February 10, 2016
  
EPA releases the first of four preliminary risk assessments for insecticides potentially harmful to bees
 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
In January, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a preliminary pollinator risk assessment for the neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid, which shows a threat to some pollinators. EPA's assessment, prepared in collaboration with California's Department of Pesticide Regulation, indicates that imidacloprid potentially poses risk to hives when the pesticide comes in contact with certain crops that attract pollinators.
 
"Delivering on the President's National Pollinator Strategy means EPA is committed not only to protecting bees and reversing bee loss, but for the first time assessing the health of the colony for the neonicotinoid pesticides," said Jim Jones Assistant Administrator of the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "Using science as our guide, this preliminary assessment reflects our collaboration with the State of California and Canada to assess the results of the most recent testing required by EPA."
 
The preliminary risk assessment identified a residue level for imidacloprid of 25 ppb, which sets a threshold above which effects on pollinator hives are likely to be seen, and at that level and below which effects are unlikely. These effects include decreases in pollinators as well as less honey produced.
 
For example, data show that citrus and cotton may have residues of the pesticide in pollen and nectar above the threshold level. Other crops such as corn and leafy vegetables either do not produce nectar or have residues below the EPA identified level. Additional data is being generated on these and other crops to help EPA evaluate whether imidacloprid poses a risk to hives.
 
The imidacloprid assessment is the first of four preliminary pollinator risk assessments for the neonicotinoid insecticides. Preliminary pollinator risk assessments for three other neonicotinoids, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and dinotefuran, are scheduled to be released for public comment in December 2016.
 
A preliminary risk assessment of all ecological effects for imidacloprid, including a revised pollinator assessment and impacts on other species such as aquatic and terrestrial animals and plants will also be released in December 2016.
 
In addition to working with California, EPA coordinated efforts with Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Canada's Imidacloprid pollinator-only assessment - also released in January - reaches the same preliminary conclusions as EPA's report.
 
The 60-day public comment period will begin upon publication in the Federal Register. After the comment period ends, EPA may revise the pollinator assessment based on comments received and, if necessary, take action to reduce risks from the insecticide. 
 
In 2015, EPA proposed to prohibit the use of pesticides that are toxic to bees, including the neonicotinoids, when crops are in bloom and bees are under contract for pollination services. The Agency temporarily halted the approval of new outdoor neonicotinoid pesticide uses until new bee data is submitted and pollinator risk assessments are complete.
Big tree champions in Big Bend Ranch State Park
 
Texas A&M Forest Service
 
Two Mexican blue oaks in Big Bend Ranch State Park were recently confirmed by Texas A&M Forest Service to be the largest of their kind in the state.
 
Located in a remote canyon in the middle of the park, the trees are on the latest edition of the Texas Big Tree Registry, a listing of the largest specimen of every native or naturalized tree species found in the state.
 
Known officially as Quercus oblongifolia, Mexican blue oak is rare in Texas. First discovered in the state in 1970s, the remote canyon in Big Bend Ranch State Park is the only place the species is known to occur naturally in Texas. The largest tree in the grove was nominated and crowned the state champion in 1976. Fast forward 40 years and the original champion still reigns, but another specimen across the canyon has grown enough to claim co-champ status.
 
"Big Bend Ranch State Park is proud to partner with Texas A&M Forest Service to conserve and promote the appreciation of our state's important natural resources," Sean Dugan, superintendent of Big Bend Ranch State Park, said. "We at the park are excited to be a part of the Big Tree Registry with our two co-champion Mexican blue oaks."
 
The purpose of the Big Tree Registry is twofold - to stimulate a greater public appreciation of trees and to recognize owners and nominators of the state's largest trees. The registry is published quarterly on the Texas A&M Forest Service Big Tree Registry page.
 
Trees are compared using a tree index, which combines trunk circumference in inches with total height in feet, plus one-quarter of the average crown spread in feet. Trees within five index points are considered co-champions. The original champion has a circumference of 75 inches, a height of 22 feet and a crown spread of 28 feet, giving it a tree index of 104 points. The new co-champ has a circumference of 63 inches, a height of 38 feet and a crown spread of 26 feet, giving it a tree index of 108 points.
 
Currently, Texas A&M Forest Service recognizes 320 native or naturalized tree species that qualify for the list. Of these, 82 are current national champions or co-champions listed in the 2015 National Register of Big Trees published by the conservation group American Forests. Both of the Mexican blue oaks are nominated as national champs and may gain that title in late 2016.
Gardening tips

The publisher's lazy way of planting potatoes. The potatoes are easy to harvest and the shredded tree mulch is free.      
 
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 copy of the latest issue of  Texas Gardener magazine. 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.
FEBRUARY

Austin: "Effects on Insect Ecology: How You Can Help," will be presented Thursday, February 11, 10 a.m.-noon, at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County, 1600-B Smith Road, Austin. The talk covers why insects and other arthropods are important to humans and other animals, how drought impacts various insect groups and how people can help attract and keep insects in their yard even in times of drought. Wizzie Brown serves as Program Specialist - IPM in the Austin metroplex encompassing Travis County and surrounding counties. Cost: $10 through 2/1; $15 starting 2/2 and on-site. NO cash accepted - checks and credit cards only. Space is limited so register on-line early to reserve your seat! Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty, Register by Phone: 979-845-2604. For more information, contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu.

Houston: "Rose Pruning Done Right" will be the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting on Thursday, February 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. The parking lot is Lot C, located at Hermann Drive and Crawford Street. Expert rosarians with the Houston Rose Society will demonstrate pruning techniques on actual bushes of all types of roses. Tables will be placed so all can get a close-up view of the demonstration. Questions are encouraged. Added bonus: all pruned bushes will be given away as door prizes; obtain a free raffle ticket upon arrival to be eligible. Free admission. For additional information, visit http://www.houstonrose.org. 
 
San Antonio: Ohio native Pat James-Hasser will present how herbs were transported to this country on the Mayflower and stored and used in colonial times for medicinal, pest control, and to make food more palatable. We will learn how our herbs were shipped to America and why. The presentation will be at the San Antonio Garden Center at 3310 N. New Braunfels on February 11 from 6:30 to 8:30. Free and open to the public. For additional information, visit the Herb Society website at www.sanantonioherbs.org.

Angleton: The Brazoria County Master Gardener present 10th Annual Fruit & Citrus Tree Sale 8 a.m.-noon, February 13, at the Brazoria County Fair Grounds, 901 South Downing, Angleton. More than 1,800 individual plants will be available. For additional information, visit http://txmg.org/brazoria/ or http://brazoria.agrilife.org/. 

Pasadena: Saturday, February 13, Precinct 2, Harris County Master Gardener Fruit Tree and Tomato Sale at Campbell Hall, Pasadena Fairgrounds, 7600 Red Bluff, Pasadena. Fruit Tree Overview by Heidi Sheesley, owner of Treesearch Farms, at 8 a.m. Sale hours 9 a.m.-1 p.m. If it's sold at our sale, it grows in our area. Details: https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

Terrell: Is the green in your lawn weeds or grass? Do you have brown circles in your yard? Proper lawn care maintenance is a key component to a healthy lawn. This program covers basic lawn maintenance practices and selecting the right turf grass to improve the health and longevity of your landscape. You will learn how to maintain your landscape using less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Space is limited to 250. "Lawncare" will be presented 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, February 13, and Saturday, February 20, at City of Terrell Service Center, 400 Industrial Blvd., Terrell, Texas 75160. For additional information, visit http://dallas.tamu.edu.

Cleburne: The 2016 Johnson County Junior Master Gardener classes begin February 15 at the Johnson County Demo Garden located in the Chisholm Trail Museum, 2929 W. Henderson, Cleburne. Morning Class 10 a.m.; Afternoon Class 4 p.m.. Classes geared for kids 7-11. Funky Fungus starts the year. Learn some Fun Fungus Facts and take home an Organic Mushroom Kit. This class is $10.00 per Take-Home Project. Siblings can get 1 kit per 2 kids. Register NOW by contacting Pat Kriener, 817-793-4625 or wildwoodc@yahoo.com.

San Antonio: David's Garden Seeds, 7715 Tezel Drive, San Antonio, will present a "Tomato Grafting Class" at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 15. They will graft rose tomato plants with Maxifort rootstock plants. Call ahead to make sure the plants are ready because this is the best guess at when they will be ready to graft. Visit http://www.davids-garden-seeds-and-products.com/gardening-seminar.html for more information. For information on other gardening seminars, visit www.davids-garden-seeds-and-products.com or phone 210-370-9873.

Diboll: The 2016 Texas Timber Tax Workshop scheduled for February 16 in East Texas is a day-long event that provides information on timber tax laws and rules, helping attendees understand recent changes before filing taxes. This annual workshop hosted by Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Forestry Association gives hundreds of foresters, landowners and other professionals the training and education needed for applying new tax rules, which could prove an advantage in forest management planning. The workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lottie and Arthur Temple Civic Center, 601 Dennis St., Diboll, Texas. Registration is $75 and includes a workbook, lunch and refreshments. The workshop is designed for forest landowners, consulting foresters, public accountants, loggers and anyone who deals with timber taxes. Participating in this workshop also qualifies for continuing education credits. For more information or to register, go to http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/timbertaxworkshop, or contact Jennifer Hayes at 979-458-6630 or jhayes@tfs.tamu.edu.

Lockhart: Have you ever wanted to become a beekeeper? Are you afraid of bees when you are working in your garden? Tara Chapman with BeeWeaver Apiaries will present a fun and educational talk about Bees, the Great Pollinator at the Lockhart Library at 6:30 p.m -8 p.m., February 16. For more information, visit http://txmg.org/tsmg/, email TexasSageMG@gmail.com, or call 512-581-7186.

New Braunfels: The Lindheimer Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will meet at 6:30 on Tuesday, February 16, at the GVTC Auditorium located at 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. Deedy Wright will make a presentation on native plant propagation for our annual plant sale to be held at Folkfest. The meeting is open to the public, and new members are welcome. For more information contact: Susan James, President, at 979-373-8259 or visit npsot.org/wp/lindheimer/.

Woodway: "What to Plant in the Spring and Fairy Gardening" will be presented by Sandra Killough of Bonnie's Greenhouses February 16 from noon to 2 p.m. at 1 Pavilion Way (The Pavilion at Woodway Arboretum), Woodway. Bring lunch and enjoy learning about planting a Fairy Garden and about the best choices for a spring garden. For more information, call 254-399-9204.

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.

San Antonio: Bulbs for San Antonio, a BCMG Educational Seminar, will be presented 1 p.m.-4 p.m., February 18, at 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio. Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) sponsors this free, afternoon seminar. Sandy Justice will present a program on how to select the kinds of bulbs that will grow in San Antonio on how to plant and propagate them, and where to find them for starters. 2 CEUs for MGs. For more information, email the BCMG President, President@bexarmg.org, or call 210-699-0663.

New Braunfels: The Comal Master Gardeners and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present their Spring Seminar featuring "Plants For All Seasons, Magnificent Monocots, A to Z" at McKenna Events Center, 801 West San Antonio Street, New Braunfels, on Friday, February 19, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration is $55 and includes lunch, snacks, and seminar handout. Dr. Flo Oxley, Professor of Biology at Austin Community College, will give an introduction to Monocots; Joanne Hall, owner of South Texas Growers of Bulverde, will give an overview of ornamental grasses in the landscape; Velia Sanchez-Ruiz, a member of the American Hemerocallis Society and a Region 6 Daylily Judge, will cover Daylilies; David Will, Texas Certified Landscape Professional and owner of Landscape Details, will speak on bulbs; Dotty Woodson an AgriLife Extension Specialist, will provide instruction on how to make a rain garden. Seating is limited, so register early. Registration forms are available at http://txmg.org/comal/event/seminar/. For additional information, call 830-620-3440.

San Angelo: Friday, February 19, The People/Plant Connection will present "Lunch 'n' Learn" seminar series with Allison Watkins, AgriLife Extension Horticulturist for Tom Green County. She will be talking about "Spring Forward: Get Ready to Grow." Spring is almost here, get a head start by learning the right things to do in the landscape and garden to be prepared for the spring planting season. You'll find out the best EarthKind practices to assure a water conserving landscape. We meet from noon to 1 p.m. at the Edd B. Keys Building, 113 W. Beauregard, San Angelo. We'll be in the AgriLife Extension Offices, in the former Library location, on the first floor by the elevator. Cost is $5 per person. All proceeds go toward building the Children's Adventure Garden, projected to open in April, 2016. For more information, visit www.peopleplantconnection.org.

Hitchcock: "Galveston County Master Gardener Annual Fruit, Citrus Tree and Vegetable Sale" will be held at Galveston County Fair Grounds in Jack Brooks Park - Rodeo Arena, Hwy 6 and Jack Brooks Road, Hitchcock, February 20. GC Master Gardener Jon Johns presents the plants and vegetables that will be available 8-8:45 a.m. Sale 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Ph 281-534-3413; further details visit www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston.

McKinney: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present a two-day Earth-Kind Landscape Design and Management School at the Myers Park and Event Center, 7117 County Road 166 near McKinney. The course will be held Feb. 20-21 and consist of an in-depth classroom program and outdoor laboratory session, plus a personalized, extended 1.5 hour landscape design consultation to be conducted a few weeks later. Earth-Kind landscaping combines the best of research-proven techniques of organic and traditional gardening and landscaping to provide maximum garden and landscape enjoyment while preserving and protecting the environment. Cost for the course is $295 per household and class size is limited, so attendees are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible. For more information and to enroll, contact Kim Betancourt at 972-952-9211 or kim.betancourt@ag.tamu.edu.

San Antonio: Michelle Gorham - Community Gardens Manager will lead "How to Start a Community Garden Workshop" on February 20 at EcoCentro, 1802 N. Main Ave., San Antonio. Green Spaces' staff has designed a great new workshop to expedite and ease the community garden startup process. It is based on years of identifying best practices. We're creating it for any group which has a current funding source or at least has gathered lots of in-kind materials. Garden groups should also come to the workshop with lots of passion for and dedication to their project, even if they might be lacking in the realms of community organizing, construction, and local-gardening practices. The workshop will be comprehensive in nature and 3-4 hours long. Topics to be covered will include: Organizing your community; Site selection and design; Overview of garden components like raised beds, pergolas, and rainwater collection; Resources for locally appropriate gardening techniques; Fundraising; and Garden maintenance. The cost for the workshop is $75/per person. For additional information, contact jesus@greenspacesalliance.org.

Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners will presdent "EVOO-From Tuscany to Texas" 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 23, at Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan. EVOO - You've heard this term bandied about by television's gourmet chefs, but what is it and what is so special about "Extra Virgin Olive Oil?" College Station olive oil producer, Dr. Carolyn Adair - a native Texan and retired Director of Student Activities at Texas A&M University - will share how she brought an abandoned olive grove in Tuscany, Italy, back into production, and how she produces and imports her EVOO. A tasting will follow the presentation. The program is open to the public at no charge.

San Antonio: Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will offer Master Gardener Intern Training Class #60 from February 24 to May 25 (Noon-4 p.m., each Wednesday) at 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio. Application Deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 9. Application form available at http://www.bexarmg.org/get-involved/.

Nacogdoches: A landscape design seminar will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. Make plans to explore the fundamentals of landscape design through presentations, discussions and hands-on activities led by SFA alumnus Seth Rodewald-Bates, a landscape architect for Spackman Mossop and Michaels, an international landscape architecture and urban design practice with offices in Sydney, Australia and New Orleans. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the Tulane School of Architecture, Rodewald-Bates has worked on a variety of projects, including numerous campus, waterfront, urban and mixed-use developments. Currently, he is assisting on the design of MCCNO Park, a $60 million linear park in downtown New Orleans. Previously, Rodewald-Bates worked for Sasaki Associates in Boston, Massachusetts; Newton Landscape Group in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and the Chinati Foundation, a contemporary arts museum in Marfa, Texas. During the seminar, participants will gain an understanding of design tools and the design process. They also will learn the basics of navigating surveys, drafting a base plan and developing scale drawings. Attendees can bring their own plans or develop concepts using workshop vignettes. Rodewald-Bates also will discuss current themes in landscape design using ideas that can be applied in your personal garden. Rodewald-Bates graduated magna cum laude from SFA in 2001 with his bachelor's degree in horticulture and received his master's degree in landscape architecture from Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture in 2005. He is a certified by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration and licensed as a landscape architect in Louisiana and Mississippi. He is a member of the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture Alumni Council. Space is limited, so make reservations in advance by sending an email to sfagardens@sfasu.edu or call 936-468-1832. Cost is $25 for SFA Gardens members and $30 for non-members. A second family member may attend for an additional $10.

San Antonio: "Landscape Chores To Do Now" will be presented 10:30 a.m.-noon, Saturday, February 27, at Milberger's Landscape Nursery, 3920 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio. 1.5 CEUs. Spring is just around the corner, so what needs to be pruned, fertilized, mulched, planted, etc. in your landscape, lawns and garden? Visit with David Rodriguez, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Horticulturist who will show you the what & how!  
MARCH
 
Santa Barbara, Calif.: The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show returns to Earl Warren Showgrounds March 4-6. As the oldest and one of the largest annual orchid shows in the United States, the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show marks its 71st year with the theme "Wild World of Orchids." General admission to the show is $12. Seniors and students with ID pay $10; children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Individual tickets can be purchased at the show box office or through Ticketmaster. Group sales information is available at www.sborchidshow.com, via email at sborchidshowpublicity@gmail.com or by phone at (805) 403-1533. The Show is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 4, Saturday, March 5, and Sunday, March 6. To learn more, visit www.sborchidshow.com.

Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners Association's Spring Gardening Seminar is Saturday, March 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Waller County Road and Bridge Building, 775 Business 290 East, Hempstead. $25 per person registration by March 3 (Lunch included!).Speakers include Paul Eyre and Herman Auer. For more information, visit http://txmg.org/wallermg, call 979-826-7651 or email wallermgardener2013@gmail.com.

Longview: The 2016 Spring Garden Seminar, hosted by the Gregg County Master Gardeners, will be held on Saturday, March 5, from 7:30 a.m. until noon at the First United Methodist Church, 400 N. Fredonia Street, in their Faith Center, Whaley Street entrance. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 9 a.m. Speakers will be Kent Ormsby and Texas Gardener Contributing Editor Greg Grant. This seminar is a superb opportunity to hear two exceptionally knowledgeable and entertaining lecturers. Kent Ormsby, owner of Kelsey Creek Farm, Gilmer, will be speaking on "Permaculture (No Till Gardening)." He is working to encourage and support people who are interested in growing their own food naturally, by using various "no till" gardening and other natural techniques; and without the use of chemicals, pesticide, herbicides, or any other "sides". Greg Grant, an award-winning horticulturist, writer, conservationist, and seventh generation Texas, will be the second speaker. Topic 1: "Vegetable Gardening"; Topic 2: "Landscape Plants." He serves as a research associate at the Stephen F. Austin State University's Pineywoods Native Plant Center in Nacogdoches. Greg holds degrees in floriculture and horticulture and a Master's degree in agriculture from Texas A&M University. His gardening books will be available for purchase at the seminar. An "Ask a Master Gardener" table will be available to answer gardening questions. Complimentary refreshments, door prizes, garden-related vendors, and a raffle will be part of the morning's activities. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, call Gregg Co. AgriLife Extension office, 903-236-8429. For more information, visit www.txmg.prg/gregg.

San Angelo: Green Thumb Gardener Mini seminar-Rainwater Harvesting & Texas Superstar Plants 9 a.m. until noon, March 5. Southside Recreation Center, 2750 Ben Ficklin Rd. San Angelo. Ron Knight, Master Gardener, will talk about Rainwater Harvesting and how it benefits the homeowner and environment. He will also talk about the Texas Superstar plants that are designated by Texas A&M as drought tolerant plants for our area. After his talk attendees will be invited to tour his rainwater system and his garden that is fed from his rainwater. Cost is $25. Refreshments and door prize. Must pre-register by calling 325-656-3104.

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.

Bastrop: Do you know a good bug from a bad one? Tommie Clayton and Susan Jung, First [Bug] Detector Specialists, will explain the difference on March 15, from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Bluebonnet Electric Co-op building (650 Hwy 21 East) in Bastrop. With more than 30 years of Master Gardening experience between them, Tommie and Susan are also founding members of Texas Sage Master Gardeners, which serves Bastrop and Caldwell Counties. For more information, visit http://txmg.org/tsmg/, email TexasSageMG@gmail.com, or call 512-581-7186.

San Angelo: Lunch 'n' Learn Gardening Seminar-Earthkind Landscaping-Noon until 1 p.m., March 18, at Edd B. Keys Building, 113 W. Beauregard, 1st floor in the AgriLife Extension Office meeting room, San Angelo. Allison Watkins, AgriLife Extension Horticulturist for Tom Green County, will be talking about the aspects of an Earthkind Landscape. This is a way to have a pretty landscape that doesn't require much water and will be strong through our drought situations. Cost: $5.

Marshall: The Annual Spring Plant Sale of the Harrison County Master Gardeners will be held on Saturday, March 19, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., on the Tractor Supply parking lot at 105 E End Blvd (Hwy 59) in Marshall. Many Master-Gardener grown (pass-along) plants will be available, as well as commercially-grown flowers and vegetables, all at competitive prices. Arrive early for the best selection.

Orangefield: The Orange County Master Gardeners Association will host their Annual Bloomin' Crazy Plant Fair on Saturday, March 19, at Cormier Park, 8235 FM 1442, Orangefield. Available will be Texas Superstar plants, natives, perennials, annuals, vines, tropical storm, vegetables, citrus, blueberries, and many other varieties. In addition, vendors will have locally produced products, specialty plants and organic items for plants and lawns. For more information, visit txmg.org/orange.

San Angelo: Youth Garden Club. 4-5:30 p.m. March 21-May 9 at Southside Rec Center, 2750 Ben Ficklin Rd. 3rd, 4th & 5th grade youth will learn about planting, growing fresh vegetables, eating healthy, preparing food and more. Instructors will be Master Gardeners using the "Learn, Grow, Eat & Go!" curriculum from the Texas A&M Extension's Junior Master Gardener program. Students will have classroom activities and hands-on experience working in the new Children's Adventure Garden, projected to open in April. Cost is $10 for 8-weeks. Must pre-register by March 11. Call 325-656-3104. Mail registration to: The People/Plant Connection, P.O. 62841, San Angelo, TX 76906. 
APRIL

Dallas: Is your landscape brown and crispy? Learn to create and install a water efficient landscape or garden. You will learn proper soil preparation, a large selection of minimal water use plants that are native and adaptive, and how to design and plan a small or large project. Plant list provided. "Water Efficient Landscape" will be presented 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 2, and Saturday, April 9, at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Building E Auditorium, 17360 Coit Road, Dallas. For additional information, visit http://dallas.tamu.edu.
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.

Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners usually mee tat 9 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Waller County AgriLife Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. For more information on the meeting schedule, visit http://txmg.org/wallermg or call 979-826-7651.

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.

Glen Rose: The Glen Rose Garden Club meets at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (September through May) at the Somervell County Community Center in Glen Rose. For additional information, email stringer030@yahoo.com.

Glen Rose: The Prairie Rose Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Somerville County Citizen Center, 209 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose. For additional information, email prairierose.npsot@gmail.com. 
 
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.

Bastrop: Texas Sage meets the third Tuesday of each month. The location varies. For additional information, call 512-581-7186 or email TexasSageMG@gmail.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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