January 23, 2019
  
Vegetable industry mourns loss of 1015 Supersweet onion pioneer

Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist Leonard Pike passes at 78
 
By Blair Fannin
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
 
Dr. Leonard Pike, a Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist who pioneered the 1015 Supersweet onion and the Aggie maroon Beta Sweet carrot, along with a string of other vegetables that contributed billions to the Texas economy, died Jan. 12. He was 78.
 
Dr. Leonard Pike
"Dr. Pike's achievements are distinctive among the Texas vegetable industry and worldwide," said Dr. Patrick Stover, vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences at Texas A&M and director of AgriLife Research. "His pioneering work in onions, carrots and a host of other vegetables benefitted not only Texas' vegetable industry, but are enjoyed by consumers everywhere. We are deeply saddened by his passing, but his legendary mark on vegetable research continues."
 
His onion impact reached the White House, which was demonstrated by President George H. W. Bush when asking former Texas A&M System Board of Regent, Wayne Showers, "did you bring the 1015 onion?" Wayne championed needs of Texas producer's due to the excellent research and outreach activities conducted at the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center at Texas A&M University and made sure Pike's work would be continued by selecting Dr. Bhimu Patil as director.
 
"He was my mentor, advisor, friend, colleague and guiding force of my career," Patil said. "His 'beyond the box thinking' was unparalleled and inspired all his students to secure better jobs, and indeed several of them are leaders around the globe. I was hired as director in 2005."
 
Pike retired from Texas A&M AgriLife in 2006 as a horticulture professor and vegetable breeder. The Arkansas native said at the time of his retirement that vegetable production was not at the top of his list of interests once he got to college.
 
"I might have thought I would have chosen animal science," Pike said in a 2006 interview with AgriLife Today. "My father was the greenskeeper at the Hot Springs Golf and Country Club, and my mother worked full time to keep the house and her garden. I tended to the garden not because I liked it, but because I had to."
 
Onion growers in the Rio Grande Valley who were wanting to solve problems with inconsistency and disease came to Pike for expertise. Pike, who had already bred successful cucumber varieties, developed the 1015 onion, which he named after the planting month and date, Oct. 15. It was originally dubbed Texas 1015, but became known simply as the 1015 in producer circles.
 
The name stuck, and a 1015 onion study from 1983-98 showed a $1.2 billion value to the state's economy with $360 million going to farmers during the period.
Editor's Note: Gardening news is slow at the beginning of the year, and many gardeners are unable to work in their gardens during winter. We thought you might enjoy a change of pace during this slow season, so following is a gardening-themed short story presented for your enjoyment. - Michael Bracken, editor

The Garden Club

 

By John M. Floyd

 

Rudy Tullos was in love with his neighbor. Her name was Karen Pennington, she was staying the summer with her aunt and uncle next door, and she was eleven years old. To be exact, she was eleven and a half-two months younger than Rudy. Which was a good thing: it meant he wasn't dating An Older Woman.

 

Then again, they weren't actually dating, he reminded himself. What they were doing, and had been doing since her arrival here in Mississippi three weeks ago, was just sort of hanging around together. Going fishing, playing checkers, riding bikes. Or at least that's what Karen was doing. Rudy was more or less tagging along and going through the motions. And looking at her. He felt certain he could spend hours on end doing nothing but looking at her-and the more he did, the more hopelessly lovesick he became.

 

On this particular day, as Karen Pennington sat beside him in the wooden swing on his front porch, Rudy decided he'd like to try something a little different. Specifically, he'd like to convince her to walk with him along the path beside the creek, and even more specifically, he'd like to steer her to a spot under the big oak tree halfway down the path. The oak tree with all the mistletoe in the top branches.

 

As he sat and tried to formulate the right way to phrase such a suggestion, she came up with one of her own.

 

"Want to play Monopoly?"

 

Rudy blew out a sigh. He who hesitates, he thought.

 

"Why not?" he said, with a shrug. At least with Monopoly he was sure what he was doing. And he could still look at her.

 

Rudy went upstairs to fetch the game box while Karen wandered to the living room and dropped into a chair to wait. When he came back he found her staring at a point on the floor near the doorway to the dining room. Puzzled, he followed her gaze, then understood. On the carpet between the coffeetable and the open door was a big, ugly stain. Even though it was close to two feet in diameter, it wasn't terribly noticeable-it was just a dark gray spot on a lighter gray floor-but Karen had noticed it anyway. It was in the shape of a circle with a couple of splashes on each side, making it look like the planet Saturn. "What's that?" she asked, pointing, as Rudy plopped down crosslegged on the floor and spread out the game board.

 

He glanced at the strange-looking spot on the carpet, then started counting out the play money. "It's a long story," he said.

 

Karen waited a moment, watching him. When he didn't elaborate, she said, "Did your mom spill something there?"

 

"Not exactly. What kind of man do you want?"

 

She frowned at him until she saw he was holding out a handful of little metal tokens. "Oh. The top hat, I guess."

 

Rudy placed it on the board and selected the race car for himself. His man was always the race car. "You can go first," he said, handing her the dice.

 

Her eyes were still on his face. "Aren't you going to tell me what happened?"

 

"I suppose. If you really want to know."

 

She stared at him, waiting.

 

"It was a Garden Party," he said.

 

* * *

 

He began the story with an observation: He had never really understood why they were called Garden Parties. Nobody in Morgan's Hollow even had a garden, at least not the kind you see on TV, or in the fancy magazines. The gardens this far south of the Mason-Dixon were several long rows of peas and okra and butterbeans. Still, the ladies of the town called their organization the Garden Club, and their little gossipy gatherings were named accordingly. They were dull affairs, these parties, Rudy thought that day as he looked down at the proceedings from his hiding place at the top of the stairs. A dozen stiff and proper ladies, all gussied up and staring down their powdered noses at everyone else, were milling about the living room and dining room like corralled cattle and murmuring to each other while they munched odd-looking little goodies laid out in bowls and platters on every flat surface in sight. Rudy found it hard to believe that his mother had invited them here in the first place.

 

Well, that wasn't quite right. What he found hard to believe was that they had accepted the invitation. His mom had wanted to join the exclusive group-or at least to be in some way acknowledged by them-for most of her adult life. The truth of the matter was, he and his mother and little sister were from the Other Side of the Tracks, so to speak, and until now had been consistently and pointedly ignored by the "finer" citizens of Morgan's Hollow. That bothered Rudy not one bit, of course-the children of these particular folks were no fun anyway. But his mother wanted their acceptance, and always had. Ever since his father had run away three years ago and left them with next to nothing, his mother's irrational desire to be a part of the Garden Club had grown into an obsession. Hardly a day went by that she didn't go all dreamy-eyed and mumble something about "that fine and dignified group of ladies." Rudy snorted under his breath. His mother, so smart and level-headed about most everything else, was horribly mistaken about that, he thought. The only thing these women wanted today, the only reason they were here at all, was to snoop around and peer into corners and eat the tiny cookies and sandwiches and make fun of Dorothy Tullos and her simple lower-class existence.

 

The one exception was a woman named Edith Garland. Mrs. Garland had recently moved down here from Memphis. In fact she was the new doctor's wife, and had defied the rules this afternoon by bringing along some goodies she and a friend of hers had made, to help out. Rudy didn't know her personally, but he was a pretty good judge of character, and from what little he'd seen so far he figured she was the only one in the gathering today, besides his mom of course, who was worth a damn.

 

Once, a few minutes ago, Mrs. Garland had caught him peeping at them from the top of the stairs and had winked at him slyly.

 

As Rudy sat there thinking these thoughts, a prunefaced old woman named Maude Ogletree rose from her chair beside the window, marched over to his mother, and stood there looking at her from three feet away. Dorothy Tullos, who was busy gathering up some of the used plates and glasses, turned to find the old woman blocking her way to the kitchen.

 

"Excuse me," Rudy's mother said, with a smile, and started to go around her. Maude Ogletree simply moved to the left a step, just far enough to again block the way. The two women

stared into each other's eyes for a moment. "Is something wrong, Mrs. Ogletree?" his mother asked, her hands full of dishes.

 

"I'm afraid so," the old lady said, in a cold voice. "You seem to have missed the mark a bit, on those balls."

 

Dorothy Tullos frowned. "I beg your pardon?"

 

"Those things over there on the cabinet, in the little blue bowl. They taste a bit like sausage balls, but not quite." Mrs. Ogletree raised her head and thrust out her chin like the Wicked Witch of the West. "Personally, I wouldn't feed them to my dog."

 

Surprised and blushing, Rudy's mother pressed her lips together and took a slow breath. This kind of thing had been going on all afternoon. "I'm afraid you'll have to speak to someone else about that, Mrs. Ogletree. They aren't mine."

 

The old woman gave her a stony look. "Indeed," she said. "And who else would have brought food here, may I ask?"

 

"I believe Mrs. Garland brought them." Dorothy Tullos paused, then added, "Maybe she feeds them to her dog." After another smile, she tightened her grip on the dishes and trudged past Mrs. Ogletree to the kitchen door.

 

The old lady's eyebrows, which had shot up at the mention of her distinguished neighbor, swooped down again. Her gray head swiveled in a slow arc, searching the room for Edith Garland. Even from his distant vantage point, Rudy Tullos could see the sudden gleam in Mrs. Ogletree's eye. And he knew what she was thinking. Mrs. Garland, as the new doctor's wife and the most recent member of the Club, might at last be a lady deserving of Maude Ogletree's valuable time and attention.

 

After a moment the old woman spotted her, and on the way across the room detoured to the cabinet to pick up the bowl of sausage balls. With the container in hand, Mrs. Ogletree strode over to stand beside Dr. Garland's wife. As Rudy watched, the old woman interrupted with an upraised finger the conversation Edith Garland was having with several of the other ladies, and during the awkward silence started ranting about how wonderful Mrs. Garland's little sausage balls were. Every few seconds Mrs. Ogletree would pause and pop another one into her mouth. Yum, yum. Rudy's mother had noticed also, he saw, and she sighed tiredly before turning back to the dining-room table to set out another plate of cookies.

 

To Rudy's pleasure, however, the good doctor's wife seemed unimpressed with the old woman's performance. After a long, lip-smacking dissertation by Maude Ogletree about everything from her Confederate ancestry to her bank account, Edith Garland excused herself and glided away, leaving the old biddy standing there alone, chewing on the last of the balls. And though Rudy didn't hear all of Mrs. Garland's parting remark, he caught enough to hear her say the sausage balls were, regretfully, none of her doing-but she was glad Mrs. Ogletree had enjoyed them.

 

The old woman stood there a minute, stunned and blinking. The little blue bowl, empty now, was replaced on its cabinet so loudly it almost broke. Fuming, Mrs. Ogletree stomped back across the room, mumbling to herself and rubbing her mouth with a napkin.

 

At about that same time, Rudy was struck with an idea. An idea so simple and so brilliant it made his insides tingle just thinking about it.

 

Slowly he rose to his feet and crept down the stairs. After a moment he caught his mother's eye and weaved his way over to where she stood, between the living-room coffeetable and the doorway to the dining room. As he approached his mom, Mrs. Ogletree apparently noticed him, and came over also.

 

"Mrs. Tullos," she announced, "I'm afraid we don't allow children at our gatherings."

 

Both Rudy and his mother turned to stare at her. "Mrs. Ogletree," Dorothy Tullos said, when she had regained her composure, "this is not just a child. This is my son, and this is my house." To Rudy she said, in a quiet and unsteady voice, "Rudy, honey, this is Mrs. J. L. Ogletr-"

 

"I repeat," the old woman said, louder this time, "children are not welcome. He must leave at once." She stamped her foot hard on the carpet to underline this last word.

 

Everyone there had overheard them by now, and most were gathering around. Several of the women's expressions were cold and aloof, but a few showed open concern.

 

One lady said, "But, Maude-"

 

"Shut up, Nell," Mrs. Ogletree snapped, without turning. "Leave now, young man," she said to Rudy. "And do not return until our meeting is finished. Do you understand?"

 

Dorothy Tullos, her pretty face reddening, opened her mouth to reply, but Rudy cut her off. "I'm leaving, ma'am," he said politely. "I just came for my eggs."

 

Everyone looked at him. "What, honey?" his mother said. For the moment her anger was sidetracked.

 

"My eggs," he repeated. "Tommy wants 'em back."

 

There was a puzzled silence. "Rudy, what do you mean?"

 

Rudy smiled his most innocent smile. "I mean the eggs Tommy and I cut out of his dead turtle yesterday, Mom. They were in a little blue bowl on the cabinet . . ."

 

* * *

 

Karen Pennington sat and stared at him for a long time.

 

Finally Rudy blinked and focused on her. "Sorry," he said. "I told you it was a long story."

 

"I think it's fantastic," she said, in a hushed voice. The look on her face made it clear that she was seeing Rudy Tullos in an entirely new light. "It's the absolutely coolest thing I ever heard."

 

He just shrugged.

 

She turned to look at the big gray stain on the carpet. "So she did that? Mrs. Ogletree?" Her voice was faint, almost a whisper. She seemed awestruck.

 

"That's just some of it," he said. "Mom scrubbed most of it out, the next day." He thought for several seconds, remembering. "But it was something to see, all right. Soon as I said the words 'the little blue bowl,' the old lady just pulled the plug. Mom and I ducked and missed the worst of it, but poor Mrs. Polk got covered head to toe, and Miss Russell and Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Watkins got a pretty good soaking, and they were five or six feet away. A couple of ladies tried to run and slipped down in it. Pretty gross." He shook his head, smiling at the memory. "I never saw anybody throw up like that except the little girl in that exorcist movie."

 

Karen didn't seem to know what to say. She was still looking at him as if he had just waved his cape and pulled a white rabbit out of the Monopoly box.

 

"Well," he said, with a glance at the board. "You want to roll first?"

 

She stayed quiet. Rudy could hear the growl of old Mr. Burnley's lawnmower two doors down, and the crunch of gravel as a car rumbled by on the dirt road. The smell of honeysuckle floated in through the open window.

 

"Karen?" he said.

 

She had tilted her head a bit, watching him. "Why don't we go outside?" she asked, in that low, strange tone.

 

"Outside?"

 

"Yeah." A tiny smile played at the corners of her mouth. "We could maybe take a walk down the path. You know, the one beside the creek?"

 

Their eyes held, then he shrugged again. "Okay. If you want to."

 

Rudy closed up the game box and walked with her across the living room. Before following her through the doorway, he paused a moment, smiling, and turned to study the big gray Saturn-shaped spot where his little sister's dog had wet the carpet last month.

 

Imagination, he said to himself, is a terrible thing to waste . . .

 

John Floyd's short stories have appeared in more than 250 different publications, including Alfred Hitchcock's and Ellery Queen's mystery magazines, Strand Magazine, and The Best American Mystery Stories. John is also an Edgar Award nominee, a three-time Derringer Award winner, and the author of seven short-story collections-his latest, The Barrens, can be found on Amazon and at his publisher's website, dogwoodpress.com/books2.html.

Gardening tips

January is the month to start your tomato transplants from seed. If you want big, healthy plants by March 15 you need to get the seeds planted by mid-January.  

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.
JANUARY
 
Austin: "Propagating Your Favorite Plants" will be the topic for the January 24 meeting of The Garden Club of Austin at Zilker Botanical Gardens auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd . How-To demonstrations will include various succulents and Antique Roses. The meeting will be an exciting, interactive program planned for longtime gardeners as well as newcomers. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the meeting will conclude at 9:00 p.m. All TGCOA club members will be given a rose cutting to take home and cultivate and have ready and available for purchase for the club's annual Plant Sale & Show at the Zilker Botanical Gardens on June 1 & 2. Visit http://thegardenclubofaustin.org for details or to become a member. It's only $25.00 individual and $40.00 annual membership fee.
   
Conroe: January Fruit & Nut Tree Sale, featuring bare root trees, avocados, citrus and berries. Sponsored by Montgomery County Master Gardener Association. FREE. Program at 8 a.m., Sale is 9 a.m.-noon. Saturday, January 26, at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. For more information, call (936) 539-7824. Visit www.mcmga.com for a complete plant sale list. Bring your own wagon if possible.
 
Cypress: Harris County Master Gardeners Fruit Tree Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-noon (or sellout), January 26, plants suitable for our area, plus various soils available. 19110 Longenbaugh, Cypress. Next to the Weekly Center. Free. For more information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu.
 
Galveston: January 26 "'Texas Tuff' Plants," with Galveston County Master Gardener Marie Leal presenting, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy Street, Galveston; Phone (281) 534-3413; email galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.
 
Galveston: January 26 "Herbs for the Gulf Coast," with Nancy Langston-Noh and Briana Etie, Galveston County Master Gardeners, presenting, 1-3 p.m., at Rosenberg Library 2310 Sealy Street, Galveston; Phone (281) 534-3413; email galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details   http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.
 
Galveston: January 26 "Wedge Grafting," with Sue Jeffco, Galveston County Master Gardener, Instructing, 9-10:30 a.m., at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Phone (281) 534-3413; email galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.
FEBRUARY

Wimberly: The Hays County Master Gardener Association will hold a Master Gardener Training Course on 12 Fridays in spring of 2019. The Master Gardener Training Program is an educational/volunteer program conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service designed to increase the availability of horticultural information and extend horticultural projects throughout the community. The course will include presentations by experts in the field of horticulture, covering topics such as botany, plant pathology, vegetable and fruit growing, landscaping with native and adaptive plants. In addition to the lectures, there are tours and hands-on activities. Master gardeners utilize their training to serve the Hays County communities through approved volunteer projects. They establish educational and demonstration gardens. The Speakers Network supports the mission of the Texas Master Gardeners by providing training on gardening related topics. Master Gardeners also work with various schools to introduce students to gardening. The classes will be held on Fridays, March 1 - May 24, 2019. The class locations will be at AgriLife Extension Office, 200 Stillwater, Wimberley, Jacob's Well Nature Area in Wimberley and Freeman Ranch outside San Marcos. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m., February 1. Class capacity is 25. Submit the application early to reserve a place in the class. The cost of the training is $200.00 if submitted with the application by February 1 and $225.00 after that deadline. Payment must be made no later than the first day of class, March 1. Cash or check are accepted. The signed volunteer agreement and application must be included. Additional information and a downloadable application form visit
https://txmg.org/hays/ or by contacting the Hays County Extension office at (512) 393-2120.

Waller: The Waller County Master Gardeners will host a free Rose Pruning and Propagation Presentation with Gaye Hammond, at Waller County Community Center, 21274 FM 1098 Loop, Prairie View, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on February 2. Visit www.txmg.org/wallermg for more information. RSVP at (979) 826-7651 x3068.

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/.

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.

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.

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.
 
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. 

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.
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.

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.
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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