October 28, 2015
  
Texas Grow! Eat! Go! program receives top award for diversity

By Paul Schattenberg
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

The Texas Grow! Eat! Go! program of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has received the National Extension Diversity Award from a national Cooperative Extension association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
 
The program is a five-year collaboration among AgriLife Extension, the University of Texas School of Public Health, Texas A&M University and the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Public Health. The goal is to improve the physical activity and eating behaviors of children and families, especially in low-income and underserved areas.
 
The award will be presented during the annual meeting of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Nov. 15-17 in Indianapolis.
 
According to the USDA-NIFA, the National Diversity Award recognizes an Extension program exhibiting significant contributions and accomplishments in achieving and sustaining diversity and pluralism.
 
"The primary goal of the program is to help combat youth obesity by reversing unhealthy weight trends and influencing youth to develop better eating habits and be more active," said Dr. Susan Ballabina, AgriLife Extension associate director for program development, College Station.
 
The Texas Grow! Eat! Go! program was implemented at 28 Title I elementary schools in five counties in order to develop a complete research study of its efficacy, said Dr. Judy Warren, AgriLife Extension special initiatives coordinator and chair for the Texas Grow! Eat! Go! program.
 
"We've just finished collecting final data in this research study, which includes input from 1,508 children and 1,169 parents," Warren said.
 
Those providing program support have included AgriLife Extension agents for horticulture, family and consumer sciences, urban youth development and 4-H youth development, as well as employees of the agency's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education and Better Living for Texans programs, and the Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension Program. It is also supported by volunteers from the agency's Master Gardener and Master Wellness programs and by parent volunteers recruited by the schools.
 
Warren said the program now involves more than 300 Extension agents in Texas and other states, along with 242 teachers, 122 volunteers, 88 community partners and 21 state Junior Master Gardener coordinators. More trainings are scheduled for the southern U.S. and nationally.
 
"Our research study was conducted primarily in Title 1 urban elementary schools with a high degree of ethnic diversity," Ballabina said. "Youth enrollment in the program is 43 percent Hispanic and 18 percent African-American, with 44 percent of the participants indicating some degree of family food insecurity."
 
Ballabina said the problem of child obesity is particularly acute in Texas where one in three children and nearly half of Hispanic children are overweight or obese.
 
She said the program has been successful as the result of marshaling various AgriLife Extension resources and programs focused on improving nutrition and physical activity.
 
"The agency's Junior Master Gardener and Walk Across Texas programs have been particularly involved in this initiative," she said. "The JMG program is a youth gardening program designed to ignite a passion for learning, success and service through gardening.
 
"And Learn! Grow! Eat! and Go! is a new research-based, curriculum spin-off project of the International Junior Master Gardener program that combines academic achievement, gardening, nutritious food experiences, physical activity, and school and family engagement. Walk Across Texas is a statewide eight-week community-based physical activity program that uses friendly competition to help get people moving."
 
Ballabina said the program has produced a significant change in participating children trying, consuming and choosing vegetables, increasing physical activity, decreasing the time on the computer or watching television, and improving the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in the home.
 
"In our pilot study, obesity rates fell from 57 percent before intervention to 39 percent post-intervention," she noted. "And we'll be assessing data from the full study to further determine the program's effectiveness."
 
Ballabina said the program is now being introduced across Texas and nationwide through train-the-trainer workshops and a bilingual "Learn! Grow! Eat! Go!" curriculum available through the international Junior Master Gardener network, http://jmgkids.us/LGEG.
 
"This program is an example of the importance and efficacy of bringing AgriLife Extension instruction and information to the community," she said. "Through the synergy of various agency personnel working together toward a common goal under the Grow! Eat Go! banner, we have been able to make a significant impact on improving the health and quality of life for hundreds of young people in this state."
Texas A&M Forest Service celebrates 100 years of service with 100 trees to 100 communities
 
Texas A&M Forest Service
 
One-hundred communities across Texas are receiving a special delivery of 100 trees in honor of Texas A&M Forest Service's centennial year, capping off a full year of celebrating the agency's commitment to conserve and protect Texas' trees and forests.
 
Aiming to help communities expand their urban tree canopy, 10,000 seedlings were grown at the TFS-operated West Texas Nursery specifically for "100 Trees for 100 Communities." Sign up was first open to Texas' Tree City USA communities, then expanded to other cities and towns.
 
"What better way to celebrate our centennial than to honor 100 Texas communities that have demonstrated their commitment to conserving and protecting their urban and community forests?" Tom Boggus, State forester and director of Texas A&M Forest Service said. "It is the perfect picture of this year's celebration of our agency's history by planting young trees today that clearly point to our commitment to the future!"
 
Following some tough years of weather, especially this year's flooding that occurred in much of the state, many communities are in great need of trees.
 
"This has been a way to assist communities in their recovery efforts, and it provides an opportunity to connect with some of our smaller communities. We don't often have trees to give away and it's very nice to be able to offer trees across the state," Gretchen Riley, partnership coordinator at Texas A&M Forest Service said.
 
Each community may decide how to use their trees. With Texas' Arbor Day the first Friday in November many communities are tying the trees into Arbor Day celebrations, others intend to plant in public places within the community.
 
The statewide Arbor Day celebration is Nov. 6 in College Station at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum where TFS's "History in the Making" exhibit is on display.
Gardening tips

If you need to move a shrub, ornamental perennial or small tree, it is best to wait until the plants are dormant, later on in November. Then remove half or more of the top growth to compensate for the root loss. Keep the newly relocated plant moist during dry spells and wait to fertilize until late spring when the plant is actively growing.      
 
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

Dallas: "Saving from a Rainy Day, Making a Rain Barrel" will be presented 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Thursday, October 29, at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Building C, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas. Does your rain just run off? Divert it, save it, use it!! Learn the basics and benefits of rainwater harvesting and the effects stormwater has on the environment. Participants will learn how to collect and utilize rainwater at home and have the opportunity to construct their very own 55-gallon rain barrel. Cost: $50 per barrel. Register at Dallas.tamu.edu/courses. 
NOVEMBER

Dallas: "Rainwater Harvesting - Large System" will be presented 9 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, November 3, at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Building C, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas. Is 55 gallons not enough for you? Think "Big Tank" and save on your water bill! This program covers design, construction, maintenance and benefits of a large rainwater collection system. Participants will learn how to calculate rainwater capture, design an above- or below-ground collection system and utilize rainwater using large tank systems for home or business applications. This program will also cover installing drip irrigation. Booklet provided. Cost: $25. Register at Dallas.tamu.edu/courses.

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.

Seguin: Ray Lang, master gardener, will present "Soil Biology made Simple and the Best Amendments for your Garden" from noon to 1 p.m., November 5, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 210 East Live Oak Street, Seguin. Lang will help attendees understand how composting works to improve soil and what beneficial nutrients plants need. The program is free and open to the public. Attendees are welcome to bring lunch and free handouts will be available. For further information, visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org or call the Guadalupe County Service Office at 830-303-3889.

College Station: Every year, Texas A&M Forest Service hosts the official State of Texas Arbor Day the first Friday in November in a different city throughout the state. This year, the celebration will take place at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 1000 George Bush Drive West, College Station, at 10 a.m., November 6. There will be a children's group performance, seedling giveaway and a ceremonial tree planting. The event is free and open to the public. This is also the final weekend for the public to experience the centennial History in the Making: Texas A&M Forest Service exhibit.

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.

Saline, LA: The Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve will hold a Mostly Native Plant Sale, 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, November 7, at Briarwood, 2 miles south of Saline, LA, on Highway 9. More than 1,000 hard-to-find plants priced between $5 and $20, including six species of native azaleas:canescens,austrinum,flammeum, viscosum,prunifolium, andarborescens. For more information, call 318-576-3379, email briarwoodnp@gmail.com, or visit  www.briarwoodnp.org.

Austin: Gayle Engels, Special Projects Director with the American Botanical Council, will discuss "Healthy Living with Herbs" at the November 9 meeting of The Austin Organic Gardeners' Club, at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, in Zilker Botanical Gardens. Gayle will cover some of the herbs that grow well in Austin and have medicinal uses supported by tradition and research. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the opportunity to meet, mingle, and ask questions with local gardeners; club business begins at 7 p.m., followed by the guest speaker's presentation. For more information, visit  www.austinorganicgardeners.org.

Schertz: Ray Lang, master gardener, will present "Soil Biology made Simple and the Best Amendments for your Garden" from noon to 1 p.m., November 9, at the GVEC Community Room, 908 Curtis Street, Schertz. Lang will help attendees understand how composting works to improve soil and what beneficial nutrients plants need. The program is free and open to the public. Attendees are welcome to bring lunch and free handouts will be available. For further information, visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org or call the Guadalupe County Service Office at 830-303-3889.

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.

San Antonio: Chef Ken Edmonds from the Cured Restaurant at the Pearl will be the featured speaker at the November meeting of the San Antonio Herb Society. Ken is a 2013 graduate from the Culinary Institute of America, has worked at Cured since then, and uses his mother's wonderful recipes to pass on to the world. He will present a demonstration along with a tasting of "Cooking with Herbs." The meeting will be held Thursday, November 12, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N New Braunfels Ave. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.sanantonioherbs.org.

La Marque: November 14 "Herbs in the Garden" with GC Master Gardener Cindy Croft presenting. 1-3 p.m. at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservation to galv@wt.net, further details visit www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

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.

La Marque: November 19 "Citrus and Homeowners Frequently Asked Questions" with Texas A&M Extension Program Specialist Monte Nesbitt presenting. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservation to galv@wt.net, further details visit www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

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.
FEBRUARY

Dallas: "Master Gardener - Water Efficient Landscape Design" will be presented Wednesday-Friday, February 17-19 at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Building C Classroom & Large Hall, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas. Do you have a demonstration garden or school garden project that needs help to be water efficient? The Water Efficient Landscape Design Program for Master Gardeners provides you the skills to be your own landscape designer. You bring the project and we provide the guidance. You will learn basic landscape design techniques, native/adaptive plant selection, rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation to help your project become the envy of water efficient landscapes. This is a three-day program with Wednesday and Thursday evening optional design workshops. This workshop is only open to current Master Gardener volunteers. One registration is good for two club members to attend with design materials to share. Additional design materials available for purchase. Registration: Only 20 Master Gardener participant spots are available for this training (10 groups). Registration is first come/first served basis. Cost: $300.00: (includes lunch, dinner and design materials). For additional information please email Karen Sanders at karen.sanders@tamu.edu. To pay by credit card please contact Clint Wolfe at 972-952-9635.Registration Dallas.tamu.edu/courses.
MARCH

Dallas: "Landscape Design - Be Your Own Landscape Designer, with Water Efficiency in Mind" will be presented 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, WaterSense Labeled Home, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas. Are you on a budget, but your landscape needs a facelift? Be your own Landscape Designer by learning hands on approaches to landscape design for the do-it-yourself homeowner. Learn proper plant placement, design aspects and installation for a more water efficient landscape. This is a four-week class meeting once per week. Cost: $395. Note: This is a project-based class and is limited to one project please. Fee includes dinner each week for up to 2 project leaders/homeowners listed at initial registration. If you will have two project leaders/homeowners please reply to the confirmation email after you have registered. Registration Dallas.tamu.edu/courses.
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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