May 13, 2015
  

Fight back against mosquitoes during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week

 

Nobody likes mosquitoes. They are bloodsucking, disease-spreading pests. Not only are mosquito bites itchy and painful, but mosquitoes spread some of the world's deadliest and most debilitating diseases including West Nile virus, malaria, chikungunya and dengue fever. Mosquitoes are such a serious health threat and their control so vital that they have an official week devoted to their extermination.

 

The week of June 21 through June 27, 2015, has been declared National Mosquito Control Awareness Week by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA). The goal of Mosquito Control Awareness Week is to educate the public about the dangers of mosquitoes and the importance of mosquito control in the prevention of disease.

 

According to mosquito expert Joe Conlon, Technical Advisorfor the AMCA, it is impossible to live in a completely mosquito-free environment. Wherever there's moisture there will be mosquitoes - even in times of drought. But you can reduce your chances of getting bitten by mosquito pests by being "mosquito smart" and reducing places where mosquitoes can breed.

 

Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?

 

A female mosquito will bite humans, mammals and birds in search of a blood meal so she can produce eggs. She can extract up to four times her weight in blood. Immediately after biting a person or an animal, a female mosquito lays her eggs in standing water - usually only yards from where the bite occurred.

 

To reduce the chances of getting mosquito bites, limit your outdoor activities during the times of day when mosquitoes are most active - an hour before and after dawn and an hour before and after dusk. Keep as much of your skin covered as possible by wearing long sleeves and long pants. But wear light-colored clothing, because mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors.

 

Using mosquito repellent is another good way to keep mosquitoes - and mosquito bites - at bay. Apply repellent directly to skin or clothing as recommended on the product label. Mosquito repellent coils can also be used on patios and in backyards to keep mosquitoes away.

 

Reduce Mosquito Breeding Sites

 

It doesn't take much standing water to become a mosquito breeding site. "Some species of mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottlecap full of water," said Jonathan Cohen, mosquito control expert and President of Summit Responsible Solutions. "That's why homeowners need to be vigilant in eliminating places where water can collect and stand in their yards and gardens."

 

To reduce mosquito breeding grounds, dispose of cans, plastic containers, old tires and other items that can collect water. Turn over wheelbarrows and empty children's wading pools. Clean clogged roof gutters, which can become prime mosquito-breeding pools. Periodically empty the saucers under ceramic pots to make sure they are not harboring mosquito larvae.

 

To prevent mosquitoes from breeding in places where water collects - including ponds, bird baths, animal watering troughs, gutters, tree holes and rain barrels - use a mosquito control product that contains Bt to kill mosquito larvae. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) is a bacterium that naturally kills mosquito larvae before they can grow up to become flying, biting, disease-spreading adults. Even though Bt is deadly to mosquito larvae, it is harmless to people, pets, fish, wildlife and beneficial insects.

 

To kill adult mosquitoes, use a permethrin-based insecticide. Permethrinkills and repels mosquitoes and other insect pests for up to four weeks. Simply attach a garden hose to the hose-end sprayer bottle and spray the yard perimeter and fences, plus the lawn and vegetation where mosquitoes can hide and rest.

 

By reducing exposure to mosquitoes, limiting breeding sites and using the most effective types of mosquito control products, you can greatly reduce your chances of being bitten by disease-carrying mosquitoes.

 

2014 Texas Rain Catcher Award recipients

 

The Texas Water Development Board

 

Earlier this month, The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) announced the recipients of its annual Texas Rain Catcher Award, a rainwater harvesting competition and recognition program. The award recipients have displayed excellence in rainwater harvesting in Texas in five categories: community, commercial, nonprofit, education, and government.

 

The 2014 Rain Catcher Award winners are:

 

The City of Austin's Twin Oaks Library for conducting a pilot study to demonstrate how internet-enabled, real-time control technology is a cost-effective measure for water conservation and stormwater management.

 

The Leadership Montgomery County Class of 2014 for promoting water conservation through rainwater harvesting as its class project.

 

Oohla Bean Bed and Breakfast for providing potable water through rainwater harvesting for its guests and developing its facility with rainwater harvesting in mind.

 

RainDrop Harvesting Solutions for developing a portable rainwater harvesting system demonstration that can be transported to schools and events throughout the Brazos Valley.

 

The Texas Department of Transportation for developing two rainwater harvesting systems at the Hill County Safety Rest Areas to promote rainwater harvesting and to educate the Texans who pass by each day in more than 60,000 vehicles.

 

Since the program began in 2007, the TWDB has recognized 27 entities and one individual. For more information on the Texas Rain Catcher Award, visit http://www.twdb.texas.gov/innovativewater/rainwater/raincatcher/award_details.asp.

 

The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional planning and preparing the state water plan for the development of the state's water resources. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects.
The Compost Heap:
Avoid 'Weed & Feed'

 "I am in full agreement with the Garden Tips in the May 6 issue of Texas Gardener's Seeds," writes Brian D. Townsend, "but I would want to admonish readers to check the content of their bags of fertilizer to avoid spreading 'Weed & Feed' products on their trees and shrubs. 'Weed & Feed' contain the chemicals that treat/kill broad-leafed 'plants,' but it doesn't distinguish between desirable and undesirable broad-leaf plants (trees, shrubs, roses and others)."
Gardening tips

Peppers can be harvested when full-sized and green or left to turn red. When they turn red, they become sweeter and their beta carotene content increases, depending on the type of pepper. Total yield will be higher if harvested in the "green" stage.   

 

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.
MAY

 

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 drichards@ag.tamu.edu.

  

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.

  

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 info@arborgate.com or visit www.arborgate.com.

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.

Nacogdoches: Stephen F. Austin State University's SFA Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14, in the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. in Nacogdoches. Barbara Stump, research associate for development for SFA Gardens, will present "SFA Gardens - My Azalea Retrospective, the Unabridged Version." Stump will reveal a few secrets and lessons learned during the 18-year development of the SFA Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden. Stump has been associated with the gardens since she began working toward her master's degree in 1997. Her master's thesis, "The Site Analysis and Design of the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden," involved coordinating efforts to build the 8-acre garden and plant more than 8,000 specimens, of which 6,500 are azaleas. She is a member of the Azalea Society of America and also served as the editor of The Azalean, the society's quarterly journal, from 1997-2007. The ASA has been invaluable in expanding the network of nurserymen and azalea growers. In addition, the society generously donated special collections of azaleas to the Mize Azalea Garden. Stump co-chaired the 2007 and 2015 National ASA conventions held in Nacogdoches, and she was recently elected vice president of the National ASA. 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.

 
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.

  

Fair Oaks Ranch: "Rain Barrel Workshop" will be presented Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m.-noon, at the City Hall Campus, City of Fair Oaks Ranch, 7286 Dietz Elkhorn, Fair Oaks Ranch. Fee: $50 per person; Limit 30; RSVP to 210-698-0900 (Fair Oaks Ranch City Hall). Make-and-take your own rain barrel in just a few hours by attending this workshop. Presented by Troy Luepke, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and Bexar County Master Gardener Rainwater Specialists.

 

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.

 

Galveston County: Three fruit orchards are on the "Home Fruit Growers' Tour" May 16. Visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/educ_programs/2015_Fruit_Orchard_Garden_Tours.pdf for map, directions and other details. Free.

 

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!

 

La Marque: Dr. William Johnson, Galveston County Extension Agent for Horticulture, will present "Beneficials in the Garden" 6:30-8:30 p.m. May 19 at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to  galv3@wt.net. For additional information, visit www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

  

Smithson Valley: The Lindheimer Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold their monthly meeting on  May 19 at 7 p.m. at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, Smithson Valley. Mary Irish will present "Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad, Botanical Names?" a talk on why botanical names matter, how to figure them out, and what a great deal of information they carry with them. Mary is a native Texan who returned in 2012 from Arizona and currently manages the plant sales program at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. She is a garden writer (10 books), lecturer and educator, has served as Director of Public Horticulture at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, was on the Board of the Arizona Nursery Association, and served as the Chair at Boyce Thompson Arboretum.The public is welcome. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/wp/lindheimer. 

 

Seabrook: Victor Madamba, Galveston County Master Naturalist, will present a program on Monarch Butterflies at10 am, Wed., May 20, in theMeeting Room at Clear Lake Park, 5001 NASA Parkway, Seabrook. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

 

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.

 

San Antonio: "Edible, Poisonous & Sacred Plants" (& BCMG Meeting) will be presented: Thursday, May 21, 6-8 p.m. at 3355 Cherry Ridge Suite 212 San Antonio. Free. Paul Cox, botanist, co-author of Texas Trees, a Friendly Guide, and former Horticulturist for the City of San Antonio will share his expertise on plants that we might not recognize as edible, poisonous, or considered sacred. For more information, call 210-699-0663.

 

Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will meet Thursday evening May 21 at the AgriLife Building, 210 East Live Oak, Seguin. A social gathering will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the educational program at 7 p.m. The topic of the meeting, presented by Sir Oliver Smith, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener, will be "Native Vines." The membership meeting will follow the educational program. or further information, call the AgriLife staff at 830-303-3889 or visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.

 

Cedar Hill: "Design and Development with Native Plants," a class for NLCP Level 1 graduates only, will be presented Saturday, May 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, 1206 W. FM 1382, Cedar Hill. Learn about designing sustainable landscapes and preserving native plants already existing in the landscape. The class includes a 5-hour classroom session and a t2-hour outdoor plant knowledge walk. Completion Certificate provided upon completion of the class. Competency Certificate issued upon passing an optional end-of-day test. Register online at http://npsot.org.wp/nlcp/. $37 NPSOT members; $52 non-members. For more information call Meg Inglis at 512-589-1316.

 

San Antonio: 18th annual Festival of Flowers. May 23 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at San Antonio (Alzafar) Shrine Auditorium, 901 N. Loop 1604 West, San Antonio. Indoor plant and gardening vendors. City-Wide Plant Exchange open to all of South and Central Texas. Organic Roundtable featuring the state's leading experts on natural and organic gardening, including Bob Webster of KTSA Radio, Andy Chidester of Lady Bug Natural Brand Products, Stuart Franke of Medina Agriculture Products, Noel Garcia with Texas Plant and Soil Lab, organic farm and ranch consultant Bruce Deuley and anti-GMO activist Diane Baines. Seminars include "Create Your Own Spa Garden" with Trisha Shirey of Lake Austin Resort Spa, Texas' Flowering Trees with City of San Antonio Arborist Mark Bird, "Full-Scorch" Gardening with Mark Peterson of San Antonio Water System, and Soil Science: What Every Gardener Should Know About Soils with David Vaughn. Also featured: the 2015 Daylily Show and Sale presented by the San Antonio Daylily Society; Texas Superstar plant exhibit; and herb cooking, rain barrel and floral design demonstrations. Admission $6 at the door, children under 10 free. Free parking. Free plant and package check. ATM on-site. Food concessions available all day. For additional information, visit www.SAFestivalofFlowers.com or call 210-380-3532.

 

San Antonio: A rain barrel workshop will be offered May 23 at Rainbow Gardens, 8516 Bandera Road, San Antonio, as part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Backyard Basics series. A rain barrel is a container that collects and stores water for when it is needed most. Learn to conserve water to benefit your plants and garden. Attendees will make a rain barrel to take home and put to use. The Bexar County Master Gardener rainwater specialists will also provide information at the event. The cost for the workshop is $50 per person and due by May 15. Attendance is limited, and reservations must be made with payment to Angel Torres, 210-467-6575 or matorres@ag.tamu.edu. Backyard Basics promotes healthy living by providing residents of Atascosa, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall and Wilson counties with information about the benefits of homegrown and homemade foods. For more information, visit http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/backyardbasics/.

 

Bryan: Master Gardener, Kate Kelly will give a presentation on squash, Wednesday, May 27, from noon till 1 p.m. at the Brazos County Extension Office - Dig Pavilion, 2619 Highway 21, West, Bryan.Bring your lunch and get your questions answered about raising squash; pollination, diseases, squash bugs. The public is invited and there is no charge.For more information, visit www.brazosmg.com, call the Brazos County Extension office at 979-823-0129, or send an email to brazosmg@brazosmg.com.

 

Helotes: "Basics of Home Made Wine" will be presented Friday, May 29, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Gardens at Old Town Helotes, 15060 Antonio Drive, Helotes. Fee: $40 includes lunch. RSVP by noon,Tueday, May 26 by calling 210 467-6575. .Dr. Larry A. Stein and Dr. Justin Scheiner will present a history of winemaking, how to grow grapes and other winemaking fruit, steps and equipment for starting and a wine making demonstration. Phillip Manea from Wine 101 Helotes will discuss wine selections and offer a wine sampling.

 

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.

 

San Antonio: "Citrus Trees for Your Landscape" will be presented Saturday, May 30, 10:30 a.m.-noon at Milberger's Landscaping & Nursery, 3920 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio. Free Earth-Kind seminar. More information at http://www.milbergernursery.com/events/2015-05/. David Rodriguez, Horticulturist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will discuss how to successfully grow bountiful citrus from trees planted in your landscape or in containers. Bring a notebook.

 

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.

 

Wichita County: On May 30, the Wichita Co. Master Gardeners present "The Drought Survivors Garden Tour." Gardening during this unrelenting drought has been a challenge. In November 2013, Wichita County reached State 4 Water Restrictions, which meant no more outside watering from the tap. Five members open their yards for this tour to showcase what they have growing and how they've done it. Each has some type of rainwater harvesting system, from simple to elaborate, but they each get the job done. The Smith Street Community Garden is on the tour as well. There are 70 plus beds available to residents to rent and grow whatever pleases them. Several members have garden spots there and will be on hand to explain how to get one. They not only have a rainwater harvesting system, they had a well drilled last year. For additional information, visit www.txmg.org/wichita.

JUNE

 

McKinney: The Collin County Master Gardeners Association will be hosting tours of the international award winning research and demonstration gardens at beautiful Myers Park and Event Center in McKinney on Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m.-noon. For more than five years CCMGA has partnered with the staff at Myers Park to install gardens that include perennials, annuals, crape myrtles, roses, vegetables and herbs, as well as demonstration gardens around the office and park entrance. Learn about Earth-Kind gardening principles and see beautiful plants that survive, and thrive without fertilizer, pesticides, or excessive irrigation. Master Gardeners will be on hand to serve as guides and answer questions. Butterfly experts will be in the perennial garden pointing out the various plants that are host and nectar plants for butterflies and other pollinators. The Water Conservation Committee will have hands-on displays where attendees can learn about drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, and answer irrigation questions. An information booth will also be available to answer general gardening questions. The Walk in the Park is an event for all ages. The CCMGA Youth Education Committee will have a Children's Discovery Area offering fun, educational activities for children in the Pole Barn. Learn more about Collin County's rural heritage at The Collin County Farm Museum. With 8,528 square feet of collections, restoration exhibits, and historic farming equipment, visitors will learn about Collin County's agricultural history from its early settlement to the 1960s. The museum will be open for tours and is located next to the perennial garden. For more information visit www.ccmgatx.org, or contact the CCMGA Information Center at 972-548-4232. Admission is free.

 

Seguin: "Gardening with your Kids or Grandkids" will be presented June 4, noon-1 p.m. at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 210 Live Oak Street, Seguin. Topics include: affordable gardens kids can manage, three types of backyard gardens, sustainable gardening concepts, and more. For additional information, call 830-303-3889 or visit www.Guadlupecountymastergardeners.org. 

 

Austin: The 21st Annual Austin Pond and Garden Tour will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, June 6, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday June 9. Wristbands for the three events are $20 in advance or onsite for $25. Children 12 and younger are free with a paid adult. For more information, visit austinpondsociety.org or call 512-629-7825.

 

Tomball: The Arbor Gate will host a tomato contest at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 6, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. The judges will be Tom LeRoy, Bill Adams, Jeremy Kollaus, and Chef Chris Crowder. For additional information, visit www.arborgate.com  or email info@arborgate.com. 

 

Tyler: Jewels in the Garden, aone day gardening conference sponsored by the Smith County Master Gardener Association, will be held June 6 at the Tyler Rose Garden Center, 420 Rose Park Dr., Tyler. 8:30 a.m. Registration, 9 a.m. Program $25 until May 15; $35 after. Lunch included. Presentations include: "Great Ideas for the Modern Garden with True Gems and Jewels for your Garden" with Nicholas Staddon - Director of New Plant Program, Monrovia Calif.; "Landscaping with Fruits and Vegetables and other Delicious Garden Beauties" with Tom LeRoy, Extension Agent for Montgomery County, Retired; "Using Native and Passalong Plants in the Landscape" with Steve Huddleston-Director of Fort Worth Botanic Gardens; "New to you and more-A Garden Adventure" with Nicholas Staddon; Tour 4 gardens created by the Smith County Master Gardeners. For registration and lodging information, visit http://txmg.org/smith/jewels/ or contact Texas A&M Extension Service - Smith County 903-590-2980. 

 

Schertz: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will present a Lunch and Learn program about gardening in heavy shade from noon to 1 p.m. on June 8 in Schertz. Liz Romero, Guadalupe County Master Gardener, will present "Dark and Dry: Plants for Shade" Mrs. Romero's program will discuss how to convert shady areas with easy to care for plants that thrive in shade. Learn which plants work well and how to plant and care for them without harming valuable shade trees. 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 additional information, visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org or call the Guadalupe County Extension Service Office in Seguin at 830-303-3889.


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 drichards@ag.tamu.edu.

 

Houston: Gaye Hammond, past president of the Houston Rose Society, will present "Chilli Thrips - Scourge of the Roses" at the Houston Rose Society Meeting on Thursday, June 11. Hammond is the liaison between The Houston Rose Society, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the University of Florida concerning the identification and control of chilli thrips in Texas. The meeting will be held in 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: Carol Dennis will present "Drought Adaptation," noon-12:50 p.m., June 11, at the Fayette County Agricultural Building, 255 Svoboda Lane, La Grange. For additional information, call 979-968-5831 or visit http://fayette.agrilife.org.

 

San Antonio: Enter your prized tomatoes and vegetables in the Spring Top Tomato and Salad Bowl Contest. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. June 13 at Milberger's Landscape Nursery, 3920 N. Loop 1604 East, San Antonio. Entries judged to be the best in 5 different categories will win Milberger's gift certificates. Entry guidelines and rules available at Milberger's or at www.GardeningVolunteers.org Sponsored by Milberger's Landscape Nursery, 930AM The Answer KLUP and Gardening Volunteers of South Texas.

 

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.

 

Seabrook: Andrew Sipocz, Texas Parks and Wildlife, will present "Wetlands and Wildlife Conservation and Restoration" at10 a.m., Wed., June 17, in theMeeting Room at Clear Lake Park, 5001 NASA Parkway, Seabrook. Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 event. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

 

Woodway: Lunch with the Masters - Jr. Master Gardener Program will be held at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, The Pavilion, Woodway, June 17 from noon until to 2 p.m. For those interested in working with students or children, join Master Gardeners Brenda Gloubski and Jeanette Kelly. Learn fun and educational activities for children as they learn about nutrition, plants, and gardening. Hands on activities will be included. Bring lunch! For more information, call 254-399-9204.

 

San Antonio: Gardening Volunteers of South Texas presents a Watersaver Native Plant Landscape Design School, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, June 20 at Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 NW Military Highway, San Antonio. Three presentations including "Native Plants in Your Landscape Design" with Judit Green, Urban Biologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife; "Native and Adapted Plants that Thrive in San Antonio Area" with Master Gardener and Alamo Area Master Naturalist Sir Oliver Smith; and "Maintaining Your Native Landscape: Happy Plants and Happy HOA's" with Mark Peterson, forester and Water Conservation Coordinator for San Antonio Water System (SAWS). Enroll before June 16. $25 individuals and $40 for a household of two people attending. Fee includes four full-color guide books: "Best of Texas" landscape guide published by Texas Nursery and Landscape Association, "Texas Native and Adapted Plants" published by the City of Austin, "San Antonio Landscape Care Guide" published by SAWS, and the CD version of "DIY Drip-Line Gardening". Plus, one-on-one idea consultations with experienced gardeners after the presentations (when you enroll, you'll be sent graph paper to 'draw your yard' and bring to the school for the consultations). Presented in partnership with SAWS. For additional information, visit www.GardeningVolunteers.org or call 210-251-8101.  

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 sbburden@ag.tamu.edu.


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 bunny-williams@sbcglobal.net.

 

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/Odessa: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners meet at noon, the first Wednesday of each month, lternating between the Midland and Ector County's Extensions Offices. For more information about location, call 432-498-4071 or 432-686-4700.

  

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 kayleetl@sbcglobal.net.

 

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 tom@deerfield-abbey.org.  

 

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

 

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 quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.

 

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 LJepson@aol.com.

 

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. 

 

New Braunfels: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) 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, New Braunfels. 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.

 

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 aransas-tx@tamu.edu or call 361-790-0103.

 

Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, September through November and January through April at 10 a.m. at the 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 boeblingen@centex.net 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 khtromza@yahoo.com.

 

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 npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com.

 

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 hnpat@prairies.org.

 

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 info@leandergc.org.

 

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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