April 27, 2016
  
New ways to explore container gardening
 
By Randy Schultz
 
Planting a container garden is a great way to grow if you don't have enough room (or time) for a big crop of vegetables or a bed of flowers. A sunny patio, balcony, or windowsill can be enough space to grow healthy plants.
 
As container gardening has grown in popularity, many new kinds of containers have been introduced that make small-space growing easier and more productive. Self-irrigated containers, which have a built-in water reservoir that keeps plants comfortably moist, make it easy and efficient to plant everything from salad greens to tomatoes. Fabric containers can make it easy to grow plants that can be moved around on a patio, balcony or deck.
 
Now it's time to shake things up by using containers to grow something different. How about a pollinator-friendly garden on your patio? How about growing a new variety of potatoes on your deck?
 
Help the disappearing bee population by growing a bee-friendly container garden
 
One-third of all our food depends on the pollination of plants via bees. For reasons still not completely understood, the U.S. has recently seen bee populations decline up to 50 percent.
 
"Bee populations have been devastated in recent years, so now is the perfect time to plant a bee-friendly garden that attracts and nourishes bees," said Ken McDowell, co-inventor of The GrowBox.
 
By now, most gardeners know that sub-irrigated containers offer a great way to grow tomatoes and other vegetables - even when they don't have enough space for a garden plot. A GrowBox container fits nicely on any balcony, patio or deck. It makes planting easy, because each one comes with a cut-out planting guide that shows gardeners exactly where and what to plant.
 
A GrowBox container also offers the perfect growing environment for the plants that bees love. Herbs such as lavender, catmint, thyme and fennel grow well in containers. So do annuals and perennials including calendula, sunflowers, zinnia, hollyhocks and aster. All of these beautiful flowering plants provide nectar and pollen for bees during the growing season - as do many plants native to your growing area.
 
Grow potatoes in a fabric container
 
A new generation of fabric growing containers is bringing color, fashion and functionality to the world of gardening. The breathable, fabric material allows air to reach plant roots and promotes fibrous plant roots, and the containers can be moved from place to place.
 
A new fabric container called the BloemBagz Potato Planter is the perfect size for a patio crop of homegrown potatoes. The eco-friendly fabric is made from recycled materials, mostly water bottles. The double-walled construction readily supports the weight of the growing media in the bag, and fabric can be hosed off to keep it clean.
 
Simply plant seed potatoes in the tall bag and periodically add more soil to the top as the potato plant grows taller. When it's time to harvest your homegrown potatoes, lift the Velcro window flap for easy access to the delicious spuds. The container can be left outside year-round or emptied, folded flat and stored for the next season.
 
Keep plants healthy in traditional pots
 
Many potted plants become root-bound, and they suffer when the roots at the bottom of the pot sit in too much water. The Smart Soil Separator from Nature's Footprint extends plant life and encourages healthy, vigorous plants by providing a permanent airspace at the bottom of gardening pots that stimulates a plant's lateral root branching. Italso solves the problem of drainage in container growing - making the practice of putting rocks at the bottom of a pot obsolete. The adjustable and reusable soil separator can be used indoors or outdoors. It will fit pots with a bottom diameter from 5" to 7".
Six spring lawn tips
 
 
Spring cleanup: Before you beautify, clear away debris, such as dead, downed branches, which can wreak havoc on lawn equipment and suffocate grass. If cold and wind have damaged tree or shrub branches, prune back to live stems.To cut through small- and medium-sized tree limbs with ease, use a chainsaw, such as the Craftsman 24 Volt Chainsaw, which provides high-performance cordless power.
 
Aerate your lawn: After cleaning up,aerating - or poking small holes in your lawn - is a great way to improve oxygen circulation and nutrient penetration. Consider ventilating your lawn with spiked shoes or aerating tools.
 
Fertilize: General lawn maintenance recommends fertilizing in the fall before weeds can leave their seeds for the next year and again in the spring. Feeding your lawn in the spring strengthens roots and gets it off to a good start before the heavy growing season ahead.
 
Overseed this spring: After applying fertilizer, overseeding your lawn can help revitalize grass and cover bald spots.
 
Neaten up hardscaping surfaces: When it comes to the perfect lawn, the details count.Ensure the edges of patios and paths are well defined with a trimmer, which will allow you to go where a mower won't. Lightweight trimmers will let you trim even the most difficult-to-reach spots.
 
Mow the lawn: A freshly mowed lawn is one of the most prominent features of a well-manicured yard. Owners of large terrains should consider riding mowers to make the job more enjoyable.
Tool maintenance tips
 
By Thomas Harris
 
Shovels: Sharpen back side (only) of shovel with portable grinder. Try to maintain the original sharpening bevel on the tool.
 
Coat wooden handles with boiled, linseed oil, let set 15 minutes, and then wipe off excess and allow to dry overnight.
 
Picks: Sharpen the flat part of the pick (if it has one) the same as the shovels; i.e., maintain original bevel on one side only. Sharpen the pointed part, too.
 
Any other tools with wooden handles: Apply a coat of boiled linseed oil, let set for 15 minutues, and then wipe off excess and allow to dry overnight.
 
Any other tool that is sharpened: Maintain the original bevel on the part to be sharpened. Do not sharpen the flat side of any blade.
 
A rough file could be used to do the sharpening, but an electric, portable grinder will do it much quicker.
 
Coat all tools with WD-40 after sharpening and/or using.
The compost heap
Armoring against armadillos

"I did the same thing as Bob Daily ('Gardening Tips,'Seeds, April 13, 2016) to discourage the troupe of armadillos from my yard," writes Trish Tomes. "I laid a barrier of rose stems with big thorns across the area they usually enter my back yard. In the front, I am putting them between the azaleas (along with planting a clove of garlic). Laying chicken wire flat on the ground deterred them last year at one point of access. Time will tell how this works throughout the year."
Gardening tips

As spring progresses, ornamental annuals can get leggy. Pinch them back to encourage more compact growth. At the same time, side dress them with fertilizer and check for insect pests.
 
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 
 
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. For further details visit 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 Grange: Kevin Ong will present "Diagnosing Plant Health Problems" from 12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m., May 10, at Fayette County AgriLife Extension Service, 255 Svoboda Lane, La Grange. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information call 979-968-5831.

Houston: "What's Buggin' You?" will be the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 12, 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 entomologist, Erfan Vafaie. Vafaie is a scientist from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Plant Research Station in Overton, and is the entomology member of the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association's educational board. His program will focus on identification and control of rose pests and a discussion of new invasives that could become potential threats to roses. Free admission. For additional information, visit http://www.houstonrose.org.

Seabrook: Nelson Darden, will present "New Plants From Proven Winners and Euroamerican," 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 12, at Clear Lake Meeting Room, 5001 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook. FREE. For additional information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.
   
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.

Waco: The McLennan Co. Master Gardeners will have their Annual Plant Sale 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 14, at the Westview Village Arcade, 551 Valley Mills, Waco. Cash, check and credit cards accepted. Included will be a great selection of plants, including flowers, shrubs, vegetables, and herbs grown in members' yards. Also, garden arts & Crafts, hanging baskets, color bowls, and compost will be for sale.

Smithson Valley: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold their monthly meeting May 17 at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, Smithson Valley. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. The speaker will be Dan Hosage, owner of the Madrone Nursery and Plants-man Extraordinaire, will pressnt "The Milkweed Family and its Numerous Species." There will be exhibits and milkweed plants for sale. The meeting is free and the public is welcome. For more information, call Martha Guethle, 830-438-5996.
 
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.

San Angelo: Saturday, April 30, will be the first of the three "Talk & Tour" series. This is a special time where attendees meet at the Southside Rec Center, 2750 Ben Ficklin Road, San Angelo, at 9 a.m. to caravan to the nursery. Desert Gardens at Cactustown is located on N. Hwy 67. Upon arrival at the garden, refreshments will be served and the owner, Mike Moseman, will give a personal tour of his garden. View an extensive collection of cactus and succulents and learn how to add these beautiful, drought-tolerant specimens to your garden. This time of year they are in bloom and look beautiful. Those looking for unique garden art, will also find a large selection of metal and wood pieces. Creating a beautiful garden using cactus and succulents gives homeowners a better alternative to rocks. Save when you pay for 2 or more tours. Cost: 1/$25, 2/$45, 3/$60. Shopping is optional, however, PPC members get a discount at Desert Gardens and memberships will be available on-site. Preregistration is required. Call 325-656-3104 to register.

San Antonio: Saturday, April 30, San Antonio Rose Society will host the Spring Rose Show at San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 North 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!

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.
JUNE

La Grange: Boone Holiday will present "Backyard Greenhouse Building" from 12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m., June 14, at Fayette County AgriLife Extension Service, 255 Svoboda Lane, La Grange. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information call 979-968-5831.
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/Lockhart: Texas Sage Master Gardeners meet the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Bastrop or Lockhart. Visit their Facebook page for location and educational topic of the month: https://www.facebook.com/TexasSageMG. For additional information, or to become a Texas Sage Master Gardener, 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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