST WEEK
Kaufman:
The Kaufman County Master Gardeners meet the first Monday of each month at the First Community Church at 1401 Trinity Drive in Crandall. January through April and August and September meetings are at 9 a.m., with the remaining meetings beginning at 7 p.m. For additional information visit http://www.kcmga.org, call 972-932-9069 or email to sbburden@ag.tamu.edu.
Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners meet at noon the
first Tuesday of each month at the Texas AgriLife Extension, 3033 Bear Creek Drive (near the intersection of Highway 6 and Patterson Road), Houston. For additional information visit
http://hcmga.tamu.edu
or call 281-855-5600.
Dallas: Garden Masters, Inc., meet the
first Wednesday of each month at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas. The club hosts different speaker each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch! For more information, email Bunny Williams at
bunny-williams@sbcglobal.net.
Kerrville: Hill Country Master Gardeners meet the
first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy 27. For more information visit
www.hillcountrymastergardeners.org.
Midland/Odessa: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners meet at noon, the
first Wednesday of each month, lternating between the Midland and Ector County's Extensions Offices. For more information about location, call 432-498-4071 or 432-686-4700.
Navasota: The Navasota Garden Club meets on the
first Wednesday of each month (September through May) at 10:00 a.m., usually at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 300 Church Street, Navasota. If not meeting at the church, a change of meeting notice will be placed on the door at the North entrance. Guests are welcome. Members are from Grimes County and surrounding counties.
Allen: The Allen Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. on the
first Thursday of each month, February through December, at the Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St., Allen. For more information, visit
www.allengardenclub.org.
Atlanta: The Cass County Master Gardeners meet the
first Thursday of each month at the Atlanta Memorial Hospital Conference Room, State Highway 77 @ S. Williams St., Atlanta. A business meeting is followed by an educational program. The public is welcome to attend. For additional information, call 903-756-5391 or visit
http://cass.agrilife.org.
Fort Worth:
The Native Plant Society of Texas - North Central Chapter meets the first Thursday of each month, excluding January and July, at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7:00 p.m. Guest speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Members, friends, family, guests and the public are welcome. For a list of speakers and topics or more information, visit http://www.txnativeplants.org.
Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners usually meet at 9 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Waller County AgriLife Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. For more information on the meeting schedule, visit http://txmg.org/wallermg or call 979-826-7651.
Gonzalas: Gonzales Master Gardeners hold their monthly meeting at noon on the
first Thursday of each month at 623 Fair Street, Gonzales. Bring a bag lunch, drinks provided. Contact AgriLife Extension Office at 830-672-8531 or visit
http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org
for more information.
New Braunfels: The Comal Garden Club meets the
first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Southbank Clubhouse, 222 Southbank Blvd., New Braunfels.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts a special Peckerwood Insider's Tour at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. Spaces are limited so pre-registration is required. $15, free for members. For more information, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
SECOND WEEK
Austin: Austin Organic Gardeners Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the
second Monday of each month (except December) at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin. For more information, visit
www.austinorganicgardeners.org.
Jacksonville: The Cherokee County Master Gardeners meet on the
second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Woodmen of the World, 1800 College Ave., Jacksonville. For more information, e-mail Tom Abbott at
tom@deerfield-abbey.org.
Glen Rose: The Glen Rose Garden Club meets at 10 a.m. on the
second Tuesday of each month (September through May) at the Somervell County Community Center in Glen Rose. For additional information, email
stringer030@yahoo.com.
Glen Rose: The Prairie Rose Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 6 p.m. on the
second Monday of each month at the Somerville County Citizen Center, 209 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose. For additional information, email
prairierose.npsot@gmail.com.
Harrison County: The Harrison County Master Gardeners meet on the
second Tuesday of each month in the Harrison County Annex building, 102 W Houston St. (south side of the square), Marshall. Meetings are held in the 2nd floor AgriLife Extension meeting room. For more information, call 903-935-8413, or email
wannagrow2@gmail.com.
Marion: The Guadalupe County (Schertz/Seguin) Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the
second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John's Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John's Lutheran Church: From FM 78 turn south onto FM 465 and the church is just past the Marion School on the right. From IH-10 go north on FM 465 towards Marion. The Church will be on the left, just before you get to town. A plant exchange and meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT visit
www.npsot.org/GuadalupeCounty/
or contact
guadalupecounty@npsot.org.
Quitman: The Quitman Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. the
second Tuesday of each month at the Quitman Library on E Goode Street, Quitman. It is a diverse group that welcomes all visitors. For more information, e-mail
quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.
Denton:
The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the
second Wednesday of each month
. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit
http://dcmga.com/.
Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the
second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.
Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the
second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.
Longview:
The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners.
Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the
second
Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit
www.rockportherbs.or
g and
http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.
Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners meet on the
second Wednesday each month at noon at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd., Woodway. Educational programs follow the business session. For more information, call 254-757-5180.
Beaumont: The Jefferson County Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. (social) 7:00 (meeting) the
second Thursday of each month except in July in the AgriLife Extension auditorium, 1225 Pearl 2nd floor (downtown Beaumont next to the Court House). For more information contact: 409-835-8461 or
txmg.org/jcmg.
Georgetown: The Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. the
second Thursday of each month at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street. Georgetown. For additional information, contract Kathy Henderson at kshend@verizon.net or visit
http://www.npsot.org/wp/wilco.
Orange: The Orange County Master Gardeners Association holds their monthly meeting on the
second Thursday of each month. A short program is presented. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the new Orange County Expo Center on Hwy 1442 in Orangefield. Enter the building in the front entrance, first door on the right, Texas AgriLife offices. Pot luck supper at 6 p.m. Visit
http://txmg.org/orange
for more information.
Pasadena
: The Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold an educational program at 10 a.m. on the
second Thursday of each month
at The Genoa Friendship Garden Educational Building at 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Pasadena. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information,
visit http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu
.
San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society meets at 7 p.m. on the
second Thursday of each month at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels (corner of Funston & N. New Braunfels). For more information on programs, visit
www.sanantonioherbs.org.
Smithville: The Smithville Community Gardens meets at 5:30 p.m. the
second Thursday of each month at the Smithville Recreation Center.
Angleton: The Brazoria County Master Gardeners meet at 11 a.m. on the
second Friday of each month at the Brazoria County Extension Office, 21017 County Road 171, Angleton. There is a general business meeting followed by a brief educational program each month. For further information call 979-864-1558, ext.110.
College Station: The A&M Garden Club meets on the
second Friday of each month during the school year at 9:30 a.m. in the training room of the College Station Waste Water Facility building at the end of North Forest Parkway, College Station. Expert speakers, plant sharing, and federated club projects help members learn about gardening in the Brazos Valley, floral design, conservation, and more. For more information, visit
http://www.amgardenclub.com/.
Houston: The Spring Branch African Violet Club meets the
second Saturday of each month, January through November, at 10:30am at the Copperfield Baptist Church, 8350 Highway 6 North, Houston. Call Karla at 281-748-8417 prior to attending to confirm meeting date and time.
Kilgore: Northeast Texas Organic Gardeners meets at 1:30 p.m. on the
second Saturday of each month. For more information, call Carole Ramke at 903-986-9475.
Dallas: The Rainbow Garden Club of North Texas meets the
second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Meetings are held at member's homes and garden centers around the area. For more information, visit
www.RainbowGardenClub.com.
THIRD WEEK
Arlington: The Arlington Men's Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the
third Monday of each month (except December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact Lance Jepson at
LJepson@aol.com.
Cleburne:
The Johnson County Master Gardener's meet on the third Monday of each month at McGregor House, 1628 W Henderson, Cleburne. Meeting times are at 2 p.m. October through April, except December and at 6 p.m. May through September. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For additional information, contact Sue Matern at 817-517-9076.
New Braunfels: The Comal Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. the
third Monday of each month (except April and December,) at the
GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. An educational program precedes the business meeting. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, call 830-620-3440 or visit
http://txmg.org/comal/.
Texarkana: The Four Corners Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 7 p.m. on the
third Monday of each month at the Southwest Center, 3222 W. 7th St. (U.S. 67), Texarkana. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Belinda McCoy at 903-424-7724 or
blackmtngardens@yahoo.com.
Corpus Christi: The Nueces Master Gardeners meet at noon the
third Tuesday of each month, except December, at Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For further information call 361 767-5217.
Evant: The Evant Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., usually at the bank in downtown Evant. To confirm the date, time and place of each month's meeting, call 254-471-5860.
New Braunfels:
The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the third Tuesday of each month at
6:30 pm
at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. Meetings include an informative speaker
and a Plant of the Month presentation. Meetings are free and
visitors are welcome. For more information,visit www.npsot.org/w/lindheimer.
Note
: there will be no meeting in June or December.
Rockport: Monthly meetings of the Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners are held at 10 a.m. on the
third Tuesday of each month at Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Aransas County Office, 892 Airport Rd., Rockport. For additional information, e-mail
aransas-tx@tamu.edu or call 361-790-0103.
Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club meets on the
third Tuesday of each month, September through November and January through April at 10 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. The club hosts a different speaker each month. For more information, visit
www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.
Denton: The Denton Organic Society, a group devoted to sharing information and educating the public regarding organic principles, meets the
third Wednesday of each month (except July, August and December) at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Avenue. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are preceded by a social at 6:30. For more information, call 940-382-8551.
Glen Rose: The Somervell County Master Gardeners meet at 10 a.m., the
third Wednesday of each month at the Somervell County AgriLife Extension office, 1405 Texas Drive, Glen Rose. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 254-897-2809 or visit
www.somervellmastergardeners.org.
Granbury: The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners meet at 1 p.m. on the
third Wednesday of each month at the Hood County Annex 1, 1410 West Pearl Street, Granbury. The public is invited to attend. There is an educational program each month preceding the business meeting. For information on topics call 817-579-3280 or visit
http://www.hoodcountymastergardeners.org/.
Brownwood: Brownwood Garden Club meets the
third Thursday of each month, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. The club meetings are at Southside Baptist Church, 1219 Indian Creek Road, with refreshments and a speaker presentation. Visitors are welcome. For more information, email
boeblingen@centex.net or call 817-454-8175.
Hallettsville: The Hallettsville Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. on the
third Thursday of each month from September through May, at the Hallettsville Garden and Cultural Center, 605 E 2nd St, Hallettsville. Each month, the club hosts speakers that provide informative programs on a wide range of gardening subjects, and refreshments are provided by member hostesses after the business meeting. Visitors are welcome. Please email Sharon Harrigan at
sharonspetals@yahoo.com for more information.
Houston: The Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston (NPSOT-H) meets at 7:30 p.m. on the
third Thursday of each month except for October (4th Thursday) at the Houston SArboretum and Nature Center in Memorial Park (4501 Woodway Dr.). For more information on programs, and for information about native plants for Houston, visit
http:/npsot.org/wp/Houston.
San Antonio: The Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) meet on the
third Thursday of each month at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 208, San Antonio. During the months of Jan., March, May, July, Sep. and Nov., an evening meeting begins with a social time at 6 p.m. followed by a free presentation from 6:30-8:30 p.m. During the intervening months (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec.), afternoon educational seminars/general meetings are held from 1-3:30 p.m. Check
http://www.bexarmg.org/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting.
Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners meets at 6:30 p.m. the
third Thursday of each month, at the AgriLife Building, 210 East Live Oak, Seguin. After a brief social hour, the meeting and guest speaker begins at 7 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 830-303-3889 or visit
www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts the Evening at Peckerwood Lecture series at 7 p.m. on the
third Friday of each month. Tickets are available online. Tickets are $10, $5 for members.For more information, visit
http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
FOURTH WEEK
Brackenridge Park: The Native Plant Society San Antonio Chapter meets every
fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Lions Field Adult and Senior Center, 2809 Broadway at E. Mulberry, Brackenridge Park, except August and December. Social and seed/plant exchange at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Bea at 210-999-7292 or visit
www.npsot.org/sanantonio.
Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners, a program of Texas AgriLife Extension, meet the
fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan. There is a public gardening program at each meeting and pertinent information may be found at
brazosmg.com or 979-823-0129.
Edna: The Jackson County Master Gardeners present their "Come Grown With Us" seminars on the
fourth Tuesday of each month, January through October, beginning at 7 p.m. at 411 N. Wells, Edna. The seminars are free, open to the public and offer 2 CEU hours to Master Gardeners or others requiring them. For additional information, contact the Jackson County Extension Office at 361-782-3312.
Linden: The Caddo Wildflower Chapter of Native Plants Society meets the
fourth Tuesday of each month at the senior citizens building at 507 S Kaufman St. in Linden at 6:30. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Karen Tromza at
khtromza@yahoo.com.
Fort Worth: The Organic Garden Club of Forth Worth meets at 7 p.m. on the
fourth Tuesday of each month except July and December at the Deborah Beggs Moncrief Garden Center, 3220 Botanic Blvd., Ft. Worth. Refreshments are served. For more information, call 817-263-9322 or visit
www.ogcfw.webs.com.
San Antonio: The Native Plant Society of Texas San Antonio Chapter meets the
fourth Tuesday of each month, except August and December, at the Lions Field Adult & Senior Center, 2809 Broadway, San Antonio. Social and plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit
www.npsot.org/sanantonio or email
npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com.
Houston: The Houston Native Prairie Association meets at 7 p.m. on the
fourth Wednesday of each month at the Cherie Flores Pavilion in McGovern Centennial Gardens at Hermann Park, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. For more information, contact
hnpat@prairies.org.
Austin: The Garden Club of Austin meets at Zilker Botanical Gardens auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, at 7:00 p.m. on the
fourth Thursday of each month. 7:00-7:30 p.m. Refreshments and Social, followed by a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Free. For additional information, visit
http://thegardenclubofaustin.org/.
Leander: The Leander Garden Club meets on the
fourth Thursday of each month (except July and August) at 10:30 a.m. at the community room behind the Greater Texas Federal Credit Union,1300 N. Bell, Cedar Park, unless there is special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, we share a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call president Cathy Clark-Ramsey at 512-963-4698 or email
info@leandergc.org.
Dallas: The Dallas County Master Gardeners meet the
fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. For location and program information, visit
h
ttp://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.
Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 7:00 p.m. on the
fourth Thursday of each month at the REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas. For more information, call 214-824-2448 or visit
www.gdogc.org.
Arlington: The Arlington Organic Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the
last Thursday of each month (except November and December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact David at 817-483-7746.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, holds an Open Day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. Tours start at 10 a.m. and the last tour leaves at 2 p.m. Tickets available online or at the gate. $10, free for members. For more information, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
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