November 11, 2015
  
Gardening for the mind, body and soul
 
Jackson & Perkins
 
Gardening is therapeutic on so many levels. Just being around nature can improve your mood, making you feel more at peace. The act of digging, planting, and watering can help take your mind off of the stresses of daily life. Not to mention it's good for your body! Yard work stimulates your muscles and can actually improve your physical health. Gardening is good for the mind, body and soul. So, get out there and get your hands dirty!
 
Soul Flowers
 
Nature has been regarded as a very powerful force for centuries. Not only powerful as in man-eating lions and bears, but powerful in its effect on the human psyche. Becoming one-with-nature serves as an escape for our minds, and we feel more at ease and contented.
 
In Ancient Egypt, green was a sacred color, representing the hope of spring that brought new vegetation and life. The sweltering sun and heat in Ancient Egypt left people mentally and physically exhausted. Shady gardens served as an escape from those harsh environmental conditions, and were a sort of paradise that offered respite from the hot sun.
 
Centuries later, Colonial America Quakers believed gardens helped relax and restore the soul. Not only that, but they also believed growing plants and designing a garden stimulated the creative juices.
 
Plants are Therapeutic
 
Not only can gardens help improve your mood, but they can also help with mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Nature can even help provide hope and inspiration for patients recovering from serious conditions like a stroke or cancer.
 
The idea of healing gardens for the sick has been around since medieval times, and it's still alive and well today. In recent decades, hospitals around the world have been incorporating green spaces, gardens and flowerbeds into the architectural design. The medical community is rediscovering the healing power of gardens, and has been implementing therapy programs around these green spaces.
 
Philadelphia's Friends Hospital implemented one of the first programs to use plants in a therapeutic setting in 1879 after a physician noticed that psychiatric patients working in hospital fields were calmer. The gardens seemed to temporarily cure the patients of their mental illnesses.
 
Doctors at the Jupiter Medical Center in Florida found that cardiology patients in rehab who had a view of that facility's Jacqueline Fiske Healing Garden from their room took less pain medication and had shorter hospital stays than those patients who could not see the garden.
 
Garden Training
 
Healing gardens are good for your soul and morale. They can improve your mood and help with depression, and they have even been proven to increase our physical wellbeing. You've probably heard about the use of herbs in the medical community. The Chinese were using herbs medicinally as early as 3000 B.C, and that practice hasn't been lost. Ginger has been known to reduce nausea, eating Cinnamon lowers blood sugar, and Turmeric (an ingredient in curry) can ease the pain associated with arthritis.
 
Even the act of gardening can improve your physical health. Working in a garden is legitimate exercise. All that digging, bending, planting and walking burns calories and can really make you sweat, especially in the hot sun - but hopefully you're not in Ancient Egypt! This kind of physical activity simulates your muscles, builds strong bones, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and can even prevent osteoporosis.
 
You Can Do It!
 
Don't you want to soothe and heal your mind, body and soul? Well, you can create your own healing garden right at home. When creating your garden, one thing you should take into consideration is your senses, and how those senses will consume the nature around you. Here are a few tips:
  • Listen to nature's call. Including a fountain, pond or waterfall can add to the relaxation you feel due to the calming sound of water running over rocks. You can even add coy fish to your pond for an extra stimulating experience.
  • Smell the roses. Add fragrant plants like fresh evergreens, or sweet smelling flowers like honeysuckle and gardenia, or the crisp scent of fresh herbs like lavender. The rich aroma of fresh earth and grass combined with fragrant blooms and herbs will fill the air and your soul.
  • Tempt your taste buds. In addition to sniffing those amazing flowers, adding fragrant edibles like crispy pea pods or sweet berries will increase your hunger for fresh foods! You can also satisfy the hunger of butterflies, bees and birds by adding plants and seeds that attract them, increasing the healing energy of your garden.
  • Feel the Flowers. The velvety texture of petals can make you want to curl up and take a nap on one. To optimize your relaxation, add plants with different textures. For example, lamb's ear has soft, furry leaves and pansies have plush petals that you can't keep from rubbing between your fingers.
  • Open your eyes. A flower's beauty is another healing power, and you should plant flowers that you find pleasing. If you like bright colors, add daffodils or lilies. You can also use a structure, such as a sculpture or trellis, to stimulate your creativity. Within your garden design add a place to sit for meditation and reflection.
Don't rush! The design and development of a healing garden, just like the process of healing and recovery, takes place over time. It is that journey and the time spent with nature that heals our body and soul. So, go ahead and get your hands dirty and begin the healing!
Texas signs Good Neighbor Authority to keep our forests healthy
 
Texas A&M Forest Service
 
Taking care of America's lands and natural resources is a big job. No single organization can do it alone. Knowing that we are stronger together, the USDA Forest Service has entered into a Good Neighbor Authority agreement with Texas A&M Forest Service to help conserve, protect and manage their Texas forests and grasslands.
 
Thursday, Oct. 22, Mark Van Every, forest supervisor for the USDA Forest Service National Forest and Grasslands in Texas, and Tom Boggus, Texas state forester and director of Texas A&M Forest Service signed a Good Neighbor Authority agreement.
 
"This concept of neighbor-helping-neighbor helps ensure that our national forests in Texas are well managed and stay healthy," Van Every said.
 
According to Van Every, the U.S. Forest Service often lacks staffing to complete all the work needed on the forest. Under this agreement, Texas A&M Forest Service may perform forest management services on National Forest System lands. The state agency is able to provide the man-power needed to complete projects such as watershed restoration and protection, forest health thinning and general land management.
 
"We are happy to offer state services to our national neighbors," Wes Moorehead Texas A&M Forest Service East Texas operations department head said. "Our staff has the skill, training and know-how to get the job done."
 
In exchange, the state agency can receive reimbursement for the work and receive added benefits of on-the-job skills training and experience for Texas A&M Forest Service employees.
 
Moorehead notes that working on national lands helps keep agency foresters current on markets and silvicultural practices. It also creates a synergistic relationship with USFS.
 
Texas, known as the friendship state, is an early adopter of this type of relationship. Throughout the entire U.S., this is only the second such agreement struck. Following successful pilot projects in Colorado and Utah, the first official agreement occurred just two weeks earlier with the Chequamegon National Forest in Wisconsin.
 
"Sometimes it seems like federal and state agencies are speaking different languages. We have different constraints, requirements and guiding documents," Boggus said. "But when it comes to on-the-ground management of our forests we all speak Texan. We'll work together in the state's best interest. And this agreement lets us do that."
Gardening tips

Now is prime time for planting perennial herbs. There are quite a few to choose from. including thyme, rosemary, chives, oregano and marjoram. You don't have to have an herb garden to make this work. Just put them in the landscape just like any other perennial and enjoy there extra benefits. Pineapples sage and Mexican mint marigold are two herbs that have attractive blooms as well.           
 
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.
NOVEMBER
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.

Nacogdoches: Stephen F. Austin State University's SFA Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, in the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. in Nacogdoches. Houston-based horticulturist Heath Lowery will present "Pollinator Update Plus Know What's Bugging You." The regional sales manager for Olympic Horticultural Products, a leading supplier of pest control solutions in the production ornamentals market, received his Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and Master of Science in horticulture from SFA. Prior to his employment with OHP, Lowery was a regional sales manager for the Valent/Nufarm Corporation, responsible for its greenhouse and nursery business in Texas and surrounding states. In addition, Lowery previously served as a propagation supervisor for Greenleaf Nursery in El Campo. The Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series is held the second Thursday of each month at SFA's Pineywoods Native Plant Center. A rare plant raffle will be held after the program. The lecture is free and open to the public, but donations to the Theresa and Les Reeves lecture series fund are always appreciated. Parking is available at the nearby Raguet Elementary School, 2428 Raguet St., with continual shuttle service to the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building. For more information, call (936) 468-1832 or email grantdamon@sfasu.edu .

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.

Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners are offering another opportunity AT NO CHARGE for families to enjoy the garden and activities on November 14, from 9a.m.-noon at the Demonstration Idea Garden (DIG), 2619 Highway 21 West, Bryan. Families are encouraged to come out to the DIG garden and play Pollinator Bingo, use a Butterfly Wheel, plant seeds, meet local bees, their beekeeper and more. The Master Gardeners offer our sincere appreciation to the community for supporting annual Garden Tour, rained out on October 24. Ticket holders, sponsors, and garden owners have all been exceedingly gracious and this is our way to say, "Thank You"! In the event of rain on November 14, cancellation will be posted by 8 a.m. on the Brazos County Master Gardener website at www.brazosmg.com. For more information call the Master Gardener office: 979-823-0129.

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.

Nacogdoches: Join Elyce Rodewald, Education Coordinator, for "Gifts from the Garden," a soap-making workshop, from 9 a.m. until noon on November 14 in Room 101 of the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet Street in Nacogdoches. Participants will create a variety of herbal soaps, learn recipes and techniques of soap making and take home samples of luxurious soap they make themselves. The soap will be made from coconut and palm kernel oil, lye, essential oils, and dried herbs. Participants will learn the step-by-step process of soap making, so they have the skills to make soap at home on their own. Cost for the seminar is $25 for SFA Garden Members and $30 for non-members. To register for the seminar, or for more information, contact the education office at 936-468-1832 or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.

Denton: Hypertufa is made from a combination of artificial stone and Portland cement and used to create attractive pots, plants and stepping stones for the garden. Learn how to make your own hypertufa garden ornaments from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Denia Recreation Center, 1001 Parvin St., Denton. A finished hypertufa container is much lighter than cement but can still withstand harsh weather conditions. It's primarily used as garden art and is fairly easy and fun to make. Supplies are provided except for the form that is used to mold the hypertufa material into a spectacular shape. The mold can be an old window box, bowl or any interesting container around your house. The cost of the class is $15 per person. Participants must be age 15 or older. To register for class #46273, phone Denton County Parks and Recreation at 940-349-7275 or 940-349-8285.

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.

Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club presents "The Right Tree in The Right Place" by William Hajdik, Parks Superintendent for the City of Sugar Land; at St. Basil Hall (formerly Knights of Columbus Hall), 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land, at 10 a.m. November 17. Hajdik is a graduate of Texas A & M and a certified arborist. He has responsibility for 25 city parks in Sugar Land as well as the city's Arbor Day activities. He will introduce a new city program being rolled out in Sugar Land "The Right Tree in The Right Place." The program is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.

Woodway: Master Gardener Patricia Goaley will present "Anecdotes from the Garden," an amusing romp through the garden, from noon until 2 p.m., November 18, at the Pavilion at Carleen Bright Arboretum, 1 Pavilion Way, Woodway. For additional information, call 254-399-9204.

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
Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners are holding their annual fruit and nut tree fundraiser. Pre-orders are being taken now and will be open until Friday, December 4. To order by mail, submit completed order form with check payment to: Waller County Master Gardeners, 846
-6th Street, Hempstead, TX 77445. We also invite you to come by the AgriLife Extension Office to order in person at the above address. For tree information, order form, and instructions for ordering, visit http://txmg.org/wallermg/ and follow the Tree Sale tab on the top menu.
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.
JANUARY

Comal County: Want to be a Master Gardener in Comal County? Class applications are being accepted for the 2016 class that starts January 13. There are 50 hours of classroom instruction over 17 weeks. The Class meets every Wednesday 12:45-5:00 until May 4 and covers all Texas A&M University educational
requirements to start your journey to become a Master Gardener. Visit txmg.org/comal for more information and click the Training Tab for an application.

Jasper: Longleaf 101, an in-depth classroom and field instruction in all things longleaf, will be presented January 19-21 at Rayburn Country, 2376 Wingate Blvd., Jasper. This course is to prepare landowners and natural resource professionals to address problems specific to longleaf forests and create a uniformly well-informed network of longleaf managers. $300 per participant includes registration fee, materials, lodging (Tuesday and Wednesday nights), and meals. Minimum of 20 attendees required to hold the course. SAF-CFEs will be provided. For more information or to register, call Casey White at 334-427-1029 at email office@longleafalliance.org. 
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/.

Texarkana: The Four Corners Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the Southwest Center, 3222 W. 7th St. (U.S. 67), Texarkana. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Belinda McCoy at 903-424-7724 or blackmtngardens@yahoo.com.
 
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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