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. 
 

Hill Country Master Gardeners Speakers Bureau
830-377-8113
You may email Kathy Lewis, Speakers Bureau Chair, at klewis98444@gmail.com

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: Chris Seifert

HILL COUNTY BUTTERFLIES and THEIR HOST PLANTS
This program begins with an introduction to the science of butterflies and then covers many of the members of the eight families of butterflies found in the Hill Country including the plants necessary for the caterpillar stage of their life cycle. The program finishes up with steps you can take to improve your chance of bringing butterflies to your own gardens and tools to help you learn to identify butterflies.

Length of talk: 45 to 60 minutes
Speaker: Thomas Collins

INSECT PESTS AND HELPERS IN YOUR GARDEN
This PowerPoint presentation entitled “Good Bugs and Troublemakers” helps you learn about insects in your home garden.  You will be able to identify common insects and how to control them, as well as how other insects help in that control.  There will be plenty of time for conversation and questions.

Length of talk: one hour
Speaker: Ray Tiemann, Advanced Training in Entomology

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 

PLANT PROPAGATION
Propagating your own plants is fun! Whether you propagate from seeds or from cuttings, cultivating your own creation is rewarding and inexpensive. Learn the current techniques about how to prepare your soil, how to make cuttings depending on the plant material, and how to collect and grow seeds.

Length of talk: one hour
Speaker: Anne Brown, Plant Propagation Specialist

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
 
SHRUBS AND TREES OF THE HILL COUNTRY
The Texas Forest Service recommends trees and shrubs proven to tolerate our unique climate, our soil (rocks), and our weather. Learn to avoid costly mistakes by selecting and planting the best plants for your landscape.

Length of talk: 45 to 60 minutes
Speaker, Anne Brown

VERMICULTURE - EARTHWORMS ARE YOUR SOIL’S BEST FRIEND
For centuries gardeners, farmers, and scientists have recognized that earthworms are valuable to the development and health of our soil. But the earthworm does much more. In this presentation, learn how the earthworm works and the benefits of that work. Learn how to grow and use earthworms in your gardens.

Length of talk: one hour
Speaker: Patty Zohlen

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
 

Call 830.377.8113
to book a Hill Country Master Gardener to speak at your next meeting
or email Chairperson Kathy Lewis at klewis98444@gmail.com