September 3, 2014
  
 
The garden reader:  
Beyond ho-hum landscaping

 

By William Scheick

Book Reviewer

 

Karl Pieber and Peter Modl. Espalier Fruit Trees for Wall, Hedge, and Pergola. Schiffer Publishing 2014. 157 pp. $29.99.

 

Tom Ralston. Sculpting Hillsides with Decorative Concrete. Schiffer Publishing 2014. 128 pp. $34.99.

 

Over the years I have built a number of curved rock and brick walls, including a large, raised plant-island with stacked wall-blocks capped by mortared small pavers. These projects have always been a slow process requiring the patient hefting, chipping, positioning and leveling of one large stone after another.

 

For me, though, wall building amounts to more than mere work. It's also always been a prolonged break from the usual hustle and bustle of everyday life.

 

Even more than that, wall building is like a meditative encounter in slowed time - just me, the next stone in hand and the measured emergence of an appealing pattern.

 

The pleasing and durable wavy line of a big-stone wall seems to defy the "curve-resistant" blockish nature of each individual stone. Something surprising emerges whenever "flowing" elegance is wrought from such hard and obdurate material.

 

So I understand a little of what Tom Ralston means when (in Sculpting Hillsides with Decorative Concrete) he says, "I am innately driven to pursue decorative concrete as some are driven to write poetry, play piano ... sing or write songs."

 

For the artist in him, a hillside is "a great canvas." And to prove his point he provides 250 impressive images of "gateway visions" comprised of striking walls, flared stairways and raised patios.

 

Perhaps you happen to have a concrete countertop in your kitchen. If so, Ralston's handsome book will provide you with plenty of other ornamental possibilities for concrete as well as provide many valuable technical details (such as "sealing dos and don'ts").

 

Whether your garden walls are ho-hum or fancy, Karl Pieber and Peter Modl offer advice on utilizing them to enjoy an ancient horticultural practice. In Espalier Fruit Trees they describe how to grow various trees in formal designs by securing their arranged branches flat against a wall, fence, trellis or pergola.

 

The result is not only pretty but also practical for small gardening spaces. Sometimes, too, "by planting on walls that radiate heat, heirloom fruits are brought to ample ripeness," the authors point out.

 

The trick for Texas gardeners is to find trees that would work in this format despite our challenging climatic conditions. Prospective Lone Star espalier growers would benefit greatly from a review of Richard Ashton's wonderful Texas Gardener series on growing various fruits in our state.

 

So, yes, espalier is possible here, but - oh, there are so many "buts." My Central Texas neighbors' scrawny, half-withered, fruitless (or fruit-weeping) peach trees express little more than "buts."

 

Figs are another story altogether in my Central Texas experience. Figs are not included in Espalier Fruit Trees - perhaps because of their rapid growth-rate - but figs are what I would try.

 

Pieber and Modl provide ample illustrated guidance on espalier layout, including cordons, palmettos, fans and wings. They also offer insight into both the principles of shoot growth and (most importantly for espaliers) the requisite pruning skills.  

September gardening

 

By Tom Harris, Ph.D.

 

Cooler weather is on the way. It's not time to plant cool season plants yet but you definitely should continue watering and fertilizing (liquid fertilizer) the container plants.

 

Check the plants often to stay ahead of the bugs.

 

Birds and Wildlife

 

Keep bird baths full of water.

 

Watch for hummingbirds as they make their way south.

 

Color  

 

Add compost to your flowerbeds for a little extra kick that tired flowers need.

 

Flowering annuals can be transplanted now: alyssum, calendula, dianthus (pinks), flowering cabbage and kale, pansies, petunias, phlox, Shasta daisies, snapdragons, and stocks.

 

Continue to feed patio plants and hanging baskets with a water-soluble fertilizer such as 20-20-20 or Hasta-Gro.

 

Fertilize roses one last time for continual blooming.

 

Be careful about ordering bulbs from northern catalogs. It's a lot colder much sooner there than it is here.

 

Plant bluebonnet seeds about 1/2-inch deep now to allow them to germinate in the fall. Water thoroughly.

 

Fruits and Nuts  

 

Cut back your blackberry bushes. You can maintain new canes at about 3-4 feet.

 

Ornamentals

 

Caladiums need plenty of water this month.

 

Shade Trees and Shrubs  

 

You can plant trees and shrubs this month but next month would be even better.

 

If you prune your oak trees, be sure to paint as soon as you cut.

 

If you have trouble getting enough sunshine to your turf, do some "selective" pruning to open the canopy of the tree.

 

Turf Grass  

 

Cut way back on the lawn irrigation this month.

 

This is a good month to plant Bermuda to get it established before winter sets in. Keep the seeds moist for about 10 days or so.

 

Vegetables

 

Protect young seedlings from hot sun.

 

Tender seedlings and transplants must be protected from the hot sun as well as spider mites, stinkbugs, grasshoppers and deer. Old sheer-curtains do a great job. Mulching with oak leaves does a great job, too.

 

Vegetable crops benefit from a side dressing of fertilizer to enhance their growth and production potential.

 

It's time to plant squash, bush beans, cucumbers, radishes, carrots, beets, sweet corn, and potatoes.

 

Check the drip irrigation system to be sure you're putting the right amount of moisture on the veggies when they need it.

The Compost Heap
Shingles

"In the Texas Gardener's SEEDS section Gardening Tips for 8-27-2014, I read about using shingles as a mulch for borders," writes Brian Townsend. "I feel I need to give a stern caution when using shingles as they are impermeable. They do not allow for the transfer of air or water and this is detrimental to the soil biodiversity, as well as tree and shrub roots just underneath the soil line (which would be damaged). Also they are impregnated with petroleum products and can kill everything underneath (except bermudagrass, nothing kills that!). Please plan and use carefully when doing a project like this."
Gardening tips

Although you can direct-seed greens in your garden this month, you will get a jump on the season and harvest more produce if you use transplants instead.


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.
SEPTEMBER

 

San Antonio: San Antonio Garden Center Clubs will meet Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. at 3310 N. New Braunfels @ Funston, San Antonio. Fall program features celebrity designer David Garcia, owner of Statue of Design, who will create fabulous floral arrangements - and you could win one! Coffee at 9:30; meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://sanantoniogardencenter.org/ or call 210-824-9981.


Austin: With its warm days and cooler nights, along with more stable weather patterns, fall just may be the best season for vegetable gardening in Central Texas. On September 4, Master Gardener and vegetable specialist Tommie Clayton will share her many years of experience in gardening, with details on planting schedules, proven varieties for our area and other helpful resources. The program will be held at the AgriLife Extension office at 1600-B Smith Rd, Austin; cost is $10 for early registration and $15 for late or on-site registration. Register online: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty. Register by phone: 979-845-2604. For more information, contact Daphne Richards at 512-854-9600 or [email protected].


Humble: Tony Avent, founder of Juniper Level Botanic Gardens and owner of Plants Delights Nursery, Inc., in Raleigh, N.C., discuss "Exploration to Exploitation - The Road from Plant Discovery to Market" at 6:30 p.m., September 4, at the Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble. For ticket information, call 713-639-4629 or visit http://www.hmns.org.lectures.

New Braunfels: Comal Garden Club will have Susan Savana present a program on how to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers in a tower garden, September 4, 9:30 a.m. at the Southbank Clubhouse, 222 Southbank Blvd., New Braunfels. Business meeting to follow.

Humble: "Backyard Beauties: In Search of Overlooked and Exceptional Natives" will be presented by Tony Avent, founder of Juniper Level Botanic Gardens and owner of Plants Delights Nursery, Inc., in Raleigh, N.C.,at 10 a.m., September 5, at Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble. Learn about some little-known perennial favorites that are well adapted to thrive in U.S. regions during this presentation. For more information, call 281-443-8731.

La Marque: "Propagation of Plants by Cuttings" by GC Master Gardener Bill Cummins, 9-11 a.m., September 6, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Phone 281-534-3413; email reservations to [email protected], For more information, visit www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Pre-registration is required. Limit class of 30. Free.

 

Rosenberg: Saturday, Sept. 6: Backyard Basics: Grilling - Learn how to select beef by grade and cut and proper cooking techniques. Cooking demonstration and taste test included. Presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 9 a.m. Fort Bend County Extension Office, 1402 Band Rd, Rosenberg. $15 ($25 couple). Details: Call 281-342-3034, email [email protected], or visit http://fortbendagrilife.org or www.fbmg.com.

 

San Antonio: Texas Water Star Program Earth-Kind Landscape School, A Four-Part Series for Homeowners, will be held at Texas A&M AgriLife Ext Svc, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio, on four Saturdays (Sept. 6 & 20 and Oct. 4 & 18) from 8:30 a.m. to noon. This four-part workshop that will target new homeowners in the Alamo area interested in learning the best practices for home landscaping and gardening. 3.5 CEUs per session for Master Gardeners. Registration fee:  $60 for all four Saturday sessions or $100 For a Couple (same household) or $20 per session; RSVP and registration & fee due Aug 27. Contact Angel Torres, 210-467-6575, or [email protected].

 

San Antonio: The Fall Youth Gardens Educator's Training class will be held Saturday, September 6, 8:30 a.m.-3: p.m., at the Education Service Center Region 20, 1314 Hines, San Antonio. This program is designed for teachers, educators, and volunteers in support of youth gardening in the classroom and community. Training and lunch is provided at no cost to participants. 5 CEUs for Master Gardeners and Interns. For more information, contact Ruby Zavala, Youth Gardens Coordinator, at 210-467-6575 or [email protected].

 

Austin: Arturo Arrendondo will discuss transfarming, turning your yard into a food producing ecosystem, at the Austin Organic Gardeners' Club meeting September 8 at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, in Zilker Botanical Gardens. Doors open at 6:30 pm for the opportunity to meet and mingle with local gardeners; club business begins at 7 pm, followed by our guest speaker's presentation. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org.

 

Seabrook: "Container Gardening" will be presented by Master Gardener Will Isbell, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 9, Clear Lake Park Meeting Room, 5001 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook. A Harris County Master Gardeners Precinct 2 event. Free. Details: https://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/pubP2.aspx.


Austin: "Visiting Artist Series of Lone Star Bonsai Federation - Peter Tea of California," a bonsai demonstration and lecture, will be held at 7 p.m., September 10, at the Zilker Garden Center, Austin. A donation of $5 is appreciated. For more information, visit www.austinbonsaisociety.com.

San Antonio: Mike Bolner from Bolner's Fiesta Spices will discuss creating spice blends, things consumers should know about herbs and spices, and the process of getting herbs and spices from the plants to the consumers, at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, September 11, at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio, Free and open to the public. For more information, call 210-826-6860 or email [email protected].

Houston: The Greater Houston Plant Conference will take be held 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, September 12, at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 3033 Bear Creek Road, Houston. Several industry experts will be among the speakers and lunch will be provided. Registration before Sept. 4: $50. Registration Sept. 4 or later: $75. For more information or to register, call 979-845-2604.

 

La Marque: "Growing Onions and Garlic "by GC Master Gardener Ken Steblein, 9-11 a.m., September 13, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Phone 281-534-3413; email reservation to [email protected]. For additional information, visit www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

 

La Marque: "Kitchen Gardening"by GC Master Gardener Mary Demeny, 1-3:30 p.m., September 13, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. For more information, phone 281-534-3413; email reservation to [email protected], further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

 

San Angelo: The Concho Valley Master Gardeners in San Angelo, Texas will present their 3rd Annual Fall Landscape Symposium, Saturday, September 13. The Symposium will be held at the Stephens Central Library Community Room, 3rd floor, 33 W. Beauregard, San Angelo. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the programs begin at 8:30 a.m. and will continue until 3 p.m. Four presenters will be speaking throughout the day. Mike Mosman, owner of Cactus Unlimited for the past 15 years, will present "How to Affect All of Your Senses in a Low Water-use Landscape." Pam Smith, a horticulturist by passion and profession, will present "Roses for the Landscape." Debbie Frost, a horticulturist working as a landscape designer and garden coach, will present "Best Plants...Best Garden" and "Enhance the Garden Experience." Pam Penick, author of Lawn Gone! Low-Maintenance, Sustainable, Attractive Alternative for Your Yard, and a landscape designer in Austin, will present "Lose the Lawn: Design Tips for Drought-Proof Gardens." The cost for the Fall Landscape Symposium is $20 per person or $30 per couple. The cost includes refreshments and lunch. Call 325-659-6522 to register. Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 10 to assure seating and handout materials. No childcare will be provided.

 

Schertz: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will present a seminar on Propagation of Plants on September 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. The seminar will be held at the Guadalupe County Community Garden, 1101 Elbel Street (behind the Guadalupe County Office Building), Schertz, Texas. Kathy Carroll, a Master Gardener for six years as well as a Propagation Specialist for the Master Gardener Program will lead the program. The cost of the program will be $10.00 at the door.

  

Smithville: The Smithville Community Gardens will hold its annual fundraising dinner at the Smithville Recreation Center on September 13. Funds are used to provide seeds, plants and equipment needed to maintain the network of gardens. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by calling 512-988-9886. 

 

Seabrook: "Fall Vegetable Gardening", presented by Chris Hammen, Master Gardener. 10 a.m., Sept. 17, Clear Lake Park Meeting Room, 5001 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook. A Harris County Master Gardeners Precinct 2 event. Free. Details: https://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/pubP2.aspx.

  

Conroe: "Native Plants for Your Landscape" will be presented 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. September 20 at Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. Speakers include John Ferguson, Jim Bundscho, Michael Potter, Mark Bowen, Robert Dailey, and Diana Foss. $15 per person includes lunch. Visit www.mcmga.com for a downloadable registration form. For additional information, call 936-539-7824.  

 

La Marque: "Texas Tuff Landscape Plants" by GC Master Gardener Sandra DeVall, 9-11 a.m., September 20, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Phone 281-534-3413, email reservation to [email protected], For additional information, visit www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

 

La Marque: "Grafting Workshop - T- Budding" by GC Master and Propagation Specialist Gardener Herman Auer, 1-3 p.m., September 20, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Phone 281-534-3413; email reservation to [email protected]. Further details at www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Pre-registration required. Limit Class of 24. Free.

 

Rosenberg: Saturday, Sept. 20: Backyard Basics: Freezing & Dehydration - Learn how to extend your backyard food production through freezing and dehydration from Anne Ondrusek, Owner, Honeys Homemade Jams & Jellies. Demonstrations included. Presented by Fort Bend Master Gardeners, 9 a.m. Fort Bend County Extension Office, 1402 Band Rd, Rosenberg. $15 ($25 couple). Details: Call 281-342-3034, email [email protected], or visit http://fortbendagrilife.org or www.fbmg.com.

 

San Antonio: Workshop: From Garden to Pantry to Lunchbox, September 20, 9 a.m.-noon. Diabetes Education Garden at Texas Diabetes Institute, 701 S. Zarzamora, San Antonio. School is back in session and more than ever we need to avoid the high levels of sodium, saturated fat, sugar, and preservatives in pre-packaged snacks such as "Lunchables." This workshop includes practices for harvesting, storing, drying, and otherwise keeping garden produce with longevity of use and best flavor in mind. We'll provide ideas for making garden goodies enticing for every palate. Get fresh tips and ideas for lunches and snacks on the go. $20 non-members/$10 members. Space is limited. Pre-register online athttp://www.greensatx.org/upcoming-events/register-for-a-workshop.

 

Bryan: Master Gardener Suzanne Milstead will present "Pollinator Friendly Approach to Landscape Design" at 7 p.m. September 23, in Room 102, The Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan. No Fee and Public is invited. Learn how you can employ various strategies to attract, maintain, and grow our pollinator population and have an entertaining, engaging landscape that overflows with flowers, bees, and butterflies. For additional information, visit brazosmg.com or call 979-823-0129.

 

La Marque: "Irises for the Gulf Coast" by GC Master Gardener Monica Martens, 6:30-8 p.m., September 23, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Phone 281-534-3413, email reservation to [email protected], For additional information, visit www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.  

OCTOBER

Houston: The Garden Club of Houston's 77nd-annual Bulb and Plant Mart takes place October 2-4 at St. John the Divine Church, 2450 River Oaks Road, Houston. In addition to being a shopping mecca for local gardeners, the Mart will feature exhibts such as a live butterfly tent and a "conservation" booth featuring native and drought-tolerant plants. For additional information, visit http://www.gchouston.org/BulbPlantMart.aspx.

 

San Antonio: October 21 is the evening to learn all about Home Aquaponics. Join David Rodriguez at 6:30 p.m. when he introduces Steven Sumrow from Aquaponic Systems USA at Texas A&M AgriLife Ext Svc, 3355 Cherry Ridge, San Antonio. During this two-hour presentation, learn how to create your own Home Aquaponics to grow plants and vegetables in a water environment along with aquatic fish. Aquaponics is a system of aquaculture in which the waste produced by farmed fish or other aquatic animals supplies nutrients for plants grown hydroponically, which in turn purify the water. No chemicals or soil needed, thanks to its automatic recirculating system, Aquaponics does not require much monitoring or measuring. 2 CEUs for Master Gardeners and Interns. Fee:  $10. RSVP to Angel Torres at 210 467-6575 or [email protected].

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.

 

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.

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 10:30am 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 Gardener's meet on the third Monday of each month at McGregor House, 1628 W Henderson, Cleburne. Meeting times are at 2 p.m. October through April, except December and at 6 p.m. May through September. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For additional information, contact Sue Matern at 817-517-9076.

  

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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