September 18, 2019
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West Nile case numbers lowest since 2012
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| Aedes mosquitoes, a known vector of West Nile virus, and other diseases, are small dark mosquitoes with distinct white bands on the legs. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo) |
By
Adam Russell
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Mike Merchant, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension entomologist, Dallas, said a publication by health officials in Dallas County may shed light on factors that contribute to outbreaks and help forecast outbreaks in the future.
There has been one case of West Nile in humans this year in Fort Worth, but Merchant said vector indexes used to measure the conditions under which the disease is spread are the lowest they've been in five years.
Mosquito numbers this year are normal to high, Merchant said, but the presence of the disease has remained low. A report by the Dallas County epidemiologist showed West Nile virus outbreaks correlate with weather conditions, and this season was not conducive to its production and spread.
Prime conditions
On the other hand, Merchant said conditions in 2012 were prime for spreading West Nile virus.
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Culex mosquitoes are the primary vectors for West Nile virus. Their preferred breeding grounds include standing water that seldom dries, the edges of ponds, lakes and smaller impoundments. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo) |
In 2012, nearly 400 cases of West Nile virus were reported in Dallas County alone, and 19 people died of the disease. The epidemic was so bad county officials resorted to spraying the entire county.
The paper, written by Dallas County epidemiologist Wendy Chung, Ph.D., and colleagues in 2013, explains the lower number of West Nile cases this summer, said Merchant.
Chung and colleagues charted the 2012 outbreak and found high infection rates of mosquitoes early in the summer, followed by a rapid increase in human cases.
Looking back over previous years and case numbers, Merchant said the researchers concluded that an unusually mild winter followed by rainfall patterns ideal for mosquito breeding in the spring followed by a very hot summer created ideal conditions for an outbreak.
"Mosquitoes breed faster when it's hot, but also the virus multiplies faster at higher temperatures," he said. "So, we had conditions for the worst year then. This year the heat didn't really set in until the last month or so."
Take precautions despite low case numbers
Sonja Swiger, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension entomologist, Stephenville, said the rest of the state has also experienced a lower number of West Nile cases this year.
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This graphic shows what items in the yard may trap water and provide mosquitoes with a breeding site. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension service graphic)
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Swiger reached out to the state medical entomologist and entomologists in Dallas and Harris counties and said the consensus is numbers are slow at this time but that may or may not predict the year.
Case numbers have been lower than each year prior, she said, but the virus can peak when conditions allow.
"If you look at the data from the years before 2012, one of the largest WNV outbreaks on record, the cases were minimal just the year prior," she said. "Plus, a weather event could still occur at any time and change what is happening now. WNV season does not conclude until Nov. 1, and with two months left, we just cannot be positive of the future."
Merchant said health officials in Dallas County have found West Nile-positive mosquitoes, but their numbers have been very low, especially when compared to 2012. While he doubts a major increase in transfers to humans will occur, people should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
"We still need to treat mosquitoes with respect and take proactive measures to avoid them, but we wanted to give some good West Nile news for a change," he said.
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Gardening tips
Plant your greens! Lettuce, turnips, kale, collard greens and mustard greens should be planted in the southern half of the state.
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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.
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SEPTEMBER
Dripping Springs/San Marcos: The Hays County Master Gardeners will host their annual plant sale September 18 and 21. Featured this year will be native and adapted perennials, herbs and Texas Superstar plants, which are highly recommended by Texas A&M AgriLife. For those new to gardening, there will be an information table staffed with Master Gardeners who will provide planting guidance. The Master Gardeners Fall Plant Sale will be held at the Dripping Springs Farmers Market, Wednesday, September 18, 3:00-6:00 p.m., 160 E Mercer St, Dripping Springs and at the San Marcos Farmers Market, Saturday, September 2, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 1901 Alpine Trail, San Marcos. For more information, visit https://txmg.org/hays/.
Cash and credit card accepted.
Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners
Lecture: Open Forum: Bring Your Questions,
September 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Ln, Houston. Free. For additional information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu.
Bryan:
Brazos County Master Gardeners present Learning at the Library - "Spring Blooming Bulbs," Saturday, September 21, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at Clara B. Mounce Public Library, 201 E. 26th St., Bryan. An introduction to some of the most dependable bulbs for the Brazos Valley. Presented by Master Gardener Robert Martinez. This event is open to the public at no charge.
Houston: The Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston Chapter presents their annual Wildscapes Workshop, September 21, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at Anderson-Clark Center at Rice University, 6100 S. Main St., Houston. This is a one-day educational event which benefits local native plant gardens, grants, and scholarships. Admission includes four presentations by native plant and wildlife experts, lunch and refreshments, book sale, native plant sale, silent auction, prize drawing, as well as the opportunity to network with other native plant lovers. Early Bird Price $45/$40 NPSOT Members and TPWD), $50. After Aug 31. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to become a sponsor, visit https://npsot.org/wp/houston/event-overview/wildscapes-workshop/.
Katy: Harris County Master Gardeners Lecture: Open Forum: Bring Your Questions
, September 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Maud Smith Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd., Katy. Free. For additional information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu.
La Marque: "T-bud Grafting of Citrus and Fruit Trees (hands-on workshop," presented by Galveston County Master Gardener Nancy Langston-Noh, 9:00-11:00 am., September 21. Hands-on workshop limited to 20 participants, must pre-register; others welcome to observe. Location: at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg.
in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph (281) 534-3413, email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com
; for additional details visit
http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html
. Free, but you must pre-register.
La Marque: "Turning Dirt into Soil - Creating an Ideal Soil," presented by Galveston County Master Gardener Jim Gilliam, 1:00-3:00 p.m., September 21, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg.
in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph (281) 534-3413, email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com
; for additional details visit
http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html
. Free, but you must pre-register.
Rosenberg: The "Fall Vegetables" class will be held on Saturday, September 21, from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.; doors open at 8:30 a.m. at the
Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg
.
Classes combine indoor and outdoor lessons. Participants will learn how to start a garden, the keys to success, what to plant and when, and how to reap the benefits of year-round food production in Fort Bend County. A portion of the class will be taught in our demonstration gardens.
This is the fifth class in our Grow Your Own six-class series on creating a productive, edible garden in the home landscape presented by the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Fort Bend County. The cost per class per attendee is $15.
For information on the remaining classes in this series visit
https://fortbend.agrilife.org/grow-your-own/
. Advanced registration is preferred, but we also welcome walk-ins. Save the date...and bring a friend for this great Grow Your Own class.
For additional information contact Brandy Rader at (281) 342-3034 or
brandy.rader@ag.tamu.edu
.
Bryan:
Brazos County Master Gardeners will present Community Education Event - "Floral Design from the Garden," Tuesday, September 24, at 7:00 p.m., at Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest, Bryan. William McKinley, Endowed Chair of Texas A&M University Benz School of Floral Design, will provide an overview of how to create garden style floral design using plant material from your garden. This event is open to the public at no charge.
Online: Garden Communicators International (GardenComm) will present two online webinars: 'Move Over Hydrangeas, Houseplants are Taking Over' and 'Mastering Mobile Photography'. Both classes will be recorded for later purchase, and are open to members of the general public who may have an interest either or both of these topics. 'Move Over Hydrangeas, Houseplants are Taking Over' will be offered
September 24, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST and will focus on houseplant tips, care, and becoming the best houseplant parent you can be. The class is led by Lisa Eldred-Steinkopf, the Houseplant Guru, who has written for many magazines, including
Better Homes and Gardens magazine and HGTV gardens.com and has published multiple books about houseplants. On Tuesday,
October 8, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST, the 'Mastering Mobile Photography' class will take place, and it will feature tips and tricks for using a mobile phone camera and apps to help participants build confidence in photographing scenes and gardens more effectively. The class will be taught by Jennifer Packard, who grew up in Western North Carolina, has traveled extensively, and has experience photographing many different types of landscapes. Because the classes will be held online, anyone can join in from the comfort of their home or office. The cost of each class is $30 or $15 for GardenComm members, and the classes will be recorded for anyone who is unable to attend during the live sessions. For more information about these webinars, visit
https://gardencomm.org/GardenComm-Events-Webinars.
Austin: Join The Garden Club of Austin for their monthly meeting and program at the Zilker Botanical Gardens auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin. The
September 26 program will be "Herbs - From Garden to Kitchen." Judith Craft, Master Gardener and long-time member of the Herb Society of Austin will be on hand to demonstrate and discuss various herbs; their ideal growing environment and culinary uses. Light refreshments and social time from 7:00-7:30 p.m. The presentation runs from 7:30-9:00 p.m.
No registration for this event is required. Attendance to the seminar is free. A Zilker Botanical Garden entrance fee is required. The fees are $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over), and $3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted. Visit
http://www.thegardenclubofaustin.org/ for details on how to become a member. It's only $25.00 for individuals and $40.00 for couples to join.
Austin: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Travis County Master Gardeners present an Earth-Kind Gardening Field Day on Saturday, September 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Travis County AgriLife Extension office at 1600 Smith Rd., Austin. Parking is available along Smith Road. Participants are urged to use Airport Boulevard or 7th Street to avoid construction on Highway 183. The field day features an assortment of activities, including tool sharpening, composting, grow boxes, and garden art. Information will be shared about drip irrigation, water conservation, rainwater harvesting, vegetable gardening, and Integrated Pest Management. There are activities for children, including an insect scavenger hunt. A limited supply of Earth-Kind plants and fall vegetable starts will be available for purchase. A free rain barrel giveaway is also featured. Travis County Master Gardeners will conduct hands-on activities (from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) on cleaning and sharpening gardening tools, construction of a bee house and using found objects for garden art. Attendees are encouraged to bring a hand garden tool such as loppers, hand shears, shovels, or rakes, to sharpen. Workshop schedule: The workshops require pre-registration. To learn more and register, visit: http://bit.ly/earthkindatx. 9:00 a.m. Compost Bin construction workshop. Participants will assemble a 3-bin wood and wire composting system on site. 11:00 a.m. Grow Box construction workshop. This will be a demonstration on how to construct a grow box.
1:00 p.m. Tree Planting Demonstration
. Tom Spencer, Executive Director of TreeFolks and host of Central Texas Gardener on KLRU will demonstrate how to plant and care for trees.
Meet Travis County AgriLife Extension Agents: Daphne Richards County Extension Agent - Horticulture (and Augie too); Noel Troxclair County Extension Agent - Agriculture and Natural Resources; and Wizzie Brown Extension Program Specialist- IPM. For more information, call (512) 854-9600 or visit http://www.tcmastergardeners.org/event/earth-kind-gardening-field-day/.
Friendswood: "Rainwater Harvesting," presented by Nat Gruesen, Galveston County Master Gardener and Certified Rainwater Harvesting Specialist, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., September 28, at Friendswood Public Library, 416 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood.
La Marque: "Herbs of the Gulf Coast," presented by Galveston County Master Gardeners Nancy Langston-Noh and Briana Etie, 9:00-11:00 a.m., September 28, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg.
in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Pre-registration: Ph (281) 534-3413, email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com
; for additional details visit
http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html
. Free, but you must pre-register.
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OCTOBER
La Marque: October 1 "Growing Onions and Garlic," with Herman Auer, Galveston County Master Gardener, presenting, 6:30-8 pm; at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main, La Marque; to pre-register phone (281) 309-5065 or email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.
Rosenberg: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service announces the Fall 2019 Fort Bend County Master Gardener class. The classes are from
October 1 through November 12 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Classes are held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office, 1402 Band Road, Rosenberg. The fee for the course is $250 per individual, or $420 for two people if a handbook is shared. Registration deadline is Friday, September 20; class size is limited to 25.
A "Master Gardener" is a gardening enthusiast of any age, who has been formally trained in Horticulture by the Extension Service. The Master Gardener does not know all the answers, but he or she does know the sources to consult to find the answers. You will have enhanced confidence in your own efforts in the garden, the opportunity to learn with professional instruction, the "Texas Master Gardener Handbook," community service opportunities, gardener friendships, continuing educational opportunities through the Fort Bend Master Gardener Association, and much more! Master Gardeners provide volunteer service through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Fort Bend County. Visit
https://fortbend.agrilife.org/horticulture/master-gardeners/ to learn more about the Master Gardener Program including
Frequently Asked Questions and the
Master Gardener application. For additional information you can contact the Master Gardener Program Coordinator by phone (281) 633-7033 or by email
mmcdowell@ag.tamu.edu. For more information, visit
fbmg.org.
Tyler: 1st Tuesday in the Garden. "Summer Bulbs," October 1; noon-1:00 p.m. Join Anne Pattullo and Tommie Grinnell, Smith County Master Gardeners, for an informal informative session highlighting the bulbs to be offered in the From Bulbs To Blooms Sale October 12. Held in the IDEA Garden within the Tyler Rose Garden, 420 Rose Park Dr., Tyler. The program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited; please bring a chair for your comfort. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held in the Tyler Rose Center. For more information call (903) 590-2980 or visit
https://txmg.org/smith/coming-events/.
La Marque: October 5 "Gardening for Jewels...Hummingbirds," with Deborah Repasz, Galveston County Master Gardener, presenting, 9-11 am; at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main, La Marque; to pre-register phone (281) 309-5065 or email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.
La Marque: October 5 "Favorite Fall Vegetables," with Gene Speller, Galveston County Master Gardener, presenting, 1-3 pm; at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main, La Marque; to pre-register phone (281) 309-5065 or email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.
La Marque: October 5 "Fall Plant Sale Overview," with Karolyn Gephart, Galveston County Master Gardener, presenting, 4-5 pm; at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main, La Marque; to pre-register phone (281) 309-5065 or email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.
Houston: The October 10 meeting of the Houston Rose Society will feature GardenLine KTRH Newsradio 740 host Randy Lemmon. Lemmon is an expert on Houston lawns and gardens. He is a Texas Aggie and has been helping GardenLine listeners with solutions to lawn and garden problems since 1995. He will present Behind the Scenes with GardenLine's Randy Lemmon. Bring your lawn and garden questions for Randy. The meeting will be held at the Cherie Flores Pavilion, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston.Arrive at 7:00 p.m. for refreshments. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. Free Admission. For additional information, visit www.houstonrose.org.
Hitchcock: "Galveston County Master Gardener Annual Fall Plant Sale," October 12, 8:00-8:50 a.m. - Information seminar about plants for sale; 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Plant sale. Thousands of plants adapted to the Texas Gulf Coast growing area. Volunteer certified master gardeners present to answer questions. Galveston County Fair Grounds in Jack Brooks Park-Rodeo Arena, Hwy 6 and Jack Brooks Road, Hitchcock. Additional details:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html
.
Tyler: The Smith County Master Gardeners will host "From Bulbs to Blooms Conference and Sale" at Harvey Convention Center, 2000 W Front St., October 12. Registration begins 8:30 a.m. Greg Grant, Texas gardener contributing editor, will present "Earth-Kind Bulbs for Year Round Beauty" at 9:00 a.m. The bulb/plant sale begins at 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. For more information, call (903) 590-2980 or visit
https://txmg.org/smith/coming-events/.
Conroe: Saturday, October 19, ONE Educational Class. Sharpening & Caring for Garden Tools, ONE Class at the Thomas LeRoy Educational Building, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. 9:00 a.m. until noon. Sharpening & Caring for Garden Tools. Gardening tools are only as good as their working condition. This program will guide each participant in the sharpening and caring for gardening tools. Bring one or two gardening tools to this class (such as pruners, loppers, etc.). All materials needed to sharpen/recondition tools will be provided and each participant will receive a "goodie bag" containing some of the materials used to take home. Enrollment is limited to 25 people. The fee of $25.00 must be paid in advance by Friday, October 11. Bring or mail checks made out to MCMGA with Tool Sharpening Class in the memo line to MCMGA, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. For more info on pre-payment options, visit http://www.mcmga.com or call (936) 539-7824.
La Marque: October 26 "Butterflies and Native Plants," with Lisa Nicklow Davis, Galveston County Master Gardener, presenting, 9-11 am; at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Bldg. in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main, La Marque; to pre-register phone (281) 309-5065 or email
galvcountymgs@gmail.com; for additional details
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/index.html. Free, but pre-registration required.
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NOVEMBER
Conroe: Saturday, November 2. Open Gardens. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Open Gardens at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. Free! Got gardening questions? Come visit the gardens, wander around, and get your questions answered. Master Gardeners will be available to demonstrate and explain the best research-based gardening practices. Bring the kids! For additional information, call (936) 539-7824 or visit http://www.mcmga.com/
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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
Jasper:
The Jasper County Master Gardeners meet on the first Monday of each month at St. Michael's Catholic Church from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The evening begins with pot luck social and then guest presentations and/or educational class to conclude. Visit https://jasper.agrilife.org/jasper-master-gardeners/ 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; Visit
https://mastergardener.tamu.edu/become/ to become a member.
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 Insider's Tour at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. Spaces are limited so pre-registration is encouraged. $15, free for members. For more information, visit http://peckerwoodgarden.org/product/peckerwood-insiders-tours/.
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. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; club business begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by a presentation. 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.
Cedar Park/Leander/Liberty Hill: The Hill Country Bloomers meet the
second Tuesday of each month (except December) at 7 p.m. at the Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main Street, Cedar Park. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to socialize and swap plants and seeds. Meetings feature guest speakers on a variety of topics for the home gardener or landscaper. They host a plant sale in the spring and a garden tour in the late summer/early fall. Throughout the year they contribute time and expertise to local projects. Those with any level of experience are welcome. Non-members are invited to their first meeting at no cost. Membership and speaker info is available at
www.hillcountrybloomers.com.
Glen Rose: The Glen Rose Garden Club meets at 10 a.m. on the
second Tuesday of each month (September through May) at the Somervell County Community Center in Glen Rose. For additional information, email
stringer030@yahoo.com.
Glen Rose: The Prairie Rose Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 6 p.m. on the
second Monday of each month at the Somerville County Citizen Center, 209 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose. For additional information, email
prairierose.npsot@gmail.com.
Harrison County: The Harrison County Master Gardeners meet on the
second Tuesday of each month in the Harrison County Annex building, 102 W Houston St. (south side of the square), Marshall. Meetings are held in the 2nd floor AgriLife Extension meeting room. For more information, call 903-935-8413, or email
wannagrow2@gmail.com.
Marion: The Guadalupe County (Schertz/Seguin) Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the
second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John's Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John's Lutheran Church: From FM 78 turn south onto FM 465 and the church is just past the Marion School on the right. From IH-10 go north on FM 465 towards Marion. The Church will be on the left, just before you get to town. A plant exchange and meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT visit
www.npsot.org/GuadalupeCounty/
or contact
guadalupecounty@npsot.org.
Quitman: The Quitman Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. the
second Tuesday of each month at the Quitman Library on E Goode Street, Quitman. It is a diverse group that welcomes all visitors. For more information, e-mail
quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.
Denton:
The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the
second Wednesday of each month
. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit
http://dcmga.com/.
Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the
second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.
Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the
second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.
Longview:
The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners.
Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the
second
Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit
www.rockportherbs.or
g and
http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.
Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners meet on the
second Wednesday each month at noon at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd., Woodway. Educational programs follow the business session. For more information, call 254-757-5180.
Beaumont: The Jefferson County Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. (social) 7:00 (meeting) the
second Thursday of each month except in July in the AgriLife Extension auditorium, 1225 Pearl 2nd floor (downtown Beaumont next to the Court House). For more information contact: 409-835-8461 or
txmg.org/jcmg.
Georgetown: The Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. the
second Thursday of each month at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street. Georgetown. For additional information, contract Kathy Henderson at kshend@verizon.net or visit
http://www.npsot.org/wp/wilco.
Orange: The Orange County Master Gardeners Association holds their monthly meeting on the
second Thursday of each month. A short program is presented. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the new Orange County Expo Center on Hwy 1442 in Orangefield. Enter the building in the front entrance, first door on the right, Texas AgriLife offices. Pot luck supper at 6 p.m. Visit
http://txmg.org/orange
for more information.
Pasadena
: The Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold an educational program at 10 a.m. on the
second Thursday of each month
at The Genoa Friendship Garden Educational Building at 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Pasadena. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information,
visit http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu
.
San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society meets at 7 p.m. on the
second Thursday of each month at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels (corner of Funston & N. New Braunfels). For more information on programs, visit
www.sanantonioherbs.org.
Smithville: The Smithville Community Gardens meets at 5:30 p.m. the
second Thursday of each month at the Smithville Recreation Center.
Angleton: The Brazoria County Master Gardeners meet at 11 a.m. on the
second Friday of each month at the Brazoria County Extension Office, 21017 County Road 171, Angleton. There is a general business meeting followed by a brief educational program each month. For further information call 979-864-1558, ext.110.
College Station: The A&M Garden Club meets on the
second Friday of each month during the school year at 9:30 a.m. in the training room of the College Station Waste Water Facility building at the end of North Forest Parkway, College Station. Expert speakers, plant sharing, and federated club projects help members learn about gardening in the Brazos Valley, floral design, conservation, and more. For more information, visit
http://www.amgardenclub.com/.
Houston: The Spring Branch African Violet Club meets the
second Saturday of each month, January through November, at 10:00 a.m. at the Copperfield Baptist Church, 8350 Highway 6 North, Houston. Call Karla at 281-748-8417 prior to attending to confirm meeting date and time.
Kilgore: Northeast Texas Organic Gardeners meets at 1:30 p.m. on the
second Saturday of each month. For more information, call Carole Ramke at 903-986-9475.
Dallas: The Rainbow Garden Club of North Texas meets the
second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Meetings are held at member's homes and garden centers around the area. For more information, visit
www.RainbowGardenClub.com.
THIRD WEEK
Arlington: The Arlington Men's Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the
third Monday of each month (except December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact Lance Jepson at
LJepson@aol.com.
Cleburne:
The Johnson County Master Gardener's meet on the third Monday of each month at McGregor House, 1628 W Henderson, Cleburne. Meeting times are at 2 p.m. October through April, except December and at 6 p.m. May through September. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For additional information, contact Elaine Bell at 817-309-8052.
New Braunfels: The Comal Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. the
third Monday of each month (except April and December,) at the
GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. An educational program precedes the business meeting. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, call 830-620-3440 or visit
http://txmg.org/comal/.
Texarkana: The Four Corners Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 7 p.m. on the
third Monday of each month at the Southwest Center, 3222 W. 7th St. (U.S. 67), Texarkana. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Belinda McCoy at 903-424-7724 or
blackmtngardens@yahoo.com.
Abilene: The Master Gardeners meet the
third Tuesday of each month at the Taylor County Extension Office, 1982 Lytle Way, Abilene. For more information, contact 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@gmail.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 American Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Fwy. 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 a garden Lecture Series at 11:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month. Spaces are limited so pre-registration is encouraged. Lectures are free to the public. For more information, http://peckerwoodgarden.org/product/peckerwood-garden-lecture-series/.
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 (except November and December) at the Houston Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Freeway, Houston. Refreshments served at 6:30 p.m. 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, hosts a garden Open Days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. Drop-in tours are permitted but pre-registration is encouraged. Docent led tours are $10 for guests, free for members. For more information, http://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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