April 20, 2016
  
Long-term strategic planning can pay dividends for home gardeners and commercial growers
 
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
 
Growing fruits and vegetables can be a constant battle against pests, disease and weather.
 
Dr. Joe Masabni wants home gardeners and commercial growers to become strategists rather than tacticians because successfully growing fruits and vegetables can depend on preparedness and planning.
 
Masabni, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist in Overton, receives phone calls every spring from beginning gardeners and farmers who are ill-prepared to deal with pests, diseases, weeds and many other problems that can stunt or decimate a crop, he said.
 
The tactical gardener reacts to problems, while a strategist plans to avoid problems when possible and address them quickly and effectively when they are unavoidable, he said.
 
"Planning ahead can improve yields," he said. "It can mean the difference between total loss and 100 percent success."
 
The strategist has multiple sources for all their needs, from seed and tools to pesticides, fertilizers and materials, such as T-posts and chicken wire, he explained. They should have basic tools and materials on hand to address a problem as soon as it's found. Strategists plan ahead by considering crop rotations in advance and base decisions on soil health. They also take notes each season to improve their chances the next year.
 
Soil is the most important component to a strategic gardener's plan, Masabni said. Testing a soil sample for a small garden or multiple samples for larger fields where soils can differ is an important first step to any plan. The gardener feeds the soil and the soil feeds the plant, he said.
 
Masabni suggests testing the soil each year, which will identify what additives, such as lime, fertilizer or nitrogen, will give the soil what it needs to grow specific crops.
 
"You have to know what you are working with," he said. "It's important because soil health is 50 percent of the battle when you're talking about dealing with disease or weeds and helping a crop reach its potential."
 
Having the right tools on hand to tend a garden or field helps reduce prolonged exposure to problems such as disease or pests, but a management plan can address possible problems before they occur, he said.
 
Masabni had a problem with stink bugs in his tomato plants one year and created a plan to control them the next year. That's how notes and recording the good, bad and ugly of each season can pay dividends, he said.
 
Knowledge is a powerful tool for a beginner gardener, Masabni said. But it's easier to educate yourself during dormancy periods by reading books and gardening periodicals, such as Texas Gardener magazine, or by discussing options and opportunities for next season with AgriLife Extension agents and specialists.
 
Right now is a good time to establish a plan to deal with pest season, he said. Growers should be educating themselves about various insect pests, from squash and stink bugs to corn earworms. Masabni said growers should know what types of insects individual plant types might attract, the pest's typical life cycle, the signs of infestations and how to address them in the egg stage.
 
In small gardens, addressing eggs could be as easy as squishing them, he said.
 
"A good strategist, or a well-prepared gardener, should have the pesticides on hand, the sprayer clean and calibrated, and should scout all the time," he said. "A well-prepared gardener can start spraying in about 10 minutes and address the problem effectively."
 
Masabni said a strategist gardener should be planning for the fall garden now that spring gardens are in the ground.
 
For example, gardeners should order seeds now, check pesticide inventories and plan crop rotations using a different crop family, not just a different crop name. Also, growers can solarize gardens in July to control nematodes, weeds and insect eggs before planting fall gardens.
 
Masabni is a vegetable specialist and author of "Easy Gardening in Texas."
 
"Be a strategist, not a tactician," he said. "All successful gardeners and commercial producers are strategists, whether they know it or not, because they plan ahead."
Water wisely
 
By Diana Maranhao
 
The bulk of our yearly precipitation occurs in the winter and spring, when plants are slowed in growth or deciduous and dormant, temperatures are cooler and evaporation is slowed. So, the concern is for the here-and-now, rather than what will occur when all that rain and snow is but a distant memory.
 
Plants that live in high rainfall regions can quickly succumb during a short term drought only weeks or a month long. Those plants, accustomed to getting regular rain, have ample quantities of soft leaves and stems. Shallow root systems, brought about by short bursts of rain and high rates of evapotranspiration, quickly dry out if not given their sometimes daily dose of water. Take their water away and they immediately stop producing new roots and foliage and the older growth quickly loses turgidity. Shallow roots can compromise large plants, in particular trees, as they cannot support the tree as it grows. In periods of heavy rain and winds, shallow rooted trees topple over, uprooting seemingly healthy mature large specimens.
 
As gardeners, we realize that challenges don't end with long winters and that our work begins anew when we battle the summer heat. Nationwide, summer time temperatures are on the rise, with predictions bringing more bad news that we will see warmer temperatures than the norm and we will see them earlier in the season, lasting and climbing well into fall. At the same time, the days of plentiful water are over, and we are reminded that we must conserve water, either due to short or prolonged seasons of drought, strained water resources, and the rising costs of water supplies that will continue to fall short of supporting increased population.
 
Summer brings water shortages to light and once again we see news reports and publications driving home the point that, as a nation, we share water deficits, threatened water quality, short or long term drought, depleted ground water supplies, and outdated infrastructures. We are told to turn off our irrigation systems to conserve water. An abrupt change in watering habits in the height of summer shows immediate effects on the landscape. Annuals and bedding plants wilt within hours due to increased soil temperature. Evapotranspiration accelerates, and the shallow roots shrivel, unable to sustain themselves in a drying soil. Within 24 hours, the plants have completed died, from the roots up. Grasses take a bit longer to show the effects of suddenly being without regular watering. Within a week, the blades lose turgidity, lie flat when walked upon and turn a grayish green. In another week, turf turns brown and the roots die with the blades. Perennials will struggle along for a few weeks, having a bit deeper rooting system, but if they typically receive regular watering, at month's end, with little or no water, they completely die down to the roots. Some may recover and generate new roots, but require ample watering needed to resuscitate. Trees and shrubs that have longer lives and deeper roots will not be able to survive on an occasional surface watering during water restrictions. If there is a lawn on the same watering system, chances are that the tree roots are shallower than normal. The long lived tree will start dropping its leaves first, in an effort to decrease its energy resources.
 
To rejuvenate it at this point requires a lot of deep, slow watering and it may take months to gain back foliage, if there is no desiccation to the root system. Stressed plants are attractive to secondary problems, with pests and disease moving in to take their toll.
 
It is our responsibility to use water in the landscape wisely, to tap into all of our resources to make the best use out of the water we have, and to direct the flow in the times that we are seemingly water rich, so we can store the excess, banking it for when the plants need it.
 
Diana Maranhao is the author of the just-released Water Smart Gardening (Cool Springs Press).
Galveston County Master Gardener's rose is national award winner
 
By Ira Gervais
 
As a Plant Hybridizer, Galveston County Master Gardener John Jons, submitted roses that he hybridized to the American Rose Society (ARS) Trials Grounds in Shreveport, La. to compete in the "All American Center Trials." This is a national rose hybridizer competition and requires four plants of each variety submitted. These roses are critically evaluated (judged/random block) for two years. This year, of all the roses submitted nationally for evaluation, only two were selected to be national award winners.
 
John Jon has been notified that one of his roses is a national award winner and will be planted in the ARS's winner's garden. The rose that won the national award appears to be very disease resistant and the evaluators noted "...a really nice rose and... great rose!" Also, John Jons' other rose submission missed winning by .8 of a point (out of a total 100 points). This particular rose the evaluators rated as having "striking red/orange color and pretty blooms." The evaluators felt it was not quite as disease resistant as the winning rose.
 
The award will be presented at the 2016 National Convention & Rose Show in Harrisburg, Pa., scheduled for Friday, July 29, 2016.
Gardening tips

When shearing a hedge to create a dense screen, keep the top narrower than the base so light can reach all areas of the hedge. Shrubs that are allowed to become top heavy, have a tendency to shade out lowers areas which can result in loss of foliage.   
 
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 

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.

Denton: The Denton County Master Gardener Association's annual spring plant sale will be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, on the grounds of the Trinity United Methodist Church, 6333 Hobson Lane, Denton. The selection includes hard-to-find shrubs, ground covers and bedding plants, plus a wide range of native and North Texas-adapted plants. Shoppers can choose from herbs, tough perennials and roses, as well as pass-along plants from the homes of local Master Gardeners. As always, the best items go early. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own wagons and carts to transport their purchases. Steve Huddleston, one of the authors of Easy Gardens for North Central Texas, will be on hand to sell and autograph copies of the book. Stan Poole, craftsman of Adirondack lawn furniture, will display and sell his work. Veteran Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions, offer landscaping tips and discuss proper plant care.

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.

San Antonio: On Saturday, April 30, San Antonio Rose Society will host the Spring Rose Show at San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This year's theme is "The Wizard of Oz," so follow the yellow brick road and stop in to see and smell the roses. Free entry to Public!

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

La Marque: "Review of Chemicals for the Home and Garden" with GC Master Gardener Rod Mize presenting, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., May 3, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to galv3@wt.net. For further details see http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/. Free.

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.

La Marque: "Plan Before You Plant" with GC Master Gardener Karen Lehr (who has a Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture) presenting, 9:00 a.m.-11 a.m., May 7, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to galv3@wt.net, further details see  http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/. Free.

Austin: The Austin Organic Gardeners' Club meets May 9 at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, in Zilker Botanical Gardens. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the opportunity to meet, mingle, and ask questions with local gardeners; club business begins at 7 p.m., followed by the guest speaker's presentation. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org.
 
La Marque: "Galveston County Home Fruit Growers' Tour"; three fruit orchards are in the tour, as well as vegetable gardens at each site. Visit sites in any desired order, 9 am-Noon, May 14. No pre-registration required. For further details and maps to each orchard, see http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/, or Ph 281-534-3413. Free.
 
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.

La Marque: "Bamboo Uses in the Landscape" with GC Master Gardener Tish Reustle presenting, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., May 31, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to galv3@wt.net, further details see  http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/. Free.
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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