CBMGA honored Jim and Betty Falk for their years of service and presented them with a plaque honoring them by renaming our Superstar Bed, as the "Jim and Betty Falk Superstar Bed". Thanks Jim and Betty for all you have done over the years. You are an inspiration to us all.
The evening also included our annual graduation ceremony to present all of the interns with their certificate awarding them the official title of "Texas Master Gardener". Each of them completed 50 hours of classroom training and at least 50 hours of volunteer time contributing to the education of the public and assisting our extension agent. Many completed even more volunteer hours. Thank you Kenny Rollins, Titus County Extension Agent, for sponsoring CBMGA to allow us to continue our service to the community.
And a big Congratulations to all our new "Texas Master Gardeners"
The Class of 2016
From left to right: Debbie Collins, Cheri Jensen, Kay Green, Hiroko Somsag, Kenny Rollins(back), Barbara Harris, Janice Butler, Martha Wilson (oldest graduating Master Gardener ??? at 92 years young), Evelyn Winkleblack, Staci Carney, Matt Fisk, Michael Clark, Regina Clark.
Congratulations everyone! Now go forth with your newly sanctioned green thumbs and propagate…all those plants!
[slideshow]
The officers for 2017 were approved and elected by the membership with Sharon Cowan continuing as President, Kay Miller as Vice-President, Rhonda Lesher as Treasurer, and newly elected Janice Butler(one of our 2016 Graduates) stepping up to take on the role of Secretary. Congratulations to our new board. We are all looking for 2017 to be every bit as much fun and productive as 2016 has been. Great job you guys.
Roger Farr, one of our very own Master Gardeners gave an outstanding presentation on propagating blueberry and other plants using a misting system. I owe Roger a huge apology, but it was totally his fault. His presentation was so well done, I got completely lost in listening that I forgot to get a picture of him in his presentation. Great presentation Roger. Speaking with several members after the meeting, it was quite the topic of conversation.
November Gardening
Gardeners To Do List For November
Average Date of First Freeze in Titus County: November 15
Planting
- Continue to plant shade trees, ornamental trees, and shrubs.
- Relocate established trees and shrubs after they enter dormancy (late November to January). Plant ‘balled and burlap’ trees and large shrubs.
- Continue refrigerator chilling of tulips and Dutch hyacinths in preparation for late December/early January planting.
- Plant pansies, flowering kale and cabbage, dianthus, cyclamen, violas, and other cool season annuals. Plant daffodil and grape hyacinth immediately after purchase.
- Divide and replant perennials such as Iris and daylily.
Pruning
- Prune evergreen trees (as needed) such as magnolias, live oaks, and wax myrtles to minimize possible ice damage.
- Cut back dormant perennials such as lantana and salvia after the first freeze.
- Trim back tropical plants such as cannas, banana and elephant ears after their foliage freezes down.
- Do major re-shaping of shade trees as needed after the first freeze when plants go dormant. This is a good time to remove mistletoe that stands out on bare limbs.
Plant Care
- Mulch leaves on your lawn. Shred excess leaves and add to planting beds or compost pile.
- Replenish finished compost and mulch in planting beds, preferably before the first freeze.
- Harvest pecans after mid November.
- Continue to mow warm season turf up to first freeze.
- Fertilize new fescue and ryegrass lawns at one half the rate recommended.
- Apply your favorite fertilizer to pansies and other winter color plants to promote strong growth if needed.
- Inspect houseplants that are coming indoors to be sure they have no insect pests.
- Harvest fall vegetables before the first freeze.
- Remove and drain garden hoses from outlets and cover faucets to prevent freeze damage
- (originally published by Dallas County Master Gardeners)
Some recent sights around our gardens:
(I am trying something new here by including a second slideshow, Hope it all works)
[slideshow]
Next month will be our annual CBMGA Christmas Party. Look for more from Kridler’s Korner next month.
We have classes beginning January 3, 2017 to become a "Texas Master Gardener". Information on becoming a Master Gardener can be found at
"How Can I Become a Master Gardener?" If you ever thought digging in the dirt with good friends might be fun…IT REALLY IS! You should join us!
Come Learn and Grow with Us.
If you haven’t visited the CBMGA web site we are at CBMGA.org.
To see some of the gardens CBMGA has done, drop by Our Master Gardens Virtual Tour
Hope to see ya’ next month and that you and yours have a most Happy Thanksgiving.
Come Grow With Us
Cypress Basin Master Gardeners
Kay Miller says
Very nicely done. Thanks for all the time you put in to keeping us up to date and informed.