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April 7, 2010 Welcome to Texas Gardener’s Seeds, the weekly newsletter for Texas gardeners. Please do not reply to this e-mail because the sending address is not monitored. See the bottom of this newsletter for information on how to subscribe, unsubscribe, or contact the editor. |
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The garden reader: Going compostal
By
William Scheick Annie Spiegelman.
Talking Dirt: The Dirt Diva’s Down-to-Earth Guide to Organic
Gardening. Perigee [Penguin], 2010. $15.00.
If you are still
fairly new to gardening and hoping to get really serious about it, you
will find Annie Spiegelman’s Talking Dirt to be a handy
companion.
It is an
easygoing work written in a populist manner. “My plan was,” the author
explains, “to compress, simplify, and put a little clown hat on all the
scientific research, jargon, and botanical gobbledygook.”
With excellent
design features, including “Don’t Be a Chump” boxes and beautiful plant
drawings, Talking Dirt offers a step-by-step guide to organic
gardening. It can be read from beginning to end as a whole or it can be
consulted, as needed, topic by topic.
A detailed table
of contents and a conscientiously constructed index aid readers inclined
to skip to the parts pertinent to their immediate needs.
As an attractive
bonus, Talking Dirt often provides useful information on print
and electronic sources for readers seeking more detailed discussions of
a subject. The topics of the book range from conditioning soil and
growing native plants to harvesting vegetables and cultivating roses.
“Roses Are My
Weakness,” Spiegelman bluntly confesses in a chapter title. Rose
addicts, she admits, “seem somewhat normal on the outside but we’re
not.” Their most determined efforts to stop “adding just one more rose”
never take root.
“We’re done”
until “we realize we can get rid of some other boring shrub and plant
another English rose there instead. No one will suspect. We’ll divide
and conquer at dark wearing a ski mask.”
Her admitted rose
addiction aside, it’s to the author’s credit that she draws attention to
heirloom seed saving efforts and also takes a stand against polluting
pesticides, artificial fertilizers, leaf blowers and outmoded lawns. She
cites, for example, a 2007 research finding “that spending an hour
mowing your lawn can spew nearly the same amount of oily pollution into
the air as a 100-mile car trip.”
Sometimes
Talking Dirt can be a bit too succinct and could benefit from a
productive cautionary tweak here and there.
Cocoa hulls, for
instance, do indeed “look awesome, and [their] chocolate scent is
scrumptious.” But dogs find them enticing, too.
That’s
unfortunate because studies have shown cocoa hulls to contain the same
chemicals which make chocolate dangerous to dogs. So using this mulch
might imperil your or a neighbor’s pet.
In
another instance, Talking Dirt recommends iron phosphate products
for snail management, but fails to add that these pellets kill all snails, including eco-beneficial ones. So the die-hard organic
gardener is left with handpicking snails and buddying up to anoles or toads.
And wouldn’t it be helpful when mentioning bone meal as a good
phosphorus source to suggest a little care about applying it? While
there is (to my knowledge) no evidence that anyone has contracted bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) from specifically American-rendered
bone meal, advising care in handling this product seems sensible.
But enough
whistle-blowing. Any breezy approach to a subject has limitations, and
it’s also true (I’ve learned the hard way, alas) that no book is
perfect.
Appreciated as an
introductory gardening handbook, Talking Dirt is readable,
reliable and recommended. |
 Mulching. (Photo courtesy Melinda Myers LLC) |
Spring into the garden
season
Make this your best
gardening season yet. Melinda Myers, nationally known horticulturist and
gardening expert, suggests you “invest a bit of time now to ensure a
bountiful harvest and beautiful landscape throughout the season.”
Start by caring for spring flowering
bulbs. Water thoroughly, if needed, and fertilize established plantings
as the leaves appear. Myers likes to use a low nitrogen slow release
fertilizer because it will give bulbs a blooming boost.
Remove spent flowers on tulips and
hyacinths to direct the energy back into the bulbs instead of setting
seeds. Do the same to improve the appearance of daffodils. And, if you
are overrun with grape hyacinths and squills, a little deadheading will
help slow them down.
Keep the leaves on your bulbs until they
naturally yellow and dry. The leaves produce energy needed for beautiful
blooms next spring. The longer you have the leaves intact the more
energy and better bloom for next season.
Hide the declining bulb leaves by
planting annuals between the bulbs. “I like to add some perennials to
bulb displays for a more permanent solution. As the bulbs decline the
perennials will grow and mask the declining foliage,” says Myers. She
likes to mix with spring blooming perennials for double the impact or
combine with summer and fall bloomers to extend bloom time.
Now that your bulbs are cared for you can
start preparing a strong foundation for new plantings. Properly prepared
soil can help new plantings survive the heat, drought and pest attacks
of summer. Myers advises gardeners, “Add several inches of organic
matter to the top 6 to 12 inches of soil. Compost, peat moss, aged
manure and other organic materials improve drainage in heavy clay soil
and increase the water holding capacity of sandy and rocky soils.”
Incorporate a slow release low nitrogen
fertilizer before planting flowers and vegetables. The low nitrogen
formula makes it goof proof so you will not harm young tender plants.
The slow release formula provides small amounts of fertilizer over time.
This encourages overall growth without preventing flowering and fruit
production that can occur when too much nitrogen is applied.
Myers recommends homeowners “improve the
health of trees and shrubs with proper watering and mulch.” Water new
plantings whenever the top 4 to 6 inches of soil are crumbly and
slightly moist. And she reminds owners to “care for those established
plantings as well. These need a helping hand during extended periods of
drought. Always water thoroughly to encourage deep drought resistant
roots.”
Maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch
around trees and shrubs. Woodchips, shredded bark and other organic
materials help conserve moisture, suppress weeds and improve the soil as
they decompose. Keep mulch away from the trunk of trees and crowns of
other plants to reduce the risk of disease.
So, warm up those gardening muscles,
break out your tools, and get started gardening. |
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Gardening tips
"I grow sunflowers in the middle of my cucumbers as a climbing resource," writes M. Morrow. "The cucumbers like to climb the sunflower stalks." 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 2010 Planning Guide & Calendar. Please send your tips of 50 words or less to the editor at: Gardening Tips. |
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Did You Know...
Begonias are native to Brazil. They love warm weather and will bloom throughout the summer with foliage that is as attractive as the blooms and you can even eat the flowers. Some varieties like the sun; others prefer shade. Pinch them back in the late summer for more blooms into the fall. Now is the time to plant this versatile color plant in most of the state. (They are very tender. So, make sure all danger of frost has passed). |
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Upcoming garden events.
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.
Georgetown: The Williamson County Chapter of the
Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) will meet on Thursday,
April 8, at the Georgetown Public Library, Georgetown, at 7:00 pm. Speaking will be Lee Sherman, a
Stream Restoration and Water Quality Engineer for the City of Austin
Watershed Protection Dept., on stream restoration projects and best management
practices for water quality improvement. Visitors welcome. For additional information, visit
http://www.npsot.org/WilliamsonCounty/new/NPSOT_Williamson_County/Welcome.html
call Billye Adams at (512) 863-9636.
Tomball: “What’s New and Unique in The Plant World,” will be presented
by Rand Hopkins, Monrovia Plants, Thursday, April 8, beginning at 10
a.m. at The Arbor Gate, 15635 FM 2920, Tomball. Get a sneak preview of
what’s new from this industry leading nursery. For additional
information, visit
www.arborgate.com or call
(281) 351-8851.
Austin: Cool Plants for the Shade Garden is a free,
in-the-garden discussion to be held Friday, April 9, from 9 a.m. until
11 a.m. in the Demonstration Garden at AgriLife Extension Office of
Travis County, 1600B Smith Rd., Austin. See some of the shade loving
plants growing and learn about other perennials and annuals which
require limited sun. This seminar is free and open to the public. It is
presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners Association, a volunteer
arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. For
information, visit
http://www.tcmastergardeners.org or call the Travis County Master
Gardener's help desk at (512) 854-9600.
Belleville: The Bluebonnet Master Gardeners Annual plant sale will be held on
Saturday, April 10 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Austin County
Fairgrounds Pavilion in Bellville. There will
be directional signs to the fairgrounds on sale day. Expect flowers,
shrubs, trees, roses, houseplants, herbs, gifts, books and more. Expert
gardening advice, too. Proceeds will advance education, scholarships and
beautification for Austin, Colorado, Fayette and Washington counties.
For additional information, contact Judy at (979) 877-4706 or visit
www.bluebonnetmastergardener.org.
Quitman: The Governor Hogg Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. 100 Gov. Hogg Parkway. Quitman, will host a Plant Sale and Dogwood Fiesta Saturday,
April 10, at 9 a.m. and is over when the plants are gone. Find new, uncommon and Texas-tough perennials, ornamental grasses, hanging baskets, exotic plants and natives. For more information, visit
www.woodcountyarboretum.com or call Pam Riley (903) 466-4327.
Glen Rose: Somervell County Master Gardener Rainwater Specialists
Julie Conner and Greg Marsh will discuss some simple “How tos” that
result in the WOWs of collecting rainwater and will provide great ideas
and examples of systems currently in use. Monday, April 12, 6:30
p.m., at the Citizen’s Center, 209 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose.
Pearland: The Harris County Master Gardener Association will
present a program on WaterSmart Landscapes, Tuesday, April 13,
from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m., at Bass Pro Shops, Highway 288 at the Sam
Houston Tollway, Pearland. For more information, visit,
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu.
San Antonio: Sandy Ross and Kathy Carroll will discuss plant
propagation and give demonstrations on semi-hardwood and root cuttings
at the Guadalupe County (Schertz/Seguin) Chapter of the Native Plant
Society of Texas meeting 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 13, at the
Antique Rose Emporium, 7561 E. Evans Road, San Antonio. For additional
information, contact
quadalupecounty@npsot.org.
Hermann Park: The Houston Urban Gardeners will meet at 6:30
p.m., Wednesday, April 14, at the Houston Garden Center in
Hermann Park. Dianne Norman with Wabash Antiques and Feed Store will
talk about "What to Plant NOW." For additional information, visit
www.houstonurbangardeners.org.
Austin: The AgriLife Extension Office of Travis County, 1600 B
Smith Road, Austin, will host "Plant Propagation" from 9 a.m. until 11
a.m., April 17. Learning how to propagate from existing plants is a
great way to populate your garden or pass along your favorites to
friends. This seminar covers various propagation methods including
cuttings, layering, and division, and help you overcome that fear of
starting plants from seeds. The seminar will be part presentation, part
participation so class size is limited to 30 participants. Please
call the Master Gardener Help Desk at (512) 854-9600 to reserve your
place. Participants must also bring scissors and an empty, clear
plastic, 2-liter soda bottle with lid for the hands-on project. This seminar is free and open to the public.
For additional information, visit
www.tcmastergardeners.org or call the Travis County Master
Gardener's help desk at (512) 854-9600.
Beaumont: The
Jefferson County Master Gardeners will host their annual spring plant
sale and Market Day April 17, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Southeast
Texas Regional Airport, Hangar #4, Jerry Ware Drive, Beaumont. This
event is the largest of its kind in the Golden Triangle, complete with
vendors of all kinds and, of course, a huge plant sale. Gardening
seminars are offered free of charge and Master Gardeners are on hand to
answer questions and to help you choose the right plants for your
landscape. For more information, call (490) 835-8461.
Cleburne: "Texas Tuff Plants" is the theme of the Johnson
County Master Gardener Plant Sale on Saturday, April 17. The sale
to be held at the Cleburne Senior Center, 1212 Glenwood Drive, Cleburne, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. will feature
perennials, shrubs, and annuals selected for their ability to perform
well in harsh Texas conditions. There will be talks by gardening
specialists and master gardeners will be available for consultations. For additional information contact Joan Leach,
leach@ticnet.com.
Georgetown: Spring Garden Fair, sponsored by Williamson County
Master Gardeners, will be held April 17, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
at the WilCo AgriLife Extension Office, 3151 Inner Loop Rd., Georgetown.
The fair will include gardening classes, a country store, demonstrations
on rainwater harvesting, identifying oak wilt, a huge plant sale and so
much more! A Plant Preview class is offered at 8 a.m. highlighting the
plants available; attendees will get early admission to the sale. Granbury: Lake Granbury
Master Gardener's Annual Plant Sale will be held Saturday, April 17,
from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Hewlett Park Pavilion, Granbury, across from
the Conference Center. All of your favorite plants will be offered as
well as some new items. Mini seminars will be presented by Master
Gardeners and will include drawings for prizes. For more information,
contact the Hood County AgriLife Extension office at (817) 579-3280.
Nacogdoches: The SFA Gardens at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches will host its annual Garden Gala Day on
April 17 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the lower arboretum parking lot on Wilson Drive. Stephen F. Austin State University Outdoor Pursuits will host an Earth Day Celebration in conjunction with this year’s sale. The event features the annual spring plant sale fundraiser benefiting the SFA Mast Arboretum, Pineywoods Native Plant Center, Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, and educational programs hosted at the gardens. All the plants are produced at SFA by the staff, students and volunteers. A wide variety of hard to find, “Texas tough” plants will be available. The public is encouraged to arrive early and bring a wagon. For more information, call (936) 468-4404, or visit
http://arboretum.sfasu.edu and click on “upcoming events.”
San Marcos: Heirloom tomatoes and native
plants will be for sale along with free garden tool cleaning and
sharpening service, Saturday, April 17, at the San Marcos Nature
Center, 430 Riverside Dr., San Marcos. Bring your dull shovels and hoes.
Get ready to plant your purchases. Sponsored by Hays County Master
Gardeners and San Marcos Nature Center. Stephenville: The annual Native & Heirloom Plant
Fair will be held Saturday, April 17 on the grounds of the beautiful
Stephenville Museum in Stephenville. A wide variety of vendors offer
native & adapted plants, herbs, garden supplies, concessions, books,
produce, yard art, seeds, and arts & crafts. Informative speakers will
share gardening ideas. Vendor space is free; contact Russell for details
at
pfau@tarleton.edu or (254) 968-9761. For additional information,
visit
http://www.stephenville.com/museum/.
Rockport:
David Ilfrey, Landscape Designer, will present "Deigning with
Native Plants" from noon until 1 p.m., Tuesday,
April 20, at the Aransas County Library, 701 E. Mimosa, Rockport.
For additional information, call (361) 790-0103 or visit
http://aransas-tx.tamu.edu.
Seabrook: Diana Foss from Texas Parks & Wildlife will present
"Backyard Pollinators" beginning at 10 a.m., April 21, at The
Meeting Room at Clear Lake Park (on the lakeside), 5001 NASA Road 1,
Seabrook. For more information, visit
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu.
Tyler: The Tyler Men’s Garden Club will host
Spring Fling, their spring plant sale, in the parking lot on the north
side of the Broadway Square Mall, Tyler, on Saturday, April 24, 2010,
from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The plants available for sale are locally
grown. The feature plant of Spring Fling has always been the oak leaf
hydrangea. These are gorgeous plants with large pendulous white blooms.
Their foliage turns beautiful red burnish colors in fall. There will
also be ‘pass along’ plants such as butterfly ginger, red spider lily,
confederate rose, and Turk’s cap. Plant shoppers will also find a range
of other plants, such as Japanese maples, cannas, day lilies, irises,
orchids, root beer plants, maple hibiscus, bromeliads, and some
vegetable seedlings.
Austin: The Travis County Master Gardeners
Association will present "Growing Vegetables from Seeds," Wednesday, April 28, from 7
p.m. until 9 p.m., at Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd.,
Austin. Why pay for vegetable transplants when you can easily grow them
yourself? Learn about supplies, timing, varieties, seeding how-to and
tips on transplanting to the vegetable garden. This seminar is free and open to the
public. For more details, visit
http://www.tcmastergardeners.org or call the Travis County Master
Gardener's help desk at (512) 854-9600.
Austin: "Gardening for Butterflies & Hummingbirds" will be
held at the Demonstration Garden at the AgriLife Extension Office of
Travis County, 1600 B Smith Road, Austin, from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.,
Friday, May 7. This seminar is appropriate for anyone wanting to
incorporate the correct plants into the garden to attract these
beauties. Learn plant food sources, host plants and nesting places for
the most common butterflies and hummingbirds in Central Texas. This
seminar is free and open to the public. For additional information,
visit
www.tcmastergardeners.org
or call the Travis County Master Gardener's help desk at (512) 854-9600.
Denton: The Denton County Master Gardener 2010 Spring Garden
Tour and Plant Sale will be held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday,
May 8. Tickets $8 in advance; $10 at the gate; $5 single garden.
Children under 14 free. For additional information, including locations
of the gardens, visit www.dcmga.com
or call (940) 349-2883. Rockport: The 10th Annual Hidden Gardens Tour by Aransas/San
Patricio Master Gardeners will be held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.,
Saturday, May 8. Tickets are $10 and are available from the
Aransas County Texas AgriLife Extension office, 611 E. Mimosa. In the
event of rain, the tour will be rescheduled for May 15. For additional
information, call (361) 790-0103.
San Antonio: The San Antonio Antique Rose Emporium and the Comal
Master Gardener Association will present their annual Herb Affair at the
Antique Rose Emporium, 7561 E. Evans Road, San Antonio, Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Dill, the 2010 Herb of the Year, will be featured. Demonstrations will
include the many ways to use herbs throughout the home and garden,
including herbs for pest control, cleansers, nature printing and other
crafts. For additional information, visit
www.antiqueroseemporium.com,
http://grovesite.com/mg/comal,
or call (210) 651-4565.
Highland Lakes: Join a discussion of “Texas Tough Plants” which
are suitable to Central Texas and view examples of Native and Native
adapted plants that grow well in Hill Country gardens. This free
Green Thumb program is presented by the Highland Lakes Master Gardeners
and the Lakeshore Library Speaker Series on Tuesday, May
11 at 2:30 p.m. at the Lakeshore Library located at 7346 Hwy 261, 3.6 miles past the intersection with FM 1431 in
Buchanan Dam. Highland
Lakes Master Gardener Sheryl Yantis has a beautiful program showing and
discussing the plants that are recommended to grow vigorously in the
area. Get a preview of some recommended plants at
http://yantislakesidegardens.giving.officelive.com/sherylsgarden.aspx.This
is a free program but attendees must reserve their seats. Call the library at (325) 379-1174.
Alvin: The Lone Star Daylily Society will hold a daylily and
plant sat, May 15, from 9 a.m. until sold out, at the Alvin
Senior Center, Alvin. Judging of flowers begins at 10:30 a.m. and the
show opens to the public at 2 p.m., For additional information, visit
www.lonestardaylilysociety.org or call Michael Mayfield at (281)
996-9310. San Antonio: The San Antonio Daylily Society
Show and Sale will be held Saturday, May 15, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at
the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio. For
additional information, call (210) 824-9981.
Austin: "How to Create a Wildlife Habitat" will be presented
from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., Saturday, May 22, at the Demonstration
Garden at AgriLife Extension Office of Travis County, 1660 B Smith Road,
Austin. Learn how to attract butterflies, birds, insects, toads, and
other creatures by utilizing plants which create food, cover, water and
places to raise young. A Master Naturalist volunteer will lead the
discussion. This seminar is free and open to the public. For more
information, visit
www.tcmastergardeners.org
or call the Travis Country Master Gardener's help desk at (512)
854-9600.
Brenham: The Barrington Living History Farm's gardens will be
open Saturday and Sunday, May 29-30 from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Learn about the foods pioneers grew to feed their families in the Brazos
Valley in the 1850s. See the heirloom varieties Republic of Texas
President Anson Jones may well have been growing on his farm. Barrington
Living History Farm is located at Washington-on-the-Brazos State
Historic Site off Highway 105 on FM 1155 between Navasota and Brenham.
Admission: adults $5; students, $3; children 6 and under free. For
additional information, call (936) 878-2214, ext. 246, and ask for
Kellie, or visit
www.birthplaceoftexas.com. Nacogdoches: The Stephen F. Austin State University Pineywoods Native Plant Center will host the 5th Lone Star Regional
Native Plant Conference June 2-5 in Nacogdoches. The conference will be
held on the SFA campus, home to the Mast Arboretum, the Ruby Mize Azalea
Garden, and the 40-acre Pineywoods Native Plant Center. Join a unique
blend of naturalists, horticulturists, nurserymen, landscapers, and
gardeners and for talks ranging from green roofs to landscape design and
native azaleas, guided tours featuring unique local flora, and
educational workshops. Registration begins February 1. For more
information, visit
http://arboretum.sfasu.edu or contact Dawn Stover at (936) 468-4404
or
dparish@sfasu.edu. Weatherford: The 26th annual Parker County Peach Festival will
be held from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday, July 10, in downtown
Weatherford. More than 200 arts/crafts, produce and food vendors will
line the historic streets. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and
under are free. For additional information, visit
www.peachfestivaltx.com or
contact
info@weatherford-chamber.com or (888) 594-3801. 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.
Pearland: 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
Bass Pro Shop, Highway 288 at Sam Houston Tollway, Pearland. For more
information visit
http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu or call
(281) 991-8437.
Schertz: The Guadalupe County
(Schertz/Seguin) Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT)
meets the second Tuesday of each month except July and August at
the library, 798 Schertz Parkway, Schertz. A plant exchange and meet-and-greet
begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by a program at 7 p.m. 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.
Beaumont: The Jefferson County Master Gardeners meet at 7 p.m. the
second Thursday of each month at the AgriLife Extension Office,
1225 Pearl Street, Suite 200, Beaumont. For more information, call (409)
835-8461.
Brownwood: Brown County Master Gardeners Association
meets the second Thursday of each month, from Noon to 1 p.m., at the Brown
County AgriLife Extension Office, 605 Fisk, Brownwood. For additional
information, call Freda Day (325) 643-1077, or Mary Engle (325)
784-8453.
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 meet at the
Salvation Army in Orange on the second Thursday of each month. A covered-dish dinner at 6:30 p.m. is followed by a speaker and business
meeting at 7 p.m. 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 Senior Circle Rooms, College Station Professional Building
II, 1651 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.
Cleburne: The Johnson County Master Gardeners meet the third Monday of each month
at McGregor house on the corner of West Henderson and Colonial Dr. in
Cleburne. A program starts at 6 p.m., followed by a meet-and-greet with
refreshments and a short business meeting. For information visit
http://www.jcmga.org/.
Arlington: The Arlington Men's Garden Club meets from 7 p.m.
until 9 p.m. on the third Tuesday 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.
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 Sugar Land
Community Center, 226 Matlage Way, 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.somervellmastergardener.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.
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 at 7 p.m. the
third Thursday of each month, except December, at the Texas AgriLife Extension
Bldg. at 210 E. Live Oak, Seguin. An educational program precedes the
business meeting. The public is invited to attend. For topic or other information,
call (830) 379-1972 or
visit
www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.
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.
Brackenridge Park: The Native Plant Society San Antonio Chapter
meets every fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 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. Dallas: The Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 2:30 p.m. on the
fourth Sunday of each month at the North Haven Gardens, 7700
Northaven Rd., 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.
|
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Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife By Kelly Conrad Bender
NEW EDITION of the popular Texas Parks & Wildlife book, now with
fully searchable DVD containing all the plant and animal information you
need to customize your backyard habitat.
Whether you have an apartment balcony or a multi-acre ranch, the Texas
Wildscapes program provides the tools you need to make a home for all
the animals that will thrive in the native habitat you create.
In Texas Wildscapes, Kelly Conrad Bender identifies the kinds of
animals you can expect when you give them their three basic needs: food,
water, and shelter. She then provides guidelines for designing and
planting your yard or garden to best provide these requirements for the
many birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates the
environment will attract. $31.88 includes tax and shipping
Order online with credit card at
www.texasgardener.com or call toll-free 1-800-727-9020.
Visa, MasterCard and Discover
accepted. |
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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. |
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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.) |
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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.) |
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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 |
