February 6, 2019
  
The garden reader:
Cemeteries as niche refuges
 
By William Scheick
 
Stefan Buczacki. Earth to Earth: A Natural History of Churchyards. Unicorn, 2018. 160 pp. $22.95.
 
Old Southern cemeteries proved to be a rich resource for "The Texas Rose Rustlers." From such places, this hort-gang rescued old, commercially forgotten garden roses, which they then reintroduced as resilient landscape options for our yards.
 
Old cemeteries likewise appeal to Dr. Stefan Buczacki, who appreciates how they "offer sanctuary and refuge for our native wildlife; wildlife that is under constant threat in its original natural environment." As this botanist's preference for the word "churchyards" hints, his plant and animal oases exist in Britain.
 
Don't let that fact instantly disqualify his book from consideration. Yes, the history and future of British churchyards interest the author, but his primary focus highlights a much larger subject.
 
Creatively produced, Earth to Earth is less about churchyards per se than about the niche-survival behavior of plants and animals. Insight into this capacity transcends the geographical boundaries of the British Isles.
 
Consider lichens, for instance. Rarely do we stop to notice lichens - those strange, ubiquitous, not-true-plant organisms that somehow amount to more than the simple sum of symbiotically combined algae and fungi.
 
We look at a tree trunk, perhaps vaguely note its texture and size, but tend to totally overlook forms of life attached to it. That's a strange oversight on our part, given the amazing and unique little world that's obviously there.
 
Lichens come in an "astonishing variety of size, shape, form and colour, and are often exquisitely beautiful." Moreover, "unlike most plants and fungi, they appear the same all year round and, in fact, often stand out particularly beautifully when illuminated in an otherwise bleak landscape by a low winter sun."
 
Step outside for a moment and take a fresh look at the trunk of a nearby live oak. Do you know the difference between the foliose and fruticose (among other) lichens possibly protecting that tree from insects?
 
Consider, too, the so-called churchyard yew, likewise familiar to Texas gardeners. Actually, it is a British native conifer - "an odd one and not obviously related to other familiar coniferous trees" - yet today it unfortunately has become rare in the wilds of its homeland.
 
We tend to say "yew" without much thought, even though the translatable meaning of that word remains as mysterious as the undeterminable age of very old yews. Equally elusive is the reason why/how this plant became particularly associated with cemeteries.
 
"It seems unlikely we shall ever know" the lost back-story of yews, Dr. Buczacki muses, but surely it should be enough "to admire and stand in awe and reverence before these magnificent if sometimes sinister plants, living calendars of history but without any dates."
 
William Scheick is a Texas Gardener contributing editor and the author of Adventures in Texas Gardening
(Texas A&M University Press).
AgriLife Research institute to address chronic disease epidemic
 
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
 
With a goal of Texas serving as a world model on lowering diet-related healthcare costs due to chronic diseases, the Institute for Precision Nutrition, Responsive Agriculture and Health - led by Texas A&M AgriLife Research - received approval in January by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.
 
"It will become the guiding force in the U.S. for nutrition, food system and agricultural policy," said Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp. "The new institute will forge together the linkages between food and nutrition, spanning a variety of research disciplines in finding solutions to make us healthier and reduce overall annual healthcare costs."
 
Dr. Patrick Stover, AgriLife Research director, said the institute will specifically help tackle unrealized opportunities to reduce diet-related chronic diseases, which cost the U.S. economy $1 trillion annually and has resulted in 50 percent of U.S. adults receiving treatment for a chronic disease.
 
"AgriLife Research will be developing the evidence base for an agriculture and food system that lowers rates of malnutrition and diet-related chronic disease, while ensuring healthy environments, economies and sustainable agriculture," Stover said.
 
Through responsive agriculture, the institute will be comprised of one center with five multidisciplinary research hubs and two core facilities. The network of hubs will carry out specific roles within the institute in the areas of precision technology, data collection and analysis, responsive agriculture, human behavior and biomedical analysis.
 
"The hubs will be led by faculty from the agency and other A&M System members," Stover said. "And new faculty will be recruited to lead some of the hubs."
 
Additionally, Stover said two core service facilities will support each hub and drive innovations around big data and analyses. The first of these is the Healthy Texas Food Labeling Core that will be part of the responsive hub tasked with developing analytic measures to assess food quality, which may potentially lead to a Healthy Texas label for food, he said.
 
The second core facility will be the big data analytics and scientific survey that will have information science expertise for developing surveys and web-based analytics to understand consumer preferences and values, Stover said. There will be computational and relevant statistical expertise to support all hubs, and the core facilities will be led by faculty from the agency and other A&M System members.
 
External partners include Children's Nutrition Research Center at the Baylor College of Medicine; Technische Universität, Braunschweig, Germany; and The Microsoft Research - University of Trento Centre for Computational and Systems Biology (COSBI), Italy.
 
"Collecting the evidence base that connects foods and nutrient intakes to health promotion and chronic disease prevention across the lifespan of individuals is a major gap to setting future nutrient-based and food-based requirements," Stover said. "Guidance from nutrition experts and others regarding the desired composition and quality measures for future commodity production would be of value to producers in Texas, the nation and the world."
Gardening tips

"When planting seeds in our garden," writes  Susan Wiggins, "I use the hard plastic tubes from old vacuum cleaners to place the seeds where I want them without having to bend over. Makes quick work for my planting, as I take the hoe and cover the new seeds and tamp them with down a bit. So much better for my back and joints the next day."      

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

Overton: If you'd like answers, solutions, and the tools available for a good lawn, plan on attending the annual Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service East Texas Turfgrass Conference Thursday, February 7, in Overton. The program is $35, which includes lunch, and will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 1710 Farm-to-Market Road 3053, Overton. Registration and payment is at the door. The popular yearly event is geared toward professional turfgrass managers, Master Gardeners, and homeowners. In the past, the program has been heavily attended by professionals in golf course, lawn care, and sports field management, but anyone interested in learning more about turfgrass and how to care for a lawn will benefit. A number of specialists will focus on those primary concerns, including lawn diseases, insects, weeds, and irrigation. There will also be various exhibitors there in the lawn care industry. Five Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units (CEU's) will be available including four general and one integrated pest management. The speakers and their topics include: Darren Rozell, Rozell Sprayer Manufacturing owner, Tyler: "Chemical Update"; Dr. Becky Grubbs, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension statewide turfgrass specialist: "Winter Weed Control" and "Major Diseases of Lawns"; Dr. Mike Merchant, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension urban entomologist: "Lawn Pest Update"; Brad Waters, A&A Landscape and Irrigation vice president, Farmersville: "Irrigation Efficiency"; and Janet Hurley, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program specialist at the Integrated Pest Management School, Dallas: "History of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)."

Angleton: Brazoria County Master Gardeners present their 13th annual Citrus & Fruit TreeSale 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., February 9, at the Bazoria County Fair Grounds, 901South Downing, Angleton. For additional information, visit http://txmg.org/brazoria/.
 
Houston: Urban Harvest hosts its 19th Annual Fruit Tree Sale on Saturday, February 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year's sale takes place at a new location: Houston's Sawyer Yards, 2101 Winter Street, Houston. Gardeners can shop for more than 100 varieties of fruit trees that are suited for the climate and soils of the greater Houston area, including selections for large areas, small spaces and container gardening. New varieties this year include the Japanese Plum Loquat, the Sanguinelli Blood Orange, and the Australian Finger Lime, which grows to look like real green fingers. In addition to the fruit trees for sale, this year's event will feature the Green Thumbs Education Pavilion sponsored by Kroger with environmental and nutritional activities for all ages, plus live music and food trucks. Information on fruit tree care and planting will also be available in the Green Thumbs Education Pavilion, including expert advice from Dr. Bob Randall. Individuals who make a $250 donation to Urban Harvest between now and Jan. 31, will receive access to a fruit tree pre-sale site; benefits include the first chance to select fruit trees before the sale and skipping the line with curbside service on Feb. Visit urbanharvest.org/fruit-tree-sale to access the donation link. For more information about the sale, curbside service, and gardening resources, visit urbanharvest.org/fruit-tree-sale.

Rosenberg: The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners will hold their annual Fruit Tree Sale on Saturday, February 9, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. The sale will be held in the George Pavilion at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg. The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners sell trees that are highly adapted to the local climate and with proper care should grow well and produce fruit for many years to come. Fruit trees are a welcome addition to any landscape and can provide color, fruit and beauty to your yard. There will be a Keys to Success in Fort Bend County Fruit Production talk on February 2, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. that is open to the public. Best planting techniques, best culture and maintenance techniques will be discussed, as well as varieties offered at the fruit tree sale. The talk will take place at the Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg. For more information about this event and other programs offered by the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, visit fbmg.org or call (281) 341-7068.

Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardeners Association will host a Winter Citrus Seminar, Saturday, February 9 , at the Victoria County Master Gardener Association Pavilion and Educational Gardens, 333 Bachelor Drive, Victoria. Doors open at 9 a.m., with the seminar starting at 9:30 a.m. and ending around noon. Fee is $10.00 per person. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Program Specialist Monte Nesbitt will present information on citrus tree and avocado selection and management. Attendees will leave with the latest information and material on the upcoming Victoria County Master Gardener Association Citrus Sale, February 23. There will be a time to tour the Victoria Master Gardener Educational Gardens and ask citrus-related questions of Nesbitt. For additional information, contact Donna McCanlies at donnamccanlies@yahoo.com or ( 361) 676-3895.

Diboll: Tax season is fast approaching and forest landowners may want to refresh their knowledge of timber tax laws. The 2019 Texas Timber Income and Property Tax Workshop will be held on February 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Civic Center in Diboll. This workshop is designed to train foresters, landowners, tax preparers, attorneys, tax appraisers, logging professionals, land trust managers and financial advisers in East Texas. Hosted by Texas A&M Forest Service, Oregon State University Extension Services and Texas Forestry Association, this year's workshop will feature guest speakers, Dr. Tamara Cushing, Mr. Garvey Jackson and Mr. Joe Holcomb. Dr. Cushing is Assistant Professor and Starker Chair of Private and Family Forestry at Oregon State University. She is also Vice President of the Society of American Foresters Board of Directors. Mr. Jackson is a CPA at Axley & Rode, LLP. Mr. Holcomb is an Agriculture and Timberland Appraiser in the Property Tax Assistance Division for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. This daylong workshop will provide a working knowledge of timber tax, including basics about timber taxation and the latest changes to tax laws and rules for 2018 tax return preparations. Topics will focus on federal timber income tax issues for private forest owners with a refresher on local timberland property tax incentives. Participants will gain a better understanding of commonly misunderstood timber tax issues. Each will receive an informational workbook that includes presentation materials, standard examples, current tax forms and supplemental readings. A registration fee of $75 per person is required and includes a workbook, lunch and refreshments. The deadline to register is February 7, 2019. Visit http://bit.ly/2M288O1 to view the brochure and registration form, or contact Brittany Carpenter at (979) 458-6630 or bcarpenter@tfs.tamu.edu  for assistance with registration.
 
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardener Association will hold a "Lunch and Learn with the Masters" program noon until 1 p.m., February 11, at Pattie Dodson Health Center, 2805 N. Navarro St., Victoria. "What's This--Volume IV" will be presented by Victoria County Extension Agent Matt Bochat. The event is free to the public, and attendees may bring a beverage and lunch.

Marion: Craig Hensley , will present " Using Native Plants to Attract Butterflies" at 7:00 p.m., Tuesda, February 12, at St John's Lutheran Church, FM 465, Marion . Hensley is a Wildlife Biologist for Comal and Kendall counties with Texas Parks and Wildlife. He is a life-long naturalist and educator, having shared his love and passion for the natural world with people from Minnesota and Nebraska to Texas and beyond. Hensley holds a masters degree in zoology and animal biology, and is deservedly proud of his field research in the breeding biology of Eastern Bluebirds and Red-Winged Blackbirds in response to the periodic emergence of cicadas, among many, many other experiences and accomplishments. Meetings are open to the public. Visitors are welcome. There is a plant/seed exchange and greeting at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, directions to St John's Lutheran Church, or membership applications, visit http://npsot.org/wp/guadalupe/.

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.
 
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.

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: 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.
 
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. 
 
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Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2019. 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.

 

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