 August 12, 2020
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Use beautiful plants to create a statement in your landscape
Monrovia
These days we are all staying closer to home. The extra time we spend looking at or in our gardens is giving homeowners a new appreciation of the value of a beautiful landscape. One way to add instant and long-lasting beauty to the landscape is with statement plants - those that lend a bold, architectural look as they dramatically fill their allotted space.
 "Statement plants are the difference between an ordinary yard and a beautiful garden," says Jonathan Pedersen, Monrovia Vice President of Sales and Business Development. "Make your landscape a source of inspiration and pride, an extension of your personality. Plants help you do that."
Centuries of gardening history show how stunning landscapes use statement plants. These varieties are used as focal points, space dividers, and to direct flow, adding structure to large and small spaces. "Think of the statement plant as the jewel and the surrounding garden as the setting," says Margie Grace, Landscape Designer and author of Private Gardens of Santa Barbara: The Art of Outdoor Living. "You can pair the loveliest of accessories (the "statement plant") with the simplest of settings (think "little black dress"). Done thoughtfully, this approach yields an elegant composition."
Statement Plants as Focal Points
"Every space needs a focal point, a place where the eye is drawn to," says John Robert Beaudry, Landscape Designer and author of the new book Garden Sanctuary: Designing for Comfort, Wholeness and Connection. "Having a place for the eye to stop makes a garden feel more restful. The right focal point can be something that lifts spirits or adds excitement."
One way to utilize a statement plant as a beautiful focal point is to select a variety with dramatic form. Large topiaries (trees and shrubs pruned in ornamental shapes), trellised shrubs (those trained vertically on a trellis), and espaliered trees (trained to grow in a pattern along a frame) all immediately draw the eye to their dramatic architectural form.
Monrovia grows more than 200 types of topiary specially pruned to add structure to landscapes. "Topiary can take eight years of growing and shaping before they're ready for the garden center," says Pedersen. "It's not just about growing plants. It's about how we cultivate plants that add eye-catching beauty to gardens and landscapes with their form and structure -s omething homeowners can enjoy immediately."
Statement Plants to Define a Space
A focal point is one way to enjoy a statement plant in your landscape. You can also utilize plants that add beauty and architecture to divide your landscape into different areas or rooms. Breaking your landscape into a series of rooms with structural plants like Mint Julep Juniper or espaliered Chollipo Euonymus makes walking through it an exercise in discovery. Plant several large evergreens together (either in your landscape or a decorative container) to create a natural wall. Emerald Colonnade Holly, for example, offers dense and glossy, bright-green foliage. It is a beautiful choice as a living screen to split one space from the next.
Statement Plants for Guiding Visitors
Another way employ statement plants in your landscape is to instruct directional flow. Intentional placement of a line of Purple Fountain Grass can direct visitors along a pathway and offer a natural sense of movement. Or plant a low hedge, such as Boxwood, as an instant design element that is beautiful and functional. Boxwood's dense, deep green foliage is perfect for directing visitors from the side yard to the backyard, for example.
Statement Plants for Natural Gardens
Plants pruned into special shapes fit in many design styles. For other landscape looks, homeowners can enjoy plants that naturally make a statement with their form, texture, or color. Trees like Japanese Maples are classic choices. Their distinctive, finely cut leaves and dramatic, sculptural shapes are often used in Asian garden design. Their beauty in the landscape transcends any specific design style, however.
Monrovia takes the time needed to bring beautiful Japanese Maple specimens to market. From planting the seeds, to grafting, growing, and shaping, the process can take more than six years. "The result is an exceptionally healthy tree that is ready to be planted in the home garden and flourishes after planting," says Pedersen. From Velvet Viking, the first Japanese Maple hardy to Zone 4, to the striking Shin Deshojo that changes colors through the seasons, a Japanese Maple makes a statement.
Statement Plants for Decks, Patios, and Porches
You can enjoy the beauty of statement plants in outdoor living areas such as decks, patios, and porches, as well as your landscape. A pair of poodle topiaries (those pruned with sections of trunk separating spheres of foliage) flanking a front door is a simple way to add beauty to an entry, for example. Or add height and an architectural look to a patio by placing potted Euonymus topiary along its perimeter. Take your deck from bland to beautiful with a pair of Lemon Swirl Australian Brush Cherry spiral-shaped topiaries. Or enjoy a wall of color with Purple Queen Bougainvillea on a trellis and espaliered Apple Blossom Camellia.
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Xeriscaping saves water, adds beauty
By Abby Rea
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Xeriscaping can be your path to a visually appealing garden, even if you're in an arid environment.
 Some Texas weather conditions can make it difficult to find plants to grow in outdoor landscaping. With xeriscaping, that task gets a little bit easier. To put it simply, xeriscaping is the process of gardening with minimal use of water by using drought-tolerant plants and soils.
Michael Arnold, Ph.D., professor of landscape horticulture and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension landscape specialist gives basic tips on how to start your own xeriscaping project.
Planning is key for Xeriscaping
"The best plant for a specific location depends upon the characteristics of that site, the desired function of the plant, the general climatic conditions of the region, and the level of maintenance and inputs available for caring for the landscape long term," he said.
It's important to know your landscape, Arnold said, because your current landscape is what determines how successful your garden will be.
"Many important considerations should be incorporated into a successful design, but from a water consumption perspective some are more critical than others," he said.
Plants used should not have their water requirements ignored, so pay attention to water-use zones, which are critical in xeriscaping. Additionally, projects should focus on growing conditions such as soil needs and sunlight requirements.
"Soil type will also influence fertility and nutrient requirements," Arnold said. "Sun and shade patterns will help to determine which areas may have higher or lower water demands.
"By zoning plants together that have similar soil, sun and water requirements, we can enjoy healthier more vigorous appearing plants."
Basic maintenance tips
For xeriscaping projects, the landscape changes with the seasons, making maintenance a vital step to keep your gardens thriving.
"By periodically inspecting the landscape, most problems are easily dealt with in their early stages," Arnold says. "They can become much bigger issues if not addressed."
Irrigation systems used in xeriscaping projects should be routinely managed to keep up with needed water requirements for different areas. Issues with the irrigation system equipment can be detrimental to the survival of your project.
Also remember plants might also have different needs throughout the year.
"Landscapes are dynamic and change over time as plants interact with each other and the infrastructure of the built environment," Arnold said. "Adjust your irrigation schedule to match seasonal changes in demand."
And finally, he said, taking care of the area around your xeriscaping project leads to successful and healthy plant landscaping.
Benefits to xeriscaping
Xeriscaping projects do a great job of sprucing up our yards year-round, but they can also help to make us better conservationists.
"One of the major benefits to xeriscaping is its ability to reduce our water usages needed for the plants," Arnold says. "Properly matching plants with their inherent site requirements results in a healthy landscape that requires less labor and resources to maintain over time."
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| AgriLife experts: Lawns like less water than you might think
By Gabe Saldana
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Even as summer temperatures rise, watering too frequently can be a home dweller's biggest mistake when trying to cultivate the perfect lawn or landscape, Texas A&M AgriLife experts agree.
"In most cases you shouldn't need to water more than once a week," said Guy Fipps, Ph.D., professor and state irrigation specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in College Station.
Applying water at an ideal rate is one step in a holistic approach to building healthier landscapes with less water and fewer other inputs. It includes methods like maintaining a longer grass-blade height, irrigating at the opportune time of day, using smart irrigation controllers and picking the right plants, among others.
Landscape irrigation tips
Fipps recommends Texans consider using the free Water My Yard app and website from AgriLife Extension to help determine how much to water each week. The app combines information about an individual's lawn, irrigation system and precipitation rate. It uses the information to send weekly, customized, watering recommendations to Texans by text message, email or mobile device push notifications. Water My Yard is available to download from Google Play and the Apple Store.
"It's key to remember that irrigation is only needed when rain is scarce," said Daniel Cunningham, AgriLife Extension horticulturist with the Water University outreach program in Dallas. "If it's just rained or rain is in the forecast, it's probably best to let Mother Nature take care of the watering."
The free Homeowner's Guide to Sprinkler Systems from the Water University program provides broad information on efficient, effective irrigation systems. It includes system diagrams; considerations for building a new system; information on new automated technologies; tips for system efficiency; sprinkler system troubleshooting; and overall irrigation tips.
"The plants you pick for your landscape also matter a great deal in predetermining how efficient your irrigation can be," Cunningham said.
He said plants grow best in their native - or similar - environments, and they typically can weather extreme conditions when planted in the right spot. Many non-natives and ill-adapted plants will require more water and other resources, and they generally will perform worse without extra care.
How to save water for a better landscape now
In addition to accessing comprehensive, free online resources from Texas A&M AgriLife, Fipps and Cunningham recommend taking these immediate steps for better irrigation:
- Turn off irrigation systems during rain events.
- Use an inexpensive soil moisture meter to test the wetness of a planted area before watering.
- Water early in the mornings when wind speeds are normally low to avoid rapid midday and afternoon evaporation, as well as fungal problems from watering overnight.
- Check irrigation systems for leaks across the landscape and mark them for visibility when you return for repairs.
- Keep the lawn mowed as high as possible for the turfgrass variety planted to promote stronger, deeper roots and better water retention.
- Introduce regionally native or adapted plants into the landscape.
- Consider using automated irrigation devices like digital controller boxes and rain sensors.
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Gardening tips
Apply small amount of fertilizer around tomatoes, peppers and eggplant after fruit has reached marble size.
Have a favorite gardening tip you'd like to share? Texas Gardener's Seeds is seeking brief gardening tips from Texas gardeners to use in future issues. If we publish your tip in Seeds, we will send you a copy of Texas Gardener's 2020 Planning Guide & Calendar. Please send your tips of 50 words or less to the editor at: Gardening Tips.
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Upcoming garden events
If you would like your organization's events included in "Upcoming Garden Events" or would like to make a change to a listed event, please contact us at Garden Events. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details at least three weeks prior to the event.
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The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has caused the cancellation of many events. Because SEEDS has a long lead time, events listed below may have already been cancelled. We strongly encourage you to take care of yourself by practicing social distancing. If you do wish to attend any of the events listed below, please contact the presenters in advance to determine if the event has been cancelled or if it will take place as planned.
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AUGUST
Online: The Healthy Lawns and Healthy Waters program of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host a residential rainwater harvesting and turf management online training August 11 for residents of Jackson and Lavaca counties. The training is offered in collaboration with the Lavaca River Watershed Partnership. The free training will be from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. with a half-hour break for lunch. Participation is limited and online registration is required. Attendees can RSVP online or contact John Smith, AgriLife Extension program specialist, College Station, at johnwsmith@tamu.edu or (979) 204-0573. Those who RSVP to the event will receive updates, instructions to join the online meeting and materials related to the meeting via email. Participants can have their soil tested as part of the training. The soil sample bag and analysis are free to Healthy Lawns and Healthy Waters Program participants. Residents can pick up a soil sample bag with sampling instructions and the Urban and Homeowner Soil Sample Information Form beginning July 7 at the AgriLife Extension office in Jackson County, 411 N. Wells, Suite 111, Edna, or the AgriLife Extension office in Lavaca County, 300 S. Lagrange St., Hallettsville. "Attendees can submit a soil test by dropping their soil sample off to the AgriLife Extension offices in Jackson or Lavaca counties prior to or by one week after the meeting," Smith said. Bags containing residents' soil samples should be returned to the location where they were obtained and not mailed directly to the sampling lab. Samples will be grouped into one submission and sent to the AgriLife Extension Soil, Water and Forage Testing Lab in College Station for routine analysis, including micronutrients, pH, conductivity, nitrate-nitrogen and other parameters. The training will include information on how to understand soil test results and nutrient recommendations so residents can interpret results once the analysis is mailed to them.
Online: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Bexar County will present a Lunch-and-Learn horticulture webinar series during August. The gardening webinars, which will be from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, are all free and open for public participation. They will be presented via Microsoft Teams. Attendees are requested to register for the webinars. Those who register will be provided with a link to the webinar a few days prior to the program. Horticulture webinar dates and topics: Aug. 11: Tomato 101, Growing Basics - Will provide information on tomato selection and best practices for growing tomatoes in the home garden; Aug. 18: Lawn 101, Turfgrass Basics - With so many lawns stressed from the summer heat, this webinar will address how to help lawns recover and the best way to maintain them during the fall and winter; Aug. 25: Growing a Fall and Winter Vegetable Garden - Will address vegetable selection and plant maintenance for fall and winter vegetables in the home garden. For more information, contact Rodriguez at dhrodriguez@ag.tamu.edu.
San Angelo: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service announced the "Beautiful, Edible Earth-Kind Landscapes" garden series will start Aug. 11 and run for nine consecutive Tuesdays. The cost is $30 for the series and is limited to 10 participants per session. Classes will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. at the People/Plant Connection Studio at 416 S. Oakes in San Angelo. Allison Watkins, AgriLife Extension horticulture agent for Tom Green County, will be the instructor for the series. Participants may attend as many classes in the series as they like, but registration is required. Register online or call (325) 659-6522. Dates and topics are: Aug. 11 - Fall Vegetable Gardening; Aug. 18 - Growing Herbs; Aug. 25 - Fruit for West Texas; Sept. 1 - Landscape Design; Sept. 8 - Soil and Compost; Sept. 15 - West Texas Lawn Care; Sept. 22 - Tree Planting and Care; Sept. 29 - Best Plants for the Concho Valley; Oct. 6 - Irrigation and Water Conservation.
Online: Droughts are not an uncommon phenomenon in Texas, especially during the summer. It poses risks and complications to plants that are water-lovers, like the common Rose. Lack of adequate water will negatively impact roses, causing less new shoots and fewer roots, as well as attracting insects and making them more vulnerable to disease. Jolene Adams will address Roses in the Drought via GoToMeeting. Jolene Adams has more than 60 years of experience in growing roses. She is the former president of American Rose Society, ARS Master Rosarian, ARS Horticultural Judge, editor and director for various societies. This meeting is going to be a virtual meeting held at GoToMeeting on August 13 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (CDT). Join the meeting using computer, tablet or smartphone with access code: 714-588-565 https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/714588565 or dial in using the phone: United States +1 (646)749-3122. If new to GoToMeeting, get ready before the meeting starts by downloading the app at: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/714588565. For additional information, visit www.houstonrose.org.
Online: The Healthy Lawns and Healthy Waters Program of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host an online residential rainwater harvesting and turf management training Aug. 20 for Austin and Washington counties. The free training, offered in collaboration with the Mill Creek Watershed Partnership, will be online 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., with a half-hour break for lunch. Online registration is required. Attendees can RSVP online at https://hlhw.tamu.edu/workshops/2020/august-20-mill-creek-watershed-austin-and-washington-counties/ or contact John Smith, AgriLife Extension program specialist, College Station, at johnwsmith@tamu.edu or (979) 204-0573. Those who RSVP to the event will receive updates, instructions to join the online meeting and materials related to the meeting via email. Participants can have their soil tested as part of the training. The soil sample bag and analysis are free to Healthy Lawns and Healthy Waters Program participants. Beginning Aug. 3, area residents can pick up a soil sample bag with sampling instructions and the Urban and Homeowner Soil Sample Information Form at the AgriLife Extension office in Austin County, 800 E. Wendt St., Bellville, or the AgriLife Extension office in Washington County, 1305 E. Blue Bell Road, Suite 104., Brenham.
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SEPTEMBER
Conroe: Montgomery County Master Gardeners are having a virtual Plant Sale! Shop for plants from the comfort of your home, beginning Tuesday, September 15, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Starting on September 16, you'll get an email to arrange your plant pickup details. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. Visit mcmga.com for plant list and more details.
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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.
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Monthly meetings
If you would like your organization's events included in "Monthly Meetings" or would like to make a change to a listed meeting, please contact us at Monthly Meetings. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details.
FIRST WEEK
Jasper: The Jasper County Master Gardeners meet on the first Monday of each month at St. Michael's Catholic Church from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The evening begins with pot luck social and then guest presentations and/or educational class to conclude. Visit https://jasper.agrilife.org/jasper-master-gardeners/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting; Visit https://mastergardener.tamu.edu/become/ to become a member.
Kaufman: The Kaufman County Master Gardeners meet the first Monday of each month at the First Community Church at 1401 Trinity Drive in Crandall. January through April and August and September meetings are at 9 a.m., with the remaining meetings beginning at 7 p.m. For additional information, visit http://www.kcmga.org, call 972-932-9069 or email to sbburden@ag.tamu.edu.
Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners meet at noon the first Tuesday of each month at a location in Houston to be determined. For additional information, visit http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/ or call 713-274-0950.
Schulenberg: Schulenburg Garden Club meets the first Tuesday of the 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.
Allen: The Allen Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, February through December, at the Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St., Allen. For more information, visit www.allengardenclub.org. Atlanta: The Cass County Master Gardeners meet the first Thursday of each month at the Atlanta Memorial Hospital Conference Room, State Highway 77 @ S. Williams St., Atlanta. A business meeting is followed by an educational program. The public is welcome to attend. For additional information, call 903-756-5391 or visit http://cass.agrilife.org.
Fort Worth: The Native Plant Society of Texas - North Central Chapter meets the first Thursday of each month, excluding January and July, at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7:00 p.m. Guest speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Members, friends, family, guests and the public are welcome. For a list of speakers and topics or more information, visit http://www.txnativeplants.org.
Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners usually meet at 9 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Waller County AgriLife Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. For more information on the meeting schedule, visit http://txmg.org/wallermg or call 979-826-7651.
Gonzalas: Gonzales Master Gardeners hold their monthly meeting at noon on the first Thursday of each month at 623 Fair Street, Gonzales. Bring a bag lunch, drinks provided. Contact AgriLife Extension Office at 830-672-8531 or visit http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org for more information. New Braunfels: The Comal Garden Club meets the first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Southbank Clubhouse, 222 Southbank Blvd., New Braunfels.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts a special Insider's Tour at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. Spaces are limited so pre-registration is encouraged. $15, free for members. For more information, visit http://peckerwoodgarden.org/product/peckerwood-insiders-tours/.
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 County (Schertz/Seguin) Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John's Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John's Lutheran Church: From FM 78 turn south onto FM 465 and the church is just past the Marion School on the right. From IH-10 go north on FM 465 towards Marion. The Church will be on the left, just before you get to town. A plant exchange and meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT visit www.npsot.org/GuadalupeCounty/ or contact guadalupecounty@npsot.org.
Quitman: The Quitman Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Quitman Library on E Goode Street, Quitman. It is a diverse group that welcomes all visitors. For more information, e-mail quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.
Denton: The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the
second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit http://dcmga.com/.
Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.
Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.
Longview: The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners.
Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the
second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit www.rockportherbs.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. Killeen: Youth Backyard Gardening Initiative holds community engagement meetings the second Saturday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at Monarch Academy, 4205 Old Florence Road, Killeen. To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/ybkydgarden/.
Dallas: The Rainbow Garden Club of North Texas meets the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Meetings are held at member's homes and garden centers around the area. For more information, visit www.RainbowGardenClub.com.
THIRD WEEK
Arlington: The Arlington Men's Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the third Monday of each month (except December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact Lance Jepson at LJepson@aol.com.
Cleburne:The Johnson County Master Gardener's meet on the third Monday of each month at McGregor House, 1628 W Henderson, Cleburne. Meeting times are at 2 p.m. October through April, except December and at 6 p.m. May through September. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For additional information, contact Elaine Bell at 817-309-8052.
New Braunfels: The Comal Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. the third Monday of each month (except April and December,) at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. An educational program precedes the business meeting. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, call 830-620-3440 or visit 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.
Corpus Christi: The Nueces Master Gardeners meet at noon the third Tuesday of each month, except December, at Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For further information call 361 767-5217.
Evant: The Evant Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., usually at the bank in downtown Evant. To confirm the date, time and place of each month's meeting, call 254-471-5860.
New Braunfels: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. Meetings include an informative speaker and a Plant of the Month presentation. Meetings are free and visitors are welcome. For more information,visit www.npsot.org/w/lindheimer. Note: there will be no meeting in June or December.
Rockport: Monthly meetings of the Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners are held at 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Aransas County Office, 892 Airport Rd., Rockport. For additional information, e-mail aransas-tx@tamu.edu or call 361-790-0103.
Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, September through November and January through April at 10 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. The club hosts a different speaker each month. For more information, visit www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.
Denton: The Denton Organic Society, a group devoted to sharing information and educating the public regarding organic principles, meets the third Wednesday of each month (except July, August and December) at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Avenue. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are preceded by a social at 6:30. For more information, call 940-382-8551.
Glen Rose: The Somervell County Master Gardeners meet at 10 a.m., the third Wednesday of each month at the Somervell County AgriLife Extension office, 1405 Texas Drive, Glen Rose. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 254-897-2809 or visit www.somervellmastergardeners.org.
Granbury: The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners meet at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Hood County Annex 1, 1410 West Pearl Street, Granbury. The public is invited to attend. There is an educational program each month preceding the business meeting. For information on topics call 817-579-3280 or visit http://www.hoodcountymastergardeners.org/.
Brownwood: Brownwood Garden Club meets the third Thursday of each month, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. The club meetings are at Southside Baptist Church, 1219 Indian Creek Road, with refreshments and a speaker presentation. Visitors are welcome. For more information, email boeblingen@centex.net or call 817-454-8175.
Hallettsville: The Hallettsville Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month from September through May, at the Hallettsville Garden and Cultural Center, 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.
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 Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan. There is a public gardening program at each meeting and pertinent information may be found at brazosmg.com or 979-823-0129.
Edna: The Jackson County Master Gardeners present their "Come Grown With Us" seminars on the fourth Tuesday of each month, January through October, beginning at 7 p.m. at 411 N. Wells, Edna. The seminars are free, open to the public and offer 2 CEU hours to Master Gardeners or others requiring them. For additional information, contact the Jackson County Extension Office at 361-782-3312.
Linden: The Caddo Wildflower Chapter of Native Plants Society meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the senior citizens building at 507 S Kaufman St. in Linden at 6:30. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Karen Tromza at khtromza@yahoo.com.
San Antonio: The Native Plant Society of Texas San Antonio Chapter meets the fourth Tuesday of each month, except August and December, at the Lions Field Adult & Senior Center, 2809 Broadway, San Antonio. Social and plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio or email npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com.
Houston: The Houston Native Prairie Association meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month (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. 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.
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