Many years worth of knowledge to be shared

While most of our speakers are certified Master Gardeners and collectively represent 75 years in our organization, one speaker is our own AgriLife Extension Agent Matt Bochat.

• Classes start Monday

• , Jan. 14

• : Lawn management

We begn our program this year Monday with Turf Grass Selection and Management: “Making Your Lawn Happy,” presented by Master Gardener Charlie Neumeyer. Charlie has a lot of experience with grasses since he has lived in several areas of Texas and has considerable knowledge on different soil types and conditions. His expertise is invaluable.

• Feb. 11: What’s this?

Feb. 11, Matt Bochat, AgriLife Extension Agent, will present his program, “What’s This? Volume IV.” At each of the past three years’ presentations, Matt has shown pictures of various things, i.e. bugs, leaves, etc., that have crossed his desk. Audiences were challenged to identify the varied details in the pictures. He’s here again to challenge the audience with individuals’ knowledge of his latest collection and/or learn about something they may have seen in their own gardening experiences. Plan to come early and get a good seat for this one.

• March 11: Wildflowers

Spring is right around the corner, and so we welcome the Texas wildflower program, “In Search of the Wild Things,” that Master Gardener Kathy Chilek will be presenting March 11. Texas is blessed with so many beautiful wildflowers – yes, there are many more besides our state flower, the bluebonnet. Kathy will help you identify the wonderful array of flowers found in our area and around our state.

• April 8: Vegetable origins

April 8, we will have two speakers, Master Gardener Vegetable Specialist Sandi Coleman and Master Gardener Vegetable Specialist intern Helen Collins. Their program will be “Origins of Vegetables We Eat.” Sandi and Helen have done extensive research on where some of our more common vegetables were first grown. Sounds like a very interesting presentation to attend.

• May 13: Found objects as planters

Have you ever come across something in your garage, storage shed or in a secluded nook in your yard and asked yourself, “How can I reuse this?” May 13, Master Gardener Jean Knowles just may have the answer in her presentation, “Container Gardening: Using Plants in Found Objects.” She will be able to show which plants complement each other in the most unusual and unlikely containers for plants.

• June 10: Propagation the easy way

We’ll be hearing from Master Gardener Helen Collins again June 10 when she presents her program, “Propagation of Plants, the Easy Way.” Helen will demonstrate basic ways to get new plants using everyday objects you probably already have at your home.

• July 8: Chickens and eggs

Is there anyone alive who doesn’t love fresh eggs? There may be a few; however, this writer doesn’t know any. July 8, Master Gardener James Mallett will present “Backyard Chickens – Fresh Eggs Every Day.”

James has raised chickens for a number of years and will be able to share the ins and outs of having eggs in your backyard. He will also be sharing information of the gardening benefits from the nutrient addition and insect control that chickens provide.

• Second Monday in August is last program: “Gardens of the World”

Our final presentation will be Aug. 12 when Master Gardener Pat Plowman presents “Gardens of the World.” Pat has been able to travel to numerous countries and has visited a number of wonderful gardens. No doubt her presentation will show some unusual plants and also those that are grown in our area. This will also provide an opportunity to see some garden designs you may find appropriate for your landscape.

See you on the second Monday of the month, January through August.

We hope to see you at each presentation; however, we know there are time and schedule constraints. Hopefully, you will be able to come to as many as possible. Remember, the time is noon to 1 p.m., at the Dr. Pattie Dodson Public Health Center, and all of the programs are free and open to the public. See you soon.