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Whether you’re new to the area or to gardening itself, are seeking the latest scientific information onpest management, 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.
May 2019President’s Message
Hello Gardeners,I work close to Onion Creek and it hascrested at about 25 feet at least twice.We found some small fish andcrawdads washed ashore and even alimb suspended perfectly on anothertree. While the rains seem too familiarto the heavy flooding from a few yearsago, at least our wildflowers can thriveand hopefully it will help us move into apeaceful summer.
The TMG conference last month was adelight. Several great speakers and agood atmosphere. I talked with quite afew people about the Master Gardenerprogram that were very excited to hearabout everything that was happeningand the great work you are doing. Thisprogramreally does bring people together.
Matthew McKenziePresident of HCMGA
Keep in mind the plant sale will be herebefore you know it and we have a fewpropagation opportunities happening.Check your emails for updates. Iappreciate everyone's contribution andsupport.Good luck in the gardens everyone.
Thanks,Matt
Officers President – Matt [email protected] President-Elect – Patricia Hupp
Do you enjoy Facebook?
Like our Facebook page, Hays CountyMaster Gardeners Outreach, so youwill see what others are doing tobeautify their world!
Check out our new website:https://txmg.org/hays/
Get Your Copy Today!Seeds to Table The Hays County Master GardenerCookbook Now $10.00.
[email protected] Vice President – Mary [email protected]
Recording Secretary – Helen [email protected]
Corresponding Secretary – [email protected] Treasurer – Patsy [email protected]
Upcoming MG General Meeting
May MeetingWednesday 22, 2019 1:00 Social Time 1:30 - 2:00 Business Meeting2:00 SpeakerJay White, Publisher Texas Gardener MagazinePest Free OrganicallyHays County Extension Office200 Stillwater Drive Wimberley, TX 7867
Mark Your CalendarThe Hays County Master Gardeners Plant Sale
Dripping Springs Farmers Market: Wednesday,September 18, 2019 3-6pm
San Marcos Farmers Market: Saturday, September21, 2019 9am-1pm
Dennis Hale,County Extension Agent Emeritus, Texas A&M ExtensionPhoto: Patricia Hupp
2019 HCMGA Training Class UpdateBy
Kathleen Crabill, Master Gardener
The 2019 Class will be wrapping up on May 24.
The 7th through 9th classes were informative with one day of classes being heldat Freeman Center. Topics covered in the past 3 classes consisted of:
Rainwater Harvesting – presented by Mayra Radzinski, HCMGAGardening with Herbs – Hands on activity (making herbal vinegars) withSara Holland, HCMGAIPM (Integrated Pest Management) - presented by Molly Keck, Texas A&MAgriLife Extension IPM Program SpecialistTurf Grass (Freeman Center) – presented by Dennis Hale, Texas A&MAgriLife Extension, County Extension Agent Emeritus Trees & Disease – presented by Clay Bales, Forester with TexasA&M Forest Service
We are looking forward to more topics over the remaining 3 Friday classes.
Photo: Joseph Johnson
Hays County Master Gardeners Field Trip to Texas A&MUniversity
April MeetingBy
Phyllis Janowski, Master Gardener
Twenty-four Master Gardeners traveled via comfortable coach bus to CollegeStation on Monday, April 29th to tour “The Gardens at TAMU” and the AgriLifeDiagnostic Lab. The trip was coordinated by Master Gardeners Phyllis Janowskiand Marilyn Love with assistance from Emeritus Lee Ikels.
The group was met at the entrance to “The Gardens” by Manager JosephJohnson who led a private tour. He explained the main objectives for theexpansive land grant project: The layout consists of over twenty garden vignetteseach with a residential feel that homeowners can emulate, and a priority was touse domestic water and local soil (adapted). Of the designated 40 acres, sevenacres have been completed at a cost of $11.5M, 85% of the funds coming fromdonors. The lead donor is Tim Leach for whom the “Teaching Gardens” havebeen named. It was a perfect morning for visiting the gardens and White Creek,culminating with lunch from Jason’s Deli on “The Terrace.”
In the afternoon, the Hays Master Gardeners visited the AgriLife Diagnostic Laband were hosted by Lead Diagnostician Dr. Sheila McBride and her assistantHannah Ayala. The presentations were very didactic especially regarding thecurrent situation with Citrus Greening which has serious implications for the TexasValley. Other problems discussed included viewing Oak Wilt specimens and GolfCourse grass infected with fungi. The TAMU AgriLife Diagnostic lab receivesspecimens for analysis from nurseries, growers, farmers and homeownersthroughout the United States.
Video classes were presented coming and going on the bus to make the bestinstructional use of travel time. It was an enjoyable day full of fellowship andlearning shared by a companionable group of plant and gardening enthusiasts!
2019 Buda Library Spring FlingBy
Jacqueline Leo, Master Gardener
Patricia Marlin and Ashley LeoPhoto: Jacqueline Leo
On Saturday, April 13, the Buda Library hosted itsThird Annual Spring Fling. This was the first year itwas held at the newly built public library on MainStreet. Although the rain prevented the event frombeing outside, the beautiful auditorium was able tohost each of the organizations and their boothscomfortably. Over 230 visitors stopped by to
participate in the fun activities. The public was able to take part in henna art, treemeasuring, recycling games, succulent planting, yoga, music, and much, muchmore! Master Gardeners Patricia Marlin and Jacqueline Leo hosted the HaysCounty Master Gardener booth along with Interns Patti Stone and Barbara Nay.They answered gardening questions and gave tips to parents while helping
children plant basil and turnip seeds. The children were able to touch, feel andsmell basil leaves as well as bluebonnet flowers. They were then educated on theprocess of taking care of their seedlings while watching them grow. There wasalso a bluebonnet art activity the children could make which sparked lots ofcreativity. Students of all ages stopped by to engage in the activities and someeven shared stories of their gardens at home. Fun and learning was had by all!
Photo: Connie Wierman
Kyle Library Earth Day Celebration of the MG Butterfly GardenBy
Connie Wierman, Master Gardener
The Kyle Library held an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 27, targeting kids topique their interest in what they can do to be better stewards of Mother Earth, andespecially to showcase the Butterfly Garden recently installed by HCMGs under theproject leadership of Rupali Pawar. Approximately 225 library patrons, mostly familieswith children, participated. Paul Phelan, Kyle Library Director, devised a scavengerhunt for the kids to find 6 plants to match the flowers on their treasure map. Thelibrary staff also hosted a rock painting station, butterfly cut-outs coloring, a ground-water aquifer demonstration to teach kids how water moves through rock to rechargetheir drinking water, a bubble blowing pool and a big blowup earth ball that kids couldclimb into and roll along.
Master Gardeners manned the HCMGA information table and provided tours of thegarden pointing out the benefits of native and adapted Texas perennials including lowwater requirements for less of a drain on already stressed aquifers and providing theproper food source for our local pollinators, their larvae as well as migratingbutterflies.
2019 Fall Plant Sale Update& Propagation Dates
ByConnie Wierman, Master
Gardener
Our Fall Plant Sale is scheduledfor the Dripping Springs FarmersMarket on Wednesday,September 18 and for the San
Marcos Farmers Market onSaturday, September 21. Soundslike a long way off, but it’s trulyright around the corner!
We’re hosting a hypertufa sessionand a plant propagation sessionat our greenhouse at Jacobs Well.The plant propagation session willbe held on Saturday, June 8,starting at 9AM. The hypertufasession is announced elsewherein this newsletter. If you’re new to
propagation, or can’t decide what to grow for the sale, we’re happy to help atthese sessions! We’ll provide all the materials you’ll need including pots, soil,compost, rooting powder, labels and tools. Provide whatever you find interestinggrowing on your property. Got a Fall Aster overgrowing its spot or a Gregg’sMistflower creeping past its containment? – dig some out and bring them along!Our recent rains have sent many of our gardens past “lush” into “dense.” Bringanything along that you can spare from your landscapes and gardens.
We’re looking for a pledge of 10 plants from each of our members for this sale,and will support you in your efforts to bring those pledges to fruition. Need someideas of what to bring? Check out the recommended plant list on VMS. If you findthat you do not have room to care for 10 potted plants, consider bringing them tothe greenhouse to fill out this summer. It’s hard to know what will actually be readyfor the September sale, so please contact Lori Broughton with your pledges sothat we can prepare Care & Maintenance information and labels in advance forthe sale.
photo: Lori Broughton
Making Hypertufa Pottery at the Greenhouse at Jacob’s Well By
Lori Broughton, Master Gardener
Come join us and learn how to make these stunning pots. Our goal is for everyoneto make one for the plant sale and then make one to take home for their plant ofchoice!
A session is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11 at 9:00 a.m.Materials you will need to bring:
Containers to use for your pottery. Plastic bowls that you can fit one inside
the other. This helps to create the pot. Great way to use up those plasticrecycle containers. Box or plastic bag to transport items home safely in your automobile.Rocks, jewels, chipped glass or china. Some people like to place rocks orother adornments around the creation before it sets. Chipped china or glasslooks nice as well. Chair
Materials provided:Portland cement, peat moss and vermiculite or perlite spray.
Order of Events:We will mix a large batch of the mixture and participants will gather fromthis. Participants will make one pot that will be sold at the September Plant Salesand make one for their home. A link has been provided that shows step by stepinstructions with pictures on how Hypertufa pots are made. Can’t wait to see youon June 11.Here’s a link that has instructions on how to make these excellent pots forsucculents.
L to R: Ron Schatzlein, Laura Gass, Craig LaRobardier, Peggy Stone, Philly Janowski, Patricia Hupp.
Dripping Springs Founders Day Parade 2019By
Phyllis Janowski, Master Gardener
Hays County Master Gardeners participated in the 32nd annual Dripping SpringsFounders Day Parade that kicked off the 3-day Founders Day Festival on Friday,April 26. This was HCMGA’s fourth consecutive year promoting our Associationand AgriLife Extension in the parade. The beautiful float themed “My PottingShed” was designed by Project Leader, Patricia Hupp with some decorativeassistance from neighbor Corey Harris. Co-Leader Ron Schatzlein did a greatjob carefully maneuvering his truck pulling the float and trailer along the paraderoute. Both the truck and float were branded with our oversized HCMGA/AgriLifebanners and embellished with plants.
Hundreds of people packed Mercer Street in downtown Dripping Springs to viewthe parade and were excited to receive Wildflower Seeds from MasterGardeners – (Seeds donated by the Feed-a-Bee Foundation). The Festival was
attended by over 5,000 people this year. Master Gardeners enjoyed greeting thecrowds and encouraging people to “Dig It”!
Speakers Network
Speakers Network Events are on theMaster Calendar in VMS. The 2019 “InThe Garden Library Series” calendar isnow on the webpage.
More information on the SpeakersNetwork here and the General EventCalendar in VMS.
HCMGA Members SpotlightJoe Elizarde, Texas Master Gardener
ByKathy Mixon, Master Gardener
Photo: Marilyn Love
Joe Elizarde, Hays County Master Gardener,likes it spicy! He grows lots of tomatoes, green
beans, pinto beans, onions and okra in his garden but his specialty is peppers.His favorite varieties are Chilepetin, Chilepequin, Thai, and Malaguta (Brazilian),preferring to stay away from the Uber hot varieties (no taste!).
He was introduced to gardening as a youngster growing up in the Rio GrandeValley by his dad, who had a friendly competition with a friend to see who couldgrow the largest tomatoes. One year, one grew so large that it was proudlydisplayed on his office desk much to the amazement of his coworkers. Anotherchildhood memory was of a giant white mulberry tree growing in his area, learningthat it was relatively rare since he never saw another one until a few years agonear the community of Walburg. A pair of loppers and some propagation later, henow has four of them growing on his property.
Joe became a Hays County Master Gardener in 1996 and a Master Naturalist in1997. He spent many years volunteering in various capacities, including making“house calls” to give advice on everything from simple gardening help to moreserious issues like oak wilt. He also volunteered many hours in developing thedemonstration gardens at the former extension office site in San Marcos. Thisincluded the impressive fig trees which have been propagated by many a HCMGsince.
Thank you Joe!
Texas Superstar®Program Monthly Update
byMarilyn McCray, Master Gardener
New Look Celosia
After years of field trials, the New LookCelosia, was named a TexasSuperstar® by AgriLife Research,Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Serviceand Texas Tech Universityhorticulturalists in April 2019.
“We have tested a lot of celosia overthe years and this one continues to bethe best,” said Doctor BrentPemberton, a Texas Superstarexecutive board member and AgriLifeResearch Ornamental Horticulture andPlant Physiology. “It’s been around along time, but sometimes you just havea plant in the garden year after yearand might take it for granted. Then itcatches your attention and you’re like,‘dang, that is a good plant.”
The New Look Celosia has bright redplumes that top dark bronze foliagethat is commonly called “featheredamaranth” or “feather celosia.”
Photo: courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife ExtensionService
It prefers full sun but will tolerate lightshade. This variety requires gooddrainage and adapts to most types ofsoil and tolerates the Texas summerheat. It can be used as a bedding plant,in containers or as cut flowers andcreates an exotic color spot in anylocation.
More information about other TexasSuperstar® plants and a list ofwholesalers and retailers who stockthem can be foundat http://texassuperstar.com/.
Master Gardener Continuing Education
La Marque: "Home Fruit Growers' Tour."Saturday, May 18, 2019Three fruit orchards on the tour, plus vegetable gardens at each site; may bevisited in any desired order. Each site open 9 a.m.-noon. No rain date, will occurregardless of weather. Orchard locations: Galveston County Master Gardenerhomeowner, 5202 Highland Road, Santa Fe; Galveston County Master GardenerDiscovery Garden, 4102 Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque; Fruits 'n Suchorchard, 6309 Ave. U, Dickinson; phone 832-443-6733. No pre-registrationneeded.
Master Gardener Advanced TrainingSpecialist Training has changed to Advanced Training where Master Gardenerscan obtain advanced training which supports or expands specific countyeducational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Read more aboutthe changes.
Advanced Training – Tree Care
Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 TX-27, Kerrville TX 78028Wednesday, June 12, through Friday, June 14, 2019High-quality training including tree benefits, tree biology and function, siteselection, tree species selection, proper planting techniques, proper training andpruning, tree nutrition, common stress factors, alleviating soil compaction, abiotic
tree problems, common pests and diseases, tree risk assessment, legal issuesand hiring a professional arborist.
Registration fee: $185. The fee covers lecture thumb drive with resourcematerials, 1 dinner, 1 lunch and snacks.Register online Deadline is May 24, 2019Contact Jackie Connelly
Online Training Opportunities
Earth-Kind® Training for Master GardenersTexas Master Gardeners may select on-line modules to obtain up to three hoursof re-certification education credits in a calendar year. Each module is worth 1hour of credit. Master Gardeners are not encouraged to seek re-certificationcredit for training modules they have completed in previous years.
Go to http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/training for more information.
Things to Do and Learn
San Antonio Botanical Gardens
Hill Country Native Plant Working WorkshopWednesdays, May 22 through May 29, 2019 - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Learn about Texas native Hill Country plants: their growing requirements,characteristics, ethnobotanical and wildscape uses. Participants will also be ableto identify invasive plants, practice removing them from native beds, and installnew natives in the Hill Country landscape area. Fee: Free but registrationrequired. Click here to register
Native Plant Walking WorkshopFriday May 17, 2019; Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Explore our 11-acre Texas Native Trail with Master Naturalists. Learn about hownative plants conserve water, adapt to their environment, and work in landscapes andwhat their growing requirements are. Topics include: medicinal uses of native plantsas well as their historical and cultural uses, and which are favored by birds, butterfliesand other wildlife. There are more than 250 plant species in collections that representthree ecosystems. Included with membership or general admission but registrationrequired. Click here to register
Texas Bird Walking WorkshopSaturdays May 18 and June 15, 2019 – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.Learn about resident and migrant birds in the San Antonio Botanical Garden,their characteristics, and their requirements for food, nesting, and protection.Fee: Included with membership or general admission but registration required.Click here to register
Plants of the Edwards Plateau: Ethnobotany and Wildscape UsesSaturday May 25, 2019 – 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.Participants will learn about the common plants of the Edwards Plateau and HillCountry, their relationship to human culture and wildlife, tour the Texas NativeTrails areas of the SABG to view these plants in their natural setting and receive afree Texas native plant. Sponsored by San Antonio Water System. Fee: $15 andregistration is required. Click here to register
Zilker Botanical Gardens
Austin Bonsai Society's 2019 Show and SaleSaturday, May 18, 2019, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Join us for the 48th Annual Bonsai Show & Sale put on by the Austin BonsaiSociety! In addition to the large exhibit of member's trees on display, we will havedaily raffles, demonstrations at 2:00 pm, a vendor area, and members on hand toanswer questions about Bonsai. Please join us for this special event celebratingthis ancient art as we carry it into the future! Free with admission.
Austin Daylily Society's 2019 Show and SaleSaturday, May 25, 2019, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.Each year, the members of the Austin Daylily Society select the best blooms fromtheir gardens for judging and display in this American Daylily Society accreditedshow. Hundreds of colorful and unusual blooms will be featured in the show - plus,many varieties will be available for sale. Free with admission.
The Garden Club of Austin's Annual Plant Show & SaleSaturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2, 2019, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.Join us for TGCOA's 62nd Annual Plant Show and Sale! Austin residents areinvited to this family-oriented event where they can enjoy the plant show and sale,a special seminar about Night Blooming Gardens, and a special guestappearance by Emily, “The Queen Mother” of ceroid cacti. Outdoor and indoorplants, herbs, and vegetables, will be on sale outside the Zilker Garden CenterAuditorium on both days. Free with admission.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Unnatural Texas? (Author Event)Sunday, May 19, 2019, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.They came from outer space…well, not exactly, but non-native plants and animalsthat have become invasive are increasingly affecting the economic, medical, andecological health of Texas. This discussion sheds light on the implications andmanagement of unwanted flora and fauna. Fee: Free with admission.
Native Host Plants for Butterflies & MothsSaturday, June 1, 2019, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Learn to create a host-plant haven for the larvae of Texas butterflies and moths.Explore why native plants are essential to healthy ecosystems, the role of hostplants in a garden, and how these insects find plant species upon which to laytheir eggs. Registration includes a copy of the new book by instructors/authorsLynne and Jim Weber, “Native Host Plants for Texas Butterflies: A Field Guide.” Fee: $55 per person.Click here to register
Local Farmers Markets
Love local food?Looking for farmers markets in the HaysCounty area?
BudaSaturday 9:00 a.m. – Noon (March –October) 121 N. Main Street, Buda TX78610
http://www.budafarmersmarket.com
Tuesday 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 767 Main at Gray Gardens, Buda TX 78610
Dripping SpringsWednesday 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Highway 290 & RR 12, Dripping Springs TX78620http://www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/default.aspx?name=fm.home
HeadwatersSaturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 708 Headwaters Blvd, Dripping Springs TX78620https://liveheadwaters.com/headwaters-weekly-farmers-market/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-marketNew BraunfelsSaturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. S. Castell next to Friesenhaus, New Braunfels TX78130 830-629-2223Friday 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 2629 E. Common New, Braunfels TX 78130830-534-7908
San MarcosSaturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Near County Courthouse, San Marcos TX 78666830-534-7908Tuesday 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 Parking Lot adjacent to the CommunityThrift Shop Ranch Road 12, Wimberley TX 78676
Volunteer Opportunities
General Meeting Food Committee – Chairpersonneeded. Contact SuzanneLove [email protected] (Preparation ofrefreshments for General Meeting, earns hours)
BudaBuda Public Library – MarilynDavis [email protected]
April 25: 10-1 p.m..405 E. Loop St., Building 100 in Buda, Texas 78610
Onion Creek Senior Center Garden – Pamela Nelson [email protected] Barton Crossing, Buda, Texas 78610
Dripping SpringsDripping Springs Public Library Information Table – JeriMatzen [email protected] Thursdays 3-6 p.m. on the porch.501 Sportsplex Dr. in Dripping Springs TX 78620
Dripping Springs Farmers Market – Helen Aristar-
Dry [email protected] from 2:30 to 6:15. The Triangle/Corner of RR 12 and 290, Dripping Springs TX 78620
Ranch Park Garden – Anne Forish [email protected] Event Center Dr, Dripping Springs TX 78620
Precinct 4 Garden – Connie Wierman [email protected] Roger Hanks Pkwy, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
KyleKyle Library Butterfly/Pollinator Gardener – RupaliPawar [email protected] Scott St, Kyle, TX 78640
San MarcosSan Marcos Discovery Center – Melissa Katz [email protected] Riverside Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
Hays Caldwell Women’s Center – Marilyn Love [email protected]
San Marcos Farmers Market information Table – Sue [email protected]�Saturdays 9-1155 E. San Antonio St. in San Marcos TX 78666
WimberleyHCMGA Extension Office Precinct 3 – Patricia Hupp [email protected] Stillwater Drive, Wimberley, TX 78676
HCMGA Jacob’s Well Native Plant & Demonstration Garden HCMGAJacob’s Well – Mayra Radzinski [email protected] Mt. Sharp Rd. Wimberley, TX, 78676
HCMGA Jacob’s Well Greenhouse – Sherri Gibson [email protected] 699 Mt. Sharp Rd. Wimberley, TX, 78676
Wimberley Public Library Information TableBobbie Jean Jones [email protected] 3-6 p.m.400 Farm-to-Market 2325, Wimberley TX 78676
Wimberley Playhouse – Nick Bradshaw [email protected] Old Kyle Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676
These are on-going projects with a regular need for Volunteers. Contact theproject leader at the email listed to be scheduled. Please visit the project list athttps://texas.volunteersystem.org to sign up for these projects and/or to review thecomplete list of volunteer opportunities available.
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 MattMcKenzie, Phyllis Janowski, Kathy Mixon, Marilyn Love, Connie Wierman,Jacqueline Leo, Amy McMillan, Patricia Hupp, Lori Broughton, and KathleenCrabill for their contributions and assistance with the production of this issue.Marilyn McCray, Editor
Newsletter SubmissionsWe are always looking for Hays County Master Gardeners who are interested inwriting 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 .rtf suffix).Space is limited so the text should be concise. Contact the editor for specificinformation.• 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/
