Programs

Habitat for Humanity: MCMG volunteers work with Habitat for Humanity to design, select, prepare beds, and plant foundation plantings for new homes they have completed. The MG choose the plants from a local nursery and edging to be used then women prisoners do the labor for the bed preparation and plant the selected plants. The new home owner receives plant care instructions along with a gift from MCMG consisting of a fifty (50') foot water hose, sprinkler, and either a garden hoe or leaf rake. These gifts are presented to the homeowner at the dedication of their new home. Habitat builds about ten to twelve ( 10-12) homes a year in the Waco area.
Flower Pot Recycling: Recycle your plastic and clay flower pots and keep them out of the landfill. The McLennan Co. Master Gardeners have placed a pot collection bin at the south rear area of the parking lot at the County Extension Office, 420 N. Sixth Street in Waco. Call 757-5180 for additional information.
EarthKind Rose Trials at Texas State Technical College: The EarthKind Rose Test Garden was established on the campus of Texas State Technical College in 2005. Texas A&M Extension horticulturists started the research necessary to develop the first-ever National Collection of EarthKind Landscape Roses. The 15 cultivars are located on the TSTC campus near the Golf Course and Landscape Management facilities. This is a four year randomized, replicated research study that includes many test gardens across the state. The rose garden is maintained and judged monthly by MCMG volunteers and TSTC horticulture students. The EarthKind System has truly provided "Easy-Care Roses for Busy People."
Texas Superstar Garden at the Carleen Bright Arboretum: Texas Superstars are tough, reliable, and showy plants, which have undergone years of extensive testing by Texas A&M University's Agriculture Program. So that local homeowners can see how these strong and stunning plants will grow in the Waco area, McLennan County Master Gardeners designed, developed, and maintain a Texas Superstar demonstration garden at the Carleen Bright Arboretum in Woodway. Developed in 2005, the garden continues to evolve, inviting visitors to stroll through, linger, and gather ideas for their own gardens.
Back to Earth Gardening: The Back To Earth Gardening (BTEG) Coalition was organized to encourage cooperation between different groups in the area that are interested in gardening and to encourage sustainable community development through gardening. BTEG supports current gardening projects at schools, churches, and homes, and is developing new programs where they can make an impact. At G.L. Wiley School, Grady Bonner and other MCMG volunteers have been involved with life skills classes in the greenhouse, planting and maintaining vegetable gardens, and helping with the after school program. As BTEG Coalition continues to grow there will be many opportunities on many levels for MCMGs to get more involved.
Quarterly Horticultural Newsletter: A horticulture newsletter compiled by McLennan Co. Master Gardeners is mailed quarterly to over 675 area residents. It is also available via e-mail and on this Master Gardener website. Each issue contained timely gardening hints and information on a variety of topics including lawns, vegetables, trees and shrubs as well as flowering plants and environmental issues. Updates of McLennan County Master Gardener events are also included. All Master Gardeners are representatives of the local Extension offices and the newsletter is sent as a publication of that office.
Speakers Bureau: The McLennan County Master Gardeners has a group of members who are capable and willing to present programs on gardening and related horticulture topics when requested by garden clubs, civic and other organizations. Power point presentations, lectures and workshops on horticulture subjects are frequently requested of the members.
Cedar Ridge Elementary Green Classroom: Cedar Ridge Green Classroom was designed and constructed under the leadership of Sandy Back, MCMG and teacher from Cedar Ridge Elementary School. The gardens, started 4.5 years ago, are maintained by the faculty and MCMG volunteers. A Day in the Garden is enjoyed twice yearly by the children, staff, and volunteers. Over 525 children participated in each Day in the Garden this school year. Last Fall the children attended learning stations about butterflies and fish imprinting, and then planted fall seeds they tended until harvest. This Spring the students had "hands on" experience with learning stations about garden insects, vermin composting, the Sulcata tortoise, and planting spring seeds. A bountiful crop of carrots, turnip greens, Swiss chard, and collards were harvested by the students and shared with the students, faculty, and the resident twin baby goats and bunny.
Woodway Elementary Outdoor Classroom and Gardens: What began as a small commitment to beautify the school's front entrance, has grown into a multifaceted project, believing children's knowledge about the natural, scientific and personal world is significantly enhanced through the inclusion of hands-on-learning activities. The parents, Master Gardeners, and community members are creating and maintaining a series of visually appealing outdoor classrooms. The overall purpose is to encourage students to take risks, practice patience and stewardship, problem solve, interact physically with tools, insects, plant material, and of course, play in the dirt! The program, under the leadership of Sarah McCormick, the "Fairy Garden Mother", is 4.5 years old. Sarah is a certified grade 1-12 teacher, Master Gardener, and member of the community beautification commission.
Brazos Valley Coop Home School Junior Master Gardeners: The Brazos Valley Coop Home School unit has completed its second junior master gardener class. Plans are underway to start a new class in August. The garden is a raised bed with 3' x 3' plots for each student. In the fall 14 students planted brussels sprouts, spinach, radishes, lettuce, pansies, parsley, cilantro, onions and broccoli. Plants were harvested continually through January. New plantings began to make their way into the garden beginning in January. Marjoram, chives, carrots, and beans. Students planted from seed and transplants. Literature in the Garden and Wildlife Gardening were also studied. Mrs. Janet Graham and McLennan County Master Gardener Brenda Golubski taught the class. JMG Graduation was held on April 25, but harvest will continue throughout the summer.
Annual Plant Sale: The McLennan County Master Gardeners have held an annual plant sale since 2003. Plants are divided or propagated from those growing in the gardens/yards of the members and potted for resale to the community. This showcases the plants which thrive and do well in the local area. Houseplants, cacti and succulents, veggies, annuals, perennials and seeds are included in the many varieties available from local members. This year's sale is Saturday, May 17 at 4605 West Waco Drive from 9 to 3.