Ellis County Master Gardeners Ongoing Projects

Current Master Gardener Projects ...

Chautauqua Auditorium Extension Office Farmers Market

Greenhouse Project Junior Master Gardener Program Living Classroom

Scholarship & Grant Programs Speakers Bureau Star Garden at Getzendaner

Veterans Memorial Calendar Project

Chautauqua Auditorium – Waxahachie, Texas

The large bed North of the Chautauqua Auditorium is a cooperate venture with the City of Waxahachie. The design and planting was done by the Master Gardeners of Ellis County with a view to educating the public about plants that would do well in our area. The ongoing maintenance is the responsibility of the city with the supervision of the Master Gardeners.

Entrance Bed at the Getzendaner Park:

The triangle bed at the entrance to the city park was planted following the design of the Master Gardeners. Texas Super Star plants were mainly used in an effort to educate the public about the plants that have been tested and found to do well in the heat and dry of our area.

Extension Office – Waxahachie, Texas
The two large beds fronting the Extension office on the I-35E access road were designed by the Master Gardeners to be an ongoing example of the use of adapted and native plants that do well in our alkaline soils of Ellis County and require no additional water after the first year. The soil was amended with leaves, mulch and grass clipping and turned. The berms were designed to promote drainage and add eye appeal. Plants used were as follows: Desert Willow, Nandina both domestica and compact, Lirope, Russian Sage, Rosemary, Carolina Jasmine, Mexican Petunia, Red Yucca, Lantana, Crepe Myrtle, Pampas Grass, Feather Grass, Sedum, and bulbs that would naturalize. The bed has been completed for three years and is not on any additional water now.

Farmers Market – Waxahachie, Texas

Each Saturday beginning in May through the last Saturday of October, the Ellis County Master Gardeners join local farmers at the Downtown Waxahachie Farmers Market. They spend the day answering questions and handing out informative materials on a variety of horticultural subjects.

Greenhouse Project - Waxahachie, Texas

The Ellis County Master Gardeners have partnered with the Waxahachie ISD to teach horticultural information to their student body in exchange for use of the High School greenhouse. This partnership is a win-win situation for both entities. The high school students are able to obtain hands on horticulture experience with the guidance of tried and true Master Gardeners, and the Master Gardeners utilize the greenhouse to grow plants for Farmers Market and Lawn & Garden Expo.

Junior Master Gardener Programs
The Elementary School/Junior Master Gardener Project committee has been busy in two areas. We have implemented a Junior Master Gardener program at Pettigrew Academy (a small private school) at their invitation. One of the Project committee meets once a week at Pettigrew to give lessons and monitor student involvement using the Junior Master Gardener Handbook. Also, the twelve members of the Elementary School Project have been busy finalizing preparation of a Speakers Bureau for schools. The bureau offerings will include three topics suitable for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades; these are, Plant Development, Insects and Diseases, and Ecology and Environment. We have sent out letters to the science teachers and principals at the four WISD elementary schools. We will test this approach to teaching in the classroom at the elementary level. With the growth of the project committee, we hope to offer the Speakers Bureau county wide.

If you are interested in joining the committee please contact Mimi Deloach.

Living Classroom – Waxahachie, Texas

The gardens at the Presbyterian Children’s Home were the first demonstration beds planted by the Ellis County Master Gardeners. They include a variety of plants that do well in out area including roses, salvia, cactus, bulbs, and perennials. Three areas of various turf grasses are also included. The Master did gardeners the design and they also assume many responsibilities for the general upkeep of the area. The Living Classroom is located on the campus of the Presbyterian Children's Home located on the west side of Interstate 35E at exit 401A (Brookside Drive).

The gardens are open to visitors at any time. Plan to see it in all seasons of the year.

Star Garden at Getzandaner Park

This was a class project of the intern class of 2005 and seen a beginning of a larger project to encompass the area just north of the Getzendanner park. Designed in the shape of a star by the class and planted with perennials it is the center of things to come. The ongoing maintenance is the responsibility of the city under Master gardener supervision.

Scholarship & Grant Programs

The success of our annual Ellis County Master Gardener Lawn and Garden Expo has given us a great opportunity to expand our mission; that being Horticultural Education.

In the past, we have awarded several college scholarships to students pursuing horticultural education. We have now implemented a new grant program for Ellis County communities. We make 100% of the Expo sponsorship money available to student scholarships, schools, 4-H, non-profit organizations, etc., which will use the funds for horticultural education. Requests may include funding for school gardens, plants, computer software, gardening supplies, greenhouse use, horticultural books, etc. Funds will also be used to continue implementation of our highly successful Junior Master Gardener educational program in our schools.

Speakers Bureau-

Need a guest speaker for your event or meeting, contact DeAnn to schedule a speaker today. We have experts in a variety of fields: lawn & turf, pesticides & fertilizers, organic methodology, fruits, veggies, nuts, trees, perennials, annuals, birds, bats, butterflies, composting, herb gardening, water gardening ... contact Arlene for more specific information!

Veterans Memorial -- Waxahachie, Texas

The Veterans Appreciation Committee approached ECMGA to design a planting around the memorial. Our vision was low growing plants that would enhance, rather than distract from the overall message. At full bloom, 1000+ native and drought tolerant plants form waves of red, white and blue to welcome patrons to the Civic Center and serve as a beautiful tribute to our veterans.

Calendar

In fall 2006 the Calendar Committee took on the task of creating an educational calendar that could be given out to the public for 2007. The costs of the calendar were paid for through ad sales on each of the calendar pages. Educational information, beautiful photography, tips, monthly to-do lists, and plant specific information were included in the publication. The publication turned out to be far more than imagined – even winning 3^rd place at the State Conference.

Socials/Meetings/Misc Events

Being a Master Gardener can be hard work, which is why we also take time to enjoy one another and spend time out of the flower beds. Whether we are around the bbq, on the parade route, or in someone's backyard, Master Gardeners always find plenty to talk about and lots to do.

Content creation and maintenance by JGC.