ANNOUNCEMENTS
TOMORROW NIGHT: BCMG Meeting
Thursday, September 19th from 6-8pm
Come learn all about what your local Bexar County Youth Gardens Program with guest speaker, Ruby Zavala, Youth Gardens Coordinator for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Details on our website.
BCMG BOARD MEETING will also take place tomorrow, 3–5 pm on Thu, Sep 19 at 3355 Cherry Ridge 78230. All members are welcome to observe the meetings; however, in order to accommodate seating, please email President Grace Emery that you will be attending.
Culinary Docent Training for New Docents & Fall Refresher for Current Docents: Tue, Sep 24 from 9 to 11:30 at SABOT. Share your passion for growing with the community SABot’s Culinary Garden. Help extend a warm welcome to the new Culinary Garden Horticulturalist Aaron Goddard, along with meeting the new Culinary Staff, Kat Flores and Lexi Phelps. Volunteers will learn about upcoming programming, the Fall planting list, and have a Q&A with Garden staff. New docents will receive homework. Please RSVP here, and also sign up on VMS!
The BCMG “Ask a Master Gardener” service has two vacancies to fill: Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 8am. to Noon. Check our website page for more information on this service. And, email Denise Perez or Nicolas Vazquez to volunteer!
Save Your Old Newspapers for the Youth Gardens Program! Large sheets from the Sunday Newspaper (no junk mail flyers, unless larger than 18”x24”) will be used for youth activities in the Learn Grow Eat and Go Program! At your convenience, drop off with Nick Vasquez at the front desk, Suite 212, AgriLife office. Email Ruby Zavala if you have questions.
SAVE THE DATE:
BCMG Holiday & Member Recognition Party will be at the San Antonio Garden Center on Thu, Dec 5 from 11am – 1pm.
JOIN OUR COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
Still Looking for a Leaflet “Partner” (We had a great volunteer in July, but family concerns require their time.)
This might be a perfect fit! Indoor job, your timetable, but need basic computer skills and good internet service. Facilitate communications within our organization and bring fresh ideas to the Leaflet!
Help organize and co-edit Weekly Leaflet & manage MailChimp (our email service). Happy to provide One-on-One training and mentoring.
If you would like more information, or to volunteer, email VP Lynn Cox or Manager/Editor Ann Marie Pease.
Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard Field Trip
Bexar County Master Gardeners, come on our Field Trip Thu, Oct 10, beginning at 11am with lunch and a program at the Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard, 25195 Mathis Rd., Elmendorf, TX 78112. 1 CEU, Code 001
BCMG Members may bring one guest. Enjoy Roasted Chicken Served with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Vegetable for $18 per person (includes tax & gratuity).
Seating is limited, so register early!
Registrations made by BCMG Member only. Register Online (with payment) or pay at the BCMG Office (Tues. & Thurs., 10 am – 2 pm) not later than Mon, Oct 7th.
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.
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!
MGs Who Completed SABOT Culinary Docent Training!
September shifts are 9am to Noon on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
VMS has all dates/times for sign-ups! VMS Code 0100.
Two MGs needed to provide Admin Assistance for David Rodriguez’s presentation at Milberger’s on Sat, Sep 21, from 10:15 to Noon. Help with set up, sign-in, handout distribution and tear down. Participation can also help prepare MGs to become BCMG Speakers. Code 1100 for Volunteer hours and Code 001 for CEUs. Email Denise Perez for details and sign-up on VMS.
Volunteers for Youth Gardening Program
- Volunteers are needed to facilitate youth activities at the Children’s Vegetable Garden. If you are interested in helping youth learn more about gardening, but not sure where to start, email Ruby Zavala. We can help you develop your own Junior Master Gardener lesson that you can use to mentor urban youth as they grow their own gardens at the Children’s Vegetable Garden.
- 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.
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. Need 4 MGs for Children’s Activities and 4 MGs for our Plant Sale. Be sure to dress with your best butterfly outfits. Sign up on VMS Now!
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. Fall Session runs Tuesdays, Sep 10 thru Dec 10, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Please email Kathy Breniman if you are interested in volunteering on Tuesdays, or if you would like to join the watering team.
Or, volunteer on Saturdays at the Children’s Vegetable Garden Program (CVGP) at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. or helping the Fall watering team on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Sunday. If either works for you, email David Rodriguez.
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:
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
Winter Vegetables with Calvin Finch is set for 9:30-11am on Sat, Sep 21 at Dreamhill Estates, 6802 Dorothy Louise Drive, 78229.CEU Code 001; 1.5 CEUs
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.
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
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 Gardening To-Do’s with David Rodriguez is set for 10:45am to Noon on Sat, Sep 28 at The Garden Center, 10682 Bandera Road,, 78250. CEU Code 001; 1 CEU
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
Get Out Your 2020 Calendar: The Texas Master Gardener Assn Conference will be hosted by the McLennan County Master Gardener Association May 12-14, 2020 at the Waco Convention Center. Conference hotels are already filling up! Check out the planned Speakers, Tours, Workshops & Breakout Sessions by viewing the slide presentation from the August TMGA Director’s Meeting.
Great Gardening Events on the BCMG Calendar. Bookmark the Calendar and visit it frequently! Here is a sampling of what is coming up:
- Sep 18 – Native Cacti & Succulent Landscapes
- Sep 20 – Native Plant Walking Workshop
- Sep 21 – Learn the Art of Bonsai
- Sep 24 – Plants to Support Monarchs and Other Butterflies
Upcoming Agricultural & Natural Resources Educational Programs
- GET READY TO HUNT – Sep 24 (Tue)
- FALL WEED & BRUSH WORKSHOP – Sep 26 (Thu)
- EQUINE MANAGEMENT 101 – Oct 4 (Fri)
- 2019 ATASCOSA COUNTY FALL RANCH TOUR & RANGE CLINIC – Oct 7 (Mon)
- BEEF CATTLE HUSBANDRY AND BQA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM – Oct 11-12 (Fri/ Sat)
Email Patricia Valdillez or call: (210) 631-0400 if yo have questions;
SUBSCRIBE NOW TO THE AG NEWS & VIEWS BLOG! To receive timely, up-to-date information, subscribe to the Ag New & Views Blog.
David Rogers’ Big Bugs, larger-than-life sculptures, at the San Antonio Botanical Garden NOW thru December 8th.
SABOT Fall Plant Sale: Sat & Sun, September 21-22, 10am-5pm. SABOT Members enjoy early shopping at 9am.
Early Bird Tickets Now On Sale for Moonlight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Sat, Oct 26, 6-10pm at SABOT.
