August 2, 2023
Texas A&M Forest Service encourages caution as wildfire danger increases statewide
Texas A&M Forest Service
 
As persistent triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions increase wildfire danger for much of the state, Texas A&M Forest Service urges Texans to be cautious with outdoor activities that create sparks.
 
High temperatures and increased wind speeds support the potential for large wildfires that may be resistant to firefighters’ suppression efforts.
 
Areas at risk include North, Central and South Texas, the southern region of East Texas, areas in the Rolling Plains near Wichita Falls and Abilene and areas in the Hill Country near San Angelo, Fredericksburg and San Antonio.
 
The risk for wildfire activity will remain elevated through the first week of August, as very hot and dry conditions are likely to continue.
 
“With the recent uptick in wildfire activity, Texas A&M Forest Service has mobilized additional personnel and equipment to assist with response,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “State and local firefighters are prepared to respond quickly but we need Texans to be careful and prevent wildfire ignitions while conditions remain hot and dry.”
 
In Texas, nine out of 10 wildfires are human-caused and preventable. The most common causes of wildfires during the summer months are debris burning and equipment use, which includes parking in dry grass and dragging trailer chains.
 
“Every year, Texans eagerly await the summer months when they can enjoy their favorite outdoor activities like camping, boating or grilling,” said Karen Stafford, Texas A&M Forest Service Prevention Program Coordinator. “Unfortunately, these activities can also spark an unintended wildfire. It is important that everyone consider their surroundings and remember that simple preventative measures can keep a wildfire from igniting.”
 
Throughout the summer months:
 
  • Always check with local officials for burn bans and other outdoor burning restrictions. Pay attention to local guidelines regarding open fires, campfires and outdoor activities that may pose a fire hazard. For burn ban information, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/TexasBurnBans/.
  • Park in designated spaces and avoid driving over and/or parking on dry grass. The heat from a vehicle can easily ignite the grass.
  • When using a cooking fire or campfire, never leave it unattended. Always make sure it is completely out by drowning it with water, stirring it and feeling to ensure it is out cold before leaving.
  • When pulling a trailer, ensure the chains are properly connected and do not drag on the road as this can create sparks.
  • If you witness suspicious behavior or signs of arson, immediately call the local authorities.
 
Stay wildfire aware. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.
 
For more information about summer wildfire prevention, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/summerwildfires/.
 
For information on the current wildfire situation in Texas, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/CurrentSituation/.
Reel vs. Rotary Mowers
By Valerie Smith
Sod Solutions Content Strategist
 
When it comes to purchasing a new lawn mower, homeowners are often faced with the decision of choosing between a reel and rotary lawn mower.
 
Frequently asked questions are: What is the difference between the two options? Which mower best fits the needs of my lawn? What is the cheaper option?
 
The following explores the differences between each type of mower along with the various factors a homeowner may consider when making this purchase.
 
Homeowners must consider several factors when making the decision between a reel vs. rotary mower.
 
The decision should be dependent on the type of grass the homeowner has, the way the lawn is most commonly used, the shape and size of the terrain that needs mowing and how often the homeowner plans to provide maintenance on the mower.
 
What’s the Difference?
 
Reel lawn mowers use a helical blade that meets a bed knife — almost like scissors. It is important to note that there are two types of reel mowers: a push reel lawn mower and a gas-powered reel mower. Manual reel mowers are human propelled and therefore do not leave a carbon footprint whereas gas-powered reel mowers do.

The main difference between a reel and rotary lawn mower is the cutting mechanism. Reel mowers blades spin with a horizontal shaft. The blades spin on a central axle that causes the reel to spin. The blades also create an updraft that makes the grass stand up so it can be cut. On the other hand, rotary mowers cut by high-speed impact similar to that of a machete that “whacks” the blades of grass like a helicopter wing. They cut in a horizontal position driven by a small engine. For this reason, reel mowers have a better-quality cut.
 
Terrain Shape & Size
 
Reel mowers are preferred for lower mowing heights (under an inch) whereas rotary mowers perform better at higher mowing heights. Reel mowers are more effective when the grass is not too long, wet, or undulating. Reel mowers also have a hard time chopping up twigs and going over rocks.
 
As you might expect, reel mowers are typically used for the lower mowing heights required for sports or golf surfaces, which are generally mowed several times a week.
 
For homeowners, reel mowers work best on warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine, zoysia and bermuda grass due to the coarse texture of the varieties, making it easier to cut.
 
Rotary mowers cut a wide variety of grass species and heights. Manual reel mowers are human-propelled, meaning a person is pushing the mower.
 
This is why reel mowers are good for smaller plots of land and rotary mowers are useful for larger plots of land.
 
Maintenance
 
Reel mower blades work like scissors on a lawn. For this reason, the blades have to be regularly sharpened — for homeowners, typically annually.
 
Neglecting to sharpen the blades on a reel mower will result in ineffectively cut grass — perhaps damaging the grass and making it more susceptible to disease.
 
Although rotary blades are easier to sharpen than reel mower blades, gas-powered rotary mowers require the same annual maintenance as gas-powered rotary mowers (oil changes, air filter replacements and spark plug replacement).
 
Safety
 
Use correctly, both rotary and reel mowers are equally safe to use. Rotary lawnmowers have a blade that spins at around 3,000 RPM whereas gas-powered reel mowers have blades that run between 2,000 to 2,500 RPM.
 
The RPMs on a push reel mower are lower but increase as you walk faster. When using a manual reel mower, don’t run — that’s not safe — a brisk walking pace will generate sufficient RPMs to provide a good cut.
 
Environment
 
Manual reel mowers are more environmentally friendly than rotary mowers because they do not use gas. Electric and gas mowers require energy, and that energy requires fossil fuel. A human-powered mower relies on nothing but the human operator to make it work.
 
Price
 
In general, push reel mowers cost a lot less than gas or electric rotary motors. However, gas-powered reel mowers can in some cases get just as expensive as rotary mowers, if not more.
 
Noise
 
A manual reel mower virtually makes no sound, eliminating the worry of waking neighbors on an early summer morning. Any gas powered or electric mower will make noise.
 
In conclusion, a push reel mower is a great tool to use for smaller lawns. If you don’t mind the workout, you can use it on larger lawns as well. However, if you want to save yourself the energy, you can use an electric or gas-powered reel mower, which will still cut your lawn cleanly without requiring excess physical exertion.
 
A rotary mower is always gas-powered or electrical, requiring less energy on your end, but it doesn’t cut the grass blades as cleanly or as low (under 1 inch) as a reel mower. However, a rotary mower with a sharpened blade is sufficient and very effective for most home lawns.
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

Richmond: Foraging & Mixology in The Garden, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 3. Hosted by Enchanted Gardens, 6420 FM 359, Richmond. Sponsored by Enchanted Gardens, MicroLife Fertilizer, Medina, and the Fort Bend Master Gardeners, with all proceeds to benefit Mustard Seed Farm & Market. Dr. Mark “Merriwether” Vorderbruggen, Texas-based forager, PhD chemist, author, inventor, rogue botanist, hunter, and generally wild guy will present The Basics of Foraging and Medicinal Landscaping. You’ll never look at your landscape the same again! Following the seminar, Andy Chidester will moonlight as the botanical bartender and showing you some great recipes (and passing out samples) for sangria and mojitos using ingredients from your garden. A food truck will be on site serving delicious street tacos for the entire evening event! (Food and drinks will be available for purchase separately at the event.) The nursery will be open late events so you can wander and shop in the slightly cooler temperatures of the evening! For tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-night-seminar-series-tickets-658655585587.

Houston/Online: The end of Summer and eleven (11) weeks before the South Central District Rose Show is a great time to learn about how and when to use fertilizers. At 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 10, James Laperouse will share his knowledge and skills about growing roses for more than 40 years. James is an ARS Master Rosarian and Horticulture Judge. He and his wife Debbie are rose exhibitors and have won numerous trophies at the local, district and national levels. They retired a few years to Georgetown north of Austin where they grow more than 50 roses. This meeting will be hybrid: In person at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd., Houston, and online via GoTo Meeting. HRS will provide some food items and members are encouraged to bring their favorite appetizer or dessert to share.
Consulting Rosarians who attend this meeting in person or virtually will receive one hour of continuing education credit. CRs will be required to sign a registration form at the meeting or email president@houstonrose.org prior to the meeting with their email address and GoTo Meeting screen name. Please include the name of your rose society if outside HRS in order to receive credit. To join the meeting virtually, visit https://meet.goto.com/674502125. Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install.

Online: "Trees for Small Landscapes" will be presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, August 18. This virtual presentation is free, but registration is required Landscape Success - Fort Bend (agrilife.org).

La Marque: “Hardy Hibiscus at Home” presented by Galveston County Master Gardener Briana Etie, Saturday, August 26, 9-11 a.m. at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office classroom located inside Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. For additional information and to pre-register: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/.

Waller: Waller County Master Gardeners present Dr. Richard Griffin speaking on soil health and Mary Karish speaking on the planting and care of fruit trees, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Saturday, August 26. Free. City of Waller Civic Center, 3007 Waller St., Waller. Pre-register by calling the Waller County Extension Office 979-826-7651 or email waller.mg@ag.tamu.edu. for additional information, visit https://txmg.org/wallermg/events/.
SEPTEMBER

Online: “Galveston County Master Gardener - Summer Sundown ONLINE Plant Sale” September 8 until noon, September 9. Fruit and citrus trees, fall tomatoes, perennials, tropical hibiscus, plumeria, and more for sale online. noon Details and Online Store: https://store.galvestonmg.org or call 281-786-6834.

Online: "Fall is for Planting" will be presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, September 15. This virtual presentation is free, but registration is required Landscape Success - Fort Bend (agrilife.org).

Rosenberg: Sat., September 9: Grow Your Own Series: Composting with Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, 9-10:30 a.m. For additional details, visit Grow Your Own - Fort Bend (agrilife.org) or 281-342-3034.

San Angelo: The Concho Valley Master Gardeners present The Annual Fall Landscape Symposium on Saturday, September 9, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 7887 N. US Highway 87, San Angelo. Cost is $30 per person. No refunds for cancellations. Due to limited seating, pre-registration is required. Deadline to register is Wednesday, September 6, but don’t wait too late as seats fill up fast. 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 p.m. To pay by check or cash, visit txmg.org/conchovalley and download the registration form and mail or bring it to the Extension Office, 113 W. Beauregard, San Angelo. Information about paying with credit card will also be on the website. You’ll also find parking and hotel information on the website. For questions or more information call 325-659-6522. No childcare will be provided.
OCTOBER

La Marque: “Galveston County Master Gardener – 2nd Annual Fall Festival & Plant Sale” 9 a.m.-1 p.m., October 21. Fun, food, discovery, featuring Discovery Garden Tours and seminars, “Ask a Master Gardener” and Galveston County AgriLife Extension program booths, Master Gardener grown plants, Fall vegetables, herbs, bulbs, and more. Galveston County Master Gardener Discovery Garden inside Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. For additional information https://txmg.org/galveston or call 281-534-3413.
NOVEMBER

Online: "Winter Protection" will be presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, November 17. This virtual presentation is free, but registration is required Landscape Success - Fort Bend (agrilife.org).
Weekly Meetings

Galveston: The Young Gardeners Program is a school garden and healthy eating program operating on Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. Every Saturday, 9-11 a.m., they host a garden Community Day at one of the schools. It's an opportunity for community members to work and play in the garden and it's kid-friendly. First Saturday - Crenshaw, 416 State Hwy 87, Crystal Beach; Second Saturday - Rosenberg Elementary, 721 10th St., Galveston; Third Saturday - Morgan Elementary, 1410 37th St., Galveston; Fourth Saturday - Oppe Elementary, 2915 81st St., Galveston.
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 Gardener Association meets the first Monday of each month (second Monday if the first is a holiday) the First Community Church at 1402 Trinity Drive in Crandall. An educational program begins at 10 a.m., followed by the business meeting. For topic and additional information, visit http://www.kcmga.org/ and check Events. Refreshments will be available. For more information or to ask about accommodations, call 469-376-4520, or email Jackie Robertson at jrobertson@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.

Schulenberg: Schulenburg Garden Club meets the first Tuesday of each month, at 11:30 a.m., September-May, at the Schulenburg First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 110 Upton Ave., Schulenburg.

Corpus Christi: The Coastal Bend Cactus and Succulent Society meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. The purpose is to stimulate an interest in cactus and succulent plants by providing a forum to foster and broaden knowledge of the plants. Join the society on Facebook: Coastal Bend Cactus & Succulent Society.

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 Presbyterian Church Family Life Center, 302 Nolan Street, Navasota. If not meeting at the church, a change of meeting notice will be placed on the door of the Family Life Building. Guests are welcome. Members are from Grimes County and surrounding counties.

San Antonio: The San Antonio Garden Center meets on the first Wednesday of each month from September – May at 3310 N. New Braunfels @ Funston, San Antonio. Social and plant sale begins at 9:30 a.m. Program at 10 a.m. Open to the public. For more information visit www.sanantoniogardencenter.org.
  
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.
 
Gonzales: 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.
 
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 The First Methodist Church, 1031 TX-456 Loop, Jacksonville. For additional information, contact Kim Benton at kim.benton@ag.tamu.edu.
 
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. 
 
Seguin/Marion: The Guadalupe Chapter, Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the second Tuesday of the month except for July, August, and December. The Chapter alternates meetings. Seguin, First Presbyterian Church, January, March, May, September and November. Marion, St. John Lutheran Church, February, April, June and October. Meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Program at 7:00 p.m., Visitors are always welcome. For more information, visit https://npsot.org/chapters/guadalupe.
 
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.org and http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.
 
Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners meeting is held on the second Wednesday of each each month at noon at the Central Presbyterian Church, 9191 Woodway Dr., Woodway. 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.

San Marcos: The Spring Lake Garden Club meets the second Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m., September-May, at McCoy's Building Supply Headquarters, 1350 IH-35, San Marcos. Contact Terri Boyd (512) 395-66644 x6134.

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. at Peace Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 2201 Rio Grande Blvd., 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.
 
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 Gardeners meet on the third Monday of each month at Johnson. County Agricultural Office, 109 W. Chambers, Cleburne. Meeting times are at 6 p.m. An educational program precedes the business meeting.
  
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 comalmg.org. 

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.

Alvarado: The Alvarado Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month during the months of September through May (excluding December). The meeting time is 1 p.m. and the locations vary for each meeting. The club hosts a different and exciting speaker each month that focuses on enriching the lives of all gardeners. Meetings are free and include a light lunch. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, please contact 817-680-4291. 

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.
 
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/.

Waco: The McLennan County Master Gardeners host Lunch with the Masters on the third Wednesday of each month at noon at MCC’s Emergency Services Education Center (ESEC), 7601 Steinbeck Bend Dr., Waco. These educational programs are free and open to the public. Attendees bring their own lunch. For more information, call 254-757-5180.

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, 107 Fink Street, 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 afterwards. 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 Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway, Houston. For more information about meeting presentations and native plants, visit https://npsot.org/wp/houston/. 

Mineola: The Fannie Marchman Garden Club meets at the Mineola Civic Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month from September through May. For additional information, find them on Facebook or email FannieMarchmanGardenClub@gmail.com.

Ft. Worth: The North Texas Daylily Society is affiliated with the American Daylily Society and is located in AHS Region 6. Club meetings are held in the Camellia Room located inside the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, on the third Thursday of each month (excluding June and July). Throughout the year NTDS hosts guest speakers, special interest programs, an annual daylily show, an annual daylily sale, and social activities and outings. For more information visit, their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/northtexasdaylilysociety.

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 with presentation is held 6:00-8:00 p.m. During the intervening months (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct.), afternoon educational seminars/general meetings are held from 1:00-3:00 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.
 
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 New Braunfels Public Library, 700 E. Common St, New Braunfels. Meetings are “hybrid” with in-person and Zoom available. They start at 5:45 PM. with a meet and greet time, followed by a short business meeting at 6:15 PM. Programs begin at 6:30 PM. 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 about Zoom or to join, visit https://npsot.org/wp/newbraunfels/.
 
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 County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Ct., 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, November and December, at the Gathering Hall at The Urban Ecology Center at Phil Hardberger Park and via Zoom. 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 http://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.

Denton: The Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets the fourth Thursday of each month to share information about native plants. Excellent programs are heard each month. Social time begins at 6:30, program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://npsot.org/chapters/trinityforks/.

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. 
Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2023. All rights reserved. You may forward this publication to your friends and colleagues if it is sent in its entirety. No individual part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. 

Texas Gardener's Seeds has been published each Wednesday since April 26, 2006.
 
Publisher: Jay White ● Editor: Michael Bracken 
 
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