Patricia joined the 2015 Master Gardener class and, after earning her certification in 2016, was one of five members who helped establish the Bastrop County Master Gardener Association — serving as its first president. She organized the inaugural 2017 intern class, launched the first plant sales, and led development of both the Cedar Creek Park demonstration garden and the downtown Bastrop community garden. She earned advanced certification in Earthkind and rainwater harvesting before retiring in 2020, leaving a legacy that shapes the organization to this day.

Rick joined the 2015 Master Gardener class and was among the founding members who helped create the Bastrop County MGA in 2016. His passion for gardening led him to earn advanced certifications in vegetable gardening, composting, and greenhouse design. He built the vegetable demonstration garden at the former AgriLife Extension office and taught vegetable gardening to the 2017 and 2018 intern classes. Rick was always the first to raise his hand when volunteers were needed.

Carolyn became a Travis County Master Gardener in 2012 and transferred to Bastrop County in 2018, bringing expertise in propagation and Junior Master Gardeners. She served as president in 2018, led the 2019 intern training class, and has grown hundreds of plants for annual sales. She earned advanced certifications in Earthkind and NPDN First Detector. Her greatest joys are propagating plants and sharing garden knowledge with children and new gardeners alike. She retired in 2026 — but not from gardening or mentoring.

Howard is a professional citizen scientist who brings meticulous, evidence-based research to everything he grows. He served as editor of the BCMGA newsletter What’s Growing On, authoring eight researched articles in 2021 alone. A skilled propagator and educator, Howard bred his own tomato variety suited to Bastrop County, propagated native milkweeds for the community, and led four training events for fellow Master Gardeners. His generosity — sharing plants, tools, knowledge, and resources — makes him a cornerstone of our program.

Rudy joined the 2021 intern class and earned his certification before the class even ended. The heart and soul of the Bob Bryant Park educational gardens since their founding, he has expanded the site each year into a premier community resource — complete with keyhole gardens, hügelkultur beds, a pocket prairie, and a fruit orchard. Known affectionately as the “Garden Guy,” his enthusiasm for teaching is truly contagious.