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
AUGUST Scion Newsletter & Calendar
The August edition of The Scion Newsletter is now available on the BCMG website. Meet the Master Gardener of the Month for August and read all about Ann Marie Caldwell on page 5 of The Scion. You can also find (on the BCMG website) the pdf of the August Master Calendar. NOTE: this is a corrected link for the Calendar –– July 31st e-Blast announcement had an error!
BCMG Board Meets Thursday, August 11
The monthly meeting of the BCMG Board of Directors will take place 4-6pm on Thu, Aug 11, at 3355 Cherry Ridge Street, San Antonio. If you are interested in placing items on the agenda, email President Jack Downey by Sat, Aug 6. And, all members are welcome to observe the meetings; however, in order to accommodate seating, please email the President, Jack Downey, that you will be attending.
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.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Work Party TOMORROW for Earth-Kind Herb Trial
WHEN: Thu, Aug 4, 9-11am
WHERE: San Antonio Food Bank, 5200 West Old Us Highway 90, 78227
INFO: Master Gardener Don Crites will be leading this work party at the backside of the Food Bank, across the street at the Farm, located between Bay Valley Foods and the Animal Care Shelter. Help is needed that morning to do some light weeding and pruning for the Earth-Kind Herb Trial. Any and all help is needed to stay current on these trials. Wear appropriate work shoes; bring gloves, any extra hand pruners, hedge shears, grubbing hoes and any extra helpers, too. Email David Rodriguez if you want to participate. Volunteer Hour Activity # 950d
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 two current Speakers Bureau Requests:
Topic: Tree selection/planting
When/Where: Wed, Aug 31; 12:15 to 1:15pm at 211 S. Flores St, 78204
Topic: Good Bugs, Bad Bugs
When/Where: Sat., Sep. 24th; 11:00-noon at 1101 Elbel Rd. Schertz, TX 78154
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Upcoming Classes — See All the Details on MG Calendar!
Thu, Aug 4: Kokedama (Ball Moss); 1 CEU; Code: 002
Fri, Aug 5: WEBINAR: Controlling Roaches Before They Control You; 1 CEU; Code: 002
Fri, Aug 5: Tomato Improvement Workshop; 3 CEUs; Code: 501
Sat, Aug 6: Bats 101; 1 CEU; Code: 002
Mon/Tue, Aug 8/9: Experiences with Olives; 10 CEUs; Code: 501
Mon, Aug 8: Using Fortuniana Rootstock for Growing Roses; 1 CEU; Code: 002
Wed, Aug 9: Cool Your Home With Landscaping; 1.5 CEUs; Code: 502
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 “Blue” Bonnets 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
Tomato Improvement Workshop — Details on MG Calendar!
When: Fri, Aug 5, 9am-noon
Where: Texas A&M Horticultural Teaching, Research & Extension Center, 3199 County Road 269, south of U.S. Hwy. 60 and west of U.S. Hwy 50, near College Station, TX
Info: 3 CEUs; Code 001. Anyone interested in growing tomatoes, either privately or commercially, should attend this free workshop. Topics include tomato breeding and cultivar selection, pest and disease management, fertility to improve quality, health benefits of tomatoes, protected culture (tunnels and greenhouse) and organic practices. There will be a hands-on grafting lesson, tomato samples and free tomato plants for the fall garden, including the new TAM Hot-Ty hybrid cultivar. For more information or to register, email Dr. Kevin Crosby, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Horticulturist.
Experiences with Olives — Details on MG Calendar!
When: Mon, Aug 8, 5:50-8pm and Tue, Aug 9, 8am-7pm
Where: Blue Star Brewery, 1414 S Alamo St, 78210 (Monday evening); and bus tour (Tuesday) departing from & returning to La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown SA,100 W. Cesar E Chavez Blvd. 78204
Info: If you are interested in olive oil production,Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and TX Dept of Agriculture have partnered to host a driving bus tour of four olive orchards in the San Antonio/Wintergarden area on Tue which will be preceded by an educational program on Mon evening. Registration is $35/person online. 10 CEUs; Code 001. AgriLife Today has an excellent article in this Bus Tour. For more information contact Monte Nesbitt, Texas A&M AgriLife Ext Horticulture in College Station.
Note from David Rodriguez: Have you done a year or more with the Children’s Vegetable Garden Program (CVGP)? The Fall Session of the CVGP is just around the corner, and we will be needing more volunteers to be involved there on Saturdays! Plan to attend this informative 90 minute orientation.
Orientation for Children’s Vegetable Garden Program –– Details on MG Calendar
When: Sat, Aug 13, 10:30am-Noon
Where: San Antonio Botanical Gardens (Auld House), 555 Funston Pl, 78209
Info: If you are interested in joining a group of seasoned Master Gardeners/ Volunteers and can share some of your time on Saturday mornings, please attend this Orientation (on Aug 13th) for the Fall Session (Sat, Aug 20 thru Sat, Dec 3). The Orientation will be held in the AULD HOUSE (not the Education Center); please park in the main lot at the garden and let Admissions know you are attending the CVGP Volunteer Fall 2016 Orientation. A map of the garden is available on the BCMG Calendar. BCMGs –– 1.5 CEUs; Code 002; free. For more information, email David Rodriguez, Extension Agent-Horticulture, or Mary Fernandez, CVG Program Lead.
Colorization of Bluebonnets –– BCMG Seminar & Meeting –– Details on MG Calendar
When: Thu, Aug 18, 1-3:30 pm
Where: 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio, TX 78230
Info: 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. Retired AgriLife Extension Horticulturist Dr. Jerry Parsons worked many years to expand the choice of colors for the gardener and for overall beautification, and to garner further recognition for the Texas bluebonnet. During this afternoon seminar, Dr Parsons will share the history and efforts that have led to colorful new selections.
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 contact BCMG President: President@bexarmg.org, or call 210-699-0663.
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
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.
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!
GMOs Continue as an Effective Weapon in War on Global Hunger
Read the June article at AgriLife TODAY for a discussion of current conclusions on keeping GMOs as part of the global food supply.
Dinner Tonight!
Find some COOL salad ideas for the hot days of August!
In Case You Missed It!
Just FYI
Angel Torres-Luna will be out of the AgriLife office from Aug 1-16 and will return on Aug 17.
Next July –– Be in Portland, OR
In 2017, the Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener Program and the Oregon Master Gardener Association will host the 2017 International Master Gardener Conference at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon, July 10-14, 2017. Visit the IMGC website get the details and to sign up for the newsletter! Early registration begins Oct 10, 2016.
Just Out!
The latest, greatest Texas Superstar brochure is now available online! Download a copy and learn all about these strong and stunning plants for Texans.
Ground Breaking Education
Learn all about The Gardens at Texas A&M! Visit gardens.tamu.edu, and sign up for updates, then click through the Gardens groundbreaking ceremony photo album!
Keep Up with Pest Trends
The Big Bug Hunt, a major international research project, is asking gardeners across the United States to report sightings of bugs as they appear this year. Head over to The Big Bug Hunt to report a pest or register for updates about the project.
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.
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