2025 Members
Abbott Brenson Certified 2018
Alpeter Mark Intern 2025
Alvarado Alma Intern 2025
Anderson Shelby Certified 2022
Arellano Melissa Intern 2025
Bartel Debra Certified 2007
Blanchard Olivia Certified 2003
Bloebaum Heidi Certified 2019
Boatman Helen Certified 1998
Borchers Leon Charla Emeritus(a) 1998
Bowen Kathryn Certified 2012
Brewer Cynthia Certified 2019
Bruns Debbie Certified 2024
Buchanan Ellen Retired 2007
Burns Nick Intern 2025
Chilek Martha Certified 2006
Clark Cheryl Certified 1999
Clarke Angie Intern 2025
Clarke Patrick Intern 2025
Coleman Sandi Certified 2005
Collins Helen Certified
Cook Lupe Retired 2005
David Barbara Certified 2016
David Mark Certified 2022
Davis Bernice Retired 2007
Davis Karla Certified 2008
Delaney Francisca Intern 2025
Delaney Michael Intern 2025
Denker Linda Certified 2000
Denny Anita Intern 2025
Elmore Phyllis Certified 2018
Fisseler Margaret Certified 2024
Flores Bea Certified 2013
Friedrich Norma Certified 2023
Friedrichs Betty Certified 2018
Garcia Luciano Certified 2003
Garner Bobby Certified 2024
Glomb Diane Certified 2015
Gonthier Janet Certified 2017
Goris Sylvia Certified 2019
Graham Marie Certified 2001
Greeson Mary Retired 2002
Gregurek Edwin Certified 1997
Hable Larry Certified 2019
Hartman Linda Emeritus(a) 2010
Havemann Lanny Retired 2001
Heinold Brenda Certified 2016
Heinold Sandra Certified 2019
Hendryx Pauline Certified 2014
Hennig Barbara Retired 2008
Henry Barb Certified 2006
Hensley David Certified 2022
Hensley Nelda Certified 2022
Hensley Rebecca Intern 2025
Hinman Donna Retired 2010
Hood Christine Intern 2025
Housley Sherry Intern 2025
Huber Jean Certified 2010
Hybner Sandy Certified 2018
Janak Jerome Retired 2003
Janak Mary Retired 2004
Jones Bradley Certified 2024
Kanak Frances Certified 2004
Kasala Sandy Certified 2001
Kauffman Marcia Certified 2011
Kelly Alison Certified 2024
Kelly Michael Certified 2024
Kelly Patrick Certified 2024
Keszler Patrick Certified 2022
Knief Kenneth Certified 2004
Knief Sandy Certified 1999
Knowles Jean Certified 2011
Koenig Catherine Certified 2013
Koenig Pat Retired 2006
Kramer Nancy Certified 2002
Krueger Debbie Certified 2004
Kubecka KimberlyCertified 1999
Kuchler Michael Certified 2024
LaBrecque Suzanne Certified 2011
Lee Brynn Certified 2008
Lee Harriet Bitsy Certified 2022
Lee Laurel Retired 2008
Lees Linda Certified 2008
Martignoni MichaelCertified 2014
Martinak Doris Certified 2001
Martinez Rosemary Certified 2023
Mason Julie Certified 2023
McCrea Janet Certified 2013
Medina Ida Certified 2024
Miller Jimmy Retired 2010
Morgan Mary Certified 2018
Morrison Kathy Certified 2024
Motal Howard Intern 2025
Motley Brenda Certified 2018
Mozisek Vivian Certified 2007
Neumeyer CharlesCertified 2005
Nichols Larry Certified 2022
Oksenholt Kristine Certified 2023
Ontai Stacey Certified 2018
Orsak Jo Ann Certified 2022
Parks Helen Retired 2009
Plowman Patricia Certified 1998
Pope Janis Certified 2023
Pounder Kathryn Retired 2017
Pritchett Jennie Certified 2023
Rodriguez Carla Certified 2018
Roskey Debbi Certified 2008
Ruschhaupt Virginia Certified 2006
Sauseda Olimpia Certified 2022
Schmidt Barbara Certified 2003
Schoenfeld Linda Certified 2023
Skeans Jessica Certified 2024
Sobczak Maria Certified 2004
Solberg Lee Ann Certified 2017 Transferred from Waller Co 6/22
Stewart Marilyn Certified 2017
Stoeltje Lisa Certified 2024
Stubblefield Sharon Certified 2022
Tiffin Patricia Certified 2003
Tovar Betty Certified 2021
Woodburn Jocelyn Intern 2025
Wright Dana Certified 2017
Zaplac Nancy Emeritus(a) 1998
ABOUT VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION
Each Master Gardener Chapter in Texas is associated with its county AgriLife Agricultural Extension Agent. The Victoria County Master Gardener Association is a one county chapter and is under the supervision of Matt Bochat, M. S. County Extension Agent – Ag/Natural Resources. We are fortunate to have many master gardeners from outside our county to serve here and in other counties in our area.
Our membership of trained certified Master Gardeners is about 100 strong and spreads out across the several surrounding counties. These volunteers, with a quest to share their knowledge, training and passion for gardening with their communities, are the heart of the organization.
Officers for 2025:
President: Mark David
Contact Mark at 281-710-5063
President Elect: Brynn Lee
Vice President: Barbara David
Treasurer: Kathy Bowen
Treasurer Elect: Bea Flores
Secretary: Marilyn Stewart
State Director: 2024-2025- Stacey Ontai
Alt. State Director: 2024-2025- Jo Ann Orsak
State Director 2025/2026 – Janet McCrea
Alt. State Director 2025/2026 – Cheryl Clark
WHO ARE MASTER GARDENERS
Master Gardeners are volunteers, trained by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in research-based horticulture including soils, water conservation, composting, entomology, plant pathology and related subjects. As County Extension Service volunteers, they give to the community by extending research-based knowledge and providing solutions in one-to-one problem solving, in a demonstration gardens and educational programs. What really sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture.
Master Gardeners are representatives of Texas AgriLife Extension. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of Texas AgriLife Extension. The title “Texas Master Gardener” can be used by volunteers only when engaged in Extension-sponsored activities.
WHAT DO MASTER GARDENERS DO?
- Manage demonstration gardens and provide educational tours and activities;
- Organize youth & adult gardening education programs;
- Site visits to provide advice to the gardening public about best practices and how to improve the homeowner’s garden;
- Manage school garden projects;
- Maintain a speakers bureau;
- Lunch and Learn with the Masters programs free to the public with presentation on specific gardening topics;
- Provide an annual Meet & Greet with information about VCMGA’s training course;
- Coordinates with AgriLife Extension a 14-week Master Gardener certification training course with field trips;
- Monthly chapter meetings with informative and educational speakers for the Master Gardeners continued education and training;
- Conduct plant sales and provide educational material and advice along with the plants purchased;
- Promote rainwater harvesting for the homeowner;
- Promote EarthKind gardening practices.
WHAT IS THE VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION?
VCMGA is a voluntary, nonprofit, educational, literary and charitable association organized to support Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Texas Master Gardener Association. VCMGA is not affiliated with any commercial enterprises. VCMGA serves Victoria County, Texas, in cooperation with the counties’ Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Offices.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN THE VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION?
- Complete the Master Gardener course of instruction;
- Complete fifty (50) volunteer service hours within one year of the completing the training course;
- Receive certification by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, The Texas A&M University System;
- Pay annual dues;
- Maintain certification through re-certification every year which requires 10 hours of approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and 20 volunteer hours; pass background screening (every three years)
- Attend and participate in membership meetings which are typically on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
WHAT IS THE MASTER GARDENER’S PURPOSE?
- To increase the gardening knowledge of its members and the general public.
- To support and assist Texas A&M AgriLife Extension by providing the area communities with information on good gardening practices through news articles, seminars, presentations, schools programs and other community groups, by telephone and digital media.
Our Team
Each Master Gardener Chapter in Texas is associated with its county AgriLife Agricultural Extension Agent. The Victoria County Master Gardener Association is a one county chapter and is under the supervision of Matt Bochat, M. S. County Extension Agent – Ag/Natural Resources. We are fortunate to have many master gardeners from outside our county to serve here and in other counties in our area.
Our membership of trained certified Master Gardeners is about 100 strong and spreads out across the several surrounding counties. These volunteers, with a quest to share their knowledge, training and passion for gardening with their communities, are the heart of the organization.
Officers for 2025:
President: Mark David
Contact Mark at 281-710-5063
President Elect: Brynn Lee
Vice President: Barbara David
Treasurer: Kathy Bowen
Treasurer Elect: Bea Flores
Secretary: Marilyn Stewart
State Director: 2024-2025- Stacey Ontai
Alt. State Director: 2024-2025- Jo Ann Orsak
State Director 2025/2026 – Janet McCrea
Alt. State Director 2025/2026 – Cheryl Clark
Master Gardener Training
The Master Gardener certification training is an intensive 14-week course with both classroom instruction and field trips. The instructors are primarily experienced Master Gardeners and AgriLife & Texas A&M University faculty and researchers. The topics of instruction are uniform throughout the State of Texas as all Master Gardener chapters in Texas use the same detailed training manual developed by the Texas Master Gardener Association. The manual was recently updated and will be used by the Victoria County Master Gardener Association classes. The training teaches fact-based proven and sound horticulture practices in an unbiased manner. We will have a Meet & Greet from 10 until 12 on January 25, 2025 to begin recruiting for our 2025 Class. You are welcome to complete this application and send it to Victoria County Extension.
Master Gardeners are volunteers, trained by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in research-based horticulture including soils, water conservation, composting, entomology, plant pathology and related subjects. As County Extension Service volunteers, they give to the community by extending research-based knowledge and providing solutions in one-to-one problem solving, in a demonstration gardens and educational programs. What really sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture.
Master Gardeners are representatives of Texas AgriLife Extension. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of Texas AgriLife Extension. The title “Texas Master Gardener” can be used by volunteers only when engaged in Extension-sponsored activities.
2024 Member Roster
Abbott, Brenson – 2018 Certified
Anderson, Shelby-2022 Certified
Bartel, Debra 2007 Certified
Blanchard, Olivia 2003 Distinguished 10/05/20
Bloebaum, Heidi 2019 Certified
Boatman, Helen 1998 Distinguished 1
Borchers Leon, Charla 1998 Emeritus
Bowen, Kathryn 2012 Certified
Brewer, Cynthia 2019 Certified
Bruns, Debbie 2024 Intern
Buchanan, Ellen 2007 Distinguished 1
Chilek, Martha (Kathy) 2006 Certified
Clark, Cheryl 1999 Certified
Coleman, Sandi 2005 Certified
Collins, Helen 2011 Certified
Cook, Lupe 2005 Distinguished 1/18/2021
David, Barbara 2016 Certified
David, Mark 2022 Certified
Davis, Bernice 2007 Distinguished 1
Davis, Karla 2008 Certified
Denker, Linda 2000 Honorary
Ehrhardt, Lindbergh 2024 Intern
Elmore, Phyllis 2018 Certified
Fisseler, Margaret 2024 Intern
Flores, Bea 2013 Certified
Friedrich, Norma 2023 Certified
Friedrichs, Betty 2018 Certified
Garcia, Danny 2023 Certified
Garcia, Luciano 2003 Distinguished 1
Glomb, Diana 2015 Certified
Gonthier, Janet 2017 Certified
Goris, Sylvia 2019 Certified
Graham, Marie 2001 Distinguished 7/28/2022
Greeson, Mary 2002 Distinguised 10/18/2020
Gregurek, Edwin 1997 Distinguished 1
Hable, Larry 2019 Certified
Hartman, Linda 2010 Emeritus
Havemann, Lanny 2001 Distinguished 1
Heinold, Brenda 2016 Certified
Heinold, Sandra 2019 Certified
Hendryx, Pauline 2014 Certified
Hennig, Barbara 2008 Distinguished 6/16/2020
Henry, Barb 2006 Distinguished 11/29/2021
Hensley, David 2022 Certified
Hensley, Nelda 2022 Certified
Hinman, Donna 2010 Distinguished 1 8/05/2020
Huber, Jean 2010 Distinguished 1
Hybner, Sandy 2018 Certified
Janak, Jerome 2003 Distinguished 1
Janak, Mary 2004 Distinguished 1
Jones, Bradley 2024 Intern
Kanak, Frances 2004 Certified
Kasala, Sandy 2001 Certified
Kauffman, Marcia 2011 Certified
Kelly, Alison 2024 Intern
Kelly, Michael 2024 Intern
Kelly, Patrick 2024 Intern
Keszler, Patrick 2022 Certified
Knief, Kenneth 2004 Distinguished 1/25/2021
Knief, Sandy 1999 Distinguished 1/20/2021
Knowles, Jean 2011 Distinguished 11/9/21
Koenig, Catherine 2013 Certified
Koenig, Pat 2006 Distinguished 11/16/2022
Kramer, Nancy 2002 Certified
Krueger, Debbie 2004 Certified
Kubecka Kimberly 1999 Certified
Kucher, Michael 2024 Intern
LaBrecque, Suzanne 2011 Certified
Lee, Brynn 2008 Certified
Lee, Harriet (Bitsy) 2022 Certified
Lee, Laurel 2008 Distinguished 1/4/2021 Retired 1/1/2024
Lees, Linda 2008 Certified
Lukas, Lynn 2019 Certified
Martignoni, Michael 2014 Certified
Martinak, Doris 2001 Distinguished 1
Martinez, Rosemary 2023 Certified
Mason, Julie 2023 Certified
McCrea, Janet 2013 Certified
McGill, Haley 2024 Intern
Medina, Ina 2024 Intern
Miller, Jimmy 2010 Certified
Morgan, Mary 2018 Certified
Morrison, Kathy 2024 Intern
Motley, Brenda 2018 Certified
Mozisek, Vivian 2007 Certified
Neumeyer, Charles 2005 Certified
Nichols, Larry 2022 Certified
Nolan, Dick 2004 Emeritus
Oksenholt, Kristine 2023 Certified
Ontai, Stacey 2018 Certified
Orsak, JoAnn 2022 Certified
Parks, Helen 2009 Retired 1/1/2024
Plowman, Patricia 1998 Certified
Pope, Janis 2023 Certified
Pounder, Kathryn 2017 Certified
Pritchett, Jennie 2023 Certified
Rathmell, Gloria 2024 Intern
Rodriguez, Carla 2018 Certified
Roskey, Debbi 2008 Certified
Ruschhaupt, Virginia 2006 Distinguished 2
Sauseda, Olimpia 2022 Certified
Schmidt, Barbara 2003 Distinguished 1
Schoenfeld, Linda 2023 Certified
Skeans, Jessica 2024 Intern
Sobczak, Maria 2004 Distinguished 1
Solberg, Lee Ann 2017 Certified Transferred 6/2022
Sonntag, Linda 2022 Certified
Sterne, Marti 2015 Certified
Stewart, Marilyn 2017 Certified
Stoeltje, Lisa 2024 Intern
Stubblefield, Sharon 2022 Certified
Tiffin, Patricia 2003 Certified
Tovar, Betty 2021 Certified
Woodall, Charles (Woody) 2023 Certified
Wright, Dana 2017 Certified
Zaplac, Nancy 1998 Emeritus
- Manage demonstration gardens;
- Organize youth & adult gardening education programs;
- Site visits to provide advice to the gardening public about best practices and how to improve the homeowner’s garden;
- Manage school garden projects;
- Maintain a speakers bureau;
- Lunch and Learn with the Masters programs free to the public with presentation on specific gardening topics;
- Provide an annual Meet & Greet with information about VCMGA’s training course;
- Coordinates with AgriLife Extension a 14-week Master Gardener certification training course with field trips;
- Monthly chapter meetings with informative and educational speakers for the Master Gardeners continued education and training;
- Conduct plant sales and provide educational material and advice along with the plants purchased;
- Promote rainwater harvesting for the homeowner;
- Promote EarthKind gardening practices.
VCMGA is a voluntary, nonprofit, educational, literary and charitable association organized to support Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Texas Master Gardener Association. VCMGA is not affiliated with any commercial enterprises. VCMGA serves Victoria County, Texas, in cooperation with the counties’ Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Offices.
- Complete the Master Gardener course of instruction;
- Complete fifty (50) volunteer service hours within one year of the completeing the training course;
- Receive certification by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, The Texas A&M University System;
- Pay annual dues;
- Maintain certification through re-certification every year which requires 06 hours of approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and 21 volunteer hours.
- Attend and participate in membership meetings which are typically on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
- To increase the gardening knowledge of its members and the general public.
- To support and assist Texas A&M AgriLife Extension by providing the area communities with information on good gardening practices through news articles, seminars, presentations, schools programs and other community groups, by telephone and digital media.