September 28, 2022
10 Things “Master Backyarders” Do (That All of Us Should Emulate)
TuffMutt Foundation
 
Over the last few years, we’ve had a lot of practice backyarding. This is the act of doing indoor things — think dining, working, entertaining, exercising and even vacationing — outdoors in our own backyards. According to the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care and use of all green space, many Americans have taken their backyarding practices up a notch.
 
“We really appreciate their time outdoors — not only in the great expanses of nature, but also in their own backyards,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “If you’re doing things like planting for pollinators, getting outside no matter the weather, and putting the right plant in the right place, pat yourself on the back. You’re a master backyarder.”
 
He adds that the more time we spend in our yards, the better it is for our health and well-being, as well as the health of the planet.
 
Here are 10 things Master Backyarders do that all of us should emulate:
 
Combat climate change on a micro-level. Having a living landscape, over artificial grass, pavement and rocks, supports the environment. Green, growing plants, shrubs, trees and grass, captures and filters rainwater, produces oxygen, and absorbs carbon just to name a few benefits. Master Backyarders take small steps in their yard that make a big impact on environmental concerns.
 
Don’t let lack of space deter backyarding. Master Backyarders maximize every inch of their outdoor space, whether that means planting a container garden on a balcony, outfitting a small urban yard with shrubs and flower pots, or creating a backyard oasis in a large neighborhood lawn.
 
Creatively utilize outdoor space. Master Backyarders set up their yards for purpose with patio furniture, a fire pit, yard games, plenty of outdoor seating, string lights, and maybe even an outdoor kitchen or office space. And they use their backyards for everything — from working and exercising to vacationing and entertaining.
 
Put the right plants in the right place. Master Backyarders know their climate zone and consider location, maintenance, sunlight and watering requirements before they plant. They have the Plant Hardiness Zone Maps bookmarked so they are always prepared for proper planting.
 
Plant for pollinators & wildlife. Master Backyarders cultivate a living landscape that supports a rich biodiversity with butterfly bushes, flowering plants, water sources, and trees and shrubs with nooks for nesting and food.
 
Get outside year-round. No fair weather backyarding here. Master Backyarders are outside during all four seasons. They understand advance planning and work in and use their green space year-round. They plant in the fall for a glorious spring, remove snow to create useable areas, prune trees before bad weather hits and more.
 
Utilize community parks & public green space. Master Backyarders recognize the importance of managed landscapes throughout the community to create eco-corridors that are part of the worldwide ecosystem. They also appreciate and use these community gathering spots.
 
Teach kids the importance of green space. Master Backyarders are mentors to the next generation, teaching kids to explore, play in and enjoy the nature right outside their backdoor.
 
Keep the family dog in mind. Master Backyarders understand that they aren’t the only ones who rely on their outdoor space, so they purpose their backyard with pets in mind. Sturdy turfgrass that stands up to pet play, soft foliage to create a natural barricade between off limits areas and the rest of the lawn, and trees and shrubs strategically planted for shade are all part of their master plan.
 
Embrace the hidden benefits of the backyard. Master Backyarders know they are getting a health boost when they spend time working in their yards since soil is the new Prozac and more physicians are prescribing time outdoors. Other hidden benefits of the yard Master Backyarders appreciate? Increased energy, lower stress, improved mood just to name a few.
Legacy of forestland: Four things to do before you die
Texas A&M Forest Service
 
Forest landowners are generally looking toward future opportunities — the next project, the next season, the next harvest.
 
But many aren’t looking far enough ahead — to the next generation.
 
Maintaining healthy forestland is a long-term commitment and because of the immense benefits of Texas forests, ensuring that forest land remains forested after an owner’s death shouldn’t be left to chance.
 
Forest landowners often cite legacy as one of the top reasons for owning land, with many planning to transfer ownership to the next generation. Most forests will outlive their current owners, putting family forestland at risk of fragmentation, change in land use or even leaving the family if the proper steps haven’t been taken to ensure a smooth transition.
 
“If you don’t plan for it, then you’re leaving your desires up to the legal system, and who knows how that will shake out,” said Shane Harrington, Texas A&M Forest Service Senior Project Manager. “It’s very important that landowners act now while they’re in good health to start talking about that process.”
 
Planning and preparation are critical to ensuring forests in Texas continue to be productive well into the future.
 
About 95 percent of the forestland in Texas is privately owned, which means the management of the valuable natural forest resources — as well as the benefits they provide — rests in the hands of individual landowners.
 
Texas A&M Forest Service can help forest landowners develop and implement long-term land management plans to ensure their property remains in forests, intact and in the family.
 
Creating a plan for the future of forestland can seem overwhelming, but it can be managed with just a few steps. The process should be ongoing and evolve with the family over time through communication, family engagement and documentation.
 
Step 1: Determine your vision
 
The first step in creating a plan for the legacy of forestland is identifying what you want to preserve.
 
“We love our land. Anybody who’s had it for a long time, they care deeply about it,” said Gretchen Riley, Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Systems Department Head. “We’ve invested blood, sweat, tears and love. We want to make sure what we love and care about it is maintained beyond our lifetimes. I think one of the things we want to think about first is what is it about our place that we love so much. What really is it that we want to last beyond us.”
 
This step includes outlining your goals and things that are non-negotiable, as well as identifying people who might play a role or have an interest in the future of your land.
 
Ensure that your goals are in alignment with those of potential heirs and that they have the desire and means necessary to continue managing the property in a way that’s consistent with your vision. If immediate family members aren’t interested in becoming owners, consider alternatives, such as extended family members, friends and neighbors.
 
There are many options to consider, including putting the property in a trust, conservation easement or life estate.
 
Put the plan in writing to help guide you through the rest of the process.
 
Step 2: Make your wishes known and determine methods for going about it
 
Once the priorities for your land have been determined, it’s time to decide how to go about putting them in place.
 
Informing family members and others with an interest in the land of the vision and putting the plan in writing is important to avoid confusion or assumptions about details or conditions of future land use.
 
“Make it clear, write it out,” Riley said. “You always, always want to get a will in place to identify who you want to own the property.”
 
Determining ownership of property when there is no will in place can be difficult and could result in undesired situations, including the sale of the property.
 
Engaging the next generation in the management of the property can build a strong foundation for the eventual change in ownership.
 
Because the goals may evolve over time, it’s important to maintain the communication and keep related legal documents updated.
 
Step 3: Consult the experts
 
Estate planning is usually not a do-it-yourself venture, with complex legal issues requiring the expertise of a professional. A real estate attorney can help sort through the various options and draft the legal paperwork.
 
“You have to get an attorney involved,” Riley said. “Anyone else offering you advice isn’t qualified to provide it and they can’t set it up for you the way an attorney can to ensure that your wishes are carried out.”
 
A real estate attorney will be well-versed in the various tax, probate and valuation issues surrounding assets of a forestland transfer.
 
Look for an attorney with experience in estate planning who will guide you through the process to ensure your vision for your land is communicated clearly. Interview several candidates for the job, talking to each about your needs. Select the one who is most attentive to your wishes.
 
Consider consulting other professionals, such as an accountant who specializes in estate planning, a forester or natural resource specialist and perhaps even an insurance agent.
 
Step 4: Share your love for the forest
 
Now, much like a homeowner applying a fresh coat of paint before listing a home for sale, it’s time to work on the curb appeal by doing some projects and improving the landscape so that others can see that it’s been properly cared for.
 
“Even if the people in your family feel the same way as you do about the land,” Riley said, “they’ll feel a lot better about it if it’s in good shape.”
 
There is also an opportunity for you to involve the heirs in management decisions and help them hone their skills around the property.
 
Other ways to build the family’s bond with the property include fostering family traditions on your property, sharing stories and exploring the land through activities such as hunting, fishing and hiking.
 
At this point in the process, you should feel confident that you have a plan in place for your legacy of land stewardship to continue beyond your death.
 
Revisit the plan regularly to ensure it continues to reflect your goals and maintain communication with family members to keep everyone updated about changes in circumstances or plans.
 
Planning for the future can be challenging and emotional but doing so can protect the family’s assets while outlining an orderly transfer of ownership. A strong legacy plan also ensures your land is sustained and managed so its natural resources continue to be healthy and productive.
 
The future of forests in Texas rests in the hands of today’s forest landowners. The process takes time and effort, but the outcome can be everlasting.
Upcoming Garden Events
 
If you would like your organization's events included in "Upcoming Garden Events" or would like to make a change to a listed event, please contact us at Garden Events. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details at least three weeks prior to the event.
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has caused the cancellation or rescheduling of many events these past few years. If you wish to attend any of the events listed below, please contact the presenters in advance to determine if the event has been cancelled, postponed, moved online or if it will take place as scheduled.
SEPTEMBER

Houston: The Future of Urban Food Systems Summit by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Friday, Sept., 30, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. University of Houston Downtown, 315 N. Main St., Houston. The 2022 summit will provide a forum to delve into the opportunities and challenges for urban food systems in Harris County. $50 fee. Registration required at: https://fufss2022.eventbrite.com/.

San Antonio: A Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Beekeeping 101 course will be held Sept. 30 in San Antonio, and an online option will be offered in four two-hour programs on Oct. 3, Oct. 5, Oct. 10 and Oct. 12. The Sept. 30 in-person program will be from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension office in Bexar County, Suite 212, 3355 Cherry Ridge Drive. The virtual program will be from 6-8 p.m. on each date. Those not able to attend can watch the online sessions afterward. Participants must preregister at https://tx.ag/Bees. The cost for the in-person course is $65, and for the online series, $45. In-person participants will also have access to the online series. Attendees must sign a medical release waiver to participate in the field day, and a bee suit will be provided. The Sept. 30 course will cover all topics in a one-day format. The four online sessions will be: Honeybee Biology: Learn the lifecycle of the honeybees, lifecycle of the hive, caste system and subspecies of honeybees. By understanding the biology of the insect you are trying to manage, you can better understand what is happening inside the hive. Beekeeping Basics: The basics for beekeeping, including what to purchase, what suit options are best, how to construct a hive, where to place your hive, and considerations for food and nectar. Purchasing and Installing Bees — What to Expect the First Year: Options for purchasing bees and how to install them. What you should be seeing with your bees through the seasons, how to know if they are hungry or stressed and how to remedy that, how to feed bees, and how and when to remove honey. Pest Risks for Honeybees, Honey Extraction and Resources: Honeybees may be plagued by many stresses and pests. This lesson will cover how to manage and identify those pests, including varroa mite management options and monitoring, fire ant control, hive beetles, wax moths and more.

Uvalde and online: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host a Texas Olive Update and Grower’s Seminar on Sept. 30 in Uvalde. This free event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, located at 1619 Garner Field Road. Registration is not required but space is limited, so attendees are encouraged to RSVP as soon as practical at tx.ag/TxOliveUpdate. While this educational event is geared towards commercial production, anyone is welcome to participate. For those who cannot attend in person, an online virtual attendance option will be offered. Those attending virtually must RSVP to receive the online link. For more information on the program and to RSVP for in-person or virtual attendance, contact Janak at stephen.janak@ag.tamu.edu.
OCTOBER

Online: "Proper Pruning in the Landscape," presented by Paul Winski, Texas A&M AgriLife County Extension Agent-Horticulture, 10:00 a.m., October 6. Free virtual lecture. Registration is required at homegrown2022.eventbrite.com.

Tyler: The 2022 Annual From Bulbs to Blooms Sale & Conference will take place October 3-15 at the Pollard United Methodist Church, 3030 New Copeland Road, Tyler. Greg Grant, Smith County Horticulturist from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will be the featured presenter. Visit https://txmg.org/smith/mg-projects/fall-conf-bulb-sale. For more information, call 903-590-2890 or 903-590-2994 or email SmithMGEvents@gmail.com.

Bastrop: The Bastrop County Master Gardeners Fall Plant Sale is Saturday, October 8 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. tax free at Bastrop Area Livestock Show & Fair Association’s Mayfest Park at 25 American Legion Dr., Bastrop. Available will be pollinators, perennials, natives, vegetables, herbs, succulents, house plants and more. For additional information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/578736477211217 or https://txmg.org/bastropcounty/.

Online: Harris County Master Gardners present "Citrus Trees" 10:00-11:30 a.m., October 10. Free virtual lecture through Houston Community College. Registration required at hccs.edu/community-learning-workshops.

Houston and online: Propagating roses is one of the most difficult and rewarding hobbies once you see the newly created rose bush. Roses can be propagated from the planting of cuttings, grafting cuttings onto a new root stock, or using seeds from the rose's hips. Deanna Krause will share with us her proven techniques to propagate as a way to expand and share her garden with others. Deanna and her husband, Earl, have been growing roses for over 40 years and are active rose exhibitors with many first-place trophies. Their garden includes unique rose varieties that are hard to find in other gardens. Ray Ponton, a long-time friend and hybridizer with the Texas Rose Rustlers named one of his seedlings in commerce after Deanna. You can purchase the shrub "Deanna Krause' at the Antique Rose Emporium. All Consulting Rosarians who attend this virtual meeting will receive one hour of continuing education credit. CRs will be required to email Suzanne Gilbert at sgilbert2@icloud.com prior to the meeting with their email address and screen name used on GoTo Meeting and also include the name of their rose society in order to receive credit. The meeting will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd., Houston, or virtually from the comfort of your home using a computer, tablet, or smart phone at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 13. To join online: https://meet.goto.com/957814789. If you are new to GoTo Meeting, get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install.

Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners present Learning at the Library – “Tis the Season for Seasonal Plants,” Saturday, October 15, 10:00 a.m., Clara Mounce Public Library, 201 E. 26th St., Bryan. Brazos County Master Gardener Maureen Reap will talk about how to select plants that will last through the holiday and what to do with them afterwards. This event is open to the public at no charge.

Online: Harris County Master Gardners present "Citrus Trees" 11:00 a.m.-noon, October 18. Free virtual lecture through Harris County Public Library. No reservation needed: facebook.com/harriscountypl/events.
 
Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners present an educational program Tuesday, October 25, 7:00 p.m., Brazos County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Court, Bryan. Brazos County Master Gardeners will host Gretchen Riley, Head of the Forest Systems Department of the Texas A&M Forest Service, who will talk on selecting, planting and caring for trees in our urban Texas gardens, a timely subject after the losses we’ve sustained this summer. This event is open to the public at no charge.
NOVEMBER

Tyler: The award-winning Smith County Master Gardener Association will host the Texas Superstar State Master Gardener Advanced Training November 1-3 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center, 5701 South Broadway Ave., Tyler (903-561-5800).This training was created as an intensive multi-day workshop that helps empower Master Gardeners with knowledge and skills required to effectively support and multiply Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service efforts in Earth-Kind horticultural education within their counties. During the training, certified Texas Master Gardeners will learn about the history of the Texas Superstar plant program as well as the benefits and landscape usages of these specially designated plants. The class winds up with a tour of the Tyler Botanical Garden and an invitation to attend the Smith County Master Gardener Association monthly meeting where Smith County horticulturist Greg Grant will present a lecture on landscaping with native plants. Instructors for this year’s training include Greg Grant, David Rodriguez, Dr. Larry Stein, and special guests Keith Hansen, Erin Smith, and Dr. Andrew King. Rodriguez is the Bexar County Horticulturist, Stein the head of Extension Horticulture at Texas A&M, Hansen the retired Smith County Horticulturist-Emeritus, Smith a research Associate at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton, and King the owner of King’s Nursery in Tenaha. To be eligible for the Texas Superstar Advanced Training, an applicant must possess an up-to-date Master Gardener certification. Master Gardener applications must be approved by their local Master Gardener program coordinator and County Extension Agent. Only two Master Gardeners per county are allowed, unless space is available by noon Monday, October 3. Additional Master Gardeners in each county should sign up on the waiting list. The cost for the training is $225 if registering by October 3. After that, the cost is $250. To register (or for more information) call 903-590-2980 or visit the Smith County Master Gardener website at txmg.org/smith/ and click on coming events. Registration deadline is October 17, and spaces are limited.

Houston: Houstonians will have the opportunity to purchase a large variety of herb plants, culinary blends, teas, crafts and more at the 49th Houston Herb Fair on Saturday, November 5 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Southside Place Clubhouse, 3743 Garnet Street, Houston, near West University. Beyond the herbal marketplace, the Herb Fair boasts an onsite cafe with baked goods. Kids and adults alike are invited to join us for craft activities and educational demonstrations. The Herb Fair is free to attend. More information is available at http://www.herbsociety-stu.org/.
Weekly Meetings

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

If you would like your organization's events included in "Monthly Meetings" or would like to make a change to a listed meeting, please contact us at Monthly Meetings. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details. 
 
FIRST WEEK
 
Jasper: The Jasper County Master Gardeners meet on the first Monday of each month at St. Michael's Catholic Church from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The evening begins with pot luck social and then guest presentations and/or educational class to conclude. Visit https://jasper.agrilife.org/jasper-master-gardeners/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting; Visit  https://mastergardener.tamu.edu/become/ to become a member.
  
Kaufman: The Kaufman County Master Gardeners meet the first Monday of each month at the First Community Church at 1401 Trinity Drive in Crandall. January through April and August and September meetings are at 9 a.m., with the remaining meetings beginning at 7 p.m. For additional information, visit http://www.kcmga.org, call 972-932-9069 or email to sbburden@ag.tamu.edu.

Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners meet at noon the first Tuesday of each month at a location in Houston to be determined. For additional information, visit http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/ or call 713-274-0950.

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

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

Dallas: Garden Masters, Inc., meet the first Wednesday of each month, Sept.- May, at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas, 75230. The club hosts different speakers each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Come early and order lunch from the The Cafe, which features a healthy menu, fresh local produce and sustainably produced meats and fish (or call in advance to order 972-338-2233). For more information about Garden Masters Inc, email Marcia Borders at borderlineart1@gmail.com.
 
Kerrville: Hill Country Master Gardeners meet the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy 27. For more information visit www.hillcountrymastergardeners.org.
 
Midland: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners (Ector/Midland counties) have monthly meetings at noon on the first Wednesday of each month at the West Texas Food Bank, 1601 Westcliff Drive in Midland. For more information call 432-498-4071 or 432-686-4700.

Navasota: The Navasota Garden Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month (September through May) at 10:00 a.m., usually at the First Presbyterian Church Family Life Center, 302 Nolan Street, Navasota. If not meeting at the church, a change of meeting notice will be placed on the door of the Family Life Building. Guests are welcome. Members are from Grimes County and surrounding counties.
  
Allen: The Allen Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, February through December, at the Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St., Allen. For more information, visit www.allengardenclub.org.

Atlanta: The Cass County Master Gardeners meet the first Thursday of each month at the Atlanta Memorial Hospital Conference Room, State Highway 77 @ S. Williams St., Atlanta. A business meeting is followed by an educational program. The public is welcome to attend. For additional information, call 903-756-5391 or visit http://cass.agrilife.org. 

Fort Worth: The Native Plant Society of Texas - North Central Chapter meets the first Thursday of each month, excluding January and July, at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7:00 p.m. Guest speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Members, friends, family, guests and the public are welcome. For a list of speakers and topics or more information, visit http://www.txnativeplants.org.
  
Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners usually meet at 9 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Waller County AgriLife Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. For more information on the meeting schedule, visit http://txmg.org/wallermg or call 979-826-7651.
 
Gonzalas: Gonzales Master Gardeners hold their monthly meeting at noon on the first Thursday of each month at 623 Fair Street, Gonzales. Bring a bag lunch, drinks provided. Contact AgriLife Extension Office at 830-672-8531 or visit http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org for more information.

New Braunfels: The Comal Garden Club meets the first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Southbank Clubhouse, 222 Southbank Blvd., New Braunfels.
 
SECOND WEEK
 
Austin: Austin Organic Gardeners Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month (except December) at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; club business begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by a presentation. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org.

Jacksonville: The Cherokee County Master Gardeners meet on the second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at The First Methodist Church, 1031 TX-456 Loop, Jacksonville. For additional information, contact Kim Benton at kim.benton@ag.tamu.edu.
 
Cedar Park/Leander/Liberty Hill: The Hill Country Bloomers meet the second Tuesday of each month (except December) at 7 p.m. at the Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main Street, Cedar Park. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to socialize and swap plants and seeds. Meetings feature guest speakers on a variety of topics for the home gardener or landscaper. They host a plant sale in the spring and a garden tour in the late summer/early fall. Throughout the year they contribute time and expertise to local projects. Those with any level of experience are welcome. Non-members are invited to their first meeting at no cost. Membership and speaker info is available at www.hillcountrybloomers.com.

Glen Rose: The Glen Rose Garden Club meets at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (September through May) at the Somervell County Community Center in Glen Rose. For additional information, email stringer030@yahoo.com.

Glen Rose: The Prairie Rose Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Somerville County Citizen Center, 209 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose. For additional information, email prairierose.npsot@gmail.com. 
 
Harrison County: The Harrison County Master Gardeners meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the Harrison County Annex building, 102 W Houston St. (south side of the square), Marshall. Meetings are held in the 2nd floor AgriLife Extension meeting room. For more information, call 903-935-8413, or email wannagrow2@gmail.com. 
 
Marion: The Guadalupe Chapter, Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John Lutheran Church: From FM 78 turn south onto FM 465 and the church is just past the Marion School on the right. From IH-10 go north on FM 465 towards Marion. The Church will be on the left, just before you get to town. A plant exchange and meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. Visitors are always welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT contact guadalupecounty@npsot.org. Or visit https://npsot.org/wp/guadalupe/
 
Quitman: The Quitman Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Quitman Library on E Goode Street, Quitman. It is a diverse group that welcomes all visitors. For more information, e-mail quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.
 
Denton: The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit http://dcmga.com/.
 
Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.
 
Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.
 
Longview: The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners. 
 
Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the
second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit www.rockportherbs.org and http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.
 
Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners meet on the second Wednesday each month at noon at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd., Woodway. Educational programs follow the business session. For more information, call 254-757-5180.
 
Beaumont: The Jefferson County Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. (social) 7:00 (meeting) the second Thursday of each month except in July in the AgriLife Extension auditorium, 1225 Pearl 2nd floor (downtown Beaumont next to the Court House). For more information contact: 409-835-8461 or txmg.org/jcmg.
 
Georgetown: The Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street. Georgetown. For additional information, contract Kathy Henderson at kshend@verizon.net or visit http://www.npsot.org/wp/wilco.
 
Orange: The Orange County Master Gardeners Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Thursday of each month. A short program is presented. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the new Orange County Expo Center on Hwy 1442 in Orangefield. Enter the building in the front entrance, first door on the right, Texas AgriLife offices. Pot luck supper at 6 p.m. Visit http://txmg.org/orange for more information.

Pasadena: The Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold an educational program at 10 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month at The Genoa Friendship Garden Educational Building at 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Pasadena. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu.

San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels (corner of Funston & N. New Braunfels). For more information on programs, visit www.sanantonioherbs.org.

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

Smithville: The Smithville Community Gardens meets at 5:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Smithville Recreation Center. 
 
Angleton: The Brazoria County Master Gardeners meet at 11 a.m. on the second Friday of each month at the Brazoria County Extension Office, 21017 County Road 171, Angleton. There is a general business meeting followed by a brief educational program each month. For further information call 979-864-1558, ext.110.
 
College Station: The A&M Garden Club meets on the second Friday of each month during the school year at 9:30 a.m. in the training room of the College Station Waste Water Facility building at the end of North Forest Parkway, College Station. Expert speakers, plant sharing, and federated club projects help members learn about gardening in the Brazos Valley, floral design, conservation, and more. For more information, visit http://www.amgardenclub.com/.
 
Houston: The Spring Branch African Violet Club meets the second Saturday of each month,January through November, at 10:00 a.m. at the Copperfield Baptist Church, 8350 Highway 6 North, Houston. Call Karla at 281-748-8417 prior to attending to confirm meeting date and time.
 
Dallas: The Rainbow Garden Club of North Texas meets the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Meetings are held at member's homes and garden centers around the area. For more information, visit www.RainbowGardenClub.com.
 
THIRD WEEK
 
Arlington: The Arlington Men's Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the third Monday of each month (except December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact Lance Jepson at LJepson@aol.com.
 
Cleburne: The Johnson County Master Gardener's meet on the third Monday of each month at Johnson. County Agricultural Office, 109 W. Chambers, Cleburne. Meeting times are at 2 p.m. October through April, except December and at 6 p.m. May through September. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For additional information, contact Elaine Bell at 817-309-8052.
  
New Braunfels: The Comal Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. the third Monday of each month (except April and December,) at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. An educational program precedes the business meeting. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, call 830-620-3440 or visit comalmg.org. 

Texarkana: The Four Corners Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the Southwest Center, 3222 W. 7th St. (U.S. 67), Texarkana. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Belinda McCoy at 903-424-7724 or blackmtngardens@yahoo.com.

Abilene: The Master Gardeners meet the third Tuesday of each month at the Taylor County Extension Office, 1982 Lytle Way, Abilene. For more information, contact Big Country Master Gardeners Association at mgardeners@yahoo.com.

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

Corpus Christi: The Nueces Master Gardeners meet at noon the third Tuesday of each month, except December, at Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For further information call 361 767-5217.
 
New Braunfels: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the third Tuesday of each month at  6:30 pm at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. Meetings include an informative speaker and a Plant of the Month presentation. Meetings are free and visitors are welcome. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/w/lindheimer.  Note: there will be no meeting in June or December.
 
Rockport: Monthly meetings of the Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners are held at 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Aransas County Office, 892 Airport Rd., Rockport. For additional information, e-mail aransas-tx@tamu.edu or call 361-790-0103.
 
Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, September through November and January through April at 10 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. The club hosts a different speaker each month. For more information, visit www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.
 
Denton: The Denton Organic Society, a group devoted to sharing information and educating the public regarding organic principles, meets the third Wednesday of each month (except July, August and December) at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Avenue. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are preceded by a social at 6:30. For more information, call 940-382-8551.
 
Glen Rose: The Somervell County Master Gardeners meet at 10 a.m., the third Wednesday of each month at the Somervell County AgriLife Extension office, 1405 Texas Drive, Glen Rose. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 254-897-2809 or visit www.somervellmastergardeners.org.
 
Granbury: The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners meet at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Hood County Annex 1, 1410 West Pearl Street, Granbury. The public is invited to attend. There is an educational program each month preceding the business meeting. For information on topics call 817-579-3280 or visit http://www.hoodcountymastergardeners.org/.

Brownwood: Brownwood Garden Club meets the third Thursday of each month, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. The club meetings are at Southside Baptist Church, 1219 Indian Creek Road, with refreshments and a speaker presentation. Visitors are welcome. For more information, email boeblingen@centex.net or call 817-454-8175.
 
Hallettsville: The Hallettsville Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month from September through May, at the Hallettsville Garden and Cultural Center, 107 Fink Street, Hallettsville. Each month, the club hosts speakers that provide informative programs on a wide range of gardening subjects, and refreshments are provided by member hostesses afterwards. Visitors are welcome! Please email Sharon Harrigan at sharonspetals@gmail.com for more information.
 
Houston: The Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston Chapter meets at 6:45 pm on the third Thursday of each month at the American Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Fwy. For more information about meeting presentations and native plants, visit http://npsot.org/houston. 

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

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 Westside Community Center, 2932 S. I-35 Frontage Road, New Braunfels. Meetings start at 6:15 p.m. with a meet and greet time, followed by a short business meeting. Programs begin around 7:00. Native plant and seed exchanges are held monthly. Expert speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information or to join, visit www.npsot.org.
 
Brackenridge Park: The Native Plant Society San Antonio Chapter meets every fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Lions Field Adult and Senior Center, 2809 Broadway at E. Mulberry, Brackenridge Park, except August and December. Social and seed/plant exchange at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Bea at 210-999-7292 or visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio.
 
Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners, a program of Texas AgriLife Extension, meet the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Brazos County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Ct., Bryan. There is a public gardening program at each meeting and pertinent information may be found at brazosmg.com or 979-823-0129.
 
Edna: The Jackson County Master Gardeners present their "Come Grown With Us" seminars on the fourth Tuesday of each month, January through October, beginning at 7 p.m. at 411 N. Wells, Edna. The seminars are free, open to the public and offer 2 CEU hours to Master Gardeners or others requiring them. For additional information, contact the Jackson County Extension Office at 361-782-3312.
 
Linden: The Caddo Wildflower Chapter of Native Plants Society meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the senior citizens building at 507 S Kaufman St. in Linden at 6:30. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Karen Tromza at khtromza@yahoo.com.
 
San Antonio: The Native Plant Society of Texas San Antonio Chapter meets the fourth Tuesday of each month, except August and December, at the Lions Field Adult & Senior Center, 2809 Broadway, San Antonio. Social and plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio or email npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com.
 
Houston: The Houston Native Prairie Association meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except November and December) at the Houston Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Freeway, Houston. Refreshments served at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact hnpat@prairies.org.

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

Leander: The Leander Garden Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month (except June, July and August) at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Room of the Leander Presbyterian Church, 101 N. West St., Leander, unless there is a special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, there is a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call President Kathleen Tully at 512-422-8580 or email LeanderGardenClub@gmail.com.
 
Dallas: The Dallas County Master Gardeners meet the fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. For location and program information, visit http://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.

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

Arlington: The Arlington Organic Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month (except November and December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact David at 817-483-7746.

Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts a garden Open Days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. Drop-in tours are permitted but pre-registration is encouraged. Docent led tours are $10 for guests, free for members. For more information, http://peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
 
Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month (except November and December) at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Road, Dallas. For more information, visit www.gdogc.org. 
Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2022. All rights reserved. You may forward this publication to your friends and colleagues if it is sent in its entirety. No individual part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. 

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