February 13, 2019
|
|
Container gardens for every occasion
By Melinda Myers
Make every occasion special by designing and growing containers for summer holidays, weddings, anniversary parties or other special celebrations. Pick a color scheme appropriate for the occasion or a variety of colors and shapes sure to add a festive touch.
Look for opportunities to include edible and flower filled planters. Set containers at your front entrance to welcome family and guests. Use smaller containers to line a pathway and decorate each table. Fill large pots with tall plants and ornamental grasses to provide privacy and define spaces.
 |
|
|
Begonia Viking XL Red on Chocolate is a striking plant great for container gardens. Its large vibrant red flowers are contrasted with chocolate brown leaves. Photo: All-America Selections |
Boost your confidence and eliminate the guesswork by including winning varieties trialed and proven for their performance in gardens and containers. All-America Selections (AAS) is a non-profit trialing organization with test sites across the U.S. and Canada. Volunteer judges rate entries based on their improved performance, flavor and unique qualities. Visit the AAS website at
all-americaselections.org for help
selecting edibles and flowers suitable for container gardening.
Then pick a color theme. Red, white and blue combinations are perfect for patriotic holidays like Independence Day. Or pick one color and display it in patriotic pots. For reds consider Summer Jewel red salvia, Viking XL Red on Chocolate begonia and Double Fire Zahara zinnia. Add a light airy touch with Sparkle White guara and Gypsy White Improved baby's breath. Evening Scentsation petunia, Strata salvia and Lavender Lady lavender provide the blue. Add an explosion of texture with fiber optic grass or Fireworks penstemon.
Host a sports event using flower colors or containers of your favorite team. Add to the festivities by growing them in a football, baseball or soccer shaped planter.
Gold is always a great choice when celebrating anniversaries, golden birthdays or any special occasion. Dress up the tables with the plump blooms of Marigold Big Duck Gold or the feathery blossoms of Fresh Look Gold celosia. Let them know they're special by including Super Hero Spry marigold. The maroon and golden yellow flowers top 12" tall plants and the name says it all. All these golden beauties will continue to flower and thrive long after the party ends. Combine them with other bright colors like South Pacific Orange canna, and Calliope Medium Dark Red geranium to create a festive atmosphere.
Bring the garden to the party with a few edible containers for a bit of interactive dining. Encourage guests to harvest herbs and vegetables as they create a salad, season their dinner or flavor their favorite drink. Then dress up the meal with edible flowers like calendulas and Baby Rose nasturtium with its peppery flavored flowers and leaves.
Make any outdoor wedding, reception or rehearsal dinner at your home memorable by creating planters that complement the bride's color scheme. Include white flowers, like Summer Jewel White salvia, Mont Blanc nierembergia, Starlight rose zinnia and Gypsy White Improved gypsophila. White is the perfect neutral and lights up any evening celebration.
Once you experience the difference specially-designed containers can make, you'll be looking for more opportunities to host events and grow more planters.
|
|
 |
|
Are there salinity problems for urban soils?
The Soil Science Society of America
Some soils, like some humans, might need a low-salt diet. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Feb. 1 Soils Matter blog explains where salt in soil comes from and what can be done about it.
"For humans, we think of salt as table salt (a.k.a. sodium chloride), but salts are made up of many more compounds than just those," writes Meagan Hynes, a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with Teralytic. "You can have salts made up of calcium, magnesium, or potassium that are paired with chloride or other ions like sulfate."
"Some salts are nutrients that plants need. We apply these salts as fertilizers in our yards to help plants grow. Addition of these nutrients can be very helpful, but only to a certain level," Hynes says. "Both synthetic and organic fertilizers have the capability to add too many salts to the soil, so it is important that you apply appropriate amounts to your soil."
Other salts occur naturally in the soil, and are slowly replenished. In urban settings, recycled irrigation water may contain higher salt levels. Salt spread on roads and sidewalks to deal with icy conditions also contribute to levels in the soil.
Plants have varying salt tolerances. There are signs that plants are affected by high salinity in soils. This is due to the decrease in energy the plant has for growth:
- Stunted size
- Blue-green tint to the leaves
- Leaf tips appear burned
- Younger leaves are yellow or wilting despite adequate watering
Hynes recommends submitting a soil sample to a lab for a salinity test. From there, appropriate actions can be taken depending on local conditions. "If all else fails, choosing plants for your yard that can endure higher salt content may help with an area that is beyond correcting," she says.
|
Gardening tips
Right now is a great time to transplant things like salvias, portulaca, periwinkles, impatiens, marigolds and petunias! The "Carpet Series" is the most successful hybrid line. "Laura Bush" is a lovely magenta petunia that was developed by A&M. It is an absolute winner for Texas.
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.
|
|
FEBRUARY
Houston: "Pruning for Bloom Time"
is the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting, Thursday, February 14, 7:00 p.m. at the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion , 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. Expert consulting rosarians with the Houston Rose Society will demonstrate pruning techniques on actual bushes of all types of roses. Tables will be placed so all can get a close-up view of the demonstration. Questions are encouraged. Added bonus: all pruned bushes will be given away as door prizes; obtain a free raffle ticket upon arrival to be eligible. Arrive at 7:00 p.m. for social time and refreshments; pruning will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Free admission. For more information, visit http://www.houstonrose.org.
Nacogdoches: Linda Gay, Arborgate, will discuss "Climbers, Twisters and Viners - Using Vertical Space"
February 14 at the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet Street, Nacogdoches. There's a social at 6:30 p.m., and the lecture begins at 7:00 p.m.
Tyler:
Smith County Master Gardeners at the Library, February 15. "Basics of Hobby Greenhouses" - Think you want a Greenhouse? presented by Debby Watkins, Smith County Master Gardener, Advanced Training. Tyler Public Library, 201 S College, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Free and open to the public. Overflow free parking in garage across from the library.
Hitchcock: February 16 "Galveston County Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale," Informational presentation about plants for sale, 8-8:50 a.m.; plant sale, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; if possible, bring your own wagon for transporting purchases; at Galveston County Fair Grounds in Jack Brooks Park - Rodeo Arena (large covered arena), Hwy 6 and Jack Brooks Road, Hitchcock. For updates and additional information visit
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html.
McKinney:
The Collin County Master Gardeners Association will host "Edible Gardening 101" on February 16, from 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. at the Landing at Myers Park & Event Center in McKinney, Texas. CCMGA has expanded on their popular "Spring into Vegetable Gardening" classes, and in addition to basic vegetable gardening, will offer timely tips on successfully growing other edibles, such as herbs, berries and more, for backyard gardeners in Collin County. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned gardener, there is something for everyone at this educational event.
Demonstration tables will feature hands-on displays and will be manned by Master Gardeners and local experts who have expertise in vegetable resources, raised bed construction, water conservation, drip irrigation, propagation, container gardening, pollinators, greenhouse gardening, tree care, insects/disease, and more. Representatives from Texas Pure Products will be on hand with examples of various soil amendments and mulches. Register online at the CCMGA website
www.ccmgatx.org
. There is a $10 per person fee to attend. Registration runs from January 1, 2019 through February 8, 2019. Seating is limited so registration is required to ensure there will be enough handouts and goodie bags for attendees. Contact (972) 548-4219, or visit
www.ccmgatx.org
for more information. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. on February 16 at the Landing at Myers Park, 7117 County Road 166, McKinney.
Rosenberg: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Fort Bend County, along with the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, present a six-class program on creating a productive edible garden in the home landscape. Participants will learn how to start a garden, the keys to success, what to plant and when, and how to reap the benefits of year-round food production in Fort Bend County. The classes for 2019 will be held from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., as follows, and will combine indoor and outdoor lessons: Saturday,
February 16 Edible Garden Planning Saturday, March 16 Soils & Composting Saturday, April 13 Spring Vegetable Maintenance & Summer Vegetables Planning Saturday, June 15 Fruit Trees Saturday, September 21 Fall Vegetables Saturday October 19 Fall & Winter Garden Color Location: Bud O'Shields Community Center, 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg. Registration in advance for the entire series or for the classes of your choice is recommended. Walk-ins will be accepted. $15 per class or $60 for the entire series (33% cost savings plus a certificate of completion for full program attendance). Cash or check payable to Fort Bend County Master Gardeners (or FBCMG). For more information on each class and for the registration form, visit
https://fortbend.agrilife.org/grow-your-own/.
Athens: As part of the Henderson County Master Gardener Association's Library Series, Master Gardener Susan Skommesa will share on the topic of "Square-foot Gardening." Her presentation will be held on Tuesday, February 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library, 121 S. Prairieville, Athens. This past year Skommesa trellised watermelon, and this winter she has a greens garden in progress. Learn from her experiments, successes, and do-overs. Learn how to set up a raised bed and garden the square-foot gardening way. This presentation 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 Get Growing Series - "Soil Testing for Spring Fertilization" at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 19, at Lick Creek Nature Center, 13600 Rock Prairie Rd, College Station. Knowing how much nutrient needs to be added to the soil to support the growth of your lawn, garden and flower beds is very important. Discussion will include how to collect soil samples, where to send them for analyses, interpretation of soil test results, and how to apply nutrients as organic and/or commercial sources. T
his event is open to the public at no charge.
Rockport: Carol Krank will discuss "Space-Saving Container Gardening" noon-1:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 19, at TAMU AgriLife Office, 892 Airport Road, Rockport.
Katy: A 20-hour course schedule covering theory and practice, taught by a certified Master Gardener, will be presented as part of Katy Independent School District Community Education, Thursday, February 21: 7-9 p.m. at Taylor High School, 20700 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, Room 1150. Cost $70.00. For registration: www.katyisd.org/dept/ce. Course number 1003A. For more information, call: (281) 396 6365.
Jacksonville: The Cherokee County Master Gardeners will hold their 2019 Spring Conference on Saturday,
February 23, from 1:00-3:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 1920 Beaumont, Jacksonville. Registration is $10.00. Vendors booths and snacks will be available. For more information, contact
brendasheridan47@gmail.com.
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardeners Association will hold a Citrus and Avocado Tree Sale, open to the public, Saturday, February 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be at the VEG Pavilion, 283 Bachelor Dr., Victoria. The facility is located at Victoria Regional Airport. Selected varieties of Citrus and Avocados will be offered. More than 300 trees will be available. Each one comes in a three-gallon pot.
Lockhart:
Master Gardener Classes are sponsored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Master Gardener Association. During the 50+ hours of instruction by noted experts such as Dr. Bill Welch, Dr. Kimberly Cochran and Dr. Sam Feagley, you'll be introduced to: botany, landscape design, native and adapted plants, annual and perennial gardens, tree selection and maintenance, turf grass, plant propagation, vegetable gardening, herb gardening, Earth-Kind gardening, butterfly and pollinator gardens, soil science, entomology (good bugs/bad bugs) and IPM (integrated pest management), plant health, composting, home fruit gardening, rainwater collection, drip irrigation and more.
To become a Certified Master Garden one must complete at least 50 hours classroom instruction, 50 volunteer hours on approved projects and activities by June 1, 2020; afterward annual re-certification requires 20 volunteer hours and 6 continuing education hours if you choose to continue with the MG Program. Classes begin February 27 and run through May 29, at the Caldwell County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and some Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuition is $225; Email Tommie Clayton, CCMGA 2019 class coordinator, at
caldwellcountymg@yahoo.com
for an application or pick up an application at the Caldwell County AgriLife Extension Office, 1403 Blackjack, Suite B, Lockhart. For more information, phone (512) 398-3122.
|
|
MARCH
Austin: The annual plant sale/fundraiser for Sunshine Community Gardens, 4814 Sunshine Drive, Austin. will be held 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., March 2. The sale will feature organically grown tomatoes (126 varieties), peppers (80 varietes), eggplants and tomatillos. For more information, visit sunshinecommunitygardens.org.
Austin: The Austin Organic Gardeners Club will hold its annual spring plant sale on Saturday, March 2, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Rd in the Zilker Botanical Gardens. They will be selling organic vegetable and herb starts for the spring garden as well as ornamentals and seeds. Veteran gardeners will be available to answer questions. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org.
Austin: Green Corn Project is starting its 21st year of installing organic vegetable gardens for the under-served communities in the Austin area. Their spring gardening days (Dig-ins) will take place over 5 weekend mornings in March from Saturday, March 2 through Sunday, March 31. Volunteering for a Dig-in is a great way to share gardening knowledge or learn more about gardening while helping bring delicious, nourishing food to others. For more information, visit http://www.greencornproject.org/dig-ins/.
Waller:
The Waller County Master Gardeners will host a spring Vegetable and Herb sale, Waller County Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead, March 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Vegetable and herb transplants and seeds will be available for purchase. Free presentations by Texas Gardener Contributing Writer Mary Karish at 9 a.m. and Judy Barrett at 10:30 a.m. Visit www.txmg.org/wallermg for more information. RSVP for presentations at (979) 826-7651 x3068.
Canton: Van Zandt County Free State Master Gardener Association is holding a seminar for the public featuring well-known author, Texas Gardener contributing editor, and Smith County AgriLife agent, Greg Grant, at 6 p.m., Tuesday,
March 5, at Silver Spur Resort, 13785 TX-19, Canton. The topics are "Heirloom Gardening; Yesterday's Plants for Today's Gardens" and plants Greg "has introduced to the gardening world and the stories that go with them." The cost is
$20 per person; pre-registration is required and overnight accommodations are available. Call Paula Marshall at (972) 877-7988 for more information, or email her at
pkmarsh52@gmail.com.
Galveston: The Friends of Moody Gardens hosts the 7th Annual Gulf Coast Herb Fair, Wednesday, March 6. This free event with lectures, vendors and herbs for sale will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Visitor's Center at Moody Gardens. Free parking nearby. Luncheon: at 11:30 with guest speaker Concetta Maceo-Sims of the Maceo Spice & Import Co. Luncheon is $35 and $45 at the door. Reserved tables of 3 for $120, 4 for $160, 6 for $240. Additionally, there will be a hands-on hypertufa workshop 2:30 -4 p.m. for $25, which includes all supplies for original yard art and planters. RSVP with checks to Ellen Perry, 2903 Dominique Drive, Galveston 77551. Include your phone number or email on check.
New Braunfels:
Comal County Master Gardeners and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Servicewill present their Spring Seminar featuring "Dynamics of the Four Seasons" at McKenna Events Center, 801 West San Antonio Street, New Braunfels, on Friday, March 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration is $55 which includes lunch, snacks, and seminar handouts. Twelve Months of Color-will be presented by Dr. Calvin Finch, Ph.D., and retired Texas A&M Horticulturist who writes every week for the San Antonio Express News, the New Braunfels Herald Zeitung and other area newspapers, and appears on Milberger's Gardening South Texas Radio Show every Saturday and Sunday. Vegetable Gardening in the Four Seasons-will be presented by David Rodriguez, who has bachelor's and master's degrees from Texas A&M University and has been with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service for 14 years. He has also been gardening for 35 plus years along with extensive experience in the green industry. Four Seasons of Maintenance-will be presented by Robert "Skip" Richter, who is a horticulturist, gardening educator, gardening writer, and avid horticultural photographer. Richter serves as a contributing editor for Texas Gardener magazine and has appeared weekly on the Central Texas Gardener television program for more than a decade. Selecting and Managing Fruit Trees-will be presented by Dr. Larry Stein, Ph.D., Associate Head Professor and Extension Horticulturist, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University. Dr. Stein has authored numerous Extension publications and is co-author of the Texas Peach Handbook (Texas A&M Press). Seating is limited so register early to save your place. Registration forms are available at
http://txmg.org/comal/event/seminar/
. For additional information, call (830) 620-3440.
Houston: The topic of the March 14, meeting of the Houston Rose society will be "Rose Rosette Disease - What You Need to Know." The program will be presented by Gaye Hammond. Gaye is a master rosarian and past president of the Houston Rose Society. Rose Rosette is a disease that has devastated rose gardens in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in recent years. Learn the scientific facts concerning Rose Rosette Disease, how to recognize it and the areas in Houston where it has been identified. Please note the location for the March meeting has changed. It will be held at the Lott Clubhouse, 6201 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. Arrive at 7:00 p.m. for refreshments, the meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. Free admission. For more information, visit www.houstonrose.org.
Tyler:
Smith County Master
Garden
ers at the Library, March 15. "Trialed and Trusted Plants, Distinctly Southern-Plants to help your garden look like the pages of Southern Living magazine" presented by Laura Campbell, spokesperson for the Southern Living Plant Collection. Tyler Public Library, 201 S College, Tyler, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Free and open to the public. Overflow free parking in garage across from the library.
Bryan:
Brazos County Master Gardeners present their 2019 Spring Plant Sale 9 a.m.-noon,
Saturday, March 23, at Brazos County Extension Office, 2619 Highway 21 W, Bryan. Select from thousands of plants: natives, perennials, herbs, vegetables and bulbs especially suited to Brazos County growing conditions. Take your wagon and load up!
|
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, Sept.- May, at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas, 75230. The club hosts different speakers each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Come early and order lunch from the The Cafe, which features a healthy menu, fresh local produce and sustainably produced meats and fish (or call in advance to order
972-338-2233)
. For more information about Garden Masters Inc, email Marcia Borders at
borderlineart1@gmail.com
.
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: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners (Ector/Midland counties) have monthly meetings at noon on the
first Wednesday of each month at the West Texas Food Bank, 1601 Westcliff Drive in Midland. For more information 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.
Lockhart: Caldwell County Master Gardeners meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. January through November at the Dr. Eugene Clark Library, 1st Floor, 217 S. Main St., Lockhart. A monthly educational horticulture program is presented from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. covering various topics of interest to gardeners and homeowners. For more information, email caldwellcountymg@yahoo.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 Big Country Master Gardeners Association at
mgardeners@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 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 610 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
New Braunfels: The New Braunfels Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the
fourth Monday of each month except July and December. Meetings are held at the Westside Community Center, 2932 S. I-35 Frontage Road, New Braunfels. Meetings start at 6:15 p.m. with a meet and greet time, followed by a short business meeting. Programs begin around 7:00. Native plant and seed exchanges are held monthly. Expert speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information or to join, visit
www.npsot.org.
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.
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/.
Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month (except November and December) at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Road, Dallas. For more information, visit www.gdogc.org.
|
Texas Gardener digital edition available-Only $19.95 per year (digital only) or $9 per year if you tack it on to your print subscription!
Same magazine as our print edition without the paper and at a better price. Fully compatible with your desktop, laptop, iPad or Tablet. Access Texas Gardener anywhere, anytime: at the office, home, vacation, even in the garden. Easy to use with robust features and fully searchable archive as long as your subscription is active. Click on this link to explore your options
http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/productlisting.aspx?id=4
2019 Planning Guide & Calendar
Only $14.95 per copy (includes tax and shipping)
Make gardening easier and more enjoyable in 2019. No more keeping it in your head or, worse yet, juggling all those wrinkled, sweat-stained pieces of paper that seem to accumulate and end up lost. It's time to get organized and the perfect way to start that off is with your very own copy of the 2019 Texas Gardener Planning Guide and Calendar. No more guessing when to plant or do different activities. You will find everything you need in one simple but informative guide and calendar. Plus plenty of room to record your own planting dates, rainfall events and other data for future reference.
Here's a sample of what you will find in this information-packed guide:
- Many, many practical and timely garden tips that are for Texas - not Maine or California!
- Organic, earth-friendly tips to make your garden grow and prosper
- Lots of space to record your own activities for future reference
- Planting dates and tips for vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit and lawns
Order today, while it's fresh on your mind. Don't forget to order copies for your gardening friends and relatives!
Easy Gardening for Texas
By Joseph G. Masabni
Only $31.94 (includes tax and shipping)
Gardening in the Lone Star State has unique challenges, but that doesn't mean you can't grow vegetables here. This new book tells what varieties are best, how to handle insect and disease problems, and how to control weeds with a minimum of work, plus detailed growing information on a host of vegetables that do well in Texas. This is the perfect guide for gardeners new to the state as well as those more-experienced gardeners looking for a handy guide of research-tested advice. 220 pages with lots of color photos! Click on this link to order
http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/viewproduct.aspx?id=126.
Easy Edibles
By Judy Barrett
Only $29.75 (includes tax and shipping)
Eating fresh and eating local has really caught on!
Easy Edibles: How to Grow and Enjoy Fresh Food focuses on ways to grow some of your own food without devoting a lot of space, time and work to the project. Barrett also covers how and where to find the bounty offered at local farmers markets, farm stands and pick-your-own operations. This book is the perfect gift or guide for folks new to gardening or those who have limited time and resources but still want to eat fresh! Click on this link to order
http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/viewproduct.aspx?id=123
The Texas Tomato Lover's Handbook
By William D. Adams
Only $31.94 (includes tax and shipping)
The best thing for tomato enthusiast since the tomato itself! Adams draws on more than thirty years' experience to provide a complete, step-by-step guide to success in the tomato patch. Learn everything from soil preparation, planting, feeding, caging and watering. Liberally sprinkled with the author's easy humor and illustrated with his own excellent photographs, the must have book has everything you'll need to assure a bumper crop! 189 pages. Lots of color photographs! Click on this link to order
http://www.texasgardener.com/Store/Products/viewproduct.aspx?id=103
|
|
|
|
|
