News and Events

Cut back tropical milkweed on Nov. 15

This year, Lake Granbury Master Gardeners recommend cutting back tropical milkweed on Nov. 15 to save the monarchs. Previously MGs have encouraged gardeners to cut tropical milkweed to the ground no later than Thanksgiving, but recent research indicates that we need to move the date up closer to Halloween. This year because of the delayed migration into north Texas, Lake Granbury Master Gardeners recommend giving migrating monarchs two more weeks past Halloween to enjoy the welcome mat.

Read more of Deborah Rollins article here.

NOVEMBER PROGRAM

Topic: Don’t Let Them Bug You!

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025          Time: 1-2 p.m.

Location: United Co-op, 320 Fall Creek Hwy., Granbury 76048
Please avoid parking directly in front of the building. But you may park in the front lot on the north side or in the parking area in the middle of the lot; there is also overflow parking on the south side of the drive.

Program:  Texas A& M Assistant Professor/AgriLife Extension Entomologist Kyle Slusher, Ph.D., is an expert on managing pests and is interested in research that implements combinations of biological and traditional control methods, including beneficial predatory insects, nematodes, natural pest pathogens and effective insecticides.

OCTOBER PROGRAM

Topic: Propagation Basics

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025          Time: 1-2 p.m.

Location: First United Methodist Church, 301 SH 567 Loop, Granbury 76048
Meeting meeting will be in room 125 of the church. The best way to enter the church is on the east side. There is plenty of close-in parking in the east parking lot.

Program:  Lake Granbury Master Gardeners will share information about propagation.

GARDEN PATCH by Phyllis Webster
Protect the Monarchs

Monarch butterflies are among the most iconic visitors to local gardens, arriving in spring as they journey north and again in fall as they fly south to Mexico. Unfortunately, their populations have declined due to habitat loss and the reduced availability of host and nectar plants. That’s why it’s increasingly important for residents to lend a helping hand.

GARDEN PATCH by Phyllis Webster
Create A Courtyard Garden

Courtyard gardens not only create private spaces, they also help to transition the outdoors to the indoors and provide ideal spaces for cozy gatherings. For some, courtyards are enabling. Their small scale makes gardening more affordable, accessible and manageable. What’s more, courtyard gardens are versatile and adaptable to suit various styles and uses.

Read more in Phyllis Webster’s column “Create A Courtyard Garden” to learn more.  txmg.org/hcmg/lgmg-presentations

SEPTEMBER PROGRAM

Topic: FIRE ANTS: A Texas Problem

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025          Time: 1-2 p.m.

Location: United Co-op community room, 320 Fall Creek Hwy, Granbury 76049
Please do not park in front of the building, as these spaces are reserved for customers.

Program:  Joyce Fethke-Block, a Texas Master Gardener, Texas certified Master Nursery professional, and Rainforest Conservatory Curator at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, will speak about managing fire ants in Texas.   Fire ant image is from citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/household/ants-house/ent-2013/

GARDEN PATCH by Phyllis Webster
Know Your MoonFlowers 

Gardeners are captivated by the dramatic blooms of plants called moonflowers, but this common name is confusing. It’s used to refer to several vastly different plants. What they have in common are white, often fragrant, trumpet-shaped blooms, but the plants are botanically distinct. Read more in Phyllis Webster’s column “Know Your MoonFlowers” to learn about the differences.  txmg.org/hcmg/lgmg-presentations

GARDEN PATCH by Phyllis Webster
Contain Your Garden Enthusiasm!   

Texas native plants are known for their drought tolerance, wildlife benefits and durability. Natives are so diverse that they thrive in settings as varied as alpine meadows, prairies, woodlands and wetlands, but they do not spring to mind for use as potted plants. While you may not find natives marketed for such use, many perform admirably when containerized. See natives to consider in Phyllis Webster’s Garden Patch column “Contain Your Garden Enthusiasm!” txmg.org/hcmg/lgmg-presentations

GARDEN PATCH by Phyllis Webster
Celebrate Colorful Crape Myrtles   

While they are not native Texans, crape myrtles are particularly well adjusted to the conditions prevalent in the Lone Star State. Lagerstroemia indica and its many hybrids are mainstays in area landscapes, and they are having a banner bloom year! Their brilliantly colored flowers are beautifying homes and businesses wherever plants are grown. Read more in the Garden Patch article Celebrate Colorful Crape Myrtles by Master Gardener Phyllis Webster.

AUGUST PROGRAM

Topic: FIREFLY CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH

Date: Wednesday, Aug 20, 2025            Time: 1-2 p.m.

Location: United Electric Co-op community room, 320 Fall Creek Hwy, Granbury 76049. 

Program: Ben Pfeiffer, founder of Firefly Conservation and Research, and Texas certified Master Naturalist will speak over Zoom about types of fireflies (from the beetle family Lampyridae) found in Texas and across the U.S. 

Ben will show how to identify common firefly species and distinguish their flash patterns. You’ll discover why fireflies flash and how they use light to attract mates. He will also discuss specific threats that are causing fireflies to disappear in many areas of the U.S. Ben will explain how to certify your property as a firefly habitat, suggest native plants you can grow to help them, and share other ways you can contribute to saving these iconic insects.

GARDEN PATCH by Phyllis Webster
Some Like It Wet  

Is your garden in distress due to this year’s abundant rains? Are your plants sitting in landscape beds that at times resemble islands?

If so, perhaps it’s time to re-direct the water and amend the soil so that it drains better. Or you may opt to work with nature, making the most of existing conditions. A soggy spot can be transformed into a rain garden, which is practical, attractive and beneficial.

Learn about rain garden plants in Phyllis Webster’s column Some Like It Wet.

GARDEN PATCH by Phyllis Webster
Select Blooming Trees   

While annuals and perennials get the lion’s share of credit for spring and summer flowers, many small trees and tree-form shrubs also boast colorful blooms. Perhaps best-known for its floral display is crepe myrtle, but rose of Sharon (Althea) wins the hearts of traditionalists with its old-fashioned hibiscus-like flowers. Another southern favorite is magnolia due to its large saucer-shaped white blooms, but it can be tricky to keep alive in highly alkaline, dry soils. Learn about small tree selections in Phyllis Webster’s column Select Blooming Trees.

JULY PROGRAM
Topic: Don’t BEE scared – HONEY BEES ARE BENEFICIAL!
Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Location: Hood County Annex I, 1410 W. Pearl St., Granbury, TX 76048

Program: Our July program features Master Gardener LaVonda Becker who is buzzing with knowledge about honey bees! LaVonda has had her own apiary for 15 years and previously provided bee removal and rehoming services in Hood, Somervell, Johnson, Tarrant and Parker counties. She will speak about honey bees and their colonies, detailing the variety of roles and activities in the hive, and how bees and bee byproducts are used. She does not sell honey from her apiary, but does harvest it for her own use, due to its beneficial and therapeutic properties. Attendees will get to sample a variety of foods and some wild honey tastings to test your tastebuds for the flowers from which the bees foraged.

GARDEN PATCH by Phyllis Webster
The Sky Is the Limit  

Enjoy the benefits of vines which add privacy, shade and colorful blooms, while taking up less garden real estate than shrubs. They provide vertical greenery to break up the starkness of walls and fences and can cate a sound buffer.  Read more in the Garden Patch article The Sky Is the Limit by Master Gardener Phyllis Webster.

	GARDEN PATCH by Phyllis Webster It’s All About Annuals    Planting perennials is a long-term investment, but experienced gardeners know that growing annuals helps to bridge the seasons and provide long-lasting beauty in the landscape. Read more in the Garden Patch article It’s All About Annuals by Master Gardener Phyllis Webster.
JUNE PROGRAM Topic: GARDENS OF LAKE GRANBURY MASTER GARDENERS Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Time: 1-2 p.m. Location: Reunion Grounds, 641 Reunion Ct., Granbury Program: Take a photographic peek into beautiful spaces cared for by master gardeners, full of wonderful ideas and plants that you can use in  your own garden.
GARDEN PATCH by Phyllis Webster Plant Recommended Perennials   This year, select the most dependable, eye-catching perennials for your landscape. Find out which bedding plants are recommended by The Texas Cooperative Extension for north central Texas.

See the back story about the metal art LIFE CYCLE in this week’s issue of Hood County News, which is free to access: https://www.hcnews.com/stories/monarch-life-cycle-sculpture-to-debut-may-3,73233

MAY PROGRAM
GARDENING for HEALTH – Satisfying Food Needs in Our Communities

Topic: Gardening for Health — Satisfying Food Needs In Our Communities, presented by Tarrant Area Food Bank, Fort Worth When: Wednesday, May 21, 1- 2 p.m. Who:  Lauren Hickman, Horticultural Therapist-Registered, former Master Gardener, and the Garden & Farm Programs Manager at Tarrant Area Food Bank. Where: Reunion Grounds, 641 Reunion Ct., Granbury What:   Learn about the Tarrant Area Food Bank’s Community Garden Network, garden education programs and Farmers Market Nutrition programs. Take part in TAFB’s train-the-trainer program regarding their newest gardening series, Gardening for Health. Learn more about Gardening for Health, TAFB’s newest garden education series and how you can get involved at http://tafb.org/community-garden/

Learn more about identification of drought tolerant plants and waterwise features in the latest Garden Patch column by Lake Granbury Master Gardener Phyllis Webster. Read the April 5, 2025 column on Buy Drought Tolerant Plants.  APRIL PROGRAM GROWING HERBS: Beneficial Herbal Teas from Your Garden Topic: Growing Beneficial Herbs Date: April 16, 2025 Time: 1-2 p.m. Location: Reunion Grounds, 641 Reunion Ct., Granbury Program:  Lake Granbury Master Gardener LaVonda Becker, B4 Hobby Farms, will speak about Growing Beneficial Herbs, including teas that can be made from your garden. She keeps bees and grows her own herbs that she uses medicinally when needed. The season of Lent is marked in gardens by the appearance of early blooming Lenten roses (Helleborus orientalis).  Read more in the March 23, 2025 Garden Patch column on Growing Lenten Roses. Date: Saturday, April 12 Time: 8 a.m. until sold out Location: Demonstration Garden located behind Hood County Annex I, 1410 W. Pearl St., Granbury 3/11/25 – Press Release: Scholarships available  – Deadline to apply is April 14

Prepare for Spring – See the latest Garden Patch article on our Gardening Knowledge page

02/17/25 – Press Release: Plant Sale announced MARCH PROGRAM:  BASICS of SEED COLLECTION

Topic: Basics of Seed Collection [Trees] Date: March 19, 2025          Time: 1-2 p.m.Location: Reunion Grounds, 641 Reunion Ct., GranburyProgram:  Hear Texas A&M Forest Service experts speak about two programs that can be used to purchase seedlings to reforest your property after a natural disturbance, forest health issue such as oak wilt, or to increase diversity of tree species.  Learn how to collect seed and supplies.

Topic: Finding Inspiration from the Garden Date: Feb. 26, 2025 Time: 1-2  P.M. Location: Reunion Grounds, 641 Reunion Ct., Granbury Presenter: Sandra Bradshaw, Lake Granbury Master Gardener

01/13/25 – Master Gardeners of 2024 named; New officers introduced

12/16/24- Annual Report of Lake Granbury Master Gardeners of Hood County presented at the Hood County Commissioner’s Luncheon

2025 Master Gardener Class Announced

The Hood County Extension office and Lake Granbury Master Gardeners of Hood County are accepting registrations for the 2025 class of applicants to become Master Gardeners.

Click here to help you decide if you would like to become a Master Gardener.

REGISTRATION CLOSED for the 2025 class to become a Lake Granbury Master Gardener of Hood County. Call 817-579-3280 for more info.  [Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/242555517513052]