August 7, 2019
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The garden reader:
The largesse of healing plants
By William Scheick
Given the increasing technological definition of daily life, our estrangement from nature might be seen as an emerging medical issue. Recent research suggests a minimum of two hours of outdoor activity every week to maximize our mental and physical health.
While one hospital in Scotland presently authorizes its doctors to prescribe patient-time spent outdoors, South Korea has grown many "therapy forests" with meditation centers and hiking trails designed to relieve everyday stress. And in Sweden, mental and physical wellbeing has long been associated with daily activity spent outside.
Summer Rayne Oakes. How to Make a Plant Love You: Cultivate Green Space in Your Home and Heart. Optimism Press/Penguin Random House, 2019. 208 pp. $25.00.
 "Throughout this book," Summer Rayne Oakes explains, "I map out the course of our migration as a society away from plants and our re-embracement of them in our lives, albeit in new and different ways." Her goal: to remind us that "plants clearly have the gift to heal."
Taking a break from our hectic lives to attentively observe the seasonal changes of a particular tree, for instance, can slow down time long enough for us to experience an awareness of our being present, "even if the pace around us has not altered." Also, rescuing plants or participating in a community garden can improve our mental health by awakening "higher reserves of consciousness and compassion."
For urban dwellers, houseplants can meet the need to "reconnect to our origins, develop a deeper respect for nature and ultimately reaffirm our role as stewards of our environment." Just be sure to set aside and always keep a designated, relaxing plant-care-time every week.
Written in a welcoming conversational manner, How to Make a Plant Love You offers basic plant-management advice together with impassioned encouragement to discover the "green thumbs" that we all possess and vitally need.
Cinead McTernan. Grow Your Own Botanicals: Deliciously Productive Plants for Homemade Drinks, Remedies and Skincare. Kyle Books, 2019. 208 pp. $24.99.
 Recovery also inspires Cinead McTernan, who seeks to reclaim "a wealth of knowledge about useful plants." Easy first steps include creating "wildlife habitats, promot[ing] better mental health from beautiful green surroundings and, of course, producing delicious homegrown food and drink."
Besides reliable tips about small-garden basics, the author provides recipes for teas, skin-toners, hair-rinses and lip-balms. Her DIY gin and vermouth recipes come with advice about steeping: "As a rule of thumb, potent flavorings might only need a few days, whereas mild or subtle herbs might benefit from a few weeks."
Featured plants range beyond daisy, marigold, echinacea, garden pink and rose to also highlight "unexpected varieties, like marshmallow, sea buckthorn, sweet fern and shisho perilla." McTernan's herb selection emphasizes paired attractiveness (such as cicely companioned with angelica), delicious taste and preparation simplicity.
Victoria Chown and Kim Walker. The Herbal Remedy Handbook: Treat Everyday Ailments Naturally, from Coughs & Colds to Anxiety & Eczema. Kyle Books, 2019. 176 pp. $22.99.
 Victoria Chown and Kim Walker's handsomely designed new book "serves as a reference guide to some traditional and common herbal remedies ... to treat minor ailments and illnesses at home." The authors believe that learning "simple herbal preparations" empowers healthy living and self-care.
No brief summary can do justice to the authors' impressive, wide-ranging book, which devotes chapters to healing plants that aid blood-flow, digestive aid, immune-system enhancement, mood modulation, sleep support, throat relief, muscle soothing, respiratory health, among many other treatments.
For relieving allergy symptoms, the authors recommend drinkable infusions of nettle, plantain, elderflower, chamomile and eyebright. Itchy and swollen eyes can be soothed with ice cubes made with chickweed, eyebright and witch hazel.
Of special note, perhaps, are recommended herbs to allay "unwanted symptoms during pregnancy." The authors' well-illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions also mention herbs to avoid during pregnancy, including ginseng, turmeric and thyme.
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Scientists call for more research into food grade corn breeding, production
American Society of Agronomy
Products we commonly buy at the supermarket, such as tortillas and corn chips, are made from food-grade corn. The corn is grown, harvested, bought by a food company, turned into masa (dough from ground corn) through a chemical process, and then made into our favorite products.
Each of these important steps has implications for the next - and some scientists are calling for more research to make each step better to benefit both companies and consumers.
"Breeding, production, and processing of food-grade corn is a massive industry," explains Candice Hirsch from University of Minnesota. "Yet, there is limited knowledge on each of these steps."
She adds that each step of this value chain spans many scientific areas. This results in the information being spread across scientists who don't regularly communicate with each other. To start tackling this problem, Hirsch and her team reviewed knowledge on making corn into food products. They used information from both universities and industry.
The researchers laid out the importance of corn quality and masa quality. Hirsch says that the breeding of food-grade corn receives relatively few resources. However, this corn is made into products we eat. Better quality corn will provide a better product to consumers.
Better corn would have a higher yield, costing companies less money and possibly making the product cheaper. It could also increase the quality and consistency of the products we buy.
The hardness of the corn kernels, for example, is important. It can affect how well the corn ships and how many of the kernels crack during shipping. These cracks then affect the moisture uptake while the masa is being made.
Combined with other qualities of the kernel, such as starch levels, the amount of moisture taken up by the ground corn can impact the masa.
"The quality of grain and masa is extremely important to the final product quality," Hirsch explains. "If the consistency of the masa is not correct, there will be consequences for the texture and taste of the final products."
Hirsch and her colleagues would like to see researchers explore all of these areas to better understand how to breed and grow the best corn for making high quality masa. The work would involve plant breeders, agronomists, chemists, food scientists, production specialists and many others.
"Ideally we would like to determine which attributes are best to allow us to breed better corn, and also come up with methods to be able to quickly test these attributes," Hirsch says. "Another application is doing screening so companies buying corn can determine if a shipment has the necessary attributes to make a high-quality product."
She adds that the collaboration between University of Minnesota, PepsiCo, and Corteva was critical in reviewing research in this area. In working together, they were able to define what was known and unknown across the value chain, and how to fill the gaps.
Additionally, the public is interested in this work because we like to know where our food comes from. The researchers' review provides a look at how corn chips are made. It also identifies factors that affect taste, texture, and nutritional aspects of chips.
"I have worked in a number of research activities that involve improving raw plant material for direct human consumption," Hirsch says. "I find it very rewarding. It is very relatable to the general public, which makes it a great way to connect with people."
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Gardening tips
A fall crop of cucumbers, squash and green beans can be planted now in most of the state for a late-September to early October harvest.
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.
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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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AUGUST
Athens: As part of the Henderson County Master Gardeners' Summer Series, Chris Wiesinger will be presenting "The Bulb Hunter" on Thursday, August 8, at 6:00 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center, 3344 TX Hwy 31, Athens. Chris is the owner of Southern Bulb Company near Tyler, where he farms and sells bulbs, most of which he has collected throughout the South. He travels nationally as a frequent speaker to nursery groups, garden clubs, cemetery preservation organizations, and small business associations. He and his company have been featured in the New York Times, Southern Living, and House and Garden. Wiesinger is coauthor (with Cherie Foster Colburn) of Heirloom Bulbs for Today. Chris will be giving his presentation about bulbs. He will also be selling his book, The Bulb Hunter and will also be selling his bulbs.
For more information, call (903) 675-6130, email
hendersoncmga@gmail.com
, or visit txmg.org/hendersonmg.
Houston: The topic of the Houston Rose Society's August 8 meeting will be "Build your own Irrigation System." The program will be presented by Baxter Williams. Williams is an American Rose Society Master Rosarian, past president of the Houston Rose Society, former HRS Program VP, and he has also served as the American Rose Society Region 7 Director. Williams has been a member of the HRS since 1970. He and his wife Patsy grow more than 500 roses in their personal garden. He is an entertaining speaker. Learn about irrigation for your roses and hear some good jokes! 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: Jordan Cunningham, Greenhouse Technician at SFA Gardens, presents "The Life and Times of a Nursery Worker: Propagation, Production and Morale," August 8, at the Ina Brundrett Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St., Nacogdoches. There's a social beginning at 6:30 p.m., with the presentation following at 7:00 p.m.
Spring: HCMGA Lecture: "Fall Vegetables" will be presented 6:30-8:30 p.m., August 8, at Barbara Bush Library, 6817 Cypresswood Dr., Spring. Free. For more information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu.
Austin: Learn the basics of growing herbs in the Austin area August 10, 10 a.m. to noon at the Austin Area Garden Center in Zilker Botanical Garden. Explore a fascinating group of plants that have been part of mankind's history for thousands of years. Master Gardener and past President of the Austin Herb Society, Lucinda Rudin, will cover a comprehensive set of topics, including soil preparation, watering, growing seasons, when to plant, when to harvest and how to preserve and store your herbs. Additionally, she will provide ideas for growing herbs in a variety of situations, from apartment balconies to raised beds, and even to incorporating them into your landscape. There will be an opportunity to visit the beautiful Herb Garden at Zilker Botanical Garden at the end of the presentation. No registration is required. Attendance to the seminars is free and open to the public. A garden admission fee is required. The Austin Area Garden Center in Zilker Botanical Garden is located at 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin 78746. 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.
Conroe:
Saturday, August 10, Educational Classes. Session 1: DIY: Composting and Enriching the Soil, 8:00-10:00 a.m. This presentation will: identify the benefits of compost, outline the steps to creating compost, and explain ways to use compost to a garden and a lawn. Session 2: Honing In on Your Fall Vegetable Bounty, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Presenters will explain how to be a Green Thumb Gardener of Vegetables. Presentation includes proper time to plant and harvest, how to control diseases and insects, adequate soil moisture, crop rotation and recommended varieties for fall gardens in this area. $5 per session or $8 for both. Montgomery County Master Gardeners, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. For more info, visit http://www.mcmga.com or call 936-539-7824.
Austin: The topic of the Austin Organic Gardeners' club's August 12 meeting is Seed Saving, the first of a three-part program starting with Jace Furches from the Austin Central Library discussing their seed library. Next,
horticulturist
Linda Wall from The Natural Gardener will discuss how to save seeds, and we'll wrap up with a seed swap.
The Austin Organic Gardeners' Club meets at the Austin Area Garden Center,
2220 Barton Springs Rd, in Zilker Botanical Gardens
. Doors open at
6:30 p.m.
for the opportunity to meet, mingle, and ask questions with experienced local gardeners. Club business begins
at 7 p.m.
, followed by the guest speaker presentation. For more information, visit
www.austinorganicgardeners.org
.
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardener Association will host the final "Lunch and Learn with the Masters" program for 2019 Monday, Aug. 12, in Victoria. The event is open free to the public, and will be held at the Pattie Dodson Health Center, 2805 N. Navarro St., from noon until 1 p.m. Master Gardener Pat Plowman will present a photo trip of "Gardens of the World." Attendees may bring a sack lunch and beverage.
Houston: HCMGA Lecture: "Fall Vegetables" will be presented 6:30-8:30 p.m., August 15, at Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Ln, Houston. Free. For more information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu.
Katy: HCMGA Lecture: "Fall Vegetables" will be presented 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., August 17, at Maud Smith Marks Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd., Katy. Free. For more information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu.
Athens: Meet Master Gardeners from the Henderson County Master Gardener Association (HCMGA) and County Extension Agent Spencer Perkins at the Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library, 121 S. Prairieville, Athens, on Tuesday, August 20, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This event is part of HCMGA's "Learn at the Library" series and will include a panel discussion on Fall Gardening. The panel will share their expertise on planting a fall garden and answer your questions. They will also have information about the Master Gardener program and how those who are interested can become a Master Gardener. For more information, call (903) 675-6130, email hendersonCMGA@gmail.com, or visit txmg.org/hendersonmg.
Houston: HCMGA Lecture: "Fall Vegetables" will be presented 6:30-8:30 p.m., August 20, at Spring Branch Memorial Library, 930 Corbindale, Houston. Free. For more information, call (713) 274-0950 or visit hcmga.tamu.edu.
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: "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.
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SEPTEMBER
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.
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.
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/.
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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 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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