July 20, 2016

Add some eye candy to your garden this fall with spring-flowering bulbs

By Melinda Myers

Shorten the winter season with the help of spring-flowering bulbs that you plant in fall. These beauties often provide the first bit of color, fragrance and winter relief each year.

Look for new and unique ways to incorporate bulbs into your landscape. Create a seasonal water feature with a river of blue scillas and grape hyacinths meandering through the garden. Welcome visitors with a front door or walkway garden that blooms from early spring through early summer and is loaded with crocus, tulips, daffodils and allium.

Don't overlook those shady spots. Many of these locations provide enough early season sun, before the trees leaf out, for bulbs to grow and flower. Use more shade-tolerant spring bloomers such as snowdrops, grape hyacinths, scillas, anemones, daffodils, fritillarias and Camassias in shady areas among hostas, ferns and other shade tolerant perennials.

Whether you're new or experienced, growing bulbs is an easy endeavor. Just follow these simple steps to a beautiful spring garden.

Selection

Purchase bulbs that are dense and firm, and free of bruises or mold. Shop early for the best selection. Mail order sources will ship your bulbs at the proper planting time. If you buy locally, store the bulbs in a dry, well-ventilated and cool 60-degree location until it's time to plant.

Don't let deer, rabbits and chipmunks dissuade you from planting. Include hyacinths, grape hyacinths, scillas, glory-of-the-snow, fritillarias, alliums and Camassias that the animals tend to overlook.

Design Ideas

Include a variety of bulbs for added color throughout spring. Early bloomers such as Glory of the Snow, crocus, early tulips and daffodils, and grape hyacinths (Muscari) are followed by mid-season daffodils and tulips along with fritillarias. Late spring blooming tulips and alliums finish off the spring display.

Combine several bulbs that bloom at the same time to double the floral impact or at different times to extend the color throughout the spring. You can create your own combinations or look for prepackaged combinations prepared by experts. Low growing White Splendor anemone along with Ocean Magic grape hyacinth make a striking combination for under shrubs. The yellow blossoms of Dutch Master daffodils, pink Involve tulips and purplish blue grape hyacinths will give you several layers of color in the garden.

Or add a bit of eye-catching red to the garden throughout the spring with the Really Red collection of tulips. Red Emperor starts things out in early spring, followed by Oxford and ends with double-flowering Red Princess and Sky High Scarlet.

Location

Plant bulbs in well-drained soil for best results. Avoid areas such as next to the dryer vent or against the south side foundation of your home that tend to warm up early in spring or experience a winter thaw. These bulbs often sprout too early and subsequent cold temperatures can limit or eliminate their bloom.

Reduce maintenance and boost your garden's beauty by mixing bulbs with perennials. Once the bulbs are done blooming, the neighboring perennials mask the fading bulb foliage.

When and How to Plant

Increase growing success in poor soils by incorporating several inches of compost, peat moss or other organic matter into the top 12" of soil. This improves drainage in clay soil and the water-holding ability of sandy and rocky soils. Then be sure to incorporate a low nitrogen, slow release fertilizer.

Wait to plant your bulbs until the soil cools. This is any time after the night temperatures are consistently 40 to 50 degrees, but several weeks before the ground freezes.

Plant spring blooming bulbs three times as deep as the bulb is tall. Water thoroughly to remove air pockets and encourage fall root growth. Add a layer of mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and reduce the risk of early sprouting.

So break out your trowel and garden gloves and get busy planting. You'll be glad you did when spring arrives and your yard and garden are filled with a rainbow of beautiful flowers.

Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of gardening experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone" DVD set and the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine.

Texas health care facility recognizes local forester for children in nature advocacy

Texas A&M Forest Service

The Lone Star Family Health Center has awarded Texas A&M Forest Service Urban District Forester John Warner an annual community award recognizing his advocacy of children in nature.

Warner received the 2016 Joseph Ewing, MD Award for his service to the underserved populations of Montgomery County and for his help creating a Nature Explore Classroom at the facility.

Lone Star Family Health Center health care providers actively prescribe nature prescriptions for clients to get outside and experience nature. The center also is the first health care facility in the nation to host a Nature Explore Classroom - a space that promotes the connection between nature and health.

"The concept of outdoor classrooms stems from a great deal of research looking at the role that the natural world plays in our health and happiness," said LSFHC Medical Director Dr. Daniel Porter. "Often, the current generation of kids is not experiencing the benefits of being outside. This classroom is meant to get kids and their parents to start exploring the natural world."

Research shows that children's social, psychological, academic and physical health is positively impacted when they have daily contact with nature. This research is supported by author Richard Louv in his book, The Last Child in the Woods.

Louv cites that "proximity to, views of, and daily exposure to natural settings" support creativity and problem solving; enhance cognitive abilities; improve academic performance, nutrition, social relations and self-discipline; increase physical activity; and reduce stress and symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder in children.

"John Warner has been a superstar to our organization and to the community," said Porter, "linking our children to the outdoor world is becoming more and more important. John understands this and has shown his commitment to trying to change things."

Warner has been with Texas A&M Forest Service for 27 years - having spent the last 14 in the Conroe office. It is in this community that Warner helps provide education and fosters environmental literacy focused on forestry as a sustainable, scientific solution to today's issues and concerns - including that of children's health.

The Lone Star Family Health Center Nature Explore outdoor classroom was made possible by the National Environmental Educational Foundation in collaboration with the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Arbor Day Foundation, Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, Texas A&M Forest Service and other community partners.

For learn more, visit The Lone Star Family Health Center http://www.lonestarfamily.org/, Nature Explore http://www.natureexplore.org/, and Texas Children in Nature http://texaschildreninnature.org/.

Gardening tips

Rainfall is usually scarce this time of year, so be sure to supply supplemental moisture during dry periods. Stressed plants start to shut down when in drought, which could be the start of a long decline, continuing even after soil moisture returns. Symptoms of drought stress include browning of leaf margins and dieback of the periphery of a tree's canopy.

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.

JULY

Athens: A special two-hour presentation with Steven Chamblee will be held 5:30-8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at the Senior Citizen Center, 3344 Hwy 31 East, Athens, next to the Fairgrounds. This time of year it's hot in Texas. A nice shady spot in your landscape might be just the place to escape the heat. Steven Chamblee, Chief Horticulturist for Chandor Gardens in Weatherford, will talk about creating your own lovely oasis of seasonal color and delightful texture, including the pitfalls and perils awaiting the novice shade gardener. Chamblee served 17 years as consulting editor for a gardening magazine, writes a monthly e-newsletter column entitled "Native Son," and is an adjunct instructor for Tarleton State University and Texas Christian University's Extended Education.

Dallas: "Shade Gardening Workshop" will be presented Thursday, July 21, 10:00 a.m. to noon, at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center - Building "E", 17360 Coit Road, Dallas. Shaded out? Do you have areas in your landscape where nothing grows because there is not enough sunlight? Learn a new way to landscape for the shade including how to design and implement your shade garden for maximum effect. Daniel Cunningham, a horticulturalist with the Water University at Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Dallas, will be the instructor. Space is limited, so register by calling 214-670-3155 or online at SaveDallasWater.com.

Conroe: Montgomery County Master Gardeners will present "Water Smarts: Doing It Right!" at the Montgomery Co. AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe, 9:00 until 11:00 a.m., July 23. $5.00 per person (cash or check) is due at registration the morning of each class. The fee covers costs of materials, supplies, coffee and snacks. Get the best information on smart water use and conservation in Montgomery County! For more information, visit http://www.mcmga.com/ or call 936-539-7824.

Dallas: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present the Fall Into Vegetable Gardening program July 23 from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Dallas County Master Gardener's Research, Education and Demonstration Garden in Dallas. The garden is located at Midway Hills Christian Church, 11001 Midway Road. "Anyone can have a fall garden, even if they only have a small area," said Stephen Hudkins, AgriLife Extension agent for horticulture in Dallas County. "Program participants can learn how to utilize raised beds and square-foot gardening, or how to incorporate your vegetable plantings in your current landscape in what we call edible landscapes, plus learn about drip irrigation." Program registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $15 and payment is at the door. Attendees will also get to see the raised bed gardens and drip irrigation systems installed at the garden. Program topics and presentations will be: The Fall Vegetable Garden- Soil Preparation, Varieties, Planting Dates and Location, Hudkins; Best Management Practices Using Raised Beds and Drip Irrigation, Jeff Raska, certified Dallas County Master Gardener; The Principles of Square Foot Gardening, Hudkins. Presentations will be followed by a garden tour and a question-and-answer session. This program is the first of a five-part Gardening By The Yard series offered by AgriLife Extension. Other programs will include Water Conservation in the Landscape on Aug. 6; the Earth Kind Water-Wise Landscape on Aug. 20; Establishing a Backyard Vineyard on Sept.3; and The Healthy Home Lawn on Sept. 17. The cost is $15 per program or $60 for the entire series. For more information, contact Hudkins at 214-904-3054 or by email at stephen.hudkins@agnet.tamu.edu.

La Marque: "Aquaponics" with GC Master Gardener Robin presenting, 9:00-10:00 a.m., July 23, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. Further details http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.

Austin: The Garden Club Of Austin meets Thursday, July 28, at Zilker Botanical Gardens Auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin. Troy Smith of Brite Ideas will discuss hydrophonics. Social and treats at 7:00, program 7:30-9:00 p.m. Free parking and meeting.

La Marque: "Successful Fall Vegetable Gardening" with long-time MG Master Gardener Luke Stripling presenting, 9:00-11:30 a.m., July 30, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. Further details http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.

AUGUST

Houston: Open Garden Day, with Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2. 8:30-11 a.m., Monday, August 1, at the Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston. Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions. Free. Plants for sale every Monday in the Greenhouse. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

Cleburne: The Summer Thyme Festival will take place 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 6, at Hill College, 2112 Mayfield Pkwy, Cleburne. Fun for the whole family with Kid's Alley, free crafts & games for the kids. Lots of vendors offering herbal, health services, garden related, organic and just for fun items. Workshops include: 9:30 JCHS Hands on Herbal Seasoning Workshop; 11:00 Permaculture with Seth Hamby; 12:30 Flower Essence, Herbals & Essential Oils with Judy Griffin; 2:00 Snake Encounters with Daryl Sprout. Furry friends will be there from the Cleburne Animal Shelter. Door Prizes galore from business and garden art made by the JCHS. $1 per ticket or $5 for 6 tickets. Bring a can of pet food or newspapers for the shelter and receive a free door prize ticket. For more information, call 817-793-4625 or visit www.jcherbsocietytx.webs.com.

Houston: "Roses of Russia" will be the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting, Thursday, August 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion,

1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. The parking lot is Lot C, located at Hermann Drive and Crawford Street. This program will be presented by Houston Rose Society and American Rose Society member, Penny Pressler. Penny and her husband are world travelers. The program will focus on the roses and rose gardens of Russia. Free admission For more information, visit www.houstonrose.org.

San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society will present a program by Grace Emery on August 11. In addition to being the current president of the Herb Society, Grace is also a Master Gardener, and Red Cross volunteer. She will be speaking on Garden First Aid and Citizen CPR. Basic first-aid topics covered will include bleeding, heat stress, poisoning, bug, spider, and snake bites, back strain, and sunburn. Some herbal remedies will also be covered as well as traditional Red Cross first aid. The meeting will be held at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels at Parland from 6:30 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 one of their own, Chris Hammen, speaking on "Fall Vegetable Gardening in Our Area," 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.. Thursday, August 11, at Clear Lake Meeting Room, 5001 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook. Free. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu .

Conroe: Montgomery County Master Gardeners will offer "Fall Vegetable Gardening in Montgomery County" at the Montgomery Co. AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe, 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., August 13. $5.00 per person (cash or check) is due at registration the morning of each class. The fee covers costs of materials, supplies, coffee and snacks. For additional information, visithttp://www.mcmga.com/ or call 936-539-7824.

Houston: Open Garden Day, with Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2. 8:30-11:00 a.m., Monday, August 15, at the Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston. Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions. Free. Plants for sale every Monday in the Greenhouse. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu .

Lufkin: Dr. Bill Welch will present "Redesigning the Landscape" at 6:30 p.m. Monday, August 15, at Angelina Extension, 2201 S. Medford Drive, Lufkin. Cost is $10 at the door. Dr. Welch's books will be available for sale and signing at 6:00 p.m. Call 634-6414 for more information.

La Marque: "Gardening by the Square Foot" with GC Master Gardener Jon Johns presenting, 6:30-8:30 p.m., August 16, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. For additional information, visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.

Smithson Valley: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold their monthly meeting August 16 at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, Smithson Valley. The doors open at 6:30 pm and the meeting starts at 7:00 pm. The speaker will be Jim McCollough, Geologist & Master Naturalist. Jim will discuss "Hill Country Geology." The meeting is free and the public is welcome. For more information, call Martha Guethle, 830-438-5996.

Woodway: Mark Barnett, Master Gardener and Horticulturist/Landscape Designer, will present a program on Native Texas Plants, noon to 2:00 p.m., August 17, Pavilion at the Woodway Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd, Woodway. From flowers to bushes to trees, learn about many plants that do very well in Central Texas landscapes. Free. For more information, call 254-399-9204.

La Marque: "Flower Arranging" with GC Master Gardener Jackie Auer presenting, 9:00-11:00 a.m., August 27, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. For additional information, visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.

La Marque: "Growing Strawberries" with MG Master Gardener Robert Marshall presenting, 1:00-2:00 p.m., August 27, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. For additional information, visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.

SEPTEMBER

Lufkin: 4th Annual Native Plant Sale will be held at the Farmer's Market, 2107 S Medford Dr., Lufkin, on Saturday, September 24, beginning at 8:00 a.m. until sold out. Featuring native and well adapted ferns, grasses, perennials, shrubs and trees. Angelina Master Gardeners. Call 634-6414 for more information.

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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