GARDENERS AS LEARNERS: FALL WITH DCMGA AND DENTON COUNTY

by Judy Allen, Master Gardener

If you love plants, then you must be a learner! Every plant teaches us something – about the plant, its preferred environment, the wildlife it supports, and the pollinators that are (or are not!) attracted to it. This fall, we are “embracing the learn” with our first Garden and Nature Expo, a collaboration of the Texas Master Gardeners, Texas Master Naturalists, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The Expo is being held on Saturday, October 3rd, from 10 am to 1 pm at the Denton County Administrative Courthouse in Denton. It is free to the public. There is plenty of parking at the courthouse, and no registration is necessary.

In this family-friendly event, curiosity comes to life through over 70 interactive booths and exhibits, activities, and engaging presentations that inspire people of all ages to discover the outdoors. Whether you want to grow a healthier garden, attract butterflies and pollinators, learn to compost, conserve water, discover local wildlife, or learn how everyday people are making a difference through citizen science and conservation, you'll find something to spark your interest. Current booths and exhibits include a bee demonstration, the Bat Project, iNaturalist, the DFW Wildlife Coalition, Wildlife reHAB support, and the Turtle Head Start Program. If water conservation is of interest to you, the City of Denton Sustainability and Upper Trinity Water District will be on hand to answer questions and help you make the best plan for your landscape. Interested in community gardens? Shiloh Fields Community Garden and three other community gardens in Denton County will be on hand to tell you what they do and how you can help. Other groups include The Scouts, 4H, SWAt (DCMGA’s Science With Attitude program for kids), Lake Lewisville Learning Area, Trophy Club Park Conservation Area, the Native Plant Society, Texas Superstar Program, and several different master gardener groups (e.g., Herbal Branch, Plant Propagation, and Help Desk) will be there in person to provide resources and answer questions. There will also be speakers to listen to on topics including birding, turtles, wildscaping, and gardening.

Additional information and a list of the exhibitors will be available in the coming weeks on dcmga.com. And if you are on Facebook, please follow us at Denton County Master Gardener Association. If you have questions, please send them to info@dcmga.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

Still looking for more ways to learn about gardening? If you enjoy gardening and helping others, the Texas Master Gardener Program may be the perfect opportunity for you. The application window for the next intern class – the Class of 2027 – is opening at the end of this month!

Becoming a Texas Master Gardener is about more than learning to garden. It is about sharing research-based horticultural knowledge with your community and making a lasting difference. Master Gardeners volunteer alongside friendly, passionate people who enjoy teaching, supporting community gardens, answering gardening questions, and inspiring a love of gardening in people of all ages.

As an intern, you will receive outstanding training from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension specialists and county agents, horticulture industry experts, and experienced Master Gardeners. You'll explore soils, trees, vegetables, insects, irrigation, plant diseases, native plants, and Earth-Kind® sustainable gardening practices while building confidence, discovering new interests, and forming lasting friendships. Hands-on activities are included whenever possible. Intern training classes meet all day on Tuesdays, beginning on January 26th and ending on April 27th.

Applications for the 2027 Denton County Master Gardener Intern Training Program will be accepted through the dcmga.com website from August 28 through October 9, 2026. All applicants are required to participate in an in-person interview as part of the selection process. Because class size is limited, not all applicants will be selected for the program. To learn more, join us for the Intern Class Round-Up on September 18th at the Global Spheres Center (“Solomon’s Porch”; 7801 S. Interstate 35, Corinth, TX 76208) from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to hear about the program and speak to current Master Gardeners (including members of the Class of 2026) in an informal and comfortable setting.

Whether you are an experienced gardener or just beginning your gardening journey, we invite you to join us. Together, we cultivate gardens, friendships, and stronger communities.

Applications open August 28. We hope you'll come grow with us!