Nonprofit Week 2025: Hill Country Master Gardeners

Donna Bellis, Rae Raiford and Delane Caesar represent the Hill Country Master Gardeners, who aim to educate the community on gardening practices in the challenging Kerr County climate characterized by difficult soil and abundant rocks.

They prioritize native and adapted plants that require less water and promote water conservation through techniques like rainwater collection and creating “rain gardens.” Their annual training class involves 60-70 hours of horticultural instruction covering soil science, plant biology, pest management and appropriate turf choices.

An additional 40 hours of internship are required for certification, followed by 10 hours of annual continuing education. The Master Gardeners offer various community resources, including a research desk at kerr.amu.edu for questions, a demonstration garden at the AgriLife office showcasing suitable plants, and a Junior Master Gardeners program for children.

They advise on dealing with deer through fences, dogs and spiny plants, and recommend specific vegetables for the climate, noting that success is higher in raised beds or containers. They hold a “Blooms and Barrels” sale featuring curated native plants and rain barrels.

Following the flood, Master Gardeners are collaborating with other groups on environmental stewardship, focusing on what plants will thrive during rebuilding and addressing invasive species. Their demonstration garden became a “zen garden” for flood response workers.

For more information, visit hillcountrymastergardeners.org.