Master Gardeners radio spots

Here's a shot I took a couple of days ago when the Master Gardeners went down to KVLU at Lamar University to record some public service spots in conjunction with the Texas AgriLife folks. That's Master Gardener Intern Kathy Attaway on the left and Master Gardener (and past president) Micah Shanks on the right. Intern Cecil Hightower didn't make it into the shot. Sorry, Cecil - I'll catch you later, maybe in your fabulous garden.

The spots air during the early morning on KVLU National Public Radio, 91.3.

New Master Naturalist Chapter

Southeast Texas has amazing ecological diversity, from dense forests to open coastal prairies - and now, it has a new chapter of a program that provides education, outreach and service. The newly formed Sabine-Neches Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist Program (Hardin, Jefferson and Orange counties) is accepting applications for their 2009-2010 class.

Students will experience in-depth training in wildlife and natural resource management (taught by recognized experts in the field). Participants will also have the opportunity for advanced training in special subjects of interest. Master Naturalists are volunteers with extensive knowledge of the benefits of managing natural resources. They provide youth education programs, operate parks, nature centers, and natural areas and for provide leadership in local natural resource conservation efforts.

The program is co-sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas AgriLife Extension and partners include Village Creek State Park, Shangri La Botanical Gardens, J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area, and The Nature Conservancy at the Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary.

Weekly classes begin in September and continue through January. Tuition is $150. To become a certified Master Naturalist, participants must also complete 40 hours of volunteer service and eight hours of advanced training during the 12 month period. To learn more, contact Roy Stanford, Orange County AgriLife Extension agent at 409-882-7010, or Amanda Adair with Texas Parks and Wildlife at 409-755-7322. For more information or to download an application, visit the Sabine-Neches Chapter website at http://grovesite.com/tmn/snc

Becoming a Master Gardener

For years, I've wanted to take the Master Gardener short course, but never could manage to meet the schedule. This year is the year!

The course - the first step in becoming a Master Gardener - is offered only once a year. For 2009, that's July 20-31. The all-day classes - 9 am-4 pm - will be presented at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office (across from the courthouse) at 1225 Pearl Street, Suite 200.

It costs $150, and that includes all the classes and a 500-page manual. You'll get that back in knowledge alone that will help you avoid making costly mistakes.

Study topics include soils, plant growth, landscape design, herbs, perennials, pesticide safety, fruit production, butterfly gardening, budding and grafting and other aspects of horticulture. Texas A & M professors and local experts will teach the classes. After you take the course, to get your Master Gardener certification, you'll need to volunteer a certain number of hours in gardening-related activities in the community.

Want to be a Master Gardener? There's still time to sign up. Call Texas AgriLife Extension at (409) 835-8461. Space is limited.

Calendar of events

There's lots going on for gardeners through the Texas AgriLife Extension Service office, 1225 Pearl St, (corner of Franklin and Pearl). If you aren't familiar with the services offered by the county, you need to be. Here's a list of some upcoming events and what you can learn:

Rainfall Harvesting Seminar, Tuesday, June 9th, 10 am- Noon (at the ag office). Learn basic rainfall harvesting systems, using rainfall for irrigation in the home and landscape, and storm water management. Speaker Billy Kniffen, Extension Program Specialist for Water Resources. FREE!

Growing Tomatoes, Field Workshop. Friday June 12, 10 am - Noon. (at the variety trial site - at Mosquito Mart, 11475 Highway 90, 3 miles past the intersection of Major Drive and College, next to the Elk's Lodge). Learn production techniques, pest control, weed control, disease control, and variety trial results (with Q&A) . Speaker is Dr. Joe Masabni, Extension Vegetable Specialist. FREE!

The 37th Annual Jefferson County Fruit and Vegetable Show will be Saturday, June 13 at Central Mall. Enter your fresh or processed fruits, vegetables and herbs between 9 am and noon. (judging at noon). Ribbons and prizes awarded. FREE to enter. Call the office for a copy of the rules and regulations - 835-8461 or 727-2191, Ext 8461.