 September 2, 2015
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The garden reader:
The lure of heirloom seeds
By William Scheick
Book Reviewer
 Jennifer A. Jordan. Edible Memory: The Lure of Heirloom Tomatoes and Other Forgotten Foods. University of Chicago Press, 2015. 331 pp. $26.00.
Jennifer Jordan begins her fascinating book with memories of unique meals prepared by her great-great aunt. These recollections helped launch her interest in "the way stories of the past attach to particular seeds and genotypes."
"Memory settles in all kinds of foods," Jordan observes. Food "is packed with symbolism, emotions, taboos, anxiety, fear and pleasure as well as life-and-death questions of politics and economics."
Various veggie stories "get passed not just from one generation to the next but also to people who do not experience these memories on their own biographical paths but consume, in essence, other people's memories."
Such "edible memories," as she dubs them, drive people to grow certain plants, save certain seeds and eat certain veggies. Obviously, something more than merely food is at stake for these people, who (knowingly or not) engage history, culture and politics through plants.
In separate chapters Jordan gracefully and insightfully explores the intricate histories of heirloom tomatoes and apples. Just as heirloom "tomatoes can harbor memories of the past and hopes for the future," the revival of interest in non-commercial, once-forgotten varieties of apples involves a "complex cultural, botanical and geographic history" reflecting "the meanings people attach to them."
Less well known but equally engaging are Jordan's accounts of out-of-favor vegetables and old-fashioned fruit. Consider turnips, a tasty pur�ed specialty my mother long ago served only on holidays, that now "are in many ways emblematic of 'forgotten' heirlooms."
 Thor Hanson. The Triumph of Seeds. Basic Books, 2015. 277 pp. $26.99.
Today heirloom seed preservation is a serious hobby. In fact, Thor Hanson writes, "bringing back ancient plant varieties makes for headline-grabbing science."
Even so, such recoveries are "just an extreme example of what seeds do all the time." Although seeds "lie around for months or years on end," they can still remain viable - a capacity for survivalist dormancy that keeps us in food and preserves plant species.
Encased within seeds are many mysteries yet to be fathomed. Even "after decades of study and thousands of years of planting and harvest, seeds retain their ability to challenge our most basic ideas."
For instance, just as our habit of consuming hard seeds influenced the shape of our skulls, so too our eating seeds apparently has influenced defensive changes in the micro-structure of seed shells.
Hanson's highly readable The Triumph of Seeds is replete with fascinating facts, including the development of caffeine in coffee beans. Caffeine fends off beetle larvae and slugs but also impedes germination.
Once the tiny coffee root implants itself away from its protective caffeine, it continues to be guarded by that same caffeine now leached into the surrounding ground.
"In other words, coffee beans know how to kill off the competition - they release their own herbicide, clearing a tiny patch of ground to call their own." Perhaps that's something to think about before including coffee grounds in a soil mixture.
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Soils protect the natural environment
Soil Science Society of America
In celebration of the International Year of Soil 2015 (IYS), the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) is coordinating a series of activities throughout the year to educate the public about the importance of soil. September's theme is "Soils Protect the Natural Environment."
Here are some facts about soils protecting the natural environment:
- Healthy Forests: The forests we like to hike in are beautiful because of their trees. But, it's the soil that keeps those trees healthy. Soil provides the nutrients for the trees to grow, and the support to hold the trees up...even a giant redwood! If a forest is destroyed in a fire, the soil will bring back life.
- Great Plains: Prairie soils are rich, soft and deep. They form under grasslands where the climate has warm summers and cold winters. When the grassland plants die back in winter, their leaves and roots remain. This is good, because the debris acts like mulch on a garden. It adds organic matter, which keeps the soil fertile, and helps the Plains states grow much of the United States' grain crops.
- Coastal Wetlands: Wetlands are found everywhere. Wetland soils often form in flat, low-lying areas or in depressions where water from rain or snow collects. The soil stays wet because it does not drain well. Wetlands are important habitats for wildlife from fish to frogs...to flamingos. They protect against floods by soaking up water and holding it like a sponge. We need these wetlands to prevent flooding in rivers and streams.
- Great American Deserts: Not all deserts are sandy, but they all are dry. They form in areas that receive little rainfall or snow melt...or where the water evaporates more quickly than it can be replenished. The lack of moisture means that minerals are trapped inside the soil particles. This means there are very few minerals to support plant growth. However, we know that there are still organisms that live in desert soils, such as microbes, lichens, ants, rodents and reptiles.
- Lakes, Rivers and Streams: Soils in the forest, our wetlands, or the plains affect the water in streams. All soils clean and capture water, affecting both water quality and quantity. Every drop of water we drink traveled through soils at one time or another. The soils helped purify it along the way.
As part of their celebration of IYS, SSSA developed a series of twelve 2-minute educational videos. September's "Soils Protect the Natural Environment" video can be viewed at www.soils.org/iys/monthly-videos. Educational materials can be viewed at www.soils.org/iys by clicking on the August tab.
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Fall gardening in full swing
Fall vegetable gardening is in full swing as we enter September. There is still time to plant squash, green beans and other heat-tolerant vegetables if you live in the southern part of the state. For the rest of us, it is time to plant broccoli, cabbage, collards, kale, kohlrabi and Brussels sprouts. It is best to use transplants rather than direct seeding these plants. Apply a liquid fertilizer solution at planting and weekly after that. You want these plants to take off and produce a good crop before really cold weather occurs.
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 Gardening tips
"Save those plastic containers that berries come in," writes Lin Grado. "They're great for seed-starting. Line the bottom with a paper towel, fill with damp potting soil, plant your seeds, and close the top for a perfect mini-greenhouse! Cut off the top once the seedlings are up till it's time to transplant."
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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SEPTEMBER
Austin: On Saturday and Sunday, September 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Austin Area Garden Center at Zilker Botanical Garden in Zilker Park, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, the Austin Cactus and Succulent Society will host its Fall Show and Sale. The event is free and open to the general public. There is, however, a paid admission to Zilker Botanical Garden ($2 adults, $1 children and seniors). The show offers visitors a chance to see rare and beautiful cacti and succulent species from around the world. Vendors from Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico will sell native and exotic cacti and succulents, and hand-made pottery at reasonable prices. There will be a daily silent auction and hourly plant raffle of rare and collectible cacti and succulents. Educational information, literature, and expert advice will be available.
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 [email protected].
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.
San Antonio: Please join us at the San Antonio Herb Society September meeting.Cheryl Koch from Koch Ranches will present. Koch Ranches, Inc. is a family business that is owned and operated by fifth, sixth and now seventh generation Texas farmers and ranchers and has a long family and local history in the ag-business. The San Antonio Herb Society meeting is Thursday, September 10, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio Free and open to the public. For additional information, call 210-826-6860 or email [email protected].
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. Crandall: Join Kaufman County Master Gardeners for their fall seminar, "Gardening in Fall and Winter," and find out how to plant a fall garden and how to extend your growing season into winter. The seminar will be on September 12 at the gymnasium of the Central Baptist Church, 1740 S. FM 148, Crandall. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the program running from 8:30 to 12:30. Cost is $5. Preregister to ensure a seat and handouts by emailing Sharon Burden at [email protected] or by calling 972-932-9069 by September 8. Light refreshments will be served, and there will be a silent auction and door prizes. Visit kcmga.org for more information.
Dallas: Two water-wise seminars will be presented Saturday, September 12, at the Performance Hall (Building "E") at Mountain View College, 4849 W. Illinois Avenue, Dallas. Landscape designer and author Bonnie Reese will be the speaker at both sessions. Ms. Reese has more than 20 years of experience designing, installing and maintaining landscapes in North Texas and is the owner of her own landscape design and consulting company - Beautiful Landscapes . First-time seminar attendees at each session will receive a copy of Bonnie's book, "Common-Sense Landscaping" (limit one per household). Attendees can also enter a drawing to win a bag of Green Sense organic fertilizer from Rohde�€™s Nursery & Nature Store . There will be 3 drawings per session. Water-Wise Landscape Design 101, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Whether you have a new landscape or plan to update an existing area, it is critical to begin with a good design. This program teaches the principles of landscape design with an emphasis on how to create a beautiful landscape that will save resources - natural and financial! Fantastic Plants for North Texas, 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Using colorful photographs, Bonnie demonstrates the natural beauty of native and adapted plants that thrive in the North Texas region. Learn when, where and how to plant each of the recommended plants, their size and height at maturity, seasonal color, texture and more. This program provides information on trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, groundcovers and turf grasses. Making a Reservation: Space is limited, please register online at SaveDallasWater.com or by calling 214-670-3155.
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 [email protected]. 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.
Houston: Houston Urban Gardeners will meet at Moody Park Community Center, 3725 Fulton St., Houston, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., September 14. Houstonian Rich Vega will talk about how he grows coffee in Ecuador.
Canyon Lake: The Lindheimer Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will meet on Tuesday, September 15, at 7 p.m. Doors are open at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, Canyon Lake. Cathy Downs will discuss Monarch Conservation. She is the chair of the Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas Program. This program works to develop monarch habitat projects in cooperation with Native Plant Society of Texas and Monarch Watch. Cathy is also a certified Monarch Larval Monitoring Project educator and teaches Monarch biology, habitat and migration at various locations throughout Texas. Meetings are open to the public. For more information, visit http://npsot.org/wp/lindheimer.
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. La Marque: Tuesday, Sept. 15: "Gardening By The Square Foot: presented by GC Master Gardener John Jons, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413. Fee/Free. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Seabrook: Mary Demeny, Galveston County Master Gardener, will present "Kitchen Vegetable Gardening," at 10 a.m., September 16, in the Meeting Room at Clear Lake Park, 5001 NASA Parkway, Seabrook. For additional information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu. 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. Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners will meet Thursday, Sept. 17 at the AgriLife Building, 210 East Live Oak, Seguin. A social gathering will be at 6:30 p.m. followed by the educational program at 7 p.m. The topic of the meeting will be "Bog Plants and Gardening" by Keith Ameung. The membership meeting will follow the educational program. For further information, call 830-303-3889 or visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.
Belton: Bell County Master Gardeners will hold their Fall Gardening Extravaganza on Sept. 19, from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Agrilife Bldg., 1605 N. Main, Belton. It will feature vegetables, herbs, native perennials, grasses, shrubs, succulents, and trees for sale and demonstrations on water catchment, vermiculture, building bee boxes, how to plant a tree, and ask a Master Gardener. There will also be a garage sale with only gardening items. For more information, visit http://txmg.org/bell/.
Conroe: The Montgomery County Master Gardeners are having their annual Fall Sale, featuring perennials and more, on Saturday, September 19, at 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. Program is at 8 a.m.; sale is from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. For more information, call 936-539-7824 or visit www.mcmga.com.
Houston: The Native Plant Society of Texas-Houston Chapter will present their 17th Annual Wildscapes Workshop and Native Plant Sale, Saturday, September 19. The Wildscapes Workshop will be held at the Houston Zoo Brown Education Center, 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. Pre-registration is required to attend. Deadline to register is September 17. Presentations include: Jaime Gonzalez presenting "Native to Where?: The Science, Geography, and Storytelling Potential of Truly Native Plants"; Valerie Bugh presenting "Digital Nature Journaling"; Don DuBois presenting "Butterfly Gardening with Native Plants: How to make a Pocket Prairie in Your Backyard"; Joe Blanton presenting "Native Plant Sale Plants Presentation"; and Jim Blackburn presenting "Native Plants and a Livable Future: From the Practical to the Spiritual." The cost: $35 for members; $40 for non-members before September 12, and $50 per person for late registration. Includes refreshments, lunch, and native garden tour. The program starts at 8:30 a.m. and continues until 3:30 p.m. To register: http://npsot.org/wp/houston/wildscapes-workshop/ for online registration or download the registration form and mail. For information call 832-859-9252.
La Marque: Sat., Sept. 19: "Growing Onions & Garlic" presented by GC Master Gardener Ken Steblein, 9-11 a.m. at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413. Fee/Free. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. La Marque: Sat., Sept. 19: "Kitchen Gardening" presented by GC Master Gardner Mary Demeny, 1-3:30 p.m. at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413. Fee/Free. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Lufkin: A "Fall Native Plant Seminar" will be presented on Monday, September 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Angelina Extension, 2201 South Medford Drive, Lufkin. Peter Loos, horticulturist and plant developer will speak on "Native Plants that Work for You." Peter is passionate about native plants and will have an informative, entertaining talk. Cost is $10 at the door and there will be door prizes and refreshments. Hosted by Angelina Master Gardeners. Call 936-634-6414 for more information.
Nacogdoches: The Cooperative Extension Program at Prairie View A&M University will be partnering with the Landowners Association of Texas and the Texas Small Farmers and Ranchers-CBO to conduct an Agroforestry Workshop that will focus on educating producers about options for managing timber for profit. The program will start with a series of field visits to see how local producers are managing their timber land. The second half of the day will feature speakers, including: John Boyette, Texas A&M Forest Service; Dr. Joshua Idassi, North Carolina A&T State University; representatives from the forestry department of Stephen F. Austin State University; and representatives from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Silvopasture Management, Alley Cropping, Controlling Timber Pests, Financing Options for Timber Production and Conservation Planning are topics that will be discussed. For those with pesticide licenses, we will be offering 1 CEU for this program. This workshop will be held at the Nacogdoches Courthouse Annex, 203 W. Main St., Nacogdoches, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, September 24, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. Transportation will be arranged for those participants coming from counties more than one hour away. A 30-passenger van will be available in each county (Smith Co., Houston Co. and Bowie Co) to transport participants to the program and back. To reserve a seat, contact the agent in the county closest to you: John Miles 936-560-7711 (Nacogdoches Co.); Brandon Hawkins 903-628-6702 (Bowie Co.); Corey Hicks 936-544-7502 (Houston Co.); or Ashley Pellerin 903-590-2980 (Smith Co.).
Canyon Lake: The Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) is presenting a Native Landscape Certification Program (NLCP) Level 1 workshop from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. September 26, at the Tye Preston Memorial Library, 16311 Access Road, Canyon Lake. NLCP offers training about the sustainable use of native plants in the urban environment. This program will educate members of the Society, the public and landscape professionals about native plants; provide credentials for landscape professionals; promote the use of native plants in residential, public and commercial landscapes; and will increase awareness and stewardship of the natural Texas plant communities. This Level 1 workshop is an introductory course and will cover the value of including native plants in landscapes; teach the differences between sustainable and conventional development; explore Central Texas vegetation and soil types; and teach 45 native Texas plants recommended for the landscape. CEU hours are available for landscape professionals, and optional certificate of competency available to all registrants. For more info and to register, visit http://npsot.org/wp/nlcp or contact Meg Inglis at [email protected] or 512-589-1316.
Lufkin: Angelina Master Gardeners will hold the "Third Annual Native Plant Sale" on Saturday, September 26, 8 a.m. at the Angelina Farmer's Market, 2107 S. Medford Drive, Lufkin. We will have native bulbs, ferns, grasses, perennials, shrubs, trees and vines for sale just in time for fall planting. A plant list will be available at go-lufkin.com/mastergardeners/ in September before the sale. For more information call 936-634-6414 or email [email protected].
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. |
OCTOBER
Denton: The 2015 Fall Garden Fest will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, at the Trietsch Memorial UMC Family Life Center, 6101 Morriss Rd., Flower Mound. This year's event will be held both indoors and out, permitting the event to go on no matter what the weather may be. Admission is free. Educational booths will cover everything from bees, worms and Monarch butterflies to vegetable gardens, herbs, gardenscapes, trees, waterfalls and water conservation. Presentations begin at 9:15 a.m. and run until 3 p.m. Topics include planting for the North Texas climate, composting, ponds, aquaponics gardening and propagation techniques. Dozens of booths will provide educational information and shopping opportunities. The event will feature a silent auction, and refreshments will be available from members of the 4-H Club. For details, visit dcmga.com, look for the Denton County Master Gardener Association on Facebook or call 940-394-2883.
Longview: The Gregg County Master Gardeners will hold a plant sale on Saturday, October 3, at the Gregg County AgriLife Extension Auditorium, 405 E. Marshall, Longview. The sale will be from 9 a.m. until noon. All plants will be $5, except Earth-Kind Roses which will cost $10. Entry to the sale will be through the back doors of the building. Many different kinds of shrubs and perennials will be offered. For additional information call, 903-236-8429 or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/greggcountymastergardeners. Tyler: "Bulbs: Easy Spring Color Starts Now" will be presented at noon, October 6, in the IDEA garden at 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. For more information, visit http://txmg.org/smith/coming-events/ or call 903-590-2980. Wichita Falls: The Texas Section Society for Range Management (TSSRM) will be hosting its annual meeting in Wichita Falls at the Multi Purpose Events Center on October 7-9. The theme for this year's meeting is "Rangeland Sustainability: Managing Toward an Integrated Future" and focuses on sustainable ranching operations. In 2014, McDonald's announced new goals for sustainability by 2020. These goals included "Supporting sustainable beef production and to begin purchasing beef from verified sustainable sources in 2016," "Will your operation qualify as a verified sustainable source?" and "How do others define sustainability?" These questions will be addressed by industry leaders, ranchers, and agency personnel. The meeting will kick off Wednesday with lunch followed by a tour of the Murray and Birdwell-Clark Ranches, two productive and sustainable ranches in the area. The tour will conclude on Wednesday evening with a reception and steak dinner at the Birdwell-Clark Ranch. Thursday's events will consist of presentations from industry leaders and ranchers. Each will discuss the ever-changing climate of marketing livestock with a focus on sustainability. On Thursday, there will be an awards luncheon, presentations, and an evening reception and banquet. Friday morning's program focuses on collegiate members, with presentations by graduate students and other young professionals. The meeting will conclude at noon, with the closing ceremonies. Three hours of Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for Texas Pesticide Applicators License and 12 CEUs for Certified Professional Range Management will be given for attendance. Those interested in attending can contact Reggie Quiet ([email protected]) or by phone at 940-473-9624. Hotel reservations can be made at Days Inn and Suites (855-213-0582) or Baymont Inn and Suites (940-691-4200). Please request the TSSRM block for special room rates. Sponsorships and exhibitor space are still available. Those interested in sponsoring or reserving space for a commercial exhibit should contact Cody Scott ([email protected]; 325-486-6744) or Mandi Ligon ([email protected]; 940-733-0120).
Austin: "Plant Propagation" will be presented 10 a.m. to noon, October 8. Learn how to make new plants for your yard through propagation methods such as rooting slips and cuttings. In this workshop you will assemble a self-watering propagator and select cuttings to grow new plants. All supplies, instructions, and cuttings will be provided for each participant. Master Gardener Sue King, a Plant Propagation Specialist, is a retired school librarian, an avid soup-maker, and a life-long gardener. Master Gardener Carolyn Turman found propagating plants using cuttings as an easy and inexpensive way to add wonderful additions to her landscape. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County, 1600-B Smith Road, Austin. Cost: $25 thru 9/28, $30 starting 9/29. Seating limited to 25. No on-site registration available. No cash accepted - checks and credit cards only. Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty, Register by Phone: 979-845-2604. Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or [email protected].
La Grange: Wizzy Brown will present "Ants" at 12:05 p.m., October 8, at the Fayette County Agricultural Building, 255 Svoboda Lane, La Grange. Everyone has a home remedy or recommendation about controlling ants. Listen to someone who has real knowledge about controlling those pesky critters. For additional information, visit http://fayette.agrilife.org.
Huntsville: A Texas Pollinators Garden Symposium will be held 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., October 16 followed by a Butterfly Festival and Fall Plant Sale October 17 at the Veterans Conference Center, 455 Hwy 75, Huntsville. Speakers include Felder Rushing, Henry Flowers, and Dotty Woodson.Registration: $75 until September 15; $95 after September 15. For additional information, visit www.walkercountymastergardeners.org or call Duane Robinson at 936-355-8215.
Woodway: Master Gardener Louis McDaniel will present "Hydroponics/Aquaponics" from noon until 2 p.m., October 21, at the Pavilion at Carleen Bright Arboretum, 1 Pavilion Way, Woodway. For additional information, call 254-399-9204.
St. Francisville, Louisiana: The Southern Garden Symposium, offering prestigious speakers amid gracious surroundings, will be held October 23 & 24, in St. Francisville, La. With featured speakers including LSU Ag Center's Allen Owings, award-winning floral designer Scott Hasty, and noted author Larry Mellichamp, no other gardening program brings together top quality speakers and historic plantation settings as well as the Southern Garden Symposium in St. Francisville, La. Known as much for its engaging social events and historic venues as for its outstanding gardening lectures and workshops, the Southern Garden Symposium - now in its 27th year - has become an annual tradition for garden enthusiasts from across the south. While the symposium's workshops and lectures provide ideas and inspiration for the gardener, the social activities surrounding the event are classic southern elegance at its best. From the home-baked breakfast breads served in the morning, to the sumptuous fare of the evening gala and the delightfully relaxed Saturday afternoon tea, not a single detail of southern hospitality is overlooked. Located about 45 minutes north of Baton Rouge, La., St. Francisville was established in 1809. Set in a unique location on a bluff of the Mississippi River and often described as a town "two miles long and two yards wide," the quaint community offers southern hospitality, fantastic shopping, and breathtaking scenery. Symposium events are held at several historic and picturesque locations, both public and private, including Afton Villa Gardens, Rosedown Plantation, Grace Episcopal Church, Wildwood, Underwood Cottage, and more. For complete program information and registration forms, visit www.SouthernGardenSymposium.org, call 225-635-3738, or email [email protected]. For information regarding overnight accommodations in St. Francisville, visit www.stfrancisville.us or call 225-635-4224, toll free at 800-789-4221. Seating is limited and hotel rooms can be scarce in St. Francisville in October, so register now!
Bryan/College Station: The Brazos County Master Gardeners' Association will host the 3rd Annual Garden Tour, "Beyond the Garden Gate," on Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. This year's garden line-up will offer four diverse home gardens and the Master Gardeners' Demonstration Idea Garden (The DIG). The Demonstration Idea Garden (DIG): "The DIG," the garden created and maintained by local Master Gardeners, is located at 2619 Hwy. 21 West, Bryan, and will offer fun-filled and educational addition to this year's tour. There will be a family pollinator hunt with prizes from 9 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Then from noon - 1 p.m. Chef Tai , owner of Veritas Wine & Bistro will hold a demonstration of garden cooking. From 1:30-2:30 there will be a demonstration by a local beekeeper and door prizes will be announced at 3:00p.m. Wildlife Habitat and Garden: This 5.5 acre property, located at 10100 White's Creek Rd., College Station, is certified as a Wildlife Habitat, a Texas Wildscape and Best of Texas Backyard Habitat and as a Butterfly Garden. The homeowner has augmented the natural setting with native Texas plant species selected to entice and sustain local and transient wildlife with food, water and shelter. The owner is a die-hard composter and loves to teach others the art and science of composting. Garden of Easing: The Garden of Easing, located at 11737 Durrand St., College Station, provides an inviting setting for relaxation, contemplation, and entertainment. The owners designed a long-term functional structure for the garden that protects the large post oaks, elms and other trees, shrubs and vines that are on the property. The lawn was reduced to a minimum to lower irrigation requirements while providing a drainage swale that directs water from front to back. Seasonal splashes of color are provided by annuals in the ground and in decorative containers. To avoid mud trails and increase the backyard entertainment area, a circular concrete paver patio is extended with connecting flowing cobble. As the name indicates, this gardener was looking for function, aesthetics and ease of gardening. The Rescue Garden of Hidden Dimensions: The Rescue Garden of Hidden Dimensions, located at 3927 Hawk Owl Cove, College Station, demonstrates the infinite dimensions possible in a small garden created from discounted plants lovingly resuscitated by the gardener. Hundreds of plants grow in a riotous beauty that brings joy to the beholder. Plants can be seen at many vertical levels and raised beds are framed by white stones. Water features and soft night lighting are embedded into garden environments. With careful nurturing in winter, the gardener has successfully grown an abundance of subtropical and potted tropical plants, rewarding visitors with a splash of leaf and flower colors and textures through most of the year. Sanctuary Rose Garden: Taking inspiration from Europe and Savannah, the homeowner of this garden, located at 4605 Oakmont Circle, College Station, has designed a tranquil, rose-filled, walled sanctuary, using classical elements of symmetry, structure, and stone. Roses, emblematic in Catholicism, predominate, but under, above and through the canes is a rich diversity of plants, including fruit trees and hard-to-grow specimens of camellia and hydrangea. A six-foot statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel surmounts the Italianate fountain at center stage. Bricked and gravel paths lead past the statue to roses and clematis climbing the fences. A compact vegetable garden is tucked in next to the rain capture system that waters the yard by means of drip irrigation. Ticket Information: Tickets may be purchased between September 1 -October 22, on-line at www.brazosmg.com, at Brazos Natural Foods, 4303 S. Texas at Rosemary, Bryan, or at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 2619 Hwy. 21 W, Bryan. They may also be purchased on-site at any of the five gardens on tour day. Tickets are $15 for adult admittance to all gardens. Tickets for "The DIG" only are $5 and there is no charge for children under 12 years of age with ticketed adult. Tickets purchased at the Extension Office or those purchased on-site at any garden on October 24 must be paid by cash or check only.
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardener Association will hold its 2015 "Garden Tour: Nature's Beauty Beyond the Gate" featuring six home locations in Victoria Oct. 24-25. For more information call 361-575-4581. |
NOVEMBER
Tyler: "Providing Winter Care for Wildlife" will be presented at noon, November 3, in the IDEA garden at 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. For more information, visit http://txmg.org/smith/coming-events/ or call 903-590-2980.
Austin: "Bold and Beautiful Edibles" will be presented, 10 a.m. to noon, November 12. Learn about edible plants with ornamental potential for Central Texas landscapes. We're talking artichokes, asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, herbs and more. Some are perennials, some are annuals, but all will beautify your landscape and satisfy your appetite. Master Gardener Patty Leander is a writer for Texas Gardener magazine and grows vegetables year round in her Oak Hill garden. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County, 1600-B Smith Road, Austin. Cost: $10 thru 11/02, $15 starting 11/03 and onsite, No cash accepted - checks and credit cards only. Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty, Register by Phone: 979-845-2604 Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or [email protected].
La Grange: Johnny Schroeder will present "Lawn & Landscape Equipment Management" at 12:05 p.m., November 12, at the Fayette County Agricultural Building, 255 Svoboda Lane, La Grange. Maintenance tips and schedules for all your outdoor power equipment. maintain your yard and garden like a pro with these handy operation tips and tricks. For additional information, visit http://fayette.agrilife.org.Woodway: Master Gardener Patricia Goaley will present "Anecdotes from the Garden," an amusing romp through the garden, from noon until 2 p.m., November 18, at the Pavilion at Carleen Bright Arboretum, 1 Pavilion Way, Woodway. For additional information, call 254-399-9204. |
DECEMBER
Grapevine: The National Grazing Lands Coalition will host the 6th National Conference on Grazing Lands December 13-16, at the Hyatt Regency DFW near Grapevine. Conference organizers expect more than 1,200 ranchers, professors, land managers, researchers, public officials, conservationists and students to attend this national conference and participate in the exchange of ideas and information on grazing land environmental and economic practices and issues. The conference will feature experts in fields such as range science, range and pasture management, forage management and animal behavior. Speakers include Dr. Don Ball, professor emeritus, Auburn University; Dr. Garry Lacefield, professor of plant and soil science, Extension forage specialist, University of Kentucky; Dr. Peter Ballerstedt, forage product manager, Barenbrug, USA; and Dr. Rachel Gilker and Kathy Voth, who produce "On Pasture," an online grazing magazine which translates research and experience into actions graziers can implement on their own operations. The conference's unique format will provide grazing information and expert speakers along four "tracks" - Western, Midwestern, Eastern and Dairy. Some of the topics to be highlighted include grazing management, grazing land economics and marketing, public policy, soil health and the ag/urban interface. Session speakers also include everyday ranchers and land managers. This year's conference will also feature a "Texas Day" on December 15 that will feature sessions on prescribed burning and brush management, along with a Texas Social in the evening. Early bird registration of $295 is available through Oct. 15, followed by regular online registration of $365 until Dec. 4. On-site registration is also available at $365. For more registration information, or opportunities to exhibit or participate in poster presentations visit http://www.grazinglands.org.
Woodway: Peggy Cathey of Waco Iris will discuss Irises from noon until 2 p.m., December 16, at the Pavilion at Carleen Bright Arboretum, 1 Pavilion Way, Woodway. For additional information, call 254-399-9204.
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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/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 [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]. 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 [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.
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 [email protected] 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 [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 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 [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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Texas Gardener digital edition available
Same magazine as our print edition without the paper and at a better price. Fully compatible with your desktop, laptop, iPad or Tablet. Access Texas Gardener anywhere, anytime: at the office, home, vacation, even in the garden. Easy to use with robust features and fully searchable archive as long as your subscription is active. Visit www.TexasGardener.com and click on the digital radio button to subscribe. |
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Vegetable Gardening in the Southwest
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