August 2015 Newsletter - Guadalupe County Master Gardeners

The Guadalupe Gardener
August 2015
Extension Service
A monthly publication of the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners in
cooperation with the Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension, Guadalupe County
President’s August Potpourri
We’ll take some late registrations for Class 27
At this writing Class 27 stands eight registered and two
possible additions. Late registrations are being accepted at least until Class Coordinator Kay McElveen
decides the class has reached optimum size or that it is
too late for the student to have an optimal experience.
For more information Contact Kay at 479-790-2933.
Remember: Master Gardeners are welcome to audit
class sessions
We always make sure we’ve got extra chairs set out for
Master gardeners who’d like to sit in on any of the
Class’s sessions….with two exceptions. Field trips and
the Propagation Class are limited to registered students. Field trips because destinations typically involve
walking tours and tour sponsors prefer to limit audience
sizes. The Propagation Class is limited because of the
desire to maximize one-on-one, hand-over-hand training for students.
Propagation Booster Shots for Master Gardeners
Look for announcements of the special propagation
class for certified Master Gardeners. This opportunity is
being organized by Treva Hicks as a way to help those
of us who’d like to revisit exactly how we’re supposed to
help plants propagate but who are not invited to sit in on
the current class’s propagation session. We hope this
booster training will also help generate additional ornamental plants for the Earth Day plant sale in 2016. The
idea is if you come to class you commit to grow some
ornamentals for yourself…and a few more for the sale.
Special Thanks to Treva Hicks
For those of you who are unaware Treva, the perennial
Master Gardener trooper, has been holding down three
jobs. She’s chairs the Monthly membership refreshments team, the Speakers Bureau and the Education
Committee. As Education Chair she’s helped organize
(Continued on Page 5)
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August Meeting
Thursday
August 20th - 7 PM
AgriLife Ext Bldg
Program: Cathy Downs,
“Monarchs”
Social & Refreshments 6:30 PM
Program at 7 PM
Followed by Business Meeting
Don’t forget your name tags - and plants
for plant exchange
In This Issue
Page 2 - July Meeting Program
Page 3 - July Meeting
Page 4-5 - Class 27
Page 6 - George Ammermann Fund
Page 7 - Community Garden, Garage Sale
Page 8 - Big Red Barn, Dubai Miracle
Garden
Page 9 - July Volunteer Recognition,
Speakers Bureau
Page 10 - Volunteer Hour Project List
Page 11 - Recipes
Page 12 - July Lunch & Learns, Paper
Wasps, Members in Service
Page 13 - Spider Mites, Gardening Events
Page 14 - Volunteer Opportunities
Page 15-18 - Education-Classes-Seminars
Page 19 - August Calendar
Association News
July Meeting Program
Gardening with Worms!
Gail Johnson, GCMG, presented the July
educational program to the Guadalupe
County Master Gardener membership.
Gail’s program included a slide show, a
giveaway starter box and an example of
her own worm farm.
Gail reviewed ‘what is compost”, and why
it is so important to the ecological future of
the country. She reported that less than
3% of organic waste is recycled today in
the U.S., and 30% of all home garbage is
food waste. Gail has chosen the worm
method of composting - using earthworms
to process waste into compost.
Vermicomposting or composting with worms adds life to the soil by fertilizing and aerating. She recommends red worms or European night crawlers. She explained the life cycle of the worm, showing pictures. Some environmental considerations of starting a worm farm include temperature, ideal is 60-80
degrees - so summer is too hot and winter too cold in Texas. Gail keeps her worms in a building that is
temperature controlled. The soil can’t be too wet. pH needs to be neutral or slightly acidic and if you
over-feed you have pest problems.
She recommends a book Worms Eat My Garbage by Mary Appelhof, illustrations by Mary Frances Fenton, for newcomers to worm farming. It is available on-line including through Amazon.
Worm food is whatever is available: table scraps, paper products, composted manure and yard clippings. Do not feed the worms meat products, salted foods, fried foods or dairy products. Use citrus only
in moderation.
Containers can be plastic, wood or clay pots (clay pots should be buried or they will dry out too fast).
The container must have a top with holes, worms need air. Gail uses plastic and cautions not to make
the container too big as the container will become heavy.
Signs of problems include the worms grouping together, trying to escape the bin or they just disappear.
Gail also discussed how to harvest the worm castings. After harvesting you need to restart with new medium. She recommends Scott’s top soil packaged at Lowe’s.
The gardeners can also collect the liquid from the bottom using a layer of gravel and a drainage hole or
spigot.
For those interested in starting a farm you can purchase worms from someone who is already raising
worms or go on-line and find a producer that sells worms.
Article submitted by Sandy Foss
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JULY
MEETING
REFRESHMENTS
I want to thank everyone who provided all
the great refreshments for the meeting:
They were Judith M. Johnson, Cynthia
Lyssy, Debbie Lowe, Betty Hughes,
Marvin Borth, Pam Turner, Treva Hicks,
and Beth Zies.
Submitted by Treva Hicks
Photos by Marvin “T” Taylor
Earthworm starter kit donated by Gail Johnson
was won by Barbara
Heuerman (student, Class
27). Raffle totalled $30;
Jose Contreras won the
$15 split. Consolation
drawing was won by
Sandy Foss.
TEXAS GARDENER FUNDRAISER
Our Treasury keeps 25% of your subscription when it is sent through GCMG
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Guadalupe County Master Gardeners – Class 27
AgriLife Bldg, 210 Live Oak, Seguin
Wednesday, 10:00 – 2:30, August 12 thru December 9
Kay McElveen, Class 27 Coordinator, has finalized the course content for this fall's Class (see below).
With the exception of the Propagation Class members can retake a session at no cost. Historically,
we've restricted access to the propagation class because of its intensive, hands-on nature - and the desire to devote attention to the current year's students. But - Good News for Master Gardeners who really
want to brush up on their propagation skills: Look for an announcement soon for a special propagation
session just for you next Fall (see page 16). All other sessions are on a space available basis and we
have yet to have had to keep anyone away. It does help us plan, however, if you let Kay or Mike know
which sessions you want to attend. Their contact information is:
Kay McElveen, Class Coordinator, kay.mcelveen@yahoo.com 830-401-4420 or
Mike Murley, Assistant Class Co-Coordinator, murleyml@yahoo.com 830-491-8501.
Guadalupe County Master Gardeners Class 27 Schedule
Aug 12
Aug 19
Aug 26
Sep 2
Sep 9
Sep 16
Sep 23
Sep 30
Oct 7
Oct 14
Oct 21
How to Take a Soil Sample and Draw a Design of Your Current Landscape. Dennis
Hale, Landscape Designer, Former Wilson County AgriLife Extension Agent.
Soil, Water & Plant Nutrients – What You Need to Know to Achieve a Proper
Balance. Mark McFarland, Ph.D, Professor, Dept of Soil & Crop Sciences, Texas, A&M;
Soil Fertility Specialist, Texas AgriLife Extension
M. S., Botany Instructor; Mgr, Recreational Facilities &
How Plants Grow. Liz Palfini,
Services, TX Parks & Wildlife
How to Propagate Plants. Wear grubbies! Kathy Carroll & Bob Teweles, Propagation
Specialists, Certified Guadalupe County Master Gardeners
Composting. Lee Franzel, Certified Comal County Master Gardener
How to Grow Vegetables You Like to Eat … And Some You May Learn to Like.
Patty Leander, Certified Travis County Master Gardener, Master Gardener Vegetable
Specialist, Contributor to Texas Gardener Magazine
How to Design & Create the Landscape You Want. How to Grow Better Lawns.
Dennis Hale, Landscape Designer, Former Wilson County AgriLife Extension Agent.
How to Use Native Plants to Bring Nature Back to Your Landscape. Field trip to
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin. Deedy Wright, Propagation &
Vegetable Specialist; Founder, Guadalupe County Native Plant Society
Herbs, Peppers & Vinegars – How to Spice Up Your Landscape. Cindy Meredith,
Proprietor, The Herb Cottage http://theherbcottage.com Lavaca County TX between
Schulenburg & Hallettsville
How to Evaluate Plant Health & Diagnose Problems in Your Landscape. Greta
Schuster, Ph.D., Faculty, Texas A&M University – Kingsville Extension Plant Pathologist
Firewise. Jose Contreras, Firewise Specialist; President, Guadalupe County Master
Gardeners
Low Water Use Landscaping. Calvin Finch, Ph.D., Director, Urban Water Program,
Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Resources
(Continued on following page)
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(Continued from preceding page)
Oct 28
How to Harvest, Store & Re-use Rain. Liz Romero, Certified Guadalupe County Master
Gardener
How to Make & Install a Rain Barrel for Your Home. Dave Elder, Certified Guadalupe
County Master Gardener
How to Make Your Own Drip Irrigation System. Jim Johnson, Certified Guadalupe
County Master Gardener
Nov 4
Insects, Bugs & Integrated Pest Management- How to Tell Good Guys from Bad …
And Do Less Harm. Molly Keck, Entomologist, Bexar County AgriLife Integrated Pest
Management Program Specialist
Nov 11
How to Produce Your Own Fruits & Nuts at Home. Larry A. Stein, Ph.D., Professor &
Extension Horticulturist, Texas A&M
Nov 18
How to Select, Plant and/or Nuture Trees in Our Guadalupe County Landscape.
Nancy Masterson, Certified Arborist, Certified Guadalupe County Master Gardener,
Master Naturalist
Dec 2
Texas Superstars. Larry A. Stein, Ph.D., Professor & Extension Horticulturist, Texas A&M
How To Garden to For Wildlife. Meredith O’Reilly, Travis County A&M AgriLife Youth
Gardening Specialist for 4-H CAPITAL, Texas Master Naturalist, NWF Habitat Steward
Host
Dec 9
Landscape Design Review/Small Groups. Dennis Hale, Landscape Designer, Former
Wilson County AgriLife Extension Agent.
(PRESIDENT—continued from page 1)
Saturday workshops at the Community Garden and kicked off the Lunch and Learn Program in both Seguin and Schertz. Please join me in letting her know we appreciate her efforts.
Get Ready for the Fall Fund Raiser
At this writing it’s the fund raiser without an official name, but expect to hear that announced at our August Membership Meeting. You can also expect to hear a list of things you might do in October and September to help prepare for the November 14th event. The planning committee’s initial work will have
been completed in early August and I believe we’ll have a list of the kinds of items we’d like to see contributed, when the donated items can be brought to AgriLife Building for pricing and ways folks can volunteer to help at the event. Given our success at the April Earth Day plant sale we should have no trouble
making our annual fund raising goal.
Need to Refresh Your Fall Garden Preparation Techniques?
Learn from the experts…come help the community garden on work days and practice what you learn at
home during the rest of the week. Contact Ann or Dale Odvody or Mary Bowe.
Send In Your Landscape Design Improvements
Got a pretty plant you’re proud of?
Just finished a landscape improvement you’ve wanted to make for a long time?
Got a particularly wonderful picture of grandkids or pets in your garden or landscape?
Email them to me at elmerojose@gmail.com by Tuesday before the membership meeting and we’ll show
them before the meeting and during the break.
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George Ammermann Fund
On September 23, 2012 Guadalupe County Master Gardeners lost one of its leaders, George Ammermann, Master Gardener Emeritus. In honor of George we established the George Ammermann Education Fund. Each year since, we have donated gardening books to the Seguin, Marion and Schertz libraries in his honor using monies from this fund. This year we had enough funds to donate to these libraries
$145 each with the stipulation that they purchase either adult or children’s gardening books. Each librarian was very thrilled and appreciative of the gift. Especially pleased that we thought of them.
Marion - Left to Right-Angie
Rachwitz, Community Coordinator; Peggy Jones, MG;
Belinda Reasor, Marion Library Treasurer.
Schertz - Left to Right- Bob
Davis, MG; Melissa Uhlhorn,
Schertz Librarian, Peggy Jones,
MG
Seguin - Left to Right-Jackie
Gross, Seguin Librarian;
Peggy Jones, MG
For those of you that are new to our organization George Ammermann was a leader for many years. He was our President in 2000,
2001, 2002, 2008, and 2011,and Class Coordinator for Class 18
(2006) and Class 21 (2009). In addition to the contributions that
George made in Guadalupe County, he was a significant presence
within the Texas Master Gardener Association (TMGA) administration. George served as 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, and
then TMGA President in 2003. He continued to be involved as a Director representing Guadalupe County, then returned to the Executive Committee and served as TMGA Secretary in 2006 and 2007.
He also served as chairman of the TMGA Outreach Committee for
several years, and consistently led the invocation and pledge of allegiance at the TMGA Directors meetings. George will continue to be
missed by all those who knew him.
Photos by Bob Jones, Article respectfully submitted by Peggy Jones
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Community Garden - Updates from Ann Odvody
7/1 - It was a nice morning in the garden and we got a lot accomplished. We got the harvesting out of
the way first. Lots of cucumbers and tomatoes. We had 62 pounds 5 ounces for the day, bringing us to
1,419 pounds 5 ounces for the first half of the year. Kim, Debbie and I then weeded several beds and
paths. Dale planted more okra and Kim planted two beds of black-eyed peas. John took the teenage
boys and worked at cleaning up around the Annex building. It sure looks better! Tuesday we work on
getting the blackberries cut back, some more planting and as always weeding.
7/7 - We had early morning cloud cover and a stiff breeze which made for pleasant working. Joyce,
Lillian, and Mary did most of the harvesting. Denise and her family cleared a bed and planted it in more
okra. Dale watched over the kids weeding and watered those places not on the drip irrigation system.
Debbie and I attacked the weeds in the area back by the green house. Ground was hard as a rock. We
had several visitors in the garden today who were looking in to see what we were doing. Tours of the
garden were given. Today’s harvest was 85 pounds 8 ounces, giving us 1,581 pounds 2 ounces for the
year. Many thanks to those of you who worked today - nice visiting and the extra hands make things go
so much faster.
7/19 - It was a busy week in the garden. In addition to our regular workdays, we had visitors in the garden on Wednesday. A group of 18 children and 5 adults from the YMCA’s summer camp toured the garden with Dale and Mary. After the tour Mary had a quiz for the kids that they really enjoyed. We have
folks on vacation so we were a little light on adults this week, but we still got the harvesting and some
weeding done. We harvested 130 pounds 10 ounces for the week, giving us 1,766 pounds 8 ounces for
the year. The cucumbers and some of the green beans are about burned out with the heat. Okra, Armenian cucumbers (really a melon), and black eyed peas will all be starting to produce soon. In a few short
weeks it will be time to think about the fall garden!
Garage Sale
Looking for members to volunteer for a "garage sale planning committee." Eight volunteers have signed
up to date. Garage sale has been set for November 14th at the AgriLife building. Meanwhile...save the
date:
Saturday, November 14, 2015
REMINDER
If anyone needs a card from
the organization for an illness
or loss of a family member,
contact: Welta Burris Secretary
210-273-5025, or e-mail
hwburris@ctxu.net.
Newsletter Staff
Editor - Elaine McIntyre
Photographer - Marvin “T” Taylor
Distribution - Doug Biggs
Proof Reader - Bob Teweles
Wandering Gardener - Marilyn Moltz
What Is It? - Katie McLean
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GCMG Outreach
Virginia Biggs is GCMG’s Outreach Chairman. If anyone
knows of a GCMG who needs a
meal, please let her know 830560-1976.
Report from the Big Red Barn
In spite of sudden summer heat and summer vacations the volunteers have been working at the Big Red
Barn. The Keyhole and Square Foot demonstration gardens mentioned in the last newsletter are complete (except for the dividers for the Square Foot Garden). We have even started some plantings in the
Keyhole – a pepper and tomato – that we hope will survive the heat. In addition, we have planted pumpkins in the regular beds.
Other than that we are cleaning up the beds to get them ready for fall planting. We are solarizing a large
part of Plot 1 to hopefully get rid of the weeds and insects. We have cleaned up the herb garden and the
butterfly garden. The butterfly garden is beautiful right now with many blooming plants.
There are still a few tomatoes producing but the eggplant and okra are really providing a nice harvest.
We also spent some time picking figs so that they wouldn’t go to waste. Other than that we are spending
time planning the fall planting. I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to broccoli and salad
greens!
Submitted by Kay McElveen
Dubai Miracle Garden
For a real treat, Google Dubai Miracle Garden. It is the world's largest flower garden - in the last place
you would expect: Rainbow-colored oasis with 45 MILLION flowers is in the middle of a desert. The Dubai Miracle Garden features over 45 flower species imported from all over the world. A multitude of
shaped archways, flowerbeds and structures can be seen at the 18-acre site. The colorful array is watered by a system that recycles waste water while avoiding evaporation.
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July Volunteer Recognition Program
27 Certified Master Gardeners qualified for the July Volunteer Recognition Program Drawing. Having
done so, all 27 also qualify for one entry into the $150 Annual Recognition Drawing. A special shout out
goes to John Lewicki and Karen Patterson who reported over 40 volunteer hours for the month.
Way to go John and Karen!
Members Reporting 5 or More Hours in June 2015
July Volunteer Recognition Program
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LASTNAME
FIRSTNAME
Augustus
Lillian
Bennett
Kathy
Bowe
Mary
Cardona
Ramonita
Chandler
Mike
Cox
Robert (Bob)
Darrough
Kim
Elia
Debra
Friesenhahn
Joyce
Jones
Peggy
Knobles
Janice
Lewicki
John
Magee
Janet
Martin
Cindy
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16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
LASTNAME
FIRSTNAME
McElveen
Kay
McIntyre
Elaine
Micheli
Hughlene
Moltz
Marilyn
Odvody
Dale
Odvody
Ann
Patterson
Karen
Preston
Jerilyn
Schultze
Pat
Seale
Iris
Styblo
Mary
Tyler-White
Patricia
Watkins
Patricia
Congratulations to Patricia Watkins our July winner. As our July Volunteer, Patricia won a $20 gift
certificate to Maldonado Nursery.
To qualify for the Monthly Volunteer Recognition Program drawing, Certified Guadalupe County Master
Gardeners must report a minimum of 5 volunteer and continuing education hours earned during the
month in VMS by the last calendar day of the month. Hours earned for attendance at the monthly
GCMG Membership Meeting are not included in the minimum 5 hours, except those earned for meeting setup. Board members do not participate in the Volunteer Recognition Program.
Don’t forget to earn and report your hours by 31 August 2015 to be eligible for the September Membership Drawing.
Submitted by Cindy Waechter
SPEAKERS BUREAU
On July 7, Jose Contreras gave a presentation to the Seguin Rotary Club at TLU on Guadalupe County
Master Gardeners and what we are doing in and around Seguin.
I would appreciate it if when you do a program somewhere to let me know, even though you log the information on VMS Anyone doing a MG program needs to put the attendee’s information on their VMS
Hours sheet. Iif you have any questions, please contact either Cindy Waechter,
cindy.waechter@gmail.com or Treva Hicks, hickslt@lycos.com or call 830-303-4712
I am updating the Speakers Bureau information and contacting everyone for current information regarding programs that you are doing or can do in the future.
Submitted by Treva Hicks
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GCMG Project List for Recording Volunteer Hours in VMS - As of June 2015
Project Name
Description
(a) Membership Meeting
Monthly Membership Meeting to Include Speaker Presentation
Record Travel Time & Business Meeting as Volunteer Hours
Record Speaker Presentation as Continuing Education Hours
Educational seminars/classes
(b) Continuing Education
(c) MG Organizational Support
Committee Duties & Meetings
Executive Board Duties and Meetings
Master Gardener Office/Library
Membership Outreach (Notifications, phone calls, cards, letters, etc.)
Newsletter
Facebook
Socials, hospitality, refreshments (planning, set up, clean up: NOT attendance or
cooking)
Volunteer Hours Program
Volunteer Recognition
(d) Guadalupe County Community
Garden
(e) Gutierrez Xeriscape Park
(f) Red Barn
(g) Approved Gardens
(h) Outreach to the Public
(i) Youth Education Gardening
AgriLife Extension Garden
Park West
Publicity
Public education programs/seminars (Researching, preparing, presenting)
Library Gardening Series (Lunch & Learn) (Researching, preparing, presenting)
Ask a Master Gardener
Answering questions for the public
Speaker's Bureau
KWED radio (Researching, preparing, presenting)
Website
Seguin Christmas Tree Decorating
Schertz/Cibolo Ag Days
Water Fairs
School gardens
AgFest Big Red Barn
Buckaroo Days at SASS&R
(ii) Fund Raisers (Plant Sales, Garage Sales, etc.)
(iii) Earth Day
(j) Master Gardener Booth
(k) Master Gardener Class
Wilson County Garden Day
Pecan Fest
Other
All activities associated with the preparation for, delivery of, and the conclusion of
the Class for Master Gardeners.
(l) San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
(m) Guadalupe County Fair
(n) Texas State Master Gardeners
Association
(o) Other
Directors meetings
Conferences
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RECIPES
Easy Italian Cream Cake
1 box yellow cake mix (Duncan Hines Classic Yellow)
4 eggs
1 small box vanilla instant pudding
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 cup oil
1-1/2 cups coconut
1-1/3 cups buttermilk
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Mix the first six ingredients until combined. Beat 4 minutes at medium speed. Fold in coconut and pecans. Pour into prepared 13 x 9 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Frost with cream cheese
or butter cream frosting. Garnish with toasted coconut.
Submitted by Cynthia Lyssy
Coconut Oatmeal Cookies
1 cup Crisco shortening
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1-1/2 cups quick cooking oatmeal
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 cup coconut
Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add brown sugar, shortening, eggs, and
vanilla. Mix well. Stir in oatmeal, pecans, and coconut. Roll dough into small balls; dip tops into granulated sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet; bake at 375 degrees for 11-13 minutes. Makes about 51/2 dozens. I have started using Betterbody Foods organic bourbon Madagascar vanilla available at
Sam’s Club. It is the “Mercedes” of vanilla.
Submitted by Cynthia Lyssy
Chili Cheese Fritos Corn Salad
2 (16 oz.) bags frozen sweet corn ½ cup mayonnaise
1 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 (10.5 oz.) bag coarsely crushed Chili Cheese Fritos Corn Chips
1 cup chopped green bell pepper Salt and Pepper to taste
¼ cup chopped green onion
In a large bowl, toss together corn, cheese, red and green pepper and onion. Mix together mayonnaise
and sour cream; mix with corn mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in corn chips just before serving. *Do not cook the corn – thaw but keep very cold – great summer salad! Serves 8 to 10 people.
Submitted by Debbie Lowe
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July Lunch and Learn Programs
At the AgriLife Extension Office in Seguin on July 2nd, 30 MGs and visitors listened to “20 Great Herbs
for South Central Texas” presented by Gail Johnson. The presentation was enjoyed by all.
In Schertz on Monday July 13th, Nancy Masterson’ gave her very informative program “Hello Invasives,
Goodbye Texas” to 21 members, and visitors. She also gave an update on the work that the GCMGs,.
Master Naturalists, Native Plant Society of Texas and some of the garden clubs are doing to help remove Invasives in Park West in Seguin.
PAPER WASPS
Help Molly Keck, Bexar County Extension Entomologist!
If you have paper wasps building nests around your house, don’t knock them down. Let Molly get them!
She is working with a company which will extract the venom for venom therapy. Call Molly Keck at 210467-6575, and she will make arrangements to remove the nest and collect the wasps.
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Texas Master Gardener Board of Directors
Two Year Term - Dave Elder - Alternate - Marvin Borth
One Year Term - Peggy Jones - Bob Teweles, Alternate
Membership Outreach Committee - Virginia Biggs
Speakers Bureau - Treva Hicks
Guadalupe Co. Community Garden - Dale & Ann Odvody
Master Gardener Office/Library - Betty Hughes
Refreshment Coordinator - Treva Hicks
Big Red Barn - Janice Knobles
Gutierrez Xeriscape Garden - John Lewicki & Kim Darrough
Historian - Sandy Foss
2015 County Fair - Cindy Martin
Ag Awareness Fair - Lo-Ra Dick
Class 27 Coordinators - Kay McElveen & Mike Murley
Christmas Tree Decorating - Betty Hughes
Facebook Editor - Cynthia Leos
Newsletter Editor - Elaine McIntyre
Web Master - Bob Teweles
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What Is It? - by Katie McLean
Spider Mites
Spider mites are listed in one of my gardening guide's "Pest Watch" for August, early September. They
can do serious damage to food crops and ornamentals. They're a problem mostly when soil is either too
wet or too dry, and as we all know after May's weather, it may still be up for grabs whether our weather
will suddenly reverse. Right now, my air is hot and soil is dry and that is not good relative to a potential
spider mite problem, although they attack only already stressed, sick plants. But because they feed on
several hundred species of plants, damage can be widespread. Both the nymphs and adults pierce plant
cells and suck juice from foliage, fruit and roots. They're generally found at the base of the plant or on
the underside of plant leaves where they spin a protective silk web, and the leaves usually turn yellow
and curl. Because of their tiny size (less than 0.4 mm), it will be difficult to see them, so look for these
symptoms of their presence. If you can see them, the adults are reddish brown with eight spider-like
legs, no thorax or wings and no antennae. They like to overwinter in debris, bark, poke, Jerusalem oak,
Jimson weed, as well as other weeds. They're not as successful with organic gardeners. However, if a
problem is found, spray recommended control every three days for nine days to help get rid of them (or
according to the product's instructions). It is said that the best sprays are garlic-pepper tea and seaweed
mix, as well as citrus oil sprays.
GARDENING EVENTS
Green Spaces Alliance
Collins Community Garden Groundbreaking
Saturday August 8th - 200 N. Park Avenue
across the street from the new H-E-B on Nogalitos
For more details, or questions call or email us anytime! info@greensatx.org (210)222-8430
Green Spaces Alliance Sweet Honey Soire
October 1st at The Veranda.
An inspired evening celebrating the beauty of our natural world and our very special "community pollinator," Linda Hardberger. Garden Party Attire. Sponsorship and ticket information at www.greensatx.org.
2016 Terry Hershey Texas Women in Conservation Award
Nominations for the 2016 Terry Hershey Texas Women in Conservation Award are open now through
August 14. Now is the time to recognize and honor the women you know who have made an impact on
conservation in the great state of Texas. Questions or to learn more email texaswic@audubon.org or
visit texaswomeninconservation.org. Good luck and thank you for supporting Audubon's Texas
Women in Conservation program.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Guadalupe County Master Gardeners
Volunteer Opportunities
Every Monday the MG office/library is open from 8:30am-noon except for holidays. Volunteers are always needed. Contact Betty Hughes. 830-401-4066 or e-mail ehughes5@satx.rr.com.
Every Tuesday and Friday are work days at the Guadalupe County Community Garden. Check with Ann
Odvody (odvodyd@swbell.net 830-914-3593) for start hour and access at other times.
Every Friday 9 am is a workday in the gardens at the Big Red Barn. Check with Janice Knobles, 830-379-6193
or e-mail jmknobles@yahoo.com for details.
KWED Master Gardener Lawn and Garden Show is always looking for volunteers. Contact Janet Grafe at 830639-4199 or e-mail to janetgrafe@hotmail.com.
For our meetings, we could use help with setting out chairs since we usually put out 80 chairs. That way
we are not putting out chairs during the program. If a few people came 30 minutes early, that would help
a lot. Treva Hicks.
Leaders Needed - Contact Jose Contreras
Sep 3 - Ag Awareness Fair, Big Red Barn, 3 days, LoRa Dick needs co-chair
Oct 27-29 - Cibolo Ag Fair. FA Barn. Need Chair and co-chair.
Nov 19-20 - Pecan Fest. Need chair and co-chair
December (date tba). Christmas Tree Decorating Seguin. Betty Hughes needs a co-chair.
We need someone to step up and serve as Volunteer Chair.
NEEDED - Class Assistant for Class 27
Class 27 starts August 12. Unfortunately one of the Class Assistants is moving out of state within the
next month and will be unable to help with the class. As all of you know, the class really needs two people working to make it run smoothly and to provide backup. We really need someone to step into this
position. If you can help, please contact Kay McElveen as soon as possible kay.mcelveen@yahoo.com, home - 830-401-4420, cell - 479-790-2933. Thanks for your help with this!!
Community Garden Fair and Craft Show September 26
Volunteers are needed for the Community Garden Fair and Craft Show September 26 from 10:00 AM 3:00 PM. Mary Bowe is in charge of the fair and craft show. Contact her at rwbowe46@aol.com or call
210-317-6212. Cynthia Lyssy will coordinate the raffle. You can reach her at cmlyssy@prodigy.net or
call 210-648-0517.
14
MG EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITES
AUG 1 - SAT, San Antonio, “Organic & Sustainable Farming” William R. Sinkin, Eco Centro at SAC, 1802 N.
Main Ave., San Antonio, TX. 10 am-12pm, Speaker: Karen Haynes, Local Organic Farmer and owner of Urban
Spice Farm. Free. For more information, visit https://orgsync.com/99838/chapter or call 210-486-0417
AUG 6 - THUR, Seguin Lunch and Learn Program, noon-1pm AgriLife Extension Office, 210 Live Oak St., Seguin, “Butterfly Gardens”, by Judy Stanley, MG. Free. Open to the public and attendees are welcome to bring a
sack lunch.
AUG 8 - SAT, San Antonio, “Aquaponics and Hydroponics”, 10am-12pm, William R. Sinkin, Eco Centro at
SAC, 1802 North Main Ave., San Antonio, TX. Free. For more information, visit https;//orgsync.com/99838/
chapter , or call 210-486-0417. Speaker TBA.
AUG 10 - MON, Schertz Lunch and Learn Program , GVEC Community Room, 907 Curtis Street, Schertz,
“Butterfly Gardens”, presented by Judy Stanley, Guadalupe County Master Gardener. Free. Open to the public
and attendees are welcome to bring a sack lunch. For more information visit: guadalupecountymastergardeners.org or call 830-303-3889.
AUG 10 - MON, San Antonio ,”Bouquets and Arrangements for Home Decorations”, Speaker Erin Essensee,
Manager/Product Development, HEB Floral Department. San Antonio Rose Society Meeting and Presentation,
San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels Ave. San Antonio, TX. 7:00pm-9:00pm. Free. For more information, go to: http://www.sarosesociety.org or call, Peggy Jones 210-649-4002.
AUG 12 - WED, GC Master Gardener Class 27 begins!
AUG 20 - THUR, AgriLife Extension Office, 210 East Live Oak St., GC Master Gardener Monthly Meeting,
Speaker Cathy Downs, “Monarchs”, 6:30pm Social, 7pm Program, followed by membership meeting.
AUG 22 - SAT, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, San Antonio Rose Society will present “Companion Planting with
Roses”, instructor: Peggy Jones 9:30 am -11:30am. Fee $10 (members $9) Registration is via http://
www.sabot.org, under Adult Classes. The emphasis will be on EarthKind roses.
AUG 28 - FRI, Alamo Area Conservation Workshop, Small–Acreage, Homeowners, Naturalists. $20 per person by
Aug 21 Lunch included, ($25 at the door), Phil Hard Berger Park- Urban Ecology Center, 8400 NW Military Hwy,
San Antonio, TX. To register or for more details, call Angel Torres at (210) 467-6575 or email matorres@ag.tamu.edu.
SEP 3 THUR, Seguin, Lunch and Learn Program, “Drip Irrigation”, by Jim Johnson, AgriLife Extension Office,
210 E. Live Oak St., Seguin TX. Free. Attendees welcome to bring a lunch. For more information call 830-3033889 or visit guadalupemastergardeners.org.
SEP 14 - MON, Schertz, Lunch and Learn Program, “Companion Vegetable Gardening with Flowers”, by
Peggy Jones, GVEC Community Room, 907 Curtis Street, Schertz,
SEP 16 - WED, San Antonio, “ Texas Superstar Plant Specialist Training”, San Antonio Botanical Garden
Education Room, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX Ffor information: http://dhrodriguez@ag.tamu.edu or call
David Rodriquez at 210-467-6575 . Space is limited.
SEP 17 - THUR, Seguin, AgriLife Extension Office, 210 East Live Oak St. Seguin,. Master Gardener
Monthly Meeting, Speaker will be Keith Amelung on “Bog Plants and Gardening”. 6:30pm Social/
Meet&Greet, Program at 7:00pm Membership meeting to follow.
Oct 1 THUR, Lunch and Learn Program, “Fall Bulbs” Deedy Wright, GCMG, AgriLife Extension Office, 210 E.
Live Oak St., Seguin TX. Free.
Oct 12, MON Schertz Lunch and Learn Program, “Lawn Care”, Marvin Borth, GCMG. GVEC Community
Room, 907 Curtis Street, Schertz
15
How to Pot up Your Plants Now for the Spring Plant Sale
Saturday October 3, 10am-12
Bob Teweles will be doing a Mini Refresher Program to the members on “How to Pot up Your Plants Now
for the Spring Plant Sale”. Bob will be doing demonstrations and there may be hands on training by
members. Anyone interested please let me know, so that we have an idea how many will be attending.
Our new Class 27 members that would like to attend are very welcome. Anyone interested please contact Treva Hicks, hickslt@lycos.com or call 830-303-4712
MG Specialist Rainwater Harvesting Training
Tue, Wed, Thu, Oct 20-22
1600 Smith Rd. Austin, TX
Hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office - Travis County. 15 CEUs. Fee: $250 for three-day
training session and includes a 55-gal rain barrel to take home. For more information, call (210) 4676575.
Podcasts: Trees Are Key
Paul Johnson will help listeners better care for their trees. This short (10-15 min) weekly podcast will feature a short lesson, a weekly tree highlight and upcoming tree related events around the state.
To pick a topic visit the Texas A&M Forest Service website at http://tfsweb.tamu.edu/podcasts/
treesarekey/
Texas Master Gardener Specialist Training - Entomology
September 28 through October 2
Montgomery County Extension Office, Conroe
The training is designed to provide an in-depth exposure to the world of insects: 4.5 days of insectoriented field trips, lectures and hands-on insect collecting and photography.
Montgomery County is not currently accepting applicants for the program, but for updates and further
information see http://agrilife.org/insectspecialist/
Fanick's Nursery Events
September 5 - 10:30am - Noon. Vegetables. David Rodriguez from the Agrilife Extension Service will
show you how to properly plant, grow and harvest your vegetables. David has a ton of experience in
gardening and would love to share his knowledge and passion for vegetables with you. Seminar is free
but any donation to the Children's garden is welcomed.
RETRACTION
The following information regarding Internet Classes printed in the last issue is no
longer in effect. “Although GCMG policy is that you may not take over 3 credits a calendar year for
on line courses, the board voted that, in this instance, we can take an additional 2 CEU’s over and above
the 3 CEU limit for on line courses for the Earthkind Drought Preparedness.
RETRACTION
16
2015 FALL FLORAL DESIGN SCHOOL
Fall Classes will focus on Ikebana Floral Arranging. The first class will be an introduction to Culture and
Tradition of Ikebana.
FIRST CLASS - Tuesday, September 8, 12noon - 3pm. Introduction to Japanese Floral Arranging with
Old School Ikebana Arranging. Alisan Clarke – Austin, Texas . Certified Ikebana Instructor
SECOND CLASS - Tuesday, September 15, 12noon - 3pm. Eastern Flare for a Western Home. Brian
Dalton – Dallas, Texas. Certified Ikebana Instructor
THIRD CLASS - Tuesday, September 22, 12noon - 3pm. At Home with Ikebana. Alisan Clarke – Austin, Texas. Certified Ikebana Instructor
$75 tuition for all three classes includes fresh flowers and greenery. Bring your own kenzan (metal frog).
Kenzans will be available for purchase at the beginning of each class. All classes are held at the San
Antonio Garden Center.. Enrollment is limited. Register by September 1, 2015. Registration forms
available at 3310 N. New Braunfels Avenue or call (210) 824-9981 or www.sanantoniogardencenter.org
Make checks payable to San Antonio Garden Center. Tuition for missed classes cannot be refunded.
Landscape Design School Series XXIV Course III
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, College Station
September 21-22, 2015
Registration will be $145 until September 1st and $165 thereafter. Registration materials and questions
contact Michelle Wehrnheim, 313-649-1067 or e-mail texaslandscapedesignschool@gmail.com
It’s always helpful to see what’s new on the Aggie Horticulture Website
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/
Small Acreage Water Conservation
Sat, Aug 8, 9:30am-Noon
City Hall Campus, 7286 Dietz Elkhorn, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Workshop targets homeowners interested in learning Earth Kind best practices of water conservation for
landscaping & wildlife habitat. Presented by Troy Luepke, Texas A&M AgriLife Ext Svc. 2.5 CEUs. Free.
Limit 30. RSVP to 210-698-0900 by Tue, Aug 4.
17
30 Bugs Every Gardener Should Know
Wed, Aug 19,1-3pm
Bexar County Ext Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge St, Suite #208,
If you spend anytime outdoors, you know there are bugs, and this wet spring and summer has helped
insect populations explode! Learn which bugs are hurting or helping your plants, invading your home, or
just causing a nuisance. See real insects as well as pictures and be sure to bring your insects or plant
damage that you need identified. 2 CEUs. Cost: $10. To RSVP call Molly Keck at 210-467-6575.
Alamo Area Conservation Workshop
Fri, Aug 28, 8:30am-4:30pm
Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 NW Military Hwy. San Antonio, Tx
Learn about Fire in the Urban Wildland Interface, Oak Wilt, Feral Hogs, Insects, Water Quality and the
Natural History of the South Texas Plains. 6 CEUs. Cost: $20 per person by Aug 21 ($25 at door);
lunch included. For details or to register, call Angel Torres at (210) 467-6575.
YouTube Video
Texas Sustainable Strawberry Project
Learn about the work of the Texas A&M AgriLife Sustainable Strawberry Project led by Russ Wallace of
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension which addresses expectations of strawberry consumers, producers and
retailers in Texas, and to improve field production and sustainability in the state. https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=htCVqm6Lesk
Jr Entomologist Camp
August 10-11 or August 12-13, 9am-12pm
NISD Community Ed Bldg 6632 Bandera Rd.
For those little ones who love insects! Ages 4-6. We will collect insects, make an insect collection, perform experiments and activities with insects and learn all about insects and entomologist in two short
days! Register through NISD Community Ed at nisd.net/ace.
Webinar for MG CEU
Fri, August 7, 1pm – 2pm
One of a series of Webinars on the Extension Learn website, this one covers Japanese beetles and other
white grubs that attack the roots of lawns and other turf grass areas. Then, as adults, they can eat your
favorite plants in the garden and landscape. This webinar is presented by Dr. J. C. Chong from Clemson
University and will provide the information you need to understand and control these pests. Moderated
by Bethany O'Rear and Ken Creel, Regional Extension Agents, Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
https://learn.extension.org/events/1847 1 CEU. Free. Note: on August 7, the link to the live webinar
opens about 15 minutes before the webinar which begins at 1pm Central time. If you log in earlier, you
will get an error message.
18
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
KWED Radio
1580 AM
Lawn & Garden
Show 9 a.m.
GCCG - Guadalupe County
Community Garden
2
9
3
Master Gardener
Office/Library
8:30-Noon
4
GCCG Workday
10
Master Gardener
Office/Library
11
GCCG Workday
Saturday
5
12
6
7
GCCG Workday
LUNCH and
LEARN Seguin
Red Barn 9 AM
13
14
GCCG Workday
GCMG
Board
Meeting
LUNCH and
LEARNSchertz
Red Barn
8
KWED Radio
Lawn & Garden
Show
15
KWED Radio
Lawn & Garden
Show .
G NEW MOON
16
17
Master Gardener
Office/Library
18
GCCG Workday
19
21
GCCG Workday
20
GCMG
Membership
Meeting
23
24
Master Gardener
Office/Library
25
26
GCCG Workday
27
Newsletter
Deadline
30
31
Master Gardener
Office/Library
O - FULL
MOON
19
Red Barn
28
GCCG Workday
Red Barn
22
KWED Radio
Lawn & Garden
Show
29
KWED Radio
Lawn & Garden
Show
Extension Service
Guadalupe County Master Gardeners, Inc.
210 East Live Oak St.
Seguin, TX 78155
Guadalupe County Master Gardeners http://www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org 830-379-1972 Ext 210
Guadalupe County Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension http://www.guadalupe-tx.tamu.edu/ 830-379-1972
Texas Master Gardeners http://www.txmg.org
GCMG Officers & Board of Directors
Jose Contreras
Bob Teweles
Marvin Borth
Cynthia Lyssey
Welta Burris
Jim Johnson
Treva Hicks
Dave Elder
Open
Cindy Waechter
Travis Franke
President
Past President
President Elect
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Education Chairman
Publication Chairman
Volunteer Chairman
Membership Chair
AgriLIFE Agent
Master Gardener Coordinator
20
August Meeting
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 7 PM
AgriLIFE Extension Building
210 E. Live Oak, Seguin, Tx
Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the
understanding that no discrimination by the Master Gardeners is
implied, and no endorsement by the Master Gardeners is implied.
Educational programs conducted by the Guadalupe County Master
Gardeners and the Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension Service are open
to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national
origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status.
Elaine McIntyre, Editor
(tindo@gvec.net)