Here are details on the latest, hottest News and upcoming Volunteer & Education Opportunities for your Gardening interests! Use the BCMG Master Calendar to find more information on upcoming Classes and Seminars, Volunteer Opportunities, and Gardening Events.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS
TOMORROW: Come to the August BCMG Seminar & Meeting
Hear Retired AgriLife Extension Horticulturist Dr. Jerry Parsons talk about the Colorization of “BlueBonnets” next Thursday, Aug 18, from 1-3:30 pm at 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, 78230. The Texas State Flower has been given notable attention in paintings, songs and roadway beautification efforts. The “blue” in bluebonnet is only one of many colors available in this remarkable and beautiful wildflower.
Bring some extra money and arrive as early as 12:30pm to purchase Hardy Summer Color Perennials (plants will also be sold at the end of the meeting). Plants are in 4 ½” containers, and $3 each and you can mix or match 4 plants for $10. Pick from Blackfoot Daisy, Red Ruellia, Mexican Oregano, Henry Dahlberg Salvia, Brazilian Red Hots Alternanthera and Mexican Petunia ‘Purple Showers.’
Free and open to the public. 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. For BCMGs: 2 CEUs and BCMG CEU Code 003. For more information email President@bexarmg.org, or call 210-699-0663.
CVGP Message from David Rodriguez
As you all know, BCMGs are the Stewards of the Children’s Vegetable Garden Program (CVGP) at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. That being said, this is one of the largest programs that BCMGs oversee! Every MG should consider doing at least a season or two as a Garden Mentor. If you were not able to attend this past Saturday’s orientation, but do want to help out occasionally (especially the first four weeks of planting), please email Mary Fernandez and David today!
Also, the “Water Team” needs help too. They normally water every Tuesday and Thursday; and Michael Lapp and David water every Sunday. Please volunteer to step up for the Tuesdays and Thursdays Watering Team and help out! Also, during this extreme heat, volunteers are needed to possibly water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until the heat tapers. Watering starts no later than 7:30 am at this time. Fall planting is here! Let David know if you can volunteer.
And, if you know a family that might have children who would be interested in participating this fall, applications are still being accepted! The first session is this Saturday morning, August 20th.
And, David Rodriguez Needs Research Help
David has been asked to present a 40-minute PowerPoint presentation on the “Demarcation and History of Vegetables and Spinach in the Texas Winter Garden” for the International Spinach Conference to be held in San Antonio from Nov 30 – Dec 1, 2016. He needs one or two volunteers to assist him in fact-checking and researching his presentation topic, to include; which counties comprise the Winter Garden and why; when vegetables and spinach started to be grown; why they declined (probably labor and economic reality of more profit growing food grade corn). If you are interested in helping out and have time during September through mid-October, please email David ASAP.
2017 TMGA State Conference – The CRUISE!
Five hundred and sixteen (516) Master Gardeners have signed up for the 2017 Texas Master Gardener Association State Conference Cruise leaving the dock in Galveston on April 27, 2017. Loads of great speakers while we cruise and over fifty shore excursions are available for your picking when we dock in Cozumel. Come join your fellow Master Gardeners and enjoy a great State Conference!
There are still a few openings left so sign up now! If you register for the cruise and conference before Labor Day, you will be entered into a drawing and eligible to win one of 5 free tours or one of 5 free registrations (your money will be refunded if you win); all prior registrants are included in the drawing. Come join us! Sign up now online!
The Awards Luncheon will be in Galveston on May 1, 2017 after the ship docks. Details are being finalized now so more information will be coming soon.
Mark Your Calendar: 2018 TMGA State Conference
The 2018 TMGA State Conference will be held in College Station, TX from April 4 to April 6, 2018 coinciding with the Grand Opening of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Teaching Garden. Be sure and put this on your calendar – it will be a wonderful conference and an opportunity to tour the new Teaching Garden.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
2016 Fall Youth Garden Educator Training
When: Sat, Sep 10, Volunteers 8am-4:30pm; Event Time 9am-4pm
Where: Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 NW Military Hwy, 78231
Info: Approximately 25 volunteers are needed to help with plant sorting, presentation time keep, and assist the educators attending. Job descriptions are available on the BCMG calendar entry for this event. This program is designed for teachers, educators, and volunteers in support of Youth Gardening in the classroom and community. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Ruby Zavala. For BCMGs –– 8.5 Vol Hours; Code 980e.
Fall Backyard Basics Expo – Youth Activities
When: Sat, Sep 17, Volunteers 8:30am-1pm; Event Time 9am-12:30pm
Where: San Antonio College Oppenheimer Academic Center, 1819 N. Main Ave,78212
Info: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will be conducting our Fall Backyard Basics EXPO. Five to six volunteers are needed to help with youth activities, assist as room monitors, and/or assist the participants attending. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Ruby Zavala. For BCMGs –– 4.5 Vol Hours; Code 950.
Backyard Basics Fall Expo – Plant Sale or Ask the Plant Expert Booth
When: Sat, Sep 17, Volunteer Shifts 8-10:30am and 10:30am-1pm
Where: San Antonio College Oppenheimer Academic Center 1819 N. Main Ave 78212
Info: Six volunteers are needed to help with the plant sale and answer gardening questions for the “Ask the Plant Expert Booth.” Please email Anna Vogler to volunteer. For BCMGs –– 2.5 Vol Hours; Code 600b.
Petco’s First Annual Sustainability Festival
When: Wed, Sep 21, 10am-1:00pm
Where: Petco San Antonio Support Center, 654 Richland Hills Drive, 78245
Info: Two volunteers are needed to answer gardening questions at the BCMG table. Please email Anna Vogler to volunteer. For BCMGs –– 3 Vol Hours; Code 611b.
Speakers Bureau
The Speakers’ Bureau needs your help! Please email Karen Gardner or call 210-523-7750 to have your name and contact information added to the Speaker Volunteer List and the Speakers Bureau Assistant s List, or to volunteer for a specific request. Speakers use Volunteer Hour Activity #s: 902=preparation; 903=presentation; 904=tear down; Assistants use #901=Administration. Thanks!!
Here are several current Speakers Bureau Requests:
Topic: Tree Selection/Planting
When/Where: Wed, Aug 31, 12:15-1:15pm at 211 S. Flores St, 78204
Topic: Fall Landscaping
When/Where: Wed, Sep 14, 6:30-7:30pm at Great Northwest Library, 9050 Wellwood, 78250
Topic: Fall Landscaping
When/Where: Sat, Sep 17, 9-10am at West Ave. Compassion, 1705 West Ave., 78207
Topic: Cool Season Veggies
When/Where: Wed, Sep. 21, 6:30-7:30pm at Great Northwest Library, 9050 Wellwood, 78250
Topic: Good Bugs, Bad Bugs
When/Where: Sat, Sep 24, 11am-noon at 1101 Elbel Rd. Schertz, TX 78154
Topic: Perennial That Thrive in SA
When/Where: Wed, Sep 28, 6:30-7:30pm at Great Northwest Library, 9050 Wellwood, 78250
Topic: Speaker’s choice
When/Where: Wed, Oct 5, 6:30-7:30pm at Great Northwest Library, 9050 Wellwood, 78250
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Upcoming Classes — See All the Details on MG Calendar!
Thu, Aug 18: Colorization of “BlueBonnets”: 2 CEUs and BCMG CEU Code 003
Sat, Aug 20: Harvesting Rainwater & Solar Energy (Boerne); 3 CEUs; Code: 002
Sat, Aug 20: Beyond Feeders: How to Attract Hummingbirds; 3 CEUs; Code: 002
Sun, Aug 21: Attending the 2016 AHS Convention; 1 CEU; Code: 002
Wed, Aug 24: Landscaping for Water Management; 1.5 CEUs; Code: 002
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Opportunities to Meet New Requirement for 3 CEUs at BCMG Monthly Meetings & Seminars (Total Annual CEUs = 6); BCMG CEU Code: 003
Thu, Aug 18, 1-3:30pm: Colorization of “BlueBonnets” with Dr Jerry Parsons––Seminar & Mtg
Thu, Sep 22, 6-8:30pm: Beekeeping––General Mtg (note: date change to 4th Thursday)
Thu, Oct 20, 1-3:30pm: Holiday Arrangements with Stephanie Jones––Seminar & Mtg
Thu, Nov 17, 6-8:30pm: Flora of Big Bend with Claude Townsend––General Mtg
Start Growing Your Fall Tomatoes Now! –– Details on MG Calendar
When: Sat, Aug 27, 10:30am–Noon
Where: Milberger’s Landscape Nursery, 3920 N Loop 1604 E., 78247
http://www.milbergernursery.com/event/start-growing-your-fall-tomatoes-now/
Info: This free Earth-Kind® Seminar will be presented by David Rodriguez, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Horticulturist. South Texas offers vegetable gardeners two great growing seasons every year. Fall has milder temperatures which bring out the best flavors in home vegetable gardens. Insects and disease are less bothersome. And you can grow warm- and cool-season crops. Bring your questions and a notebook. Details at Milberger’s website. For BCMGs –– 1.5 CEUs; Code 001.
Note: Earth-Kind® combines organic and traditional principles that help homeowners create lush yet environmentally safe gardens and landscapes. These research-proven techniques are successful, and preserve and protect the environment.
It’s More Than the Spring! –– Details on MG Calendar
When: Sat, Sep 10, 10:30am–Noon
Where: Milberger’s Landscape Nursery, 3920 N Loop 1604 E., 78247
http://www.milbergernursery.com/event/start-growing-your-fall-tomatoes-now/
Info: This free Earth-Kind® Seminar will be presented by David Rodriguez, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Horticulturist. He will help you prepare for a Fall and Winter Vegetable Garden. David will answer your specific questions about your gardening issues. Bring a notebook. Details at Milberger’s website. For BCMGs –– 1.5 CEUs; Code 001.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Bexar County Office presents:
Backyard Basics Expo
When: Sat, Sep 17, 8:30am-12:30pm
Where: San Antonio College Oppenheimer Academic Center, 1819 N. Main Ave, 78212
Info: $20 per person ($25 onsite); For BCMGs –– 4 CEUs; Code 001. Kids Free. Children’s area with youth activities. Free raffle drawing at closing. Register online. Find details in the attachments on the MG Calendar.
Dr. Bill Welch says this will undoubtedly be one of the very best Course offerings he has offered!
Landscape Design Study Series XXIII, Course I –– Details on MG Calendar
When: Mon-Tue, Sep 26-27
Where: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, College Station, TX
Info: An especially exciting program is planned including Jim Patterson ASLA, LEED, who is landscape architect for the upcoming A&M Gardens and Greenway on the West Campus in College Station. 12 CEUs for MGs; Code 001. Discount is $145 by Sep 1st. Find the course description, registration information and tentative schedule online. Email your questions to Michele Wehrheim or call (313) 649-1067.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: The Cowboy Experience
The 2016 Southern Region Master Gardener Conference will be held Nov 1-4, 2016 and hosted by Tarrant County in Arlington and Fort Worth. All who register before midnight, Monday, Sep 5 will be entered to win one of five full registration fees ($275), or one of five tours or the Cowboy Experience (winner’s choice valued from $30 to $70). Master Gardeners from thirteen southern states will come together to learn from gardening specialists, tour local sites and gardens, and be treated to some good old-fashioned Texan hospitality. Get all the details online!
International Spinach Conference to be Held in San Antonio
When: Wed-Thu, Nov 30 & Dec 1
Where: El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel, 110 Lexington Ave, 78205
Info: This two-day conference includes a full-day educational meeting with lunch featuring Texas grown spinach, followed by a day-long tour of the rich spinach growing area of the Texas Winter Garden along with numerous research plots and trials. Go online for registration and for further information. CEUs TBD; Code 002.
MASTER GARDENER SPECIALIST COURSES IN 2016—See All the Details on MG Calendar!
If you are interesting in attending, please email David Rodriguez, Extension Agent-Horticulture, Bexar County. BCMG CEU Code: 001.
Texas Superstar, Sep 20-22, Bexar County MGs, San Antonio
Master Volunteer Entomology Specialist, Sep 26-29, San Antonio
Vegetable Specialist, Nov 9-11, Bexar County MGs, San Antonio
AND, CHECK THIS OUT!
Dinner Tonight!
Signature Dinner Tonight events include Cooking Schools and special demonstration events which are held throughout the year, across the state. Find out about topics, events, locations and dates by visiting the “Signature Events” page.
In Case You Missed It!
Ruby and Jesse on YouTube
Ruby Zavala, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service youth gardens coordinator for Bexar County, describes the Junior Master Gardener adult leader training held in San Antonio in this video on YouTube. Also, learn about BCMG Jesse Valdez’s rewarding experience with Youth Gardening. Great Job, Ruby and Jesse!
Good News! Easier to Report Your CEUs!
A change in numbering to the project list pull-down should help when you report your CEUs in the Texas Master Gardener Volunteer Management System. The old code numbering for CEUs was 501 thru 504 and was located at the very bottom of the list. Now, you will find at the very top of the list: CEUs – 001 AgriLife Presentations; CEUs – 002 Approved Gardening Presentations; CEUs – 003 BCMG Monthly Meeting; CEUs – 004 TMGA State Conference. So if you heard, Marty Ruona speak at last month’s BCMG meeting, login and use CEU – 003 to report 1.5 hours.
Now Taking Applications!
For the Fall 2016 Children’s Vegetable Garden Program which will be held on Saturdays, Aug 20 thru Dec 3. Detailed information may be found online. Apply early as space is limited. Donations are always accepted and appreciated in order to grow this program. For more information, email David Rodriguez, County Extension Agent-Horticulturist, or call (210) 467-6575.
PLEASE NOTE: The email address associated with this e-Blast is only checked once a week. To volunteer or to sign up for a class, please use contacts provided. Thank you! If you no longer wish to receive e-Blasts from Bexar County Master Gardeners, please send an email to eBlasts@bexarmg.org with “Remove from Distribution List” in the subject line.
The post e-Blast–– Wed, Aug 17, 2016 appeared first on Bexar County Master Gardeners.