Shirley D. Smith
What year did you become a Master Gardener?
I certified as a Texas Master Gardener in 2009. However, I started coming to SCMGA in
June 2008.
Do you hold a position in the group (officer, chair, etc)?
At the present time, I do not hold an officer position but I am on the Heritage Paluxy Garden
Committee and the Plant Sale Committee. I have been Vice President (2009-2011) and
served 2 and a half terms as President. I was the Decorating Committee Chairperson for
the 2011Texas Master Gardener Conference held jointly with Somervell County Master
Gardeners and the Lake Granbury Master Gardeners.
What are your gardening special interests?
My special gardening interests would have to be succulents and Texas natives.
Is there a particular gardening book you enjoy?
I love A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold! It is beautifully written and so peaceful.
Now, two practical gardening books I love are both by Sharon Lovejoy: Trowel & Error,
which is filled with tips, remedies and shortcuts for the garden. Her second book is
A Blessing of Toads (A Gardener’s Guide to Living with Nature). I have LOTS of books on
native plants and take them with me when I go out to identify plants. So, I really don’t have
just one particular book that I would have to pick as a favorite but several.
Have you had a particular gardening success?
I have had many gardening successes such as with my Earth Kind roses. Also, many of the
sages have done really well for me here in Somervell County.
What do you enjoy about being a Master Gardener?
I LOVE being a Master Gardener because of the opportunities I have to learn and increase
my knowledge of this most wonderful interest/hobby of mine. This is a wonderful program
and I would encourage anyone who has even a slight interest in gardening to become
involved. Our group is small but very close and we would welcome any who want to join.
Do you have a favorite plant?
Wow! This is hard. I did discover Cordyline a couple of years ago and love this plant. It is
NOT winter hardy here in our part of Texas. However, I overwinter it in my garage and then
when the weather warms up enough it goes out on my front porch when I lives there in the
shade. Also, I love my sedums, which even though they can be very delicate looking are actually very tough little plants.