September 12, 2018
  
5 tips to create the outdoor living room
 
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
 
Declutter & Clean. The first step to sprucing up the outdoor living room is to clear dirt and clutter from the space. Store lawn equipment, children's toys, and pet play things in a shed or garage. Give the entire area a good scrub down, sweeping away dust and debris to create a fresh, clean canvas.
 
Invite the Outdoors In. Blending interior and outdoor living spaces helps the exterior area feel like an extension of the home, not an afterthought. Ensure blinds and curtains are open to the family yard, highlighting the outdoor oasis. Made certain the indoor and outdoor décor complement one another and utilize similar colors, materials and styles both inside and out.
 
Create Cozy Sitting Areas. Create easy traffic flow throughout the outdoor living room, while offering a number of places for people to sit - at a table, around a fire pit, or in a cozy chair configuration. Also, offer some shade by using umbrellas or outdoor curtains to minimize sun glare and maximize visions of enjoyment in the outdoor living room.
 
Soften the Outdoor Space. Introduce a few soft design features into the outdoor area to create an inviting atmosphere. Rugs, throw pillows and upholstered patio furniture are a few ways to accomplish a "cozy" feel. Ensure these items are looking fresh and clean and not worn and dated. It's relatively inexpensive to swap out new pillows and rugs. Create outdoor ambiance by hanging string lighting, introducing a fire pit in the center of a patio, setting up a zen-like water feature, or adding candles, small plants and freshly-cut flowers to tabletops.
 
Utilize Living Landscapes. Nothing says "welcome home" quite like a beautiful living landscape, complete with flowering shrubs, trees, flowers, and other vegetation. Freshen up the family yard by weeding, mulching and planting flower beds and pots with colorful flowers and verdant plants. Vases of flowers can also help bring life - and a pop of color - to outdoor tablescapes.
 
To learn more about the benefits of the living landscapes and the outdoor living room, visit www.SaveLivingLandscapes.com.
Why it is important to have seed banks and seed access
 
American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society of America
 
Seed banks are an important part of food security. The August 7 Sustainable, Secure Food blog explains how preserving plant diversity protects the world-wide food supply, both now and in the future.
 
Just as animal species can become extinct, plant species can also be lost. "Once they are gone, we have lost them forever," blog authors Maria Gallo and Sarah Dohle write. "Adapting to climate change or new pests can be difficult without good genetic diversity."
 
Both authors are crop scientists. Gallo is president of Delaware Valley University; Dohle is an assistant professor there.
 
Preserving seeds is a way to prevent loss and maintain plant genetic diversity. This diversity is important to:
  • Improve resistance to current and emerging plant diseases and insects;
  • Provide drought or flood tolerance; and
  • Improve yields and nutrition to feed a growing global population.
In addition, seed banks can help a community impacted by environmental or natural disasters. For example, seed donations helped Puerto Ricans gain access to fresh food after crops were devastated by Hurricane Maria.
 
The authors advocate for local seed systems. "This will help get plants back in the ground soon after the storm. Having a seed system where home gardeners and farmers have immediate access to high-quality seed builds security and autonomy into a food system, which is valuable for a community," the authors write.
 
To read the complete blog, visit Sustainable, Secure Food at https://wp.me/p9gkW1-2G   .
Gardening tips

Fall potted plants require less water, and their foliage stays bright the entire season. While marigolds and chrysanthemums are perennial fall favorites, consider adding some clumping grasses or large scale cactus to your arrangements They will add color, texture and drama to all of your creations.   

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 2019 Planning Guide & Calendar. Please send your tips of 50 words or less to the editor at: Garde ning Tips.
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.
SEPTEMBER

Houston: "Bayou Bend: Plants that Shaped Miss Ima's Garden" is the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting, Thursday, September 13, 7:00 p.m. at the Cherie Flores Garden Pavillon, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. The parking lot is Lot C located at Hermann Drive and Crawford Street. Bart Brechter, Curator of Bayou Bend Gardens; Museum of Fine Arts Houston will present the program. Learn about the plants Miss Ima loved and how they helped to define her garden. Beautiful roses, azaleas, camellias and iris that adorned the grounds were used to build the story of Bayou Bend. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m., come at 7:00 p.m. for social time. Remember to bring a special rose from your garden for Grow and Tell. Free Admission. For more information, visit www.houstonrose.org.
 
Nacogdoches: Kathryn Fontenot, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, will present "You Say Tomato, and I Say Tomahto: Let's Cut the Whole Thing Off!" at 7:00 p.m., September 13, in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St., Nacogdoches. For more information, call (936) 468-4129 or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.
 
Pasadena: Harris County Master Gardeners Lecture Series: Fall Vegetable Gardening - by Christine Hammon, Harris County Master Gardener, 10:00-11:30 a.m., September 13, Genoa Friendship Gardens Educational Center Building, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Road, Pasadena. Free. Plants for sale in greenhouse. For more information, call (713) 274-0950.
 
Spring: Harris County Master Gardeners Green Thumb Series: Roses: Planting, Growing & Upkeep, 6:30-8:30 p.m., September 13, Barbara Bush Library, 6817 Cypresswood Dr., Spring. Free. For more information, call (713) 274-0950.
 
Austin: The 25th Annual Texas Bamboo Festival, Celebrating the Wonders of Bamboo, will be held September 15-16, at Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin. The festival will be open Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Annual Texas Bamboo Festival brings bamboo enthusiasts together to share their passion and love of living and working with bamboo. Talk to bamboo experts about bamboo maintenance, and learn about growing, grooming and exploring different ways to craft bamboo. Clumping bamboo and running bamboo plants and crafts will be for sale. Bid on a family portrait valued at $1,000 at the silent auction. There will be fun and wisdom for all. Credit cards accepted from most vendors. The festival is free with admission to Zilker Botanical Garden. $1 for children (ages 3-12) & seniors (age 62 & over); $2 for adults, Austin resident (ages 13-61); $3 for adults, non-resident (ages 13-61); cash or check for Zilker Admission.For additional information, visit http://bamboocentral.net/festival25.html .
 
Katy: Harris County Master Gardeners Green Thumb Series: Roses: Planting, Growing & Upkeep - 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., September 15, Maud Smith Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd., Katy. Free. For more information, phone (713) 274-0950.
 
La Marque: "Fall Bulbs," with Margaret Cherry, bulb and colorscape expert, presenting, 9-10:30 a.m., September 15, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Phone (281) 534-3413; email   galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.
 
La Marque: "Kitchen Gardening," with Mary Demeny, Galveston County Master Gardener presenting, 1-3 p.m., September 15, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Phone (281) 534-3413; email galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.
 
Athens: As part of the Henderson County Master Gardener Association's Library Series, Bob Erickson, an HCMGA Master Gardener, will present "Fall Efforts to Prepare Your Garden for Spring" on Tuesday, September 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library, 121 S. Prairieville, Athens. Bob, who has been a Master Gardener since 2013, will talk about how to prepare garden beds, whether for a late fall or spring garden. He will also demonstrate how to sharpen and care for your tools so they will perform for many years. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (903) 675-6130, send an email to hendersoncmga@gmail.com or visit txmg.org/hendersonmg.
 
College Station: Brazos County Master Gardeners present "Natives to Fly For - "Make Room for Butterflies," at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 18, at Lick Creek Nature Center, 13600 Rock Prairie Rd., College Station. Butterflies are easy to attract to your garden. Learn how at this session and get a simple butterfly garden design with an easy planting plan. This program is open to the public at no charge.
 
Hallsville: "Fall Gardening" will be presented by Dr. Joe Masabni, small acreage vegetable specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, at 6:00 p.m., September 18, at Gold Hall Community Center, 101 E. Elm St, Hallsville. Also, Beth Derr, certified master beekeeper and master gardener, will present "Bees In The Garden." Harrison County Master Gardeners will have fig trees for sale, and the Harrison County Beekeepers will have local honey for sale. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome. This event is free to the public.
 
Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners Green Thumb Series: Roses: Planting, Growing & Upkeep - 6:30-8:30pm, September 18, Spring Branch Memorial Library, 930 Corbindale, Houston. Free. For more information, call (713) 274-0950.
 
Tyler: The Smith County Master Gardeners Association will host the Texas Superstar State Master Gardener Plant Specialist Training September 18-20, at the Comfort Suites Hotel, 303 Rieck Rd., Tyler. This Texas Superstar specialist training was created as an intensive multi-day training that helps empower Master Gardeners with knowledge and skills required to effectively support and multiply Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service efforts in Earth-Kind environmental and educational programs in their counties. Instructors include Larry Stein, Jerry Parsons, Brent Pemberton, David Rodriguez, Keith Hansen, and Texas Gardener Contributing Editor Greg Grant. The training will cover the history of the Texas Superstar plant selection program as well as details on all designated Texas Superstar plants. The cost for the Texas Superstar specialist training is $225. To register (or for information), call (903) 590-2980. Registration deadline is September 7, and spaces are limited.
 
Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners Green Thumb Series: Roses: Planting, Growing & Upkeep - 6:30-8:30pm, September 20, Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane, Houston. Free. For more information, call (713) 274-0950.
 
San Antonio: Growing Good Kids with the Bexar County Youth Gardens Program will be the topic of the next Bexar County Master Gardener (BCMG) Educational Seminar on Thursday, September 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio, TX 78230. This seminar is Free and Open to the Public. Ruby Zavala, Youth Gardens Coordinator at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, will speak about the innovative program in Bexar County which strives to create an environment to bring together the community in order to educate urban youth about horticulture, staying healthy, developing interpersonal skills and promoting community involvement. Learn some cool, kid friendly, hands-on gardening activities, and learn how to become part of your county's great effort to improve youth education by using outdoor garden classrooms. Since the summer of 2014, Ruby Zavala has served as the Youth Gardens Coordinator for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Bexar County and been certified as a Junior Master Gardener leader. She became a Bexar County Master Gardener in 2015. Ruby facilitates fall and spring Youth Garden Educator Trainings, Summer Junior Master Gardener Adult Leader Trainings, coordinates Summer and Spring break camps, as well as Fall and Spring Learn Grow Eat and Go! programs. For more information, contact the BCMG President: President@bexarmg.org or visit the BCMG website at https://www.bexarmg.org.
 
La Marque: "Composting," with Galveston County Master Gardener Jim Gilliam presenting, 9-11 a.m., September 22, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Phone (281) 534-3413; email galvcountymgs@gmail.com ; for additional details visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.
 
La Marque: "A Passion for Plumeria (Frangipani)," with Galveston County Master Gardener Loretta Osteen presenting, 1-3 p.m., September 22, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Phone (281) 534-3413; email galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.

Kemah:  Kemah Gardenkids, A Junior Master Gardener Group, will present its second "Vegetable and Flower Show" Sept. 29, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The Kemah Community Center 800 Harris Avenue (near Hwy 146), Kemah. See youth-grown vegetables, herbs, flowers,crafts and more. For more information, call (281) 334-7529 or visit  www.Kemahgardenkids.org .
 
Arlington: Native Plant Sale hosted by the Native Plant Society of Texas - North Central Chapter, Saturday, September 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at River Legacy Park - Elm Grove Pavilion, 701 NE Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington. Sale plants have been grown organically from local seed by members. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and offer tips. Groomed by Mother Nature to thrive in our climate, native plants have minimal water needs, don't need pesticides or fertilizers, and benefit birds, butterflies and the overall ecosystem. The event raises funds for outreach, including training, education and demonstration gardens. For a list of species with photos, visit  www.txnativeplants.org/plantsale/index.php .
 
La Marque: "T-bud Grafting of Citrus & Fruit Trees," with Galveston County Master Gardener Sue Jeffco presenting, 9-10:30 a.m., September 29, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Phone (281) 534-3413; email galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but class is limited to 24 participants, you MUST pre-register to participate. Others welcome to observe.
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 a location in Houston to be determined. For additional information, visit http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/ or call 713-274-0950.

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, Alternating 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 10:00 a.m. 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 Elaine Bell at 817-309-8052.
  
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.

Abilene: The Master Gardeners meet the third Tuesday of each month at the Taylor County Extension Office, 1982 Lytle Way, Abilene. For more information, contact Lind Spivey, Corresponding Secretary at spivey209@hotmail.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 Chapter meets at 6:45 pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Houston Arboretum Nature Center (entrances at 4501 Woodway Dr. and 120 West Loop N). For more information about meeting presentations and native plants, visit http://npsot.org/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/.
 
Fort Worth: The Greater Fort Worth Herb Society meetings are held the third Saturday of each month at Texas Garden Club Inc, 3111 Old Garden Club Rd., Fort Worth (located next to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden), 10:00 a.m. to noon, September through June. For more information, email herbalhen@yahoo.com.
 
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.
 
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 June, July and August) at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Room of the Leander Presbyterian Church, 101 N. West St., Leander, unless there is a special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, there is a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call President Kathleen Tully at 512-422-8580 or email LeanderGardenClub@gmail.com .
 
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's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. You may forward this publication to your friends and colleagues if it is sent in its entirety. No individual part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher.

 

Missed an issue? Back issues of Texas Gardener's Seeds, beginning with the first issue in April 2006, are available at www.texasgardener.com/newsletters.

 

Publisher: Jay White ● Editor: Michael Bracken 

 

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