Earth-Kind®: Preserve the Good, Prevent the Rest

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Participants will be introduced to the four basic tenets of EARTH-KIND:

• Water conservation,

• Energy conversation,

• Reduction of fertilizer and pesticide use, and

• Reduction of yard waste entering the landfill.

• Strategies for accomplishing each of the goals in the landscape will be explored.  

• Assess resources to make the best use of time

• Learn ergonomic principles for minimizing strain on back, legs, arms, and hands

• Find ergonomically designed garden tools and useful assistive devices

 

 

Planting a Perennial Garden for a Glorious Spring

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Perennial gardens can transform any space with colors, textures and dimension to enjoy year after year.  However, perennial is not synonymous with “work-free.” Taking the time to plan all aspects of your garden can reduce the effort and is the first step in your long-term relationship with your thriving garden.

This presentation will focus primarily on the planning process, explaining:

• What is a perennial?

• Considerations for selecting your space

• Planning stages

• Considerations for hardscape

• Considerations for plants

• Consideration for water conservation

• Considerations for soil preparation

• Considerations for installation

• Considerations for care and maintenance with examples

 

 

                                               

Hays County Master Gardeners Association Overview

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Marilyn, a Master Gardener since May of 2012, served as HCMGA President in 2014 and 2015 and then served as Vice President in 2016 and 2017.  She now chairs the Membership Committee and is one of our most active speakers and volunteers. She will present:

• History of Texas Master Gardeners

• Master Gardener Community Service  

• Master Gardener Certification Training

• MG Association Membership

 

 

Orchid Care Basics

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If you’ve never cared for an orchid before buying it in bloom at the store, this presentation is for you.  Eileen will explain:

• How to care for an orchid after the blooms drop

• How to keep it healthy and able to bloom again

 

 

Plants Toxic to Pets

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Annually, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals receives over 150,000 calls from desperate pet owners, seeking help with accidental pet poisonings. The “Plants Toxic to Pets” presentation covers a few of the most toxic plants; plants that are the cause of most common poisoning in pets, and some plants that would pose the highest threat to the pet’s life. In addition, the presentation covers the dangerous toxins that are contained in the plant, the symptoms and some first aide guidelines.

 

Goals for this discussion are to:

• Educate pet owners to the dangers that some plants can cause to our beloved pets

• Bring awareness and a deeper understanding of the risks of cohabitation between pets and plants

• Become aware of the plant toxicity because “Our pet’s life is our responsibility!”

 

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Stunning Texas Superstars®

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The Texas Superstar program identifies specific plants that have been proven to thrive in our Texas heat. The plants are insect-tolerant, and highly drought- and disease-resistant. They provide stunning color and beauty while requiring minimal care or reliance on chemical pest-control.

 

Come ready to learn how to save money, identify these Texas Superstar plants, find ways to use them in your landscape, and care for them just enough to help them flourish and reward you with their beauty.

 

 

Composting

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• Basic Composting materials

• Ideas for design

• Dos and don’ts

• For the beginner or advanced

 

 

Fall Planting

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• What grows well in the fall

• Herbs, vegetables, flowers, shrubs, trees

 

 

Do It Yourself (DYI) Garden Planning – Growing with Nature

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• Learn how to develop your own personal garden design

• Save time and money when creating the yard of your dreams
   

 

Nurturing the Monarchs

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• History

• Types, Location, Traits

• Importance

• Population Trends

• Contributing Factors to Population Decline

• Reproductive Lifecycle

• Migration Patterns

• Monarch Friendly Plants and Milkweed