Newton Razor Project
In the spring of 2005, after a huge work effort by the First Baptist Church
of Denton, the outdoor learning area at Newton Rayzor Elementary School was
renamed and dedicated to the memory of a beloved kindergarten teacher who
died in January. Now known as the Cheryl Phillips Discovery Habitat, this
outdoor classroom features:
- an aquatic habitat with a solar powered pump, native aquatic plants
and native fish,
- an extensive butterfly garden with a vine-covered arbor with seating
- an herb garden with many plantings that complement the butterfly
garden
- a drought tolerant Texas Natives bed demonstrating Xeriscaping and
mulching practices
- dry stream bed featuring several kinds of native Texas rock found in
and around Denton
- fossil garden with rock containing fossil fragments
- weather station
- shade garden
- composting area with bins and tumblers
- grade level beds for pre-K through fifth grade
- bird feeding stations
- work table and storage shed
In May, the outdoor learning environment received the distinction of
being certified by Texas Discover Gardens as a Certified Butterfly Habitat,
a continuity of the legacy of Ms. Phillips, who led the way for other
teachers at Newton Rayzor in highly detailed studies of the butterfly life
cycle. This fall the area will be officially certified as a Nation Wildlife
Federation Certified Schoolyard Habitat, further legitimizing its use as a
resource for scientific study, and many classes will participate in tagging
monarch butterflies as part of a large scientific study of monarch
migration.
Bayless-Selby House Gardening Day
Let's meet Wednesday, September 21 at 9:00 AM at the Bayless-Selby House at
the Historical Park of Denton County, 317 west Mulberry Street, Denton. It
should be cooler for gardening. Come join our team! For additional
information, contact Carolyn Gold.
Training Opportunities
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Second
Chance for Propagation Class
Dotty Woodson, a Horticulture County Extension Agent for Tarrant County ,
has agreed to teach a second propagation class on Wednesday, September 28.
The first class, scheduled from 9:00 AM - noon, was filled almost
immediately. Jim Appleby, Advanced Training Coordinator, was able to
schedule Dotty for another session that same day.
The class will be from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM. Attendees will need to
pre-register for this class, too. Please mail a check for $10.00, payable
to DCMGA, to Jim Appleby, or drop your check by the Extension Office.
Deadline for registration is September 21.
Please bring to class scissors, a sharp knife and any plants, cuttings or
seeds that you would like to propagate.
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Texas
Turf & Ornamental Field Day
Texas Turf & Ornamental Field Day and Outdoor Equipment Field Day will be
held Wednesday, September 14 from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM, at TAMU Dallas, 17360
Coit Road. There will be presentations on turf selection and management,
landscape management new plant selections, and pest management.
Registration is $20.00 per person, if received by September 6 or $30.00
per person for on site registration. If you are interested in attending,
please contact the Extension Office.
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The Scent of
Christmas
What better way to say Christmas than to
have the fresh fragrance of greenery in your home? Join DCMG Judy Cobb,
a multi-award winner in both state and national garden club design
competitions, and learn how to make a Williamsburg swag, that mixture of
greens, cones, fruit and berries that our forefathers used to embellish
their homes during the holiday season.
In her class you will assemble your own fresh swag to take home and
learn techniques to help you create other designs. Judy will also
demonstrate a Christmas mailbox design, a pot-et-fleur, and a dining
room table design.
Two hours of Advanced Training credit will be given. Class date is
Thursday, December l, 10:00 AM. Sign up today. The class is limited to
24 participants. Friday, October 14 is the deadline to sign up and
submit the fee of $48, which covers materials.
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