June 1, 2022
Transplanted mature trees enhance the quality of the campus space and environment. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Courtney Sacco)
Transplanted trees renew Leach Teaching Gardens
By Helen White
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
 
The stately old post oaks at the entrance of the Event Lawn in the Leach Teaching Gardens at Texas A&M University had to go. Damaged by construction and record cold temperatures during Winter Storm Uri in 2021, the dead and dying trees were losing limbs and posed a safety hazard to students and visitors. So, the trees were removed, leaving the lawn rather empty and plain.
 
But thanks to a major tree-relocation project, the Event Lawn is ready for spring and summer events and looks better than ever. Made possible by generous donors, sustainable solutions and careful planning, the trees enhance a highly visible and much used area on the Texas A&M University west campus.
 
The tranquil outdoor space serves as the front door to the Leach Teaching Gardens, a venue for College of Agriculture and Life Sciences events and a gathering place for students and visitors.
 
Available trees made it sustainable
 
The solution to transforming the lawn into a scenic, enjoyable setting again was already available on the Texas A&M campus. The former horticultural gardens on Hensel Drive were scheduled to become part of a development, requiring the removal of some beautiful, mature trees planted by Texas A&M students, faculty and staff over the years.
 
“We thought, what better opportunity to not only replace the trees but to recycle, reuse, repurpose and increase the sustainability of The Gardens and transfer a bit of Texas A&M history,” said Michael Arnold, Ph.D., professor of landscape horticulture in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences and director of The Gardens at Texas A&M University.
 
Generous donors made it possible
 
Funded by Tim ’82 and Amy Leach ’84 of Midland and Mark ’77 and Sarah Philpy ’84 of Boerne, the project corrected drainage issues, moved 19 large trees from across campus to the Event Lawn and created a crapemyrtle grove adjacent to the Shirley and Joe Swinbank ’74 AgriLife Center.
 
The Leaches are the lead donors for the 7-acre Leach Teaching Gardens, which, in addition to the Event Lawn, include 21 themed gardens, an outdoor classroom, a demonstration area and a pavilion. It is Phase I of The Gardens, which will eventually encompass a 27-acre public teaching garden that will showcase Texas A&M research and educate and inspire students and visitors.
 
The Philpys are friends of the Leaches, and when they attended the grand opening of the gardens in 2018, they decided to help support the endeavor.
 
“We knew about it, but when we were actually there, I thought, ‘This is so fabulous, so fantastic,’” Sarah Philpy said.“ There are so many areas for teaching, whether it’s the pivot irrigation system, the different flower gardens, the (Sally Young Johnson) Herb Garden, the (Marjorie Ann Klaevemann Memorial) German Heritage Garden and the different aspects of Texas culture, and the pavilion – the sky’s the limit with where this project can go.”
 
“After the grand opening, I told Tim we would be very interested and happy to help with a future project,” Mark Philpy said.
 
The tree relocation project appealed to the Philpys because of the potential to protect both beauty and natural resources.
 
“It saved some trees that were going to be removed, and if anybody was going to have these trees survive, it would be the people at Texas A&M,” Sarah Philpy said.
 
Tree-moving experts made it achievable
 
During the fall 2021 semester, The Gardens partnered with SSC Services for Education at Texas A&M and with Environmental Design in Houston to prepare to move the trees over the holiday break and during the first week of spring classes, while the trees were dormant.
 
Although moving large, mature trees is no easy feat, modern techniques have improved the overall success rate of transplantation to over 95%, making the challenge more economically feasible, Arnold said. Preparing the trees ahead of time makes a big difference in transplant success.
 
“The key is to start months in advance, with root pruning to stimulate new root growth within the root ball, meaning the soil that will be lifted and moved with the tree to the new location,” Arnold said. “The more of the active growing root system we can move, the more likely it will be that the tree will establish a new root system after transplanting.”
 
The 19 transplanted trees varied in size, both in trunk diameter and the diameter of the root ball. The trees ranged from a crapemyrtle with an 8-inch trunk diameter and a 100-inch root ball that weighed 7.5 tons to a bur oak with a 13-inch trunk diameter and a 20-ton root ball. A box 10 feet long, 10 feet wide and 4 feet high was built to contain the massive root ball for the bur oak’s relocation. It was rolled onto an 18-wheeler, transported to its new site and moved into place with the help of a crane, Arnold said.
 
Leach Teaching Gardens are ready for a visit
 
The Gardens, including the additions to the Event Lawn, are blooming for spring and ready to delight visitors of all ages. While enjoying the “new” trees, guests can take note of three primary planting areas:
 
  • In the middle of the Event Lawn, The Gardens project team added a mixed-age bur oak grove with three large, mature bur oaks and four smaller ones. The largest bur oak in the center of the grouping was originally planted as a sapling at its former site by Arnold and a former graduate student, Garry McDonald, Ph.D., now a clinical associate professor in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Arkansas.
  • Additions to the corner of the lawn near The Gardens sign and the Shirley and Joe Swinbank ’74 AgriLife Center include a cedar elm, which is native to Texas, as well as two Natchez crapemyrtles and a Nanjing Beauty cypress. The historic cypress is a hybrid of two native Texas species, the common bald cypress and the Montezuma cypress. It is one of the first of its kind brought into the U.S. from China, where it was developed as part of an urban street tree breeding program. David Creech, Ph.D., director of the Mast Arboretum at Stephen F. Austin State University, SFA, and a former student at Texas A&M, gave the tree to the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences when he was a faculty member at SFA.
  • The empty space between the two parking areas in front of the Shirley and Joe Swinbank ’74 AgriLife Center is now a crapemyrtle grove with a dozen mature trees, once part of a local Brazos Beautiful project. Long-term plans are for the shaded location with its views of Kyle Field and Reed Arena to be a popular setting where students, faculty and visitors can enjoy lunch or gameday picnics.
 
“Because of the expertise and dedication of The Gardens project team, the transplanted trees are leafing out, and the Event Lawn has been transformed from bare and bleak to scenic and shaded,” Arnold said.
 
“We could not have transformed this space as we did without the generous support of Tim and Amy Leach and Mark and Sarah Philpy. This sustainable urban forest is part of creating a green campus and will be a great addition to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences tailgates and other events on the lawn.”
Across the eastern U.S., Asian jumping worms are eating part of the forest ecosystem – the top layer of the soil. By affecting the soil, the worms are affecting many other species of plants and animals. (Courtesy photo by Tom Potterfield)
Invasive jumping worms can change their world
By Sarah Farmer
U.S. Department of Agriculture
 
In a garden, earthworms can be great for soil. And a worm is a worm is a worm, right? Except that there are more than 7,000 species of worms, and the longer you look, the more complex their world becomes. Earthworms compete. Earthworms invade. Earthworms… jump?
 
The invasive Asian jumping worm (Amynthas agrestis) has many common names: Alabama jumpers, Jersey wrigglers, wood eel, crazy worms, snake worms, and crazy snake worms.
 
“Invasive Asian jumping worms got their name because of the way they thrash around,” said Mac Callaham, a Forest Service researcher who specializes in soils. “They can flip themselves a foot off the ground.”
 
All that thrashing requires energy, and Asian jumping worms eat a lot. “They’re voracious,” said Callaham.
 
Like other earthworms, Asian jumping worms eat tiny pieces of fallen leaves. But there’s a problem. Those fallen leaves make up the top layer of forest soil. The litter layer, as it’s called, is home to a vast number of tiny animals. Many plants can’t grow or spread without the layer of leaf litter.
 
Asian jumping worms can eat all of it. They are never satiated.
 
“Soil is the foundation of life — and Asian jumping worms change it,” says Callaham. “In fact, earthworms can have such huge impacts that they’re able to actually reengineer the ecosystems around them.”
 
Scientists like Callaham are worried. But it’s hard to know how to control worm populations, as there are many unanswered questions about their ecology and life history.
 
Native earthworms are absent from the northern part of the U.S. It wasn’t always so, but during the last ice age, glaciers crept across the land and froze all the earthworms to death. Because earthworms are slow travelers, they have not naturally recolonized the areas where glaciers were present.
 
Researchers do have tools for learning more about earthworms: sampling methods, molecular techniques, earthworm identification and more.
 
An international team of researchers, including Callaham, also reviewed what is known about jumping worms in North America, including their biology, impacts and the history of how they arrived in the U.S.
 
The worms began arriving in the early 1900s, tucked away in the soil of potted plants. But only in recent decades have these species been showing up in more natural forested ecosystems.
 
They are considered non-native and invasive because they did not evolve alongside the species of the U.S., and because they harm other species in the ecosystem.
 
Since jumping worms live in the soil, they can be spread in mulch, potting mixes or potted plants. Raking or blowing leaves can move and concentrate earthworms or their egg sacks, called cocoons. Some municipalities collect fallen leaves from local residents, and then return it in the form of compost. This too can spread the invasive worms.
 
“If these worms didn’t spread into forests and natural areas, they wouldn’t be such a problem,” said Callaham. “But unfortunately, they simply won’t stay where you put them. The best way to prevent future invasions is to avoid moving earthworms around.”
How to create the perfect outdoor living (and work) room
TuffMutt

The pandemic thrust us into a new reality, and the backyard has a starring role. Yards and other managed landscapes became a safe haven.
 
Backyarding became a way of life as lawns, gardens, patios and decks evolved into outdoor offices, classrooms, family gathering places, and the new ‘hot spots’ in our neighborhoods.
 
According to a new poll commissioned by the TurfMutt Foundation and conducted online by The Harris Poll, the outdoor office trend is here to stay with many Americans using their yards as makeshift offices for their jobs. Stats show:
 
Nearly 2 in 5 Americans who have a yard (58%) say they have spent time doing work for their job in their yard during the pandemic.
 
So how is the backyard set up to meet these needs?
 
Create activity zones. Consider what needs to happen in the backyard and map activity areas. A shady table can double as a home office, study zone, art table, or dining spot. A hammock or outdoor sofa can suffice for napping, reading or studying. A patch of sturdy grass is perfect for sports, family games and play. A fire pit offers cozy chairs for star gazing and socializing, while a grill near a seating area promises delicious meals. A wall, fence, or pergola may hold an outdoor movie screen for nighttime viewing. An herb or vegetable garden helps kids learn about science and nutrition while reaping the satisfaction of growing food for the table.
 
Factor functionality with purpose. Is there a quiet spot for conference calls? Or a shady spot that minimizes glare for online video meetings? Note where electrical outlets are and if an outdoor-rated extension cord will be needed to accommodate all of the electronics that may be used outside. Check wifi coverage and cell service in the yard and determine if there is enough comfortable seating.
 
Spruce up existing landscaping. Assess the backyard and do some basic “clean up.” Fix bare patches in the grass. Use a leaf blower to clean out flower beds. Prune bushes and trees. Cut the grass to a healthy height. Add a fresh layer of mulch around your trees and in flower beds. Freshen up by weeding, planting flower beds, and filling pots with colorful flowers and verdant plants.
 
Use plants and shrubs to hide unsightly items and control noise. Trees, shrubs and bushes offer cover from neighbors, deliver shade, camouflage unsightly pool equipment and air handlers, and tamp down noise. Planters with flowers between seating and eating areas on a patio add visual interest and privacy. Shrubs and tall plants are a terrific privacy-creator (and noise canceller for those conference calls).
 
Put the right plant in the right place. Choosing the right plants for the climate zone and for your lifestyle will create a backyarding space that is attractive. It will also be easier to maintain, and support pollinators and wildlife. Consider watering and sunlight or shade needs for any plants added. A hardy grass variety is more likely to hold up to pets and kids. Save delicate flowering plants for patio containers, and be sure to check out the ASPCA list of toxic plants to keep pets safe.
 
Invite the outdoors in. Blending interior and outdoor living spaces helps the backyard feel like an extension of the home. Open blinds and curtains to the yard. Use complementary indoor and outdoor décor in similar colors, materials and styles to create a cohesive space. This enables everyone to transition seamlessly from indoor life to outdoor living.
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.
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has caused the cancellation or rescheduling of many events these past few years. If you wish to attend any of the events listed below, please contact the presenters in advance to determine if the event has been cancelled, postponed, has moved online or if it will take place as scheduled.
JUNE

Online: “10 Reasons for Yellowing Leaves” by Brandi Keller, Texas A&M AgriLife County Extension Agent-Agriculture, Thursday, June 2,10:00 a.m., FREE Virtual Lecture, Registration is required at homegrown2022.eventbrite.com.

La Marque: “Growing Strawberries” with Galveston County Master Gardener Robert Marshall presenting, 9-11 a.m., June 4, in Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. To pre-register and for additional information, go to https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.
 
La Marque: “Plumeria Propagation”: with Galveston County Master Gardener Loretta Osteen presenting, 1-3 p.m., June 4, in the Discovery Garden in Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. Registration limited to 12 people; you must pre-register to attend. To pre-register and for additional information: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/mgseminars/.

Online: As part of its Waterwise educational series, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County will host a free webinar with Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Manager at Austin Water. He will present “Water Conservation for Austin Home Landscapes, Today and Tomorrow,” from 10 a.m. to noon on June 8. This free virtual program will be presented on Zoom. Interested parties must register whether for the live or recorded presentation. Kluge will describe the various ways in which homeowners can save water this summer and tap into rebate programs. Austin Water has a wide range of programs to help residential customers save water, particularly in their outdoor landscapes. That’s a good thing because weather models forecast this summer to be extra hot and dry. Due to technological constraints, this webinar has a limit of 100 attendees, but an unlimited number of people can register to view the recorded webinars. Upon registering, participants will be provided a link for the live session — or to view a recording of the program. Participants may submit questions during the webinar and get answers live as time allows. Those submitting questions that are not addressed during the webinar will receive emailed answers. Viewers of the recorded sessions can send their questions to the Travis County Master Gardeners at travismg@ag.tamu.edu.

Burton: Heirloom Gardening in the South: Yesterday’s Plants for Today’s Gardens. Speaker: Greg Grant, award-winning horticulturist, writer and conservationist. Thursday, June 9, at 10 a.m., St. John’s United Church of Christ at 516 North Colorado Street, Burton, Texas. Admission is free but seating is limited. Register at herbsocietypioneer.org or call or text 281-660-6071.

Online: Gardening Open Forum, Monday, June 13, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Free Virtual Lecture through Houston Community College. Registration required at hccs.edu/community-learning-workshops.

Online: “Sizzling Summer Sale.” Online sale Noon, Friday, June 17, until Noon, Saturday, June 18. Browse online beginning June 10. Curbside pick-ups will be scheduled for June 24. Visit the Galveston County Master Gardener online store for more details: https://store.galvestonmg.org.

Cypress: Ask A Master Gardener at Towne Lake Farmers Market, Saturday, June 18, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 9955 Barker Cypress Rd, Cypress. Hands-on children activity.
 
Houston: Genoa Friendship Garden Open Garden Day, Monday, June 20, 8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Genoa Friendship Gardens, 1210 Genoa Red Bluff Road, Houston. Tour a variety of planting exhibits and meet and talk with Harris County Master Gardeners.
 
Online: Gardening Open Forum by Harris County Master Gardeners
Tuesday, June 21, 11:00 a.m.-noon. Free Virtual Lecture with Harris County Public Library via Facebook Live. No reservation needed: facebook.com/harriscountypl/events/.

Richmond: You Give Me Butterflies (Bingo & Beer Night!), June 23, 6-8 p.m. This seminar is in honor of the future work program of Mustard Seed and the #milkweedmovement, covering everything you need to know about butterfly gardening, growing butterfly host and nectar plants, and all of our favorite local butterflies. Former director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center and current Education Coordinator for the Houston Botanic Garden, Erin Mills, will be the guest speaker and bingo caller. This seminar will be in the form of a Butterfly Bingo game with the chance to win lots of exciting prizes, while learning great information to help you create your own butterfly oasis at home. Each ticket purchased will include one ice cold beer (or water). https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-night-seminar-series-tickets-333697156177.

Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners will host Anne Deleon, the nursery manager at the Farm Patch, who will talk about designing an English-style cottage garden in Texas. Ms. Deleon will share her design expertise and her extensive knowledge of plant selections for Brazos County. Tuesday, June 28, at 7:00 p.m. at the Brazos County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Court, Bryan. This event is open to the public at no charge.
JULY

Richmond: The Romance of Grapes on July 7, 6-8 p.m. Come for a wine tasting, leave as a grape growing expert! AgriLife Extension is bringing in Gulf Coast Viticulture Specialist Fran Pontasch to discuss the differences between wine grapes, table grapes, and muscadine grapes. She will answer your grape-growing questions to help you grow your own vineyard at home. Your ticket purchase will include a complimentary wine tasting. Wander around Enchanted Gardens sipping wine, listening to some relaxing music, and enjoying the sunset! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-night-seminar-series-tickets-333697156177
 
Richmond: Farm-to-Table @ Home—My Backyard Orchard, July 28, 6-8 p.m. This seminar will be in the style of a casual farm-to-table small-bites dinner. Fruit growing expert and Extension Program Specialist, Dr. Monte Nesbitt will be discussing how to grow your own olive trees, figs, citrus, pears, and berries to help you pick the perfect fruits for your home. The visionary behind @southernhomeandfarm, Rhonda Kaiser will also be attending with pictures of her transformed backyard space and plenty of inspiration to help you achieve the perfect combination of beauty and function. Sample some delicious food as you learn, including a custom creation from the wonderful culinary mind of Scott Chapman, owner of Proud Pie. It's sure to be an evening to remember! There will be 5 tasting stations for you to visit while you explore the nursery and enjoy some great music. Come hungry for tasty food and fruit growing knowledge! Each ticket purchased will also include one beverage of your choice. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-night-seminar-series-tickets-333697156177
AUGUST

Richmond: Salsa Night on August 18, 6-8 .p.m. Tomato growing expert and Fox Farm representative Andy Chidester will be discussing tips for growing great peppers, tomatoes, and herbs in your fall gardens. Bring your best homemade salsa to enter for prizes (and bragging rights). There will be a salsa tasting along with tasty Mexican food small bites. Following the seminar, Salsa music will be playing to get you moving while you explore the nursery and enjoy a frozen margarita to cool your taste buds! Each ticket purchased includes one beverage of your choice. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-night-seminar-series-tickets-333697156177
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 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.

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.

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.
  
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.
 
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
 
Marion: The Guadalupe Chapter, Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John 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 always welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT contact guadalupecounty@npsot.org. Or visit https://npsot.org/wp/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 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.

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. 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.
 
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 Johnson. County Agricultural Office, 109 W. Chambers, 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 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/.

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 American Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Fwy. For more information about meeting presentations and native plants, visit http://npsot.org/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.

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 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 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 and December, at the Lions Field Adult & Senior Center, 2809 Broadway, San Antonio. Social and plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio or email npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com.
 
Houston: The Houston Native Prairie Association meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except November and December) at the Houston Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Freeway, Houston. Refreshments served at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact hnpat@prairies.org.

Austin: The Garden Club of Austin meets at Zilker Botanical Gardens auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. 7:00-7:30 p.m. Refreshments and Social, followed by a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Free. For additional information, visit http://thegardenclubofaustin.org/.

Leander: The Leander Garden Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month (except June, July and August) at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Room of the Leander Presbyterian Church, 101 N. West St., Leander, unless there is a special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, there is a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call President Kathleen Tully at 512-422-8580 or email LeanderGardenClub@gmail.com.
 
Dallas: The Dallas County Master Gardeners meet the fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. For location and program information, visit 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/wp/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
Planning Guide & Books of Interest
 
2022 Planning Guide & Calendar
Only $14.95 per copy (includes tax and shipping) 
 
Make gardening easier and more enjoyable in 2022. No more keeping it in your head or, worse yet, juggling all those wrinkled, sweat-stained pieces of paper that seem to accumulate and end up lost. It's time to get organized and the perfect way to start that off is with your very own copy of the 2022 Texas Gardener Planning Guide and Calendar. No more guessing when to plant or do different activities. You will find everything you need in one simple but informative guide and calendar. Plus plenty of room to record your own planting dates, rainfall events and other data for future reference.
Here's a sample of what you will find in this information-packed guide:
  • Many, many practical and timely garden tips that are for Texas - not Maine or California!
  • Organic, earth-friendly tips to make your garden grow and prosper
  • Lots of space to record your own activities for future reference
  • Planting dates and tips for vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit and lawns
Order today, while it's fresh on your mind. Don't forget to order copies for your gardening friends and relatives!
 

Easy Edibles
By Judy Barrett

Only $29.75 (includes tax and shipping)

Eating fresh and eating local has really caught on! Easy Edibles: How to Grow and Enjoy Fresh Food focuses on ways to grow some of your own food without devoting a lot of space, time and work to the project. Barrett also covers how and where to find the bounty offered at local farmers markets, farm stands and pick-your-own operations. This book is the perfect gift or guide for folks new to gardening or those who have limited time and resources but still want to eat fresh! Click on this link to order https://texasgardener.com/product/easy-edibles/.

The Texas Tomato Lover's Handbook
By William D. Adams

Only $31.94 (includes tax and shipping)

The best thing for tomato enthusiast since the tomato itself! Adams draws on more than thirty years' experience to provide a complete, step-by-step guide to success in the tomato patch. Learn everything from soil preparation, planting, feeding, caging and watering. Liberally sprinkled with the author's easy humor and illustrated with his own excellent photographs, the must have book has everything you'll need to assure a bumper crop! 189 pages. Lots of color photographs! Click on this link to order https://texasgardener.com/product/texas-tomato-lovers-handbook/.

And check out these other great books available from Texas Gardener:

Worms Eat My Garbage

Grow Great Vegetables Texas

Wicked Bugs

Wicked Plants

Wicked Plants Coloring Book

A Kid's Guide to Keeping Chickens
Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2022. 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 
 
Texas Gardener's Seeds, P.O. Box 1676, Brenham, Texas 77834-1676