October 14, 2015
  
Create holiday gifts that keep on giving
 
By Melinda Myers
 
Make this holiday season one filled with creating memories and gifts that keep giving throughout the year.
 
Terrariums have made a comeback and make wonderful do-it-yourself projects and gifts for beginning and experienced gardeners. They enable gardeners to continue to grow no matter the weather outdoors and can be updated and used as decorations throughout the year with some simple updating for holidays and other special occasions. Just add a few ceramic items like a Christmas tree ornament, ceramic bunny or other adornment or two that represent the season. Don't know where to start? No problem. You can create your own from an old glass jar or vase or purchase an elegant terrarium with copper bottom guaranteed to create the perfect stage for your tabletop garden. Or purchase a terrarium kit that includes the plants, container and all you need.
 
For the artist, young or old, and avid birder, consider a green birdhouse. These biodegradable birdhouses are made from 100 percent recycled paper and designed to last through one nesting season. You will have fun decorating it with stickers, markers or paint, making this a gift you and the birds will enjoy. Plus, once the season is over, there's no need for cleaning. It can simply be added to the compost pile.
 
Not feeling artistic? No worries. Give a decorative treat for the birds. Those with live Christmas trees can extend their enjoyment by decorating the tree with colorful birdseed ornaments once it is moved outdoors. Make your own ornaments from suet, peanut butter and birdseed or purchase ready-made ones.
 
And no green thumb is needed for this DIY holiday beauty. Easy care waxed amaryllis bulbs are self contained and easy to grow. The bulb is sealed in gold or silver wax, making it both decorative and low maintenance. There's no watering or container needed. Just set it in a bright location and wait for the floral display to appear before your eyes. You'll be enjoying big blooms for several weeks.
 
Stay on your diet as the holiday approaches with a sugar-free advent calendar. You can make your own from felt and fabric glue or start a family tradition by purchasing a handcrafted advent calendar like the wooden bird cottage advent calendar (gardeners.com) that celebrates nature and the holiday. Each day leading to Christmas you'll remove a bird from its cubby in the cottage. Peg it to the birdhouse and watch the flock grow. Your friends and family will know Christmas is coming each year when you break out the calendar. It's sure to provide years of memories and could soon become a family heirloom.
 
Make this the year for creating memorable gifts, trying something new or packaging DIY projects that are sure to provide seasons of fun and beauty.
 
Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Can't Miss Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener's Handbook. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone" DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment segments. Myers is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers' web site, www.melindamyers.com, offers gardening videos and tips.
Tree care professionals honored at Texas Tree Conference
 
Texas A&M Forest Service
 
Caring for Texas' trees takes hard work and dedication. At this year's Texas Tree Conference more than a thousand tree care professionals gathered in Waco to learn from national leaders in research, commercial and utility arboriculture and urban forestry.
 
"It is an incredible learning and networking opportunity for a growing field of professionals and for academics and students alike. This year, an added focus was not only on new and advanced technologies, like decay detection through sound imagery or a ground penetrating radar for root mapping, it was also on urban wood recycling and how trees are an urban asset and can be integrated in green infrastructure," Vincent Debrock, conference chair, president of the Texas chapter of ISA, and principal of Heritage Tree Care, LLC said.
 
The Texas Community Forestry and Tree Care Awards are held during the annual Texas Tree Conference and celebrate those who dedicate their lives to keeping Texas' trees abundant and healthy.
 
"I am amazed again, every year, how many wonderful people and projects we have in the arboriculture industry in Texas. Our committee works very hard to select the most deserving out of many outstanding nominations," Paul Johnson, urban and community forestry program coordinator for Texas A&M Forest Service.
 
2015 Award Winners:
 
Outstanding Arbor Day Activities: City of Texarkana
Led by the city's Planning and Development Director David Orr, Texarkana's promotion of urban and community forestry in North East Texas earned them the 2015 Outstanding Arbor Day Activities award. This year's biggest impact came from the establishment of an official Arbor Day celebration and a city tree nursery. The nursery grows native trees for planting in city parks, along roads and to give to citizens in the community. Partnerships with Keep Texarkana Beautiful, Texarkana College Earth Club, Texas A&M University Texarkana, Texarkana Water Utilities and others have been key to the success of the program with a survival rate of over 95 percent for their first 500 trees.
 
Arboricultural Project of the Year: Houston Area Urban Forestry Council
Houston Area Urban Forestry Council took home the Arboricultural Project of the Year award for their 2015 Tree Planting Competition. This year, 1,600 5-gallon trees were planted in less than two hours by 16 teams on Harris County Flood Control land. These trees will help intercept rainfall and reduce the amount of runoff that needs to be managed.
 
The Gold Leaf Award-Landscape Improvement: The University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at El Paso is the 2015 Gold Leaf Award winner for their Campus Transformation Project. With the addition of 700 trees of 24 varieties, the project revives the natural arroyo terrain that once defined the center of campus before it was replaced with roads and parking lots. Planting a variety of drought-tolerant shade trees, environmentally sensitive shrubs, grasses and plants native to the Chihuahua desert will lower temperatures and help prevent heat exhaustion.
 
Arborist of the Year: Oscar Mestas, regional urban forester, Texas A&M Forest Service
This year's Arborist of the Year, Oscar Mestas, is a regional urban forester with Texas A&M Forest Service in El Paso. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin University with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Oscar is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist and Municipal Specialist, a Society of American Forester Certified Forester, and is Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. Oscar served as editor for the Texas Chapter of ISA, founder of West Texas Urban Forestry Council, chairman of El Paso Tree Board and on the board of Keep El Paso Beautiful. Oscar exemplifies leadership, commitment, innovation, impact and sustainability in the world of trees and tree care.
 
The conference is organized by the Texas chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture and the Texas A&M Forest Service urban forestry department and is one of the largest of its kind in the nation.
Gardening tips

With no rain so far this fall, we soaked the ground where we thought our schoolhouse lilies were located. Sure enough, a week latter they were up and in full bloom.   
 
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.
OCTOBER

San Antonio: "Trees, Trees, Trees!" presented by Mark Krotze of the Texas A&M Forest Service, 103 p.m., October 15, at 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., San Antonio, will focus on trees in the local area and all you need to know about providing proper tree care. 2 CEUs for MGs. Free. Bexar County Master Gardner (BCMG) Educational Seminars/General Meetings are held on the afternoon of the third Thursday every other month at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, Suite 208. For more information contact Jack Downey, President@bexarmg.org, or call 210-699-0663.

Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners will host a booth at the Brazos Valley Fair, Friday, October 16-Sunday, October 18, at the Brazos County Expo Complex, 5827 Leonard Rd., Bryan). Their booth will be open Friday, 4-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Members will answer gardening questions.

Austin: The Travis County Master Gardeners Association presents Inside Austin Gardens Tour October 17. The tour provides a rare look inside six special private gardens and one public experimental garden that demonstrate realistic, sustainable gardening practices for Central Texas. Tickets may be purchased in advance via the website or at the garden sites. Complete information and tickets at www.InsideAustinGardens.org. Tour presented by Travis County Master Gardeners Association and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County, 512-854-9600.

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.

Beaumont: Texas Gardener Contributing Writer Patty Leander and Jefferson County Master Gardener Paul Eyre are the featured speakers at the Jefferson County Master Gardeners Fall Vegetable Seminar. 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, October 17, at the Beaumont Botanical Gardens. For additional information, call 409-835-8461.  

La Marque: "Buried Treasures...Bulbs & Other Hardy Perennials for Gulf Coast Landscapes," presented by GC Master Gardener Anna Wygrys. 9-11 a.m., October 17, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to galv3@wt.net, further details see www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

McKinney: The 12th Annual Bulb & Perennial Mart, presented Saturday, October 17, is a one-day, one-stop shopping opportunity to learn more about, and purchase, beautiful bloomers that are easy-to-grow, have been thoroughly researched by the Bulb and Perennial Mart Committee, and are proven suitable for our climate and soil. In addition to new bulbs and hard-to-find crinums, the Bulb &Perennial Mart committee leaders announced a new feature at The Mart this year...Specialty Gardens. Four specialty garden collections will be offered - Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden, Fragrant Garden, Native & Drought Tolerant Garden, and Shade or Part-Shade Garden. Each of these four garden collections will include a large selection of perennials and bulbs that takes the guess work out of what to plant in your desired garden. Experienced and novice gardeners alike will appreciate the easy, time-saving specialty gardens. Be sure to shop early as there will be a limited number of specialty garden collections available. Schedule of Events: 8:30 a.m. Early Bird Seminar; 9 a.m. Pick up August Pre-Sale Bulb orders; 9 a.m-1 p.m. Bulb and Perennial Sale; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tours of Myers Park Research and Demonstration Gardens; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Information Booth. The Bulb& Perennial Mart is an indoor event, so come rain or shine! Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions, and to conduct tours of the research and demonstration gardens as well. The event is free and there is no sales tax on purchases. Myers Park is located at 7117 County Road 166, McKinney. To learn more about The Mart call 972-548-4232 or visit the CCMGA website,  www.ccmgatx.org/bulbs.

Woodway: The Master Gardeners and the Woodway Arboretum will host the 8th Annual Children Garden Fair from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Arboretum, 9011 Bosque Blvd., Woodway. The Free event is designed as a hands-on adventure for all ages. About 20 craft booths and activities will have volunteers helping children pot plants, pop corn, identify insects, and search for answers in their natural environment. Other organizations that provide activities are: Audubon Society, Master Naturalist, Girl Scouts, Bee Keeping Organization, Waco Gem and Mineral Society, Rose Society, World Hunger Farm and Urban Garden Commission. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners are taking Presale Orders for their annual Fruit and Nut Tree Fundraiser from October 19-December 5. Order forms can be found at http://txmg.org/wallermg under the fruit tree sale tab, and at the Waller County Extension Office located at 846 6th Street, Hempstead. Payment (cash, check, money order) must be submitted with your order or can be mailed or placed in person at the Extension Office. Pick-up date is Saturday, January 30, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tegeler Used Car lot, 850 Business 290 North, Hempstead. Tree varieties specifically for the area have been chosen, including peach, nectarine, persimmon, pecan bare-roots; 3-gallon apple, fig, pear, plum and various citrus. Blackberries and Pawpaw are also available. The extension office will have Master Gardeners manning phones in the office at  M-F from 9 a.m.-noon during the month of November. For additional information, email wallermgardener2013@gmail.com or call 979-826-7651.

Canyon Lake: Susan Sander, will present "Identifying Hill Country Trees by a Key" at The Lindheimer Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meeting Tuesday, October 20. The 7 p.m. meeting will be held at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, Canyon Lake. Sander holds a B.A. in philosophy and an M.A. in environmental land-use planning. Her work includes the 1989 founding of the Riverside Nature Center in Kerrville, where she served as education director for 10 years. She worked with the Texas Forest Service for 5 years in oak wilt and stewardship. She also served on the Headwaters Groundwater Conservation District, numerous environmental committees with city of Kerrville. Currently she is the naturalist at Riverside Nature Center and a member of the Kerrville NPSOT chapter. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and visitors are welcome to attend meetings. For more information contact Mary Moses 210-279-5748.

Denton: Any Denton County resident interested in gardening and horticultural education is invited to attend the Denton County Master Gardener Association Round Up from 10 a.m. until noon on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office in the Joseph A. Carroll Building, 401 W. Hickory St., Denton. The annual event focuses on potential new members and includes a social, refreshments and detailed information about joining the organization. Denton County residents wishing to apply for the 2016 Master Gardener training program must do so by Thursday,Oct. 22. Attending the Roundup is not required for new class members, but everyone must complete an application form, which is available online at www.dcmga.com. Master Gardener applicants must attend 70 hours of classroom instruction taught by leading educators from around the state. Classes are held each Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. beginning Feb. 2 and running through May 3. Classes are held at the Global Spheres Center, 7801 S. Stemmons Freeway (IH35E), Corinth. A one-time fee of $240 for training materials is payable on the first class day. After completing classroom training and passing the final exam, the applicant becomes a Master Gardener Intern and must fulfill 70 volunteer hours of service to the community during the 2016 calendar year. To remain active after 2016, each Master Gardener must earn a minimum of 12 hours of advanced training and volunteer at least 12 hours annually on any Master Gardener project.

La Marque: "The Joy of Daylilies," presented by with Nell Shimek, 6:30-8 p.m., October 20, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to galv3@wt.net, further details see www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

Sugar Land: "Redesigning the Southern Landscape - Results of a Research Project" by Dr. William Welch, Professor and Texas AgriLife Extension Service Landscape Horticulturist, Texas A&M University; Presented by Sugar Land Garden Club; October 20 at 10 a.m., social 9:30 a.m.; St. Basil Hall (formerly Knights of Columbus Hall), 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land; free. For more info: www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.

Seabrook: At 10 a.m., Wed., October 21, Mark Bowen of Nature's Way Resources will present "Native Plants" in the Meeting Room at Clear Lake  Park, 5001 NASA Parkway, Seabrook. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

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 luciecassity@bellsouth.net. 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.

Conroe: The Montgomery County Master Gardeners are having their Fall Open Gardens Day and Vegetable and Herb Sale on Saturday, October 24, at 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. Tour the gardens and talk to Master Gardeners about all things gardening. Sale is from 9 a.m. until noon and Open Gardens Day is 9 until 11. For more information, call 936-539-7824 or visit www.mcmga.com.

La Marque: "Garden Tool Care Presentation and Workshop," presented by GC Master Gardeners Tim Jahnke and Henry Harrison, III, 9 a.m.-noon, October 24, at Galveston County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to galv3@wt.net, further details see www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

San Antonio: Fall HarvestBlitz begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, October 24, and includes a film presentation at 7:15 p.m., at River Road Community Garden, 780 E. Huisache, San Antonio. Join Green Spaces Alliance and area community gardeners to celebrate local food. The third Harvest Blitz of the year coincides with National Food Day. Community HarvestBlitzes are fun ways to learn, eat, and meet neighbors. The Fall HarvestBlitz will feature harvestables, tastables, plantables, and other enjoyables. Come and learn all about San Antonio's fabulous fall/winter season - its ease and its benefits. HarvestBlitz III will feature local chef demonstrations, tastings, planting and cultivation tips, and a great film: Growing Cities to cap off the evening. Activities are offered for the entire family.

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.

Bryan: Lauren Ward, graduate student in the Texas A&M University, Department of Entomology, will provide insight into the art and science of what attracts and keeps bees returning to plants and landscapes, as well as how to protect and encourage bees to visit local landscapes at the Brazos County Master Gardeners monthly garden program, 7 p.m., Tuesday, October 27, at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest, Room 102, Bryan. The public is invited at no charge.
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.
San Antonio: San Antonio Garden Center Clubs will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 3310 N. New Braunfels @ Funston. The program, "From Garden to Thanksgiving Table," will feature Leslie Bingham, President of the San Antonio Herb Society, offering recipes and tips for growing and using fresh herbs to enhance your holiday feast. Join us for coffee at 9:30; meetings are free. For more information, visit www.sanantoniogardencenter.org or call 210-824-9981.

San Antonio: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Bexar County presents "Bug Banquet," an "educational" dinner event all about entomophagy, Friday, Nov. 6, 7-9 p.m. at 24510 Clearwater Run San Antonio. Delight in an expertly prepared four course meal made with locally grown food and delectable insects and paired with an appropriate cocktail, beer or wine. Prepared by expert chefs and Bexar County 4-H Food Challenge Teams. Learn how raising insects is a sustainable form of agriculture and surprisingly enjoyable culinary experience. 1 CEU for MGs. Cost: $35 per person/$50 per couple. Register Online at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/index.cfm. For information contact Molly Keck at 210-631-0400 or email her: mekeck@ag.tamu.edu.

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 sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu.

Houston: Lothar Behnke, a representative of Weeks Roses, will present "Next Year's Weeks Roses" at the Houston Rose Society meeting on Thursday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m. Learn about new rose introductions for 2016. Please note our new meeting location. The HRS has moved to the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. The parking lot is Lot C, located at Hermann Drive and Crawford Street. Free admission. For more information, visit http://www.houstonrose.org.

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.

Minneapolis, MN: When considering best practices on their farmers, growers often look to results from their own land, and perhaps other local growers. Dave Weindorf, a professor at Texas Tech University, suggest they look beyond local, and even national borders. To increase the sharing of global research, Veronica Acosta-Martinez, USDA, has organized a symposium, "Soil and Biology and Biochemistry Research Around the World." The symposium will be part of a special International Year of Soils (IYS) celebration planned at the Synergy in Science ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, MN. The Soil Science Society of America has been celebrating IYS in 2015, along with the UN-FAO and other worldwide groups. The symposium will be held Monday, November 16. The Synergy in Science meeting is sponsored jointly by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and the Soil Science Society of America. For more information about the Synergy in Science 2015 meeting, visit https://www.acsmeetings.org/. Pre-registration by Nov. 1, 2015, is required. For information about the "Soil and Biology and Biochemistry Research Around the World" symposium, visit https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2015am/webprogram/Session14268.html.

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.

San Antonio: Travis Cole, a BCMG scholarship recipient, presents "Beekeeping," Thursday, Nov. 19, 6-8 p.m. at 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., San Antonio. 1.5 CEUs for MGs. Free. Meeting begins with a social time at 6 p.m. followed by the special presentation at 6:30 p.m. For information, email President Jack Downey, Bcmgjack@gmail.com, or call 210-699-0663.
 
San Antonio: "Olive Production & Management Seminar" will be presented Monday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at San Antonio Livestock Exposition - Dairy Barn, 723 AT&T Center Parkway, San Antonio. 5 CEUs for MGs. This seminar is open to commercial olive producers, small acreage farm operators and the general public interested in growing olives. If interested, RSVP early with registration fee of $30, payable to the Bexar County Master Gardeners. Attention: Angel Torres, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 212, San Antonio, Texas 78230. For more information call 210-631-0402, or email Angel Torres: matorres@ag.tamu.edu.
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 sbburden@ag.tamu.edu.


Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners meet at noon the first Tuesday of each month at the Texas AgriLife Extension, 3033 Bear Creek Drive (near the intersection of Highway 6 and Patterson Road), Houston. For additional information visit http://hcmga.tamu.edu
or call 281-855-5600.

Dallas: Garden Masters, Inc., meet the first Wednesday of each month at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas. The club hosts different speaker each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch! For more information, email Bunny Williams at bunny-williams@sbcglobal.net.

 

Kerrville: Hill Country Master Gardeners meet the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy 27. For more information visit www.hillcountrymastergardeners.org.

 

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

  

Allen: The Allen Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, February through December, at the Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St., Allen. For more information, visit www.allengardenclub.org.

Atlanta: The Cass County Master Gardeners meet the first Thursday of each month at the Atlanta Memorial Hospital Conference Room, State Highway 77 @ S. Williams St., Atlanta. A business meeting is followed by an educational program. The public is welcome to attend. For additional information, call 903-756-5391 or visit http://cass.agrilife.org. 

 

Brownwood: The Brown County Master Gardeners Association meets the first Thursday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension Office, 605 Fisk Ave., Brownwood. For further information, call Mary Green Engle at 325-784-8453.

Fort Worth: The North Central Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. except (January and July) in the Fort Worth Botanical Garden Building at 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard, Fort Worth. For additional information, contact President Theresa Thomas at kayleetl@sbcglobal.net.

 

Gonzalas: Gonzales Master Gardeners hold their monthly meeting at noon on the first Thursday of each month at 623 Fair Street, Gonzales. Bring a bag lunch, drinks provided. Contact AgriLife Extension Office at 830-672-8531 or visit http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org for more information.

New Braunfels: The Comal Garden Club meets the first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Southbank Clubhouse, 222 Southbank Blvd., New Braunfels. 

 

SECOND WEEK

 

Austin: Austin Organic Gardeners Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month (except December) at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org.

Jacksonville: The Cherokee County Master Gardeners meet on the second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Woodmen of the World, 1800 College Ave., Jacksonville. For more information, e-mail Tom Abbott at tom@deerfield-abbey.org.

 

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

 

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

 

Quitman: The Quitman Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Quitman Library on E Goode Street, Quitman. It is a diverse group that welcomes all visitors. For more information, e-mail quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.

 

Denton: The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the

second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit http://dcmga.com/.

 

Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.

 

Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.

 

Longview: The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners. 

 

Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the

second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit www.rockportherbs.org and http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.

 

Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners meet on the second Wednesday each month at noon at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd., Woodway. Educational programs follow the business session. For more information, call 254-757-5180.

 

Beaumont: The Jefferson County Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. (social) 7:00 (meeting) the second Thursday of each month except in July in the AgriLife Extension auditorium, 1225 Pearl 2nd floor (downtown Beaumont next to the Court House). For more information contact: 409-835-8461 or txmg.org/jcmg.

 

Georgetown: The Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street. Georgetown. For additional information, contract Billye Adams at 512-863-9636 or visit http://www.npsot.org/WilliamsonCounty/default.htm.

 

Orange: The Orange County Master Gardeners Association holds their monthly meeting on the

second Thursday of each month. A short program is presented. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the new Orange County Expo Center on Hwy 1442 in Orangefield. Enter the building in the front entrance, first door on the right, Texas AgriLife offices. Pot luck supper at 6 p.m. Visit http://txmg.org/orange for more information.

 

San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels (corner of Funston & N. New Braunfels). For more information on programs, visit www.sanantonioherbs.org.

Smithville: The Smithville Community Gardens meets at 5:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Smithville Recreation Center. 

 

Angleton: The Brazoria County Master Gardeners meet at 11 a.m. on the second Friday of each month at the Brazoria County Extension Office, 21017 County Road 171, Angleton. There is a general business meeting followed by a brief educational program each month. For further information call 979-864-1558, ext.110.

 

College Station: The A&M Garden Club meets on the second Friday of each month during the school year at 9:30 a.m. in the training room of the College Station Waste Water Facility building at the end of North Forest Parkway, College Station. Expert speakers, plant sharing, and federated club projects help members learn about gardening in the Brazos Valley, floral design, conservation, and more. For more information, visit http://www.amgardenclub.com/.

 

Houston: The Spring Branch African Violet Club meets the second Saturday of each month, January through November, at 10:30am at the Copperfield Baptist Church, 8350 Highway 6 North, Houston. Call Karla at 281-748-8417 prior to attending to confirm meeting date and time.

  

Kilgore: Northeast Texas Organic Gardeners meets at 1:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. For more information, call Carole Ramke at 903-986-9475.

 

Dallas: The Rainbow Garden Club of North Texas meets the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Meetings are held at member's homes and garden centers around the area. For more information, visit www.RainbowGardenClub.com.

 

THIRD WEEK

 

Arlington: The Arlington Men's Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the third Monday of each month (except December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact Lance Jepson at LJepson@aol.com.

 

Cleburne:The Johnson County Master Gardener's meet on the third Monday of each month at McGregor House, 1628 W Henderson, Cleburne. Meeting times are at 2 p.m. October through April, except December and at 6 p.m. May through September. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For additional information, contact Sue Matern at 817-517-9076.

  

New Braunfels: The Comal Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. the third Monday of each month (except April and December,) at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. An educational program precedes the business meeting. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, call 830-620-3440 or visit http://txmg.org/comal/.

 

Corpus Christi: The Nueces Master Gardeners meet at noon the third Tuesday of each month, except December, at Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For further information call 361 767-5217.

 

Evant: The Evant Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., usually at the bank in downtown Evant. To confirm the date, time and place of each month's meeting, call 254-471-5860. 

 

New Braunfels: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. Meetings include an informative speaker, plant of the month presentation, and plant raffle. Visitors are welcome. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/wp/lindheimer.

 

Rockport: Monthly meetings of the Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners are held at 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Aransas County Office, 892 Airport Rd., Rockport. For additional information, e-mail aransas-tx@tamu.edu or call 361-790-0103.

 

Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, September through November and January through April at 10 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. The club hosts a different speaker each month. For more information, visit www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.

 

Denton: The Denton Organic Society, a group devoted to sharing information and educating the public regarding organic principles, meets the third Wednesday of each month (except July, August and December) at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Avenue. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are preceded by a social at 6:30. For more information, call 940-382-8551.

 

Glen Rose: The Somervell County Master Gardeners meet at 10 a.m., the third Wednesday of each month at the Somervell County AgriLife Extension office, 1405 Texas Drive, Glen Rose. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 254-897-2809 or visit www.somervellmastergardeners.org.

 

Granbury: The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners meet at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Hood County Annex 1, 1410 West Pearl Street, Granbury. The public is invited to attend. There is an educational program each month preceding the business meeting. For information on topics call 817-579-3280 or visit http://www.hoodcountymastergardeners.org/.

 

Seabrook: The Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold an educational program at 10 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at The Meeting Room at Clear Lake Park (on the Lakeside), 5001 NASA Road 1, Seabrook. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu.

 

Brownwood: Brownwood Garden Club meets the third Thursday of each month, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.  The club meetings are at Southside Baptist Church, 1219 Indian Creek Road, with refreshments and a speaker presentation. Visitors are welcome. For more information, email boeblingen@centex.net or call 817-454-8175.

 

Houston: The Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston (NPSOT-H) meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month except for October (4th Thursday) at the Houston SArboretum and Nature Center in Memorial Park (4501 Woodway Dr.). For more information on programs, and for information about native plants for Houston, visit http:/npsot.org/wp/Houston.

 

Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month, at the AgriLife Building, 210 East Live Oak, Seguin. After a brief social hour, the meeting and guest speaker begins at 7 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 830-303-3889 or visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.

 

FOURTH WEEK

 

Brackenridge Park: The Native Plant Society San Antonio Chapter meets every fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Lions Field Adult and Senior Center, 2809 Broadway at E. Mulberry, Brackenridge Park, except August and December. Social and seed/plant exchange at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Bea at 210-999-7292 or visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio.

 

Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners, a program of Texas AgriLife Extension, meet the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan. There is a public gardening program at each meeting and pertinent information may be found at brazosmg.com or 979-823-0129.

 

Edna: The Jackson County Master Gardeners present their "Come Grown With Us" seminars on the fourth Tuesday of each month, January through October, beginning at 7 p.m. at 411 N. Wells, Edna. The seminars are free, open to the public and offer 2 CEU hours to Master Gardeners or others requiring them. For additional information, contact the Jackson County Extension Office at 361-782-3312.

 

Linden: The Caddo Wildflower Chapter of Native Plants Society meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the senior citizens building at 507 S Kaufman St. in Linden at 6:30. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Karen Tromza at khtromza@yahoo.com.

 

Fort Worth: The Organic Garden Club of Forth Worth meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month except July and December at the Deborah Beggs Moncrief Garden Center, 3220 Botanic Blvd., Ft. Worth. Refreshments are served. For more information, call 817-263-9322 or visit www.ogcfw.webs.com.

 

San Antonio: The Native Plant Society of Texas San Antonio Chapter meets the fourth Tuesday of each month, except August and December, at the Lions Field Adult & Senior Center, 2809 Broadway, San Antonio. Social and plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio or email npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com.

 

Houston: The Houston Native Prairie Association meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Cherie Flores Pavilion in McGovern Centennial Gardens at Hermann Park, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. For more information, contact hnpat@prairies.org.

 

Leander: The Leander Garden Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month (except July and August) at 10:30 a.m. at the community room behind the Greater Texas Federal Credit Union,1300 N. Bell, Cedar Park, unless there is special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, we share a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call president Cathy Clark-Ramsey at 512-963-4698 or email info@leandergc.org.

 

Dallas: The Dallas County Master Gardeners meet the fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. For location and program information, visit http://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.

 

Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at the REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas. For more information, call 214-824-2448 or visit www.gdogc.org.

  

Arlington: The Arlington Organic Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month (except November and December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact David at 817-483-7746.
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