Baylor University

Pumpkin purveyors have reason for grins as wide as those of jack-o'-lanterns this time of year. Pumpkin products are proliferating for autumn - and not just for standard pies, breads and Halloween décor, but also for whimsical goodies that may not live up to the pumpkin's healthy reputation.

Pumpkin spice cake donuts, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin latte - some chocolate candy manufacturers are even offering pumpkin filling. And mark it on your calendar: Oct. 21 is National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day.

"All at a sudden, if you believe the sales pitch, the pumpkin is the happiest, healthiest food," said Suzy Weems, Ph.D., registered dietitian and professor of nutrition sciences in Baylor University's College of Health and Human Sciences.

But as is often the case with food, a balancing act is important, Weems said.

Pumpkin pluses:

Fiber? Check. Nice thing for dieters who want a full feeling.

Zeaxanthin? Check. Hard to pronounce, but a boon for Boomers. What 50-something doesn't want a weapon against age-related macular degeneration and impaired eyesight?

Low in cholesterol and high in Vitamin A? Yes, the better for healthy skin and eyes - and an aid in fighting cancer.

Heart-healthy phytosterols? They're in pumpkin seeds.

Magnesium, manganese, copper, phosphorus, protein, zinc and iron? "On the USDA/FDA rating schedule, pumpkins are a good source of all those," Weems said. Add them up, and you've got a cocktail for energy, growth and a top-notch immune system.

On the other hand, Weems cautions, be aware of pumpkin pitfalls.

Pumpkin snacks: "Are you really going to benefit from pumpkin-laced candy? It's still candy," Weems said. "Pumpkin seeds are good for making you feel full, but the fat doesn't disappear when you roast and eat them.

Pumpkin desserts: "With pumpkin pie, it's important to notice how much pumpkin there really is in it - and that it's not just the flavoring," she said.

Pumpkin in coffee or for breakfast: "A pumpkin latte is not going to mean any fewer calories if it's made with a full-fat milk or syrup," Weems said. "And doughnuts still have sugar."

Pumpkin as a magic bullet. "Take a look at the total calories: If you have diabetes, you look at the sugar and total carbohydrates. And if you have cardiovascular disease, look at the fat."

All that aside, "pumpkin is delightful," Weems said. "Just be sure to read the container or the wrapper to know the details.  

Jackson & Perkins

As fall arrives, the time is finally right for planting new beds, seeding the lawn, transplanting things around the garden, and potting up any herbs or tender plants that need to come indoors for the winter. There is a lot to get done before winter arrives, but the most important task is amending the soil. A garden is only as good as its soil, after all.

And fall is the best time to amend soil, because it will allow any amendments time to break down, ensuring that the nutrients in compost are readily available for plants when the growing starts next spring.

Often well-intentioned gardeners will throw unfinished compost in right before planting. The most common amendments that get tossed in are shredded leaves, eggshells (or even whole eggs), coffee grounds, and banana peels. These are all great things to add to the soil, but they need to be properly composted before the growing season is underway because 1. A lot of the nutrients in these materials aren't available until bacteria or worms have broken them down, and 2. When these materials first start composting, the bacterial activity can use up all the available Nitrogen, creating an even less fertile soil for a time.

This is why it is important to amend the soil well in advance of planting. For the best results, compost should either "finish" in its own pile or be thoroughly incorporated into existing soil in the fall. A sprinkle of an organic source of Nitrogen, like Blood Meal, Poultry Manure, or Alfalfa Meal, will help the compost break down faster and prevent that dreaded Nitrogen deficiency.

A lot of gardeners incorporate their amendments into the soil using a tiller, but this isn't usually necessary, and it also damages the soil's structure, interrupting decomposition and making the soil more susceptible to erosion. To keep the soil healthy, just pull the weeds, and then fold amendments into the topsoil using a garden fork.

Once the bed is prepared, a good way to lock in the nutrients is to add a layer of mulch to the top. This will keep the weeds out and keep the nutrients from being eroded or leached away. Leaves are a great way to top off your prepared bed, as they are readily available in the fall, they prevent weeds, and they slowly decompose to add their own nutrients to the soil.

Texas A&M Forest Service

Hundreds gathered in Waco earlier this month to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have dedicated their talents to spreading a leafy green canopy over Texas.

The Texas Community Forestry and Tree Care Awards are held during the annual Texas Tree Conference, an educational and networking opportunity for people interested in trees in the state of Texas. The conference hosts around 850 tree enthusiasts who want to learn more and stay up-to-date with trees and tree care.

The awards program "is an opportunity to recognize those individuals or groups who have gone above and beyond and are really showing people through their actions what we need to do to care for our trees, forests and woodlands," Paul Johnson, the urban and community forestry coordinator for the Texas A&M Forest Service said.

"I have been blown away by all of the great work in arboriculture and urban forestry in the state and I consider it a privilege to honor those in the field," Johnson said.

The awards are sponsored jointly by Texas A&M Forest Service and the International Society of Arboriculture Texas Chapter.

2014 Award Winners

Arborist of the Year: Don Gardner. Don Gardner was selected for 2014 Arborist of the Year because of his long service to his clients, community and the state of Texas as a professional in the field of tree care. Gardner's love for and commitment to trees is shown in his service to his clients, his time on the radio and through his ongoing support of local non-profit organizations. He is a consulting arborist with vast knowledge, excellent communication skills and a heart of gold.

The Gold Leaf Award-Landscape Improvement: San Antonio River Authority. The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) and their San Antonio River Improvement Project has proven to be more than an environmental restoration project. SARA has made significant contributions to reconnect the river and the community, increase ecological services, increase public use and maintain flood protection for local properties. This project is restoring a strong connection between people, water, wildlife and trees for years to come.

Arboricultural Project of the Year: City of Austin. The Tree Court Improvement Project at Barton Springs is a great example of arboriculture in action. Part of the major renovation of the springs included revitalizing the tree court by the main entrance, where the health of the heritage pecans growing there was a primary concern. A plan was put into action to care for the trees' immediate needs during the renovation and secure their health long term. The plan included alleviating the existing soil compaction, enhancing the soil with compost, expanding planting areas and creating an elevated walkway that appears to be at ground level. The walkway was placed on piers to minimize disruption of the critical root zone of the trees and will minimize tree roots disturbing the walkway in the future.

Outstanding Arbor Day Activities: Keep Denton Beautiful. Denton's official Arbor Day event, The Denton Redbud Festival, is a community-involved celebration of trees. In 2014 over 3,500 people attended the 21st year of this festival and participated in activities for all ages. Local music and food capped off a day of children's artwork displays, a TRASHion Runway show, educational workshops, and even a children's story time that featured "I Can Name 50 Trees Today" from the Cat in the Hat series. The Denton Redbud Festival is hosted by Keep Denton Beautiful.  

Round Rock: The Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock, presents "Fall: The Best Gardening Time in Texas," from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16. After a long, hot summer, it's time to recharge and get ready for the fall garden. It's our best weather, our longest planting season, and has the fewest problems. Join us to learn how to prepare, what to plant, and how to care for the Fall Garden. The program will be conducted by Jeff Ferris, a gardener in Austin for more than 25 years, staff horticulturist and diagnostician at The Natural Gardener, certified Permaculturist, and instructor in the ACC Landscape and Horticulture program since 2008. Through Neighborhood Harvest Project, he co-founded the first public community garden in Round Rock - Unity Park Community Garden. Jeff is a frequent guest and occasional host of "John Dromgoole's Gardening Naturally" program on KLBJ radio, the longest running organic gardening show in the country. For more information, please contact Julie Chapa, 512-218-7014.

San Antonio: Mary Dunford, owner of Nature's Herb Farm and co-founder of the SA Herb Society, will speak about drying and arranging herbs for holiday use at the San Antonio Herb Society October meeting, Thursday, October 16, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels. Free and open to the public. For additional information, call 210-826-6860 or email mbelisle@satx.rr.com.

San Antonio: At the Bexar County Master Gardeners October Educational Seminiar, 1 p.m.-3 p.m., October 16, learn about succulents with Mary Irish from the San Antonio Botanical Garden. This free seminar will be held at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio. For more information, call 210-467-6575. 

Seguin: The Guadalupe Master Gardeners will meet on Thursday, October 16, at the Justice Center, 211 Court Street, Seguin. Kirby Fry will speak about "Food Forests: Perennial Forest Gardening Systems." Fry has been a permaculture teacher and design consultant for more than 15 years. He studied permaculture under Bill Mollison. He is also familiar with conventional agriculture and forestry, having studied these disciplines at Texas A&M. He offers permaculture design services via his firm, Southern Exposure Permaculture. In addition, he has extensive experience as a building contractor, including natural building. Mr. Kirby studied Natural Resource Conservation at Texas A & M University, and served in U.S. Peace Corps in Guatemala, working in the area of agro-forestry. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. after a social function starting at 6:30. For further information visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org or call 830-303-3889.  

Huntsville: Walker County Master Gardeners 5th Annual Butterfly Festival and Fall Plant Sale will be held from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., October 18, at 102 Tam Road, Huntsville (2 miles north of the Pilot Truck Stop on Hwy. 75N). Find out how butterflies are tagged and released at this annual event featuring a variety of activities for children and adults including: face painting, guest speakers, videos and displays on the migration of Monarchs, a treasure hunt, insect identification, learn about bees and how they make honey, etc. At the plant sale, find an extensive selection including natives, fruit and nut trees, roses, perennials, shade loving varieties, herbs, daylilies and a wide variety of seeds. For additional information, contact Brenda Lichtman at 936-435-2426 or hpe_bxl@shsu.edu, or Reggie Lepley at 936-435-2426 or r-lepley@tamu.edu.

La Marque: "The Fabulous Fragrant Frangipani" will be presented GC Master Gardener Loretta Osteen, 9:00-11:00 p.m. October 18 at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; 281-534-3413, email reservation to galv@wt.net, further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

Lufkin: The Second Annual Native Plant Sale will be held Saturday, October 18, 8 a.m., at the Angelina Farmer's Market, 2107 S. Medford, Lufkin. The sale is a joint effort of Angelina Master Gardeners and Angelina Beautiful Clean, brought to you by contributions from the Master Gardeners, Whataburger, and generous individuals. This year we will three times as many plants as last year, offering you native perennials, grasses, shrubs, trees and vines. To view a plant list with descriptions, visit lufkin/mastergardeners/ and click on the link.  

McKinney: Join the Collin County Master Gardeners Association on October 18 in the Stall Barn at beautiful Myers Park and Event Center in McKinney from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn more about, and purchase, the best selections of bulbs and perennials for North Texas at the 2014 Bulb and Perennial Mart. The 2014 Annual Bulb and Perennial Mart is a one-day, one-stop shopping opportunity and an introduction to some of the best, hard-to-find heritage bulbs and drought-tolerant perennials for North Texas. CCMGA will be selling some of the beautiful, yet hardy perennials that are doing so well in the nationally award winning trial gardens at Myers Park; as well spring, summer, and fall blooming bulbs that are researched and proven to be suitable for our climate and soil extremes. This year they will also have a wonderful assortment of crinums. The Texas tough plants being offered at The Mart will add a splash of color to the garden throughout the year. Purchase these proven winners by cash, check, or credit card (Visa or Mastercard only). The Bulb and Perennial Mart is an indoor event, so come rain or shine! Master Gardeners will be on hand to conduct tours of the trial gardens and answer questions.The event is free and no sales tax. Schedule of Events: 8:30 a.m., Early Bird Seminar; 9 a.m., Pick up August Pre-Sale Bulb Orders; 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Bulb and Perennial Sale; 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Tours of Myers Park Research & Demonstration Gardens; 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Information Booth. Myers Park is located at 7117 County Road 166, McKinney. To learn more about the 2013 Bulb and Perennial Mart, visit www.ccmgatx.org, or call 972-548-4219 or 972-548-4232.

San Antonio: Texas Water Star Program Earth-Kind Landscape School will be held 8:30 a.m.-noon, October 18, at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio. Wildscaping, Rain Gardens and Yard Waste Reduction will be the topic, followed by a question-and-answer session. Registration: $20 per session. Cor additional information or to register, contact Angel Torres at 210-467-6575 or matorres@ag.tamu.edu.

Schertz: Join the Guadalupe Master Gardeners for their "Cooking in the Garden" Fair & Craft show. The show will be on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Guadalupe County Community Garden, 1101 Elbel Road, Schertz. There will be 3 garden workshops: "Drip Irrigation" with Master Gardeners Dale Odvody and Vince Vita at 9:30 a.m., then at 10:30 a.m. "Cooking with Fall Vegetables" with Master Gardener Denise Bonds, and ending at 11:30 a.m. with "A Pet Friendly Environment (What's Good, What's Not )" with Dr. Lori Stephens from the Friendship Pet Hospital. There will be craft tables with merchandise for sale as well as a raffle at the Garden site. For further information contact Bob at 210-289-9997. For more information about the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners, visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.

Lufkin: Chris Wiesinger, founder of the Southern Bulb Company will speak on "Southern Bulbs" on Monday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Angelina County Extension, 2201 S. Medford Drive, Lufkin. Learn about the flowering bulbs that will naturalize and thrive in our area. Chris will bring bulbs and books to sell. Admission is $10 at the door. This program is brought to you by the Angelina Master Gardeners. For more information call 936-634-6414.

San Antonio: The Growing Herbs Workshop, held at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 208, San Antonio, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., October 20, will cover which herbs grow best in Central Texas,and  how to use them in cooking and in other ways. Presented by Don Crites, Master Gardener and Master Wellness volunteer. $10 per person. To register, call Annette Pawelek at 210-467-6575 or email apawelek@ag.tamu.edu.  

Seabrook: Open Garden Day, with Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 will be held 8:30-11 a.m., Monday, October 20, at Genoa Friendship Garden,1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd. 9:30 a.m.: Educational Programs and Master Gardeners Q&A. Note: Gardens open and plants available for purchase every Monday, May-October. Free, children welcome. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

La Marque: "Wellness Gardening" will be presentedby GC Master Gardener Tim Jahnke, 6:30-8:00 p.m. October 21 at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; 281-534-3413, email reservation to galv@wt.net, further details  www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free. 

San Antonio: Floral Design Classes will be held at the SA Garden Center, 3310 N New Braunfels, San Antonio, Oct 21, 28, and Nov. 4 from noon-3 p.m. Tuition: $75 - Make check payable to SA Garden Center. Learn how to design your own floral arrangements in these hands-on classes. Instructor is Melissa White of Botanika. Fresh flowers, greenery, and containers to take home a finished project each week. Tool kits available for $10. Further information at www.sanantoniogardencenter.org or call 210-824-0435.    

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 matorres@ag.tamu.edu.

Creedmoor: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis Co. will hold an Irrigation/Turf Maintenance Workshop on October 22 at Creedmoor Community Center, 12511 FM 1625, Creedmoor. This conference is in response to ongoing critical water issues. The general public can attend but the materials presented will be for turf and irrigation professionals such as those working with municipalities, including parks departments; golf courses; and large and commercial landscape maintenance firms as well as contractors; retail nurseries and other users of urban water resources. The goal of the workshop is to share new technologies and best practices for water conservation and drought survival. Four Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) licensed irrigator credits are available to attendees. Presentations and speakers will be: 9 a.m., Irrigation Scheduling, Brad Smith, Instructor, Irrigator Training, LLC; 10 a.m., Efficient Irrigation Practices, Brett Briant, Water Conservation Coordinator, LCRA; 11:15 a.m., Turfgrass Selection and Cultural Practices for Water Conservation; 1 p.m., Water Management for Sports Field Turf, Dr. Casey Reynolds, Assistant Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist; 2 p.m., Evaluation, Wrap-up and CEU certificates. Cost: $50 (through 10/17), $60 (10/18 and on-site). CEUs: 4 Irrigation. Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty or by phone: 979-845-2604. For more information, contact: Daphne Richards, CEA-Horticulture, drichards@ag.tamu.edu, 512-854-9615.

San Antonio: Celebrate National Food Day with Green Spaces Alliance and area community gardeners from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 24 at Beacon Hill Community Garden, 1144 W. Gramercy Place, San Antonio. This evening event will be open to the public and recommended for both families and friends of all ages. The event includes kids' activities, a potluck, garden tours and tips, and screening of the film "Fed Up! "The event is free (donations invited) but Green Spaces asks that you bring a healthy food item to share at the potluck and chair or blanket for movie viewing. Register in advance. For additional information, visit www.greensatx.org/upcoming-events .

Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners 2014 Town and Country Garden Tour, Saturday, October 25, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and allow visitors into all six garden gardens. Tickets go on sale September 25 at the Brazos County Extension Office, 2619 Highway 21 West, Bryan. Checks only will be accepted at this location. 979/823-0129. Tickets On Site: On the day of the tour at any of the garden sites and checks or cash only are accepted. For more information, visit www.brazosmg.com or email brazosmg@brazosmg.com.

Fort Worth: Hortipalooza, a festival of fun, friends and horticultural enlightenment, and family day devoted to all things gardening, will be held Saturday, October 25, at the Resource Connection, Building 2300, 2300 Circle Drive, Fort Worth. The Resource Connection is located off Campus Drive, across from the Tarrant County College - South Campus. Sponsored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, doors open at 8:30 a.m. and feature storytellers, vendors and talks on 20 Must Have Plants, Gardens in a Drought, Creating Herbal Combo Containers, Propagation Magic, Maple Madness and Success with Seeds, as well as hands-on classes on Papercrete Pots (beginner and advanced), Copper Rain Chains and Concrete Leaves. The event will end around 4:30 p.m. Speakers include area Master Gardeners, the Herb 'n' Cowgirl Ann McCormick, Steve Rosenbaum of Steve's Leaves, Tucker Reed, horticulture manager at Dallas Arboretum and Botanic Garden and Steve Chamblee, chief horticulturalist at Chandor Gardens in Weatherford. Lee Coats, the Papercrete Potter from Missouri, will be teaching the papercrete container classes. Papercrete is made with portland cement, perlite and paper. Registration fee if purchased before the event is adults, $25; couples, $45; and children under 16, $15 which includes lunch, snacks and the talks. Fee the day of the event is adults, $35 and kids under 16, $15. There is an extra fee for the hands-on classes. Complete information on the schedule and registration is at www.tarrantmg.org.

Sugar Land: "Conserving Water in the Landscape" Saturday, Oct. 25, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the T.E. Harman Center, 226 Matlage Way, Sugar Land. Learn about plant selection and planning to maximize a landscape's beauty while reducing water use, water efficiency practices, tips on managing irrigation systems and harvesting rainwater for outdoor use. The $25 registration fee incudes a rain barrel kit. Jointly presented by the City of Sugar Land, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Fort Bend County and the Fort Bend Master Gardeners. To download a registration form, visit www.fbmg.com, or call 281-341-7068.

Austin: Green Corn Project's 16th Annual Fall Festival, Grow Locally, Cook Globally, is October 26, 2013 from noon-4 p.m. Tickets are $35.00 in advance, $40 at the gate, and ticket sales will end at 3 p.m. that afternoon. The Fall Festival will be at Boggy Creek Farm, 3414 Lyons Road, Austin, and will feature many of Austin's best restaurants, live music on the front porch, cooking demonstrations on the back porch, and a silent auction.    

Bryan: Dwight Bohlmeyer, Program Manager for the Salter Farm Education Research,Institute for Quantum Physics & Engineering at Texas A&M University, will present "Fall Wildflowers of the Salter Research Farm" Tuesday, October 28, 7-8 p.m. at Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Room 102. Bryan. This program features the habitats, flora and fauna of the Salter Research Farm in Robertson County, Texas.  Biodiversity surveys are being conducted at this historical property and those results will be discussed with an emphasis on fall blooming wildflowers. For additional information, visit brazosmg.com.

Humble: The 3rd Annual Sustainable Landscape Conference will be held Friday, October 31, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble. Learn from industry leaders about sustainable parking design and development during this year's conference at Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park. For additional information or to make reservations, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 281-443-8731.

Humble: Herb Gardening for Home Use will be presented Wednesday, November 12, noon-2 p.m. at the Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble. Join Marilyn O'Conner, "The Herb Lady," to learn about the wide variety of herbs and their uses in homes and gardens. For additional information or to make reservations, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 281-443-8731.

San Antonio: Join Green Spaces Alliance for lessons in Saving Water AND Growing More Food. It can be done in concert and they will demonstrate how from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, November 15 at Terrell Heights Community Garden, triangle at 120 Larchmont, San Antonio 78209. This workshop is open to the public. Tickets are $10 for members and $20 non-members to attend the workshop or $50 members and $60 non-members for workshop and a prepared rainbarrel to take home. Register in advance; rainbarrels will only be supplied for attendees prepaying for item. For additional information, visit http://www.greensatx.org/upcoming-events/register-for-a-workshop .

San Antonio: Numa Laiche and Jamie Daily will discuss Heritage, Heirloom and Pass-along Plants at the November 20 meeting of the Bexar County Master Gardeners. The meeting begins with a social at 6 p.m., followed by the 6 p.m.-8 p.m. presentation, at Colonies House Meeting Room, 3511 Colony Dr., San Antonio. For additional information, call 210-467-6575. 

Bryan: Future use of water and its impact on agriculture will be the focus of the 2014 Texas Plant Protection Association conference scheduled Dec. 10-11 at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan. Dr. Travis Miller, interim director for state operations with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, will be one of the featured speakers during the opening general session Dec. 10. Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas state climatologist, and Carlos Rubinstein, chairman of the Texas Water Development Board, will also be general session featured speakers. Nielsen-Gammon will discuss climate variability and Rubinstein will give a Texas water outlook. Other presentations during the general session will focus on water conservation, comparative irrigation methods, agricultural innovations from industry in dealing with climate change, and a Texas farmer's perspective on dealing with water management. Afternoon sessions on Dec. 10 will include a look at the Texas drought's impact on wildlife, unmanned aerial vehicles in agriculture, and decision and precision applications of nitrogen. The second day of the conference will feature sessions on grain, cotton, horticulture/turf, and pasture and rangeland. A student poster contest will be held as well as an awards luncheon. For registration information, visit http://bit.ly/ZwpjOD.

Humble: Succulentarriums will be presented Wednesday, December 10, noon-2 p.m.

at the Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble.

Learn how to combine remarkable succulents, moss, and cacti with recycled glassware to create fun and fanciful display items for your home or office. These unique items also make great holiday gifts! For additional information or to make reservations, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 281-443-8731.

• Many, many practical and timely garden tips that are for Texas - not Maine or California!
• Organic, earth friendly tips to make your garden grow and prosper
• Lots of space to record your own activities for future reference
• Planting dates and tips for vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit and lawns

The Vegetable Book

By Dr. Sam Cotner

Finally, back by popular demand and in its fourth printing, the most informative and comprehensive "how-to" book on vegetable gardening in Texas (also, suitable for most other areas of the South) written by the late, great Dr. Sam Cotner, former head of horticulture at Texas A&M University and lifelong gardener. This interesting read has over 370 pages of detailed information on every crop, from Asparagus to Watermelon including problem/solving sections for each vegetable. If you want to maximize your enjoyment and success growing vegetables in Texas, this book is a "must have," whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener. Price $34.02

By William D. Adams

The best thing for tomato enthusiasts since the tomato itself! Adams draws on more than thirty years of experience to provide a complete, step-by-step guide to success in the tomato patch. Learn everything from soil preparation, planting, feeding, caging and watering. Liberally sprinkled with the author's easy humor and illustrated with his own excellent photographs, this must-have book has everything you'll need to assure a bumper crop! 189 pages. Lots of color photographs! Price: $31.94

($15.82 if ordered separately)

Remit payment to:

TG Books * PO Box 9005 * Waco, TX 76714

or call Toll-Free 1-800-727-9020

American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover Accepted