Texas Master Gardeners Association Texas Master Gardener Emeritus (Emerita) is an honorary title awarded to a retired Master Gardener volunteer for distinguished service to Texas AgriLife Extension Service. County Master Gardener Programs may bestow the title on any Master Gardener who is permanently retiring as an active Master Gardener and who has served Texas AgriLife Extension Service with distinction. [For more information about the granting of the Emeritus/Emerita title, click here.]
Fred Allon, Nueces County
Master Gardener 1994-2005
During his time as an active Master Gardener, Fred was involved in the Speaker’s Bureau, plant sales, Adopt a Highway, and the Learning To Grow school garden program. Fred implemented most of the programs for the Learning To Grow program. He contributed 2, 876 total hours to our program, and was a frequent contributor to the Master Gardener Gazette, newsletter of the Nueces County Master Gardeners.
Dr. Charles Andrews, Hood County
Master Gardener 1997-2007
Dr. Charles Andrews became a certified Master Gardener in 1997 after completing his training and 50 hours of volunteer services. In 1997, Dr Andrews played an important committee role by sharing his expertise in the development and design for the Hood County Library Landscape project. read more (pdf.)
James W. Beeler, Tarrant County
Master Gardener 1992-2007
James W. Beeler joined the Tarrant County Master Gardener Association in 1992. Between 1994 and 2002 he averaged 1200 hours of service per year. Jim taught intern classes, and through the Speakers Bureau he was a sought after speaker because of his broad knowledge of horticulture. Jim served as president for TCMGA, 1995-1996. His extraordinary effort was acknowledged by the Tarrant County Commissioners Court, and he was honored with a Special Achievement Award for his extensive volunteer work.
C.W. Carpenter, Nueces County
Master Gardener from 1996
C.W. Carpenter became a certified Master Gardener (MG) in 1996. In the 14 years that he has been certified, he has completed 2017.25 hours of volunteer service. In 1970, he was appointed the garden editor for the Corpus Christi Caller Times and used this platform to help educate South Texas on all matters related to gardening . In addition, C.W. has shared his knowledge and love of gardening through a wide variety of activities such as… read more (pdf.)
John Coleman, Hill County
Master Gardener from February 2002
John Coleman began his search for Master Gardeners who might be living in the Kerrville area. In good time, he met Tommie Airhart, a Certified Master Gardener from Galveston, and Loren Hutchinson, a Certified Master Gardener from San Antonio. Shortly thereafter, the three began the process of forming a Master Gardener organization for the Hill Country. According to Tommie Airhart, “It was like the Keystone Cops. We were running around everywhere. This was in February of 2002, and we had our very first class in March!” And as they say, “The rest is history”… read more (pdf.)
Robert (Bob) L. Hagen (deceased), Dallas County
Master Gardener 1988-2005
Since 1988, Bob had been an active leader within the Dallas County Master Gardener program. He served on the Board of Directors of the Dallas County Master Gardener Association from 1990 to 2004. Bob is a compassionate leader, mentor, possesses excellent horticultural and administrative skills that have ensured success of many projects, and has demonstrated his long-term commitment to the Dallas County Master Gardener program through his interest, enthusiasm, and leadership.
Gerald (Jerry) Holmes (deceased), Lamar County
Master Gardener 1989-2004
Jerry completed the Master Gardener Training and Certification in 1989 willingly driving to Dallas from Paris, Texas for ten weeks to complete the training. For several years he was Lamar County’s only Master Gardener. In 1996 Jerry was instrumental in working with the area County Extension Agents in developing and conducting a multi county Master Gardener training held in Lamar County one of the first multi county Master Gardener trainings ever held. read more (pdf)
Robert McQueen, Hood County
Master Gardener 1994-2005
Bob was a key leader in establishing Hood County Master Gardeners and responsible for incorporating it as a non-profit organization and for obtaining its 501C-3 status. While budget committee chairman he implemented an annual budget system with quarterly review and led budget preparation and presentation for four years. He served as vice president for two years, TMGA delegate for two years and EPC council member for three years. He received the Exemplary Leadership award in 1995.
Helen Orsak, Nueces County
Master Gardener from 2000
Helen Orsak has been an outstanding Nueces Master Gardener for the past 10 years, amassing a total of 2077.5 hours. When Nueces County was without a Horticultural Agent in 2006 she stepped up and served in the capacity of an Agent and spent hours working as a full time Horticultural secretary for Nueces County. Under the direction of Helen, the first Earth Kind beds were built by Nueces Master Gardeners at the S. TX Botanical Gardens & Nature Center… read more (pdf)
Gene Ratzloff, Hood County
Master Gardener 1994-2004
Gene Ratzloff was one of the founding members of the Hood County Master Gardeners in 1994. After his training courses, Gene received his certification in November 1994. Gene served as the first President of the Hood County Master Gardeners and held this position from 1994-1996. He played an integral role in the establishment of the chapter’s Bylaws & Articles of Incorporation for non-profit tax exemption and admittance into the state organization of the Texas Masters Gardeners Association…read more (pdf)
Jan Shannon, Nueces County
Master Gardener 1992-2009
Jan Shannon attended the second Master Gardener class held in Nueces County in 1992. She was forced into a brief hiatus after a heart attack in 1994 but continued as a MG. She currently has 4243.75 volunteer hours with 218 of them being this year. Activities for the past 17 years…read more (pdf)
June McClain, Smith County
Master Gardener 1998-2010
June McClain has been an active Master Gardener in the Smith County program since 1998. Over the last 14 years, June has volunteer 1461 hours to Smith County programs, and in 2005 had the most hours. She received the Smith County Master Gardener “Youth Award” in 2005, and …read more (pdf.)
Bonnie Hammett, Bexar County
Master Gardener 1991-2009
Bonnie Began Master Gardener training in January, 1991, in Bexar County (San Antonio) and received Master Gardener Certification March 28, 1991. She moved to Deep East Texas and joined the Nacogdoches County Master group where she served as president from 1997-1998. Bonnie then transferred to the newly organized Angelina County Master Gardener program and became certified in that program February 21, 2001…read more (pdf.)
Rosa Schachle, Dallas County
Master Gardener 1997-2010
Rosa may have come to our Master Gardener Association late in life—she was almost 70 as an intern—yet she made many contributions both to Texas AgriLife Extension and the Texas Master Gardener program. In fact, Rosa could be considered a “Master Gardener” long before the program even existed…read more (pdf.)
Edith Pewitt, Tarrant County
Master Gardener 2000-2010
Edith joined Master Gardeners in 2000 and immediately became an active member assisting the Speaker Bureau Chairman before finishing her intern year. She later took over as Chairman of the Speakers Bureau, holding that position for 6 years and she has served on the Project Committee, Education Committee and the Advisory Board of TCMGA…read more (pdf.)
Ed Vaughan, Tarrant County
Master Gardener 1990-2010
Ed Vaughan joined the Tarrant County Master Gardener Association in 1990 when there were about 35 members. In his own quiet way, he has helped the Association become a productive group of over 300 members. Throughout his years, he has been recognized as our Master Gardener of the Year and has been awarded countless shovels—our Association’s indicator of at least 100 hours contributed per year. read more (pdf.)
Lamont Cunningham, Hunt County
Master Gardener 1997-2011
Lamont Cunningham became a certified Master Gardener in 1997 as a member of the second class held in Hunt County. After completing training and 50 volunteer hours Lamont became a valued member of the Hunt County organization. He has assisted the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum, local churches, and schools. Lamont has a love of landscape design and used his talents to build flower boxes for hospitals and surrounding cities with their landscapes. He also made many home visits to help county residents solve problems with their shrubs and trees. read more (pdf.)
Ron Miller, Travis County
Master Gardener 1992-2011
Ron Miller was in the first class of Travis County Master Gardeners and certified in 1992. Ron was very instrumental in the organization of the Travis County Master Gardener Organization in 1993, holding the office of Treasurer from 1993 – 2004. Ron served as a member of the small organization group which hosted the 1999 International Master Gardener Conference in San Antonio, Texas. In addition to the numerous organization activities, he volunteered with the awards committee. read more (pdf.)
Don Freeman, Travis County
Master Gardener 1993-2011
Don Freeman was essential in the organization, development and success of the Travis County Master Gardener program. Don was one of the primary groups who organized and incorporated the organization in 1993. Don Freeman was in the second TCMGA class in 1993. Once certified, he served as the first President. Don thought this new TCMGA organization could make a difference with many good projects in the community and immediately starting volunteering through TCMGA at Zilker Botanical Garden. read more (pdf.)
Peggy Stewart, Travis County
Master Gardener 1993 – 2011
Peggy Stewart went through M.G. classes and became certified in 1993, Montgomery County, Virginia. She was active in that county until she moved to Austin, joining TCMGA in 1996. Peggy was elected State Representative in 1997-1998, followed by being elected President in 1999 – 2000. read more (pdf.)
Hugh Kane, Travis County
Master Gardener 1993 – 2011
Hugh (Bud) Kane was in the first class of Travis County Master Gardeners because of his lifelong love of gardening and his thirst for more knowledge. He lives in northwest Austin and, despite the challenging terrain, wanted to know how to better grow vegetables, his favorite subject. read more (pdf.)
Earl Holzgrafe, Guadalupe County
Master Gardener 1997 – 2004
Earl completed his Master Gardener training in December, 1997. He received his certification in 1998. He retired as a Master Gardener in 2004. During this time Earl was extremely active in volunteer activities on behalf of the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners. read more (pdf.)
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