HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENER NEWSLETTER • DECEMBER 2019 UrbanDirt

Gardening Events and Information for Texans

From A to Z: The Evolution of Monarch Butterflies and Ways to Increase Their Numbers by Terri Simon, Master Gardener

In my opinion, few things are as beautiful as a monarch but- caterpillars will eat. Researchers believe the caterpillars can eat terfly enjoying lunch at my house. Except maybe a hummingbird, milkweed due to an adaptation in their sodium pump. Cardenolides that is. A few articles have caught my attention recently. One interfere with an animal's sodium pump and can lead to cardiac discusses how monarchs evolved and developed an appetite for a arrest. Monarchs aren't affected. Researchers wanted to know how poison weed (milkweed). The other is a study that suggests that the monarch developed this unique ability. nectar plants are critical in regards to the Monarch's annual migra- Seven years ago, a tion. The last and most recent article from AgriLife.org mentions biologist named Noah efforts being used to protect monarchs from becoming road kill on Whiteman proposed Texas highways. As some of you may know, the monarch butterfly that fruit flies could be is Texas' state insect and its numbers have dropped by approxi- genetically engineered mately 82% since 1996. so that their sodium The first article is from the October, 2019 Scientific American pumps could handle the magazine. Tim Vernimmen's article discusses two recent stud- cardenolides present ies, published in the August, 2019 eLife science journal and in the in milkweed. I have to October, 2019 issue of Nature. Both articles discuss a study aimed admit, every time I hear at determining how the monarch butterfly became capable of about genetic engineer- feasting on the milkweed plant, a plant that is poisonous to many ing in flies, a picture of species of animals. Jeff Goldblum in the Birds avoid eating monarch butterflies because they taste bad. movie The Fly pops up Milkweed has toxins called cardenolides which can cause many into my head. White- animals to vomit or even cause heart arrhythmias (abnormal beat- Monarchs at Genoa Friendship Gardens man used a technique ing) if eaten in large volumes. It is also the only host food monarch Photo by Terri Simon cont'd on pg. 4

Upcoming Events ...... 2 Ask a Master Gardener...... 9 Herb of the Month ...... 3 Milkweed - A Safety Reminder... 10 2020 Plant Sale Dates! ...... 5 Master Gardener of the Month ....11 Growing with Plants & Nature...... 6 Master Gardener Birthdays...... 12 Open Garden Day at TMGA 2020 State Conference ....13 Genoa Friendship Gardens ...... 7 Gardening Tools ...... 14 Master Gardeners in the City ...... 8 URBAN DIRT • DECEMBER 2019 Upcoming Events December 2019 Master Gardener Lecture Series Texas AgriLife Extension Service Dec. 3, First Tuesday 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Program: Health Benefits of Gardening by Horticulture Program in Harris County Dr. Joe Novak, Rice University. Arrive as early as 10:30 a.m. and bring a sack lunch. 9449 Grant Rd. Trini Mendenhall Community Center, 1414 Wirt Rd, Houston, 77055 713.274.0950 Houston, TX 77070 January 2020 Master Gardener Program Coordinator Green Thumb Gardening Series Brandi Keller - 713.274.0950 Pruning CEA – Horticulture Robert "Skip" Richter - 713.274.0950 Jan. 9, Barbara Bush Library, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. CEA – Horticulture Jan. 16, Freeman Branch Library, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Paul Winski - 713.274.0950 Jan. 18, Maude Smith Marks Library, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Jan. 21, Spring Branch Memorial Library, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Open Garden Day Jan. 20, 8:30 - 11:00 a.m., Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd., Houston, 77034. Plants for sale in the greenhouse. Educational Programs Jan. 7, First Tuesday 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Program: Fruit Trees by Herman Auer, Galveston 2019 Board of Directors County Master Gardener. Arrive as early as 10:30 a.m. and bring a sack lunch. Trini Mendenhall President Community Center, 1414 Wirt Rd, Houston, 77055 Evan Hopkins Jan. 9, Second Thursday 10:00-11:30 a.m., Speaker: TBA, Genoa Friendship Garden, 832.628.1936 First Vice President 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd. Plants for sale in the greenhouse. Teresa See Youth Activities [email protected] Jan. 28, Growing with Plants & Nature (Formerly Open Garden Day at Weekley Center). Second Vice President Brenda de Alba Free for children ages three to twelve. 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. Weekley Community Center, 8440 [email protected] Greenhouse Rd., Cypress, TX. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED by Sunday, January 26. To Past President register or for more information: [email protected]. Stephanie Adams [email protected] 2020 Plant Sales Secretary Rosalon Moorhead West Side Plant Sales [email protected] Richard and Meg Weekley Park, 19110 Longenbaugh Rd, Houston 77090 Treasurer (between Barker Cypress and Greenhouse Road) Dianne Lawrence [email protected] Jan. 25, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Fruit Tree Plant Sale - Citrus, apples, peaches, pears, plums, Directors avocados, berries, figs and more arietiesv that are suitable for our area. Bob Barry Mar. 7, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Spring Tomato, Pepper, Herb, Vegetable & Perennial Sale Danny Dunn - Tomato, pepper, herb and vegetable varieties suited to our spring and summer growing Jonathan Correia season. We will also have landscape plants, perennials and roses, also suited to our region. Dana Goeggel Patricia Metzinger Genoa Friendship Gardens Plant Sales Marsha VanHorn Campbell Hall, Pasadena Fairgrounds, 7601 Red Bluff Rd., Pasadena 77505 Genoa Friendship Gardens Feb. 22, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Fruit Tree, Tomato Sale - Citrus, apples, peaches, pears, Steering Committee Coordinators berries, figs, avocados and tomatoes suitable for our area. Past Coordinator Mar. 21, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Spring Sale – Perennials, Herbs & Peppers Evan Hopkins Perennials, peppers, vegetables, and herbs suited to our spring and summer growing season. Vice Coordinator David Gaskin Have Garden Questions? [email protected] • Email your questions and photos to: phone [email protected] or Urban Dirt Editor Call us Monday – Friday 9:00 am to Noon at 713-274-0950 Carolyn Boyd [email protected] Visit txmg.org or contact the Harris County Extension Office, 713-274-0950, Assistant Urban Dirt Editor [email protected] for information. Terri Simon

2 URBAN DIRT • DECEMBER 2019

Herb of the Month - Almond Verbena (Aloysia virgata) by Karen McGowan, Master Gardener

This month the focus is on an Argentinian native herb that Almond verbena is a root-hardy perennial shrub that is is "Texas Tough," and also suitable for xeriscaping: Almond deciduous, and roots easily from plant cuttings taken when not verbena (Aloysia virgata). in bloom. Planted this month, it will likely offer little reward in There are a handful of herbs terms of growth or blooms, but and plants that bloom white by summer 2020 it will be ready (often desirable for an all-white to exhibit its seasonal potential. or "night" garden), will reliably Plant almond verbena in well- attract bees, butterflies, and birds, drained soil within a range of sun and likewise thrive in south exposure from full sun to partial Texas' sometimes rugged condi- shade, watering only about once tions. Narrow that to one that a week. Almond verbena has no is also suitable for xeriscaping, noted insect issues, and low fer- and you have a boutique list with tilization and water requirements. almond verbena arguably right at Pruning can be conducted between the top of that exclusive gathering. bloom cycles for dense growth Almond verbena attracts literally encouragement. Once established, swarms of butterflies and is quite in the winter almond verbena can a site to behold at its height of even be cut back to the ground; if butterfly magnetism. desired, it can be maintained at a A delightful plant reaching height of two to three feet, either heights of ten to fifteen feet tall or in the ground or in a container. more, given the right conditions, Although I don't currently and a spread of eight to ten feet, have almond verbena in my own almond verbena shows conical garden, I have become so intrigued shaped blooms summer-long with that I have decided to plant one of a lovely, delicate fragrance. In Almond Verbena Photo courtesy and copyright of Irene Ngoo my own. White gardens are a per- order to take full advantage sonal favorite as I enjoy the crisp of the fragrance, plant almond verbena near areas of egress. clean look that is fully appreciable at night, as well. Almond verbena has a handful of medical and corporate In this season of thanksgiving and miracles, I would like to uses. Its medicinal usage is centered on almond verbena's chemi- take the time to wish each and every one of you peace and joy, cals that reportedly reduce inflammation. In manufacturing, its toward a bright and wonderful 2020! flowers are used as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages.

Citations: http://www.herbsociety-stu.org/texas-tough-herbs.html https://garden.org/plants/view/115255/Sweet-Almond-Bush-Aloysia-virgata/ https://www.centraltexasgardener.org/resource/almond-verbena/ http://txmg.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/bell/files/2010/05/Herbs-Vegetables-Sedums-Succulents-Spring-2013.pdf

3

URBAN DIRT • DECEMBER 2019

From A to Z: The Evolution of Monarch Butterflies,cont'd from pg. 1

the Midwest and Northeast while in the fall the fourth genera- tion heads back to the Oyamel forests in central Mexico. In 2017, one monarch butterfly, tagged as XAL289, became a celebrity. Originally tagged on September 3, 2017 in the Rosetta McClain Gardens in Toronto, Canada by Betty McCulloch, the monarch was spotted 61 days later by Gilberto Ruiz Parra on September 3rd in Los Agustinas Sierra in Mexico. That was a flight of 2,423 miles. XAL289 must have cashed in some frequent flyer miles and she was mentioned in the Mexico News Daily.

Monarch eating milkweed Photo by Marshal Hedin called CRISPR-Cas9. The endeavor took three years. The original survival rate was extremely low: only 1 in 720 flies could eat milkweed. One in three flies had sodium pumps like the mon- archs while some had combinations. On the down side, some of those who could survive on milkweed were prone to seizures. Researchers now believe three mutations in the correct order were necessary for the monarchs' evolution process. Biologist Peter Andolfatto at Columbia University used a different method to alter his flies' genes. His article was the one published in the Monarch frequent flyer XAL289 August 2019 eLife. Both studies seem to confirm the steps needed Photo by Gilberto Ruiz Parra for the monarch to be able to tolerate milkweed over time while Yes, herbicide usage has had a significant impact on the also proliferating because the toxic cardenolides they stored tasted monarch population, but Dr. Agrawal believes the decline in so nasty to birds and other animals. nectar sources is also a contributing factor. Perhaps if we expect Cornell.edu Another interesting article I ran across was at the the monarch population to increase it may take a combination of website. Written by Blaine Friedlander in April, 2016, the Cornell factors to help. Decreasing the use of pesticides, establishing more study offers a reason for the decline in the monarch butterfly pop- habitats, providing a variety of host and nectars foods to sustain ulation. A reduction of habitats, not enough milkweed, the use of them on their journey may help the monarch numbers increase. herbicides and genetically modified crops have been cited. Using Dr. Agrawal has posted a YouTube video titled Beyond Milkweed data from the World Wildlife Fund along with citizen scientists if you want to learn more at https://youtu.be/8q44uzoTR2E. The data, Anurag Agrawal, a biologist and ecologist using statistical last article offers an alternative way to help the monarch reach analysis discovered that while milkweed is necessary as a host their destinations during their migration periods. plant for monarch caterpillars in addition to being a nectar plant On November 4, 2019, Texas A&M AgriLife asked for the for adult monarchs, the adult monarchs may not have access to public's help so monarchs could safely reach their destination. enough nectar plants for their 2,000 mile hike to their wintering Each year millions of the monarch butterflies are killed by vehicles. place in Mexico. Milkweed quits blooming in summer. It takes Butterflies fly low and when they travel they pass through a four generations of monarch butterflies to make the round trip to "geographic funnel" when migrating to Mexico during the fall. Mexico. Upon leaving Mexico, the first generation travels through Interstate Highway 10 is one section they pass through. Texas and Oklahoma, the second and third generations fly through cont'd on pg. 5

4 URBAN DIRT • DECEMBER 2019

From A to Z: The Evolution of Monarch Butterflies,cont'd from pg. 4 Texas A&M researchers have estimated 2-4% of the monarch pop- extent of butterfly road kill and discover road kill hotspots. You ulation become road kill. The "road kill hotspots" were located in can do your part to help save the monarchs with little effort. If you Central and Coastal flyways. Four surveys for the next two years notice a significant number of dead monarch butterflies on a Texas will be taken. Researchers will check long stretches of Texas roads roadway, you can email Robert Coulson at [email protected]. during migration seasons. The data will be used to determine the Enjoy your holidays folks and take care.

5 URBAN DIRT • DECEMBER 2019

Growing with Plants & Nature Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Harris County Master Gardeners invite you to join us one day each month, January through November, 10:00 –11:15 a.m. Free for children ages three to twelve. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. January Tuesday, January 28 - Weekley Community Center, 8440 Greenhouse Rd. REGISTRATION required by Sunday, January 26. February Wednesday February 12 - Trini Mendenhall Community Center, 1414 Wirt Rd. REGISTRATION required by Monday, February 10.

We will also have Growing with Plants & Nature activity tables in partnership with Ask A Master Gardener at the following locations. Bridgeland Landing Farmers Market - 2nd Sunday, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. at 16902 Bridgeland Lakes Pkwy, Cypress Towne Lake Boardwalk Farmers Market - 4th Saturday, 2:30 - 7 p.m. at 9955 Barker Cypress Rd., Cypress Memorial Villages Farmers Market - 4th Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 10840 Beinhorn Rd., Houston

Children and their parents looking for hands-on ways to learn, create, and have fun inspire our Growing with Plants & Nature volunteers to offer programs that do just that. This FREE monthly children's event includes a variety of activities: • Planting seeds, veggies or ornamentals into pots so children can continue to grow them at home. • Creating a "nature theme" craft project with materials that are provided. • 30-40 minute hands-on lesson that focuses on a single topic each month.

Previous lessons have included making a worm farm, putting together a compost bin, learning about the importance of butterflies, and making a feeder to attract pollinators. Past projects

Recycled soda bottle Seed Pod mobile Fantasy Garden For information about upcoming topics, dates and registration, please email us at [email protected]. Registration is required before each program.

6 URBAN DIRT • DECEMBER 2019 Open Garden Days at Genoa Friendship Gardens

The Perennial Trial Garden The Water Garden The Greenhouse

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Harris County Master Gardeners invite you to join us for Open Garden Days on the 3rd Monday of the month, March through October, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Admission to the Exhibit Gardens is free. Register at the Welcome Table to receive additional monthly notices for children and family events. The Genoa Friendship Gardens is located at 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Road Houston, Texas 77034

To schedule a special event for your garden club, school or professional organization please email [email protected] to make your arrangements.

• Tour the variety of exhibits to inspire you with vegetable, perennial, rose, tropical and native gardens. • Meet and talk with a Master Gardener about planting citrus, fruit or berries for your home orchard. • Contemplate the joy in the Serenity Garden and catch a view of the Water Garden. • Don't leave the GFG until you have shopped the Greenhouse where seasonal herbs, vegetables and perennials are available for sale until September.

2020 Monthly Open Garden Days & Special Events February 22 Fruit Tree Sale June 15 Open Garden Day March 16 Open Garden Day July 20 Open Garden Day March 21 Spring Plant Sale August 17 Open Garden Day April 20 Open Garden Day September 21 Open Garden Day May 18 Open Garden Day October 19 Open Garden Day

Second Chance Sale bargains can be found in the Greenhouse after our February and March plant sales.

7 URBAN DIRT • DECEMBER 2019

Visit the Harris County Master Gardeners Facebook page for event details! www.facebook.com/HarrisCountyMasterGardeners

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in partnership with Hermann Park Conservancy are pleased to present Master Gardeners in the City at McGovern Centennial Gardens

Saturday, January 11th & 25th McGovern Centennial Gardens at Hermann Park 1500 Hermann Drive Houston, Texas 77004

Events include garden tours and children’s activities.

These educational programs are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas cooperating.

8 URBAN DIRT • DECEMBER 2019

Ask a Master Gardener

Ask a Master Gardener is a volunteer program offered by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Volunteers staff booths and tables to provide free, research-based horticulture education to the public throughout Harris County. In December we are going to be in the following locations!

Dec. 7 Urban Harvest - 1st Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 3401 Westheimer Rd. (corner of Buffalo Spdwy. & Westheimer), Houston

Garden Oaks/Heights - 1st Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. at The Farmstand, 938 Wakefield, Houston

Dec. 8 Bridgeland - 2nd Sunday, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. at 16902 Bridgeland Lakes Pkwy, Cypress Dec. 14 Tomball - 2nd Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 205 W. Main Street, Tomball

Dec. 20 Westchase - 3rd Thursday, 3 - 7 p.m. at 10503 Westheimer Rd., Houston Dec. 28 Memorial Villages - 4th Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 10840 Beinhorn Rd., Houston Dec. 28 Towne Lake - 4th Saturday, 2:30 - 7 p.m. at 9955 Barker Cypress Rd., Cypress

9 URBAN DIRT • DECEMBER 2019

Milkweed – A Safety Reminder by Don Tyler, Master Gardener

Recently, I had my yearly eye exam when in the general course the cornea and can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, light of conversation my ophthalmologist, Dr. Graham1, and I were sensitivity and extreme pain. These symptoms often do not present talking weather and of all things, gardening. (That's what Master immediately, which is why most patients and doctors never associ- Gardeners do…talk gardening…right?) I was surprised when my ate it with milkweed poisoning." ophthalmologist said, "I hope you are not growing milkweed?" This brief literature survey reminded me of a very important I must admit I was a bit taken back. topic all gardeners should remain vigilant about and that is What gardener does not enjoy plants that attract pollinators, personal safety. Often times, we get so wrapped up in the moment butterflies in particular and even more specifically, monarchs? of exercising our horticultural skills we forget the safety precau- It is well publicized that monarch butterflies have an affinity tions we should employ as an integral part of our passion for for milkweed. As noted on the Save Our Monarchs website, gardening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, saveourmonarchs.org, we are reminded, "Monarch caterpillars www.cdc.gov, states in their article entitled, Gardening Health ONLY eat milkweed. In fact, the and Safety Tips, "Gardening monarch is also known as the can be a great way to enjoy the 'milkweed butterfly'". outdoors, get physical activ- Knowing that I have four dif- ity, beautify the community, ferent milkweed varieties grow- and grow nutritious fruits and ing in my yard, I was definitely vegetables. If you are a beginner intrigued by my ophthalmolo- or expert gardener, health and gist's concerning question. She safety should always be went on to inform me of the toxic a priority." properties of the milkweed and The key is "beginner or ex- the danger posed to our eyes. She pert gardener". That covers all told me it is a well-documented of us. There are no exceptions. issue and one I determined to Aside from knowing the subtle- research and share my findings. ties of our plants, we also need A quick review of online resources did in fact uncover several to ensure we follow safe gardening practices such as: medical articles, not to mention personal testimonies, related to • Foot wear – We should use enclosed toe shoes or work boots. dangers posed by the "sap" of milkweed to the human eye, i.e. • Clothing – Whether one uses the traditions coveralls or ocular toxicity. Seeing that I am not a trained medical profes- overalls, we should wear clothing that covers our legs. Sun sional, I found an article dated 11/09/2018 posted on the Atlantic protective clothing incorporating longsleeve shirts/tops, dark eye Institute website, atlanticeyeinstitute.com, Milkweed Poison- colors, collared shirts. Amazing advances have been made in ing: Corneal Endothelial Toxicity. Of the many articles, this one in the availability of clothing that offers critical protection from my opinion best summarized the issue in layman's terms, "Certain the harmful UV rays. insects, including monarch butterfly larvae, are immune to the • Hat – A wide brim hat is essential to help protect our eyes, toxin [milky white sap]. Humans are not exempt from this poison. skin and hair. Milkweed sap can be very irritating to the skin but is also very • Sunscreen – Really a no-brainer but often times we quickly dangerous if it gets in your eyes. This poison can cause corneal head to the garden and either do not take the time or simply endothelial toxicity. The toxicity affects the innermost layer of forget to apply it. cont'd on pg. 12

1 A special thanks to Dr. Tammi H. Graham of Woodlands Eye Associates located in Panther Creek for informing me of the toxic concerns of milkweed

10 URBAN DIRT • DECEMBER 2019

MG of the Month - Patricia Metzinger by Karen Breneman, Master Gardener ongratulations, Patricia Metzinger! As an active member of Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Com- Patricia developed a love of gardening at an early age. munity in Katy, Patricia taught religious education and has been CShe helped her parents and grandparents care for very on the Ladies' Club board for several years. Patricia participates large vegetable gardens, flower gardens, along with apple, apri- in a couples' club, knitting club, book club, and volunteers at an cot, and cherry trees. They canned and froze enough vegetables annual women's fashion show. and fruit to last the entire year and enjoyed giving much away. Patricia is proud of her Czechoslovakian heritage and grew up Bruce and Patricia share a love of travel. They enjoy hiking and dancing the Czech Beseda, polkas, and waltzes in her hometown the Bernese Oberland Alps areas of Switzerland, and Chamo- of Prague, Oklahoma. She enjoys making fruit filled kolaches nix, France, in particular afford spectacular opportunities to with her mother using her parents' delicious apricots. capture nature's beauty through photography which is a lifelong hobby of Patricia's. She was vacationing in Grand Cayman where her family enjoys snorkeling when she found out she was chosen Master Gardener of the Month and her picture is taken in front of a beautiful Bougainvillea at the condo where they stayed.

Patricia can often be found visiting the DFW area where her youngest son and daughter-in-law are in their second year of medical residency programs and her oldest son and daughter-in- law live with their precious six month old daughter.

The color garden at Bear Creek is where Patricia began volun- Patricia Metzinger teering fifteen years ago with annual and perennial flowering Patricia met her best friend and love of her life, Bruce, while trials. For the past two years, she has enjoyed volunteering at she was finishing her undergraduate degree at the University GFG with the wonderful, friendly trial team. Every day in the of Oklahoma. With one semester left in law school for Bruce, garden Patricia learns something new either through observing they were married and will celebrate their 34th anniversary in annual, perennial, and vegetable trial plants or from information December. Working in accounting briefly before their oldest gained from knowledgeable fellow master gardeners. Patricia son was born, Patricia feels blessed to have had the opportu- encourages anyone interested to volunteer at GFG with the nity to stay home with both of her sons. Volunteering in her exciting trials where they grow many of the trial plants from sons' classrooms and school libraries kept her busy and she was seeds and the plant data collected provides valuable information honored with the Texas PTA Lifetime Award. Playing sports to gardeners throughout the greater Houston area. Volunteering with her sons and watching their soccer, baseball, and basket- at plant sales, raffles, Centennial Gardens, and as a HCMGA ball games, along with varsity tennis matches provided exciting Board member also keeps her busy. Patricia is appreciative of entertainment. every day and is thankful for her many blessings.

Nominate a Master Gardener of the Month

Is there a fellow MG you think should be recognized for their hard work and commitment? If the answer is YES, you can submit their name for an MG of the Month nomination. Submit your MG of the Month nominations to the Membership Committee by e-mailing the information to [email protected] (West) or [email protected] (Genoa Friendship Gardens).

11 URBAN DIRT • DECEMBER 2019

Milkweed – A Safety Reminder, cont'd from pg. 10 • Safety glasses – Probably overlooked more than anything else. Safety glasses should always be used when working with lawn equipment and tools. If you wear prescription glasses, safety glasses can be purchased that slip over your frames. We also need to remember safety glasses should always be worn when around fertilizers, herbicides, pesti- cides and other chemical products. • Sunglasses – Take it from someone who has had surgery in both eyes from excessive sun exposure, it is a great idea to have a handy pair of sunglasses around. • Gloves – This seems like another no-brainer. Most of us tend to wear gloves when working in the soil but we also need to wear gloves when handling lawn equipment and tools not to mention the chemicals previously mentioned with safety glasses. I hope the next time I am closely watching a monarch flut- tering around my milkweed or watching the monarch caterpillar chomp away, I remember the need for safe garden practices!

Master Gardeners and Interns who celebrate a birthday during December include the following. Wish them a HAPPY BIRTHDAY when you see them!

Marisol Arteaga, Nancy Cansler, Carol Curtiss, Carlos Domenech, Eileen Donovan, Carole Fisher, Candy Friday, Gwen Fritz, Martha Gluckman, Alison Ivins, George Kabacinski, Dianne Lawrence, Edie Le Bourgeois, Becky Lowicki, Karen McGowan, Janice Muhm, Kim Perry, Bridget Richnow, Linda Saxman, Nina Turner and Kim Wallace

If your name is missing, please check that your online profile is complete.

12 URBAN DIRT • DECEMBER 2019

TMGA 2020 State Conference

Proudly hosted by the McLennan County Master Gardener Association in Waco, TX. May 12-14, 2020 at the Waco Convention Center

Keep up to date on our conference Facebook page.

LODGING: We have contracted with two great hotels for you! The host hotel, and its partner hotel directly across the street, are now accepting reservations. Our agenda will have Leadership Training on the afternoon of May 11th, with conference registration opening at 7:00 a.m. on May 12th. The conference will close at 5:00 p.m. on the 14th. Our special hotel rates are valid for three days before, and three days post-conference. Come, enjoy all that Waco has to offer! Hilton Waco: This riverside hotel is connected by a covered walkway to the Waco Convention Center - $149 Phone: 254-754-8484 https://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/ A/ACTWHHF-MGA20-20200510/index.jhtml

Courtyard Marriott: This newly remodeled hotel is immediately adjacent to the Waco Convention Center - $145 Phone: 254-752-8686 https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link. mi?id=1558020957260&key=GRP&app=resvlink

NOTE: If you wish to stay longer, both hotels will honor the above rates three days BEFORE and three days AFTER our conference block, however, you must make these reservations by phoning the Reserva- tions Desk directly at the hotel using the phone numbers provided above. The presentation from the August 3rd Director's Meeting, with an overview of the Event site, Keynote Speakers, Tours, Workshops and Breakout Sessions, may be viewed here.

13 URBAN DIRT • DECEMBER 2019

Gardening Tools This chart is a handy guide for knowing the best times to plant in Harris County.

Download the Vegetable Garden Planting Guide here!

14 URBAN DIRT • DECEMBER 2019

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Houston, Tx

713-274-0950 harris.agrilife.org/program-areas/hort/ hcmga.tamu.edu

Follow Us On Facebook, Twitter & Instagram The Harris County Master Gardeners as well as Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Harris County Horticulture are actively participating on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram offering tips, lists, news and plant advice almost daily. The best part, instead of locating planting guides or insect documents, and sale dates for individuals, you can add the HCMG site to your account and easily share information with others. This is a definitely a timesaver for these busy garden days and helps promote our organization.

www.facebook.com/HarrisCountyMasterGardeners www.facebook.com/HarrisCountyHorticulture https://twitter.com/pharrishort https://www.instagram.com/harriscountymastergardeners

Would you like to contribute to the Urban Dirt? Would you like to contribute to the Urban Dirt? Send all questions and/or submissions to: [email protected] Send all questions and/or submissions to: [email protected]