March 13, 2019
  
Texas A&M agency viticulture, enology experts serve fifth-largest wine industry in U.S. 
  
By Paul Schattenberg  
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
 
To support the growing Texas wine industry, now the fifth-largest in the U.S., the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service employs a cadre of viticulture and enology experts providing educational outreach, technical assistance and applied research to prospective and experienced winegrowers throughout the state.
 
The Texas wine industry has an estimated overall economic impact of $13.1 billion to the state.
 
Texas A&M AgriLife Communications photo by Adam Russell
 
"AgriLife Extension maintains eight viticulture and enology positions across the state," said Dr. Larry Stein, AgriLife Extension horticulturist, Uvalde, and associate head of the Texas A&M University horticulture department. "Our Viticulture and Enology Program offers a range of educational events from informal tailgate meetings to advanced short courses, workshops and webinars. We also recently established an Enology Certificate Program for Texas A&M students."
 
For more on the Texas A&M Enology Certificate, visit http://tinyurl.com/EnologyCertificate.
 
Stein said the team helps vineyard owners and managers with a wide range of challenges, including site selection, rootstock and cultivar choice, vineyard management practices and plant disease, including Pierce's Disease - the largest threat to the state's wine industry. They also cooperate and collaborate with the Texas Department of Agriculture and wine industry organizations such as the Texas Wine Grape Growers Association.
 
One of the most-visited wine regions in the U.S. is the Texas Hill Country, bringing in more than 30 million visitors annually. Brianna Hoge is the AgriLife Extension viticulture program specialist serving that region.
 
"The Hill Country is generally more favorable than other wine-producing areas of the state, but we still have numerous foliar and fruit pathogens, as well as Pierce's Disease and cotton root rot that can affect quality and yield," Hoge said. "We help producers identify these pathogens and recommend what we feel would be the most effective treatment for them."
 
Fredericksburg, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, is home to AgriLife Extension fruit and viticulture specialist Jim Kamas and to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Viticulture and Fruit Lab program coordinator and laboratory manager Jacy Lewis.
 
"I've been helping the industry identify and address issues affecting their profitability and sustainability for more than 20 years," Kamas said. "While we've made excellent progress in dealing with Pierce's Disease, there are other viral and fungal diseases that threaten producer viability and profitability. My goal is to help them identify more disease-resistant grape varieties and provide whatever assistance I can to help them remain sustainable."
 
Lewis is responsible for maintaining and operating the laboratory, greenhouses and vineyard, and for proposing and managing applied research projects at the lab. Collaborating with other AgriLife Extension viticulturists, she helped complete a trial of grape rootstocks and their performance under various Texas soil and climatic conditions. She also participated in studies relating to the prevention of cotton root rot in grapes, as well as numerous variety trials of Pierce's Disease-resistant grape varieties.
 
Along with the Texas Hill Country, North Texas has the state's highest concentration of wineries. Michael Cook, AgriLife Extension viticulture specialist for that region, provides industry support through workshops, hands-on demonstrations, research-based educational materials and in-person vineyard site visits.
 
"I also collaborate on applied research trials that provide solutions to real-world challenges, which currently include frost mitigation technology effectiveness, vineyard floor management chemical options, and varietal/rootstock adaptability and performance," Cook said.
 
Danny Hillin, who was recently appointed AgriLife Extension viticulture program specialist for the South Plains region, and viticulture specialist Dr. Pierre Helwi, both based in Lubbock, serve the state's largest wine-grape producing area, responsible for 80-85 percent of total production. Hillin is primarily involved in educational outreach, while Helwi focuses most of his efforts on applied research.
 
"The region's hot, dry climate and sandy soil create a climate that's conducive to growing high-quality vinifera grapes," Helwi explained. "We don't have much disease pressure, but we do have spring frosts, hailstorms and other weather challenges. Currently, I'm researching the use of protective hail netting to see if the shade it casts may impact fruit yield or quality. I'm also researching the use of a mechanical harvester to reduce grape crop load and how that possibly affects yield or quality."
 
Fran Pontasch, AgriLife Extension viticulture program specialist for the Gulf Coast, serves a close-knit community of grape growers on smaller farms specializing in Pierce's Disease-tolerant, hot-climate grape varieties suited to the climate and soil conditions of Southeast Texas.
 
"Our viticulture programming follows the growing season of the grapevine into dormant-season tasks for the winegrower," Pontasch said. "And our long-term support strategy involves accumulating data and best vineyard practices of heat- and disease-tolerant varieties throughout the region so we may potentially benefit the worldwide wine industry."
 
Serving the industry from the Texas A&M campus in College Station are AgriLife Extension viticulture program specialist Dr. Justin Scheiner and AgriLife Extension enology specialist Dr. Andreea Botezatu.
 
Scheiner oversees an applied research program focusing on best management practices for areas of Texas affected by Pierce's Disease.
 
"That includes projects ranging from cultivar and rootstock testing to frost protection to factors affecting grape and wine quality," Scheiner said. "I also have a teaching appointment and am on the graduate faculty, so many of these research projects involve grad students. I also help develop educational programs for the Texas wine industry and TAMU students."
 
Botezatu serves the Texas winemaking industry through applied research and developing educational opportunities for current and prospective winemakers.
 
"Enology is a complementary field to viticulture and my work has to do mainly with how the grapes are processed and the chemistry and microbiology affecting the sensory properties of wine," Botezatu said. "I work with vineyards on aspects of wine such as tannins, pH level and color stability. I'm currently doing applied research in collaboration with two Texas wineries, along with conducting workshops and providing YouTube webinars featuring national and international enology experts (http://tinyurl.com/EnoWeb)."
 
She also noted there are 26 Texas A&M students currently enrolled for enology certification.
 
Stein said while the entire team is helping the industry meet existing challenges, their efforts are also focused on the future.
 
"We are constantly learning from both our successes and failures and sharing that information with others," Stein said. "Our goal is to support the industry through the newest technologies, best management methods and cutting-edge and forward-reaching research and education. In addition, we are also educating young people interested in viticulture and enology in the hopes they will participate in and contribute to the Texas wine industry in the coming years."
New research gives insight into warding off insect pests by way of nematode odors
 
By Laura Muntean
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
 
A recent study revealed insect-killing nematodes also produce distinctive chemical cues that enhance plant defenses and deter Colorado potato beetles.
 
Entomologists from Texas A&M University, including Dr. Anjel Helms, who led the study, and Penn State University took a look at whether Colorado potato beetles and potato plants responded to the presence of entomopathogenic nematodes, EPNs, or insect-killing nematodes.
 
The study, "Chemical cues linked to risk: cues from below-ground natural enemies enhance plant defenses and influence herbivore behavior and performance," focused on how organisms communicate using signals and cues, specifically how organisms eavesdrop on each other as part of their survival strategies, said Helms.
 
"For this study, we wanted to flip things around and determine whether plants and insect herbivores can eavesdrop on chemical cues produced by a predator," she said.
 
Throughout the study, Helms found that these insect-killing nematodes do produce distinctive chemical cues that both the plant and insect herbivores respond to. While the female Colorado potato beetles laid fewer eggs when the cues were present, the potato plant also increased its defenses.
 
This was especially important since the Colorado potato beetle is notorious for developing insecticide resistance, making them an especially devastating pest, she said.
 
"Although Colorado potato beetles feed above ground on plant leaves, they are susceptible to EPNs at all life stages," she said.
 
While a beetle is not likely to come in contact with EPNs during most stages of life, it is most susceptible to EPNs while on the ground moving from plant to plant, or when entering the soil to pupate and emerge as an adult beetle.
 
The study also found that growers can experience additional benefits from using EPNs for biological control of insect pests.
 
"Not only are the EPNs directly killing insect pests in the soil, they also produce chemical cues that provide additional protection to plants," Helms said. "They deter herbivores and enhance plant resistance to pests."
Gardening tips

A weekly mowing will prevent lots of cool-season weeds from going to seed and spreading their problems into future years. For weeds that can't be reached with a mower, use acetic acid as a good natural herbicide.

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.
MARCH
 
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.
 
Nacogdoches: Joy Columbus, Director of Horticulture, Houston Botanical Garden, will present "A walk through the Houston Botanical Garden: The Global Garden Reveal" at 7:00 p.m., March 14, at the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet Street, Nacogdoches. Arrive at 6:30 for the pre-lecture social. Parking is available at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center and at Raguet Elementary. 
 
Pasadena: John Ferguson, Nature's Way Resources, will present "Small-Scale Backyard Composting," 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., March 14, at the Genoa Friendship Gardens Educational Center Building, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Road, Pasadena. For additional information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu.
 
Spring: "Herbs" will be presented 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., March 14 at Barbara Bush Library, 6817 Cypresswood Dr., Spring. For additional information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu. 
 
Round Top: The Herb Society of America-Pioneer Unit Plant Sale will be held March 15, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and March 16, 8:00 a.m.-5:00  p.m. on the grounds of The Round Top Festival Institute, 248 Jasper Road, Round Top. 
 
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.
 
Gonzales: Gonzales Master Gardener's Spring Plant Sale. March 16, 8:30 am until 1:00 pm. Texas Heroes Square, St. Lawrence St. in Downtown Gonzales. There will be vegetables, herbs, annuals, citrus trees, perennials/adaptive natives, roses and succulents for sale. There will also be a Silent Auction, Children's Planting Booth, Plant Give Away drawing and a plant information booth. This fundraiser helps support our community and children's programs. For more information, visit www.gonzalesmastergardeners.org.
 
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents the Peckerwood Garden Lecture Series: Friday, March 16, 11:30 a.m., 20559 FM 359 Rd., Hempstead. "Having Fun Growing and Killing Cool Plants in Tulsa" with Dr. Todd Lasseigne, President and CEO, Tulsa Botanic Garden, Tulsa, Okla. Like Texas, Oklahoma has its fair share of gardening challenges, if not worse, believe it or not! They get just as hot, humid and dry as us yet experience much colder winters along with other extremes. In seeking interesting, adaptable plants for Tulsa Botanic Garden, Todd Lasseigne has looked to Texas natives as well as other plants from harsh regions of the world to further push the limits on. The many surprising successes among the inevitable failures that Todd will feature will provide a great frame of reference to apply to our gardens here, and make you appreciate that things could be a lot worse! Refreshments provided. The nursery will be open.Register now! Free admission and parking, $10 for the tour at 10 a.m. For more info, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/ or email eventregistration@peckerwoodgarden.org.
 
Katy: "Herbs" will be presented 10:30 p.m.-12:30 p.m., March 16 at Maud Smith Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd., Katy. For additional information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu. 
 
McKinney: The Garden Show 2019, presented by the Collin County Master Gardeners Association will take place on March 16 and 17 at the Myers Park and Event Center in McKinney. The 9th annual event will showcase new and creative ideas, informative presentations, vetted vendors, family activities, and fun entertainment. Local experts will present on a variety of topics, including "Growing Tomatoes in North Texas," "Earth-Kind Gardening" and "Designing Beautiful Container Gardens". The City of Frisco will have a four-station workshop called "Irrigation Station" that will teach attendees how to water effectively, efficiently, and wisely. Hours are from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, and from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sunday, March 17. Entry on both days is a donation of $2 per person. Parking is free. All proceeds will benefit Hugs Greenhouse. For more information, visit www.ccmgatx.org/TheGardenShow or call (972) 548-4232 .
 
Mineola: Wood County Master Gardeners present their Spring Conference *Plant*Grow*Eat on Saturday, March 16, from 9 a.m.-noon. The Conference will be held at the Mineola League of the Arts Facility, 200 W. Blair Street, Mineola, and will include a vegetable plant sale. Guest speaker Daniel Cunningham will talk about "Food-scape" in your yard, and Wood County Master Gardeners will present break-out sessions on other gardening topics. There will be a kid's table for children in attendance, door prizes, vendors, plant sale, and raffle items.
 
Schertz: Journey beyond bluebonnets and learn about wildflowers common and rare at Explore Texas Wildflowers on Saturday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz. Offered by the Guadalupe Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, the three-hour program will teach how to identify native wildflowers and find unusual ones. The featured speaker is Michael Eason, author of "Wildflowers of Texas" published in 2018 by Timber Press. Eason heads the rare plant conservation department at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Previously, he worked for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, where he managed the Millennium Seed Bank Project. There he was also the lead botanist for a vegetation survey of Big Bend National Park. As a conservation botanist, he now performs plant identifications, botanical inventories and rare plant surveys on private and public lands. Eason also volunteers on the board of NPSOT, the Native Plant Society of Texas. Explore Texas Wildflowers will explain the vast floral diversity of Texas, introduce common local wildflowers and teach how to identify them. Beyond the showy roadside wildflowers, some may thrive in a home landscape. Eason will give special attention to small or rare Texas native flowers that may be overlooked. Tickets to Explore Texas Wildflowers are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door. To register, purchase tickets online at   www.npsot.org/wp/guadalupe or send a check by March 1 to NPSOT, 8908 Bent Brook Dr., Garden Ridge, TX 78266. For information, call (210) 289-9997.
 
Athens: As part of the Henderson County Master Gardener Association's Library Series, Master Gardener Intern Cindy Oliver will present "Cut Flower Gardening - Warm Season Annuals" Tuesday, March 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library, 121 S. Prairieville, Athens. Oliver started R/C Flower Farm in 2016 and is a member of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. She has been active in the local Farmers Market since 2017. This presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, call (903) 675-6130, email hendersoncmga@gmail.com, or visit txmg.org/hendersonmg.
 
College Station: Dr. William Welch, Extension Program Specialist, presents "Get Growing Series - Tough Perennials for Texas Gardens" at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, at Lick Creek Nature Center, 13600 Rock Prairie Rd, College Station.Perennials are plants that return to our gardens each year from the same root parts. Dr. Welch will review the use of perennials and heirloom bulbs in sunny or shady landscapes as masses, borders, specimens and containers. He will also address growing requirements, management and propagation methods. This event is open to the public at no charge.
 
Houston: "Herbs" will be presented 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., March 19 at Spring Branch Memorial Library, 930 Corbindale, Houston. For additional information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu.
 
Houston: "Herbs" will be presented 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., March 21 at Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane, Houston. For additional information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu.  
 
Conroe: The Spring Plant Sale, sponsored by the Montgomery County Master Gardener Association, will be held Saturday, March 23, from 9:00 a.m. until noon, with a pre-sale talk begins at 8:00 a.m., at Texas AgriLife Extension, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. Call (936) 539-7824 or visit www.mcmga.com for additional information. Due to the limited number of available wagons and to reduce waiting time, take your own.
 
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!
 
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Peckerwood Garden Open Day: Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 20559 FM 359 Rd., Hempstead. Visitors enjoy 1-hour guided tours of the garden led by knowledgeable docents. Guided tours are offered approximately every 30 minutes, leaving between 10 am and 2 pm. The nursery will be open.Purchase Tickets. $10 admission and parking, Free for members. For more info, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/ or email eventregistration@peckerwoodgarden.org.
 
La Marque: "Tomato Stress Management" will be presented Saturday, March 23, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Do you want to learn how to grow great tomatoes? This is the third in a series of three programs by Galveston County Master Gardener Ira Gervais on how to grow great tomatoes in the Galveston County area. The program will provide an overview on identifying various tomato diseases and insect stress factors and how to minimize them to increase yields. Email: galvcountymgs@gmail.com to pre-register.
 
La Marque: "Snake Sense" will be presented Saturday, March 23, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. This seminar presented by Tom Wilks will include identification of area snakes, snakebite prevention and first aid, snake handling techniques and equipment, snake conservation, venom research and medical advances, and snakes as pets. Wilks has been collecting, studying, and photographing reptiles for over 50 years. He has worked as a zookeeper in the Reptile Department in the San Antonio Zoo and as a wildlife guide at the Bayou Wildlife Park in Dickinson. He is a certified Texas Animal Control Officer, a member of the East Texas Herpetological Society, and serves on the City of Webster Animal Control Board. Email: galvcountymgs@gmail.com to pre-register.
 
Orangefield: The Orange County Master Gardeners are holding their 6th Annual Bloomin' Crazy Plant Fair, Saturday, March 23, 8 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at Cormier Park, 8235 FM 1442, Orangefield. Hundreds of nursery and member-grown plants will be for sale, including many varieties of citrus, berries, cold-hardy avocados, LSU gold fig trees, Texas Superstars, perennials, natives, annuals, house and tropicals along with succulents, lilies and many other hard to find and unusual plants. Plant specialists and members will be available to answer questions and to assist in selecting plants. Specialty booths will be set up with unique gardening and craft items. For more information, visit http://txmg.org/orange, or contact sheribethard@yahoo.com if interested in being one of the vendors.
 
Tyler: The Smith County A&M AgriLife Extension Office will be hosting a private landscape tour Tuesday, March 26, from 9:00-noon in the beautiful garden of Guy and Joan Pyron, located in the Azalea District, 212 W. Dobbs St. Tyler, Texas. The personally guided tour will be led by current Smith County horticulturist Greg Grant, and retired Smith County horticulturist Keith Hansen. Both are professional horticulturists and garden writers with master's degrees in horticulture and many years of gardening experience. This one-of-a-kind walking tour will not only showcase the Pyron's spectacular spring garden and orchid house but will also include specific information focusing on plants of East Texas along with their requirements and care. Mitsi Runyan with the Central East Texas Orchid Society will also be on hand to answer orchid questions. Pre-registration is required with attendance limited to 30 people due to the size of the garden. Cost of the tour is $15 and is payable in advance at the Smith County Extension office or the day of the tour. Parking is available at the First Presbyterian Church parking lot or on the street. The tour is sponsored by the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Environmental Horticulture Committee. To register or for more information, contact the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at (903) 590-2980. 
 
Seguin: "Companion Planting in the Vegetable Garden and the Landscape" will be presented by Guadalupe County Master Gardener Peggy Jones at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension 210 E. Live Oak, Seguin noon to 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 28. Free. For more information, visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org. (Bring your own lunch.)
 
Bonham: The Fannin County Master Gardeners Association will host their Garden, Lawn, and Home Expo on March 30, from 8:30 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. at the Bonham Civic Center at 1100 W. 5th Street (corner of Hwy 56 and Hwy 121), Bonham. At 9:00 a.m., Dr. Joseph Masabni, Extension Small-Acreage Vegetable Specialist, will present the program "Do's and Don'ts of Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening" which is based on his own successes and mistakes growing vegetables in raised beds. At 11:00 a.m. Steve Upson, Noble Foundation Senior Soils and Crops Consultant, will present his program on "Sustainable Practices for Home Fruit and Vegetable Production." This program will include information on promoting soil health, integrated pest management practices, managing climate risks, utilizing technology, conserving resources, choosing recommended varieties and encouraging pollinators and beneficials. At 1:00 p.m. Dr. Masabni will present the program "Everything You Wanted to Know about Tomatoes" including history, production practices, grafting and pest management. At 2:00 Bethany Arie, AgriLife Extension will present an overview of the AgriLife program "Path to the Plate." The Path to the Plate program is an unbiased examination of agriculture, the food we eat, and the connection to our health. The goal is to educate consumers so they can make informed decisions when it comes to agriculture and their health. Vendors will be present offering a wide variety of plants, yard art, and home and lawn care products and services. Master Gardeners will be present to answer questions and provide information on a variety of topics. The Lucky Two food truck will be on the grounds. Admission is free. Contact (903) 583-7453, visit www.txmg.org/fannin, or e-mail fannin@ag.tamu.edu.
 
Burnet: The 21th Annual Hill Country Lawn and Garden Show will be held Saturday, March 30, at Burnet Community Center, 401 E. Jackson St., Burnet, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. There will be three free programs: 9:30 a.m., "Tomatoes 101" by Ricky Lane; 11:00 a.m., "Hill Country Wildflowers and More" by Sheryl Yantis; and 12:30 "Let's Talk Butterflies" by Sheryl Yantis. This is free family show with Children's booth, Silent Auction, garden supplies, equipment, succulents, Native Plants, vegetable plants and much more. Food available for purchase.
 
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Peckerwood Garden Budding Out Festival: Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 20559 FM 359 Rd., Hempstead. A premier event celebrating spring in the garden! Featuring many specialty plant vendors from around Texas and Peckerwood Garden's own exclusive, ultra-rare plant offerings! Also see landscape materials and gardening supplies, art and craft vendors, and great food! Music performed by Hogan and Moss and The Houston Blenders!$10 admission and parking, Free for members. For more info, visit http://peckerwoodgarden.org/budding-out-festival/ or email eventregistration@peckerwoodgarden.org.
 
Huntsville: Herb Festival at the Wynne Home, Saturday, March 30, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. On the grounds of the beautifully restored Wynne Home Arts Center, 1428 Eleventh Street, Huntsville. Sponsored by the Texas Thyme Unit of The Herb Society of America. Herb plants galore; pollinator, perennial and vegetable plants; kitchen, garden and herbal vendors; gardening and culinary speakers; music; artists and more! FREE admission. The Wynne Home will be open to visitors. For information, call (936) 891-5024.
 
La Marque: "Butterflies & Native Plants" will be presented Saturday, March 30, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Butterflies have been called jewels of the garden. They can be enjoyed in Galveston County almost year-round! Galveston County Master Gardener Lisa Nicklow Davis' presentation will cover different butterfly species that can be found in our area and what native plants to use in your garden or in containers to attract them. Email: galvcountymgs@gmail.com to pre-register.
 
La Marque: "Beneficials in The Garden" will be presented Saturday, March 30, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (FM 519), La Marque. Dr. William M. Johnson, Galveston County Extension Agent for Horticulture, will give a program on beneficial insects and other types of beneficials commonly found in Galveston County home landscapes and gardens. Knowing your garden friends can remove the anxiety of "Do I need to spray an insecticide?" Email: galvcountymgs@gmail.com to pre-register.
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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