By Valerie Smith
Sod Solutions Content Strategist
As the temperatures begin to rise and plants emerge from dormancy, it’s an excellent time for homeowners to plan for spring garden care. Whether it be vegetable/herb gardens, flower beds, trees or shrubs, spring gardens need extra care to help them transition from the harsh conditions of winter to the warmer temperatures of spring.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through spring garden care tips to help you prepare your spring gardening checklist. Let’s get started!
Inspect and Repair Your Spring Garden
Winter is a great time to dust off your spring tools and arrange for any cleaning or repairs needed. It’s also the time to take stock of what might be missing from your shed that you’ll need come springtime.
Think about items like your mower, garden spreader, blower, rakes, shovels, etc. There is nothing more frustrating than going to do yard work on a beautiful spring day only to realize that the tools and equipment you need either aren’t there or don’t work.
Clean Up Beds
Inspection is the first step to preparing your garden for new growth. Many plants may suffer from the cold, ice and snow, thus experiencing damage. Remove any debris in your garden beds, including annual plants from last year. Watch for signs of pests that may have taken shelter in your garden during the winter months.
Hardscaping items such as retaining walls, trellises and fences may also need repairing. It’s best to fix landscape materials before planting your spring garden to avoid damaging the plants.
You can also use this time to redesign your garden beds and construct new hardscaping. Consider spring garden ideas such as steppingstones, water gardens, bird baths and larger herb/vegetable garden beds.
Prune Trees and Perennials
If you haven’t already pruned your plants last fall, spring is the perfect time to complete pruning before new buds appear. Annual pruning helps promote healthy growth and avoid pest infestation. Plants that should be pruned include trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennials.
Be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches, suckers and branches that cross. Trim ornamental grasses and perennials to remove dead leaves and make room for new growth. Find a few other helpful spring tools here.
Perform a Spring Garden Soil Test
Testing your soil is essential for ensuring proper growth throughout the year. It’s recommended to perform a soil test every three to five years to identify your soil’s pH and nutrient status. Depending on the test result, you may need to amend the soil by fertilizing or avoiding certain fertilizers. To perform a soil test, visit your state’s Extension Service website or use a testing kit from your local gardening center.
Feed and Mulch Garden Beds
After you’ve removed weeds and debris in your garden, the next step is applying organic matter. Begin by loosening the soil and applying a thin layer of compost.
If your soil’s pH and nutrient levels are off, you may need to add amendments to correct the soil. Once you plant your garden, add a layer of mulch in mid-to-late spring to encourage moisture retention.
The Lawnifi Spring Fertilizer Box is an excellent source of spring nutrition. Each bottle of liquid fertilizer contains nutrients to help your lawn and garden transition from winter to warmer temperatures.
Divide Perennials
If your perennials have outgrown their space, spring is the ideal time to divide and transplant them. Keep in mind that to avoid disrupting their bloom cycle, fall-blooming perennials should be divided in the spring, and spring-blooming perennials should be divided in the fall.
Apply Weed and Pest Control
Pre-emergent herbicides are best applied in the early spring to avoid unwanted weed growth. Pesticides and insecticides should also be used to prevent damage from pests. Always follow the directions on the product label and wear proper safety gear.
Enjoy Planting!
Once you’ve completed these garden tips for spring, the final step is enjoying the planting process. Begin planting once there is no chance of frost or cold weather in the forecast. Transplant existing plants such as perennials, trees and shrubs, or sow new seeds directly into the soil. Enjoy exploring new spring garden ideas to improve and create a pleasant gardening space for this growing season.
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Terra cotta microwave flower presses provide the opportunity to harvest, press, dry and create in the same day. (Photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply Company/gardeners.com) |
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Preserve the beauty, fragrance, and flavor of your garden |
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By Melinda Myers
Enjoy your garden throughout the growing season and beyond. Preserve its beauty, fragrance, and flavor in artwork, crafts, and food.
Cell phones with cameras make it easy to capture the seasonal changes in our gardens and environment. Use a favorite photo as the wallpaper on your computer or phone. Turn them into greeting cards to send or pictures to hang on walls, lifting your spirits on gray winter or rainy days.
Break out the colored pencils, markers, or paints and capture the beauty of individual flowers or gardens. Creating art, like gardening, can help elevate your mood, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem.
Start a garden journal, if you haven’t done so already. It’s a great way to capture successes and even failures to help plan next year’s garden or changes to the landscape. Create your own journal on the computer or in a spiral notebook. A waterproof and smudge-proof option like the Rite in the Rain Waterproof Garden Journal can go with you into the garden.
Preserve some of your favorite flowers and memories with a flower press you make or buy, like an heirloom flower press (gardeners.com).
Just place freshly picked leaves and flowers between pieces of paper in the flower press. Use flowers at their peak of beauty for the best results. Arrange the leaves and petals as desired before pressing, since they dry the way you place them. Once your flowers are placed in between the paper, close the press and secure the layers. Your dried flowers will be ready in a few weeks.
Speed up the process with the help of your microwave. The Terra Cotta Microwave Flower Press allows you to harvest, press, dry and create all in the same day. Place the flowers and leaves between the wool felt dividers and secure them inside the terra cotta top and bottom. The wool pads and terra cotta absorb the moisture as the microwave heats for quick drying.
Capture the color, fragrance and relaxing benefits of lavender by filling small sachet bags with flower buds to place in a desk, nightstand, or drawer. Take this one step further and create lavender wands from 10 to 30 flowering stems and a bit of ribbon. These attractive wands capture the lavender fragrance and make great gifts.
Pickle cucumbers or other vegetables to enjoy throughout the garden season and beyond. You’ll find an assortment of pickling crocks on the market but consider elevating your pickles to gourmet status by fermenting them in The Amazing Pickle Barrel made of lightly toasted white oak. You and your guests will enjoy the subtle and unique flavor the oak barrel adds.
Keep the flavor of your garden alive all year long. Pick and dry herbs for winter meals and holiday gifts. Gather the herbs into small bundles and secure them with a rubber band. As the stems shrink so does the rubber band. Use a spring-type clothespin to hang the bundles from a clothesline in a dry, airy place that is out of direct sunlight for drying. Save space and dress up the display with an herb drying rack that holds six bunches of flowers, hot peppers, or garlic.
Keep carrots, beets, and turnips fresh and crisp for months after harvest with proper storage. Most gardeners don’t have a root cellar or sufficient room in the refrigerator. Consider packing them in layers of damp sand or sawdust placed in a root storage bin. Set the bin in a cool dark place and retrieve the vegetables as needed.
Try these and other creative ways to extend your garden enjoyment beyond the end of the growing season.
Your garden will greatly benefit from these changes to your summer garden care.
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Upcoming Garden Events
If you would like your organization's events included in "Upcoming Garden Events" or would like to make a change to a listed event, please contact us at Garden Events. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details at least three weeks prior to the event.
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The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has caused the cancellation 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. |
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APRIL
Austin: Austin Herb Society Plant Sale & Garden Expo April 8, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin. Shop for organic herbs, vegetables and native plants at great prices! Browse our vendors for herbal tinctures, teas, lotions, aromatherapy products, bamboo crafts, jewelry, plant markers and much more. Attend educational workshops on: "The Benefits of Using Ginger," "Herbal Skincare" & "Best Herbs to Grow for Making Tea." Chat with our knowledgeable members about growing and using herbs while you shop. Join a guided tour of Zilker Herb Garden to see how your plants will grow up! Entertain the kids with hands-on crafts. 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, rare herbs from our herb garden at Zilker or members gardens. No sales tax on plant purchases, this is AHS Tax Free Sales Day. 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. More details at https://zilkergarden.org/hours-admissions/. Full schedule and details at https://www.austinherbsociety.org/plantsale.
Online: John Bagnasco will lead Lost, Found & Still Around…The Proposition of Saving Rose Varieties in the 21st Century at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 13. He has been a part the gardening industry for over 54 years, starting with a degree in Horticultural Marketing from Michigan State University. In 2000, John became senior editor for Garden Compass Magazine and a garden show radio host. He is currently the president of Garden America, a nationally syndicated radio show. John is also an amateur rose breeder and is responsible for introducing over a dozen new roses. He has taught horticulture classes at Palomar College and San Diego State University. He is the host of the DVD “The Essential Guide to Roses.” John has written two books on succulents: Planting Designs for Cactus and Succulents and Success with Succulents. He is the current President of the California Coastal Rose Society (CCRS) and Chairman of the Save the Roses! foundation. Last year was the twenty-second year for the Annual “Save the Roses!” Auction. The organization is now working with concerned rosarians and public gardens to preserve the genetic of rare and unusual rose varieties through an effort to return them to home gardens. Join virtually from the comfort of home or office using a computer, tablet or smartphone device on the GoTo Meeting website at https://meet.goto.com/253028565. If you have not used GoTo Meeting previously, get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts at https://meet.goto.com/install.
Clear Lake: Clear Lake Native Plant Society Spring Sale: April 15, 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Located at UHCL, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Clear Lake. For more information, contact Cheryl Barajas at cherylbarajas9@gmail.com.
Gonzales: The Gonzales Master Gardeners will hold their annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, April 15, on Independence Square in downtown Gonzales from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. They will be offering many perennial/adaptive native plants, annuals, herbs, hanging baskets, houseplants and succulents. There will also be a few varieties of citrus and fruit trees along with blackberries and blueberries. There will be a great Silent Auction, children’s activities and “Ask the Master Gardener” booth. They will be accepting cash/checks/credit/debit cards this year. Come on out for a great time (rain or shine). For more information, call 830-672-8531.
La Marque: “Peppers” with Galveston County Master Gardener Gene Speller, Saturday, April 15, 9-11:00 am. Location: Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office located inside Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. For additional information: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/ or call 281-309-5065.
La Marque: “Grafting Pecans” with Horticulture Agent Stephen Brueggerhoff, Saturday, April 15, 1-3 pm. Class limited to 15. Location: Discovery Garden inside Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. To register, and for additional information: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/ or call 281-309-5065.
McKinney: The 2023 CCMGA Spring Plant Sale will be presented by The Collin County Master Gardeners Association on Saturday, April 15, 9A a.m.-1:30 p.m. or until sold out. Proceeds from the sale benefit community outreach programs, horticultural education programs, workshops, and water conservation education throughout Collin County. CCMGA has carefully sourced a collection of locally grown drought tolerant plants that are well suited to our climate and will perform well in North Texas gardens. Attendees will find dozens of varieties of perennials, shrubs, ferns, grasses, groundcovers, succulents, vines, daylilies and annuals, as well as native milkweed that attracts Monarch butterflies, which are not typically found at big box stores. Collin County Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and offer free advice to help homeowners plant with success. Come early for best selection! There is no sales tax, and purchases can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Bringing your own cart or wagon is recommended. Parking is free. The 2023 CCMGA Spring Plant Sale will be held rain or shine inside the Show Barn at Myers Park, 7117 County Road 166, McKinney. To learn more, visit www.ccmgatx.org.
Rosenberg: Sat., April 15: Grow Your Own Series: Warm-Season Vegetables & Herbs with Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, 9-10:30 a.m. For additional details, visit https://fortbend.agrilife.org/grow-your-own/ or 281-342-3034.
Online: "Flowering Plants for 4 Seasons" will be presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, April 21. This virtual presentation is free, but registration is required Landscape Success - Fort Bend (agrilife.org).
Houston: The Herb Society of America, South Texas Unit is hosting its 37th Annual Herb Day, Living our Herbal Legacy - Inspiring Today's Cooks, Gardeners, and Herbalists on Saturday, April 22, from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in Houston’s Museum District. This year’s talks include “Heirloom Gardening with Traditional Herbs and Skills” by national award-winning horticulturist and author John Forti (via zoom); “An Introduction to Fermentation” by Scotty Sheridan of Scotty’s Fermented Foods; and “Heirloom Seeds — Their Place in Our Lives” by Charley Fisher. Join us for fun educational demonstrations with compost tea, fermentation, heirloom seeds, and vermiculture. Creative handmade crafts and limited seasonal herb plants are available for purchase. Visit http://www.herbsociety-stu.org/herb-day.html for more information and registration.
La Marque: “Open Garden Day: Garden with the Master Gardeners, Plus Louisiana Iris” The Galveston County Master Gardeners’ Discovery Garden will be open to the public on Saturday, April 22, 11 am-1 pm. Location: Discovery Garden inside Carbide Park, 4102 Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. For additional information: https://galveston.agrilife.org/horticulture/ or call 281-309-5065.
Flower Mound: Texas Native Plant Sale, sponsored by the Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, will be held Saturday, April 29, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. or sellout! There will be more than 1,200 plants and 170+ species, and knowledgeable volunteers to help with your selection. The sale will be at Flower Mound High School, 3411 Peters Colony Road, Flower Mound, on the back parking lot at the corner of Old Settlers Road and Sagebrush Drive. Bring a flat or box to make taking home all your treasures easier.
Weatherford: The Cross Timbers Native Plant Society will have their Native Plant Spring Sale on April 29, at the First Monday Trade Days monthly sale event in Weatherford. The sale is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Heritage Park, 315 Santa Fe Dr., Weatherford. They will have a large booth and will many wonderful native plants, including some hard-to-find native and lots of literature about the Native Plant Society of Texas and growing natives.
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JUNE
Online: "Weed & Nutrient Management" will be presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, June 16. This virtual presentation is free, but registration is required Landscape Success - Fort Bend (agrilife.org).
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AUGUST
Online: "Trees for Small Landscapes" will be presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, August 18. This virtual presentation is free, but registration is required Landscape Success - Fort Bend (agrilife.org).
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SEPTEMBER
Rosenberg: Sat., September 9: Grow Your Own Series: Composting with Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, 9-10:30 a.m. For additional details, visit Grow Your Own - Fort Bend (agrilife.org) or 281-342-3034.
Online: "Fall is for Planting" will be presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, September 15. This virtual presentation is free, but registration is required Landscape Success - Fort Bend (agrilife.org).
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NOVEMBER
Online: "Winter Protection" will be presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, November 17. This virtual presentation is free, but registration is required Landscape Success - Fort Bend (agrilife.org).
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Weekly Meetings
Galveston: The Young Gardeners Program is a school garden and healthy eating program operating on Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. Every Saturday, 9-11 a.m., they host a garden Community Day at one of the schools. It's an opportunity for community members to work and play in the garden and it's kid-friendly. First Saturday - Crenshaw, 416 State Hwy 87, Crystal Beach; Second Saturday - Rosenberg Elementary, 721 10th St., Galveston; Third Saturday - Morgan Elementary, 1410 37th St., Galveston; Fourth Saturday - Oppe Elementary, 2915 81st St., Galveston.
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Monthly Meetings
If you would like your organization's events included in "Monthly Meetings" or would like to make a change to a listed meeting, please contact us at Monthly Meetings. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details.
FIRST WEEK
Jasper: The Jasper County Master Gardeners meet on the first Monday of each month at St. Michael's Catholic Church from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The evening begins with pot luck social and then guest presentations and/or educational class to conclude. Visit https://jasper.agrilife.org/jasper-master-gardeners/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting; Visit https://mastergardener.tamu.edu/become/ to become a member.
Kaufman: The Kaufman County Master Gardener Association meets the first Monday of each month (second Monday if the first is a holiday) the First Community Church at 1402 Trinity Drive in Crandall. 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2023. 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.
Texas Gardener's Seeds, P.O. Box 1676, Brenham, Texas 77834-1676
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