April 16, 2014

5 reasons to consider aquaponics gardening this Earth Day

April 22 is Earth Day, a time that people around the world officially celebrate the planet we all call home. It's also the anniversary of the birth of what is believed to be the modern-day environmental movement, with the first Earth Day taking place in 1970. Each year the celebration serves as a reminder of how we could do better to help care for, preserve, and protect our planet. The good news is that even making small changes can add up to big results.

"Many of us live our lives trying to lighten our footprint all year, but Earth Day gives us a yearly reminder to look at trying to do something even better," explains Sylvia Bernstein, president of The Aquaponics Source, and author of the book Aquaponics Gardening: A Step-By-Step Guide to Raising Vegetables and Fish Together (New Society Publishers, October 2011). "If even a small percentage of us started aquaponic gardens it could really add up and lead to a lot of positive results for the planet as a whole."

There are many things that starting an aquaponic garden can do to help the environment. Here are five things to consider this Earth Day regarding aquaponic food production:

Necessarily organic produce. If you use pesticides or herbicides you will harm your fish and bacteria. If you use hormones or fish medicines you could harm your plants. An aquaponic system necessarily produces food that is free of chemicals. It can't work any other way.

Grow using 1/10 the water of dirt gardening. Because the water in an aquaponic system is recirculating rather than seeping into the groundwater, aquaponics uses far less water than traditional soil-based gardening. It is also far more water thrifty than hydroponics because the nutrient solution is never dumped and replaced.

Turning a waste disposal problem into a valuable input. Aquaculture treats the waste the fish produce as a harmful bi-product to be disposed of. Aquaponics turns that around and treats the waste as a valuable input into the plant growing part of the system. In nature there is no waste.

Growing plants hydroponically without hydroponic chemical fertilizers. Aquaponics offers the benefits of hydroponics - fast, closely spaced growth in a dirt-free, weed-free environment - without the need for discharging chemically saturated nutrient solution on a regular basis.

Growing your own food. The average distance most produce in the U.S. travels is 1,800 miles. When your food comes out of your backyard no fossil fuel is used to transport it.

"There are so many great ways to make a difference," added Bernstein. "Learning about aquaponics, and starting your own aquaponic garden, will help reduce your carbon footprint, help the planet, and keep you feeling great for being a part of the solution."

America in Bloom announces new leadership

America in Bloom

Dr. Charlie Hall, Professor at Texas A & M University, is the new America in Bloom (AIB) President. The new Vice President is Katy Moss Warner. Each will serve a two-year term.

Hall, a native of North Carolina, has served on the AIB board since 2010 and as co-chair of the fundraising committee and as vice president. He received his B.S. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Tennessee, and a Master's Degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design from the University of Tennessee. He obtained his Ph.D. from Mississippi State University in 1988 and began his academic career at Texas A&M University in 1988, where he spent 13 years on the faculty before joining the faculty at the University of Tennessee in 2002. In August 2007, Dr. Hall returned to Texas A&M University as Professor and Ellison Chair in International Floriculture.

Dr. Hall's expertise in the production and marketing of green industry crops is nationally recognized in academia and the horticultural industry. His major research, teaching, and extension areas of specialization include strategic management, market situation/outlook, cost accounting, and financial analysis. He is an invited speaker at numerous regional, national, and international meetings of various industry-related associations and organizations. A number of his webinars are available on the AIB website at www.AmericaInBloom.org.

"It is a great pleasure to continue being a part of the great momentum that America in Bloom is experiencing! Communities all across the country are embracing the ideals of AIB and are finding a great number of benefits from doing so. Not only do those communities have the opportunity to enjoy the aesthetic benefits of their efforts, but they are finding many economic, environmental, and health/well-being benefits as well. To me, that is the exciting part of America in Bloom - how quality of life is enhanced by the program." said Dr. Hall.

Katy Moss Warner has served on the AIB board since 2005 and has chaired the symposium committee for the past three years. She is President Emeritus of the American Horticultural Society (AHS), a national, non-profit, member-based organization with the vision of "making America a nation of gardeners, a land of gardens." Katy was Director of Disney's Horticulture and Environmental Initiatives at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for 24 years. From 1976 to 2000, she provided the leadership necessary to ensure that Disney's horticultural traditions of beautiful gardens and themed landscapes were sustained. She is a Longwood Fellow with Longwood Gardens and the University of Delaware as well as a Loeb Fellow with the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Katy judges for America in Bloom and international competitions.

Katy commented, "America in Bloom is growing. Our flagship programs have better participation than ever and we are launching some exciting new programs that will offer towns and cities across America even more opportunity to enhance their communities and plant pride. I am honored to take on a leadership role in AIB at this time."

Dr. Marvin Miller, who has served as president since 2005, assumes the role of past president and continues to be actively involved on the board with projects he has initiated in the past. With secretary/treasurer Michael Geary, he will continue to provide leadership to AIB on the executive committee.

Miller stated, "I am excited to welcome Charlie and Katy to new leadership positions. As I replace Ron Pierre as America in Bloom's past president, I thank Ron for his many years of service. Ron was one of AIB's founding board members, and his dedication over the last 14 years of our organization's history serves as an inspiration for us all.

"We also recognize the contributions of both Doug Cole and Skip Blackmore, two other retiring board members. Though their tenure was not as long as Ron's, they, each in their own ways, have been just as dedicated to the organization. I am glad to be able to call all three of these gentlemen friends and am sure they will continue to contribute to America in Bloom in the years ahead."

Two new members are joining the board, Lela Kelly and Kurt Becker. Kelly is Vice President of Dosatron International, the world's largest provider of non-electric, water-powered proportional chemical dispensers and dilution equipment. Becker is Executive Vice-President of the Dramm Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of horticulture products for consumers and professional horticulturists.

The compost heap
Nandina has invaded the newsletter

"I'll toss another comment into the hat," writes Greg Grant in response to Bob Hatton's letter in the previous issue of Seeds. "It's very important to realize there are many different degrees of naturalizing or 'invasiveness' when it comes to exotic plants. There are many shades of gray. Nandina has been around the US for essentially the same amount of time that Japanese honeysuckle, Chinese privet, and Chinese tallow have but hasn't even remotely come close to the effect that those (and others) have on local ecosystems. Unfortunately much moredevastating species like common bermudagrass, annual ryegrass, and crimson clover are sold and planted by the thousands of tons each year and have altered our beloved Texas wildflowers forever. Of course all this discourse comes from the most invasive species of all!"

You make a good point. I have been noticing how the wild mustard is taking over much of the area where bluebonnets typically grow. In my mind, it is similar to the wild hogs that have invaded our state. Mustard can't be controlled without wiping out the bluebonnets and other native wildflowers. It is a tenacious grower and very successful re-seeder. The drought has contributed its spread as it hitchhikes in round bales of hay traveling up and down our highway, spilling its seed along the roadsides. Even if you do manage to kill individual plants, there are millions of the tiny seed scattered everywhere just waiting for the next rain shower to sprout and continue the invasion. - Chris S. Corby, publisher

Gardening tips

Now is a good time to protect trees (particularly young ones) from string trimmer damage. There are two ways to do this. The easiest and most effective way is to spray a mixture of a glyphoshate product like Roundup around the base of each tree. This will kill the grass and eliminate the need to weed eat around the base of the tree. Weed eating around the base of a tree can damage the bark, invite decay and even kill the tree. As with any pesticide, be sure to follow all label directions. We think that glyphoshate is a relatively safe herbicide that has many benefits. But for those who are looking for an organic solution, we recommend removing the grass around the base of each tree by hand and then applying layer of mulch. This organic method works just as well as the glyphoshate, but requires more labor.

Have a favorite gardening tip you'd like to share? Texas Gardener's Seeds is seeking brief gardening tips from Texas gardeners to use in future issues. If we publish your tip in Seeds, we will send you a free Texas Gardener 2014 Planning Guide & Calendar. Please send your tips of 50 words or less to the editor at: Gardening Tips.

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.

APRIL

Bandera: An "Earth-Kind Water Conservation and Plant Selection" program will be presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service from 6:30-8 p.m. April 17 at the Mansfield Park Recreation Center, 2886 Highway 16 North, Bandera. The program will be presented by Dr. Larry Stein, AgriLife Extension horticulturist from Uvalde. Stein will discuss design and plant selection using Texas Superstar varieties, as well as irrigation, mulching and fertilization considerations. One-half a Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education unit in the category of integrated pest management is available to attendees completing the program. Registration is $10 per person, and includes program materials and refreshments. To register, contact the AgriLife Extension office in Bandera County at 830-796-7755 by April 11. For more information about this and other upcoming educational programs in Bandera County, visit http://bandera.agrilife.org.

Seguin: The Guadalupe Master Gardeners will meet on Thursday, April 17 at the Justice Center, 211 Court Street, Seguin. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. with the speaker Ray Elizondo talking about "Daylilies." The business meeting will be at the end of the program. For further information visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org or call 830-303-3889.

Georgetown: Whether you have one pecan tree in the backyard or 1,000 trees, you will benefit from the Central Texas Pecan Field Day to be held April 19 at Georgetown Pecan Co., 1300 County Road 150, Georgetown. The day-long program begins with registration at 8 a.m. and includes speakers, lunch, a grafting workshop and vendor displays. The fee is $20 per person and the deadline to preregister is 5 p.m. April 16. Preregistration is required to ensure each participant a lunch. The registration fee is to be paid at the AgriLife Extension office for Williamson County. 3151 S.E. Inner Loop, Suite A, Georgetown. Field day speakers and topics include: Bill Ree, statewide pecan integrated pest management specialist, Bryan. Managing pests in an economically effective and less environmentally disruptive manner. Monte Nesbitt, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service pecan/fruit/citrus specialist, College Station. Orchard management issues including varieties, water quality, irrigation and fertilization. Dr. Marco Palma, AgriLife Extension economist, College Station. Horticultural marketing and program development for industry audiences. After lunch, attendees will tour a pecan orchard. The final field day activity will be a grafting workshop presented by a local pecan grower. Two Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be available for licensed pesticide applicators - one integrated pest management and one general. For more information contact Fred Hall, AgriLife Extension agent for Williamson County at the AgriLife Extension office at 512-943-3300 or [email protected].

San Antonio: Gardening Volunteers of South Texas "Essentials of Gardening" class. Monday, April 21, noon to 3 p.m. at San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 North New Braufels Ave., San Antonio. Members of San Antonio Daylily Society will present a two hour discussion on growing daylilies and using them in the landscape. Free and open to the public. $5 donation requested. No advance reservation necessary. More information: www.GardeningVolunteers.org or [email protected].

Bryan: Tim Hartmann, Texas AgriLife Extension Specialist, presents "Just what is Earth-Kind?" at the Brazos County Master Gardeners monthly program, 7 p.m.-8 p.m., April 22, at The Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan, Room 102. What exactly is Earth-Kind and the benefits of using its principles in the landscape? Success with less struggle-combining the best of organic and traditional gardening methods, Earth-Kind will help you achieve your gardening goals while conserving and protecting our natural resources. For more information, visit brazosmg.com or call 979-823-0129.

Georgetown: The Georgetown Garden Club is sponsoring the Arbor Day and Flower Show, Wednesday, April 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the San Gabriel Park Community Center, 445 East Morrow, Georgetown. Free admission, with a catered lunch available from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. for $9/plate. For additional information, visit www.georgetowngardenclub.org of call 512-746-2076 or 512-876-207.

Dallas: The annual Butterfly Plant Sale at Texas Discovery Gardens is a three day event. Members are invited to enjoy a pre-sale at 10% off on Friday, April 25, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The sale opens to the public April 26 and 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy native and adapted plants that are rare to find in local nurseries! It's at Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park - 3601 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Dallas. Find a plant list at http://texasdiscoverygardens.org/plant_sale.php.

Denton: The Denton County Master Gardener Association will hold its annual spring plant sale on the grounds of the Trinity United Methodist Church, 6333 Hobson Lane, Denton, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. This year's inventory includes a wide selection of hard-to-find shrubs, ground covers and bedding plants, plus an expanded selection of herbs, native Texas plants, tough-as-nails perennials and no-fuss roses. Shoppers may choose from many special container plants and pass-along plants from the homes of local Master Gardeners. The Master Gardeners' Garden Shoppe will feature pots, garden art, decorative and handy tools. Experienced Master Gardeners will be on hand to offer landscaping advice, discuss plant care and answer questions about garden challenges. For additional information, call 940-349-2883.

Grapevine: The Grapevine Garden Club's Survive and Thrive Plant Sale is on Saturday, April 26, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.at the Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park, 411 Ball St., Grapevine. Consultants will be available to assist in plant selection and answer questions. Browse drought resistant and butterfly host and nectar plants as well as many heirloom perennials from members' gardens. Free seminars on butterfly gardening and growing perennials. Proceeds benefit the club's scholarship and civic projects.Fore more information, call 817-410-3350 or visit www.grapevinegardenclub.org.

Rosenberg: Fort Bend Master Gardener Deborah Birge will present a "Backyard Basics" talk on Fruit Production on Saturday morning, April 26, at the Fort Bend County Extension Office, 1402 Band Road, Rosenberg. Ms. Birge, who earned the designation of Citrus Specialist in 2011 and National Plant Diagnostic Network First Detector in 2013, will discuss elements of fruit tree maintenance ranging from planting bare root trees to pruning, pest control, harvesting, improving production, and varieties that are best suited for Fort Bend County. Her talk, from 8:30 - 11 a.m., is presented by the Fort Bend Master Gardeners and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Fort Bend County. Registration for each class is $15 for individuals, $25 for couples. Kids under 10 accompanied by parents are free. For more information or to register, contact Brandy Rader at [email protected] or 281-342-3034. Or visit www.fortbend.agrilife.org or www.fbmg.com.

Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardner Association will hold its 2014 home garden tour Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, April 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. This year the event will feature seven homes. Each of the homes is in Victoria at the following addresses: 403 Woodlands Lane, 6010 Country Club Dr., 6043 Country Club Dr., 604 N. Craig St., 6041 Country Club Dr., 408 Edgewater, and 303 Charleston. Tickets may be purchased at each location. Admission is $15 and includes entrance of all of the gardens.

La Marque: "The Joy of Daylilies" with Nell Shimek, 6:30-8 p.m., April 29, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Ph 281-534-3413; email reservation to [email protected], further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

Kerrville: Susan Sander, Susan Tracy and July Clay will teach "Native Grasses in the Landscape," 9 a.m.-1 p.m., April 30, at Riverside Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos St., Kerrville. Grasses are much more than just lawn cover. Provide your own lunch. $30 for RNC member/$35 non-member. For additional information, visit www.riversidenaturecenter.org or email [email protected].

MAY

Austin: "Drip Irrigation Systems" will be presented Thursday, May 1, 10 a.m. - noon, at the Travis County East Service Center, 6011 Blue Bluff, Austin. As the heat of summer arrives, your garden will need more water to continue to produce those beautiful flowers and delicious homegrown veggies we all appreciate. Reduce the amount of wasted water in your garden this year with irrigation targeted for your plants' specific needs. Learn how to install an effective water-wise drip irrigation system from Joe Posern, current president of the Travis County Master Gardeners Association. Joe will describe the key factors involved in a system and how to gauge and monitor its efficiency. Register at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty or by phone 979-845-2604. $10 fee, $15 at site. When you register, you'll automatically be entered in a drawing for a gift certificate to The Great Outdoors on South Congress. Class is limited to 40 people.

Austin: The Inside Austin Gardens tour features six gardens of exemplary quality and design. The tour is presented by Travis County Master Gardeners Association in cooperation with the Travis County AgriLife Extension Service on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tour includes gardens to explore, continuous one-on-one educational offerings, kids' activities, and book sales. Complete tour information can be found at www.InsideAustinGardens.org. Purchase tickets online or at each garden on tour day. Cash, CC accepted at gardens. Further information including addresses, educational topics, maps, kid's activities and ticket prices can be found at www.InsideAustinGardens.org.

Kerrville: RNC Naturalist Susan Sander will lead "Wicked Family Fun with Bugs," 9 a.m.-10 a.m., May 3, at Riverside Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos St., Kerrville. Learn what "bugs" plants by looking for evidence of insects. $10 suggested donation per family ot $5 individual. For additional information, visit www.riversidenaturecenter.org or email [email protected].

Austin: Children and families will bloom outside this spring as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center unveils its new Luci and Ian Family Garden at a public grand opening on Sunday, May 4. The 4.5-acre Family Garden is the only native plant garden developed for families in Central Texas. It is designed to encourage hands-on, creative outdoor play, with sustainable features including giant birds' nests, a creek, caves, and a maze. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is located at 4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin. To learn more about the Family Garden, built by SpawGlass, visit, http://www.wildflower.org/family_garden.

Kerrville: RNC Naturalist Susan Sander will present "Cinco de Mayo: Nature's Tex-Mex Connection," 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., May 5, at Riverside Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos St., Kerrville. Wild things do not recognize political borders and many native plants can be found in Texas and Mexico. $10 suggested donation per family to $5/individual. For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.riversidenaturecenter.org.

Rosenberg: "Backyard Basics - Culinary Herbs," sponsored by Fort Bend Master Gardeners will be presented Saturday, May 10. Learn which herbs to grow, how to grow them, and their culinary uses. Dual format: indoor program and outdoor instruction in the Master Gardeners' herb garden. Master Gardeners' Demonstration gardens open for tour. 8:30-11 a.m., Fort Bend County Extension Office, 1402 Band Rd, Rosenberg. $15 ($25 couple). For more information, call 281-342-3034, email [email protected], or visit http://fortbendagrilife.org or www.fbmg.com.

San Antonio: Gardening Volunteers of South Texas presents "Watersaver Landscape Design School" Saturday, May 31, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio. Four presentations on Basic Principles of Low Water Landscapes, Design Ideas, Plants That Thrive in the San Antonio area, and Understanding and Scheduling Your Drip Irrigation System. $25 or $40 for household of two people. Includes three full color plant and landscape guides, and a CD version of the book "Drip-Line Gardening." After enrolling, you will receive graph paper to draw your yard and/or ideas to bring with you for one-on-one idea consultations after the presentations. Find more information and an enrollment form on the GVST website at www.GardeningVolunteers.org or [email protected].

JUNE

Austin: The Austin Pond Society will host its 20th Annual Pond Tour in June and will feature ponds and gardens at more than 20 locations in North, Central and South Austin. Ponds of every size and description are included in the tour, along with waterfalls, streams, and fountains. Some gardens are Certified Wildlife Habitats, and most have native plants.Tour Dates and Times: Saturday, June 7 - South and Central Austin (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Saturday Night - Night pond locations (8 p.m. to 10 p.m.) Sunday, June 8 - North Austin (9 .am. to 5 p.m.) Wristbands for the three events are $15 in advance and can be purchased using PayPal at austinpondsociety.org; at Emerald Garden, Hill Country Water Gardens, McIntire's Garden Center, Shoal Creek Nursery, and The Great Outdoors. Wristbands can be purchased at each site during the event for $20. Wristbands for children 12 and under are free with a paid adult. Volunteers who work a four-hour shift on either day of the tour will receive entry to all of the tour sites, a tour T-shirt, and an invitation to the SPLASH! Party on May 31. Sign up at [email protected]. For more information visit austinpondsociety.org.

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

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 [email protected].

Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners meet at noon the first Tuesday of each month at the Texas AgriLife Extension, 3033 Bear Creek Drive (near the intersection of Highway 6 and Patterson Road), Houston. For additional information visit http://hcmga.tamu.edu

or call 281-855-5600.

Wichita Falls: The Wichita County Master Gardener Association meets at 5:30 p.m. at Rolling Meadows, 2nd floor Media Center, 3006 McNeil Ave., Wichita Falls, on the first Tuesday of each month. For more information, visit www.txmg.org/wichita or call 940-716-8610.

Midland: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners meet at noon, the first Wednesday of each month at the Permian Basin Readiness Center at the Midland International Airport. For more information, call 432-498-4071.

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.

Brownwood: The Brown County Master Gardeners Association meets the first Thursday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension Office, 605 Fisk Ave., Brownwood. For further information, call Mary Green Engle at 325-784-8453.

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.

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. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org.

Marion: The Guadalupe County (Schertz/Seguin) Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John's Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John's Lutheran Church: From FM 78 turn south onto FM 465 and the church is just past the Marion School on the right. From IH-10 go north on FM 465 towards Marion. The Church will be on the left, just before you get to town. A plant exchange and meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT visit www.npsot.org/GuadalupeCounty/ or contact [email protected].

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 [email protected].

Denton: The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the

second Wednesday of each month at 401 W. Hickory St., Denton. Meetings are open to the public. More information is available at: 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 meets the second Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The public is invited to attend. There is an educational program preceding the business meeting. For further information call Cindy Gill at 903-236-8429 or visit www.gregg-tx.tamu.edu.

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 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the AgriLife Extension Office, 1225 Pearl Street, Suite 200, Beaumont. For more information, call 409-835-8461.

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 Billye Adams at 512-863-9636 or visit http://www.npsot.org/WilliamsonCounty/default.htm.

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.

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.

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 10:30am 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.

Kilgore: Northeast Texas Organic Gardeners meets at 1:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. For more information, call Carole Ramke at 903-986-9475.

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 [email protected].

Cleburne: The Johnson County Master Gardeners meet at 2 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at McGregor House, 1628 W. Henderson, Cleburne, which includes a program and a meet & greet. For more information, call Sharon Smith at 817-894-7700.

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 http://txmg.org/comal/.

Corpus Christi: The Nueces Master Gardeners meet at noon the third Tuesday of each month, except December, at Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For further information call 361 767-5217.

Evant: The Evant Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., usually at the bank in downtown Evant. To confirm the date, time and place of each month's meeting, call 254-471-5860.

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 [email protected] 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 Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way, 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/.

Seabrook: The Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold an educational program at 10 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at The Meeting Room at Clear Lake Park (on the Lakeside), 5001 NASA Road 1, Seabrook. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu.

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 [email protected] or call 817-454-8175.

Houston: The Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston (NPSOT-H) meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month except for October (4th Thursday) and December (2nd Thursday). Location varies. For locations, for more information on programs, and for information about native plants for Houston, visit http://www.npsot.org/Houston.

Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month, at the Justice Center, 211 Court Street, 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.

FOURTH WEEK

Brackenridge Park: The Native Plant Society San Antonio Chapter meets every fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Lions Field Adult and Senior Center, 2809 Broadway at E. Mulberry, Brackenridge Park, except August and December. Social and seed/plant exchange at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Bea at 210-999-7292 or visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio.

Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners, a program of Texas AgriLife Extension, meet the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan. There is a public gardening program at each meeting and pertinent information may be found at brazosmg.com or 979-823-0129.

Edna: The Jackson County Master Gardeners present their "Come Grown With Us" seminars on the fourth Tuesday of each month, January through October, beginning at 7 p.m. at 411 N. Wells, Edna. The seminars are free, open to the public and offer 2 CEU hours to Master Gardeners or others requiring them. For additional information, contact the Jackson County Extension Office at 361-782-3312.

Linden: The Caddo Wildflower Chapter of Native Plants Society meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the senior citizens building at 507 S Kaufman St. in Linden at 6:30. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Karen Tromza at [email protected].

Fort Worth: The Organic Garden Club of Forth Worth meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month except July and December at the Deborah Beggs Moncrief Garden Center, 3220 Botanic Blvd., Ft. Worth. Refreshments are served. For more information, call 817-263-9322 or visit www.ogcfw.webs.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 [email protected].

Houston: The Houston Chapter of the Native Prairie Association of Texas (HNPAT) meets from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month at 3015 Richmond Ave., Houston. For more information, contact [email protected].

Leander: The Leander Garden Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month (except July and August) at 10:30 a.m. at the community room behind the Greater Texas Federal Credit Union,1300 N. Bell, Cedar Park, unless there is special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, we share a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call president Cathy Clark-Ramsey at 512-963-4698 or email [email protected].

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.

Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at the REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas. For more information, call 214-824-2448 or visit www.gdogc.org.

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.

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