Photos & text by Deli Lanoux, Ed.D., 2018 MG intern
August 14, 2018 – Orientation at the Annex
Folks interested in learning more about the Master Gardening class showed up to meet and greet enthusiastic members and Jenn Herrera, our illustrious leader and horticulturist extraordinaire, in charge of the program. Great fun! Lots of stories! Much waiting to be learned. Afterwards, we toured the Arboretum where I delighted in the flowers and the butterflies.
September 11, 2018 – First class day & a tour of the garden
September 18, 2018 – Dr. Juan Anciso at Texas A&M AgriLife in Weslaco
September 21, 2018 – Las Lomitas Ranch: Toni & Benito Treviño & Jim Seeder
October 2, 2018 – Quinta Mazatlán
October 9, 2018 – An afternoon with Salvador E. Alemany, CFS & seven betas
October 12, 2018 – Preparing for the fall plant sale
October 13, 2018 – Fall plant sale!
October 23, 2018 – River’s End Nursery & Farm
November 13, 2018 – Presentations Day: Class projects & attendance optional
Morgan built the pergola at the Arboretum with help from Johnny and Anita. Carole was inspired to write a 350-word article for a local newspaper. Steven gave his talk on Texas waters. Barbara and Jim had two projects that they worked on together, though hers was on sustainability and his was a hugel classroom experiment. Teebs provided a detailed account of the Native Plant Center on Padre Island, while Ethel focused on both garden design for its public display and native plants.
Master Gardeners surprised us with a delicious potluck lunch, so my slideshow— a personal photo album August through October— played in the background.
Daniel shared his plan to create a butterfly mini-garden in pots for its benefits to both the environment and mental health. Chet spoke to us about the elements and principles of visual design in landscaping and floral arrangements. Debbie and Tom asked that I photograph their interactive presentation, Square Foot Gardening. And Terry delivered a mouthwatering talk on limes.
Now our goal is to volunteer fifty hours (minimum) to graduate June 2019.
