ANNOUNCEMENTS
CULINARY DOCENTS, COME ON OUT!
If have not volunteered recently, please pick a date, or dates, and sign up on VMS today. We have a 14-foot Spider as you enter the Culinary Garden, giving us some automatic visitors.
– Morning shifts are available 9am-Noon Aug 30 & 31.
– Docents can schedule an afternoon shift for the Big Bug Exhibit, Sat, Aug 31 thru Dec 31 from Noon to 2pm.
– September shifts are 9am to Noon on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
VMS has all dates/times for sign-ups! VMS Code 0100.
Please come and use your training, and at the same time strengthen our partnership with the San Antonio Botanical Garden. And, have some FUN, too!! Email Grace Emery if you have any questions.
Get Ready….The Monarchs Are Coming!
BCMG will be participating in the Monarch Festival at the Pearl on Sun, Oct 20 from 9am to 2pm. We will have a plant sale with pollinators and host plants, and our children’s activities as well. Be sure to dress with your best butterfly outfits. Sign up on VMS soon!
The NEW Texas Master Gardener Handbook is now available for $100 at the Aggie Bookstore. If you want to purchase online, visit agrilifebookstore.org, login and enter product number HT-086 in the search bar.
The new handbook is completely updated, in full-color, has brand new chapters, and features new authors.
WELCOME CLASS 63 INTERNS!!
This is your first Leaflet! Each Wednesday, BCMG publishes an offering of BCMG news, classes, volunteer opportunities, and SA gardening-related events.
This weekend, you will also be receiving the monthly announcement (with link) in your inbox this weekend for the September issue of the Scion Newsletter.
NOTE: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office and BCMG offices will be closed Monday, September 2, for Labor Day.
BCMG BOARD MEETING will take place 3–5 pm on Thu, Sep 19 at 3355 Cherry Ridge 78230. If you are interested in placing items on the agenda, email President Grace Emery by Sep 11. All members are welcome to observe the meetings; however, in order to accommodate seating, please email President Grace Emery that you will be attending.
Call for Candidates
2020 BCMG Board of Directors
We are looking for Bexar County Master Gardeners who would like to serve on our Board of Directors.
Serving on the BCMG Board of Directors will enable you to help our association move forward and follow our mission to support Texas A&M AgriLife Service by educating the community on environmentally responsible gardening and landscaping. The BOD meets once a month, before or after the General Meeting.
Elected Members of the BCMG Board of Directors include:
- President
- Vice-President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Membership Director
- Two (2) Members-at-Large
Information on the duties of each of the officers can be found on our website.
The slate of candidates for nomination will be presented at our BCMG General Meeting in October.
If you are interested in working with a great group by serving on the 2020 BCMG Board of Directors or have questions, contact Nomination Committee Chair Barbara Lutz.
Mark Your Calendar for Sat, Sep 7, 8am-2pm and our fun, educational event @ the University of The Incarnate Word, Dr. Burton E. Grossman International Conference Center (ICC), 847 E. Hildebrand, 78212. Pre-registration is open for Break-out Workshops. Admission to Expo is free.
The featured speaker for September’s CULTIVATE! will be Chris Wiesinger, “The Bulb Hunter!” Check out his Blog here!
BEEKEEPING BASICS IS BACK!
AgriLife Extension’s Fall Beekeeping Basics Program is now online for registration. Texas A&M AgriLife is offering two dates: Fri, Sep 20 @ the Bexar County AgriLife Extension Office & Fri, Oct 11 @ the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. You are the first to learn about the registration for these classes, but it will go online to the public in about a week. The past couple years we have filled up all our classes with a waiting list, so be sure to register NOW!
If you have ever thought about keeping bees for ag exemption purposes, pollination, as a hobby, or just environmental stewardship, this class will cover all your needs to get you started: what materials to buy and where to buy, types of suits, where to buy bees, what to do when you first get your bees, and basics of what the hive should look like that first year. Come with little to no knowledge and leave with tons!
We offer a field day so you can touch the bees, put on a full suit, feel how heavy the frames are, and work the hives to make sure you are comfortable when you get your own bees. Because suits are limited and to keep classes small in order to provide a better and more educational experience, we offer a few options for the field days:
- Sep 20 Class – field days on Sat, Sep 21 (two sessions) & Sun, Sep 22, both Morning sessions, expect about two hours for the field day. Only 15 maximum per session; Location = Leon Springs area (Scenic Loop & Boerne Stage Rd)
- Oct 11 Class – field days (morning sessions) on Oct 11 after the class @ the Botanical Garden Bees and Oct, 12 @ Leon Springs area (Scenic Loop & Boerne Stage Rd). Expect about two hours for the field day. Maximum of 12 per session.
Find more information about field days on the BCMG Calendar and email Molly Keck if you have questions!
Want to spark the gardening bug in a new generation of gardeners? The Hardberger Park Children’s Vegetable Garden may be the place for you. The garden serves homeschooled children ages 7-14. Volunteers are needed to educate children and parents on good garden practices and to assist with program set-up and garden maintenance.
The fall session at Hardberger will run Tuesdays, Sep 10 thru Dec 10, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Volunteer Orientation will be held Tue, Sep 3 at 10am. CEU Code 001 (1 CEU per presentation hour)
Please email Kathy Breniman ([email protected]) if you are interested in volunteering on Tuesdays, or if you would like to join our watering team.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the Next BCMG Meeting
Thursday, September 19th from 6-8pm
Come hear about what your local Bexar County Youth Gardens Program has done in your community, learn some cool kid friendly hands-on gardening activities, and become part of your county’s great effort to improve youth education by using outdoor garden classrooms.
Our special speaker, Ruby Zavala, serves as the Youth Gardens Coordinator for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Bexar County, is a certified Junior Master Gardener leader, and has been a BCMG since 2015.
Details on our website.
Bexar County Master Gardener (BCMG) Educational Seminars/General Meetings are held in the afternoons (seminars) and evenings (General Meetings) of the third Thursday every other month at 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, 78230. For more information contact the BCMG President. 1 CEU; BCMG Code 002.
SIGN-UP for VOLUNTEER EVENTS using the Event Calendar in the VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM – VMS. Find number of volunteers still needed, who has signed up, Project Code and even request an event reminder! REMEMBER: If you volunteer for any event and have a last minute change of plans, please contact the coordinator listed on VMS to let them know!
Volunteers for Youth Gardening Program
- Still need MGs each day to help put binders together with handouts, package seeds, and make name badges for Youth Garden Educator Training Supply Prep on Today thru Fri, Aug 30 at the AgriLife Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr. Please email Ruby Zavalawith any questions. Sign up on VMS; Code: 1200.
- Ten more MG volunteers are needed to help with refreshments, registration, plant organizing outside, time keeper, etc. for the Fall Youth Garden Educator Training, Sat, Sep 14 at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, 555 Funston Rd, 78209 from 7:30am-3pm. Email Ruby Zavalawith any questions. Sign up on VMS; Code: 1200.
MGs Who Completed SABOT Culinary Docent Training!
Morning shifts are available 9am-Noon Aug 30 & 31.
Docents can schedule an afternoon shift for the Big Bug Exhibit, Sat, Aug 31 thru Dec 31 from Noon to 2pm.
September shifts are 9am to Noon on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
VMS has all dates/times for sign-ups! VMS Code 0100.
Tue, Sep 24, 9am-11:30am: Bexar County Juvenile Justice Academy (1402 N. Hackberry St, TX 78208 ) and the Youth Gardens Program need two volunteers to talk to families about container gardening and help with pot-a-plant for approx. 100-150 youth. Email Ruby Zavala with any questions. Sign up on VMS; Code 1200.
Help with the Monarch Festival at the Pearl on Sun, Oct 20 from 9am to 2pm: plant sale with pollinators and host plants, and children’s activities. Be sure to dress with your best butterfly outfits. Sign up on VMS soon!
See all the Details for Classes in the Bexar County area on the MG Calendar! Classes listed below may be of special interest to you:
Fall Is For Planting with David Rodriguez is set for 11am to 12:30pm on Sat, Aug 24 at Rainbow Gardens, 2585 Thousand Oaks, 78232 and same time on Sat, Aug 31 at Rainbow Gardens, 8516 Bandera Rd, 78250.CEU Code 001; 1.5 CEUs
The Hardberger Park Children’s Vegetable Garden Volunteer Orientation will be held Tue, Sep 4 at 10am. CEU Code 001 (up to 1.5 CEUs). The Fall session runs Tuesdays, Sep 10 thru Dec 10, 8:30-11:30am. Email Kathy Breniman if you are interested in volunteering on Tuesdays, or if you would like to join our watering team
All Bugs Good & Bad Webinar Series: Ouch! Red Imported Fire Ants in the Landscape. Offered Fri, Sep 6 from 1-2pm. Details on the BCMG Calendar.
CULTIVATE! Earth Friendly Gardening & Landscaping Exposition & Workshops: Sat, Sep 7, 8am-2pm at University of the Incarnate Word with free admission and $5 fee for each 1-hour workshop and featured speaker. Details on the BCMG website. CEU Code 001; 1 hr per presentation hour.
On Thu, Sep 12, from 6:30-8:30pm, come to the Herb Society Meeting (Potluck begins at 6:30pm) at the SA Garden Center (3310 N. New Braunfels, 78209) for Raised Beds & Urban Gardening with MGs Liz & Nick Campanella. Learn about creative use of items for raised beds, and also, how to prepare the urban garden for fall & winter. Deborah Wilson will also talk about the herb of the Month, Feverfew. 1 CEU; Code 001
BROWN BAG – LUNCH & LEARN FOR September: Growing Kitchen Herbs will be presented by BCMG President Grace Emery.Join the lunch group on Friday, Sep 13 at Noon in the County Extension Office, Suite 208. 1 CEU, Code 001
SEPTEMBER BCMG Monthly Meeting & Presentation: Learn more about the Youth Gardens Program with Ruby Zavala. Mark your calendar for Thu, Sep 19, 6-8pm at 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, 78230. 1 CEU; Code 002
Fall & Winter Vegetable Gardening with David Rodriguez is set for 10:30am to Noon on Sat, Sep 21 at Milbergers, 3920 North Loop 1604, 78247.CEU Code 001; 1.5 CEUs
Landscape Design School – Series XXVI, Course III will be held at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 1000 George Bush Dr W in College Station on Mon & Tue, Sep 23 & 24 from 8am to 4pm each day. All four courses earn 48 CEUs (12 CEUs per course) and qualify Master Gardeners for the designation of “Landscape Design Steward.” Note: courses can be taken in any order. Details and application online.
Fall & Winter Vegetable Gardening with David Rodriguez is set for 10:30am to Noon on Sat, Sep 21 at Milbergers, 3920 North Loop 1604, 78247.CEU Code 001; 1.5 CEUs
Growing a Fall & Winter Vegetable Garden with David Rodriguez is set for 6:30-8:30pm on Tue, Sep 24 at Northeast Community Learning Center, 8750 Tesoro Dr., 78217. Register online; Fee: $35. CEU Code 001; 2 CEUs
Fall Vegetable Seminar (and Sale: 20% off everything)with David Rodriguez is set for 10:30-Noon on Sat, Oct 5 at Fanick’s Garden Center, 1025 Holmgreen Road, 78220. CEU Code 001; 1.5 CEUs
Earn one CEU of the minimum six CEUs required for Master Gardener re-certification by listening to at least one archived WOAI 1200 AM Lawn & Garden Show podcast. Or, earn one CEU (of minimum six required CEUs) by listening to a LIVE broadcast of the WOAI 1200 AM Lawn and Garden from 7-10am on a Saturday morning. You can only record one CEU per year using the radio broadcast option! VMS CEU Code 001
And remember, you can find all the TEXAS MASTER GARDENER
ADVANCED COURSES offered at the TMGA website. If you are interested in attending any courses, please email David Rodriguez, Extension Agent-Horticulture, Bexar County. BCMG CEU Code: 001.
Rainwater Harvesting– Sep 26-28 hosted by Tarrant County, Fort Worth
Greenhouse Management – Oct 17-19, hosted by Tarrant County, Fort Worth
Great Gardening Events on the BCMG Calendar. Bookmark the Calendar and visit it frequently! Here is a sampling of what is coming up:
- Aug 31 – Fall Raised Bed Gardening
- Sep 3 – Bats As Pollinators
- Sep 5 – Ethnobotany of the Plants on the South Texas Trail
- Sep 6 – Healthy Trees and Certified Arborist Preparation Course (Fridays, Sep 6, 13, 20 & Oct 4; $300 fee)
- Sep 7 – Rain to Drain Experience — SAWS
Did you know that BCMG is a member of the San Antonio Garden Center? Here is the Garden Center’s Fall Newsletter!
Alamo Orchid Society’s Annual Auction at the SA Garden Center, 3310 N New Braunfels Ave, 78209 on Wed, Sep 4 with over 100 plants, many blooming, for immediate purchase; bring a box or crate. Opens at 6:30pm; auction starts at 7pm. Cash or check only.
WaterSaver Coupons Are Back! SAWS customers can apply for up to four WaterSaver Coupons NOW through Oct. 15. You many also be eligible for an Irrigation Design Rebate!
Support conservation, restoration, and education at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center.
SHARE WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS:
Registration is NOW OPEN for the Fall 2019 Children’s Vegetable Garden Program at SABOT. Program will include sixteen Saturdays from Sep 7 to Dec 14.
Registration is NOW OPEN for the Fall Session of the Hardberger Park Children’s Vegetable Garden which will run Tuesdays, Sep 10 thru Dec 10, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Check out the Urban Wildlife Game Series sessions coming up for August and September!
Sep 10 (Tue): Texas Game Fish with Dr. Todd Sink, Extension Fisheries Specialist
Sep 24 (Tue): Get Ready to Hunt with Dr. Maureen Frank, Extension Wildlife Specialist
Brews and Blooms: Craft Brew | Music | Food | Lawn Games!! Sat, Sep 14, from 6 – 10 pm at SABOT. And, Early Bird Tickets Now On Sale for Moonlight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Sat, Oct 26, 6-10pm at SABOT.
