March 20, 2024

New trees promise College Station community reprieve from heat island effect

Texas A&M Forest Service

 

More than 100 native trees were recently planted in College Station at Bee Creek Park and Tarrow Park. The City of College Station utilized the resources provided by the Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Grants program to fund the tree planting projects.

 

Cooling College Station, a five-year project led by the City of College Station, was established in 2022 in an effort to mitigate the growing risk and complications of urban heat island effects. The project was awarded $43,302 in 2023 through the Human Health Equity and Accessibility grant category in the Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Grants program.

 

“From a practical level, we are trying to lower urban heat in areas of our city where fewer natural landscapes exist,” said Laurie Brown, College Station Recreation Supervisor. “By planting these trees, we will have cooler places to commute, explore and recreate as well as a greater biodiversity to share with our community. Diversity makes our world beautiful and more sustainable in the future.”

 

Urban heat islands are areas of urban development that experience elevated temperatures due to concrete and structure exposure to the sun. As the heat reflection intensifies from development structures, temperatures can increase by more than seven degrees Fahrenheit. Tree presence in these areas can mitigate the urban heat island effect by providing shade and reprieve from heat, which can be made accessible by strategically planting in public spaces like parks and along sidewalks.

 

“Because heat islands are multifaceted issues that are affecting many communities throughout the state and country, tree plantings can significantly reduce the effects,” said Morgan Abbott, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Woodland Ecologist. “What is great about this project is that the trees being planted are native to Texas and will provide relief for this community for generations to come.”

 

The 105 native trees planted by 119 community members included cedar elm, chinquapin oak, Mexican plum, Mexican buckeye, desert willow, wax myrtle, Texas redbud, Anacacho orchid and American elm species.

 

“Planting these trees together will help give our communities a sense of accomplishment,” said Ed Udell, College Station resident and community church volunteer. “By planting trees, we become connected with the dirt. These trees will also help make people feel like they are part of a greater community.”

 

The Texas A&M Forest Community Forestry Grants program began in 2022, awarding grants to the City of College Station and Bexar Branches Alliance, a San Antonio non-profit, in 2023. Since then, the program has significantly grown and offered more than $16 million among seven categories this year.

 

With the Texas A&M Forest Service Funding Connector, Texas organizations and landowners can stay up to date with current Texas A&M Forest Service and partner organizations grants.

Compact varieties of raspberries and other fruit are well suited to being grown in containers and small spaces. (Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com)

Grow fruit in containers

By Melinda Myers


Have fun and enjoy picking fresh fruit right outside your door thanks to compact varieties you can grow in containers. Just clear some space on your patio, deck, balcony, or front steps that receives at least six hours of sunlight and get busy planting.

 

Consider starting with strawberries. They provide seasonal interest with their white flowers, red berries, and brilliant fall color. Day-neutral and everbearing strawberries produce fruit throughout the summer and grow well in strawberry pots, containers, and hanging baskets. Place the containers where you can enjoy their beauty and easily harvest and enjoy a few berries on your cereal, as an afternoon snack, or atop your favorite dessert.

 

Include a few of the relatively new compact berry bushes suited to containers and small spaces. Raspberry Shortcake grows two to three feet tall and wide and is thornless which makes harvesting a breeze. They produce a bumper crop on new plant growth each season.

 

Baby Cakes blackberry is another thornless space-saving berry plant. Like Raspberry Shortcake it grows two to three feet tall and wide and is thornless. The white flowers and tasty fruit that form on old growth make Baby Cakes a nice addition to any outdoor space.

 

Grow compact blueberries in pots adding pretty flowers, edible fruit, and great fall color to your patio, deck, or balcony. Blueberries prefer moist, well-drained acidic soil that many of us do not have in our gardens but can provide these ideal conditions when growing in containers. You only need one plant to have fruit but growing two will more than double the harvest.

 

Use narrow and columnar dwarf apples as a living screen or vertical accent. The Urban Apple series, Spire apples, North Pole, and Sentinel varieties are all suited to growing in containers and small spaces. The trees grow about eight to ten feet tall and only several feet wide. The trunk is loaded with short branches and lots of fruiting spurs for easy harvesting. You will need two different varieties of most apples, including these, for cross-pollination to occur and fruit to develop.

 

Grow your compact berry bushes in pots 12 to 16 inches in diameter and at least ten inches deep. As the plants grow and mature, move them into larger, 20 to 24” containers. Your columnar apples will appreciate a bigger container that is 20 inches wide and deep.

 

Use pots with drainage holes and fill them with a quality potting mix. Check soil moisture daily and water thoroughly whenever the top few inches of soil are starting to dry. Reduce ongoing maintenance by incorporating an organic moisture-retaining product like Wild Valley Farms wool pellets into the potting mix. This sustainable product reduces watering by up to 25% and increases air space for healthier growth.

 

Supplement the nutrients in Wild Valley Farms wool pellets as needed with a low nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer and eliminate weekly fertilization. Add the slow-release fertilizer soon after planting and again mid-season if needed. Do not fertilize in late summer as that can stimulate late-season growth that can be damaged in winter.

 

Those gardening in cold climates will need to provide extra winter protection. Insulate the roots by grouping plants together and surrounding them with bales of straw, bags of potting mix, or similar materials. Or move plants to an unheated garage for winter and water whenever the soil is thawed and dry.

 

Another option is to grow these plants in nursery pots and set them in decorative containers for summer. When winter arrives, move the potted plants out of the decorative containers and sink the nursery pots in a vacant part of the garden. Lift the plants out of the ground in spring and set them back in their decorative containers for the growing season.

 

As you master these fruit plants, and if space allows, expand your small-scale orchard to include citrus, figs, dwarf cherries, plums, and peaches. You’ll enjoy the flowers, shade and of course the tasty fruit.

 

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

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.

MARCH


Online, Budda and Dripping Springs: Hays County Master Gardeners 2024 Spring Plant Sale online and in person. Shop online March 18-26 with convenient pick-up in Buda on March 24 or Dripping Springs on March 27. Shop in person in Buda, March 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Downtown Greenspace and Gazebo or in Dripping Springs, March 27, 3-6 p.m. at the Farmers Market. Plant inventory will include Texas Superstars, Texas native and adapted perennials, ornamental grasses and sedge, trees, and succulents perfect for our Hill Country climate. For more information visit HaysCountyMasterGardeners.org.


Houston: Harris Master Gardeners present "Spring Vegetable Gardening" at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 21, at the Glazier Senior Ed Center, 16600 Pine Forest Lane, Houston. Learn the basics of propagating plants for the garden. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit hcmg.tamu.edu.


La Marque: March Madness Plant Sale at The Discovery Garden, Thursday, March 21, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. An in-person sale featuring Master Gardener grown plants, perennials, spring vegetables, peppers, and herbs. Held at the beautiful Discovery Garden in Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street, La Marque. Visit the Galveston County Master Gardeners store for more details: https://store.galvestonmg.org.


Austin: "Austin Herb Society Plant Sale Fundraiser" March 23 & 24, 10 a.m.-2:00 p.m. both days, at Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin. Shop for organic herbs, pollinator-friendly flowers and native plants at great prices! No sales tax on plant purchases, AHS nonprofit Tax-Free Sales Days. Browse the sponsors’ vendor booths for herbal tinctures, teas, lotions, aromatherapy, skincare, bamboo crafts, jewelry, and more. Ask knowledgeable members about growing and using herbs while you shop. Walk in the Zilker Herb Garden to see how your plants will grow up! Enjoy all of Zilker Botanical Garden while you’re here — dino garden, children’s area, koi pond & Japanese garden, butterfly trail, and you can even bring a picnic. Dogs on a leash allowed. Organic plants offered for sale from Gabriel Valley Farms, plus rare specialty herbs from our herb garden at Zilker or AHS member gardens. Plant sale and events included with Zilker Botanical Garden admission. Admission is free for members of ZBG Conservancy and free for EBT, SNAP, STAR, WIC, CHIP, Medicaid & MAP card holders. Reciprocal free admission for Wildflower Center members and other American Horticultural Society gardens members. Bring your card to show at gate. More details and free parking on site at https://zilkergarden.org/hours-admissions/. Full schedule and details at https://www.austinherbsociety.org.


Bryan: Spring Plant Sale, Saturday, March 23, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Brazos County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Court, Bryan. Take your wagon and select from natives, perennials, herbs, vegetables and more, all especially suited to Brazos County growing conditions.


Conroe: Montgomery County Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale, Saturday, March 23, presentation at 8, sale begins at 9 a.m. til noon. Live and in person! Come get your spring plants, veggies and more. Watch for plant list at mcmga.square.site. AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe, 936-539-7824, mcmga.com.


Huntsville: Texas Thyme Unit, Herb Society of America. Herb Festival at the Wynne Home, March 23, 8:00-2:00. 1428 Eleventh Street, Huntsville. Locally grown herbs, native plants, pollinator and passalong plants, vegetables, etc. Garden vendors, speakers, music, and fun for the kids. Bring your wagon. Information: 936-891-5024. Free event. http://www.texasthymeunit.com Facebook: Texas Thyme Unit, Herb Society of America.


Jacksonville: The Cherokee County Master Gardeners will host the 2024 Spring Conference 1:00-4:00 March 23 at the First Christian Church, 1920 Beaumont St., Jacksonville. Everyone is welcome. There will be three speakers and a variety of booths. Cost is $15.00 per person.


La Marque: Tomato Stress Management, Part 3 of 3, Saturday, March 23, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Do you want to learn how to grow great tomatoes? This is the third in the series by Galveston County Master Gardener Ira Gervais about growing great tomatoes in Galveston County. The program will include how to identify tomato diseases and insect stress, and how to minimize them to increase yields. Free. Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located in Carbide Park at 4102-B Main Street (FM 512), La Marque. Register online: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture, or call 281-309-5065.

 

La Marque: Cucumbers, Squash and Melons, Saturday, March 23, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Galveston County Master Gardener Kevin Lancon presents best methods to grow cucumbers, squash, and melons in your home garden. The seminar offers different varieties for garden success, best practices for maximum production, methods of trellising and how to deal with specific insects and diseases. There will also be health and nutritional information, culinary tips, and ways to enjoy your fresh veggies. Free. Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located in Carbide Park at 4102-B Main Street (FM 512), La Marque. Register online: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture, or call 281-309-5065.


Lufkin: Angelina Master Gardeners will be holding a Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, March 23, in the Angelina County Farmers Market at 2107 S. Medford Drive. Gates open at 8:00 am. Plants available include tropicals, succulents, ferns, grasses, perennials, roses, shrubs, trees and edibles. Proceeds will fund educational projects and scholarships for Angelina County graduating seniors who plan to pursue an education in horticulture, agriculture or related fields. Call 936-634-6414 for more information.


Quitman: Wood County Master Gardeners present their 2024 Spring Conference—Back to the Basics of Gardening from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., March 23, at Quitman High School, Main Street, Quitman.


Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners present "Spring Vegetable Gardening" at 10:00 a.m., March 26, at the Steve Radack Community Center, 18650 Clay Road, Houston. Learn how to get a spring vegetable garden started and see how easy it is to grow tasty vegetables. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit hcmg.tamu.edu.


Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners will present "Growing Roses in Our Climate" at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 26, at the Fonteno Senior Education Center, 3600 Bissonet Street, Houston. Learn more about selecting and caring for roses in Houston. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit hcmg.tamu.edu.

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.


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.


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.

Weekly Meetings

Galveston: The Young Gardeners Program is a school garden and healthy eating program operating on Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. Every Saturday, 9-11 a.m., they host a garden Community Day at one of the schools. It's an opportunity for community members to work and play in the garden and it's kid-friendly. First Saturday - Crenshaw, 416 State Hwy 87, Crystal Beach; Second Saturday - Rosenberg Elementary, 721 10th St., Galveston; Third Saturday - Morgan Elementary, 1410 37th St., Galveston; Fourth Saturday - Oppe Elementary, 2915 81st St., Galveston.

Monthly Meetings


If you would like your organization's events included in "Monthly Meetings" or would like to make a change to a listed meeting, please contact us at Monthly Meetings. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details. 

 

FIRST WEEK

 

Jasper: The Jasper County Master Gardeners meet on the first Monday of each month at St. Michael's Catholic Church from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The evening begins with pot luck social and then guest presentations and/or educational class to conclude. Visit https://jasper.agrilife.org/jasper-master-gardeners/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting; Visit  https://mastergardener.tamu.edu/become/ to become a member.

  

Kaufman: The Kaufman County Master Gardener Association meets the first Monday of each month (second Monday, if the first is a holiday) 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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