August 19, 2015
  
Health tips for the peak of summer   

By Tim Davis, M.D.,
Chief Medical Officer, National Disaster Medical System, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
 
The peak of summer is here.
 
In my 25 years as an emergency medicine physician, I've seen the catastrophic effect heat can have on health, and many of the people we see while providing event support in the National Disaster Medical System need treatment for heat-related illnesses. On average, heat-related illnesses cause more than 600 deaths every year and from 2001 to 2010 more than 28,000 people were hospitalized for heat-related illnesses.
 
You can help keep yourself, your family and others around you out of the emergency department by watching for signs of heat stress.
 
People suffering from heat-related illnesses may experience heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; and nausea or vomiting. Early signs include muscle cramps, heat rash and fainting or near-fainting spells. If you believe someone is suffering from a heat-related illness, they need to move to a cooler location and lie down; apply cool, wet cloths to the body; and sip non-alcoholic fluids. They should remain in the cool location until recovered.
 
Signs that someone might be suffering from the most severe heat-related illness, heat stroke, include a body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit; hot, red, dry or moist skin; rapid and strong pulse; and "altered mental status" that can range from confusion and agitation to possible unconsciousness. If you see someone exhibiting these signs, call 911 immediately; help the person move to a cooler environment; reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths soaked in ice water especially to head, neck, arm pits and upper legs near the groin area where combined 70 percent of body heat can be lost, or even a cool bath if you can stay with them to ensure they do not drown; and do not give them fluids.
 
Children are especially vulnerable to heat illnesses, and can't always tell us what is wrong. When it's hot outside, consider any change in a child's behavior as heat stress. Additionally, infants and children should never be left in a parked car, even if the windows are down.
 
To help prevent heat-related illness:
  • Spend time in locations with air-conditioning.
  • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Good choices are water and diluted sport drinks, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
  • Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
  • Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours
  • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen and hats with brims
As people crank up air conditioning in the peak time of summer, electrical grids can become overwhelmed, causing power outages. In power outages, people who rely on electricity-dependent medical devices, such as oxygen concentrators and electric wheelchairs, may need assistance, so check on your neighbors as the temperatures soar.
 
Community organizations and businesses can help local emergency managers and health departments plan for the community's health needs amid the summer heat - and other emergency situations that can cause power outages - using the new HHS emPOWER Map, located at phe.gov/empowermap.
 
Heat-related illnesses are dangerous, but they are also preventable. Take some time to learn more about ways to beat the heat so that you, your family, and your community can have a safer, healthier summer.
 
If you or someone you know needs help with energy bills, including air conditioning, assistance might be available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program administered by HHS' Administration for Children and Families. To learn more about this program, contacts for each state are listed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap-state-and-territory-contact-listing.
 
For more information about how to protect yourself, your family and your neighbors from extreme heat, visit http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.asp.
Pollinator advocates will gather in Kerrville Sept. 19-20

USDA
 
Anyone interested in pollinators and Monarch butterflies are invited to the Texas Pollinator Pow Wow on Sept. 19-20 at the Schreiner University Event Center, 2100 San Antonio Highway, Kerrville. Cost is $75 for both days and includes buffet lunch. To register by Sept. 5, visit www.texaspollinatorpowwow.org. One day tickets are available for $45.
 
Past workshops have drawn attendees from across Texas and the U.S. to network with fellow enthusiasts and learn about pollinators, their habitats, native plants, and the work being done to improve pollinator and Monarch butterfly habitats and how to overcome the decline of species.
 
About three-dozen pollinator-related exhibitors featuring live bats, honey bees and a monarch butterfly tent, will be on hand to answer questions, showcase their pollinator resources and share their organization's work. A raffle of pollinator-related items will also be held, with funds going towards hosting future events.
 
Carrie McLaughlin, a Texas Master Naturalist, who is moderator and one of the coordinators, said the events have sold out, mainly due to word of mouth. "These sell-outs and willingness of folks to attend from across the U.S., shows how critical the pollinator issue is and how it's coming to the forefront of the public eye with the passion being generated from pollinator advocates."
 
According to one of the Pow Wow's event partners, the Pollinator Partnership, approximately 1,000 plants grown worldwide for food, beverages, fibers, spices and medicines need to be pollinated by animals in order to produce the resources on which we depend. In the U.S. alone, pollination by honey bees and other species produces nearly $20 billion worth of products annually.
"With one in every three bites of food dependent on a pollinator, most farmers depend on these creatures to keep them in business," said Ricky Linex, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wildlife biologist and one of the event coordinators. Linex will moderate a Question and Answer panel of landowner conservationists who will share their practical experiences on land programs and techniques with the audience. Linex's popular plant identification book, Range Plants of North Central Texas, will also be available at the pollinator conference.
 
For a schedule of speakers, hotel and more information on the Texas Pollinator Pow Wow, visit www.texaspollinatorpowwow.org or https://www.facebook.com/texaspollinatorpowwow.
Gardening tips

"I use various-shaped spiraled sea shells in my small herb garden," writes Joyce Koenig. "When I  water my herbs, the shells fill with water, which keeps frogs, lizards and wasps around to eat garden pests, pill bugs, snails, slugs, etc. The shells serve as a nice decor, too."  
 
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.
AUGUST

San Antonio: Edwards Aquifer--BCMG Seminar & Meeting will be held Thursday, August 20, 1-3 p.m. at Texas AgriLife Ext Service, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio. Gregg Eckhardt, an environmental scientist who has been studying the Edwards Aquifer and related issues since 1972, will discuss the Edwrads Aquifer. In 1994, he created Edwards' website as an educational tool for the public. He is a registered Environmental Manager and has served on many local committees and boards and has received several State appointments to scientific and educational panels. His talk will include some water history, hydrology basics, and some of the regulatory complications. Free. Plant exchange prior to meeting. For more information email Barbara Lutz at bblutz@stic.net or call: 210-699-0663.

 

La Marque: "The Patio Garden" with former Montgomery County agent Tom LeRoy. Saturday 9-11 a.m., August 22, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to galv3@wt.net, further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

 

San Antonio: Alamo Area Conservation Workshop will be held Friday, August 28, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 NW Military Hwy. San Antonio. Speakers will represent Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Forest Service, Bexar County Master Gardeners and Alamo Area Master Naturalists. Cost: $20 per person by Aug 21 ($25 at door); lunch included. Learn about Fire in the Urban Wildland Interface, Oak Wilt, Feral Hogs, Insects, Water Quality and the Natural History of the South Texas Plains. For details or to register, email Angel Torres at matorres@ag.tamu.edu or call 210-467-6575.

  

Ft. Worth: "Vegetable Gardening in North Texas: Fall is a Great Time to Start" will be presented 9 a.m.-1 p.m., August 29, in Building 2300, Resource Connection, 2300 Circle Drive, Ft. Worth. Learn the basics of vegetable gardening in North Texas and why fall is the best time to plant a garden. Topics to be covered included, "It Begins in the Bed," "Best Vegetable Varieties," "Insects and Diseases," and "Vegetable Garden Alternatives." Following the presentation, visit the Tarrant County Master Gardener Community Demonstration Garden, 1801 Circle Drive, for demonstrations and displays, including vegetable beds, composting, irrigation systems, and more. Cost is $30. Lunch may be purchased. For more information and registration, visit www.tarrantmg.org or call the Master Gardener Help Desk at 817-884-1941.

La Marque: "Successful Fall Vegetable Gardening" with GC Master Gardener Luke Stripling. Saturday 9-11:30 a.m., August 29, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to galv3@wt.net, further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

  

Odessa: Jonathan Motsinger will present an Urban Landscape Tree Workshop, from 9 a.m. until noon, August 29 in the Discovery room of the First Baptist Church, 709 N. Lee St., Odessa. Jonathan is a certified arborist and a Society of American Foresters Certified Forester. He has been with the A & M Forest Service, for the last nine years, with the last six years in West Texas. He is familiar with West Texas trees - their problems and their beauty. There is no cost for this class.

SEPTEMBER

Tyler: Learn about Gathering and Saving Seeds at noon, September 1, at the IDEA garden, located in the Tyler Rose Garden, 420 Rose Park Dr., Tyler. An informative lecture covering seasonal gardening topics, held on the patio of the IDEA garden, the program begins at noon. The lecture is approximately 30 minutes with a Q&A session following. Seating is limited; please bring a chair for you comfort. In case of inclement weather, program will be held in Rose Garden Center. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://txmg.org/smith/coming-events/ or call 903-590-2980.

San Antonio: San Antonio Garden Center Clubs will meet Wednesday, September 2, at 10 a.m. at 3310 N. New Braunfels @ Funston. The program will feature Austin designer and author Jenny Peterson, who will talk about "Indoor Plant Décor." Her book by the same name will be available for purchase/autograph. Coffee at 9:30. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.sanantoniogardencenter.org  or call 210-824-9981.

San Antonio: San Antonio Garden Center 2015 Fall Floral Design School classes will focus on Ikebana Floral Arranging. The first class will be an introduction to Culture and Tradition of Ikebana.FIRST CLASS: Tuesday, September 8, noon-3 p.m.Introduction to Japanese Floral Arranging with Old School Ikebana Arranging. Alisan Clarke - Austin, Texas. Certified Ikebana Instructor. SECOND CLASS: Tuesday, September 15, noon-3 p.m.Eastern Flare for a Western Home.Brian Dalton - Dallas, Texas.Certified Ikebana Instructor. THIRD CLASS: Tuesday, September 22, noon-3 p.m.At Home with Ikebana.Alisan Clarke - Austin, Texas. Certified Ikebana Instructor. $75 tuition for all three classes includes fresh flowers and greenery. Bring your own kenzan (metal frog). Kenzans will be available for purchase at the beginning of each class.All classes are held at the San Antonio Garden Center. Enrollment is limited. Register by September 1. Registration forms available at 3310 N. New Braunfels Avenue orwww.sanantoniogardencenter.org. For more information, call 210-824-9981. Make checks payable to San Antonio Garden Center. Tuition for missed classes cannot be refunded.

Austin: Wizzie Brown will discuss "Natural Pest Control," September 10, 10 a.m. to noon at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County, 1600-B Smith Road, Austin. Learn how to tell pests from other insects found in your backyard, learn integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid many problem pests you may experience, and learn a combination of practices to prevent or avoid pest problems rather than treating them once they occur. Stabilize your landscape so that conditions are more favorable for plants than for pests. Wizzie Brown serves as Program Specialist - IPM in the Austin metroplex encompassing Travis County and surrounding counties. Cost: $10 thru 8/31, $15 starting 09/01 and onsite, No cash accepted - checks and credit cards only. Register on line at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty or by phone at 979-845-2604. For additional information, contact Sue Carrasco at 512-854-9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu.

La Grange: Dr. Mark McFarland will discuss "Soils Testing & Fertility Management, 12:05 p.m.-12:50 p.m., September 10, at the Fayette County Agricultural Building, 255 Svboda Lane, La Grange. Registration 11:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m., For additional information, visit http://fayette.agrilife.org.

Houston: Greater Houston Plant Conference will be held 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Friday, September 11, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 3033 Bear Creek Dr., Houston. The 2015 Greater Houston Plant Conference is designed to provide the green industry of Harris and surrounding counties the opportunity to see what new plants are coming to the market. Hear from industry experts on shrubs, annuals, perennials, landscape industry trends and plant trials in Harris County. Cost: $60.00. Register online: http://bit.ly/1dQ0Bjn.

San Angelo: The Concho Valley Master Gardeners in San Angelo, Texas will present their 4th Annual Fall Landscape Symposium, Saturday, September 12. The Symposium will be held at the Stephens Central Library Community Room, 3rd floor, 33 W. Beauregard, San Angelo. Pre-registration is required to attend. Deadline to register is Tuesday, September 8. Presentations include: Neil Sperry presenting "Myths and Mystiques of Texas Gardening: Is it Fact or Fiction?" and "Water Conscious Landscaping"; Charles Floyd presenting "Creating Mini-Habitats in Your Landscape for Desirable Songbirds"; Dr. Steve Lyons presenting "Weather & Gardens-Taking Weather Away From Plant Growing Woes"; and Cindy Burkhalter presenting "How to Start and Maintain a Butterfly Garden in the South." The cost $25 per person and includes refreshments and lunch. Sign-in from 8-8:45 a.m. The program starts at 8:45 a.m. and continues until 3:15 p.m. To register: txmg.org/conchovalley and download the registration form and mail or bring it to the Extension Office, 113 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, Texas 76901. To pay on-line with a credit card, go to http://mkt.com/cvmg. For information call 325-659-6522. No childcare will be provided.
 
San Antonio: Rain Barrel Workshop will be presented Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m.-noon, at Stone Oak Property Owners Offices, 19210 Huebner Road, San Antonio. A rain barrel is a container that collects and stores water when you need it most. You conserve water and benefit your plants and garden!! Make-and-take your own rain barrel in just a few hours by attending this workshop. Fun and educational for the whole family! Bring the kids to help assemble your rain barrel - and enjoy free food and drinks for all! Also visit with SAWS and Trinity District water conservation specialists. Limit 30 - $25 per person. RSVP with payment to Angel Torres by Sept 3, 2015: 210-467-6575 or matorres@ag.tamu.edu. Make check payable to: Texas A&M AgriLife, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 212, San Antonio.

Austin: Travis County Master Gardener Kirk Walden discussing container gardening Monday, September 14 at the The Austin Organic Gardeners' Club meeting at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, in Zilker Botanical Gardens. 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.

Gonzales: Gonzales Master Gardeners-enrollment has opened for the fall MG training class. Classes will begin September 15 and end May 17, 2016. Classes are generally held every other Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the PACE building, 623 Fair St., next to Gonzales Elementary School. Registration deadline is September 1. Learn with the Experts. Join in the fun of learning about horticulture, meeting others who enjoy gardening and sharing this knowledge with your community. Contact the Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 1709 Sarah DeWitt, or call 830-672-8531 for an application and more information or contact Gail Johnson for more information at 830-491-1996. Visit websites at http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org or http://Gonzales.agrilife.org.

Woodway: At "Butterflies & Bees," Master Gardener Jeanette Kelly will present information about various ways to bring butterflies into your garden and Master Gardener Margaret Henson will share enticing ideas about the basics of beekeeping and beneficial products from hives, noon-2 p.m., September 16, at the Pavilion at Carleen Bright Arboretum, 1 Pavilion Way, Woodway. Bring your own lunch. For more information, call 254-399-9304. 
 
Sugar Land: The Great Grow, Children's Organic School Garden program presents Fall Kids Fest at the Museum. 13016 University Blvd, Sugar Land 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, September 26. Enjoy this fun filled fall festival. Explore the museum butterfly garden. See a live bee hive. Pumpkin patch sponsored by HEB. Habitat plant sale. Vendor and sponsorship opportunities. Info at www.TheGreatGrow.com or call Diana Miller 713-724-3113.
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.

 

Harrison County: The Harrison County Master Gardeners meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the Harrison County Annex building, 102 W Houston St. (south side of the square), Marshall. Meetings are held in the 2nd floor AgriLife Extension meeting room. For more information, call 903-935-8413, or email wannagrow2@gmail.com.   

 

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 AgriLife Building, 210 East Live Oak, 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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