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
THIS FRIDAY: Annual Tour of Peterson’s Nursery
When: Fri, Dec 9, 10-Noon
Where: 1630 Creekview Dr, San Antonio, TX 78219
Info: Come see the prettiest florist quality poinsettias in the state!!! And, learn how this nursery operates and how some of the seasonal plants like pansies, etc. are grown with Dr Jerry Parsons and David Rodriguez as your guides. Wear walking shoes and bring a camera. Park on the far side in their parking lot, away from the front entrance which is allocated for their wholesale customers and delivery trucks. Free educational tour; 2 CEUs; Code 001. Email David Rodriguez for more information.
Board Vacancy
The Board of Directors has a vacancy for a Member-at-Large. The Member-at-Large function is to act as a full-time board member and represent the membership. Attendance at monthly meetings is required. Please email President Jack Downey if you are interested in being considered for the position.
Please remember that all Master Gardeners were advised in January 2016 that there will be no extension past December 31 for recording hours (Volunteer and CEU) in order to meet your minimum membership requirement. POST your hours in the VMS now, please!
Just a Calendar Note!
The BCMG Board of Directors will not meet in December and we do not hold a monthly meeting/seminar this month.
If You Could Not Attend Our Annual Party
Read the the MGs’ Week Before Christmas on our website!
Tell Your Family & Friends: Our Next MG Class is Set to Begin Wed, Feb 22, 2017
The Application and Class Schedule for BCMG Class #61 is now available on our website, along with all the details on how the program works and what to expect.
Today is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Sign-Ups for all Volunteer Events can now be accomplished online using the Event Calendar in the Volunteer Management System (VMS). You will find the number of volunteers still needed & who has signed up, Project Code (for reporting your hours) and you can even request an event reminder!
Help at Peterson’s Nursery Tour
When: Fri, Dec 9, 9:45am-Noon
Where: 1630 Creekview Dr, San Antonio, TX 78219
Info: Need two volunteers to help carry the microphone and provide other assistance for Dr Jerry Parsons and David Rodriguez. And, earn 2 CEUs in addition to the volunteer hours! Wear walking shoes. Park on the far side in their parking lot, away from the front entrance which is allocated for their wholesale customers and delivery trucks. Email David Rodriguez for need more information.
Much Help Needed!
Clean-up for the Fall Children’s Vegetable Garden Program (originally scheduled for Sat, Dec 3, but cancelled due to Heavy Rain) will take place this Saturday, Dec 10th. Come help put the garden to sleep (pulling plants, weeding, etc.) between 8am and Noon (even 2 hrs is appreciated). Upon arriving, please check in with Mary Fernandez or John Mayer to get a task assignment. Dress accordingly; bring gloves and any extra helpers. Park at the backside of the San Antonio Botanical Garden to enter the gate of the Children’s Vegetable Garden Program. Email David Rodriguez if you have any questions.
SAWS Rain Barrel Pick-Up
When: Sat, Jan 14, Time TBA
Where: Alamo Stadium, 110 Tuleta Dr, 78212
Info: Need 20+ volunteers in shifts over the course of the day to help train rain barrel purchasers on the installation and use of the barrel, and distribution. Anna Vogler, Water Conservation Coordinator, will provide some training to volunteers to standardize the information provided by BCMG volunteers; details coming.
Spring Youth Garden Educator Trg
When: Sat, Feb 4, 8am-2:30pm
Where: Phil Hardberger Park, West Urban Ecology Center, 8400 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, TX 78231
Info: 20 volunteers are needed to assist with this training event. If you have questions, email Ruby Zavala, Youth Gardens Coordinator.
SPEAKERS BUREAU
Needs Your Help! Please email Karen Gardner or call 210-571-3903 to have your name and contact information added to the Speaker Volunteer List and the Speakers Bureau Assistant List, or to volunteer for a specific request. Visit the Speakers page on the BCMG website for more information on this special volunteer activity! Thanks!!
Here are Speakers Bureau Requests coming up in 2017:
Topic: Good Bugs, Bad Bugs
When/Where: Sat, Mar 4, 9am-Noon @ 13153 Iron Horse Way, Helotes 78023
Topic: Plant Propagation
When/Where: Sat, Mar 4, 9am-Noon @ 13153 Iron Horse Way, Helotes 78023
Topic: Backyard Composting
When/Where: Sat, Mar 4, 9am-Noon @ 13153 Iron Horse Way, Helotes 78023
Topic: Organic Gardening
When/Where: Fri, May 5, 10-10:45am @ 317 Lake View Dr, Boerne 78006
These requests will take place at 211 S. Flores St, 78204 (with free parking):
Wed, Feb 1, 12:15-1:15pm; Rose Bush Selection & Care (New) Lunch & Learn
Wed, Apr 19, 12:15-1:15pm; Turf Grass 101
Wed, Sep 13, 12:15-1:15pm; Urban Wildlife
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Upcoming Class — See All the Details on MG Calendar!
Fri, Dec 9: Annual Tour of Peterson’s Nursery; 2 CEUs; Code: 001
Farmers & Gardeners Organic Conference
When: Thu-Fri, Jan 12-14, Hours Vary
Where: Mesquite Convention Center, 1700 Rodeo Dr, Mesquite, Texas 75149
Info: Hundreds of farmers, farm supporters, and gardening enthusiasts are expected to attend from all over Texas to share ideas, network, build community, and have fun! Early Bird Discount thru Dec 15th. Get all the details at the Texas Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association website. CEUs vary; Code 002.
Landscape Design School, Course II (register now for reduced fee)
When: Mon-Tue, Feb 27-28
Where: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 1000 George Bush Dr W, College Station, TX 77845
Info: 12 CEUs. Learn from professional landscape architects and horticulturists about how successful landscapes are designed. This is one of four different courses which can be taken in any sequence. Master Gardeners may receive a certificate and designation as a Landscape Design Steward upon completing all four, indicating knowledge in the area of landscape design. Registration fee: $145 by Jan 31 and $165 after. See attachments at the MG Calendar, and for questions, contact Michele Wehrheim or call (313) 649-1067.
MASTER GARDENER SPECIALIST COURSES IN 2017
If you are interesting in attending, please email David Rodriguez, Extension Agent-Horticulture, Bexar County. BCMG CEU Code: 001.
Home Fruit Specialist- Southern Texas, Feb 9-10, Gonzales – See MG Calendar!
Rainwater Harvesting Specialist, Apr 10-12, Bexar County MGs, San Antonio
Vegetable Specialist, Oct 17-19, Bexar County MGs, San Antonio
AND, CHECK THIS OUT!
Dinner Tonight
How about Sweet Potato Burgers as an alternative to a beef burgers!
Evening Master Gardener Class in Schertz
Perhaps you know of someone who wants to be a Master Gardener, but can only attend an evening class. If so, please let them know of this opportunity. December 30 is the deadline to register for Guadalupe County Master Gardener training classes to be held Tuesday evenings 1/17/17 – 5/23/17 from 5:45-8:45 pm at the Schertz Civic Center. Email Cynthia Lyssy or call 210 275-3970. More information at the Guadalupe County Master Gardener website.
Tis the Season for Holidays in Bloom at the San Antonio Botanical Garden!
The holidays are a wonderful time to visit. Explore 38 acres of garden displays with out-of-town guests. Enjoy seasonal displays that include hundreds of poinsettias, wreaths and red bows throughout the Garden. A 12 foot tall Christmas tree, donated from Holiday Hill Christmas Trees, is decked out with natural décor that includes magnolia pods and pinecones. The Carriage House sparkles with giant ornaments and twinkly lights. Take a stroll through the Orangerie in the Conservatory to see citrus tree branches heavy with scented oranges, grapefruits and lemons. Now thru December 31st.
In Case You Missed It!
Annual Dues for BCMG Members (Effective Jan 1. 2017)
Annual dues for 2017 are due by March 1, 2017. Make checks payable to “Bexar County Master Gardeners” and send your $25.00 to Bexar County Master Gardeners, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio, TX 78230
If you missed messages from the BCMG President which were emailed Nov 19, 21 & 22 to all members, you can find the rationale and details for the implementation of annual dues on the Members page of the BCMG website.
2017 Texas Master Gardener Association Annual Conference
Note from the BCMG President: If you are cruising with the TMGA 2017 Annual Conference April 27 – May 1, 2017, please sign-in on VMS at the April 27 date so we know who is attending from the Bexar County Master Gardeners. Jack promises to buy everyone who is signed up on VMS a Mai Tai on board the Carnival ship, and maybe, two or three more on the beach at Cozumel!
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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