<b>By Libby Cluett</b><br><a href="mailto:lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com">lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com</a>
The Palo Pinto County Master Gardeners Association offers the following fall gardening tips:
• Fall is the best time to plant new trees and shrubs, including roses.
• Top-dress flower beds with 2 to 3 inches of mulch, like a shredded hardwood mulch.
• This is the perfect time to spread wildflower seeds.
• It's also time to put out winterizing lawn fertilizer and apply a pre-emergent for weeds. (Follow label instructions, the label is the law).
• It's a great time to harvest and share seeds with friends.
• October and early November is the prime time to root rose cuttings.
• Bring in and clean hummingbird feeders for next spring.
• Divide bulbs and rhizomes – the underground parts of plants like tulips, lilies, narcissus and iris.
• Between now and the first deep, killing frost is time to transplant perennials. These are flowering plants that come back each spring.
The PPCMGA are residents with extensive training through the Texas A&M; University Master Gardener's program.
According to secretary Holly Hoover, the gardeners receive classroom and hands-on training from TAMU professors who are specialists in areas of horticulture, from area professionals and through work days at area gardens, including Clark Gardens and the National Vietnam War Museum Memorial Gardens.
PPCMGA members and interns also undertake community projects. In 2009, projects included designing and planting a bed in front of the Palo Pinto County Agrilife Extension office and a native grass bed along the old Fort Black Springs at the Palo Pinto County Old Jail Museum complex.
The next PPCMGA intern class is expected to begin in October 2010. To reserve a spot in the next class, contact the county Agrilife Extension office at (940) 659-1228.
