Published: January 07, 2009 10:41 am      

"Go green" and garden

If you want to learn more about gardening and horticulture, mark your calendar and attend the Cooke County Master Gardeners meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 at the NCTC Library Lyceum.

Cooke County Master Gardener’s Incoming President Honey Easter said that she wants to get more people involved in the group. “I want people to come and see that this can be fun," she said.

“We want everyone to feel welcome to come out and participate with the Master Gardeners,” said Easter. “You don’t have to be a member to come. This is a good way to learn about gardening and to become involved with gardening.”

During the Thursday meeting, the 2009 Officers of Cooke County Master Gardeners will be sworn in and the group will discuss options and what they want to plan for the year.

Some of the activities coming up include field trips to the Noble Foundation, Hagerman Wildlife Refuge and the Birdsong Sanctuary.

This year, there will be guest speakers who will present topics on gardening and horticulture before the business part of the meeting. Outside workshops will also be planned.

One goal for 2009 will be to “go more green” and to help out in the area of recycling.

Because not everyone can or wants to be a Master Gardener at this time, “Friends of Master Gardeners” is being revived. “We want everyone to come and learn to garden,” said Easter.

You can bring a sample of a plant to the meeting for identification or for a diagnosis, or ask questions you have about gardening and horticulture.

“This is a good way to meet new people and just have fun,” said Easter. “Light refreshments are always served at the meetings.”

If you would like to become an official Master Gardener, training will start on Wednesday, Feb. 4. and continue for nine weeks, ending on April 1. Classes focus on plant growth and development, soils, water and plant nutrients, environmental horticulture, managing plant health, home fruit and nut production, vegetable and herb gardening, landscaping and lawn care.

Most classes will be held at the Cooke County Electric Co-op in the meeting room. These classes are open to residents in Cooke and Montague counties.

Master Gardeners is affiliated with the Texas AgriLife Extension.

To learn more about Master Gardeners call Honey Easter at (940) 612-2262 or Texas Agrilife Extension Agent Wayne Becker at (940)668-5412.

If you are interested in taking the Master Gardener training, contact Agent Wayne Becker at the Cooke County Texas Agrilife Extension Office at (940) 668-5412.