September 16, 2015
  
When will El Ni�o predicted wet weather arrive?
 
By Robert Burns
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
 
Climatologists predict the current super-strong El Ni�o will bring another rain-drenched fall, winter and early spring to Texas.
 
Ok, that's fine but when? Many farmers needing moisture now are wondering when they can expect the promised moisture to arrive, according to weekly reports by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service county agents.
 
"It depends upon where you're at, really," said Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon, state climatologist and Regents Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University, College Station. "The effects seem to come sooner in the northern part of the state than in the southern part of the state."
 
Unfortunately, September is too soon to expect wetter conditions related to El Ni�o anywhere in the state, he said.
 
"But once we get in October/November, the northern two-thirds of the state should generally start to see above-normal rainfall," Nielsen-Gammon said. "Basically anywhere from the Winter Garden south tends to see delayed effects of El Ni�o."
 
For South Texas, the enhanced wet conditions tend to be concentrated in December, January and February, he said.
 
"And often times there will be a dry month in the northern part of the state during those months," Nielsen-Gammon said.
 
A large part of the state has had drier than normal conditions this summer, he noted.
 
"We've had a dry swath that has run across north central, northeast Texas and down through central Texas, and along the Mexico border as well."
 
There's no sure reason why this dry weather occurred, but one conjecture is that it is connected with "how temperatures evolve when you're coming out of a drought into something that favors rainfall," Nielsen-Gammon said.
 
"So far it hasn't been very different from 1957," he said. "When the 50s drought ended, we had a very wet April and May, and then the summer was dry, and some places got back into drought before we started above-normal rainfall again in the fall."
 
Nielsen-Gammon is also a contributor to the Climate Change National Forum, "a public forum for scientists to explain the science of climate change, in plain English," according the forum's website at http://climatechangenationalforum.org/.
The why, what, and when of fall planting
 
Jackson&Perkins
 
If you ask 10 people when the best time to plant is, at least 8 will probably say "spring." Sure, a lot of annuals and veggies should be planted in spring, but for most perennials, trees, shrubs, and bulbs, fall is actually the ideal planting time. Here's why:
  • Great soil temperatures. In spring, the soil holds onto winter's chill while the air warms up; in fall, the soil holds onto summer's warmth while the air cools down. The warm, fluffier soil in fall is also easier to work and easier for roots to grow in.
  • Better Weather. Summer's heat stops stressing and dehydrating plants. Increased rainfall also helps the roots stay moist. The cool, crisp weather is also more comfortable to work in!
  • Less Environmental Pressure. Pests, diseases, and weeds all become less active in fall, so there are fewer risks facing your newly transplanted plants.
  • Timing. The roots have more time to get established before next summer (they can actively grow as long as the soil is above 40 degrees F). A lot of plants require chill hours before they can bloom, so planting in fall is the only way to ensure great blooms next spring!
What to plant this fall:
When to plant:
  • Plant too early and your bulbs might start trying to grow this season instead of waiting or, worse, a heat wave might kill your plants before they can establish. Wait until the first light frost has happened, and then plant your bulbs.
  • Plant too late, and your plants can be killed by chilling frosts and snow. New plants can be more susceptible to frost damage, so it is wise to offer winter protection the first year. A thick layer of mulch can be used to insulate the soil. Roses appreciate extra insulation - cover the crowns with a mound of straw. For maximum insulation, surround the rose with a cylinder of chicken wire and fill this with straw or with the leaves raked from your yard. Plants in containers should be moved into the garage or the house for their first winter.
  • Exactly which month to plant in depends on when the soil freezes in your zone. In warm areas you might be able to wait until October or even early November, while in colder areas the window is narrower, and you generally need to plant by September to let plants' roots settle in before the ground freezes.
One Day 4-H project to celebrate Texas A&M Forest Service centennial

By Paul Schattenberg
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

This year as part of National 4-H Week and One Day 4-H, the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program will partner with the Texas A&M Forest Service to help celebrate that agency's 100th anniversary of protecting the citizens of Texas and the country.

Each year, National 4-H Week is held so local and county 4-H clubs and groups throughout the U.S. can showcase what they have gained from 4-H membership through their many programs, community activities and events. This year, National 4-H week will be from Oct. 4-10 and One Day 4-H will take place Oct. 10.
 
"One Day 4-H is a special day set aside each year for 4-H members, parents, leaders and volunteers to step out and provide service to their communities and counties as a means to say thank you for their support of the 4-H program," said Dr. Chris Boleman, director for Texas 4-H and a member of the National 4-H Council board.
 
Boleman said for the first time in the seven-year history of One Day 4-H, Texas 4-H will have a "featured service project."
 
"This year that project is designed to help celebrate the Texas A&M Forest Service's centennial anniversary," he said. "For 100 years, the service has been helping protect and save the lives of Texans and others through its many efforts. We hope that we can have at least one 4-H club or group in each county in Texas participate in this 2015 One Day 4-H special service project to make it a historical milestone for both agencies."
 
Service is at the heart of the partnership between 4-H and Texas A&M Forest Service, said Tom Boggus, Texas A&M Forest Service director, College Station.
 
"One Day 4-H is the perfect opportunity to teach fundamental lessons about the stewardship of our natural resources and caring for our environment," Boggus said. "By being active in their communities and learning about their natural surroundings, students can become better stewards of the earth. Giving 4-Her's a way to learn about trees and the benefits they provide helps them grow into future decision-makers who are knowledgeable about, and appreciative of, our environment."
 
Boleman said to help celebrate the anniversary, the Forest Service is providing one bur oak tree - one of the only trees that can grow successfully in all 254 counties of Texas - to each county to be planted in a courthouse square, on city hall grounds or at some other notable public venue where it can be seen and appreciated by those in the community.
 
"This project will be an educational opportunity for 4-H members to work with their respective county commissioners or city officials to secure a location, invite the community to the planting and educate attendees on the importance of the Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas 4-H," Boleman said.
 
To help 4-H clubs and county 4-H councils coordinate a tree-planting, a project guide is available as a resource. The resource is also applicable for 4-H clubs and groups that would like to adopt a project in fire safety and prevention.
 
To access the guide, go to: http://bit.ly/1Jzcx1J .
 
"4-H and Texas 4-H Youth Development emphasize community service as part of youth character development," Boleman said. "In the 4-H pledge, members pledge their hands to greater service - and One Day 4-H is a focused and coordinated way to help fulfill that service learning aspect of 4-H."
 
He said each year during National 4-H Week and One Day 4-H more than 12,000 Texas 4-H youth participate in more than 200 service projects statewide.
 
"I think it's particularly appropriate that we've chosen the commemorative tree planting as this year's special project," Boleman said. "Not only does it celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Texas A&M Forest Service, but it's also symbolic of the fact that Texas 4-H is dedicated to helping young people develop deep roots into their communities so they may grow into productive adults."
Gardening tips

Fruit trees have already set the buds that will produce next year's spring crop. So, it is best to avoid any pruning now that could promote a late-season flush of growth that would be susceptible to cold injury once freezing weather arrives. It is also best to avoid applying any additional fertilizer to these trees as they begin to go dormant.
 
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.
SEPTEMBER

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.

Bryan: Dr. Justin Scheiner, Assistant Professor and Texas A&M Extension Viticulture Specialist, will present "The Wrath of Grapes" at 7 p.m., Tuesday, September 22, at The Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest, Bryan. Dr. Scheiner will discuss the history of grapes and wine, and grape growing in the area around Bryan. The public is invited at no charge. For additional information, call 979-823-0129 or visit http://brazos.agrilife.org.

Athens: The Henderson County Master Gardeners 2015 Interns present their Fall Seminar on Thursday, September 24, 6:00 p.m at the East Texas Arboretum, 1601 Patterson Road, Athens. Free and open to the public. Michelle McNeill from Tanglewood Creek Family Farm will speak on how to grow, harvest, and store garlic. She will explain which varieties grow best in Texas, and when and where to purchase seed garlic. Michelle will enlighten attendees on the culinary and medicinal benefits of garlic as well as the cooking, growing and medicinal use of herbs. Tanglewood Creek Family Farm, located in Bonham, Texas, is a Certified Naturally Grown farm, meaning they hold to organic standards. They grow 10 varieties of garlic for culinary and health needs, each with a different flavor. They also grow culinary herbs, make a variety of organic skin and haircare products, herbal jellies, herbal vinegars, and herbal teas.
 
Bryan: "A Beginner's Preview to Vegetable Gardening" will be presented 10 a.m.-noon, Thursday, September 24, at Brazos County Extension Office, 2619 Highway 21 W, Bryan. If you want to grow vegetables but have questions, get the "low down and how to" from veteran Master Gardeners. The public is invited at no charge, however due to limited seating you must reserve a spot before Sept. 22 by calling 979-823-0129.

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

Houston: The Garden Club of Houston's 73rd annual Bulb & Plant Mart will be held October 1-3, at St. John the Divine Church, 2450 River Oaks Blvd. at Westheimer Road. The Mart opens Thursday, October 1, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for 'Early Bird Shopping' (Admission $20) with a party on the patio featuring a mariachi band and nearby stores offering discounts to Bulb Mart shoppers. Sales continue Friday, October 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All sales are tax-exempt. Admission and parking are free. The Bulb & Plant Mart offers more than 500,000 top-quality bulbs from domestic and international suppliers. Experienced as well as beginning gardeners will find an expanded collection of hard-to-find and unusual plants, perennials, trees, shrubs and vines, including unique offerings from the gardens of GCH members, grown specifically for the Mart. Visitors to the Bulb & Plant Mart will receive a free Horticultural Guide for Houston, prepared by the Club. For pictures of bulbs and plants that will be offered this year and for additional information, visit www.gchouston.org.

Seguin: "Fall Bulbs" will be presnted by Deedy Wright and the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners noon-1 p.m., Thursday, October 1, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 210 E Live Oak St , Seguin. Learn The best fall bulbs to plant in Guadalupe County, how to plant fall bulbs, and caring for your bulbs. FREE! - Just bring your own lunch (Optional!) For more information call Extension office at 830-303-3889.

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.

Nacogdoches: SFA Gardens at Stephen F. Austin State University will host its annual Fabulous Fall Festival Plant Sale from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. in historic Nacogdoches. A wide variety of hard-to-find, "Texas tough" plants will be available, including Texas natives, heirlooms, tropicals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and exclusive SFA introductions. Most of the plants are extensively trialed in the gardens before being offered to the public, and most are produced by the SFA Gardens staff and volunteers. This popular event benefits the SFA Mast Arboretum, Pineywoods Native Plant Center, Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, Gayla Mize Garden and educational programs hosted at the gardens. The educational programs at SFA Gardens reach more than 15,000 students ages 1 to 100 on a yearly basis. Parking is available at the nearby Early Childhood Research Center, 2428 Raguet St. The public is encouraged to arrive early and bring a wagon. For more information, call 936-468-4404, or visit  www.sfagardens.sfasu.edu two weeks before the sale for a list of available plants.

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.

Schertz:" Lawn Care" will be presented by Marvin Borth, Master Gardener, noon-1 p.m., Monday, October 12, at the GVEC Service Center Community Room, 908 Curtis Street, Schertz. Topics include: Turf Grass Types, Proper Maintenance, Fertilization, Weeds, and Pests Control. Free and attendees are welcome to bring a lunch. For more information call 830-303-3889, AgriLife Extension Office or visit guadalupecountymastergardeners.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.
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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