January 11, 2017
  

Soft Orange, courtesy Longfield-Gardens.com
Soft Orange_ courtesy Longfield-Gardens.com
Add some garden pizzazz to your landscape with easy-care dahlias
 
By Melinda Myers
 
Plan now for a memorable grand finale in this year's garden. Dahlias are spring-planted bulbs with big, colorful flowers that bloom continuously from midsummer to the first fall frost.
 
Early in the season, the foliage of these easy-care plants provides a lush green backdrop for nearby annuals and perennials. Then, as many other plants are waning from the summer heat, dahlias burst into bloom, filling the garden with their impressive flowers for months to come.
 
There are many types of dahlias and many ways to use them. Shorter border dahlias like the Gallery or Melody series are perfect for planting along walkways, in the front of a flower border, or in pots next to the patio. The compact plants support full size flowers for a dazzling display.
 
Plant taller varieties in the middle of the flower border, and boost their ornamental appeal by including varieties like Fascination and HS Flame with burgundy foliage. The darker leaves combine nicely with the greens of their neighbors and are the perfect backdrop for the rose-pink and bright red blossoms.
 
Dahlias dazzle with their many unique flower shapes and sizes. The brilliant color and rolled petals of the cactus dahlia Karma Red Corona are sure to make you stop and take a second look. Or consider the powder puff blooms of Myrtles Folly, with petals that capture the colors of a sunrise. Dinnerplate dahlias, like deep purple Thomas Edison, grow 4 feet tall and have enormous, 8" flowers.
 
Suppliers such as Longfield Gardens (longfield-gardens.com) offer dozens of dahlia varieties as well as attractive mixes based on color themes and flower styles. A combination like the Soft Orange mix, works great in the garden and combines nicely in an arrangement.
 
Don't be afraid to cut your dahlias. Picking encourages more blooms for you to enjoy. With as few as three to six plants you'll have plenty of flowers to enjoy yourself and share with friends. Since dahlias thrive in the same great soil as vegetables, consider adding a few plants to your food garden as well. You'll be able to cut fresh flowers for the dinner table when harvesting the vegetables for your next meal.
 
In northern areas where dahlias are not winter hardy, the tubers can be dug and stored indoors for the winter. Or make it easy and just treat your dahlias like other annuals. With so many wonderful varieties to choose from, it's fun to try different ones each year.
 
Review your garden plans to identify places that could benefit from a burst of late season color. Order your dahlias early for the best selection, plant them in the spring and enjoy a spectacular show.
 
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone" DVD set and the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers' website is www.melindamyers.com.
Editor's Note: Gardening news is slow at the beginning of the year, and many gardeners are unable to work in their gardens during winter. We thought you might enjoy a change of pace during this slow season, so following is a gardening-themed short story presented for your enjoyment. - Michael Bracken, editor

A Garden for Adonis
 
By Debra H. Goldstein
 
When the book burners came, I was frightened. Like before, we heard the whispers first. A word here, a word there. People spoke in hushed quick tones for fear of being misinterpreted.
 
They started building the pyre on Sunday, even though it wouldn't be lit until Tuesday. Mr. Sawyer, the owner of the lumber yard, gave them chips and tinder to make sure there would be a good base. Everyone started bringing books. One, two, and then handfuls from their homes. Mama took a few from the shelf in our living room. I watched her run her fingers across the spines until she selected three she could part with.
 
"Why?" I said.
 
"Because, we must." She shooed me from the room. "While I'm gone, tend the garden. The tomatoes need staking and covering before the frost."
 
"Shoot, that won't take long. I could go with you and still be done before dark."
 
"No. It will take time to do the job right. Each plant needs an individual cover. There's a stack near the steps. No slacking off. Understand, sir?"
 
And, I did. When she left with her armload of books, I trudged outside as promised. She'd taught me tomatoes die if the frost gets them, but I wished Mama believed in floating row covers. I'd have been done in a flash. But no, Mama likes those individual baglike covers that breathe and have drawstrings to hold them in place. They're a real nuisance, but better than the old way of using plastic. With plastic, you had to make sure none of it touched the plants because cold plastic killed any part of a plant it came in contact with.
 
I didn't finish quickly, but Mama took an even longer time coming home. When she did, she sat in her chair in the living room staring at our bookshelf. I left her alone for a while before I checked on her.
 
"Mama? Are you hungry?"
 
She didn't answer me directly. Her puffy eyes belied the smile she gave me, before her gaze returned to the bookshelf. "It wasn't enough. They emptied the library and then the school, but they want more." A tear fell from her eye. "Adonis, I'm afraid there won't be any left for you."
 
I knelt beside her chair. "Don't worry, Mama. Why don't you lay down? It's getting dark outside. You don't have to take them now, do you?"
 
"Not until tomorrow." She smoothed my hair. "For twelve, you're quite a little man. Papa would have been proud of you." With a final ruffle of my hair, she stood and went to her room. I rocked back on my knees and stared at the books. Then, I thought about the task I'd done that afternoon. Staking and protecting tomatoes was the last thing I'd wanted to do and maybe, just maybe, I hadn't done the job exactly to Mama's liking.
 
I knew I better fix things.
 
It took forever. That's because I used up all of Mama's extra covers individually covering each book I planted next to a staked tomato plant.
 
By the time the book burners left town, the tomatoes were long picked and snow, instead of frost, was in the air. With winter coming, it seemed like a good time to dig up anything that might seed my future gardens.
 
Judge Debra H. Goldstein is the author of Should Have Played Poker: a Carrie Martin and the Mah Jongg Players Mystery (Five Star - 2016) and the 2012 IPPY Award winning Maze in Blue, a mystery set on the University of Michigan's campus. She also writes short stories and non-fiction. Learn more at http://www.debrahgoldstein.com.
Top 10 new plants for 2017
 
High Country Gardens
 
High Country Gardens, a top online source for beautiful plants that thrive in even the most challenging conditions, has introduced new perennials for Spring 2017. The new varieties include the long-blooming Straight Up Red Texas Yucca and the pollinator magnet Englemann's Daisy. The Top 10 New Plants described below - and hundreds of additional perennial favorites - are available at www.highcountrygardens.com .
 
Straight Up Red Texas Yucca PPAF
Hesperaloe parviflora
The High Country Gardens 2017 Plant of the Year is Hesperaloe parviflora 'Straight Up Red ' - a n exclusive introduction that introduces the reddest flower color to ever grace a Texas Yucca. S traight Up Red Texas Yucca provides gardeners with a summer-long display of red flowers held on upright flower spikes that reach 5-6 feet tall. Use this Texas Yucca selection when uniformity of size and shape are important. Essentially a sterile plant, 'Straight Up Red' puts all its energy into growing flowers instead of seeds. This plant is a hummingbird magnet in the late summer garden. It thrives throughout USDA Zones 5-9, and it is drought tolerant.
 
Agastache Blue Boa (Blue Boa Hummingbird Mint) is a stunning new hybrid that blooms for many months from mid- to late summer with showy spikes of deep violet-blue flowers. This perennial plant is a stiffly upright grower, with large green leaves that grows best in fast-draining soil and average moisture levels. It's not a xeric species, so it needs regular watering. The fragrant flowers of this variety attract butterflies, but the plants are resistant to deer and rabbits. Leave the stems in place over the winter months to improve the plant's cold hardiness. Agastache Blue Boa thrives throughout USDA Zones 5-8, where it will reach 30-36" tall and 15-18" wide.
 
Prairie Phlox (Phlox villosissima) blooms in late spring with hundreds of fragrant, bright pink flow ers. Use this native perennial as a groundcover for harsh, poor soil growing sites where it will form colonies of low-growing plants. This selection hails from central Texas and is an excellent choice for areas with hot, humid summers. Prairie Phlox is deer and rabbit resistant, yet its flowers are delicately scented. Plant it in full sun in USDA Zones 5-9. Mature size is 4-6" tall and 15-18" wide.
 
White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida) is a wonderful prairie wildflower with showy white flow ers in the summertime. The flowers of this legume are sweetly fragrant and very attractive to butterflies. The plants have finely textured clover-like foliage and add nitrogen the soi l, thereb y helping the plants around it to grow more robustly. White Prairie Clover is well adapted to grow ing in poor, dry soils. This tough, waterwise perennial prefers full sun in USDA Zones 3-8, and it stays small enough (15-18" tall and 12" wide) to fit almost anywhere in a garden bed.
 
Engelmann's Daisy (Englemannia peristenia)
Englamannia peristenia Pat Howard
Engelmann's Daisy (Englemannia peristenia) is a tough, colorful native plant that blooms all summer. Its bouquets of bright yellow daisies start in late spring and continue throughout t he heat of summer. The nectar-rich flowers are especially attractive to butterflies and bees. This wildflo wer is native across the western Great Plains into Texas, New Mexico and Colorado, and it is extremely adaptable and resilient. Engelmann's Daisy grows well in all types of soil including clay. It is easy to grow and will re-seed itself gently, like blue flax, when happy in its garden home. USDA Zones 4-8. Grows 18-36" tall and 15-18" wide. Deer and rabbit resistant.
 
Lavender is one of the most dependable flowering perennials in the garden. The Long Blooming Lavender Collection delivers lovely lavender blossoms from late spring through fall with a carefully selected assortment of fragrant and hardy English and French hybrid varieties.
 
English Lavenders begin the season, starting with twice-blooming Sharon Roberts English Lavender and Miss Katherine Lavender , an unusual pink variety. Next up is Blue Cushion English Lavender , which will start with profuse blooms in late June, continuing throughout the summer. As the season progresses, French Lavender will become the focal point. In mid-summer, Grosso Lavender , a large-growing variety (30" tall and 3-4 ft. wide) will come into bloom with dark blue flower spikes. Grosso is wonderfully fragrant and makes a good choice for lavender sachets and culinary use. Grosso will be complemented by Lavender Gross Blue , a compact-growing lavender with indigo-blue calyces and lavender flowers that have a sweet, long-lasting fragrance. And finally, in September, re-blooming Sharon Roberts English Lavender again fills your fall garden with fragrant blooms.
 
The Lavender Collection is hardy in USDA Zones 6-9 (and can be grown in Zone 5b if plants are insulated with mulch or a cover in the winter).
 
New Jersey Tea plant has luxuriant glossy leaves and bright white flowers that make this durable shrub a real winner in the landscape. This cold-hardy deciduous shrub stays relatively small, reaching up to 36" tall and 36" wide. Use several plants, two to three feet apart, to create a low-growing, drought-tolerant native hedge. (The thick, woody roots grow deep to help this plant withstand drought conditions.) New Jersey Tea Plant is excellent for attracting hummingbirds, which eat the tiny insects that pollinate the white flowers. Plant it in average, well-drained soil throughout USDA Zones 3-8 in full sun or morning sun and afternoon shade.
 
A miniature gem that's native to South Africa, Tufted Iceplant is a fabulous cold-hardy succulent for use in rock gardens and containers. The prolific blooms start in early to mid-spring, when Delosperma sphalmanthoides' evergreen foliage literally disappears under a mat of bright magenta flowers. Out-of-bloom, the tiny, cylindrical blue-green leaves resemble a miniature ocean anemone. This is a true groundcover plant that only grows 1" tall and spreads to 4" wide. Use Tufted Iceplant to fill small spaces in a rock garden or between flagstone pavers, or plant in masses to cover larger expanses of garden space. Prefers full sun and dry conditions. USDA Zones 5-9.
 
Gentle Giant Sulphur Buckwheat is an especially large-growing selection of the western native E. umbellatum. It blooms with a profusion of bright yellow flat-topped flowers in early summer. This long-lived, shrubby perennial is an excellent choice for planting in hot, dry, poor soil. 'Gentle Giant' will attract numerous native bee species and other beneficial insects. This is an especially attractive companion plant for pairing with English and French hybrid lavenders. The evergreen foliage makes this an attractive plant even when it's not in flower. It grows 18-24" tall and 24-28" wide in Zones 4-8.
 
Texas Blazing Star (Liatris mucronata) is a large, showy perennial that blooms in late summer to attract numerous butterflies to its nectar-rich lavender-pink flowers. This Liatris species offers an amazing display of tall, lavender-pink flowers - and each flower stalk is a true magnet for pollinators. Originating from the plains of northern Texas, Oklahoma and the Southern Great Plains, this resilient plant is a more xeric (waterwise) choice than Liatris ligulistylus and Liatris aspera, and it is best for drier planting sites. Texas Blazing Star (Liatris mucronata) will grow well in USDA Zones 5-9. Grows 24-30" tall and 18"wide. Deer resistant.
Gardening tips

Baby, it's cold outside...but those cool-season flowers like stock, snapdragons, pansies and violas need extra nutrition now to boost growth and keep them blooming. Scratch the fertilizer into the soil and water in well. Repeat monthly.        
 
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 copy of Texas Gardene r's 2017 Planning Guide & Calendar. Please send your tips of 50 words or less to the editor at: Garde ning 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.
JANUARY

Houston: Harris County Master Gardeners Precinct 2 Lecture Series featuring Charlene Perry of "Diggit Organics." She will present a program on Vermiculture, Composting Worms. 10:00-11:30 a.m., January 12, at the Genoa Friendship Garden Educational Building, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston. Note: New Location. For more information, visit https://hcmga.tamu.edu. 

Houston: "Backyard Rose Hybridizing" will be the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting on Thursday, January 12, at the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion, 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston. The parking lot is Lot C, located at Hermann Drive and Crawford Street. The program will be presented by John Jons, an award-winning Galveston County Master Gardener, Texas Master Naturalist and American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian. John has hybridized the new and unique 'Texas Tough Roses.' One of his roses has been selected as an American Rose Society 'All American Rose Center Trial Grounds Winner.' Free admission. For more information, visit www.houstonrose.org.

Nacogdoches:
Stephen F. Austin State University's SFA Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. January 12 in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. Dr. Jason A. Smith will present, "Laurel Wilt and Beyond: Emerging Threats to American Trees." Smith is associate professor of forest pathology, the co-founder of the Emerging Threats to Forests Research Team and State Forest Health Extension specialist at the University of Florida. The focus of his research program is to provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and biology of interactions between tree hosts, pathogens, their vectors and the environment in order to reduce the impact of disease on trees. Smith's current research focuses on phylogeography and pathogenicity of tree pathogens and management of diseases affecting rare, endangered or relict tree species in a changing climate. Smith's research has recently focused on laurel wilt of redbay and avocado, new oak diseases and re-emerging pine diseases in the Southeastern United States. In addition to serving as the principal investigator of the Forest Pathology Laboratory, Smith teaches graduate and undergraduate courses and carries out forest health extension activities, including advanced tree diagnostic services. Professionally, he is active in the American Phytopathological Society and American Conifer Society and serves as associate editor of the journal Forest Pathology. The Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series is held the second Thursday of each month and includes a rare-plant raffle after the program. The lecture is free and open to the public, but donations to the Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series fund are always appreciated. Parking is available at Raguet Elementary School, 2428 Raguet St., with continual shuttle service to the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building. For more information, call 936-468-1832 or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu  .

Rosenberg: The Fort Bend Master Gardeners will present a program on Thursday, January 12, to preview the trees to be sold at their Annual Fruit and Citrus Tree Sale. Topics will include how to plant, prune and care for the trees, as well as an overview of trees at the sale. The program will be held at the Bud O'Shieles Community Center, 1330 Band Rd., Rosenberg. The doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the program will be from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. For more information call 281-341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.org.

San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society meets January 12. Beginning in 1995, the International Herb Association has chosen an Herb of the Year to highlight. Based upon being outstanding in at least two of the three major categories: medicinal, culinary, or decorative; the herb of the year is selected. This year's selection is Coriander/Cilantro. Leslie Bingham will present a fun and informative look at the Herb of the Year with the assistance of fellow herb society member, Adrienne Hacker. Leslie has a degree in Horticulture, was a member of the Herb Society of America, Southern Ontario Unit for more than 20 years, and is currently a member of San Antonio Herb Society. In addition, Leslie has worked on the restoration of several 19th century museum gardens including Dundern Castle, McKenzie House Museum, and Montgomery's Inn Museum where she delved into the historical archives, letters, journals and diaries to re-create the garden designs of the early 19th century inhabitants. The meeting will be held at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels at Parland,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.
 
Tyler: Smith County Master Gardeners at the library, January 13 at 11:30 a.m. "Winter Sowing" with Trish Wittinger. Presentation with Q&A to follow. Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College, Tyler. Free and open to the public. For additional information, call 903-590-2980.

La Marque: "Growing Great Tomatoes (Part 2 of 3)" with GC Master Gardener Ira Gervais presenting, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., January 14, 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. Further details: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.
 
La Marque: "Successful Spring Vegetable Gardening" with GC Master Gardener Herman Auer presenting, 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m., January 14, 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. Further details http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.

Rosenberg: Join the Fort Bend Master Gardeners at their 2017 Fruit and Citrus Tree Sale on Saturday, January 14. The sale will be held at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds - Barn H, Rosenberg. The sale will be open from 9:00 a.m. until noon or until sold out. For more information call 281-341-7068 or visit www.fbmg.org for a list of trees and directions to the sale.

San Antonio: David Rodriguez, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Horticulturist will present a Fruit Tree Seminar, January 14, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Milberger's Landscape Nursery, 3920 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio. Whether you want to plant one fruit tree or an orchard, learn the basic steps of selecting appropriate tree species, how to properly plant them, how to train and manage these trees as well as harvesting and general overall maintenance. Email Angel Torres-Luna at matorres@ag.tamu.edu for more information.

Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Evening at Peckerwood Lecture Series: Friday, January 16, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., 20559 FM 359 Rd. Hempstead. Topics will include various aspects of horticulture, botany, garden design, plant collecting adventures, conservation and many other related fields of interest. Wine and refreshments provided. $10 admission and parking, $5 for members. For more info, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/ or info@peckerwoodgarden.org.

Houston: Open Garden Day , with Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2. 8:30-11 a.m., January 16, Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston. Master Gardeners will also be available to answer your gardening questions. FREE. Plants for sale in the Greenhouse. Details: https://hcmga.tamu.edu.

La Marque: "Gardening by the Square Foot" with GC Master Gardener John Jons presenting, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., January 17, 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. Further details: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.

Smithson Valley: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold their monthly meeting on January 17 at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, Smithson Valley. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. The speaker will be Andrew McNeil-Marshall, LBJ Wildflower Center. Andrew will speak on "Texas Oak Collection, Hall of Texas Heroes and other exciting exhibits at the Center." The meeting is free and the public is welcome. For more information, call Martha Guethle, 830-438-5996.

LaGrange: The Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association is offering a training program with weekly classes running from January 19 to graduation on April 25. Classes will be held on Thursday mornings at the Fayette County Agriculture Building in LaGrange. Topics for the class include plant growth and development, entomology, soils and plant fertility, landscape and fruit trees, plant pathology, vegetable gardening, lawn care and various aspects of environmental horticulture. Classes are taught by Texas AgriLife Extension specialists, agents, and local experts. The Texas Master Gardener program boasts the largest corps of Master Gardener volunteers in the nation. A love of gardening and search for knowledge is central to why Master Gardeners join the program. They remain Master Gardeners to enjoy the camaraderie and friendship of others who share their interests, to gain and share horticulture knowledge, and to give back to the community. For additional information, contact Susan Yancey at susan.yancey@gmail.com.

La Marque: "Fig Tree Pruning and Propagation" with Certified, GC Master Gardener Terry Cuclis presenting, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., January 19, at the Galveston County Master Gardeners' Research & Demonstration Garden in Carbide Park, 4102 Main St., La Marque. Fee/Free. Participants must pre-register: Ph 281-534-3413. Galveston County Master Gardener event. Further details: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/. Bring gloves.

San Antonio: The Bexar County Master Gardeners will meet Thursday, January 19, 6-8:30p.m., at 3355 Cherry Ridge, San Antonio. Meeting begins with a social time at 6 p.m. followed by the special presentation at 6:30pm. For information, email Jack Downey, BCMG President at President@bexarmg.org, or call 210-699-0663.

Conroe:  Montgomery County Master Gardeners will offer "Fruit & Nut Trees: Pruning to Planting!"  at the Montgomery Co. AgriLife Extension Office,  9020 Airport Road, Conroe .   9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. January 21. Their annual Fruit and Nut Tree Sale will be January 28. Learn how to plan for your harvests of fresh fruit. $5.00 per person (cash or check) is due at registration the morning of each class. The fee covers costs of materials, supplies, coffee and snacks.  F or more info visit   http://www.mcmga.com/  or 936-539-7824.

San Antonio: Dr. Larry Stein from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service , will present the Annual Fruit Tree Seminar, Sat., January 21, 9 a.m. to noon, at Fanick's Garden Center Inc., 1025 Holmgreen Rd, San Antonio. Stein will demonstrate how to properly select, plant, prune and maintain fruit and nut trees for maximum production. For more information, visit http://www.fanicknursery.com/Upcoming%20Events.htm.

Conroe: Montgomery County Master Gardeners are having their Fruit and Nut Tree Sale on Saturday, January 28, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. The presentation starts at 8 a.m., the sale is from 9 a.m. until noon. Varieties sold will grow well in Montgomery County. Trees and plants include apples, blackberries, blueberries, citrus, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, and much more. Take your wagon! Visit www.mcmga.com or call 936-539-7824 for more info.
 
Hempstead: Peckerwood Garden presents Peckerwood Garden Open Day: Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m, 20559 FM 359 Rd. Hempstead. Visitors enjoy 1-hour guided tours of the garden led by knowledgeable docents. Guided tours are offered approximately every 30 minutes, leaving between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Purchase Tickets. $10 admission and parking, Free  for members. For more info, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/ or info@peckerwoodgarden.org.

La Marque: "Growing Peaches in Galveston County" with GC Master Gardener Herman Auer presenting, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., January 28, 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. Further details: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.
 
La Marque: "Kitchen Gardening" with GC Master Gardener Mary Demeny presenting, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., January 28, 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. Further details: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.

Orlando, FL: Join the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) for the 56th Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference, January 28-31, in Orlando. The annual conference brings together nearly 900 seed industry professionals from more than 20 countries for four days of global networking and education. Held at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort next to EPCOT Center, the 2017 Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference will bring agricultural innovation to life with exclusive tour opportunities at Disney's trial gardens, greenhouses, and a special version of Disney's "Behind the Seeds" tour, in addition to ASTA sessions on plant breeding, organic seed, communications, and more. On the evening of Saturday, January 28, All-America Selections (AAS) and National Garden Bureau will provide an update on both organizations' yearly activities and new AAS Winners, followed by a meet-and-greet cocktail reception. Sunday, January 29 and Monday, January 30, will feature special Disney "Behind the Seeds" tours, including the AAS trial garden. On Monday, January 30, the General Session will feature Walt Disney World's Eric Darden, the man behind the magic of EPCOT's International Flower and Garden Festival - an event that has grown in popularity in each of its 20-plus years to an audience that is now over 7 million! Bringing to life a renewed interest in gardening, produce and food, this festival has been instrumental in the creation of EPCOT as the "festival park" of Walt Disney World. For more information including the full schedule of events, visit http://www.betterseed.org/events/asta-vegetable-flower-seed-conference/.

La Marque: "Anyone Can Grow Roses" with GC Master Gardener and American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian John Jons presenting, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., January 31, 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. Further details: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/.
FEBRUARY

San Antonio: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Bexar County is now taking applications for its Master Gardener Intern Training Class No. 61 in San Antonio. Master Gardener volunteer training is conducted by AgriLife Extension for adults interested in gardening, horticulture and related topics. Currently there are more than 400 certified Master Gardener volunteers in the Bexar County Master Gardener program. Classes will be conducted from noon-4 p.m. each Wednesday from Feb. 22 to May 24, 2017 unless otherwise noted. Instruction will be given in Suite 208 of the AgriLife Extension offices, located in the Conroy Square office complex at 3355 Cherry Ridge Drive, San Antonio. Master Gardener classes address topics ranging from plant growth and development to plant diseases, insects, soils, and basic landscaping and garden design. Individuals who complete the training become certified Master Gardeners and assist AgriLife Extension through community education in horticulture. Volunteer hours may be applied to a variety of approved projects discussed during training. Submission of an application is not automatic acceptance into the class. Interns completing classroom training and passing the final exam will be required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service toward youth and/or adult education outreach their first year, and 30 hours annually thereafter. Class size is limited to 30 participants and the deadline for submitting the application is February 3. A registration fee of $260 is payable in full on the first day of class. If the applicant withdraws prior to March 1, a processing fee of $100 will be administered. No refunds will be issued after that date. Applications are available online at http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/. If unable to submit the application through the website, a completed application can be printed from the site and faxed to Angel Torres at 210-631-0429 or mailed to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Attn: Angel Torres, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 212, San Antonio, Texas 78230-4818. A background check is required on all applicants participating in the Master Gardener program and will be done on the first day of class. For more information, contact Torres at 210-631-0400.

La Marque: "Growing Citrus in Your Back Yard" with GC Master Gardener Robert Marshall presenting 9:00-11:30 a.m., February 4,
at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to galvcountymgs@gmail.com, further details see http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/. Free.
 
La Marque: "Growing Blueberries" with GC Master Gardener David Cohen presenting, 1:00-2:30 p.m., February 4, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to galvcountymgs@gmail.com, further details see http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/. Free.

San Antonio: Spring Youth Garden Educator Training will be presented Sat., February 4, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Phil Hardberger Park, West Urban Ecology Center, 8400 NW Military Highway, San Antonio. This training is designed for teachers, educators, and volunteers in support of youth gardening in the classroom and community. If you are interested in starting a gardening program in your school/community or you are looking for ways to enhance your already existing youth garden, do not miss this educational opportunity! Breakout sessions will be conducted with different garden topics for you to choose from, and a starter garden kit will be distributed to youth gardens that are ready for planting. (Plant material is given per school/institution.) For only $20, training and lunch is provided to all participants. Walk-ins will not be accepted, so please register early at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/2191. For additional information, email Ruby Zavala, Youth Gardens Coordinator, at Ruby.Zavala@ag.tamu.edu.

Houston: "Rose Pruning Done Right" will be the topic of the Houston Rose Society meeting on Thursday, February 9, 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. Expert rosarians with the Houston Rose Society will demonstrate pruning techniques on actual bushes of all types of roses. Tables will be placed so all can get a close-up view of the demonstration. Questions are encouraged. Added bonus: all pruned bushes will be given away as door prizes; obtain a free raffle ticket upon arrival to be eligible. The special guest will be Jon Corkern, Director of Development and Membership of the American Rose Society. Free admission. For more information, visit: http://www.houstonrose.org.

Tyler: Smith County Master Gardeners at the library, February 10 at 11:30 a.m. "Rose Rustlers" with Greg Grant, Smith County horticulturalist and Texas Gardener contributing editor . Presentation with Q&A to follow. Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College, Tyler. Free and open to the public. For additional information, call 903-590-2980.

La Marque: "Growing Avocado & Papaya" with Jerry Hurlbert, Moderator & Coordinator of the Texas Rare Fruit Growers Assoc. presenting, 9:00-11:30 a.m., February 11, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to galvcountymgs@gmail.com, further details see http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/. Free.

La Marque: "Soil Health & Evaluation" with GC Master Gardener Jim Gilliam presenting, 1:00-2:30 p.m., February 11, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension Building in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main St., La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to galvcountymgs@gmail.com, further details see http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/. Free.

La Marque: "Pruning Roses" with GC Master Gardener, Consulting Rosarian, and American Rose Society member John Jons presenting, 9:00-10:00 a.m., February 16, at Galveston County Master Gardeners' Research & Demonstration Garden in Carbide Park, 4102 Main St., La Marque; Ph 281-534-3413; email reservations to galvcountymgs@gmail.com, further details see http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/. Free.

San Antonio: Rosarian Ed Bradley will present "Roses for 2017," Thursday, February 16, 1-3 p.m., at 3355 Cherry Ridge, San Antonio. Free. Bexar County Master Gardener (BCMG) Educational Seminars/General Meetings are held on the afternoon of the third Thursday every other month at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, Suite 208. Bradley will share his expertise his wealth of knowledge on growing roses in San Antonio. For more information email President@bexarmg.org, or call 210-699-0663.

Hitchcock: "Galveston County Master Gardeners 2017 Spring Plant Sale" with pre-sale seminar 8:00 a.m.-8:50 a.m., plant sale 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., February 18, at Jack Brooks Park Rodeo Arena, 10 Jack Brooks Rd and Hwy 6, Hitchcock (Galveston County Fairgrounds).

La Marque: "Galveston County Master Gardeners Annual Spring Fruit & Citrus Tree, Vegetable, 'Texas Tough' Perennials, Bulb, and Craft Sale," 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., February 18; pre-sale seminar 8:00 a.m.-8:50 a.m., at Jack Brooks Park Rodeo Arena, 10 Jack Brooks Rd and Hwy 6, Hitchcock (Galveston County Fairgrounds) For a complete list of plants included in the Sale, visit aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/Galveston/index.htm.

Pasadena: Harris County Master Gardener "Fruit Tree and Tomato" Sale will be held February 18 at Campbell Hall, Pasadena Fairgrounds, 7600 Red Bluff RD., Pasadena. 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 February 21 at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, Smithson Valley. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. The speaker will be Kathryn Bryant, Management Chair, Lindheimer Chapter Plant Sale. Kathryn will speak on "Plant Sale Primer." Kathryn will review native plants of interest for the sale and propagation techniques. The meeting is free and the public is welcome. For more information, call Martha Guethle, 830-438-5996.
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
 
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.

Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts a special Peckerwood Insider's Tour at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. Spaces are limited so pre-registration is required. $15, free for members. For more information, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
 
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.or g 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 Kathy Henderson at kshend@verizon.net or visit http://www.npsot.org/wp/wilco.
 
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.
 
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.

Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts the Evening at Peckerwood Lecture series at 7 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. Tickets are available online. Tickets are $10, $5 for members.For more information, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.

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.

Austin: The Garden Club of Austin meets at Zilker Botanical Gardens auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. 7:00-7:30 p.m. Refreshments and Social, followed by a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Free. For additional information, visit http://thegardenclubofaustin.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 h ttp://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.

Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, holds an Open Day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. Tours start at 10 a.m. and the last tour leaves at 2 p.m. Tickets available online or at the gate. $10, free for members. For more information, visit http://www.peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
 
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