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   Master Gardeners are enthusiastic about their favorite subjects — none more so than the volunteers who contribute their time to present horticultural-related information throughout their communities. The following is a list of our certified Master Gardeners who are available for presentations to your group or organization. We are happy to tailor a program to your group's needs and interests. If you see a topic of interest in the list below, give us a call. Your request will be forwarded to the Speakers Chairperson, and your call will be returned promptly.

                                         Hill Country Master Gardeners Speakers Bureau
                                             at the Kerr County AgriLife Extension Office
                                                                 830.257.6568
             You may email Kathy Lewis, Speakers Bureau Chair, at klewis@beecreek.net

TRUE LOVE AND HOMEGROWN TOMATOES!
That may be a great country song, but for now, let’s just stick to homegrown tomatoes.  We will learn a brief history of the origin of the tomato and how it came to be a cultivated plant. Starting your own seedlings enables you to have a greater variety of plants, and we will also look at a listing of some of the varieties that do well in the Texas Hill Country. Included is information on the most successful growing conditions for tomatoes, also some of the most common problems associated with growing tomatoes.
Length of talk: one hour, including Q&A
Speaker: Connie Townsend

GARDENING 101
After 20 years living in a gardeners' paradise, it was a shock when this native Texan moved from SoCal back to the Hill Country. I'd forgotten about hard freezes, long droughts, pernicious insects, broiling sun and, of course, literally tons of rocks. It's been a challenge, but after three years, I'm starting to see a modest success. You can learn from my mistakes. We'll discuss plant selection, bed preparation and the basics of keeping your plants alive and healthy. We'll talk about tools and techniques, plus some tips on when to call it quits.
Length of talk: 45 minutes
Speaker: Carol Seminara

ART IN THE GARDEN
Garden art is a necessity in today’s gardens and can include just about anything that transforms your garden into a personal expression of who you are and what you like. In addition to adding personality, some elements can provide wildlife habitat or increase the functionality of your outdoor space and add value to your property’s worth. We’ll explore the principles of design and explore current trends in garden art from fine to folk to funky.
Length of talk: 45 minutes
Speaker: Carol Seminara

 

HERB GARDENING
Herbs are an attractive and useful addition to your garden and landscape. We will explore herb selection and cultivation with an emphasis on those plants best suited for our challenging Hill Country conditions. The talk will include preserving herbs and using them in the kitchen.
Length of talk: 45 minutes
Speaker: Carol Seminara

DROUGHT- PROOF YOUR GARDEN
In every five years in Texas, you will be coping with two years of drought. It is not a question of if a drought comes, but when. Plan for dry times before a drought hits. Learn how to select plants, the local resources available to advise you and survival techniques for your landscape.
Length of talk: one hour
Speaker: Christine Millar

COMPANION GARDENING
Just as with human beings, plants have companions with which they prefer to be planted and others that they would prefer to avoid. Learn what seems to explain some of these preferences, why the companion is beneficial, and what combinations to avoid. Concentration will be on vegetable plants, although some brief mention will be made regarding flowers.
Length of talk: one hour, including Q&A
Speaker: Connie Townsend

GARDENING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
The EarthKind program, developed by Texas A&M University, uses research-proven techniques to provide gardening and landscape enjoyment while preserving and protecting our fragile environment. The object of this program is to combine the best of organic and traditional gardening and landscape principles to create a new horticultural system for the 21st century.
Length of talk: one hour
Speaker: Fay Drozd

COLOR FROM YOUR BACK YARD
Did you know that you could use some of the plants in your backyard to produce color for fabrics? Many, such as coreopsis and wandering Jew, can be used for dyeing your curtains. This program will give you the information you need.
Length of talk: one hour
Speaker: Fay Drozd

PLANT PROPAGATION
This program will show you how to make one plant into many. You will know how to preserve and care for all the cuttings your neighbors give you. This can also be the way to take the plants you don’t like to leave behind when you move.
Length of talk: one hour
Speaker: Fay Drozd

WATER CONSERVATION
What do all living things need to survive? Water! No plant, insect, animal, or human can live without it. Did you know that of all the water on earth, only 3% is potable, and we can only get 1% of that. We will discuss ways to conserve water so we will always have it.
Length of talk: 5 minutes
Speaker: Sandy Martin, Rainwater Specialist

 

VEGETABLE GARDENING
IN THE HILL COUNTRY
Information presented will be based primarily on personal experience and observation. Included will be soil, water, and nutritional requirements of various kitchen garden crops as well as timelines for best production of these veggies. Recommendations for planting dates for both fall and spring gardens will be addressed.
Length of talk: one hour, including Q&A
Speaker: Connie Townsend

NINETEENTH CENTURY FLOWERS AND
VEGETABLES IN TEXAS
Are heirloom flowers or vegetables something you have always wanted to grow? Maybe
having a Victorian garden has been a dream of yours. Here is an opportunity to learn about what 19th century gardeners planted, their sources and tools. I can concentrate on period vegetables, flowers or both. After this presentation you can have a 19 century garden of your own. I am a Living Historian and will be glad to come in period dress.
Length of talk: 30 minutes or one hour
Speaker: Deborah Russell

RAINWATER HARVESTING
Texas' water supply planning process had identified that surface and groundwater supplies will not be able to meet future water demand in the State. Water conservation and development of alternative water supplies are vitally important. Rainwater harvesting captures, diverts, and stores rainwater for later use. Learn all about harvesting this precious commodity.
Length of talk: one hour
Speaker: Anne Brown, Rainwater Harvesting Specialist

 

COMPOSTING MADE EASY
Discover the value and fun of composting! Learn to improve your lawn, flowers and vegetables, by using yard and kitchen waste. Compost retains water, provides nutrients, reduces stress on your plants and more. This class includes demonstrations, discussion and take home instructions.
Length of talk: 30 to 45 minutes
Speaker: Cheryl Andrews or Chris Seifert

Who and What is a Master Gardener
Hill Country Master Gardeners assist their communities and the Agrilife Extension Office by answering horticulture questions and diagnosing plant problems for homeowners. Making new friends, learning continually, and working on volunteer projects make being a Master Gardener a rich experience.
Length of talk: 45 minutes
Speaker: Anne Brown

OAK WILT — FACTS AND MYTHS
Oak wilt is a fungal disease that attacks oaks, primarily live and red oaks. Learn how to identify the disease, prevention techniques, its life cycle, and the truth about firewood from diseased trees.
Length of talk: one hour
Speaker: Anne Brown, Oak Wilt Specialist
 

Call 830.257.6568
 Hill Country Master Gardeners Speakers Bureau
at the Kerr County AgriLife Extension Office
to book a Hill Country Master Gardener Speaker for your next meeting
or email Chairperson Kathy Lewis at klewis@beecreek.net