Water wisely for a beautiful garden and landscape

By Melinda Myers

Too much or not enough water and never when you need it. That seems to be the long-time plight of gardeners. Add to this extended droughts, flooding and watering bans. What is a gardener to do? Become a water-wise gardener.

Water wise is not just about growing drought-tolerant plants or eliminating plantings. It is a holistic approach to managing water to avoid flooding that overwhelms sewer systems, improper watering that wastes water, and poor landscape designs that generate too much work and require too many resources.

Make this the season that you incorporate a few water-wise habits into your gardening. You'll find it is good for your garden, the environment and your pocketbook. Start with one or more of these strategies this year.

• Select the right plant for the growing conditions. Plants that thrive in normal growing conditions for your area will be healthier, require less care and need less water. Look for drought-tolerant plants that require less water once established.
• Keep water out of the storm sewers and in the garden instead. Prevent flooding while improving your garden. Adding several inches of compost to the top 8 to 12 inches of soil increases the soil's ability to absorb and retain water. This means less runoff into the storm sewers and less frequent watering.
• Use plants to prevent runoff and conserve water. Plant trees, shrubs, and groundcovers to slow the flow of rainwater, increase the amount of water that stays in your landscape for your plants, and to filter water before it enters the groundwater. Install one or more rain gardens to intercept surface water runoff for use by rain garden plants and to help recharge the groundwater.
• Provide plants with a healthy diet. Use a slow release non-leaching organic nitrogen fertilizer. You'll encourage slow steady growth, so your plants will require less water and be less prone to insect and disease problems. Plus, the slow release nitrogen encourages healthy growth and does not prevent flowering and fruiting.
• Water wisely. Water plants thoroughly and only when needed. Water the soil, not the plant, using a watering wand, drip irrigation or a soaker hose so less water is lost to evaporation. Water early in the morning whenever possible to reduce water loss during the heat of the day and diseases caused by wet foliage at night.
• Manage your lawns to reduce water use. Select drought-tolerant grass varieties to reduce watering needs. Prepare the soil before seeding or sodding or aerate and spread a thin layer of compost over existing lawns to increase water absorption and reduce runoff. Mow high to encourage deep roots that are more drought-tolerant and pest-resistant. Allow lawns to go dormant during hot dry weather. If irrigating, water thoroughly when needed, that's when your footprints remain in the lawn.
• Conserve water and reduce time and money spent on plant care. Mulch the soil around trees, shrubs and other plants with several inches of woodchips, shredded leaves, evergreen needles or other organic material. Mulching reduces watering frequency, prevents soil compaction from heavy rainfall thus increasing water absorption. It also adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes.
• Repair leaking faucets, fittings and garden hoses. A slow leak of one drip per second can waste up to nine gallons of water per day.
• Look for and use wasted water. Collect the "warming water" typically wasted when preparing baths and showers. Use a five-gallon bucket to collect this fresh water and use it for your containers and gardens. Collect water from your dehumidifier and window air conditioners for use on flowering plants. Do not, however, use this water if environmentally harmful solvents have been used to clean this equipment.
• Check with your local municipality if you are considering using gray water. Once you wash clothes, dishes or yourself, water is classed as gray water and most municipalities have guidelines or regulations related to its use.
• Harvest rainwater if your municipality allows. The ancient technique of capturing rainwater in jugs, barrels and cisterns has made a comeback. Collecting rain when it is plentiful and storing it until it is needed is one way to manage water for the landscape. But first check local regulations before installing a rain harvesting system. Several states have banned rain harvesting, while others offer rebates or rain barrels at a discount to gardeners.

Houston: Free Annual Rose Pruning Demonstrations, Thursday, February 12, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Parish Hall 1819 Heights Blvd, Houston. Entrance to parking is on W. 19th Street near Yale St. Expert rosarians with the Houston Rose Society will demonstrate pruning techniques on actual bushes of all types of roses. Tables will be placed so all can get a close-up view. Questions are encouraged. Added bonus: all pruned bushes will be given away as door prizes; obtain a free raffle ticket upon arrival to be eligible. Free Admission.

La Grange: Ed Eargle will lead a session on "Composting," 11:50 a.m.-12:50 p.m., February 12, at the Fayette County Agricultural Building, 255 Svoboda Lane, La Grange. For additional information, call 979-968-5831 or email sawilley@ag.tamu.edu.

Nacogdoches: SFA Gardens at Stephen F. Austin State University will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. in Nacogdoches. Dr. Jared Barnes, assistant professor of horticulture in SFA's Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, will present "Headed Down South from the Land of the Pines: Reflections on the Plants, People, and Places of North Carolina." At SFA, Barnes pursues how to best cultivate plants and connect students with horticulture. He manages the Sprout Garden along Starr Avenue, a trial ground for edibles and perennials for East Texas. Barnes, who began gardening at age 5, joined the SFA faculty in September 2014. Prior to his arrival, he participated in a summer internship at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, in 2008, and also has traveled around the U.S., as well as to 10 countries to gain a national and global perspective of horticulture. After receiving his Ph.D. in horticultural science from North Carolina State University in Raleigh in 2013, Barnes' work has been recognized in Organic Gardening, Greenhouse Grower, AmericanHort Connect, and Ken Druse's Real Dirt. Additionally, his love of teaching extends beyond the classroom. Barnes delights in giving gardening talks around the country, and his articles have been published in Fine Gardening and Carolina Gardener. The Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series is held the second Thursday of each month at SFA's Pineywoods Native Plant Center. A rare plant raffle will be held after the program. The lecture is free and open to the public, but donations to the Theresa and Les Reeves lecture series fund are always appreciated. Parking is available at the nearby Raguet Elementary School, 2428 Raguet St., with continual shuttle service to the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building. For more information, call (936) 468-1832 or email grantdamon@sfasu.edu .

San Antonio: At the San Antonio Herb Society February meeting, Dave Saylor, owner of Acadiana Cafe, will be "Cooking Cajun." He will demonstrate roux for gumbo and crawfish etouffee, discuss the important aspects of Cajun cooking, the historical mixture of Native American, African, and Spanish ingredients and show how each dish interacts with other ingredients. Thursday, February 12, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 210-826-6860 or email mbelisle@satx.rr.com.

The Woodlands: Venomous snake or harmless species? Learn how to safe in the garden on Thursday, February 12, at 7 p.m., Mike Howlett, herpetologist and project manager at Harris County Precinct 4, shares easy tips for distinguishing venomous species at Local Snakes 101. Discover the role of snakes in a healthy eco system and get a close-up look at live specimens during the free, family-friendly program in the Nancy Bock Auditorium at McCullough Junior High School, 3800 S. Panther Drive. Sponsored by The Woodlands Township. For more information, visit Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture or call 281-210-3800.

Pasadena: On Saturday, February 14, the Precinct 2, Harris County Master Gardener Fruit and Citrus Tree Sale will be held at Campbell Hall, Pasadena Fairgrounds, 7600 Red Bluff, Pasadena. Plant Preview by Heidi Sheesley, owner of Treesearch Farms at 8 a.m. Sale hours 9 a.m.-1 p.m. If it's sold at our sale it, grows in our area. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

The Woodlands: On Saturday, February 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, learn vegetable gardening from the ground up with Tom LeRoy, horticulturist, author and vegetable gardening expert. Discover the best vegetables and varieties for spring and summer gardens in Southeast Texas. Registration is required for this free program of The Woodlands Township. Visit Vegetable Gardening or call 281-210-3800.

Canyon Lake: The Lindheimer Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will meet at 7 p.m., Tuesday, February 17, at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, Canyon Lake. Kelly Conrad Simon will present "Texas Wildscapes." She has been with Texas Parks and Wildlife for 19 years and currently serves as the Urban Wildlife Biologist for the Central Texas area. The program emphasizes using native plants in landscaped beds to provide critical components of habitat: food and shelter. By providing the elements of habitat (food, shelter, and water) in their gardens, Texans can attract an exciting variety of birds, butterflies, frogs, and lizards and bring the beauty and vitality of nature home. For more information, visit  www.npsot.org/wp/lindheimer  or email Sharon Thomas at scthomas@gvtc.com.

Diboll: The 2015 Texas Timber Tax Workshop is a day-long event that will provide information on timber tax laws and rules, helping attendees understand recent changes before filing taxes. Along with federal income tax, timberland property tax laws in Texas will be discussed. This annual workshop hosted by Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Forestry Association, is an all-day event that gives hundreds of foresters, landowners and other professionals the training and education needed for applying new tax rules, which could prove as an advantage in forest management planning. The workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lottie and Arthur Temple Civic Center, 601 Dennis St., Diboll.Registration is $75 and includes a workbook, lunch and refreshments. The workshop is designed for forest landowners, consulting foresters, public accountants, loggers, attorneys and anyone who deals with timber taxes. Participating in this workshop also qualifies for continuing education credits. For more information or to register, visit http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/timbertaxworkshop or contact Jennifer Hayes at 979-458-6630 or jhayes@tfs.tamu.edu.

San Antonio: Spring Floral Design Classes at the San Antonio Garden Center will be held Tuesday, February 17, 24, and March 3, from Noon-3 p.m. Tuition is $75 for the 3 classes. Learn how to design your own floral arrangements in these hands-on classes with Instructor Melissa White. Fresh flowers, greenery, container, and instruction for a take-home finished project each week with emphasis on flowers and colors of spring. Classes are held at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels. Further information at www.sanantoniogardencenter.org or call 210- 824-9981. Registration deadline is February 13. Make check payable to San Antonio Garden Center. Tuition for missed classes cannot be refunded.

Seabrook: At 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 18: "Skip" Richter, Harris County Extension Agent-Horticulture and Texas Gardener contributing editor, will present an educational program on Tomatoes & Peppers in the Meeting Room at Clear Lake Park, 5001 NASA Parkway, Seabrook. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

Woodway: Jo von Rosenberg will discuss "Water Wise," the new oil, from noon until 2 p.m. February 18 at the Pavilion at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 1 Pavilion Way, Woodway. Learn how to save money when watering your yard and how to plant for brutal Texas summers. Also, receive tips for EarthKind landscaping and news of the latest SuperStar plants. For more information, call 254-399-9204.

San Antonio: Ed Bradley, Master Gardener and Rosarian, will present "Growing Healthy Roses" Thursday, February 19, 1-3 p.m. 2 CEUs for MGs. Free. Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) Educational Seminars/General Meetings are held on the afternoon of the third Thursday every other month at the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office, Suite 208, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio. Growing Healthy Roses, addressing the full spectrum of growing roses: types to plant, feeding, watering, spraying, and more. February is pruning time, so emphasis will be on pruning and instructions on how to do it. For more information, email Barbara Lutz, BCMG President, at President@bexarmg.org.

Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will meet Thursday night, Feb. 19, at the AgriLife Building, 210 East Live Oak, Seguin. A social gathering will be at 6:30 p.m. followed by the educational program at 7 p.m. The topic of the meeting will be "Identification of Plant Diseases & Keeping Your Plants Happy" by Master Gardener Pat Mokey, from Travis County. The membership meeting will follow the educational program. For further information, call 830-303-3889 or visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.

Hempstead: Docent Training for Peckerwood Garden, 20559 FM 359 Road, Hempstead, has been scheduled for three sessions, February 21, February 28, and March 7, beginning at 11 a.m. each day. Training will be 1.5 to 2 hours each session and focused training is available. John Fairey will be the instructor for all three classes. Documents will be provided for review and questions are welcomed. The training will cover a section of the garden each day of training. RSVP to Bethany Jordan at bethany@peckerwoodgarden.org or by phone at 979-826-3232. Also provide particular interests and availability for tours after training. Please plan if there is major rain, the training will be moved out one week later from the original scheduled date. Limited space available, additional sessions will be scheduled at a later date if filled. Active Volunteers will receive a 20% discount on plant purchases.

Fort Bend: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Fort Bend County and Fort Bend County Master Gardeners are offering opportunities to learn more about homegrown and homemade basics through various Backyard Basics programs and workshops throughout 2015. Reconnect with nature and save money by recycling or conserving resources such as water use in gardens and landscapes. Enjoy healthful outdoor activity through gardening and growing your own vegetables. The 2015 series of 12 programs begins with The Food Garden on February 21. The remaining programs as well as locations and information for registration can be found at http://fortbend.agrilife.org/backyard-basics or by contacting administrative assistant Brandy Rader at brandy.rader@ag.tamu.edu or (281) 342-3034.

La Marque: "Texas Tuff Landscape Plants - Blooming and Beautiful" with GC Master Gardener Sandra Duvall presenting. February 21, 9-11:30 a.m. at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to galv3@wt.net. Further details see www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

La Marque: "Kitchen Gardening" with GC Master Gardener Mary Demeny presenting. February 21, 1-3 p.m. at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservation to galv@wt.net. Further details see www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

New Braunfels: The Comal Master Gardeners and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service present their Spring Seminar featuring tomatoes, keyhole gardening, and nutrition at McKenna Events Center, 801 West San Antonio Street, New Braunfels. February 21, from 8:50 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost is $49.00, and includes lunch, snacks, seminar booklet, and vegetable gardening handbook. Speakers include William D. Adams, author or co-author of Texas Tomato Lover's Handbook, The Southern Kitchen Garden, Commonsense Vegetable Gardening for the South, and Growing Fruits and Nuts in the South. Dr. Deb Tolman will provide all the details of keyhole gardening and Ashley Currie will provide a talk on health and wellness. Seating is limited so register early to save your place. Registration forms are available at http://txmg.org/comal/event/seminar/. For additional information, call 830-620-3440.

San Antonio: Now Taking Applications! The Spring 2015 Children's Vegetable Garden Program will be held Saturday mornings, February 21-June 6 from 8 a.m.-noon at the San Antonio Botanical Garden (SABOT), 555 Funston Place. Children ages 8-13 get hands-on horticulture experience with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Bexar County Master Gardeners. Each child is allotted a 3.5'x28' garden plot. Children can also earn their Junior Master Gardener certification. Participants are required to attend all sessions (two absences are allowed); a parent or guardian must stay with their child. Thanks to a generous donation from Milberger's Nursery, the Spring Vegetable Garden Program will be $30 per child or $40 for two children to share a plot (non-refundable). For more information and application, visit http://www.sabot.org/education/childrens-education/childrens-vegetable-garden-program/, email programregistrar@sabot.org, or call 210-207-3278.

The Woodlands: Organic Horticulture Benefits Alliance, Urban Harvest andThe Woodlands Township team up on Saturday, February 21, from 9 a.m. to noon to present the Organic Gardening and Landscaping Seminar. Learn how to create the prettiest and easiest to maintain landscape on your street while saving water and protecting your family and pets. Organic gurus, Mike Serant, John Ferguson and Dany Millikin share tips to develop your landscape's ultimate potential! To register for the free program, visit Organic Gardening and Landscaping Seminar or call 281-210-3800.

Bryan: Master Gardener David McAden will present "Veggie Tales for the Wanna Be Gardener," an overview of plants that will be offered at the March 28th Master Gardener Plant Sale, Tuesday February 24, 7-8 p.m., The Brazos Center, Room 102, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan. Every year you are planning to plant a vegetable garden and then you turn around and the time has passed you by. Get the scoop from McAden, along with a list of especially high performing (but hard to find) varieties for this area. Many of these plants such as tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplants, melons, plus herbs, ornamentals, natives and trees will be on sale at the Annual BCMGA Spring Plant Sale. For additional information, visit at www.brazosmg.com, phone 979/823-0129 or email brazosmg@brazosmg.com.

Dallas: Texas A&M AgriLife Water University: Landscape Design - Be Your Own Landscape Designer, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday, February 24, March 3, 10, 17, at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, WaterSense Labeled Home, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas. Are you on a budget, but your landscape needs a facelift? Be your own Landscape Designer by learning hands on approaches to landscape design for the 'do it yourself' homeowner. Learn proper plant placement, design aspects and installation for a more water efficient landscape. This is a four week class meeting once per week. Cost: $395. Note: This is a project-based class and is limited to one project please. Fee includes dinner each week for up to 2 project leaders/homeowners listed at initial registration. If you will have two project leaders/homeowners please reply the confirmation email after you have registered. Register online at: http://dallas.tamu.edu/courses.

La Marque: "The ABC's of Home Composting" with GC Master Gardener Ken Steblein presenting, February 24, 9-11 a.m. at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservation to galv@wt.net. Further details see www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

Nacogdoches: The East Texas Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Conference will be held Tuesday, Feb 24, at the Expo Center in Nacogdoches. 3805 NW Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches. $30 each; $50 couples. Add $5 for late registration after February 20. College Student registration $10 with current student ID, fee waved with no lunch. Lunch will be included with the registration. Cancellation policy: No refund. To register, Call Nacogdoches County Extension Office, at 936-560-7711. For more information, contact Ricky Thompson, AgriLife Extension agent, at 936-560-7711 or r-thompson@ag.tamu.edu. Pre-Registration can be mailed to: County Extension Office, 203 West Main St., Nacogdoches, TX 75961. Make checks payable to: Nacogdoches Master Gardener Association. TDA CEUs: 2 hrs. Master Gardeners CEUs: 5 hrs. of continuing education recertification credits.

San Antonio: Advance your gardening expertise, plus gain self-satisfaction through volunteer efforts which enhance the quality of life for citizens of your community using the science and art of horticulture. Bexar County Master Gardeners and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will offer Master Gardener Intern Training Class #59 from February 25 to May 27 (noon-4 p.m., each Wednesday) at 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio. Registration for Class 59, is open NOW through February 9. See the attachment for details, application form, and planned class agenda. For more information, call 210-467-6575.

Dallas: Texas A&M AgriLife Water University: Drip Irrigation DIY, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Thursday, February 26, at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Building E Auditorium, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas. Water slower, deeper and more efficient with every drop. Convert your spray heads and watch your sprinkler system save you money from our hands on drip conversion class. You will learn how to install drip irrigation tubing from your faucet or how to convert an existing zone to drip. Drip irrigation is the most efficient irrigation method and essential to sustainable landscapes. Drip irrigation for foundation watering will also be covered. Cost: FREE. Register online at: http://dallas.tamu.edu/courses .

Rosenberg: Join the Fort Bend Master Gardeners on Thursday, February 26, for a program to preview the plants to be sold at their Annual Vegetable-Herb Plant Sale. The program will be held at the Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the program will be from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. For more information call 281-341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

Dallas: For more than 30 years, Dallas Blooms has been a tradition as the largest floral festival in the Southwest. This year's theme plays homage to the beloved state: Dallas Blooms: Deep in the Hearts of Texans. This Texas-sized extravaganza, February 28-April 12, features more than 500,000 blooming spring bulbs along with Texas themed topiaries, entertainment, food and special activities celebrating Texas. Dallas Blooms features tulips, daffodils, Dutch Iris and hyacinths, pansies, violas, poppies and thousands of other spring-blooming annuals and perennials that bloom throughout the entire festival, so the garden changes all the time. The finale of this spring celebration is the mass flowering of the garden's collection of 3,000 azaleas that bloom through the end of April. Throughout the festival and beyond, there are multiple events to celebrate Dallas Blooms including Mommy and Me Mondays, Tiny Tot Tuesdays, a special 1980's concert and Easter activities. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas. More information can be found at www.dallasarboretum.org.

Rosenberg: The Fort Bend Master Gardeners will hold their Annual Vegetable-Herb Plant Sale on Saturday, February 28, in front of the greenhouse behind the Agriculture Center, 1402 Band Road, Rosenberg. The sale will open at 9 a.m. and will run until noon or until sold out. For more information call 281-341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.com.

Waxahachie: The Ellis County Master Gardeners will host their 15th Annual Lawn & Garden Expo on Saturday, March 2, from 9-5 p.m. at the Waxahachie Civic Center, 2000 Civic Center Lane, Waxahachie. Keynote speakers will be Steve Smith & James Jeffers of "Eat The Yard." Steve & James work with returning veterans who aspire to become farmers as well as individuals who are seeking the joy of growing some of their own food in their yards. Randy Johnson, owner of the Blackland Seed Company, will discuss "Pollinators and Natives - An Ancient Marriage." Monica Nyenhuis and Susan Knapp, Ellis County Master Gardeners, will present a demonstration on how to save seeds for more adaptive plants and to save money. There will be 100+ exhibitor booths focusing on lawn- and garden-related products and services. There will be educational opportunities with the emphasis on fun for the whole family. Free hands-on activities for children will be lead by the Ellis County Master Gardeners. There will be a plant sale in the Master Gardener area, as well as an Information Booth where Master Gardener specialists will answer horticultural questions. Tickets at the door are $5.00; children under 12 are free. Free tickets are available from sponsors after March 1. For a list of sponsors, as well as further information on the Expo, visit www.ecmga.com or call 972-825-5175.

Tyler: Smith County Master Gardener Association presents "Vines for Vertical Interest ,"an informative lecture covering seasonable gardening topics, on March 3. Held on the patio of the IDEA garden, located in the SE corner of the Tyler Rose Garden, 420 Rose Park Dr., Tyler, the program begins at noon. The lecture is approximately 30 minutes with a Q&A session following. Seating is limited; please bring a chair for your comfort. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://txmg.org/smith/coming-events/ or call 903-590-2980.

Galveston: Herbs...glorious fragrant plants that offer so many connections to the past. Herbs...the basis of cooking, medicine, beauty and home care. With the arrival of spring it's the perfect time to celebrate herbs! The Friends of Moody Gardens are hosting their 3rd Annual Gulf Coast Herb Fair and Luncheon, Wednesday, March 4, benefitting Galveston's children and seniors by planting seeds of education. Houston Chef Randy Evans, will be the featured speaker at the luncheon at the Garden Restaurant, Moody Gardens Visitor Center, 1 Hope Boulevard, Galveston. Randy is the owner of Southern Son Consulting and former Executive Chef at Brennan's of Houston. Herb Educators will feature nutritional herbs including basil, cilantro, fennel, dill and rosemary. Fresh plants, handouts, and displays will be used to educate the visitors of the nutritional importance of selected herbs. The Herb Fair gets an early start with the Garden Blessing in the Moody Gardens Butterfly Garden at 9:30 a.m. beginning with a musical prelude by Natalie Wiest. Vendors with herb related merchandise will offer everything from olive oil to organic pet food, fresh herbs and organic teas. Vendors from the area will offer their merchandise for sale during the fair from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Moody Garden's Rainforest Visitor's Center. For more information or reservations contact offdah@aol.com, 409-744-1826 or mlkelso@sbcglobal.net, 409-744-4716. There is no charge for the Herb Fair or Garden Blessing; the luncheon is $35.00 per person.

Austin: Austin's most loved, locally raised heirloom veggies and herbs make their big debut 9 a.m. at Sunshine Community Garden (SCG) 4814 Sunshine Dr., Austin, March 7. The sale is the largest Certified Organic Non-Profit Plant event in Texas. More than 150 Tomato varieties, 72 Wicked Hot and Sweet Bell Pepper varieties, 15 kinds of Eggplants, 5,000 herbs and other plants ready for spring planting. The first bite of a delicious and juicy home-grown organic tomato will make you beg for more. Improve your health with regular gardening exercise. Save big money by growing your own organic vegetables. For a complete list of plants on sale and varieties to grow visit http://www.sunshinecommunitygarden.org/ For a Fun-Filled day, come early. Learn organic gardening practices. Talk with Vendors. Listen to Live Music. Walk the 180 gardens on display. Kids love to visit the Chicken Coop. Purchase Lady Bug compost too! A percentage of the sales proceeds will benefit TSBVI's horticulture and animal care programs. SCG members donate time, gardening experience and expertise to help students at the school. SCG also grow, harvest and deliver twice weekly thousands of pounds of vegetables per year to the Micah 6 Food Bank and Pantry. For additional information, visit http://sunshinecommunitygardens.org/.

Longview: The annual Spring Garden and Landscape Seminar will be presented by the Gregg County Master Gardeners, on Saturday, March 7, at the First United Methodist Church, Faith Center, Whatley St. entrance, from 7:45 a.m. to noon. Chris Wiesinger, owner of The Southern Bulb Company, will be the speaker. He is nationally known as the "The Bulb Hunter." Wiesinger's topic will be "Seeking Botanical Treasures." He has a passion for seeking bulbs once-lost to the Southern gardeners, bulbs that thrive in warm climates, many of which are heirloom and rare flower bulbs. Wiesinger will have bulbs and copies of his two books for sale at the seminar. There will be vendors, door prizes, raffle and refreshments. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For information, call the Gregg County AgriLife Extension Service at 903-236-8429 or visit www.txmg.org/gregg.

The Woodlands: Helicopters in flight, hummingbirds delight the eye! Discover the antics and charm of nature's jewels at Hummingbirds 101: Everything you wanted to know about hummingbirds and more on Thursday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. Cliff Shackelford, non-game ornithologist with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, reveals the latest information on the hummingbirds of Texas and the habitat that brings them here. This free program of The Woodlands Township will be held in the L.G.I. Lecture Hall at McCullough Junior High School, 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive. For more information, visit Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture or call 281-210-3800.

San Antonio: Dr. Dotty Woodson, Water Resource Program Specialist, Texas AgriLife Research & Extension Center - Dallas willl present "Carnivorous Plants," Thursday, March 19, 6-8:30 p.m. 1.5 CEUs for MGs. Free. Bexar County Master Gardners Meeting begins with a social time at 6pm followed by the special presentation at 6:30pm at the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office, Suite 208, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio. Topic: You don't have to be a kid to be fascinated by plants that eat bugs! Learn all kinds of interesting information about Carnivorous Plants. Dottie Woodson's programs cover landscape water conservation practices, rainwater harvesting, rain gardens, irrigation efficiency and drip irrigation. She works with county Extension agents, water utilities and districts, elected officials, nurserymen, landscapers, irrigation and rainwater harvesting professionals, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalist and homeowners. For more information, email Barbara Lutz, BCMG President, at President@bexarmg.org or call 210-467-6575.    

Huntsville: Herb Festival at the Wynne Home will be held Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., at 1428 Eleventh Street, Huntsville. Sponsored by the Texas Thyme Unit of the Herb Society of America. Herb, butterfly and hummingbird, camellias and citrus plants for sale. Herbal and garden vendors, artists, musicians, food, and children's activities. Speakers: Bill Varney of UrbanHERBAL, Dave Whitinger of Allthingsplants.com, and Master Gardener Bonney Kennedy.

The Festival is FREE. For information, call 936-891-5024 or visit www.facebook.com/texasthymeunit.

Quitman: The Wood County chapter of Texas Master Gardeners will host a spring conference featuring speaker Steven L. Chamblee. March 28, at Quitman High School, 1101 East Goode Street, Quitman. "Time to Plant Smarter" will focus on plants and gardening methods specifically for east Texas. Chamblee is the Chief Horticulturist for Chandor Gardens in Weatherford, Texas. He serves as Consulting Editor and Author for a gardening magazine, writes a monthly e-newsletter column entitled "Native Son," and is an Adjunct Instructor for Tarrant County College and Texas Christian University's Extended Education. He will introduce Texas Tough Plants which are environmentally friendly and native to the state. This will be especially informative for people new to the area or state and adapting to Texas weather and seasons. He will cover subjects on trees, shrubs and color with emphasis on heavily flowering herbaceous perennials. The conference will also have mini-seminars on native plants, rainwater harvesting and worm farming. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Door prizes will be awarded and refreshments will be available. For more information contact: Gloria Jean Rosewall at gloriajeanerosewall@gmail.com; Roy Culbertson at royculb@gmail.com; or Lin Grado at lingrado@gmail.com.