texas a&m agrilife extension service garden wise gazette · association (ccmga) and the texas...

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Collin County

Garden Wise Gazette The Garden Wise Gazette is an outreach of the Collin County Master Gardeners

Association (CCMGA) and the Texas A&M

AgriLife Extension Service to the citizens of Collin County for horticultural education, interest, and information.

November/December 2015

Start the New Year with a Class on Vegetable

Gardening

Collin County Master Gardeners will host "Spring into Vegetable Gardening" on January 23, 2016, from 9 a.m.-noon

at the Landing at Myers Park in McKinney. The focus of this program will be basic vegetable gardening in Collin County. Our goal is to offer the public opportunities to learn from

veteran vegetable gardeners and local experts through lectures and hands-on displays.

Topics covered will include soil preparation, plant selection,

seeds or transplants, row covers, vertical gardening and Integrated Pest Management in the vegetable garden. Our experts will discuss plant varieties and the planting calendar for

Collin County gardens.

The Garden Wise Gazette will be published 12 times

a year, providing information applicable to the

coming month. The January issue will be released on

January 1, 2016, in an all-new version.

In this Issue . . . Spring Into Vegetable Gardening ........... 1

Youth Education Update ...................... 2

Research and Demonstration Gardens in Prosper ............................... 3

Speakers Bureau ................................... 5

Myers Park Overview of Public Gardens..................................... 6

Garden Checklist .................................. 8

Online Turfgrass Resource .................... 9

— continued on page 2

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Collin County November / December 2015

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Vegetable Gardening Class (continued from page 1)

Texas Pure Products will have a display of various soil amendments and mulches.

They will be available to answer your questions.

Demonstration tables will be

manned by Master Gardeners who have expertise in raised bed construction, vertical

gardens and row covers. Specialists in irrigation and

rainwater harvesting will have equipment and displays set up.

Registration for this program will open on January 1, 2016.

There is a $10 per person fee to attend, which can be paid at

the door (credit cards, cash, or

CCMGA Vegetable Harvest.

photo courtesy of Robin Lankford

check made payable to CCMGA). Registration is required to guarantee

handouts and goodie bags for all. Visit our website,

www.ccmgatx.org, to register or call the

Information Center at 972-548-4219. The doors open at 8:30 a.m. on January 23

at the Landing at Myers Park. Hope to see you

there!

CCMGA Youth Education: Engaged Learners

Wilmeth 4th graders in McKinney ISD put their learning to the test recently by presenting plant projects to real-world experts — members of the Collin County Master Gardeners! The students showed off not only

their handiwork but also what they had learned about plants by engaging with their guests in challenging discussions. Having an authentic, real-world audience fosters student engagement, ownership of learning and fun.

Photos Courtesy of McKinney ISD

http://www.ccmgatx.org/


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Research and Demonstration Gardens Sprouting Up in Prosper

Research and demonstration gardens are maintained as learning gardens for the public. From perennials to annuals, trees to shrubs, and vegetables to herbs, there is something for every home gardener to appreciate. Signs are posted identifying the plants, and public

programs are often held each year at the gardens. Collin County residents are fortunate to have resources available to them at Myers Park & Event Center, the McKinney Green Garden at Gabe Nesbitt Park, Allen Public Library gardens, and most recently new, ground-breaking gardens in the town of Prosper.

The Collin County Master

Gardeners Association is proud to have partnered with the Town of Prosper, Texas AgriLife Extension, Rucker Elementary School and Christie Farms to introduce new research and demonstration gardens. According to Patty Felan, Collin County Master Gardener and Prosper resident, “I realized Prosper, with its explosive

growth, would be the perfect place to showcase Earth-Kind® landscape principles to show better gardening practices for the public. Earth-Kind research excludes the use of fertilizer, pesticides and excessive irrigation. As our community grows, it will continue to put

strain on our water supply. Even making small changes can make a monumental difference in the long run.”

Water Tower Research Garden Felan adds, “Prosper will

host the nation’s first dwarf shrub research garden. The Earth-Kind

dwarf shrub and grass research garden will feature 15 varieties of dwarf shrubs, and six varieties of ornamental grasses, with four replications of each shrub variety and three replications of each grass variety. We selected dwarf shrubs because they don’t require the same level of pruning or water consumption as larger ones. Homeowners inevitably plant shrubs too large for their

landscape and always have to trim them to make them the correct height. This is stressful on the plant and extra maintenance for the homeowner. The varieties selected are expected to thrive under Prosper's weather conditions. Collin County Master Gardeners will visit the site monthly to collect data needed to conduct the research.”

Water Tower Demonstration

Garden Additionally, there is an

Earth-Kind demonstration garden located by the water tower at 1st Street and Craig Road. It is very helpful for homeowners to

see first-hand what Earth-Kind planting is all about. They can see what the plants look like, and then implement their new knowledge in their own gardens.

Environmental Learning Center Kids love to play in the dirt!

Rucker Elementary is surpassing

the standard school curriculum by teaching environmental awareness and encouraging students to explore the workings of nature in the Environmental Learning Center, located on the Rucker campus across the street from the water tower.

Felan shares, “Involving children in gardening at an early age gives them a chance to learn an important life skill. CCMGA is working with Rucker Elementary to revitalize the existing garden, which was established in 2001 with Earth-Kind principles. We added 40 cubic yards of compost to the garden, converted the sprinkler to drip, extended the east bed from two feet to 12 feet, cleaned up the existing plants, added plants and shrubs, and mulch. We added gutters to the shed, and the students decorated a donated rain barrel. With the aid of several Collin County Master Gardeners, Nancy Bell took the lead in the planting at Rucker Elementary, and Girl Scout Troop 7229 made

— continued on page 4

by Dawn Oldfield, CCMGA

Public Relations Chairperson “He plants trees to benefit another generation.” -Caecilius Statius


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a butterfly garden at the entrance of the garden. In addition, the Prosper Garden Club, Prosper Public Works and other Prosper residents helped in the garden.”

Felan concludes, “Research

and demonstration gardens are full of educational opportunities. The results of the research will allow residential and commercial landscapes to achieve a high level of water conservation, beauty and environmental stewardship. Come learn about recommended varieties and see design combinations to bring your own

garden to life.”

Research and Demonstration Gardens in Prosper (continued from page 3)


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By Kathy Commer, Collin County Master Gardener

Do you need a speaker for

your community group,

neighborhood association or club?

Master Gardeners enjoy

sharing their love of gardening and their training. One of the

ways we share is by bringing our talents and specialized gardening knowledge to you.

Our CCMGA Speakers Bureau is dedicated to helping

make gardening in North Texas more enjoyable.

Members of our speakers bureau are dedicated to sharing well-researched

horticultural information and are prepared with a variety of

lively talks, demonstrations and PowerPoint presentations.

Available presentations

include topics covering Earth-Kind® principles and practices,

learning how to work with our clay soil, composting, diseases

and insects, vegetables, herbs, bulbs, container gardening, and water conservation

practices. We also offer topics on attracting butterflies and

other pollinators, shade gardening and taking great

gardening photographs.

Scheduling a speaker is as simple as completing an online

request at ccmgatx.org or by calling our Information Center

at 972-548-4232. Our project leader will assist you in

choosing a topic that will be

entertaining and informational for your group.

Project Spotlight: Speakers Bureau

http://ccmgatx.org/community-service/speakers-bureau.aspx


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By Marlana Opitz, Collin County Master Gardener

Since 2008, agents of Texas A&M’s Collin County AgriLife

Extension Service, in cooperation with employees of Collin County’s Myers Park and volunteers from the Collin County Master Gardeners Association, worked to establish research and demonstration gardens at Myers Park that follow Earth-Kind® principles for conserving resources and maintaining a healthy

environment. The objective is to provide Collin County residents and visitors with valid and reliable information from Earth-Kind’s scientific procedures. The goal is that all visitors will benefit by using these procedures in their own gardens.

The results are impressive. The gardens promise to be even more impressive in the future. Let’s take a look at what has been

accomplished in these past few years.

Perennial Research Garden At the far north end of the

park, volunteers began planting the perennial research garden near the park’s office in 2010. They planted phase two in 2011, phase three in 2013 and phase four in 2014. Researchers and

volunteers have collected and evaluated data on over 100 perennial species and varieties since planting began.

A rainwater harvesting demonstration using drip irrigation is set up on the north side of the Farm Museum near the perennial garden. The Farm Museum roof is used for

established demonstration gardens around the Myers Park office building, at the north gate entrance and in the circle drive. They used many of the same

perennials that were planted in the perennial research garden. The planting beds near the park office showcase plants that attract butterflies. In 2014 volunteers added summer annuals to these gardens, some of the same varieties as those in the annuals research beds. In fall 2014, the

catchment. Two large tanks store water to use during extreme drought conditions. Flow meters measure the water used in the gardens. A Stationmaster

Control determines water distribution to the 13 zones of the park’s gardens according to research protocols. Drip irrigation has been installed throughout the gardens.

Circle Drive and Park Office

Gardens In 2012, volunteers

Myers Park: A Great Show Now and Even More Coming Soon!

— Continued on page 7


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research near the perennial garden. They plan to establish a demonstration shade garden south of the Farm Museum.

Researchers and volunteers are also planning long term additions to the gardens. Current plans include the following:

A wine grape research

vineyard to complement the

current vineyard

A fruit tree research

orchard

A pecan tree research

grove

An ornamental grass

research garden

A dwarf crape myrtle

research garden

A shrub research garden

An ornamental tree

research or demonstration

garden

Come on out and see Myers Park and Event Center.

There's a lot you can learn.

roses will soon be removed for a shrub and grass trial in 2016.

Potager and Vegetable Research

Garden At the far northwest corner of

the park are the vegetable research garden and the Potager (kitchen) demonstration garden. Vegetable research began in 2013. The

Potager garden began in 2014.

Rain Garden The demonstration rain

garden is located at the far north end of the main parking lot for the Show and Stall Barns and the Landing. Volunteers planted over 200 plants there in 2009. Most of those were lost in the droughts of 2011 and 2012. They replanted in 2013 with many of the perennials

that were doing well up to that point in the perennial research garden. They installed drip irrigation there in 2013.

Coming Soon In 2016, Master Gardeners

will plant Earth-Kind gardens for herb research and for turfgrass

CCMGA Bulb committee added bulbs to the walkways.

In 2013 a weather station was installed to facilitate accurate data collection.

Summer Annuals Research and

Demonstration Garden Volunteers established the

summer annuals research and demonstration gardens in 2014, south of the perennial garden. Opposite the annuals beds are four beds that will be used for the future herb research garden.

To the north of the perennial garden is the new research vineyard for a five-year trial to run

from 2015 to 2020. These bunch type and Muscadine grapes are varieties that could be of interest to homeowners and home vintners.

Crape Myrtle Research Garden

and Rose Garden To the southwest of the park

office area, in the north central section of the park, are the rose research garden and the Crape

Myrtle research garden, both established in 2011. The Kordes roses that were originally planted were removed in winter 2013, after trials were complete, due to an infestation of Rose Rosette disease. New roses were selected from among proven performers and planted in 2014. New data collection began in 2015. The

Myers Park (continued from page 6)

Myers Park and Event Center is fast becoming the Jewel of Collin County! The park was

originally created as the Collin County Youth Park in 1969 with acreage donated by John and

Winnie Myers and has since grown to over 158 acres of rolling land. Myers Park and Event

Center offers a variety of entertainment options. The Collin County Farm Museum is located at

the park and open to visitors and tour groups. Come visit one of our many educational and research gardens created and cared for by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Collin County Master Gardeners.

http://www.co.collin.tx.us/parks/myers/agrilife.jsp




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Plant:

• November through February is a

good time to plant trees and shrubs.

• Continue to set out cool-season

bedding plants, such as pansies,

violas, stock, snapdragons, and

dianthus.

• Plant spring-flowering bulbs if you

haven't already done so. Be sure to

refrigerate tulips and hyacinths for 6-

8 weeks prior to planting.

Prune:

• Don't get in a hurry to prune

woody plants. Late December

through February is usually the best

time to prune them.

• However, don't spare the pruning

shears when transplanting bare-rooted

woody plants. Cut the tops back at

least one-third to one-half, to

compensate for the roots lost when

digging the plant.

• Use good pruning practices when

selecting Christmas greenery from

landscape plants. Don't destroy the

natural form and beauty of the plant.

Purchase:

• Place orders for seeds this month

so you will have them available

when you are ready to plant. By

ordering early, you also have a better

chance of getting the varieties you

want. In addition to ordering seeds

that you are already familiar with,

carburetor is used up. This will

protect your valuable machinery.

• Drain and store garden hoses and

watering equipment in a readily

accessible location. The lawn and

plants may need water during a

prolonged dry spell. Cover outside

water faucets with a foam dome to

protect from freezing.

• Prolong the life of holiday-season

gift plants by providing proper care.

Check to see if the pot wrap has

plugged up the bottom drainage.

Don't overwater. Keep out of drafts

from heating vents and opening

doorways. Fertilizer is seldom

needed the first few months.

• Want to start cuttings of your

favorite Christmas cactus? As soon

as it has finished blooming, select a

cutting with 4 or 5 joints, break or

cut it off, and insert the basal end

into a pot of moderately moist soil.

Place it on a windowsill or other

brightly lit area. The cuttings should

be rooted within 3 to 4 weeks.

• Take advantage of bad weather

and holiday time to study seed and

nursery catalogues as well as good

gardening books.

• Berrying plants, such as holly and

yaupon, may be pruned now while

they can be enjoyed as cut material

inside the house.

Garden Checklist for November & December

try a few new kinds each year to

broaden your garden contents.

Prepare:

• Take advantage of good weather

to prepare garden beds for spring

planting. Work in any needed

organic matter, and have beds ready

to plant when needed.

• Bring in late-blooming plants such

as decorative kalanchoes or

Christmas cactus so they may finish

flowering in the warmth of the

house. Bring stored, potted amaryllis

bulbs inside and begin giving light

and water around mid-November for

Christmas blooming. (However,

resist the urge to repot amaryllis each

year; they like being pot-bound.)

• Prepare beds and individual holes

for rose planting in January and

February. Use composted organic

material mixed with existing soil.

Irrigate/Fertilize

• Reduce the fertilization of indoor

plants from late October to mid-March.

An exception would be plants in an

atrium or a well-lighted window.

• Protect your lawn from excessive

winter damage by providing

irrigation during dry periods.

Other Tasks:

• Drain gasoline from power tools

and run the engine until fuel in the

photos courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

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The Master Gardeners of Coll in County

would l ike to wish you and yours

a safe and happy hol iday season!

Collin County

Extension Horticulture

&

Collin County

Master Gardeners

825 N. McDonald Street

Suite 150

McKinney, Texas 75069

Phone: 972-548-4232

Metro: 972-424-1460 x4232

Email: [email protected]

County Extension Agent:

Greg Church, Ph.D.

Email: [email protected]

Garden Wise Editor: Katherine Ponder Email:

[email protected] Collin County Master

Gardeners Association http://ccmgatx.org

http://collin-tx.tamu.edu

Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic

level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or nation origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S.

Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of

Texas Cooperating.

Happy Holidays!

Visit our

online

calendar

Resource for Turfgrass (Yep,

Your Yard) Now Online By Casey Reynolds, Ph.D, Assistant Professor & Extension Turfgrass Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

The NEW AggieTurf website is now LIVE at https://aggieturf.tamu.edu and currently includes:

High-resolution images, botanical descriptions, available varieties, Latin names, management information and/or lifecycle information for:

- 12 major turfgrass species grown in Texas.

- 106 weed species common in Texas turfgrasses.

- 5 major turfgrass insect pests of Texas turfgrasses.

Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr account links.

Information on Texas A&M turfgrass events, programs, research

and faculty/staff.

Turfgrass Disease information COMING SOON.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://ccmgatx.org/

http://collin-tx.tamu.edu/

http://www.ccmgatx.org/about-us/event-calendar.aspx




https://aggieturf.tamu.edu/

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