Greg Grant

As spring approaches, gardeners across East Texas are gearing up for a season full of education and inspiration.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, two upcoming events hosted by local Master Gardener groups will provide valuable insights and practical advice to help you garden. From the fascinating world of bees to the beauty of roses and the importance of sustainable gardening, these events offer something for everyone.

On March 21 at 11:30 a.m., the Smith County Master Gardeners will continue their popular 2025 Library Series with a lecture titled “Getting Started with Bees: The Fundamentals of Beekeeping.” The event will take place at the Tyler Public Library Taylor Auditorium (201 S. College Avenue, Tyler), and as always, the lecture is free and open to the public.

This month’s speaker, Dr. Garett Slater is an Assistant Professor and Honeybee Extension Entomologist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Center in Overton, Texas. Dr. Slater will share his expertise on the basics of beekeeping, including how to start and maintain a hive, the role of bees in pollination, and the challenges facing bee populations today. He also trains Master Beekeepers.

Bees play a critical role in the health of our ecosystems and gardens, and understanding their needs is essential for gardeners supporting local pollinators and successful pollination. This lecture will provide practical tips on creating a bee-friendly garden, selecting plants that attract pollinators, and protecting honeybee populations from environmental stressors. For more information on the library lecture contact the Smith County Master Gardener Help Desk at 903-590-2994 or smithmghelpdesk@gmail.com.

Just down the road, the Cherokee County Master Gardener Association will host its Spring Conference on March 22 at First Christian Church (1920 Beaumont Street, Jacksonville, TX). The theme, “If You Need Me, I’ll Be in the Garden,” perfectly captures the passion that gardeners share for spending time outdoors and connecting with nature.

The conference begins with registration at 12 noon and features a lineup of guest speakers and educational opportunities. Tickets are $20 per person and include access to the full program, which includes keynote and breakout sessions, as well as vendors, food, and raffle opportunities.

I’ll be one of the keynote speakers and will be giving a lecture titled “Picnicking in a Pocket Prairie” where I’ll talk about and show examples of creating a natural pollinator paradise for bees and butterflies using native prairie plants.

Also speaking is Michael Johnson, U.S. General Manager for David Austin Roses. Johnson will discuss the history and cultivation of David Austin’s famous English roses, sharing advice on how to grow these fragrant, old-fashioned blooms in Southern gardens.

In addition to the main sessions, the conference will feature four mini educational talks in the vendor area, covering a range of topics to help gardeners enhance their skills. Attendees can browse garden-related products, ask questions, and gather valuable information from fellow gardeners and experts alike. For more information on the Cherokee County Spring Garden Conference call the Cherokee County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office at 903-683-5416.

Both events are excellent opportunities to learn from experts, meet fellow gardeners, and gain wisdom that you can apply in your own backyard. The Smith County Master Gardeners’ Library Series offers an ongoing chance to deepen your gardening knowledge, while the Cherokee County Spring Conference promises a fun and educational day dedicated to the enjoyment of gardening. Master Gardeners are volunteer educators trained, certified, and coordinated by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Whether you’re interested in starting a beehive, growing beautiful roses, or attracting native birds, bees, and butterflies to your property, these two events have you covered.