McLennan County Master Gardeners - MCMG

Our two MCMGs presenting the June Lunch With the Masters: Laynie Miller and Nancy Siebert

Come join the Master Gardeners at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market this Saturday! We’ll be diving into the tasty world of canning and food preservation. Whether you’re swimming in homegrown tomatoes or just curious about how to make your favorite produce last, this is the perfect time to learn.

We’ll walk through how proper canning helps protect food from molds, yeasts, and bacteria, and why following the right steps keeps your jars safe, flavorful, and beautifully shelf‑stable. An airtight seal isn’t just satisfying to hear—it’s essential for good storage and long‑term food safety.

If your garden is bursting with fruits and veggies, preserving them is a great way to enjoy your harvest long after the season ends. Stop by, ask questions, pick up tips, and get inspired to stock your pantry with delicious home‑preserved goodness!

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Ila Jean Carothers, a pillar of the McLennan County Master Gardeners Association.

We extend our condolences to her family and friends and express gratitude for her many many years of dedication and service.

https://www.whbfamily.com/obituaries/ila-carothers?fbclid=IwdGRjcASU-29jbGNrBJT7amV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHqfvZrAItTC-7f60ex99C0vaWIBZmto4v9SOcFK-SMaUXmmifebYX7K_DyT7_aem_rlnj3O2fS_hoshsn5mZYeg

Ila Jean Carothers Obituary June 4, 2026 - Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home View Ila Jean Carothers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

The MCMGs eagerly prepping Miss Nellie's prior to the 2026 Intern Class visit.

This garden is open to the public... Drive to Cameron Park, walk around, enjoy the scenery.

Here's how to get there using Google maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LWcVRtAxts5pzq2N9

This week the 2026 MCMG Intern Class enjoyed its first hands-on outdoor learning adventure.

The afternoon was filled with flower scents, introduction to plants and their names, garden discovery, searching for shade and water, learning the importance of taking a break and of gardening early in the morning and late in the afternoon...

While visiting Hilary's garden, followed by Louie's garden, the students learned rose prunning techniques, rain water collection ideas, soil improvement methods, organic gardening approaches, and much more.

There was time to honor Hilary on her birthday, tasting two different delicious cakes baked by no other than our own Beverly Harelik.

Thanks to all Master Gardeners who volunteered to jointly ensured that this afternoon would turn out to be a succesful one!

Enjoy all the photos!

🦋 A big thank you to the TSTC Building Construction Technology Department for their outstanding work updating the pergola at the Butterfly Garden at Cameron Park Zoo!

This project is a great example of community partnership in action. We are grateful for the skill, hard work, and support of the students and instructors who helped bring this vision one step closer to reality.

Thank you for helping make this project possible! 🌼🐝

Waiting for the 2026 Intern Class

Dr Shane McLellan addresses the 2026 McLennan County Master Gardeners - MCMG Intern 2026 class