The Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association is inviting the public to learn more about its upcoming training program during an Open House on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Austin County Extension Office, located at 800 E Wendt St. in Bellville.
The Master Gardener program, offered through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, provides a unique opportunity for residents interested in gardening, horticulture, and community service to receive advanced training in a wide range of horticultural topics. Participants gain hands-on experience while also learning the science behind successful gardening and landscape management.
Master Gardeners are trained in major horticulture disciplines including plant and soil science, entomology, plant pathology, vegetable gardening, landscape design, and more. After completing at least 50 hours of classroom instruction, trainees earn the title of “Master Gardener.” To maintain this certification, individuals are required to volunteer an additional 50 hours within their local communities, supporting educational outreach and horticultural projects.
The Bluebonnet program provides educational sessions covering a variety of topics important to Texas gardeners. Instruction areas include water use, Earth-Kind landscaping, ornamental plants, plant development, lawn care, integrated pest management, plant propagation, soil characteristics, weed identification, berries, fruits, herbs, and vegetable gardening. Training also includes lessons on insects, diseases, and soil improvement to help gardeners better understand the ecosystem of their landscapes.
Residents interested in joining the 2026 class session will attend weekly training every Thursday from January 15 through April 23. Classes will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Fuchs Hall, located at 936 S Front St. in Bellville. Three of the sessions—scheduled for April 2, April 9, and April 16—will be field trip-based, giving trainees the opportunity to experience real-world applications of the concepts they are learning.
The cost of the program is $200 per person, which includes more than 50 hours of gardening education, expert instruction, and hands-on learning opportunities.
For additional details about the Master Gardener program or to begin the application process, individuals may contact the Austin County Extension Office at 979-865-8072 or visit the Bluebonnet Master Gardener website at https://txmg.org/bluebonnet/apply.
