Last year was a transformative year for our community garden initiative. The Cherokee County Master Gardener Association has two gardens: 1) the Demonstration Garden located behind the Texas A&M Forest Service, and 2) the garden located directly behind the H.O.P.E building. With a shared commitment to combating food insecurity, our master gardeners volunteer their time to come together to cultivate fresh produce for H.O. P. E. The effort proved to be more than just agricultural work; it became a testament to the power of dedicated volunteering and caring for those with food insecurities.
During the 2024 growing season, we managed to harvest an array of vegetables. Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, and bell peppers thrived in the warm, nurturing soil, while hearty greens like kale, cabbage and assorted greens provided a nutrient-packed addition to the food bank’s offerings. Additionally, root vegetables such as carrots and beets rounded out the bounty, ensuring a diverse array of produce for families in need.
Snapshot of last year’s bounty.
The garden didn’t just yield vegetables; it fostered community connections. This year we hope to provide “Lunch-n-Learn” workshops on various topics empowering individuals to extend sustainable practices into their own backyard gardens.
The impact of this initiative went beyond addressing hunger; it brought joy, hope, and dignity to those who received the food, reminding us of the importance of coming together for a common cause. It also, strengthen the comradery among the association’s members.
Don’t forget to check back with us later in the year as I summarize this year’s gardening initiatives.
Thanks to all within the CCMGA for your enthusiasm and dedication to continue growing food for H.O.P.E. and strengthening our community.
During our April 12 meeting Kim Benton, Cherokee County AgriLife Extension Agent, proudly introduced the 2025 Master Gardener graduating class. The potluck meeting celebrated our new graduates and was held within walking distance of the Demonstration Garden, in as much shade as we could find. A very special thanks to Susie Blackmon for grilling hamburgers and hotdogs and then to all who brought food and helped with set-up and clean-up. A tasty and fantastic time was had by all. CONGRATS to our newest interns.
This year’s theme is ” If you need me, I’ll be in the garden.”
The Conference will be held at the First Christian Church located 1920 Beaumont St. Jacksonville, TX on 22 March. Registration starts at noon.
We are pleased to announce that our speakers for this year will be Mr. Greg Grant, Horticulture, Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and Mr. Michael Johnson, U.S. General Manager for David Austin Roses.
Cost per person is $20.00. There will be food, vendors, silent auction items, raffles, and something new and exciting this year–4 different mini-talks. So, during the breaks, while you are enjoying some of the finger foods, and visiting with the vendors you will also have an opportunity to listen to one these talks. Each talk will be approximately 15 minutes.
“This was a fantastic conference” ” I learned so much” “The speakers were outstanding” ” I come every year, and I am never disappointed…the food is always delicious and plentiful” “This year’s giveaways were awesome–I loved the Jacksonville mugs and shirts” “Thank you for putting this on”
These were just a few of the comments from the 65 attendees. Educating the community is one of the main goals for master gardeners. New this year we offered four mini-educational talks provided by CCMGA members: Nancy Acker, talked about traditional uses of Herbs, Jenifer Babyak provided information about Bees, Donna Kropp discussed Mental Health & Gardening and Patti Perron provided information and an update on our initiative of adding a Monarch Waystation to our Demonstration Garden. Overall, the comments were positive, these 15-minute talks allowed attendees to walk around with their food, and it left time to check out the vendors and also the silent auction items.
Mr. Greg Grant, Smith County Horticulture Agent for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service spoke on “Pocket Prairies” which was “captivating” ” I could listen to him all day” “he is a natural teacher” ” I read all of his articles” ” thank you for having him as a speaker.” These were just a few of the comments from those who attended.
Who doesn’t love roses??? Mr. Michael Johnson, U. S. General Manager for David Austin Roses took everyone’s breath away with the lovely rose bushes and gift certificates he brought. He described some of the history and his involvement in the English-based David Austin Roses organization. After his presentation he invited everyone to stop by, anytime, at their newly renovated David Austin Roses building in Tyler.
Mark your calendar now for our 2026 Spring Conference which will be held on 14 March, same location and same time. Look forward to seeing you again and bring a friend.
