Somervell County Master Gardeners

Originally posted August, 2016 By Julie Conner, Somervell County Master Gardener Perennials are a landscape’s best friend as they come back every year. In my yard I have 3 favorites: Gregg’s Blue Mistflower, Lantana and Mexican Petunias. All 3 are durable, tough and very hardy. Because they thrive so well in our Texas soil, I plant in confined areas, as Blue Mistflower and Mexican Petunias can become invasive if not controlled.   Gregg’s Blue Mistflower is a guaranteed butterfly attractor, even when the flowers turn brown. It’s a… Read More →

Originally posted July, 2015 By Mary Anne Steele, Somervell County Master Gardener   The gardener and the herb patch – one of the most easy-going and rewarding relationships you will ever have. Herbs make few demands: average soil, a little mulch, and some sun. Other than planting each year, annual herbs need little more. Tender perennials even come inside with you for the winter, asking only for a place away from direct heat, some indirect light, and a little water. An herb garden is a source of pleasure… Read More →

By Julie Conner, Somervell County Master Gardener. Solitary bees are prolific pollinators that are overlooked simply because they are loners. They are also known as carder bees, mason bees or leafcutter bees. One solitary bee will work as hard as 100 honey bees and will stay closer to a home territory than the honeybee. A hatchling will return to the nest from which it was hatched, making your garden their backyard. The female bee prefers to make her own nest in a narrow tubular space such as reeds… Read More →

Submitted by Elaine Wilshusen, Somervell County Master Gardener This is a delicious dish and a wonderful way to celebrate the bounties of the summer garden! Ingredients 1 pound hearty pasta (like penne or rigatoni) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 onion, thinly sliced 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 or 4 summer squash, thinly sliced (more if desired) 1½ cups halved cherry tomatoes (more if desired) Salt and freshly ground black pepper ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup full fat ricotta cheese ¼ cup chopped fresh basil… Read More →

By Mary Ann Steele, Somervell County Master Gardener Tomatoes are often referred to as “Queen of the Garden”. They are, by far, the most popular crop grown by gardeners. But consider another vegetable with Southern bloodlines that should be exalted to Texas royalty. One that doesn’t fade in the summer heat, doesn’t succumb to blossom end rot and can withstand leaf footed bugs. . . OKRA . . . All summer long, okra stands tall and tough, laughing at the summer heat. What vegetable could be easier to… Read More →

The Somervell County Master Gardeners will be having a plant sale on Saturday, April 21st. Hours will be from 9am until we run out of plants. Be sure to stop by and check out the varieties of plants. There will be something for everyone…perennials, annuals, succulents, baskets, herbs and vegetables! We will be located in the parking lot of the Glen Rose United Methodist Church Family Center on Barnard Street. See you there!

By Elaine Wilshusen, Somervell County Master Gardener Turf grass is the largest single “crop” in the United States. According to a 2005 report, it covered approximately 63,000 square miles, about the size of Texas. That’s a lot of grass! While it is most certain that turf grass requires water to maintain, and that water is a precious commodity, most Americans find it desirable to have a portion of their outdoor area covered with turf. Below, you will find some good reasons for including some turf in your yard,… Read More →

By Sharon Driskill, Somervell County Master Gardener One of the most popular roses in North America is the Knock Out rose. The Knock Out rose bush was created by Bill Radler. It is one of the most popular roses in North America. They are easy to grow and do not require much care. They are also very disease resistant. Their bloom cycle is about every five to six weeks. These roses are known as “self-cleaning” roses, so there is no real need to deadhead them. They are heat… Read More →

Hello, fellow gardeners and butterfly lovers! Don’t forget… Somervell County Master Gardeners will hold a Community Garden Series presentation (formerly named CHES) on Monday, April 9th starting at 6:30pm at The Citizens Center at 209 SW Barnard St in Glen Rose. Deborah Rollins from Lake Granbury Master Gardeners will discuss how to attract and benefit the beautiful Monarch butterflies during their long migratory voyage. It will be an interesting presentation. Hope to see you there!  

    The Somervell County Master Gardeners will be having a plant sale Saturday, April 21st. Hours will be from 9am until we have sold out. Be sure to stop by and choose from a selection of your favorite perennials as well as some vegetable plants. We will be located in the parking lot of the Glen Rose United Methodist Church Family Center on Barnard Street. See you there!