This is how we spend some of our time

Continuation of the Courthouse Beautification, Big Spring Click any image for a larger view
Master Gardeners were invited to participate in the planting of over 600 plants on the west, south, and north sides of the Howard County Courthouse on April 19. 2008. With lots of volunteers, water, donuts, and elbow grease, the planting was completed by 1pm. Our thanks to Master Gardener Walter Ward for creating the design, ordering the plants, and organizing the project. (Click any image for a larger view.)
Master Gardeners lend an experienced hand (and back) amending soil, planting, and mulching beds.
Plenty of kids joined in and learned about planting depths, spacing, roots, and tip-toeing through the beds.
Many hands made the work easier. Spouses, friends, and passersby got wrangled into the fun.
All done. The sign on the Courthouse lawn thanks the helpers.
The Black Foot Daisy bed, the Sedum bed, and new Purple Heart edges an existing bed of ornamental grasses.
The sunny rose bed; Purple Heart and Ajuga share a bed in dappled light; and Columbines snuggle into the shade.
Disassembly of Coahoma High School Greenhouse Click any image for a larger view
The Coahoma High School greenhouse was funded years ago by the Master Gardeners. Current campus expansion dictated the greenhouse must go. On November 17, 2007, we began disassembling the structure with the hopes of reassembling it in the future on a site of our own. (Click any image for a larger view.)
A long side of the greenhouse -- before and after. Far right: The tired crew.
Before and after. Far right: the interior of the greenhouse.
Master Gardeners work hard to salvage what we can.
Our future greenhouse will facilitate our ability to teach the public about horticulture in our West Texas environment.
Howard County Courthouse Beautification, Big Spring Click any image for a larger view
Master Gardeners were invited to participate in the rejuvenation of the Courthouse grounds. Phase 1 involved the War Memorial area on the east side of the building on September 22, 2007. Master Gardeners planned, selected, and installed new plantings, while Keep Big Spring Beautiful volunteers painted the terraces and surrounding walls. (Click any image for a larger view.)
The east entry before and after. Far right: The workers.
Improving the terraces. What a difference a coat of paint and some healthy plants make!
Trailing Rosemary was planted in the lower terrace. Liriope was transplanted in front of the upper terrace. A border of English Ivy was planted inside the surrounding walls.
Compost and mulch will be added shortly. The remaining grounds will be updated later in the fall and winter.
Heart of the City Park, Big Spring (on-going project) Click any image for a larger view
Heart of the City Park, on the corner of 4th and Main in Big Spring, is tended by the Master Gardeners. Mexican petunias (purple) mingle with lantana (yellow).
Butterfly bush (with closeup). Lantana (yellow).
Turk's cap (red) behind Russian sage and flanked by canna lilies (yellow, far right).
Artemesia (sprawling and closeup). Broom with canna lilies.
Highway 80 and I-20 West of Big Spring (ongoing project) Click any image for a larger view
A raised bed at Highway 80 and I-20 greets motorists. Windy day. Take that! Work in progress.
The crew pauses. Cleaned out; large weed piles to haul away.
Junior Master Gardeners beautify their schools (on-going project) Click any photo for a larger view
Junior Master Gardeners plant and maintain beds, while learning about flowers and shrubs.
Building a walkway between buildings on their campus.
	(c) 2007 - 2008 Howard County Master Gardeners