August 21, 2019
  
Beloved wildfire prevention icon rings in 75th birthday
 
Texas A&M Forest Service
 
Smokey Bear, the face of the longest-running PSA campaign in United States history, turned 75 August 9, continuing his legacy of bringing awareness to unwanted, human-caused fires in America.
 
Smokey Bear's wildfire prevention campaign has had a dramatic impact since its introduction in 1944. This progress continues today, with an approximate 14 percent reduction in the average number of human-caused wildfires from 2011-2018, compared to the previous 10 years. While it's clear his work has been successful, 9 out of 10 wildfires are still caused by humans, which means Smokey's iconic message is as important as ever.
 
To celebrate the wildfire prevention icon's milestone birthday, the USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, and the Ad Council are releasing new PSAs featuring Betty White, announcing the addition of a new Smokey Bear balloon in the 2019 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and promoting Smokey birthday parties and local events across the nation.
 
Together, these three partners make up the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention (CFFP) Committee, the coalition behind Smokey Bear and his wildfire prevention campaign.
 
"The hardest working bear in the world, Smokey, has for decades now tirelessly shared with the public the message 'Only You Can Prevent Wildfires,'" said U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. "And I'm certain that 75 years from now, Smokey will still be active in his duty of spreading the wildfire prevention message - reminding us to do our part in preventing unwanted wildfire."
 
The celebration of Smokey's legacy will continue this fall with the debut of his new character balloon in the 93rd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
 
A fan-favorite, Smokey Bear first debuted as a giant character balloon in the 1966 Macy's Parade and participated in the holiday spectacle every year until 1981. In celebration of his 50thbirthday in 1993, Smokey made his last appearance before this year's return to form.
 
Texas State Forester Tom Boggus will be holding one of Smokey Bear's character balloon ropes, guiding America's national champion of wildfire prevention through the streets of New York City in Smokey's return to the world-famous Macy's parade line-up.
 
Catch Smokey in action during the 93rd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade airing nationwide on NBC, Thursday, November 28 from 9:00 a.m.-noon, in all time zones.
 
"Smokey Bear and his friends know that wildfire is not just a western issue or a summer phenomenon. It's always wildfire season somewhere in the United States," said Jay Farrell, executive director of the National Association of State Foresters. "This is why it is so important that Smokey's message resonate year-round and nationwide with all Americans. This year's Smokey Bear wildfire prevention campaign and the hundreds of events held in his honor promise to do just that."
 
To learn more about Smokey Bear and wildfire prevention, visit www.smokeybear.com and follow Smokey on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with the hashtags #SmokeyBear75 and #OnlyYou. To find a Smokey event near you, visit www.smokeybear75th.org/ .
Wildfires sparked by outdoor equipment can be prevented
 
Texas A&M Forest Service
 
Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments remind people operating equipment outdoors to be aware of current conditions to help reduce wildfires.
 
Over the past week, Texas A&M Forest Service firefighters responded to six wildfires ignited by equipment use.
 
Equipment use continues to be a major cause of wildfires. Each year, people using chainsaws, weed eaters, lawn mowers, welders, grinders, bulldozers, farm harvesting equipment, off-road vehicles and other equipment that generate sparks, start numerous fires.
 
People who use equipment on or near dry grass and brush are encouraged to take a few simple precautions to prevent wildfires:
  • Check blades, bearings and belts prior to use to ensure good working order.
  • Check brakes and tires for proper inflation and tire condition.
  • Check fire conditions for possible fire danger before you operate equipment.
  • Comply with any conditions or restrictions regarding equipment use in your area.
  • Do not park cars, trucks or recreational vehicles on dry vegetation. The exhaust system on a vehicle can reach a temperature of more than 1,000 degrees; it only takes about 500 degrees to start a wildfire in the summer.
  • Use an approved spark arrester on all internal combustion powered equipment.
For more information on current wildfire conditions, please visit the Texas Interagency Coordination Center website at https://ticc.tamu.edu.
Gardening tips

Spider mites do not trouble fall-planted marigolds as much as the spring-planted ones. Plant now and enjoy them until the first frost.        

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.
AUGUST
 
Hempstead: Waller County Master Gardeners has scheduled their Fruit and Nut Tree Fundraiser sale. The order window is open now thru September and pickup date is Saturday, October 26 from 9: 00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Waller County Fairgrounds, 22000 Fairground Rd., Hempstead. You must pre-order; there will be no sales on pickup day. For more information, visit https://txmg.org/wallermg/treesale/. Email wallermgardener2013@gmail.com or call (979) 826-7651, x3068 (leave message if no answer).
   
Forney: "Rainwater Harvesting: Making a Rain Barrel" with Jim Burt, Kaufman County Advanced Master Gardener - Rainwater Harvesting. Thursday, August 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 101 E. Main St., Forney. This is a hands-on session on building your own rain barrel. You will get printed instructions, see a barrel put together, and have an opportunity to help assemble barrels. You may purchase a completed barrel for $50. Make checks to Kaufman County Master Gardeners and mail to Jim Burt, KC Master Gardeners, 2471 N. State Hwy 34, Kaufman, TX 75142. Checks must be received by August 16. You must attend the class to buy a barrel. Please pre-register at (972) 932-9069 or by email to sbburden@ag.tamu.edu.
 
La Marque: "Composting," presented by Galveston County Master Gardener Jim Gilliam, 1-3 p.m., August 24, 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.
 
Tyler: Greg Grant, Smith County Extension Horticulturist, will present "Stitching an Heirloom Garden... Learning Landscaping from my Grannies' Old Quilts" on Saturday, August 24, at Harvey Hall, 2000 W. Front St., Tyler. Along with the lecture, which also features Jo Helen McGee on "Quilt Preservation," there will be an heirloom quilt show featuring the inaugural showing of Greg's extensive heirloom family quilt collection. Grant has degrees in both floriculture and horticulture from Texas A&M University and has experience with both private and public gardening, including 10 years at the Stephen F. Austin State University Pineywoods Native Plant Center. He is co-author of Heirloom Gardening in the South, Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, and The Rose Rustlers. Grant writes for Texas Gardener magazine and the Tyler Morning Telegraph, and on the weekends maintains a small farm and his Rebel Eloy Emanis Pine Savanna and Bird Sanctuary. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 9 a.m. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door. For more information call the Smith County AgriLife Extension office at (903) 590-2980 or visit https://Smith.agrilife.org.
 
Friendswood: "Backyard Citrus," presented by Galveston County Master Gardener Robert Marshall, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., August 31, at Friendswood Public Library, 416 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood. 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.
 
Friendswood: "Texas Tuff Plants for the Gulf Coast," presented by Galveston County Master Gardener Marie Leal, 1:30-3:30 pm, August 31, at Friendswood Public Library, 416 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood. 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.
SEPTEMBER

Tyler: 1st Tuesday in the Garden. "Wildlife in the Fall and Winter Garden." September 3; noon-1:00 p.m. Join Ed Bryant, Smith County Master Gardener, for an informal informative session. 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/.

Athens: A new Master Gardener training course for Henderson County will begin September 6 and run once a week on Fridays (from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) until December 6 at Trinity Valley Community College, 100 Cardinal Way, Athens. If you would like more information about this program, contact the Henderson County Master Gardener Association to get an invitation letter and application at (903) 675-6130 or hendersoncmga@gmail.com .

Fredericksburg: "Grow It Cook It: Cauliflower" will be presented noon to 1:00 p.m., September 6. Cost: $15 . Pay at door or ahead of time. Program will cover methods on growing cauliflower and give demonstrations on how to cook it. Recipe samples included. Program at the Gillespie County Extension Office, 95 Frederick Road, Fredericksburg. Contact the Gillespie County Extension Office at (830) 997-3452 for more information.
 
La Marque: "A Passion for Plumeria (Frangipani)," presented by Galveston County Master Gardener Loretta Osteen, 1:00-3:00 p.m., September 7, 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.
 
San Angelo: The Concho Valley Master Gardeners in San Angelo are presenting their annual Fall Landscaping Symposium. The 8th Annual Fall Landscape Symposium will be held Saturday, September 7, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 7887 N. US Highway 87, San Angelo. Cost is $30 per person. Due to limited seating, pre-registration is required. Deadline to register is Wednesday, September 4, but don't wait too late as seats fill up fast. Six excellent speakers who are tops in their fields will be presenting throughout the day at this year's Symposium. Anita Nelson---Adding Water as a Design Element to Your Garden; John Begnaud-Starting From the Ground Up: Earth-Kind Soil Management for the Concho Valley; Jim and Lynne Weber---Native Host Plants for Texas Butterflies and Moths; Rufus Stephens---From the Backyard to the Back Forty: Managing Landscapes or Ranch Land to Benefit Native Birds; Dr. Becky Grubbs-Bowling---The Healthy Lawns Checklist: A Simple Guide to Managing a "Happy" and Sustainable Texas Lawn; Registration includes refreshments throughout the day and lunch. On the day of the seminar, sign-in starts at 8 a.m. The speakers start at 8:30 a.m. and continue until 3:15 p.m. To pay by check or cash, go to txmg.org/conchovalley and download the registration form and mail or bring it to the Extension Office, 113 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, Texas 76901. You'll also find parking and hotel information on the website. To pay on-line with a credit card, go to http://squareup.com/store/cvmg . For questions or more information call (325) 659-6522. No childcare will be provided.
 
Houston: The topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting Thursday, September 12, will be "Blackspot, Bugs and Garden Safety." The program will be presented by Dr. Allen Owings. Dr. Owings is a retired professor Emeritus at LSU AgCenter. He is a Senior Horticulturist at Bracy's Nursery and an American Rose Society Regional Director. 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 more information, visit www.houstonrose.org.
 
Nacogdoches: Heather Thormahlen, Territory Manager, Treetown USA, Houston, will present "Nature's Bounty for Home and Business - Using Natural Vegetation for Wreaths, Garlands and Table Decorations," at 7:00 p.m., September 12, at the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet Street, Nacogdoches. There's a social at 6:30:00 p.m., preceding the presentation. 
 
Kaufman: "Learning to Love Your Lawn: Texas Turfgrass Management," with Dr. Chrissie Segars, Texas A&M Assistant Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist. Saturday, September 14, from 8:30 am to noon at the Garden Learning Center/South Annex, 3003 S. Washington Street, Kaufman. Dr. Segars will talk about soil testing, irrigation systems testing, weed and disease control, and application of fertilizers for the four most popular grasses in our area: Bermudagrass, Zoysia, St. Augustine, and Buffalo. Cost is $5 per person. Pre-register at (972) 932-9069 or by email to sbburden@ag.tamu.edu.
 
Austin: Join Master Gardener Jerry Naiser at a free gardening seminar as he takes you through the steps of selecting, planting and caring for your trees. The seminar, sponsored by the Travis County Master Gardener Association, will be held on Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Austin Area Garden Center in Zilker Botanical Garden. There are many types of trees. Matching a tree's characteristics and growing requirements with your personal preferences is the first step to successfully adding or replacing trees that will increase the value of your property and bring you enjoyment for many years. Planting the tree in the right season, ideally between October and April here in Central Texas, allows the tree's roots to grow and get established before the heat of the summer is upon us. Naiser will highlight proper steps in planting that help reduce transplant shock and root damage to the tree. Providing care immediately upon planting and regular preventive maintenance ensures the tree's successful development and growth. No registration is required. Attendance to the seminar is free and open to the public. A park admission fee is required. The Austin Area Garden Center in Zilker Botanical Garden is located at 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin. Park admission fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over), and $3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted.
 
La Marque: "Kitchen Gardening," presented by Galveston County Master Gardener Mary Dememy, 1:00-3:00 p.m., September 14, 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.
 
Athens: As part of the Henderson County Master Gardener Association's Library Series, Master Gardener Addie Matney will give a presentation on Day Lillies. Her presentation will be held on Tuesday, September 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library, 121 S. Prairieville, Athens. Matney received her Master Gardener certification in McLennan County. She also has certifications as a Vegetable Specialist and in Native Plant Landscaping. This presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, call (903) 675-6130, send an email to hendersoncmga@gmail.com , or visit txmg.org/hendersonmg.
 
Dripping Springs and San Marcos: T he Hays County Master Gardeners will host their annual Fall Plant Sale at the he Dripping Springs Farmers Market, 3:00-6:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 18, at the Dripping Springs Farmers Market ,160 E Mercer St, Dripping Springs, and at the San Marcos Farmers Market, Saturday, September 21, from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 1901 Alpine Trail, San Marcos. Learn more at https://txmg.org/hays/ . Cash and credit card accepted.

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 American Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Fwy., 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/.
 
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   .
 
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.
OCTOBER

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  .
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 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. 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 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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