SAN BENITO — The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Cameron County Master Gardeners will hold an Earth-Kind landscaping and gardening seminar from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sept. 10 at the San Benito High School cafeteria, 450 S. Williams Road in San Benito.

“This seminar is especially helpful because it integrates the best of organic and traditional gardening to create beautiful, productive easy-care landscapes, while providing maximum protection to natural resources and the environment,” said Jennifer Herrera, AgriLife Extension agent for horticulture in Cameron County.

The cost of attending the seminar is $65 and includes lunch and an Earth-Kind notebook.

This event is the second annual seminar, according to Carole Montemayor, a Texas Master Gardener. “This program was a huge success last year, and we’re expecting a healthy turnout again this year,” Montemayor said. “We’ll start off the seminar with explaining what Earth-Kind is and how it can help people landscape and garden. Other topics include Earth-Kind rose trials, improving existing soils, plants for our area, landscape design basics, water conservation and integrated pest management techniques.”

Demonstrations at the Cameron County Master Gardeners Association Arboretum will include composting, butterfly gardening, tree selection and rainwater harvesting, Montemayor said.

Speakers will include Dr. Greg Church, AgriLife Extension horticulturist in Collin County; Michael Potter, an AgriLife Extension horticulturist in Nueces County; Dr. Juan Anciso, AgriLife Extension vegetable specialist; and Brad Cowan, AgriLife Extension agent in Hidalgo County.

“There’s something for everyone at this seminar, whether they are a beginner or a professional,” Montemayor said. “It gives people a better idea of what they should be planting and how to make conditions better to reduce maintenance, but still have the nice yard or garden or whatever it is they are trying to create outdoors. They can also learn new techniques, including how to better manage their plants in drought conditions.”

To register or for more information, contact Rosalinda Sullivan at 956-498-7840, or Montemayor at 956-455-2096.

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