meetings to the end of the year and · Texas Hill Country to welcome the wildflowers as they burst...
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Whether you’re new to the area or to gardening itself, are seeking the latest scientific information on pest management, or want to join a community of gardening enthusiasts, you’ve come to the right place for reliable, researched information. Hays County Master Gardeners This newsletter is packed full of information and things to do. April 2020 President’s Message Hello Gardeners! Hope everyone is enjoying your gardens, especially during this wonderful rain we’ve been having! We heard from Jason Mangold recently who let us know that Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services has instructed that ALL project activity is to stop for now, even work in the demonstration gardens where a few of our members have been working individually. Additionally, no new projects will be approved to start until we are no longer in a “Stay-at-Home” mode. This directive does not impact our ability to meet on line or via teleconference, or for project planning meetings to take place on line. We will continue to hold our General Meetings on line, and to offer CEU sessions on line as well. Marilyn Love’s Educational Enrichment Committee has held teleconferences to plan our monthly Connie Wierman President of HCMGA have quite a few creative ideas coming to the fore for our members at that facility, so fingers crossed that we find that in the fall we’re allowed to meet face-to-face, even with a little distancing. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something to do at home now (and earn some hours), keep the Fall Plant Sale in mind. We’ll be looking for donations from our members of 10 plants each – we’re thinking positively! See the update further in this edition. Finally, let’s stay in touch – send pictures of what you’re doing in your gardens to Racha el Peterson or
Transcript of meetings to the end of the year and · Texas Hill Country to welcome the wildflowers as they burst...
Whether you’re new to the area or to gardening itself, are seeking the latest scientific information on pestmanagement, or want to join a community of gardening enthusiasts, you’ve come to the right place for
reliable, researched information.
Hays County Master GardenersThis newsletter is packed full of information and things to do.
April 2020President’s Message
Hello Gardeners!
Hope everyone is enjoying yourgardens, especially during thiswonderful rain we’ve been having!
We heard from Jason Mangoldrecently who let us know that TexasA&M AgriLife Extension Services hasinstructed that ALL project activity isto stop for now, even work in thedemonstration gardens where a fewof our members have been workingindividually. Additionally, no newprojects will be approved to start untilwe are no longer in a “Stay-at-Home”mode.
This directive does not impact ourability to meet on line or viateleconference, or for project planningmeetings to take place on line. Wewill continue to hold our GeneralMeetings on line, and to offer CEUsessions on line as well.
Marilyn Love’s EducationalEnrichment Committee has heldteleconferences to plan our monthly
Connie WiermanPresident of HCMGA
have quite a few creative ideascoming to the fore for our members atthat facility, so fingers crossed that wefind that in the fall we’re allowed tomeet face-to-face, even with a littledistancing.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking forsomething to do at home now (andearn some hours), keep the Fall PlantSale in mind. We’ll be looking fordonations from our members of 10plants each – we’re thinkingpositively! See the update further inthis edition.
Finally, let’s stay in touch – sendpictures of what you’re doing in yourgardens to Racha el Peterson or
meetings to the end of the year andinto spring of 2020. I think you’ll bevery pleased to hear what she’s got instore for us! We’ve also held planningmeetings for Jacobs WellGreenhouse workshops and projectsthat could start up again this fall. We
Phyllis Janowski for posting to FB andto our website. Share your successesand your not-so-successful efforts; it’sall interesting and learningopportunities!
Connie Wierman, PresidentHays County Master GardenersAssociation
Do you enjoy Facebook?
Like our Facebook page, HaysCounty Master Gardeners Outreach,so you will see what others are doingto beautify their world!
Check out our website:https://txmg.org/hays/
OfficersPresident – Connie [email protected] President-Elect – Bobby [email protected] Vice President – Marilyn [email protected]
Recording Secretary – [email protected]
Corresponding Secretary – [email protected] Treasurer – Craig [email protected]
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming MeetingsMore Information in VMS!
April MeetingMeeting via Zoom Business Meeting:April 22, 2020 from 11:45 - 1:30Colleen Dieter will present "Seed Saving" beginning at 12:30.Click here for instructions on How to Join a Zoom Meeting.
Cancelled – TMGA Annual ConferenceBlooming on the BrazosMcLennan County Master Gardener AssociationWaco Convention Center, Waco, TX 7670176701May 12 – 14 2020For more information go to the Texas Master Gardener AnnualConference website.
Congratulations The following members have recently completed their volunteer hours and arenow certified Master Gardeners:Laura Gass, Nancy Henson, Patricia Marlin, Evie Martin, Anita Rice, GingerRosser, Patti Stone, and Melissa Tyree.
March Meeting
ByMarilyn McCray, Master Gardener
The March 25 meeting was held via Teleconference. President ConnieWierman called the meeting to order and shared how the call would bemanaged. She shared the CDC and Texas Master Gardenersrecommendations for meetings. A financial report was shared. Activities andevents were reviewed. Volunteer Opportunities were reviewed. A call wasmade for members to share what's happening in their gardens on social media.
Take a BreakWhen today's news gets to be too stressful, explore the beauty of flowers.
Here's a 20 minutes walk-through of the New York Botanical Garden OrchidShow
Learn to ID some Texas Wildflowers on a walk with Neil Schmidt from TheNatural Gardener
Photo: Marilyn McCray
Fall Plant Sale Needs YouBy
Connie Wierman, Master Gardener
Plant sales are major fundraisers for the HCMGA. Plant sales also build our reputationin our communities for native plant expertise and best horticultural practices that webring to our communities. With these two goals in mind, we’re planning ahead for theFall Plant Sale.
We’re looking for a pledge of 10 plants from each of our members for this sale.While you’re in your gardens during this “Stay at Home” period, considerpropagating some plants for the sale. If you’re dividing your plants, re-plantone part and pot another for the sale. Gather the ‘volunteers’ which may comeup in your garden over the next months to pot up for the sale. Trimming backsome overly aggressive characters? Pot ‘em up, we’ll take them! We’re lookingfor quart and gallon sized plants. All your efforts, from propagation to watering,each week earns volunteer hours that should be logged on VMS (see Fall PlantSale 2020 in the list of VMS projects).
If you’re wondering what you might want to grow for the sale, please see theRecommended Plant List posted on VMShttps://texas.volunteersystem.org/users/newsletters/miniview.cfm?newsnum=1616. Many of these will show very well in the fall. This list is by nomeans comprehensive! However, please keep in mind that we’re focusing on Texasnative and adapted perennials, succulents and ornamental grasses.
The sale days for the 2020 Fall Plant Sale are planned for October 11and 14 at theBuda and Dripping Springs Farmers Markets respectively.
Your project leads for the 2020 Fall Plant Sale include:
Linda Gurasich – Communications LeadKathleen Crabill – Succulents & Ornamental Grasses LeadKarry Green – Perennials LeadConnie Wierman – Project Lead
Speakers Network 2020
The COVID-19 virus has necessitated canceling the In TheGarden series for the immediate future. We plan to workwith our libraries to reschedule talks in the future when wehear from the CDC that the spread of COVID-19 has beencurtailed.
Bastard CabbageByBarbara Nay, Master GardenerPhoto: Barbara Nay
Do you drive the back roads of theTexas Hill Country to welcome thewildflowers as they burst intobloom and signal the onset of spring?Picture fields and roadsides coveredwith waves of vibrant colors anddesigns. Now…imagine the scenewithout our beloved bluebonnets andother native wildflowers. As recently asa couple of years ago, that scenewould have beenunthinkable. However, an invasive menace is threatening the future of ournative plants, so the idea is no longer imaginary. Evidence around the state willprove that this is becoming a sad reality. The next time you’re out for a walk inyour neighborhood or driving to the grocery store, be on the lookout for tall,thin-stemmed plants with several tiny yellow flowers and long leaves. Thisplant is often found growing in areas of new construction, in drainage ditchesand along roadsides and medians. You will have no trouble finding the invader- bastard cabbage (Rapistrum rugosum), a member of the mustardfamily. Please read the extremely useful links below for detailed descriptionsand methods of control. As master gardeners, we must educate ourselves andcontribute to the eventual elimination of this menace.https://texasinvasives.org/plant_database/detail.php?symbol=RARU
Photo: Kathleen CrabillMini Wicking Trough Garden
ByKathleen Crabill, Master Gardener
After having seen the presentation on Horse Trough Gardening presented byJanet Bradford at the February Monthly Meeting, I was inspired to trysomething like this myself.
I have always planted in galvanized buckets and tubs. Our Bamboo Screen onour back deck is planted in three 24” x 36” x 24” high troughs. My kale, greenonions, garlic leeks and garlic chives are currently planted in one as well.Therefore, using galvanized troughs was not new to me, however, the wickingpart certainly was.
We had already purchased two 24” diameter x 10” deep galvanized tubs for mydwarf heirloom tomato seedlings. We just needed to apply Janet’s principles tomy size tubs. We purchased a thinner weight of perforated polypropylene, as I
would only have about 8” of soil sitting on it. My husband stepped up to thechallenge of figuring out how to cut it to size for each tub and then cutting thewicking and watering holes, along with the PVC piping used to create the waterreservoir and the wicking tubs. I had used weed-block material for any gapsaround the cuts. I changed my watering habit for the indoor seedlings tobottom-watering to prepare them for their new home when the weatherwarmed up.
They are now planted and, goodness knows, they are getting plenty ofsupplemental rain right now (so much so that the I’ve not had to refill thereservoir yet). I’m really hoping these little tomato plants take off and producefruit. We’ve ordered more polypropylene to make two additional wickingplanters the same size for bell peppers, bush zucchini, bush eggplant andbush beans.
It was a fun experience to figure out how to build them and without thepresentation at the Master Gardeners meeting I would have never thought totry it.
Member SpotlightSuzanne Love
By Jacqueline Leo, Master GardenerPhoto: Marilyn McCray
Suzanne Love is no stranger to the Hays CountyMaster Gardeners. Although you can often find her atlocal libraries sharing her wealth of knowledge toothers, she had to learn the hard way about how togrow vegetables in Texas. “I killed lots of stuff,”exclaims Love after moving from western New York toTexas. She realized early on that she needed to takethe Master Gardener classes to understand the uniqueness of the Texasclimate. “You can’t just stick something in the ground. You have to haveguidelines,” she explains. Love’s success is contributed to sticking with nativeplants, following the guidelines from Travis County and planting nectar producingplants that support pollinators.
Ms. Love’s 20x40 foot garden is a place where she goes for enjoyment andfinds it meditative. She often shares the harvest with her daughter and spendsquality time working the garden with her granddaughter. She recentlydiscovered that spraying tomatoes with calcium helps prevent tomato blossomend rot. Ms. Love also uses other organic solutions such as coffee grounds,eggshells, and organic sprays.
The Speakers Network is where Ms. Love is able to give back to thecommunity. Her presentations focus on planning, testing the soil, and plantingvegetables during the correct season. She enjoys seeing seasoned gardenersas well as newcomers at her vegetable talks. “It’s a place where you can sharewith others.”
Texas Superstar®Program Monthly Update
byMarilyn McCray, Master Gardener
Lord Baltimore Rose MallowHibiscusHibiscus sp. ‘Lord Baltimore’
'Lord Baltimore' produces crimson-redflowers up to ten inches indiameter with deeply-lobed, ruffledpetals with glossy foliage and it isvalued for its late summer displayin Zone 5 - 10. This five-foot tall,improved hybrid was produced byRobert Darby during the 1950’s. Itprefers neutral to acidsoils throughout the summer to frost.It is an easy-care perennial thatthrives in the Texas heat but dies tothe ground in winter.
Because this plant is a sterile hybrid, itcan only be propagated vegetatively,where a new plant grows from afragment of the parent plant. Stemcuttings taken in early fall or carefullydivided woody clumps inearly spring can be replanted 3 feetapart with crowns 3 to 4 inchesbeneath the soil. Cut down canes to 3to 4 inches after first frost. New
Photo: courtesy of Texas A&MAgriLifeExtensionService
growth will appear mid to late spring.Fertilize regularly starting in springand continuing through the growingseason. Deadhead spent blooms tomaintain appearance. Use as a tallelement in borders or as a specimenaccent. It is suitable for containers, 3gallons or larger. ‘Lord Baltimore’ isuseful in low wet spots or near pondsor streams. It attracts bees, butterfliesand hummingbirds and is deerresistant.
More information about other TexasSuperstar® plants and a list ofwholesalers and retailers who stockthem can be foundat http://texassuperstar.com/.
Master Gardener Continuing Education
Online Training Opportunities
Earth-Kind® Training for Master GardenersThis program is designed to provide information on a variety of environmentallyfriendly (Earth-Kind®) practices for use in the home landscape and garden.
Texas Master Gardeners may select on-line modules to obtain up to threehours of re-certification education credits in a calendar year. Each module isworth 1 hour of credit. Master Gardeners are not encouraged to seek re-certification credit for training modules they have completed in previous years.For more information.
Master Gardener Advanced Training
Master Gardeners can obtain advanced training which supports or expandsspecific county educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.Read more about these training opportunities.
New!
CEU EligibleChat with Green Aggies
Chat with Green Aggies’ is agroup of Extension Specialists atTexas A&M AgriLife Extensionproviding research-basedinformation to the Texas greenindustry. They will update you all on issues faced by the green industry andthen answer questions from the live audience.
Last week, the topic was landscape plant herbicide injury, water! water! water!weed! weed! weed! crapemyrtle bark scale, winter turf damage, springrecovery, blue slime mold, slime mold, Badhamia sp., myxomycete, powderymildew, downy mildew, Peronospora sparsa, damage patterns, bark beetle, ipsbeetle, engraver beetle, southern pine beetle, pitch tube, pine borer, crane fly,cranefly, mosquito hawk. If you missed it, check out therecording https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDC9NMlLZg4. This week, they will discuss 2 stories---- a restaurant in China and a salonsupplier in the U.S.----how they cope with covid and what we may learn fromthem. Among many things, our group will also discuss fairy ring disease onturf, soil health and cultivation tips for spring to improve landscapehealth and infiltration/water retention, Coreopsis beetle and root-knotnematodes. Sign up!
This webinar occurs several times. Please register for the date and time thatworks best for you.
Register now!
View System Requirements
CANCELLED – Advanced Training – Vegetables Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio TX 78230Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday May 5 - 7, 2020https://txmg.org/events/advanced-training-vegetables-3Fee $200 Covers 2 lunches,1 dinner, snacks and other goodies. Forinformation and registration:Contact Denise (210) 631- 0400 /[email protected]
Save the Date – (Further Information will be forthcoming) –Advanced Training – Texas Superstar® 2020 Texas A&M Agrilife ExtensionService 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio TX 78230 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday May 26 – 28, 2020 https://txmg.org/events/advanced-trailing-texas-superstarsFee $200 Covers 2 lunches,1 dinner, snacks and other goodies. Registration, application & agenda coming soon. Contact Denise (210) 631- 0400 /[email protected]
Things to Do and Learn
San Antonio Botanical GardensSan Antonio Botanical Gardens is closed.
Zilker Botanical GardensZilker Botanical Gardens is closed until further notice.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower CenterLady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is now closed to the public.If you have questions or concerns about a class or program you haveregistered for, please email [email protected].
Local Farmers Markets
Love local food?Looking for farmers markets in the Hays Countyarea?Most local farmers markets will remain open. Checkthe websites for updated information.
BudaSunday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 308 South Main Street,Buda Mill and Grain Company, Buda TX 78610
http://www.budafarmersmarket.com
Dripping SpringsWednesday 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 160 E Mercer Street, at the Triangle, Hwy290 & RR 12, Dripping Springs TX 78620Following CDC Recommendations at this time.(512)858-4715http://www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/page/fm.home
LockhartSaturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Corner of Market and Main, South of CitySquare, Lockhart TX 78644 512-565-3981https://www.soilmate.com/markets/lockhart-main-street-farmers-market
New BraunfelsSaturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. S. Castell next to Friesenhaus, New BraunfelsTX 78130 830-629-2223Friday 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 2629 E. Common New, Braunfels TX 78130830-534-7908http://www.nbfarmersmarket.com/
San MarcosSaturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Near County Courthouse, San Marcos TX78666 830-534-7908Tuesday 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 312 Hopkins, San Marcos TX 78666sanmarcosfarmersmarket.com
WimberleyWednesday 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. In the Visitors Center Parking Lot, 14100Ranch Road 12, Wimberley TX 78676http://visitwimberley.com/marketdays/wimFM.shtml
Volunteer Opportunities
As noted elsewhere in this edition, the HCMGAreceived a directive from A&M AgriLife Extension thatthere should be no project activity at this time, andthus we are not actively seeking volunteers for any ofour projects. However, please keep in mind that wewill need to gear up quickly when we receive wordthat we can engage in our projects (even if only alimited engagement) and will be calling for yourassistance at that time.
Now, having said that, we are still looking formembers for the Volunteer Coordination Committee. It is important that wepopulate this committee before we need to gear up to repopulate our projects.Please consider joining this committee so that we can plan ahead.
Volunteer Coordination Committee – Chairperson and Assistant or Co-Chairpersons, positions open. HCMGA is first and foremost a Volunteer organization and the Coordinatorsare needed to manage our efforts and assist Project Leaders. The Chairpersonposition, though largely administrative, is key and is the contact for newprojects; also screens projects for validity & shepherds through approvalprocess; posts projects in VMS & Newsletter. It’s an ideal role for someonewho works best from home. Contact Bobby Knell [email protected].
** Log in to VMS. List of approved projects located athttps://texas.volunteersystem.org. Sign up for individual projects to be includedin the project email list and receive notifications. The Project Leader/Contact isautomatically notified when new volunteers sign on using VMS. Volunteerservice must be completed from the list in VMS to be eligible for hours. BudaBuda Public Library – Patti Stone [email protected] Thursdays 10 a.m.– 1 p.m. 405 E. Loop St., Building 100 in Buda, Texas 78610
Buda Farmers Market – Barbara Nay [email protected] Sundays 10:00a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 306 South Main Street, Buda Texas 78610
Onion Creek Senior Center Garden – PamelaNelson [email protected] 420 Barton Crossing, Buda, Texas 78610
Dripping SpringsDripping Springs Public Library Information Table – JeriMatzen [email protected] Thursdays 3:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m. 501 SportsplexDr. in Dripping Springs TX 78620
Dripping Springs Farmers Market – Mikel Borg [email protected] 160 EMercer Street, at the Triangle, Hwy 290 & RR 12, Wednesdays from 2:30 to6:15. Route 12 Dripping Springs TX 78620.
Ranch Park Demonstration Garden – Anne Forish [email protected] 1042Event Center Dr, Dripping Springs TX 78620
Precinct 4 Demonstration Garden – ConnieWierman [email protected] 195 Roger Hanks Pkwy, Dripping Springs, TX78620
KyleKyle Library Table position open – Bobby Knell [email protected]
Kyle Library Butterfly Demonstration Garden – Bev [email protected]
San MarcosSan Marcos Discovery Center – Melissa Katz [email protected] 430Riverside Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
Hays Caldwell Women’s Center – Marilyn Love [email protected]
San Marcos Farmers Market information Table – Peggy [email protected] Saturdays 9 – 1 155 E. San Antonio St. in SanMarcos TX 78666
WimberleyHCMGA Jacob’s Well Native Plant & Demonstration Garden HCMGAJacob’s Well – Anne Hollows [email protected] 699 Mt. Sharp Rd.Wimberley, TX, 78676 HCMGA
Jacob’s Well Greenhouse – Ila Gandy [email protected] 699 Mt. Sharp Rd.Wimberley, TX, 78676
Wimberley Public Library Information Table – EvieMartin, [email protected] Thursdays 3 – 6 p.m. 400 Farm-to-Market 2325,Wimberley TX 78676
Need to record your hours in VMS?Hays County Master Gardeners depends on volunteers.Here's a link to log in!
ThanksThanks to all of the contributors to the Newsletter. Special thanks to ConstanceWierman, Marilyn Love, Phyllis Janowski, Jacqueline Leo, Barbara Nay,Kathleen Crabill, Kathie Carlson, Suzanne Love and Rachael V. Peterson fortheir contributions and assistance with the production of this issue.Marilyn McCray, Editor
Newsletter SubmissionsWe are always looking for Hays County Master Gardeners who are interestedin writing or providing photos for our newsletter and we would love to see yourarticles, photographs, book reviews and gardening ideas.
General Guidelines:• Please first email the editor to discuss potential article ideas. • All drafts are due before the 10th of each month.• Email contributions as attachments (preferably in Word with a .doc or .rtfsuffix). Space is limited so the text should be concise. Contact the editor forspecific information.
• Please send images as separate attachments with .jpg suffix. A horizontalformat is much more useful. Please make sure that the images are not undercopyright and can be used without restrictions. Don’t forget to includephotographer acknowledgments and captions. Send your submissions, announcements, and questions to: Marilyn McCray,[email protected].
Hays County Master Gardners | 512.393.2120 | [email protected] | http://txmg.org/hays/
