March 27, 2024

Turk’s cap (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife)

Eight great plants to bring butterflies to your garden

By Susan Himes

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

A delicate butterfly alighting on a garden bloom is a tangible sign for many that spring has indeed arrived.

A Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist shared insights on how to draw these beautiful beneficial insects to your yard — not only in the spring but throughout the summer and fall.

“The key to having the most butterflies is to have constant or overlapping blooms,” said Molly Keck, AgriLife Extension entomologist, Bexar County. “You can keep pollinators coming back to your garden with reliable, continuous food sources that they like.”

By planning ahead, both with planting at appropriate times and knowing when you’ll have butterfly-favorite flowers, they will return to your bloom buffet over and over again.

Eight plants for pollinators

Keck, who is also the AgriLife Learn Butterfly Gardening course instructor, said some plants do a better job than others of attracting butterflies and other pollinators, and plants designated Texas Superstars are a good choice to survive and thrive. Here are some of her Texas pollinator plant suggestions:

1. Pride of Barbados: With showy orange and red flowers, it is a dramatic plant for Texas gardens. Depending on the zone it is grown in, it may serve as everything from an annual to a shrub.
2. Henry Duelberg salvia: This true Texas native was discovered in Central Texas, growing at the grave of the person for whom it is named. It can bloom spring through fall if it is cut back regularly.
3. Mystic spires blue salvia: This salvia flowers freely during the growing season and is a plant butterflies love. It has a very tubular flower, and the butterfly must use its long proboscis to get down into the nectar, which is exactly as it was designed to do.
4. Lantanas: These are a good option available in many colors and bloom even during the hottest weather. The new gold lantana is very hardy and highly attractive to butterflies and native pollinators as well.
5. Butterfly deep pink penta: Another option to bring blooms to your garden for three seasons are pentas. The unique star-shaped flowers are a dazzling color and relatively low maintenance and pest tolerant.
6. Fall zinnias: When planted late summer, fall zinnias can play a crucial role in providing butterflies food in the fall, often up until the first frost. Available in a variety of bright colors, you can buy zinnias nearly year-round, but fall offers the most variety.
7. Turk’s cap: A native plant to South Texas, it is relatively low-maintenance, tough throughout Texas and attracts hummingbirds. Although it doesn’t have a ton of flowers, the turban-shaped flowers it does produce are usually red, but varieties can range from white or pink or both.
8. Gregg’s mistflower: This quick growing native plant is beloved by bees and serves as a good food source in the fall for migrating butterflies like the Monarch.

What exactly is a Texas Superstar?

Plants designated as a Texas Superstar must not only be beautiful but also perform well for gardeners across the state. These tested landscape ornamentals are suited to the Texas climate.

All but one of Keck’s butterfly suggestions have received the Texas Superstar designation. Texas Superstars also must be easy to propagate, which helps ensure the plants are available throughout Texas and reasonably priced.

What else should I know about butterflies?

It is important to keep in mind that a butterfly garden and butterfly-friendly plants are food-sources for the adults. If you want to observe butterflies through their whole life cycle, you will need to plant food sources for caterpillars and have plants where butterflies will lay their eggs.

“The fall — September, October and even into November — is really the best time to see the most butterflies,” Keck said. “As long as you have plants for them to get nectar from, they will come.”

Shopping for yard equipment: things to know

Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

With the weather warming up, now is the time to think about how you want your yard to serve your family, pets and wildlife. Maybe you’re aiming to have the best yard on the block, want to install an outdoor family room or outdoor office, or want to expand your space for entertaining. Perhaps your kids or pets could use a better space for play. Regardless of need, now is the time to get “backyard ready” for spring. What tools do you need?

“Completing big outdoor jobs is always easier with help from outdoor power equipment,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “The right outdoor power equipment can help you get the work done faster and can help you safely maintain your yard.”

Here are some tips from Kiser to help you select the machinery you need to get the job done.

Plan your needs. Draw a sketch of your yard. Include any major features like trees, bushes, an herb or vegetable garden, flower beds, lawn furniture, play or sports equipment, an outdoor patio, or bird bath. Note where maintenance may be required. Will bushes need to be trimmed back from your home or garage? Do you want to put in some flowering bushes or a tree? Are you planning to install a fence and more grass because for your pet? Now list the tools and equipment needed to take care of your yard, and what will make the job easier.

Consider equipment needed. Visit your garage or shed and find your lawn and garden tools. Wheel out your mower and get out other equipment. Look it over and make a list of what is needed or could be upgraded. Repair anything that needs attention or identify where a newer or other machine is required. If you have a large vegetable garden, you may need a cultivator or tiller. If you have a large lawn, an upgrade to a riding lawn mower might make mowing easier. A string trimmer might make caring for bushes or trimming grass near a fence line easier. A pole pruner can help trim back limbs that are too high to reach safely with a saw, and a leaf blower can clear leaves faster than a rake.

Research equipment online before you buy. Think about efficiencies of scale. The right equipment can mean more time for other activities, and make doing yard work more enjoyable, too. Doing online research in advance will help you pick the right equipment for the job. Outdoor power equipment can be gas, electric or battery powered, and technology is rapidly impacting product design. There are even robotic lawn mowers available today. Equipment may be sized to handle a smaller job or a massive one. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your needs.

Ask questions. Talk with the staff at the store or ask online about the equipment. In the store, ask to pick up and hold equipment to determine its “fit” for you. Discuss safety features and ask about manufacturer fueling and care instructions. Find out how often equipment may need to be serviced.

Make a plan for storage and maintenance. Store your equipment in a cool and dry place. It also should typically be serviced at the end of the fall and the beginning of the spring. Put service dates on your calendar with a reminder.

Top eight usage mistakes when using outdoor power equipment

Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

As the weather warms and people are coaxed outside to their yards and managed landscapes, it’s time for everyone to remember how to use their outdoor power equipment safely and properly.

“Think safety first,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing outdoor power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. “I can’t stress enough to review manufacturer’s safety guidance before starting up any equipment — especially your lawn mower. Review your owner’s manual and do maintenance on your equipment.”

Also being aware of surroundings is key, he adds. “And be sure to keep kids and pets away from outdoor power equipment while it’s in use.”

OPEI urges homeowners and other equipment users to avoid these eight most common mistakes when using outdoor power equipment.

Thinking all mowers are the same. You need to know how to handle your specific equipment correctly and do basic operations like turning it off or on and controlling speed. Review your owner’s manual and how to use the equipment before use.

Not inspecting equipment before use. Always look over equipment before operating it. Check the air filter, oil level and gasoline tank. Watch for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts needed or take your equipment to a qualified service representative.

Not walking through your yard or work area before starting to mow or using other outdoor power equipment. Always walk the area you intend to work in, and look for and remove objects, sticks and other items that could create a hazard.

Removing or not using safety guards on the equipment. Never alter or disable safety protection measures. If needed, take equipment to a qualified service representative for repairs and inspection.

Using fuels not designed for equipment. Loading up your outdoor power equipment with gasoline with more than 10% ethanol in it can cause running problems and damage the fuel line. Always use E10 or less.

Using batteries or chargers that are not specified by the manufacturer. While a host of batteries and chargers can be found for sale online, only use batteries and chargers specified by the equipment manufacturer.

Not storing fuel and batteries safely. Coffee cans, milk jugs and other non-approved containers should not be used to store fuel. Only store fuel in containers designed for it, and always use up fuel before it is 30 days old. Label fuel cans with the date of purchase and ethanol content. When battery packs are not in use, keep them away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.

Not cleaning or storing equipment well. Equipment will run more efficiently and last longer if it’s cleaned. Always remove dirt, oil or grass before using and storing your equipment. Store equipment in a dry place, avoiding damp or wet environments.

APRIL

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Growing Peppers in Houston," 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 4. Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston. Learn more about selecting an caring for pepper plants in Houston. Free and open to the public. Learn more at hcmga.tamu.edu.

Austin: A Spring Vegetable Gardening Class will be held at 10:00 a.m., April 5, at the Texas A&M AgrilLife Extension Office — Travis County, 1600-B Smith Road, Austin. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/49DwfN9, email travismg@ag.tamu.edu, or call 512-710-7098.

Houston: Clear Lake Native Plant Society Spring Plant Sale 4:00-7:00 p.m., April 5. University of Houston Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd.

Hempstead: Sat., April 6, 10:00 a.m.: Felder Rushing Garden Talks at First Baptist Church, 445 Main St., Hempstead. Registration: txmg.org/wallermg/felder-rushing-presentation/. $30.

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Organic Gardening," 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 8. Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston. Discover methods of gardening that promote soil health and a balanced ecosystem. Free and open to the public. Learn more at hcmga.tamu.edu.

Online: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Gardening in Containers," 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Monday, April 8. Learn best practices for containers and small urban spaces. Free virtual lecture hosted by Houston Community College. Register in advance to receive link: hcc.idloom.events/gardening-series/register.

Marian: The Guadalupe Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold its in-person meeting Tuesday, April 9, at 7:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, FM 465, Marion. Andy Blair of the TDOT of Austin will be speaking on “Plants of the Sandylands.” There is a plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7:00p.m. For more information , directions to St. John Lutheran Church, or membership application see our website at: https://www.npsot.org/chapters/guadalupe/ find our Facebook page: Guadalupe Chapter, Native Plant Society of Texas. Free and open to the Public.

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Organic Gardening," 11:30 a.m., Friday, April 12. Fonteno Senior Education Center, 6600 Bissonet Street, Houston. Discover methods of gardening that promote soil health and a balanced ecosystem. Free and open to the public. Learn more at hcmga.tamu.edu.

Gonzales: The Gonzales Master Gardeners will hold their annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, April 13, at Independence Square in downtown Gonzales from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Annual and perennial plants, herbs, roses, succulents, and native plants grown by Gonzales Master Gardeners will be available along with a supplementation of nursery-grown plants that will include hanging baskets, houseplants, citrus and fruit trees as well blackberries and blueberries. Cash/checks/credit/debit cards will be accepted. Rain or Shine) For more information, call 830-672-8531.

Hillsboro: Hill County Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., April 13, at Hill County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, 205 Stadium Dr., Hillsboro.

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Organic Gardening," 11:30 a.m., Friday, April 12. Fonteno Senior Education Center, 6600 Bissonet Street, Houston. Discover methods of gardening that promote soil health and a balanced ecosystem. Free and open to the public. Learn more at hcmga.tamu.edu.

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Container Gardening," 10:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 16. Fondren Park Garden Club, 11800 Mclain Blvd., Houston. Learn how to best garden in containers and small urban spaces, and how to address common problems. Free and open to the public. Learn more at hcmga.tamu.edu.

Online: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Gardening in Containers," 11:00 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, April 16. Learn best practices for containers and small urban spaces. Free virtual lecture hosted by Harris County Public Library via Facebook Live. No reservation required: facebook.com/harriscountypl/events.

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Plant Propagation," 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 16, at the Fonteno Senior Education Center, 6600 Bissonet Street, Houston. Learn the basics of propagating plants for your garden. Free and open to the public. Learn more at hcmga.tamu.edu.

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Growing Peppers in Houston," 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 18, at the Glazier Senior Ed Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane, Houston. Learn about selecting and caring for pepper plants in Houston. Free and open to the public. Learn more at hcmga.tamu.edu.

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Spring Vegetable Gardening," 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 19, at Harris County Precinct One, 9500 Hall Road, Houston. Learn how to get your spring vegetable garden started and see how easy it is to grow your own tasty vegetables. Free and open to the public. Learn more at hcmga.tamu.edu.

Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners Southeast Perennials & Pepper Sale will take place 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 20, at Genoa Friendship Gardens, 1210 Genoa Red Bluff Road, Houston. Order online for the best selection, April 1-18 at hcmga.tamu.edu.

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Growing Peppers in Houston," 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 23, at the Steve Radack Community Center, 18650 Clay Road, Houston. Learn about selecting and caring for pepper plants in Houston. Free and open to the public. Learn more at hcmga.tamu.edu.

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Growing Herbs in Houston," 11:30 a.m., Friday, April 26, at the Fonteno Senior Education Center, 6600 Bissonet Street, Houston. Free and open to the public. Learn more at hcmga.tamu.edu.

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners Westside Summer Sale, Vegetables, Herbs & Flowers will be held 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 27, at Alabonson Park, 9650 N. Houston Rosslyn Road, Houston. Get your summer vegetable and flower gardens started with the best varieties for Houston. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and make recommendations. Cash and Cards accepted. For more information, visit hcmga.tamu.edu.

MAY

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present Plant Propagation at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 8, at the Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston. Learn the basics of propagating plants for your garden. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit hcmga.tamu.edu.

Luling: Sunny Hill Flower Farm is hosting its annual agriculture weekend May 10-11, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 399 Pasture Rd. Luling. Visit Sunny Hill to cut flower bouquets in the field full of unending blooms, grab a bite to eat from delicious food trucks, enjoy live music, and visit and view 30 incredible select artisan vendors hosted on the farm. Plus, enjoy some fun farm experiences for the kids, such as farm animals and games. For more information, visit Market at the Farm event | Sunny Hill flower fa (sunny-hill-flower-farm.com). (To be a vendor or for other inquiries, Text/call 512-900-1041.)

Online: Harris County Master Gardeners present Identifying "Good and Bad" Bugs at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 13. Learn how to tell the difference between beneficial and damaging insects in your garden. Free Virtual Lecture hosted by Houston Community College. Register in advance to receive link: hcc.idloom.events/gardening-series/register.

Online/Hays County: Hays County Master Gardeners’ Spring Plant & Tree Sale will be online and in-person this year. This is the perfect time to plant, and Master Gardeners will bring their favorite vegetables and herbs for your garden. Skip the line at the grocery store and harvest fresh in your backyard! Hays County Master Gardeners are also putting their expertise to work to bring their finest plantings and transplants from their home gardens. These will include Texas Superstars, Texas native and adapted perennials, ornamental grasses and sedge, trees, and succulents perfect for our Hill Country climate. The online sale link http://haysgardener.square.site will be activated March 18 through March 26. Online purchases can be picked up at the in-person shopping locations on Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Buda Downtown Greenspace and Gazebo and on Wednesday, March 27, 3-6 p.m. at Dripping Springs Farmers. Find more information, visit http://hayscountymastergardeners.org. For up-to-the minute news about the plant sale, visit https://www.facebook.com/HaysCountyGardeners/ or https://www.instagram.com/hayscountymastergardeners/.

Online: Harris County Master Gardeners present Identifying "Good and Bad" Bugs at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 21. Learn how to tell the difference between beneficial and damaging insects in your garden. Free Virtual Lecture hosted by Harris County Public Library via Facebook Live. No reservation required: facebook.com/harriscountypl/events.

Quitman: A demonstration on proper care of orchids & houseplants will be held noon-1:00 p.m., May 23, at the Wood County Extension Office, 618 S. Main Street, Quitman.

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) at the First Christian Church (formerly, and still on Google Maps, Grace Christian Church) located at 504 S. Houston Street, Kaufman. 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 the first Monday of each month at Trini Mendenhall Community Center, 1414 Wirt Road, Houston. Announcements begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by an educational lecture. For additional information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu/lecture-series.

Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners meet the first Tuesday of each month at Trini Mendenhall Community Center, 1414 Wirt Road, Houston. Announcements begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by an educational lecture. For additional information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu/lecture-series/. Location is subject to change for Holidays & Voting days.

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., at the First Baptist Church Family Life Building, 500 E. Holland St., 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.

Temple: Temple Garden Club, District V meets 9:30-11:30 a.m., the first Thursday of each month (September-May), at the Cultural Activities Center, 3011 N 3rd Street.

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 at 11:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, in the Harrison County Extension Office, 2005 Warren Drive, Marshall. Meetings are held in the AgriLife Extension meeting room. For more information, call 903-935-8413, or email hctxmastergardener@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.

Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners host hour-long Lunch & Learn programs on various gardening topics on the second Wednesday of most months from 12 to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch, these programs are free and open to the public. They are held at the AgriLife Extension building, 210 E Live Oak, Seguin. For more information, visit GCMGTX.org.

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.

Belton: The Bell County Master Gardeners Herb Interest Study Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (January to November) at the AgriLife Extension Office, 1601 N. Main Street, Belton, in the Kitchen Classroom. Socialize from 10-10:30 a.m. Study Begins promptly at 10:30-Noon.

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 First United Methodist Church Annex, corner of S. Glendale and East Fourth streets behind the church in 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, January-September. Social time begins at 6:30, program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://npsot.org/chapters/trinity-forks/.

Arlington: The Arlington Organic Garden Club meets on the last Thursday of each month, January through September, at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. October is the annual potluck. Visitors are welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with light refreshments provided by members. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. followed by a raffle. For additional information, email board@aogc.org.

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. 2024. 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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