April 13, 2016

Five things you should do to get ready for gardening season

By Randy Schultz

Every new growing season brings new hopes and new challenges. There's always a new plant variety to try and a new opportunity to freshen up an area in the yard that's looking a bit tired.

Springtime also brings its fair share of routine yard and garden chores, which bring their own benefits. Working outdoors in the fresh air will not only get your yard in shape, but you'll also get some healthy exercise in the process. (Who needs to go to the gym when spring season beckons outdoors?)

Here are five things you should do this spring to ensure a healthy yard and garden throughout the growing season.

1. Do a walk-through inspection of your yard

Now that temperatures are warming up, it's time to venture outside again take a look around. You probably haven't taken a good look at your own property during the cold winter season, so now is the perfect time to see your yard with fresh eyes.

Make a list of the things that need to be done. Does the vegetable garden still need to be cleaned out before you can plant this year's crop? Do the perennials in the flower bed need to be trimmed back to make room for new growth? Does the ground still need to dry out before you can plant anything new?

Is there a spot in the yard that's ready for an extreme makeover? If so, think about the changes you'd like to make, including new plants and perhaps a new sitting area.

2. Prune dead wood from trees and shrubs

Even a well-maintained shrub or tree can need some judicious pruning in the spring. Start by removing dead wood that didn't survive the cold of winter. A pruning saw is an efficient way to cut dead wood, thanks to the curved blade that provides greater contact with the branch.

3. Rake leaves and yard debris

As the weather warms up in the spring and it's time to clean up the yard for a new growing season, the trusty garden rake gets a lot of use. That's because fall and winter leave behind plenty of dead leaves and yard debris. But even though rakes see a lot of action throughout the year, the design of the basic rake hasn't changed for more than 100 years.

4. Improve your soil with supplements

Most garden soils don't contain the proper amounts of minerals that plants need for optimum health. That's why virtually every yard and garden can benefit from remineralization - adding mineral-rich amendments into garden soil.

Adding mineral-rich rock dust revitalizes all types of soil, and it reduces the need for traditional fertilizers, reduces pest damage and increases plant vitality and yield.

5. Plant something beautiful

Every yard can use a new splash of color. Groundcover roses bring color and toughness together in a low-growing plant that excels at filling garden spaces with gorgeous blooms that keep coming week after week.

Planting your new purchases

Soil Science Society of America

Do you think those plants you bought at the garden center come ready to place into a newly dug hole? The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) April 4 Soils Matter blog post explains that taking just a few steps before planting can increase the success of your new investments.

Soil scientist Clay Robinson suggests a four-point inspection at the garden center before purchase: roots, stems, branches and leaves. Then, water the plants thoroughly once you get them home.

"Before you plant your new purchase, you'll want to consider some pruning," says Robinson. "Some roots are damaged during transplanting, so the top growth needs to be pruned to reduce transplant shock. This is more true with annuals than perennials. I always target buds, flowers, and fruit for pruning."

The roots need some attention, too. "Gently spread the roots, place the pruned plant in the hole to the depth of the bottom leaves, push the soil into the hole around it, and gently firm the soil against the stem and roots," Robinson says. Spreading the roots away from their compacted, potted state allows them to grow more freely in their new home.

For more tips on planting your garden purchases, read the entire blog post: http://soilsmatter.wordpress.com.

Critically endangered lady slipper orchid blooms

San Diego Zoo

An extremely rare lady slipper orchid, a Paphiopedilum vietnamense (pronounced paff-ee-oh-PED-ih-lum vee-et-nah-mince), diligently cared for by horticulturists at the San Diego Zoo, bloomed for the first time ever in the Zoo's Orchid House on March 29.

The plant, an orchid species found in one single location in northern Vietnam, is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. The rare lady slipper may soon be extinct in the wild, primarily due to over collection by orchid poachers - there are thought to be only about 50 plants remaining. This particular plant was gifted to the San Diego Zoo in 2014 by a commercial orchid grower. It was legally grown from seed, which lessens the threat to the remaining wild population and is a great example of ex situ conservation by San Diego Zoo Global.

This orchid is one of more than 60 different species of lady slippers that are part of the San Diego Zoo's diverse orchid collection. San Diego Zoo guests can view over 3,000 orchid plants at the Zoo's Orchid House during Orchid Odyssey, the third Friday of each month.

Commissioner Miller announces new Texas Organic Agricultural Industry Advisory Board appointments

Texas Department of Agriculture

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller recently announced new appointments to the Texas Organic Agricultural Industry Advisory Board. Created during the 80th Legislative Session by House Bill 2345, the board assists the Texas Department of Agriculture in assessing the state of the organic agriculture industry and develops recommendations for Commissioner Miller to promote and expand the industry. Additionally, board members also recommend statewide organic agriculture product education and awareness campaigns.

"Texas' organic agricultural producers are working hard to provide organic products for a rapidly growing market and meet the demands of consumers around the world, and I look forward to working with this great group of individuals to advance the organic industry in Texas," Commissioner Miller said. "By working together, we will be able to draw on the collective expertise of our board members to strengthen and promote the organic industry in Texas to satisfy this demand."

Recently appointed members of the Texas Organic Agricultural Industry Advisory Board include:

Four organic producers: Donald De Jong of Dalhart; Tim Miller of Kyle; Cathy Slaughter of Georgetown; James Wedel of Muleshoe

Two organic retailers: Russon Holbrook - Earthborn Market in Mission; Robert Morton - H-E-B in San Antonio

One organic distributor: Richard Ottis of El Campo

One organic processor: Greg Devillier of Beaumont

One representative of the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association: Leslie McKinnon of San Marcos

One representative from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Dr. Monty Dozier of College Station

One technical advisor employed by an institution of higher education: David Kattes from Tarleton State University in Stephenville

One public representative: Amy Griffith of Texarkana

Gardening tips

"Having problems with stray (or your own) cats doing their thing in your vegetable garden?" writes Bob Dailey, a Master Gardener from Montgomery County. "Try this: save cuttings from thorny roses, and lay them down across and between rows and along the edges of the garden. When the plants emerge, remove the rose clippings from on top of the rows, but keep the ones between rows. Cats hate the thorns, and they'll find someplace else to go."

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.

APRIL

Houston: "Roses on Fortuniana Rootstock" will be the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting, Thursday, April 14, 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. This program will be presented by Don Adlong. Don is an ARS District Director and consulting rosarian. He grows 450 roses of all types in his garden. The program will discuss why rosa fortuniana is used as a root stock, how this can benefit rose growers in Houston, special care for these roses and the most popular roses available on fortuniana root stock. Free admission. For additional information, visit http://www.houstonrose.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, April 14, in the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St., in Nacogdoches. Dr. Mike Arnold, Texas A&M University horticulture professor, will present "Sifting Ashes for a Phoenix and Other Tales from the Former Texas A&M Horticulture Garden." Arnold earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in landscape horticulture from Ohio State University before receiving his doctoral degree in horticulture from North Carolina State University. After a brief stint at Tennessee Tech University, he assumed a position as assistant professor of landscape horticulture at Texas A&M University, where he has progressed through the ranks to professor. Arnold's areas of research include investigating landscape establishment of container-grown plants with particular interest in the post-harvest impacts of various nursery and greenhouse production practices. He also is involved with landscape plant selection and breeding in order to enhance sustainability and minimize input. 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: On April 14, the San Antonio Herb Society will present a demonstration of herbal teas by Herb Society member Diane Lewis. This will be held at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free and the public is welcome.For more information, visit www.sanantonioherbs.org.

Seabrook: Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2 present Ed Drier, Harris County Master Gardener, speaking on Growing Herbs in the Gulf Coast Region, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., April 14, at Clear Lake Meeting Room, 5001 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook.For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

San Angelo: A monthly Lunch 'n' Learn seminar will be on Friday, April 15, and will feature guess speaker, Ron Knight, Master Gardener. He will be talking about varieties of drought tolerant plants known as Texas Superstars. These are proven varieties of plants that can replace your high-water-use plants and still have a beautiful landscape. Find out which plants are designated Texas Superstars and where to find them. The seminar is held at the Edd B. Keys Building, 113 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, in the AgriLife Extension Office. It starts at noon and goes until 1 p.m. If you are on your lunch hour, feel free to bring your lunch. The cost is $5. All funds go toward the The People/Plant Connection garden projects. For additional information, call 325-656-3104.

Austin: East Austin Garden Fair: A Passion for Plants! will be held 9 a.m. 2 p.m., Saturday, April 16, at Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center, 2608 Gonzales Street, Austin. Ask the experts and get garden ideas. Lots of Kid-friendly activities! Free admission; free plants; free garden books, magazines, seed catalogs and plastic garden buckets; free soil screening for food gardeners - bring a 2-cup soil sample in a quart zip lock bag. Free and open to the public, this fun, hands-on fair involves community members in creative, low-cost ways to grow vegetables, herbs and fruit to improve the family diet as well as information about Earth-Kind landscaping. Travis County Master Gardeners offer University-based information to fairgoers on a diverse variety of horticulture topics, while Community Partner Organizations provide information on closely-related services, programs and projects. The fair features an assortment of DIY and demonstration activities, including building a rain barrel, raised bed or compost bin, and information about waterwise irrigation methods and gardening in containers and straw bales. Learn how to care for house plants as well as your garden tools! Booths on backyard chickens and beekeeping are a big hit with all ages and there will be plenty of activities for kids. For more information, call 512-854-9600 or visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/local-extension-resources/east-austin-garden-fair/.

Midland: Permian Basin Master Gardeners (Midland/Ector Counties) will hold their annual plant sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 16, at the Horseshoe Multipurpose Facility, I-20 and Cotton Flat Road Exit, Midland. They will have drought-tolerant plants, herbs, perennials, grasses, shrubs, trees and EarthKind Roses. Local vendors will also be on site with native plants, cacti, succulents and metal yard art. Master Gardeners will be available to help with any questions. Mastercard and Visa accepted. For more information, visit www.westtexasgardening.org.

Houston: Houston Rose Society Spring Rose Show will be held Saturday, April 16, at Memorial City Mall, 1-4 p.m. Use the entrance near Dillards. See roses grown by expert exhibitors. Free to the public. For additional information, visit http://www.houstonrose.org.

San Antonio: "Annual Grafting Seminar" will be presented April 16, 9 a.m. to noon, at Fanick's Garden Center Inc., 1025 Holmgreen Rd, San Antonio. Dr. Larry Stein from the AgriLife Extension Service will demonstrate how and why fruit, nut and citrus trees are grafted. Learn all the different grafting techniques such as inlay, four flap, cleft, and approach grafts, and some of the budding techniques such as chip budding and t-budding. Also learn about the overall care of fruit, nut and citrus trees before and after grafting them. This seminar is very popular so arrive early for best parking and seating. Seminar is free.3 CEUs for MGs. For more information, visit Fanick's website: http://www.fanicknursery.com/Upcoming%20Events.htm.

Woodway: Jan Serface will present tips on redoing your garden and saving some money on your water bill by using earth kind techniques and water saving plants from noon until 2 p.m., April 20, at the Pavilion at Carleen Bright Arboretum. Also, some ideas for small changes in the landscape to freshen your yard will be discussed. Bring a bag lunch and your questions. For additional information, visit www.mclennanmastergardeners.org or contact Janet Schaffer at 254-399-9204 or Jschaffer@woodwaymail.org.

San Antonio: Ecological Landscaping, a BCMG Educational Seminar, will be presented 1-3:30 p.m., April 21, at Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 208, San Antonio. 2 CEUs. Free. Mary Irish will talk about ecological landscaping. Learn how to create attractive landscape by using difficult features. For example, if you have an area where water collects after a rain, why not include a rain garden and make it an asset rather than a detraction. Mary is well known for her work at the Arizona Botanical Garden and her expertise on plants that grow in the heat. She has written five books on gardening and will have books available for signing. In addition, her husband Gary may bring some of his artwork, which showcases Texas plants, for sale.

Conroe: Montgomery County Master Gardeners will present "Water, Water, Water! Conservation, Irrigation Methods, and Rainwater Harvesting" at the AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. Classes will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23. A fee of $5.00 per person (cash or check) is due at registration the morning of class. The fee covers costs of materials, supplies, coffee and snacks. Get the latest information on the best methods for saving and using water for lawn and garden. For more information, visit http://www.mcmga.com/ or call 936-539-7824.

Houston: Houston Rose Society Rose Garden Tour will be held Saturday, April 23, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets on sale at HEB for $5 a person. See four spectacular gardens in Bellaire and River Oaks. For additional information, visit http://www.houstonrose.org.

Pasadena: Harris County Master Gardener Perennial and Pepper Sale will be held Saturday, April 23, at Campbell Hall, Pasadena Fairgrounds, 7600 Red Bluff, Pasadena. Overview of Perennials by Heidi Sheesley, owner of Treesearch Farms at 8 a.m. Sale hours 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For additional information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

Canyon Lake: The NPSOT, Lindheimer Chapter, will be sponsoring the "Native Landscape Certification Program, Level 1: Introduction to Native Landscapes," to be held on April 30, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Tye Preston Memorial Library, Canyon Lake. The course will focus on the value of including and preserving native plants in landscapes. The classroom and outdoor sessions will cover 45 native plants to use in landscaping and 5 exotic invasive plants to avoid. Students graduating with a Certificates of Completion or Competency may progress to Level 2 or 3. The cost of the program is $37 for members and non-members alike. To register, visit http:/npsot.org/wp/nlcp and click on register beside the Lindheimer class. For additional information, about registration, contact Meg Inglis, NLCP Coordinator, meg.inglis@npsot.org or 512-589-1316. For additional information about the class, contact Sara Riggs, Class Coordinator, Riggs_571@msn.com or 512-236-8571.

Ft. Worth: The Tarrant County Master Gardener Association Annual Plant Sale and Gardening Demonstration will be held 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, April 30, at the Tarrant County Resource Connection, 1801 Circle Drive, Ft. Worth. For additional information, visit www.tarrantmg.org.

White Rock Lake: The North Texas Master Naturalists will host the fourth annual Native Plants and Prairies Day on Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Bath House Cultural Center grounds on White Rock Lake. There will be more than 30 demonstrations and information/outreach booths, 15 thirty-minute wildflower and prairie walks guided by local experts, and a lecture series of experts giving short talks. Additionally, there will be a raffle with gifts provided by 13 event sponsors, music by the Ackermans, and the Aztec dancers. This Free family event focused on Texas flora and fauna, and the use of native plants in home landscapes as disease and drought-resistant alternatives to non-native species. Native plants and grasses have always been an important part of Texas history. Birds, animals, and insects all depend on these native plants to survive. For more information, updates on the latest event developments, and detailed listings for speakers, walk guides, and exhibitors, visit ntmn.org.

MAY

Tyler: "Keeping Chickens in the City" will be presented noon-1 p.m., May 3, at the IDEA Garden in the Tyler Rose Garden Center, 420 Rose Park Dr., Tyler. Free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so please bring a chair for your comfort. In case of inclement weather, program will be held inside the Rose Garden Center. For more information, visit http://txmg.org/smith/coming-events or call 903-590-2980.

San Antonio: San Antonio Garden Center Clubs will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, at 3310 N. New Braunfels @ Funston, San Antonio. "Summer Gardening" will be presented by Mark Fanick, owner of Fanick's Garden Center. He will give tips for improving the garden this summer and preparing it for the fall. Coffee at 9:30; meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.sanantoniogardencenter.org or call 210-824-9981.

Tyler: The Smith County Master Gardener Annual Garden Tour will be held 9 a.m.-3 p.m., May 28. Five homeowners open their private gardens for public viewing, rain or shine. $10 in advance/ $12 day of tour. Visit http://txmg.org/smith/coming-events or call 903-590-2980 for ticket and location information.

San Antonio: "Earthkind Gardening Practices" will be presented at the BCMG General Meeting, 6-8:30 p.m., Thursday, May 26, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio. The Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) meeting begins with a social time at 6 p.m. followed by a special, free presentation at 6:30 p.m. 1.5 CEUs for MGs. David Rodriguez, AgriLife Extension Service, will combine the best of organic gardening with the best of traditional gardening and include elements of Integrated Pest Management.

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 6:30 pm at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. Meetings include an informative speaker and a Plant of the Month presentation. Meetings are free and visitors are welcome. For more information,visit www.npsot.org/w/lindheimer. Note: there will be no meeting in June or December.

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.

San Antonio: The Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) meet on the third Thursday of each month at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 208, San Antonio. During the months of Jan., March, May, July, Sep. and Nov., an evening meeting begins with a social time at 6 p.m. followed by a free presentation from 6:30-8:30 p.m. During the intervening months (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec.), afternoon educational seminars/general meetings are held from 1-3:30 p.m. Check http://www.bexarmg.org/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting.

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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