 April 29, 2015
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6 tips for creating a "bed-head" garden
Jackson & Perkins
The effortless beauty of "bed head" is all the rage in fashion right now, and gardeners are beginning to follow suit, with garden beds that emphasize natural beauty as opposed to the primping and preening that goes into formal gardens.
Garden Media Group pointed to the phenomenon in their 2015 Garden Trends Report. GMG president Susan McCoy explains: "Purposefully un-styled outdoor spaces are the result of intentionally working within the natural landscape. This casual landscape style expresses an effortless personality with an 'anything goes' attitude."
The decision to embrace a more natural, wild look is not only a stylish aesthetic choice, but also one that connects with a lot of gardeners' reverence for nature. Respecting the environment has always been a core value of many gardeners, but the counter-culture against industrial farming has really exploded in recent years. From homesteaders that seek to create self-reliant small farms to Permaculture designers trying to regenerate soils and build food forests to health enthusiasts that rely on their own garden for fresh, chemical-free, non-GMO, organic food, it is clear that gardeners are more environmentally conscious than ever.
The environmentally-conscious gardener tends to favor drought-tolerant natives over thirsty exotic plants, tends to fight pest problems with companion plants, predatory insects, or chickens rather than using chemical sprays, and tends to embrace the more mixed and chaotic way that plants grow in nature rather than strain against nature to impose their own order.
How to Bring the "Bed Head" Style to the Garden:
1. Landscaping-Curvy. Keep the landscape's natural hills and dales, connected with windy, curving paths.
2. Hardscaping-Minimal. Bed head gardens rarely use garden structures, and when they do, the emphasis is on raw, natural materials like stones and logs.
3. Plant arrangement-Mixed drifts. The key to a real bed head look is to mix together different plants in the way you might find on the prairie. Plants naturally grow in drifts, with strong clusters that thin out towards the edges and intersperse with their neighbors.
4. Plant selection-Native and low-maintenance. The most popular plants for the style are native flowers (Coreopsis, Liatris, Lantana, and especially taller ones such as Coneflowers) and grasses (Try Pink Muhly Grass or 'Cassian'). Flowers that don't need staking (such as single peonies) are important because stakes ruin the illusion of a natural planting.
5. Maintenance-Infrequent. The real beauty of an intentionally "messy" look is that it doesn't require the constant maintenance of a well-manicured, formal garden. Prune and weed sparingly to encourage more of an "overgrown" aesthetic.
6. Color Design-Wild. Color theory is abandoned and reds, purples, blues, and yellows all intermingle into a riot of color!
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Conserve time and water while growing beautiful and productive gardens
By Melinda Myers
Gardening Expert
Reduce your workload, increase productivity and be water wise, whether you are planning, planting or already harvesting produce or enjoying beautiful floral displays from your garden.
Container gardeners may want to invest in self-watering pots. These containers have built-in reservoirs to reduce watering frequency. Commercial and homemade self-watering devices can also reduce watering frequency. Just make sure to test their effectiveness before leaving town. Or consider a one-time investment in a drip irrigation system.
Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are also a great way to water in-ground plantings. These irrigation systems apply the water directly to the soil which reduces water lost to overspray, evaporation and runoff. They also reduce the risk and spread of disease by preventing water from settling on the leaves of the plants.
Opt for a micro irrigation system if your water has a high mineral content. These minerals can build up and clog soaker hoses. Micro irrigation systems experience fewer problems and the nozzles can be cleaned to prevent clogs. Because the nozzles can be clipped onto stakes, tomato towers or other supports, this system makes it easy to deliver water right to the plants.
Raised bed gardens will also benefit from irrigation systems. Elevated gardens often dry out more quickly than their in-ground counterparts and need more frequent watering. Some are easy to assemble and allow you to water when needed. Further save time by using preformed corners with built-in spigots when constructing raised beds. Simply slide the boards into the metal corner pieces to create the raised bed. Some corner systems have built-in spigots to make irrigation even simpler.
Correctly installed irrigation systems can help conserve water by ensuring you water properly and only when needed. Plus, using a timer and an irrigation system allows you to apply water at the best time for the plants. Just set the timer for early in the morning - when less water is lost to evaporation - and the plants will be watered even if you are not home.
Always water thoroughly and only as needed to encourage plants to develop deep root systems that are more drought-tolerant. Be sure to avoid high nitrogen, fast release fertilizers that promote lush succulent growth which needs more frequent watering.
Further conserve water and time spent watering by grouping moisture-loving plants together. You can provide needed water more efficiently and avoid overwatering nearby drought-tolerant plants.
And remember to mulch your garden. A thin layer of shredded leaves, evergreen needles or other organic matter helps conserve moisture and reduces erosion. As the mulch breaks down, it helps improve the soil, while decreasing its' water needs.
So make this the year you take a break from watering, while continuing to enjoy beautiful and productive gardens.
Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Can't Miss Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener's Handbook. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment segments. Myers is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers' web site, www.melindamyers.com, offers gardening videos and tips.
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Dallas mayor urges Texans to save water
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings joined the Wyland Foundation and Gina McCarthy of the Environmental Protection Agency on April 9 to kick off the 4th National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation.
Cities nationwide to compete to see who can be most "water wise."
Drought resiliency and energy savings through water conservation will be focus of fourth annual national awareness campaign.
With at least 36 states facing water shortages this year, mayors across the country will be asking residents to make a commitment to conserve water and cut pollution by taking part in a national contest aimed at drastically slashing water and energy use across the nation -and in return residents can win a new Toyota Prius Plug-In, water saving fixtures, and hundreds of other prizes.
In addition to helping the environment, the mayors earn bragging rights about winning the Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation, a non-profit competition, April 1-30, to see which leaders can best inspire their residents to make a series of informative, easy-to-use online pledges to reduce water and energy usage.
"Whether its drought conditions in the West or the high costs of energy related to water use in the East, saving water has become one of the most talked about issues facing the nation today," said Wyland, artist and president of the Wyland Foundation. "This gives city leaders a way to supplement their awareness efforts in a friendly, spirited way."
Presented nationally by the Wyland Foundation and Toyota, with support from the U.S EPA's Office of Water, National League of Cities, U.S. Forest Service, The Toro Company, Wondergrove Kids, Bytelaunch, and WaterSmart Software, mayors nationwide are encouraged to challenge their residents to conserve water, save energy, and reduce pollution on behalf of their city at www.mywaterpledge.com throughout the month of April. Last year, residents from more than 3,600 cities in all 50 U.S. states pledged to reduce their annual consumption of freshwater by 1.4 billion gallons, reduce waste sent to landfills by 36 million pounds, prevent more than 179,000 pounds of hazardous waste from entering our watersheds, a reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 5.3 billion pounds. Participants have included mayors from Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Honolulu, San Diego, San Francisco, Long Beach, Calif., and Miami.
To participate, residents enter the name of their city at mywaterpledge.com, and then make a series of online pledges to conserve water on behalf of their city. Cities compete in the following population categories: (5,000-29,999 residents, 30,000-99,999 residents, 100,000-299,999 residents, 300,000-599,999 residents, and 600,000+ residents). Cities with the highest percentage of residents who take the challenge in their population category are deemed the winner. Residents from those cities are entered to win an array of environmentally positive prizes. Residents also discover resources in their area to take their commitment of conservation even further, from regional water and energy resource issues to cost-saving tips at home.
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 Gardening tips
"For an all-natural, season-long solution to marking garden plants, use short bamboo pieces in combination with wooden craft (popsicle) tabs," suggests Kevin Craft. "Label starter seedlings with the tabs. Carefully split or saw the top bamboo joint lengthwise and insert the label at planting time. The bamboo can also double as support." 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 2015 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.
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APRIL
Dallas: "Shade gardening" will be presented Wednesday, April 30, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Building C, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas. Shaded out? Do you have areas in your landscape where nothing grows because there is not enough sunlight? Learn a new way to landscape for the shade.To register, go to dallas.tamu.edu/courses.
San Antonio: "Dollars for Scholars" Luncheon, Fashion Show and Silent Auction
to benefit San Antonio Garden Center Scholarships for Bexar County students studying horticulture at Texas A&M University is Thursday, April 30,at noon, at the Garden Center; reservations required, $35 paid in advance by cash, check, or credit card. Send to San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio 78209, or call 210-824-9981.
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MAY
Arlington: The Texas Native Plant Sale will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m., May 2, at Redenta's Garden, 5111 W. Arkansas Lane, Arlington. For additional information, visit www.txnativeplants.org.
Dallas: "DIY Drip Irrigation Workshop" will be presented Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center - 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. The workshop will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Auditorium (Building "E"), 17360 Coit Road, Dallas. Space is limited. Please register online at SaveDallasWater.com or by calling 214-670-3155. Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club is hosting its 16th annual Spring Garden Tour on May 2 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Rain date is May 9. Eight distinctive private gardens in Venetian Estates are featured on the tour. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the tour for $15 at the parking lot of the BancorpSouth Building, 8410 Highway 90A, next to the Venetian Estates. Fpr more information, visit SugarLandGardenClub.org.
Tomball: Katherine Ashby will present "Feng Shui in the Garden" at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 2, at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. For additional information, email [email protected] or visit www.arborgate.com.
Southlake: The Southlake Garden Tour will be held Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For additional information, visit www.southlakegardentour.org.
Tyler: "Getting Ready for Hot Weather" will be presented as part of 1st Tuesday in the Gardens with Smith County Master Gardeners at noon, May 5, in the IDEA garden in the Tyler Rose Garden. Free and open to the public. The lecture is approximately 30 minutes with a Q&A session following. Seating is limited; please bring a chair for you comfort. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held in the Rose Garden Center. For more information http://txmg.org/smith/coming-events/ or 903-590-2980. San Antonio: San Antonio Garden Center Clubs will meet at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 6, at 3310 N. New Braunfels @ Funston. The program features Bob Brackman, Executive Director of the San Antonio Botanical Garden, who will talk about "The Flowering Future" of the Botanical Garden and share details of the City's Master Plan for its development. Coffee at 9:30 a.m.; meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.sanantoniogardencenter.org or call 210-824-9981.
Tomball: Cynthia Graham, RN, BSN, will present "Pepperazzi" at noon, Wednesday, May 6, at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. For additional information, email [email protected] or visit www.arborgate.com.
Seguin: "Lawn Care" will be presented by Marvin Borth, Master Gardener, and the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners, noon-1 p.m., May 7, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 210 East Live Oak St., Seguin. Topics will include Lawn Types and Maintenance; Weeds, Pests and Control; and Fertilization. This presentation is free and attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch. For more information, call 830-303-3889 or visit http://guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.
Denton: "In-Town Gardens" is the theme of the 2015 Denton County Master Gardener Association Spring Garden Tour, which is open to the public from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 9. Five beautiful private gardens inside the Denton city limits are included on this year's tour, which raises funds for horticultural education programs. Veteran Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and point out interesting characteristics of each landscape. The garden at 2005 Burning Tree Ln. in Denton is a Pollinator's Paradise. It greets guests with an explosion of colorful plants and flowers, including old time-favorites: daylilies, sedum, daisies, lambs ears, coneflower, chrysanthemum, herbs, yarrow, salvia, Mexican milkweed and seasonal annuals. My Secret Garden, located at 908 Circle View Ln., is filled with graceful plants and antique and whimsical yard art. Mini-gardens fill every nook and corner, including a charming fairy garden. Several rainwater collection barrels supply water to the raised beds and colorful containers. All That Jazz is the name of the vibrant garden at 1218 Emerson Ln. The owners were striving for rhythm, balance, emphasis and unity when they planned their landscaping, and they incorporated trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables, all of them native or adapted to North Texas. At 2308 Crestwood Place in northeast Denton, visitors will discover Hidden Gardens and Wildscape, with mature tree-lined paths and secluded garden plots visited by bees, butterflies and critters, both wild and domestic. Each area has its own personality, providing the homeowners with several treasured places for work, play and renewal. The Heather Lane Herb Garden at 1306 Heather Lane features an organic landscape planted with herbs, vegetables, fruit trees, perennials and annuals. Dry-river beds and several rain barrels help supply water for the garden. The fifth garden is located at Lake Forest Village, the retirement facility at 3901 Montecito Rd. in Denton. Primarily a vegetable garden, it was built and is used by residents to produce food for their personal use. The surplus is sold in the Village grocery store to residents who might not be able to participate in garden activities. As a bonus, an assortment of flowers and Texas-adapted plants provide color and attract pollinators to the grounds. Garden Tour tickets are $10 per person and are available from Master Gardeners, local nurseries and online at www.dcmga.com. Children under 12 are admitted free. Admission to a single garden is $5 at the gate. Nacogdoches: "Pining for Birds Arcadian Adventure" will take place 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, May 9. Join ornithologist Cliff Shackelford and horticulturist Greg Grant on a bird and nature walk as they hike through Greg's beloved backyard Rebel Eloy Emanis Pine Savanna and Bird Sanctuary in rural Shelby County. With annual prescribed burns, regular thinning, and standing snags, Greg maintains this 22-year-old, eight-acre stand of loblolly pines as a habitat for cavity dwelling birds and pine savanna wildlife. He named it for his outdoor-loving grandfather who formerly owned the property. Plan to see brown-headed nuthatches, pine warblers, eastern bluebirds, tufted titmice, Carolina chickadees, Carolina wrens, eastern phoebes, and an assortment of woodpeckers. Prepare to hike approximately one mile on dirt trails, so wear comfortable shoes. Transportation is provided and will leave from the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Center at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet, Nacogdoches. Group size will be limited. $30 for SFA Gardens members. $35 for non-members. For reservations contact [email protected] or call 936-468-1832. San Antonio: Visit and learn of the abundant community gardens in San Antonio. Join Green Spaces Alliance for an exclusive urban bike ride or walk to tour eight community gardens during the fourth annual SicloVerde! Choose from several tour options including the 17-mile ride, the 13-mile ride and a 5k walk or ride. Participants will gather at the first garden in the morning and travel in small groups with experienced guides, visiting with gardeners at San Antonio's community gardens before completing the loop and participating in closing festivities. SicloVerde 2015 will occur Saturday, May 9, starting at 7:30 a.m. at Eastside Sprouts Community Garden - a garden on the Ella Austin Community Center campus at 1023 N. Pine, 78202. Interested parties should visit www.greensatx.org/sicloverde for more detailed information and to register in advance. Tomball: Felder Rushing will present "Art in the Garden" at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 9, at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. For additional information, email [email protected] or visit www.arborgate.com.
Hempstead: Mother's Day Open Day takes place May 10 at the Peckerwood Garden, 20559 F.M 359, Hempstead. Visitors enjoy 1-hour guided tours of the garden led by knowledgeable docents, exploring key collections such as the Mexican oaks and magnolias. Seasonal highlights are featured and there is the opportunity to purchase many of the plants from the garden at our nursery on Open Days. Refreshments are available, and parking and plant sale admission is free. Peckerwood Garden Open Day hours are 10-4 p.m. Guided tours are offered each day at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and you may reserve a place on the tour of your choice in advance. Tour fee is $10 per person.Peckerwood Garden Foundation members are always welcome, free of charge, to participate in Open Days tours. To purchase tickets, visit https://squareup.com/market/peckerwood-garden-conservation-foundation?utm_source=peckerwood-garden-conservation-foundation&utm_medium=embed&utm_campaign=button_v1#menu.
Austin: The Austin Organic Gardeners' Club meets at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, in Zilker Botanical Gardens, Monday, May 11. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the opportunity to meet, mingle, and ask questions with local gardeners; club business begins at 7 p.m., followed by the guest speaker's presentation. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org. Schertz: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will present a Lunch and Learn class on herbs from noon to 1 p.m. on May 11 in Schertz. Gail Johnson, Guadalupe County Master Gardener, will present "Twenty Great Herbs for South Central Texas." Mrs. Johnson's program will discuss not only successful varieties of herbs for this area, but the seasonality of growing herbs. The program will be at the GVEC Service Center Community Room, 908 Curtis Street, Schertz, and is free and open to the public. Attendees are welcome to bring lunch, and free handouts will be available.For further information, visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org or call the Guadalupe County Extension Service Office in Seguin at 830-303-3889. Austin: "Alternative Methods of Gardening" will be presented May 14, 10 a.m. to noon, at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis Co, 1600-B Smith Road, Austin. If you have limited garden space or time yet still have a desire to nurture your green thumb, Master Gardener Pat Mokry will teach you how to raise carefree veggies, herbs and flowers using self-sufficient grow boxes. Then, for some more 'new' gardening techniques, Master Gardener Marian Stasney will describe the ancient practices of both keyhole gardening and hugelkultur. $10/seminar for early registration; $15/seminar for late or on-site. Register: For additional information, contact Daphne Richards, 512-854-9600 or [email protected]. Houston: "International Flower Expo 8 in China" will be the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting on Thursday, May 14. The speaker will be Mr. Sam Jones. In 2013 Sam and his wife toured rose and botanical gardens across China with a delegation which included American hybridizers, garden directors, industry leaders and ARS officials. Sam will share his marvelous pictures of roses grown in China. Sam and his wife have been active members in their local rose society in Nashville, Tenn., and the American Rose Society. The Houston Rose Society meets at the Parish Hall of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd, Houston. Entrance to parking lot is on W 19th Street near Yale St. Free admission. For additional information, visit http://www.houstonrose.org.
La Grange: Jason McBroom, Fayette County Commissioner, will lead "Drip Irrigation," noon-12:50 p.m., May 14, at the Fayette County Agricultural Building, 255 Svoboda Lane, La Grange. For additional information, call 979-968-5831 or visit http://fayette.agrilife.org.
Atlanta: The Cass County Master Gardeners will host "Walk in the Garden," a garden conference and yard tour, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., May 16, at Whippoorwill Gardens, 5024 FM 2328 Atlanta. Four morning classes will be followed by afternoon tours of four local gardens. Tickets are $10 if purchased by May 8; $12 after May 8 and at the door. For additional information, call 903-756-5391 or 903-748-3414.
Dallas: Attend a Drip Irrigation class at Texas Discovery Gardens May 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Water more deeply and efficiently: convert your spray heads and watch your sprinkler system save you money with this hands-on drip conversion class. 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 and foundation watering. $25, $20 for TDG members. Register in advance at www.texasdiscoverygardens.org or call 214-428-7476 ext. 343. The Gardens are at 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas. Ft. Worth: The Greater Fort Worth Herb Society presents "Remembering Old Thymes" Herb Festival May 16 at the Ft Worth Botanic Gardens, 3220 Botanic Gardens Blvd., Ft Worth, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission $2.00, children under 12 Free. Presentations include: 9:30 Laura Miller "Herbs in Edible Landscape"; 10:30 Judy Barrett "Antique roses"; 1:00 Dr. Judy Griffin "Herbs for Health & Beauty." Free demonstration at 2 p.m.: "How to make markers for your garden" by Stacy Moore, president Ft Worth Herb Society. For more information, visit www.gfwhs.org. Rockwall: The New Inspirations Garden Tour-Look, Listen, Learn!", Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. -3:30 p.m. This new event hosted by the Rockwall County Master Gardener Association will include 3 inspirational gardens to tour at your leisure from 9:30-1:30 and then a classroom session with Dr. Dotty Woodson from 2:00-3:30. Tickets will be available beginning Friday, April 24. Cost is $15.00. For more information visit rockmga.org or call 972-204-7660. Sugar Land: The Great Grow, a 501c3 community and school garden organization, will present "Treesearch Farms: The Unique and Different" Plant Sale and School Garden Event at Imperial Farmer's Market, 198 Kempner St, Sugar Land, May 16. Plant Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. School Garden Presentations at 11 a.m. For additional information, contact Diana Miller, Program Director, 713-724-3113, or visit www.TheGreatGrow.com. Waco: The McLennan County Master Gardeners will host a Plant Sale 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, May 16, at the Westview Bowling Lanes Parking Lot, 4565 W. Waco Drive, Waco. Cash, Check & Credit Cards accepted. Browse the great selection of plants, including flowers, shrubs, vegetables, and herbs grown in members' yards. Also: arts & crafts, hanging baskets, color bowls, fairy gardens, and compost for sale, plus free recycling for old, reuseable pots! Woodway: "Raised Bed Gardening" will be presented by Master Gardener Ila Jean Carothers from noon-2 p.m., May 20, at the Pavilion at Carleen Bright Arboretum, 1 Pavilion Way, Woodway. Learn the advantages of growing in raised beds and learn how to construct various types of raised beds. For more information, call 254-399-9204. Dallas: Find out about those mystery trees and shrubs in your yard May 30 from 10 a.m. to noon with Director of Horticulture Roger Sanderson at Texas Discovery Gardens. Bring photos of the specimens as well as a cutting. He will do his best to answer questions and share great trees and shrubs for North Texas landscapes. $25, $20 for TDG members. Register in advance at www.texasdiscoverygardens.org or call 214-428-7476 ext. 343. The Gardens are at 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75210. Tyler: The Smith County Master Gardener Annual Garden Tour will be held May 30. This is a unique opportunity to view four private gardens and landscapes in the Tyler area. For more information, visit http://txmg.org/smith/coming-events/ or call 903-590-2980. |
JUNE Austin: "Preparing for the Fall Vegetable Garden" will be presented June 11, 10 a.m. to noon, at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis Co, 1600-B Smith Road, Austin. Imagine gardening without sweat dripping from your brow or mosquitoes buzzing in your ears or having to water every day. Those are just a few of the many benefits of the cool season vegetable garden. Join us as we discuss vegetable selection, soil preparation and the importance of timing for the fall and winter garden. Master Gardener Patty Leander is a writer for Texas Gardener magazine and grows vegetables year round in her Oak Hill garden. $10/seminar for early registration; $15/seminar for late or on-site. Register: For additional information, contact Daphne Richards, 512-854-9600 or [email protected]. San Antonio: Engage in gardening and engage your community. Join Green Spaces Alliance for the second Community Harvest Blitz. The theme is Salsa Gardening and it will be a chance to learn about gardening, participate in cultivation, watch and taste food demonstrations straight from the garden by local chefs, share a meal with new friends, and watch a movie all in the garden setting. Green Spaces' Community Harvest Blitz will occur Saturday, June 13, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Gardens of St. Therese - a west side community garden at 906 W. Kentucky Ave, 78201. Multiple activities are scheduled for all age ranges. Interested parties should visit www.greensatx.org/fruitfulsa for more detailed information and must register their planned attendance. Materials and foods will be limited by the number of registered attendees. San Antonio: Engage in gardening and engage your community. Join Green Spaces Alliance for the third Community Harvest Blitz. The theme is Fall Harvest, as this is National Food Day. It will be a chance to learn about gardening, participate in cultivation, watch and taste food demonstrations straight from the garden by local chefs, share a meal with new friends, and watch a movie all in the garden setting. Green Spaces' Community Harvest Blitz will occur Saturday, June 13, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at River Road Community Garden - a near north community garden at 780 E. Huisache, 78212. Multiple activities are scheduled for all age ranges. Interested parties should visit www.greensatx.org/fruitfulsa for more detailed information and must register their planned attendance. Materials and foods will be limited by the number of registered attendees.
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Monthly meetings
If you would like your organization's events included in "Monthly Meetings" or would like to make a change to a listed meeting, please contact us at Monthly Meetings. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details.
FIRST WEEK
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. Dallas: Garden Masters, Inc., meet the first Wednesday of each month at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas. The club hosts different speaker each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch! For more information, email Bunny Williams at [email protected]. Kerrville: Hill Country Master Gardeners meet the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy 27. For more information visit www.hillcountrymastergardeners.org. Midland: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners 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. Atlanta: The Cass County Master Gardeners meet the first Thursday of each month at the Atlanta Memorial Hospital Conference Room, State Highway 77 @ S. Williams St., Atlanta. A business meeting is followed by an educational program. The public is welcome to attend. For additional information, call 903-756-5391 or visit http://cass.agrilife.org.
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. Fort Worth: The North Central Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. except (January and July) in the Fort Worth Botanical Garden Building at 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard, Fort Worth. For additional information, contact President Theresa Thomas at [email protected].
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. New Braunfels: The Comal Garden Club meets the first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Southbank Clubhouse, 222 Southbank Blvd., New Braunfels.
SECOND WEEK
Austin: Austin Organic Gardeners Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month (except December) at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org. Jacksonville: The Cherokee County Master Gardeners meet on the second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Woodmen of the World, 1800 College Ave., Jacksonville. For more information, e-mail Tom Abbott at [email protected].
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. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit http://dcmga.com/.
Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.
Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.
Longview: The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners.
Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the
second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit www.rockportherbs.org and http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.
Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners 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 6 p.m. (social) 7:00 (meeting) the second Thursday of each month except in July in the AgriLife Extension auditorium, 1225 Pearl 2nd floor (downtown Beaumont next to the Court House). For more information contact: 409-835-8461 or txmg.org/jcmg.
Georgetown: The Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street. Georgetown. For additional information, contract 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.
Smithson Valley: The Lindheimer Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, Smithson Valley. Meetings include an informative speaker, plant of the month presentation, and plant raffle. Visitors are welcome. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/wp/lindheimer .
Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, September through November and January through April at 10 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. The club hosts a different speaker each month. For more information, visit www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.
Denton: The Denton Organic Society, a group devoted to sharing information and educating the public regarding organic principles, meets the third Wednesday of each month (except July, August and December) at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Avenue. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are preceded by a social at 6:30. For more information, call 940-382-8551.
Glen Rose: The Somervell County Master Gardeners meet at 10 a.m., the third Wednesday of each month at the Somervell County AgriLife Extension office, 1405 Texas Drive, Glen Rose. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 254-897-2809 or visit www.somervellmastergardeners.org.
Granbury: The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners meet at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Hood County Annex 1, 1410 West Pearl Street, Granbury. The public is invited to attend. There is an educational program each month preceding the business meeting. For information on topics call 817-579-3280 or visit http://www.hoodcountymastergardeners.org/.
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) at the Houston SArboretum and Nature Center in Memorial Park (4501 Woodway Dr.). For more information on programs, and for information about native plants for Houston, visit http:/npsot.org/wp/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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