The Smith County Master Gardeners kick off their 2025 Master Gardener Lecture Series at the library with an engaging presentation from horticulturist Dr. Andrew King titled “Hot New Plants for East Texas…and a Few Others We Forgot.”
This free event will take place at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 17 at the Tyler Public Library’s Taylor Auditorium, located at 201 S. College Avenue in Tyler.
Dr. King, assistant professor at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center in Overton, will explore exciting new plant introductions specifically adapted to thrive in the challenging climate and soils of East Texas. Whether you’re looking to refresh your landscape with the latest innovations in horticulture or rediscover reliable favorite plants that have fallen out of the spotlight, Dr. King’s lecture promises to offer practical and inspiring ideas for local gardeners.
As East Texas gardeners know, selecting plants suited to the region’s often extreme conditions is the key to achieving a successful, long-lasting landscape. Dr. King will discuss plants that not only survive but thrive, making them excellent choices for both beginner and seasoned gardeners. Her expert knowledge is sure to help participants create more resilient and beautiful outdoor spaces.
This conference marks the beginning of the Smith County Master Gardeners 2025 Library Series, which will continue each month with presentations on a variety of gardening and environmental topics. Future programs include discussions on tree stress management, beekeeping fundamentals, gardening for butterfly caterpillars, and the importance of preserving oak savannahs.
The February 21 conference features City of Tyler Urban Forester Luke Alfaro presenting “Urban Tree Stress.” On March 21, Dr. Garett Slater will share “Getting Started with Bees: Beekeeping Fundamentals.” The series continues April 25 with Dawn Stover’s session on “Gardening for Worms!” Host Plants for Butterfly Caterpillars,” followed by my lecture on “Saving the Savanna: Our Disappearing Oaks” on May 16.
Smith County Master Gardeners are committed to providing educational opportunities that enable the community to garden successfully and sustainably. Each conference is designed to inspire and inform, providing attendees with the opportunity to learn from experts and connect with other gardening enthusiasts. Smith County Master Gardeners are volunteer educators coordinated by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Mark your calendar for January 17 and don’t miss this opportunity to kick off the new year with new ideas for your garden. For more information on the 2025 Library Series, contact the Smith County Master Gardener Helpline at 903-2994, email them at SmithMGHelpDesk@gmail.comor visit their website or Facebook page.
— Greg Grant, PhD, is the Smith County Horticulturist and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Master Gardener Coordinator. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetarian Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his blog “Greg’s Ramblings” at arborgate.comread his “In Greg’s Garden” in every issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com) or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu And aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.
