August 17, 2016
  
Five ways to protect your garden from deer
 
By Melinda Myers
 
Don't let your vegetable and fall flower gardens succumb to hungry deer. Even if you're lucky enough to be deer-free now, be vigilant and prepared to prevent damage as these beautiful creatures move into your landscape to dine. Here are five tactics to help you in the battle against these hungry animals.
 
Fencing is the best, though not always practical, way to control deer. Install a 4- to 5-foot-high fence around small garden areas. This is usually enough to keep out deer that seem to avoid small confined spaces. The larger the area, the more likely deer will enter. Some gardeners report success surrounding their garden or landscape with strands of fishing line set at 12" and 36" above the ground.
 
Low voltage electric fencing or posts baited with a deer repellent are also options. Just be sure to check with your local municipality before installing this type of fencing.
 
Scare tactics are less effective on deer in urban environments. They are accustomed to human scents and sounds. Many gardeners report success with motion sensor sprinklers. As the deer passes in front of the motion sensor it starts the sprinkler and sends them running. Just be sure to turn off the sprinkler when you go out to garden.
 
Repellents that make plants taste or smell bad to deer can also help. You will find products containing things like garlic, hot pepper oil, and predator urine. Apply them before the animals start feeding for the best results. And reapply as directed on the label.
 
Include deer resistant plants whenever possible. Even though no plant is one hundred percent deer-proof, there are those the deer are less likely to eat. Include plants rated as rarely or seldom damaged by deer. And be sure to provide additional protection if you include plants known to be frequently or severely damaged.
 
Constantly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the methods used. Deer often change their feeding location and preferred food. And if the populations are high and the deer are hungry, they will eat just about anything. Be willing to change things up if one method is not working. Using multiple tactics will help increase your level of success.
 
So don't let hungry deer stop you from gardening. Be vigilant and persistent and send them elsewhere to dine.
 
Gardening expert Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener's Handbook. 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 segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers' website is www.melindamyers.com.
The compost heap
The grass is not always greener

"I am disappointed in your taking 'the industry's' hype on the environmental benefits of lawns," writes Deedy Wright, "and would like to take issue with your lead article this week in Seeds ('Environmental benefits of lawn,' August 10, 2016). That is hype straight from Madison Avenue. Certainly reasonably sized lawns can have benefits and increase curb appeal since we are all so brainwashed to demand a water-sucking lawn. But in terms of helping the critters in the environment, it is a virtual wasteland, particularly since we prefer to use non-native grasses as turf. Yes, lawns are calming to people - as is any garden! And yes, lawns are cooler than concrete or asphalt but so are mulched beds with lots of plants growing in them. Lawns do prevent erosion, but other plants do also, particularly the larger prairie grasses with root systems that go many feet into the earth. Don't think the recycling argument holds water, so to speak. Many people collect their clippings and send them to the dump. To get that grass to regenerate often takes fertilizer (generally artificial made with petroleum) and supplemental water if rain doesn't arrive at the right time. As for reducing carbon footprint, any plant will do that because they all use CO2. Unfortunately the care and maintenance (artificial fertilizer and power mowing) of lawns add carbon to the environment, so the carbon sink element of lawns is somewhat negated. Texas Gardener is better than being the shill for the lawn industry. Tell the whole story."

Even though there are other options for a lawn that are more environmentally friendly, we see positive things in a lawn in general (as opposed to concrete or asphalt). That is what the article was about. Our goal for turf areas has always been, "smaller, native, organic." - Chris S. Corby, publisher 
Gardening tips

If you have weeds in your lawn, do not use a broad leaf post emergence herbicide to control them because these products can damage some turf species when temperatures are above the mid-80s. The best weed control strategy is to build a dense, healthy turf grass over time by proper mowing, watering and fertilizing. That kind of lawn will choke out most weed problems.     
 
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.
AUGUST

San Antonio: "Colorization of Bluebonnets" will be presented Thursday, August 18, 1-3:30 p.m., at Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 208, San Antonio. The Texas State Flower has been given notable attention in paintings, songs and roadway beautification efforts. The "blue" in bluebonnet is only one of many colors available in this remarkable and beautiful wildflower. Retired AgriLife Extension Horticulturist Dr. Jerry Parsons worked many years to expand the choice of colors for the gardener and for overall beautification, and to garner further recognition for the Texas bluebonnet. During this afternoon seminar, Dr Parsons will share the history and efforts that have led to colorful new selections. Free and open to the public. Bexar County Master Gardner (BCMG) Educational Seminars/General Meetings are held on the afternoon of the third Thursday every other month. For more information contact BCMG President: President@bexarmg.org, or call 210-631-0400, or visit http://www.bexarmg.org/colorization-blue-bonnets/.

Seven Points: A free presentation on growing grapes in Texas will be hosted by the Henderson County Master Gardeners and presented by Dr. Justin Scheiner. Thursday, August 18, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Cedar Creek Library, 410 E Cedar Creek Parkway, Seven Points. Justin Scheiner received a B.S. in Horticulture and Crop Science from Sam Houston State University in 2005. In 2007, he received his M.S. in Molecular and Environmental Plant Sciences from Texas A&M University. Dr. Scheiner earned a Ph.D. in Horticulture from Cornell University in 2010. From 2010 to 2013 he served as the Director of the Viticulture and Enology Program at Grayson College. Dr. Scheiner joined the faculty of the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M as an Assistant Professor and Extension Viticulture Specialist in 2013. Dr. Scheiner's Extension activities include developing educational programming for prospective and current grape growers in the state of Texas and conducting applied research on best management practices for vineyards in areas of Texas affected by Pierce's Disease. Dr. Scheiner also teaches HORT 416 Understanding Wine: From Vines to Wines and Beyond, and he is a member of the graduate faculty in the Department of Horticultural Sciences. For more information, call 903-675-6130 or visit www.henderson-co-tx-mg.org.

San Angelo: A Lunch 'n' Learn seminar will be on Friday, August 19, and will feature Allison Watkins, AgriLife Extension Horticulturist talking about Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation. No matter what the weather is doing, we seem to always need more water. Learn how to capture and store rainwater when we get it, so you can use it when we don't. Also find out how to be the most efficient with landscape water so it will last as long as possible. The seminar is held at the Edd B. Keys Building, 113 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, in the AgriLife Extension Office, first floor. It starts at noon and goes until 1 p.m. Feel free to bring your lunch. The cost is $5. All funds go toward the PPC garden projects.

San Angelo: Green Thumb Gardening Mini Seminar on Saturday, August 20, from 9 a.m. until noon. There are three featured speakers. Tommy Olive, owner Olive Nursery, will talk about "Don't Treat Your Soil Like Dirt." He will discuss different ways to amend your soil to make your landscape more productive and require less water. Linda Rowe, Master Gardener, will talk about the benefits and how to's of Vermiculture-Worm Farming. Learn how to start a worm farm and how it can benefit your soil in your garden and landscape. Finally, Susan Stanfield, Master Gardener, will talk about composting and how to start a compost pile. She will also demonstrate how composting can be beneficial to lawn and landscape. The seminar will be held at the Southside Rec Center, 2750 Ben Ficklin Rd, San Angelo. Cost is $25 per person, $45 per couple. Refreshments are served and a special door prizes will be given away, including the materials to start a worm farm and a bottle of Tommy's special recipe of Olive's Oil. Pre-registration requested to assure materials, call 325-656-3104.

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/.

San Antonio: "Start Growing Your Fall Tomatoes Now!" will be presented Saturday, August 27, 10:30 a.m.-noon at Milberger's Landscape Nursery. 3920 North Loop 1604,San Antonio. This free Earth-Kind Seminar will be presented by David Rodriguez, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Horticulturist. South Texas offers vegetable gardeners two great growing seasons every year. Fall has milder temperatures which bring out the best flavors in home vegetable gardens. Insects and disease are less bothersome. And you can grow warm- and cool-season crops. Bring your questions and a notebook. Earth-Kind combines organic and traditional principles that help homeowners create lush yet environmentally safe gardens and landscapes. These research-proven techniques are successful, and preserve and protect the environment. For more information, visit http://www.milbergernursery.com/event/start-growing-your-fall-tomatoes-now/.

San Antonio: Michelle Gorham, Community Gardens Manager, will present "How to Start a Community Garden Workshop" Aug. 27 at EcoCentro, 1802 N. Main Ave., San Antonio. Green Spaces' staff has designed a great new workshop to expedite and ease the community garden startup process. It is based on years of identifying best practices. It is for any group which has a current funding source or at least has gathered lots of in-kind materials. Garden groups should also come to the workshop with passion for and dedication to their project, even if they might be lacking in the realms of community organizing, construction, and local-gardening practices. The workshop will be comprehensive in nature and 3-4 hours long. Topics covered will include: Organizing your community; Site selection and design; Overview of garden components like raised beds, pergolas, and rainwater collection; Resources for locally appropriate gardening techniques; Fundraising; and Garden maintenance. The cost for the workshop is $75/per person.
SEPTEMBER
Houston: Open Garden Day, with Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2. 8:30-11am, Monday, September 5, at the Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions. Free. Plants for sale every Monday in the Greenhouse. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

Tyler: "Fall Color for the Garden" will be presented by Patsy Besch at noon, September 6, in the IDEA garden in the Tyler Rose Garden, 420 Rose Park Dr., Tyler. The lecture is approximately 30 minutes with a Q&A session following. Seating is limited; please bring a chair for your comfort. In case of inclement weather, program will be held inside of the Tyler Rose Garden Center. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://txmg.org/smith/coming-events/ or call 903-590-2980.

Houston: "Revisiting the Dutch Masters" will be the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting, Thursday, September 8, 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 Dr. Jim Johnson, Director Emeritus of the Benz School of Floral Design. Dr. Johnson will discuss a number of famous still life paintings of roses done by Dutch Masters and replicate those arrangements before the audience. He will also discuss information on the proper preparation of floral stems and fruit for arrangements. Free admission. For additional information, visit www.houstonrose.org.

San Antonio: Shari Anderson, clinical herbalist and owner of Omni Star Farms in Boerne, will be speaking on the Herbal Remedies for Pain and Stress at the September 8 meeting of the San Antonio Herb Society. She has been involved in the cultivation, study of, and teaching of herbal healing since 1979. Shari's formal Botanical studies include studies with the American Herbalist Guild, course work with the Rock Mountain Center for Botanical Studies, the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, and Dr. Christopher's school of Natural Healing.Shari will bring a selection of special preparations to sell. Her presentation will provide an amazing wealth of remedies that plants and herbs can offer. The meeting will be held at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free and the public is welcome. For more information, visit www.sanantonioherbs.org.
 
Seabrook: Lecture series, Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2, present O.J. Miller, Clear Lake City Councilman and palm enthusiast, who will speak on "Growing Palms," 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., September 8, at the Clear Lake Meeting Room, 5001 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

Conroe: Montgomery County Master Gardeners will offer "Bees: Raising and Caring for Bees" at the Montgomery Co. AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe,9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., September 10. $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. For more info, visit http://www.mcmga.com/ or call 936-539-7824.

Kaufman: The Kaufman County Master Gardeners will host a Keyhole Gardening Seminar on Saturday, September 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Kaufman County Fairgrounds, 4001 S. Washington Street, Kaufman. Join Dr. Debbie Tolman, keyhole gardening expert and author of Soiled Rotten: Keyhole Gardens All Year Round, for an exciting and informative hands-on workshop. A keyhole garden is a self-composting, raised bed garden. Learn how keyhole gardening can minimize your work while maximizing your results. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the program starting at 9:00 a.m. After lunch, Dr. Tolman, with the help of participants, will build a keyhole garden using recyclables, including cardboard, magazines, clothing, and other items, at the Garden Learning Center. The program cost is $15.00 per person or $25.00 per couple. Registration must be pre-paid by Wednesday, August 17, 2016. Lunch is on your own, but food will be available for purchase on-site. Make checks payable to KCMGA and take the payment to the Extension office or mail to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 2471 N. State Hwy. 34, Kaufman, Texas 75142. For more information, call the Extension office at 972-932-9069.

La Marque: "Kitchen Gardening" with GC Master Gardener Mary Demny will be presented 9:00-11:30 a.m., September 10, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Free. Participants must pre-register: 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.
 
La Marque: "Composting" with GC Master Gardener Jim Gillian will be presented, 1:00-2:00 p.m., September 10, 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. Further details http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.

San Angelo: Concho Valley Master Gardeners proudly present their 5th Annual Landscape Symposium, Saturday, September 10. It will be held at the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Center, 7887 N. US Highway 87, San Angelo. Pre-registration is required. Early registration is $30 until August 22. Late registration is $40 from August 23 through September 6. Registration fee covers refreshments and lunch. No refunds or cancellations. Three featured speakers: Mike Shoup, owner Antique Rose Emporium, will talk about "Lessons from a Texas Rose Rustler." Jerry Parsons, retired Extension Agent, will talk about "Concho Valley Superstars" and "The Colorization of Bluebonnets." Finally, Steven Chamblee, Garden Manager of Chandon Garden, will talk about "Texas Shade Gardens" and "Great Garden Ideas." To register with check and parking and hotel information visit: txmg.org/conchovalley. To register with a credit card visit: http://mkt.com/cvmg. No child care will be provided. Register early, last year sold out.

San Antonio: "It's More Than the Spring!" will be presented Saturday, September 10, 10:30 a.m.-noon, at Milberger's Landscape Nursery, 3920 N Loop 1604 E., San Antonio. This free Earth-Kind Seminar will be presented by David Rodriguez, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Horticulturist. He will help you prepare for a Fall and Winter Vegetable Garden, and will answer your specific questions about your gardening issues. Bring a notebook. Earth-Kind combines organic and traditional principles that help homeowners create lush yet environmentally safe gardens and landscapes. These research-proven techniques are successful, and preserve and protect the environment. For more information, visit http://www.milbergernursery.com/event/its-more-than-the-spring/.

Austin: On Monday, September 12, Kirby Fry will discuss "Sustainable Design and Perennial Food Gardens," how he and a group of volunteers have implemented many gardens through events called permablitzes. The Austin Organic Gardeners' Club meets at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, in Zilker Botanical Gardens. Doors open at 6:30 pm for the opportunity to meet, mingle, and ask questions with local gardeners; club business begins at 7 pm, followed by our guest speaker's presentation. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org .

La Grange: "Turfgrass Management" will be presented by Brent Bachelor, 12:05 p.m.-12:50 p.m., September 13, at Fayette County AgriLife Extension Service, 255 Svoboda Lane, La Grange. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 979-968-5831.

San Angelo: Lunch 'n' Learn seminar will be on Friday, September 16, and will feature Allison Watkins, AgriLife Extension Horticulturist talking about Herbs and Butterfly Plants. Fall is a great time to plant an herb garden and butterfly plants, too. Get ready for the monarch migration that will be coming through with both nectar and food plants. Learn what butterflies need to visit your landscape. The seminar is held at the Edd B. Keys Building, 113 W. Beauregard in San Angelo, in the AgriLife Extension Office, first floor. It starts at noon and goes until 1 p.m. Feel free to bring lunch. The cost is $5. All funds go toward the PPC garden projects.

San Antonio: Herbs Outside of the Box Work(ing)shop will be presented by Anne Macaulay, Garden Steward, Texas Master Gardener, 9 a.m.-noon, September 17, at High Country Community Garden, 16418 Cypress Park, San Antonio. Why attend a workshop when you can partake in a Work(ing)shop? Green Spaces Work(ing)shops always include a hands-on activity and are held at one of the 37 network community gardens. Participants get to try their hand at a useful gardening technique, witness an active San Antonio community garden, while gaining experience from San Antonio's local experts and community gardeners. Herbs are an amazing addition to the San Antonio garden. Many are drought tolerant, grow well from seed (often volunteering from year to year), and are very nutritious when added to your favorite dishes. Because they are so easy to grow in San Antonio, why not give them a try and then learn to create delicious and unique snacks, meals, and gifts that your family and friends will enjoy. Join Master Gardener, High Country Community Garden Guru and 2014 Green Spaces Garden Steward of the Year, Anne Macaulay, as she expertly presents fun uses of locally grown herbs.

Angleton: The September Fest Open House will take place 9:00 a.m.-noon, Saturday, September 17, at Brazoria County Master Gardner site-BEES, 585 County Road 443 (Hospital Drive) Angleton. Master Gardeners will give presentations for a successful Fall Veggie Garden and discuss Fall Landscaping to improve home landscape. A Plant Sale with heat-tolerant plants will be available. Demonstrations in the Enabling garden featuring low-profile raised-bed planters as well as garden tours emphasizing herbs and ornamentals,Texas Star plants and composting will be show cased. Plant propagation techniques and building a rain drum will be demonstrated for the home owner/gardener. Free to Public and door prizes galore!

La Marque: "A Passion for Plumeria" with GC Master Gardener Loretta Osteen will be presented, 1:00-3:00 p.m., September 17 at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Free. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details  http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.
 
Houston: Open Garden Day, with Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2, 8:30-11 a.m., September 19, at the Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions. FREE. Plants for sale every Monday in the Greenhouse. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

Smithson Valley: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold their monthly meeting on September 20 at the GVTC Auditorium located at 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 Bob Fields, Landscape Photographer. Bob will speak on "Native Landscape Photography". The meeting is free and the public is welcome. For more information call Martha Guethle, 830-438-5996.

Woodway: Master Gardener Steven Lovecky will share his knowledge and love of growing Cacti and other succulents. (He knows a lot!) The program runs from noon to 2:00 p.m., September 21. Join us at the Pavilion at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd, Woodway, for an interesting afternoon. For more information, call 399-9204 or email jschaffer@woodwaymail.org.

San Antonio: "BEE Informed" will be presented Thursday, September 22, 6-8:30 p.m. at Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 208, San Antonio. Hear all about the Life of a Commercial Beekeeper as Lived by Randy Verhoek. Randy, a South Dakota native, and his wife Roberta started keeping bees in 1990. What started as a smaller scale operation with around 750 hives transformed into a commercial business involving more than 4,000 hives in 1999. Roberta's grandfather provided valuable mentorship with his 60 years of experience, and by 2003 they founded IntegriBees, LLC in Danbury. The Danbury operation is now the base operation for raising queens and bees for Texas and North Dakota honey production, as well as wintering bees until they are sent to California for almond pollination. Randy is on the board of directors of the National Honey Bee Advisory Board, is a founding member of the Pollinator Stewardship Council, serves as the past President of the American Honey Producers Association (A.H.P.A.), and also is a member of the Honey Bee Health Coalition as a representative for the A.H.P.A. Bexar County Master Gardner (BCMG) General Meetings are free to members and the public, and are usually held on the evening of the third Thursday every other month at the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office, Suite 208. Note: this meeting is being held on the fourth Thursday! The meeting will begin with a social time at 6 p.m. followed by the presentation at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact the BCMG President at President@bexarmg.org , call 210-631-0400, or visit: http://www.bexarmg.org/come-bee-informed/.

La Marque: "T-bud Grafting of Citrus & Fruit Trees" with GC Master Gardener Sue Jeffco presenting this hands-on workshop, 9:00-11:30 a.m., September 24, at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque. Free. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/, Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. NOTE: Class size is limited to 24 person participating. You must pre-register in order to participate. Others are welcome to observe.
 
La Marque: "Unusual Edible Plants" with Montgomery County Master Gardener Ed Naspinski will be presented, 1:00-2:00 p.m., September 24, 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. Galveston County Master Gardener event. For additional information, visit details http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.

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.
OCTOBER

Hitchcock: "Galveston County Master Gardener Annual Fall Plant Sale" Presale presentation of sale plants by GCMG John Jons, 8:00 a.m.-8:50 a.m.; Sale 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., October 15, at Galveston County Fair Grounds in Jack Brooks Park - Rodeo Arena, located at Hwy 6 and Jack Brooks Road, Hitchcock. For details and updates, visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.
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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