Phyllis Webster, a Lake Granbury Master Gardener and Hood County News columnist for 25 years, has been named Outstanding Individual by the Texas Master Gardener Association. She tied for third place in the medium-large county category. Webster’s award was announced to fellow master gardeners last June. She will be recognized and will receive her 25-year pin in December when LGMG recognizes outstanding contributions made in 2025.
“We value the expertise that Phyllis brings to the many projects and activities of the Lake Granbury Master Gardeners, but we are most impressed by her dedicated service of 25 years researching and writing her Garden Patch column,” said LGMG President Olivia Barden. “She exemplifies our mission to share horticulture information with our community.”
Webster began writing the Garden Patch column for the Hood County News in 2001, shortly after moving to Granbury and completing her Master Gardener Training. With this knowledge, her degree in
journalism from Stephen F. Austin State University and her career experience in public relations and marketing, she has capably supported the Texas AgriLife Extension Services goal to educate the public about best gardening practices. Today Webster has written more than 900 columns using her research on current concerns and trends, helping countless new and experienced gardeners adapt their gardens to the climate extremes and conditions in Hood County. A lifelong learner, Webster received specialty training in Rainwater Harvesting, EarthKind Gardening and Firewise Gardening, which she has generously shared with Hood County News readers. Webster’s award-winning photographs are included in her columns. If you are lucky enough to be Facebook friends with Webster, you will be immersed in nature’s beauty and tranquility as you follow along on a photographic journey of her travels.
In addition to answering phone calls and emails from readers, Webster eagerly works on numerous projects throughout the year, such as the annual plant sale in April, monthly community education programs and the Romancing the Monarch festival in October. She often speaks to groups, which gives her the opportunity to educate and share her love of gardening. In 2024, despite surgery and months of rehab, she kept her master gardener certification attaining 242 hours of service and 16 CEU hours. She works hard to earn her service “pin” each year, averaging 200-300 volunteer hours annually. She has always volunteered for her church and other organizations, so has not flinched at the hours required annually to continue as a master gardener.
“I want to use whatever skill I have for volunteer work,” said Webster. “I consider it to be an honor to be a part of a great organization such as Lake Granbury Master Gardeners. In all my activities, I love making friends and cherish time with them.”
Webster prefers plants that are Texas tough and low maintenance, such as red yucca, purple coneflower, iris and salvias. She minimizes the use of lawn grass in her landscape and limits the use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or any product that could pollute waterways or harm wildlife.
“My favorite garden tip is to use fallen leaves for compost and natural mulch. This inhibits weed growth, adds vital nutrients back into the soil, provides protection against winter cold, and helps maintain soil moisture,” said Webster.
One of the judges commented that Webster was “A worthy candidate indeed! Her tenure with the program is a testimony to her dedication and willingness to serve. Phyllis’ impact should be inspirational to many!”
