 |
March 11, 2009 Welcome to Texas Gardener’s Seeds, the weekly newsletter for Texas gardeners. Please do not reply to this e-mail as the sending address is not monitored. See the bottom of this newsletter for information on how to subscribe, unsubscribe, or contact the editor. |
 |
Menard Morning Glories youth garden group wins coveted national title By Steve Byrns Like the flower the group is named for, Menard's Morning Glory Junior
Master Gardener group just keeps blooming and growing. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service horticulture
group started in 2005 with just eight members and has now blossomed to
30 youngsters fourth grade and older.
They currently have 22 raised-bed garden plots
where they maintain and grow a number of spring, summer and fall
vegetables including onions, potatoes, all types of greens, tomatoes,
egg plants, peppers and a host of other plants plus a few morning glory
vines, said Mary Kniffen, the group's volunteer adult leader. The plots
are located across the street from Menard Junior High School in an area
provided by the Church of Christ in Menard. Participants learn how to
plant, water, care for, harvest and eat their production.
The group also performs community beautification
projects around this rural West Texas town of 1,300. But their latest
bounty is perhaps their biggest, Kniffen said.
The group has been awarded the 2009 National Junior
Master Gardener Group Service and Achievement Award. They will be
formally recognized at the International Master Gardener Conference
March 23 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Morning Glories received the award for
exemplifying excellence through hard work, personal achievement and
service to their community, according to the award requirements. They
were among three groups that made it to the finals in their category.
The other finalists were the Midway Junior Gardeners of Powder Springs,
Ga., and the Riverview Raccoons of Brooklyn Park, Minn. Menard Elementary/Junior High principal Kyle
Chambers lauded the program and the young people it involves.
"The leadership, responsibility, community
involvement and confidence these students learn through the program are
of immeasurable value," Chambers said. "The program not only teaches
these values, it also is an incentive for students to achieve at high
levels.
"Our school is 70 percent economically
disadvantaged and 80 percent at risk," Chambers said. "The program gives
these students opportunities to be involved in activities that no other
program can provide. It's a true asset to our school and community.
"It is key to keeping our school beautiful, but its
top value is giving some of our most needy students a positive
productive way to be successful and self-confident."
The program is under the leadership of Kniffen,
said Jerry Kidd, AgriLife Extension agent for agriculture and natural
resources in Menard County.
"Mrs. Kniffen and her husband Billy practice the
lessons they teach their Junior Master Gardeners," Kidd said. "The
couple's home, gardens and greenhouse and the native and acclimatized
plants they propagate and raise are watered solely by rainwater
harvested through an extensive rainwater harvesting system the home
employs."
Billy Kniffen is also AgriLife Extension's water
resources specialist for rainwater harvesting headquartered in Menard.
To date the group's activities have included
beautification projects at the local fire department, library,
elementary and junior high schools, garden club and at locations serving
senior citizens.
To learn more about the Junior Master Marketer
program click on:
http://jmgkids.us/texas/. |
|
|
In memory of Madalene Hill
Madalene Hill,
botanist, breeder, grower, author, international herb garden lecturer
and designer, teacher, mentor, former President of the Herb Society of
America, and reference source for all things herbal in the plant world,
passed away March 4, 2009. Madalene Hill was the resident designer and Garden Director of the
McAshan Gardens at the International Festival-Institute at Round Top.
Remembrances and memorial thoughts may be sent to Gwen Barclay, Madalene's daughter, care of the McAshan
Gardens at Round Top.
Gwen Barclay In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Library of the Herb
Society of America.
The Herb Society of America For additional information about Madalene Hill, visit
Playin'
Outside, Texas Gardener contributing writer Vicki Blachman's blog. |
|
|
Sales of seeds
skyrocket
Recession? Not for companies that sell vegetable seeds. Americans are
buying vegetable seeds and starter plants in record numbers, according
to a survey of garden catalog and Web site companies. "Sales of
vegetable seeds are up from 28 to 60 percent from 2008," said Randy
Schultz, spokesperson for the Mailorder Gardening Association (www.mailordergardening.com).
Sales of vegetable seeds and starter plants are up more than 40% at
Harris Seeds (www.harrisseeds.com). At Wood Prairie Farm (www.woodprairie.com),
which sells organic seed potatoes and organic vegetable seeds, early
spring sales are up 30%, and that's on top of a 20% increase last year.
"We're shipping seeds as fast as we can," said Jim Gerritsen, co-owner
of Maine-based Wood Prairie Farm. Bruce "The Onionman" Frasier at
Dixondale Farms in south Texas (www.dixondalefarms.com) says sales of
onion plants are up 28% this year, led by a new variety called Red Candy
Apple.
The popularity of growing vegetables isn't limited to America's
backyards. Recent reports reveal that President Obama is going to plant
a vegetable garden at the White House. The last time the 18-plus acre
White House lawn was used for vegetable gardening was during the 1940s,
when first lady Eleanor Roosevelt started a home-gardening movement that
helped feed the nation during World War II. |
|
|
Wherever you live, you
can attract and enjoy hummingbirds
Spring brings hummingbirds, and these little birds aren't shy! They'll
visit apartment balconies, windowpanes, porches or decks, and backyards
big and small. With a simple feeder and a little sugar-water, anyone can
enjoy these delightful little jewels.
Our smallest bird, the amazing hummingbird is a joy to watch. They can
hover in place, fly up, down, forward and backward, even sideways. And
they're one of our most colorful birds, with beautiful iridescent
plumage that flashes like gems in the sunlight. Having hummingbirds
nearby is a constant source of entertainment!
Feeding and attracting hummingbirds is easy. In the wild, hummingbirds
feed on the sugary nectar of flowers, tree sap and small insects. But
they also thrive on a mixture of sugar and water, offered in a "nectar"
feeder, made to hold the sweet liquid. |
 |
Gardening tips
"Some growers in Hawaii have been able to produce lettuce year round by using shade cloth" writes Brent E. Moon, Urban Garden Program Manager for the City of Houston Parks Department. "Plant your seeds as you normally would, then erect shade cloth over the area. Shade cloth will lower the ground temperature, allowing the seed to germinate. This may not work in our hottest months here in Texas but could extend the lettuce-growing season by a month or two on either end." 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 Texas Gardener's 2009 Planning Guide & Calendar. Please send your tips of 50 words or less to the editor at: Gardening Tips. |
 |
Did You Know... Wood ash from the fireplace is a source of potassium, but adding it to alkaline soil should be avoided because it will increase the pH. Instead, use greensand as a source of potassium if your soil is deficient in this element. |
|
Upcoming garden events
Kingsland: The Kingsland
Library Lunch and Learn and the Highland Lakes Master Gardeners Green
Thumb Program present a free class “Square Foot Gardening, Victory
Garden, Gardening in Pots” by Master Gardener Violet Carson on
Wednesday, March 11, at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk St. at Noon.
For additional information, call (325) 388-8849.
Georgetown: The Native Plant Society of Texas,
Williamson County Chapter meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the second Thursday
of each month at the Georgetown Library, 402 W 8th St., Georgetown. On
Thursday, March 12, Jason Radcliff, landscape architect with TBG
Partners, designed the landscape at the Wolfe Ranch Town Center. He will
talk about plants, design and a bit about maintenance.
Huntsville: Walker County Master Gardeners
will present a free seminar "Herbs and Heirlooms" on Thursday, March
12 at 6 p.m. at the County AgriLife Extension Office at 102 TAM Road
(located on the corner of Hwy. 75 North and TAM Road approx. 2 miles
north of the Pilot Truck Stop). The seminar will provide information on
the wonderful world of herbs — culinary and medicinal. Topics also
include discussion of heirloom vegetables, especially tomatoes. Come
away with a list of herbs and vegetables for your own kitchen garden and
recipes for your kitchen table. If you have questions, please call (936)
435-2426.
Huntsville: It's a Spring Thing! Walker
County Master Gardener's will hold their Spring Plant Sale on Saturday,
March 14 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Master Gardeners Greenhouse
located north of Huntsville on the corner of Highway 75 N. and TAM Road
(102 TAM Rd.) approximately 2 miles north of the Pilot Truck Stop. Bring
your wagon, your gardening and landscaping ideas and load up with a wide
assortment of vegetables (including heirloom tomatoes and peppers),
herbs, Texas natives and perennials, hard-to-find pass-along plants,
citrus, persimmon, blackberries, blueberries and much more. Many of
these selections won't be found at the "big box" stores. Gardeners
willing and weather permitting, we may have fresh, seasonal produce.
Come early and shop the Country Store for gardening shoes/boots, gloves,
hats, books and tools. Refreshments will be available. Proceeds will be
used to benefit Master Gardener community activities and educational
projects. For more information, please call (936) 435-2426 or visit
www.walkercountymastergardener.org/.
Tomball:
"Herbs Unplugged Two" will be held at Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920,
Tomball, Saturday, March 14, at 10 a.m. Ann Wheeler, Log House
Herbs, and Chef Chris Crowder will discuss Simple Herbal Recipes along
with easy growing tips. Gunters Heirloom Vegetables will also be on
hand. This class is free. For additional information, call (281)
351-8851.
Houston: Tour the working and demonstration gardens maintained
by the Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2, Monday, March
16, 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa Red
Bluff, Houston. The garden includes an extensive vegetable garden, fruit
orchard, perennials, roses, herb and cactus gardens and 2 working
greenhouses. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening
questions during this free event. For more information, visit
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu.
Austin: Growing a Spring Vegetable Garden,
presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners Association, a volunteer
arm of the Texas A&M and Travis County AgriLife Extension Service, will
be held March 18, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Zilker Botanical
Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin. Enjoy juicy tomatoes, crisp
cucumbers, and delectable green beans straight from your garden. Baskets
of okra and armloads of squash can be grown in your garden! Learn how to
plant and maintain a spring vegetable garden from Master Gardener Patty
Leander, a frequent contributor to Texas Gardener, who will share
her expertise on vegetable varieties that perform well in Central Texas,
recommended planting times, and composting. This seminar is loaded with
basic facts and helpful ideas, useful to both new and experienced
vegetable gardeners. This seminar is free, open to the public and does
not require reservations. Please arrive early as this is one of our most
popular seminars. For more details, visit
http://www.tcmastergardeners.org or call The Travis County Master
Gardeners help desk at (512) 854-9600.
Seabrook: The Harris County
Master Gardeners lecture "Color Your Garden — Master Gardener Favorites"
will be presented by Ginia Keen-Matern, who is both a Harris County and
Chambers County Master Gardener, March 18, 10 a.m., at The
Meeting Room at Clear Lake Park (on the lakeside), 5001 NASA Road 1,
Seabrook. Keen-Mater is an accredited landscape design consultant for
National Gardening Clubs of America. She has taken pictures of master
gardener gardens and will explain how the use of sound design principles
create beautiful gardens. For more information, visit
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu.
Conroe: Montgomery County Master
Gardeners Spring Plant Sale will be held Saturday, March 21, 9
a.m. until 1 p.m.. Program by Montgomery County Horticulturist Tom LeRoy
begins at 8 a.m. Limited seating. Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 9020
FM 1484, Conroe. For additional information, call (936) 539-7824.
Houston: The Harris County
Master Gardener Propagation Workshop, "Growing Plants from Seeds and
Cuttings," will be offered Saturday, March 21, 9
a.m. until 1 p.m., at Environmental Institute of Houston, University of
Houston Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., MC540, North Annex Office,
Houston. Propagation is a great way to save money. In this hands-on
workshop, learn about and practice a variety of methods to propagate
popular plants. All participants will take home the plants they
propagate. Early registration fee $15 before March 14. Registration at
the door $20. Attendance is limited. For more information, visit
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu.
Nacogdoches: Nacogdoches Azalea Trail
Symposium: Azaleas and More—Companion Planting will be held Saturday,
March 21, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Stephen F.
Austin State University Agriculture Building on Wilson Drive,
Nacogdoches. Symposium presenters focus on colorful companions for
azalea gardens: “Japanese Maples in the Landscape” by Elizabeth Mundy,
owner of Acer Acres, Inc. in Beaverdam, Virginia, and “Perennials for
Shade” by Dawn Stover, Ornamental Plant Evaluations Research Associate
at the Mast Arboretum. Includes Japanese maple grafting workshop,
grafting knife, and tree to take home. Lunch is provided, followed by
tips on propagating azaleas and a guided tour of the SFA Ruby M. Mize
Azalea Garden by Barbara Stump. Co-sponsored by SFA Mast Arboretum and
the Texas Chapter of the Azalea Society of America. Fee $40 to SFA
Gardens members; $50 to non-members. Call (936) 564-7351 or
sfagardens@sfasu.edu to register or for more information.
Tomball:
"Southern Treasures," featuring Dr. Bill Welch and Chris Wiesinger
sharing their passion for southern garden gems, will be held at Arbor
Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball, Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. This
class is free. For additional information, call (281) 351-8851.
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardeners will present "Budding and
Grafting Ornamentals," Noon-1 p.m., March 23, at the Pattie
Dodson Health Center, 2805 N. Navarro St., Victoria. James Rother will
speak. Free to public. Bring sack lunch. For additional information,
contact Victoria County Extension Office, (361) 575-4581.
Tomball: "A
Simple Approach to Life and Gardening" presented by Malcolm Beck, is a
timely and special visit by the father of organic gardening practices in
Texas, held at Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball, Tuesday, March 24,
10 a.m. This class is free. For additional information, call (281)
351-8851.
Cleburne: The Johnson County Master Gardener
Plant Sale will take place Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. until
3 p.m., at Hulen Park, Cleburne. Natives, herbs, butterfly plants,
tomatoes, peppers and much more will be available. Demos and lectures
will be presented by the Master Gardeners throughout the day and there
will be activities for the kids in the Jr. Master Gardener booth. For
more information, contact Pat Kriener at (817) 793-4625.
Bonham: The Fannin County Master Gardeners
will host the 5th Annual Fannin County Garden, Lawn & Home Expo from 9
a.m. until 4 p.m., March 28, at the Multi-Purpose Complex in
Bonham. There will be five guest speakers, a variety of vendors, and
lunch may be purchased from the Fannin County 4-H Club. For additional
information, call (903) 583-7453.
Burnet: The
Eleventh Annual Hill Country Lawn and Garden Show sponsored by the
Highland Lakes Master Gardeners Assn. in conjunction with the Burnet Co.
AgriLife Extension Service will be held on Saturday, March 28,
from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. at the Burnet Community Center located at 401 E.
Jackson St. in Burnet. Vendors feature only lawn and garden products,
such as herbs, native plants, vegetable plants, bedding plants as well
as the latest in equipment and garden decorations. There will be
informative speakers and demonstrations as well as children's
activities. No charge for admission. For additional information, contact
Sammye Childers, Publicity Chair, at sammyenmike@yahoo.com or (830)
693-5061.
Northeastern Texas: The Texas AgriLife Extension
Service is now accepting registration for the Northeastern Texas
Panhandle Master Gardener 2009 Educational Series, a seven-month
training for gardening enthusiasts. This advance training will cover
topics such as landscape design, vegetable gardening, soil science,
pesticide management, insects/disease management, irrigation management,
lawn and turf, and proper plant selection.
Registration is open to anyone willing to participate and agree to give
back to the program through 50 hours of community service efforts. Fifty hours of advanced training will be offered in
various locations throughout the area and are scheduled monthly from
April through October. Applications and a complete list of dates and
topics, as well as registration packets, can be picked up at AgriLife
Extension county offices in Wheeler, Hemphill, Lipscomb, Gray, Roberts,
Ochiltree and Hutchinson counties. Applications should be turned in with
the $150 registration fee by March 31. For more information,
call one of these AgriLife Extension county offices or contact Kyle Barnett,
AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Hemphill
County,
at (806) 323-9114. Granbury: The Lake Granbury Master Gardener Association
Plant Sale will be held April 4, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the
Hewlett Park Pavilion across from the Hilton Hotel. Texas natives,
perennials, annuals, vines, vegetables, shrubs and trees will be
available along with a limited amount of beautiful, handmade garden art.
Master Gardeners will present hourly mini-seminars beginning at 9 a.m.
For more information, contact Kristi Brooks at
remuda1@aol.com.
Stephenville: The annual Native & Heirloom
Plant Fair will be held April 4, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the
Stephenville Museum, 525 E Washington St., Stephenville. Vendors will be
offering native Texas plants, adapted plants, herbs and vegetables, arts
& crafts, gardening supplies, nature and garden related gifts,
concessions, and much more. Speakers will be delivering informative
presentations and/or workshops. A self-guided nature trail along the
Bosque River is on site. Vendor space is FREE; interested vendors should
contact Russell Pfau at
pfau@tarleton.edu.
Bellville:
The Bluebonnet Master Gardeners will host their 6th annual plant sale
from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, April 4, at the Austin County
Fairgrounds Pavilion, State Highway 159 East, Bellville. Arrive early
for best selection of annuals, perennials, shade, semi and full sun
plants, roses, shrubs, trees houseplants tomato plants and more. Some
plants that are not normally at local nurseries will be available. There
will also be some "pass along" plants from the members. Master Gardeners
will be available to assist customers in selection and maters regarding
the culture of each plant. For additional, information, call Judy
Manning at (979) 865-0102.
Georgetown: The Native Plant Society of Texas,
Williamson County Chapter meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the second Thursday
of each month at the Georgetown Library, 402 W 8th St., Georgetown. On
Thursday, April 9, Kerry Blackmon, District Landscape Architect
with the TxDOT Austin district, will discuss survey factors that have to
be considered when designing roadside landscapes and native plant use.
There will also be a question and answer session.
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardeners will present "Color Your
Landscape With Annuals and Perennials," Noon-1 p.m., April 13, at
the Pattie Dodson Health Center, 2805 N. Navarro St., Victoria. Nancy
Kramer will speak. Free to public. Bring sack lunch. For additional
information, contact Victoria County Extension Office, (361) 575-4581. League City: The Kemah-Bay Area Garden Club will again award a
$500 scholarship to a graduating senior in the Dickinson or Clear Creek
School Districts. Students planning to study Horticulture, Floral
Design, Agriculture, Aquaculture, Landscaping, Forestry, Environmental
and related subjects may apply. Last year's recipients may reapply. The
deadline to submit applications is
April 15. For applications and more information, please contact
Eileen Gilley at (281) 535-1978.
Nocogdoches: The SFA Mast Arboretum will host its annual Garden Gala
Day on April 18 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the SFA Intramural Fields on
Wilson Drive, Nocogdoches. This event features the annual spring plant
sale fundraiser benefiting the SFA Mast Arboretum, Pineywoods Native
Plant Center, Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, and their educational
programs. All of the plants are produced at SFA by the staff, students
and volunteers. The public is encouraged to arrive early and bring a
wagon. For more information
and a list of plants for sale call (936) 468-4404, or visit
http://arboretum.sfasu.edu and click on "upcoming events." Rosenberg: The Texas Rose Rustlers and the
Fort Bend Master Gardeners will present "Fling With Felder," 10 a.m.,
April 18, at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Building C,
Rosenberg. Felder Rushing has authored 15 gardening books, writes
numerous newspaper columns, and hosts a radio garden talk program. He
uses an off beat, “down home" approach with humorous anecdotes and
irreverent garden metaphors to help gardeners get past the “stinkin’
rules” of horticulture. Admission is free. For additional information,
contact Becky Smith at
bas@wcec-wb.net.
San Antonio: Spring is budding April 18-19 at the San
Antonio Botanical Garden! Walk Across Texas, an official Fiesta event at
the San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston at North New Braunfels
Avenue, San Antonio, will be held 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April
18. Just in time for spring planting, gardeners will want to get
there early for the Spring Plant Sale on the same weekend. All varieties
of San Antonio-friendly plants will be on sale Saturday-Sunday, April
18-19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The annual Walk Across Texas event literally
gives visitors a "walk across Texas" right in the heart of San Antonio.
The loop trail system of the Texas Native Trail winds through an 11-acre
native area of the Botanical Garden allowing guests to experience the
diverse ecosystems of the Hill Country, East Texas Piney Woods and South
Texas Plains. And don't forget the Spring Plant Sale held in the
Garden's Greenhouse area. Hundreds of spring plants expertly cultivated
by the San Antonio Botanical Society Plant Team of Volunteers and
several plant societies will be on sale Saturday and Sunday, April
18-19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Botanical Society members may get a sneak peek of
the Plant Sale a day early — Friday, April 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m. as well as
8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. For more information, call (210) 829-5100
or visit
www.sabot.org.
Woodway: A Gardener's Gathering will be held
at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, Woodway, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.,
April 26. The free event, sponsored by Woodway Beautiful, will
include an opportunity to gather growing tips and advice, purchase
plants, and enjoy an afternoon of music and events for the entire
family. For additional information, contract (254) 399-9204.
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardeners will present "Insect
Control," Noon-1 p.m., April 27, at the Pattie Dodson Health
Center, 2805 N. Navarro St., Victoria. Helen Boatman will speak. Free to
public. Bring sack lunch. For additional information, contact Victoria
County Extension Office, (361) 575-4581.
Tyler: 2009 Home Garden Tour, sponsored by the Smith County
Master Gardeners, will be held May 2, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Five delightful homes, ranging from a large formal traditional garden in
an historic neighborhood to a modest home in a country setting,
spotlight a variety of landscaping styles and methods. Tickets are $10
in advance and $12 the day of the tour. To order tickets: make checks
payable to SCMG and mail to 14608 Foxwood Circle, Tyler TX 75703.
Georgetown: The Native Plant Society of Texas,
Williamson County Chapter meets from 7 to 9 pm on the second Thursday of
each month at the Georgetown Library, 402 W 8th St., Georgetown. On
Thursday, May 14, Kelly Conrad Bender of Texas Parks and
Wildlife, and author with Noreen Damude of Texas Wildscapes: Gardening
for Wildlife, will speak on creating wildscapes and how you can get the
latest information, since the book is now out of print.
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardeners will present "Rainwater
Harvesting," Noon-1 p.m., May 11, Pattie Dodson Health Center,
2805 N. Navarro St., Victoria. Glen and Kathy Chilek will speak. Free to
public. Bring sack lunch. For additional information, contact Victoria
County Extension Office, (361) 575-4581.
Fort Worth: The Greater Fort Worth
Herb Society's Annual Herb Festival will be held from 9 a.m. until 3
p.m., May 16, at the Fort Worth Botanic Center, 3220 Botanic
Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. For additional information, call (817)
874-6405, e-mail
festival@gfwhs.org, or visit
www.gfwhs.org.
Greenville: The Hunt County Master Gardeners Town and Country
Tour will be held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. May 30 at Heritage
Garden, 2217 Washington St., Greenville. In the event of rain, the event
will be held June 6. For additional information, visit
www.huntcountymastergardeners.com or
call (903) 455-9885.
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardeners will present "Essentials for Building a
Trellis, Arbor and Raised Beds," Noon-1 p.m., June 8, at the
Pattie Dodson Health Center, 2805 N. Navarro St., Victoria. Ed Gregurek
will speak. Free to public. Bring sack lunch. For additional
information, contact Victoria County Extension Office, (361) 575-4581.
Quitman: The Friends of the Arboretum is hosting a photography contest to promote
and document the natural resources, history and beauty of Wood County.
Both amateur and professional photographers are encouraged to
participate in this contest. Photographers are to submit electronic
images of flowers, native plants, landmarks, architectural elements, and
landscapes that depict one of the four seasons in Wood County. Images
must have been taken within Wood County, and within the last two years.
These photographs will be used by the Friends of the Arboretum various
print and electronic media to be distributed at various venues and
displayed on the Friends' website. First prize winners in each class
will receive a professionally printed 11 X 14 canvas of their original
work, which will be donated by jeb Originals in Winnsboro. Second and
third place winners will each receive a ribbon. And, all prize winners
will receive recognition from the display of their work in various
venues and forums. Classes are: Adult Amateur, Adult Professional,
Student Senior Division (Ages 17 to 14), and Student Jr. Division (age
13 and younger). There is no entry fee, but all entries must be
accompanied by the completed official entry form, which can be
downloaded at
http://woodcountyarboretum.com. Entries
must be received prior to midnight on July 1. Contestants may
enter as many times as they wish, but a separate official entry form
must be included for each entry. The Gov.
Hogg Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, located in Quitman, is a
23-acre site dedicated to gardens, walking trails and the preservation
of historic buildings. The development of the site is ongoing with
volunteer help from Wood County Master
Gardens, local garden clubs, various civic organizations and the
generosity of the area businesses. The Friends of the Arboretum is a
non-profit group dedicated to raising funds and volunteering time in
support of the development of the Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. For additional information, contact Pam
Riley at (903) 967-2820 or email
friendsarboretum@yahoo.com.
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardeners will present "Water Gardening," Noon-
1p.m., July 13, at the Pattie Dodson Health Center, 2805 N.
Navarro St., Victoria. Pat Plowman will speak. Free to public. Bring
sack lunch. For additional information, contact Victoria County
Extension Office, (361) 575-4581.
Victoria: Victoria County Master Gardeners will present "Mulching, Composting and
Water Conservation," Noon-1 p.m., August 10, at the Pattie Dodson
Health Center, 2805 N. Navarro St., Victoria. Monica Pilat will speak.
Free to public. Bring sack lunch. For additional information, contact
Victoria County Extension Office, (361) 575-4581.
MONTHLY MEETINGS
Rockport: The Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners meets at 9
a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the AgriLife Extension
Office - Aransas County, 611 E. Mimosa, Rockport. For additional
information, e-mail
aransas-tx@tamu.edu or call (361)
790-0103.
Kilgore: Northeast Texas Organic Gardeners
meets at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at Wildwood
Eco-Farm in Kilgore. For more information, call Carole Ramke at (903) 986-9475.
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.
Austin: Austin Organic Gardeners meet at 7 p.m. on the second
Monday of each month at the Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin. For more
information, visit
www.main.org/aog.
Friendswood: The second Tuesday of each month the
Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold a free evening
educational program for the public, called the Green Thumb Series, at
Southeast Church of Christ, 2400 W Bay Area Blvd., Friendswood, about 1
mile west of I-45 and Baybrook Mall. For more
information visit
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu or call
(281) 991-8437.
Houston: The Clear Lake City Garden Club meets the second
Tuesday of each month September through May at 9:30 a.m. in the
Board Room of the Clear Lake Recreation Center, 16511 Diana Lane,
Houston. This small garden club is open to all residents of the Bay Area
interested in horticulture and making new friends. Visitors are welcome
meetings. For further information, please e-mail Sue at
flosflores@comcast.net.
Schertz: The Guadalupe County
(Schertz/Seguin) Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT)
meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Guadalupe County
Annex, 1101 Elbel Road, Shertz. A plant exchange and meet-and-greet
begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by a program at 7. For additional
information or an application to join NPSOT, contact
guadalupecounty@npsot.org.
Rockport: The Rockport
Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the second
Wednesday of each month, with the exceptions of June and July, to
discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical
uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation, meets at 619
N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport at 10 a.m. 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.com.
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.
College Station: The A&M Garden Club meets on
the second Friday of each month during the school year at 9:30
a.m. at the Exit Center, 1600 Rock Prairie Road, College Station. Expert
speakers, plant sharing, and federated club projects help members learn
about gardening in the Brazos Valley, floral design, conservation
topics, and more. For more information, visit
www.sallysfamilyplace.com/Clubs/GardenClub.htm.
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.
Rockport: The Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners host Brown
Bag events the third Tuesday of each month, from noon until 1
p.m. at Aransas County Library, 701 E. Mimosa, Rockport. For a complete
listing of all events or additional information, e-mail
aransas-tx@tamu.edu or call (361) 790-0103.
Sugar Land:
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.
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/.
Houston: The Native Plant Society of Texas —
Houston (NPSOT-H) meets at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month except for October (4th Thursday) and December (2nd Thursday). Location
varies. For locations, for more information on programs, and for
information about native plants for Houston, visit
http://www.npsot.org/Houston.
Rosenberg: The
Fort Bend Master Gardeners meet at 7:15 p.m. on the third Thursday of
each month except December at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center
located at 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg. For more information, call (281)
341-7068 or visit
www.fbmg.com.
Seguin: The
Guadalupe County Master Gardeners meets the
third Thursday of each month at the Texas AgriLife Extension
Bldg. at 210 E. Live Oak at 7 p.m. For more information, phone (830) 379-1972 or
visit
www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.
Longview: The Northeast Texas chapter of the Native
Plant Society of Texas meets the third Thursday of each month
at St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Longview. For more information, call
Logan Damewood at (903) 295-1984.
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.
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 Fort Worth Botanic Gardens main building.
Refreshments are served. For more information, call (817) 274-8460.
Seabrook: The Harris
County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold an educational program at 10
a.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at The Meeting Room
(on the Lakeside) at Clear Lake Park, 5001 NASA Road 1, Seabrook. The
programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu.
Dallas: The Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 6:45 p.m. on the
fourth Thursday of each month at the Fretz Park Recreation Center,
located at the corner of Hillcrest and Beltline Road in Dallas. For more
information, call (214) 824-2448 or visit
www.dogc.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.
If you would like your organization’s events included in
"Upcoming Garden Events," please contact us at
Garden Events. To ensure inclusion in
this column, please provide complete details at least three weeks prior
to the event. |
 |
The Southern Kitchen
Garden
By William D. Adams and Thomas R. Leroy A kitchen garden, or potager, is a
celebration of the seasons: brimming with vegetables, herbs, flowers,
and even fruit trees, it’s our link with nature and a source for fresh
produce. The kitchen garden has always been an important part of life in
the rural South, at times meaning the difference between being well-fed
or going to bed hungry. In recent times, the kitchen garden has become
more fashionable and now more and more homeowners are reaping the
delicious rewards of growing their own food.
A kitchen garden needs little more than a
small raised bed, so an aspiring gardener with only a modest backyard
will have plenty of room to get started. If you have more space on your
hands, then you can include some produce requiring a little more space
like fruit trees, corn or pumpkins.
In the book, the authors with take you
through the process of starting your very own kitchen garden from
location to soil preparation to planting and then to harvest. It is also
loaded with useful information on propagation, pest control and is laced
with mouth-watering recipes and beautiful color photographs.
$21.30 plus shipping*
Order online with credit card at
www.texasgardener.com or call toll-free 1-800-727-9020.
*Or with credit card by phone and receive
FREE shipping. That is a $3.50 savings! Visa, MasterCard and Discover
accepted. |
 |
Wish you’d saved
them?
Are you missing an important issue of
Texas Gardener? Or, perhaps, just tired of thumbing through stacks
of back issues looking for the tips and techniques you need to make your
garden grow? These new CDs provide easy access to all six issues of Order by calling 1-800-727-9020.
(Discover, MasterCard and Visa accepted.)
*Other volumes will be available soon. |
 |
Doug Welsh’s Texas Garden Almanac
Doug Welsh’s Texas Garden Almanac is a giant monthly calendar for
the entire state — a practical, information-packed, month-by-month guide
for gardeners and "yardeners." This book provides everything you need to
know about flowers and garden design; trees, shrubs, and vines; lawns;
vegetable, herb, and fruit gardening; and soil, mulch, water, pests, and
plant care. It will help you to create beautiful, productive, healthy
gardens and have fun doing it.
$26.63 plus shipping*
Order by calling 1-800-727-9020 or
order on-line.
*Mention
Texas Gardener’s Seeds when ordering by phone and we’ll waive shipping charges. (Discover, MasterCard and Visa
accepted.) |
 |
Fiber row cover
valuable year-round
Grow-Web encourages plant growth and development, and also provides
protection from insects, birds, diseases and frosts. It is also air and
water permeable and allows for ventilation. Grow-Web provides excellent
protection to seedlings when applied directly to the seedbed.
$30.64 per 12.3’ x 32.8’ roll (includes shipping!)
Order by calling 1-800-727-9020 or
order on-line.
(Discover, MasterCard and Visa
accepted.) |
|
|
Missed an issue? Back issues of Texas Gardener’s Seeds are available at www.texasgardener.com/newsletters. Publisher: Chris S. Corby ● Editor: Michael Bracken Texas Gardener’s Seeds, P.O. Box 9005, Waco, Texas 76714 ● www.TexasGardener.com |