Monday, December 14, 2009

Frost and Freezes Publication

A new publication - Frost & Freezes is available on the Central Texas Horticulture Website at
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/docs/FrostsandFreezes.pdf

This publication offers suggestions on ways to protect your plants from the threat of cold. Learn about the science of freezes, plant protection techniques, watering, covering plants, soil & mulch, adding heat and protecting container plants.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Planting Vegetables Gardens

Yes, you can plant winter vegetables now! Learn how to plant seeds, which seeds need soaking, and proper transplanting methods. Planting using the square foot method/square block and straight rows will be discussed. Come for the hands-on session or just watch. This free event is sponsored by the Travis County Master Gardeners Assoc., a volunteer arm of Texas AgriLife Extension Service. www.tcmastergardeners.org.

Friday, November 13

9 AM – 11 AM

Demonstration Garden,Texas AgriLife Extension Service

1600 “B” Smith Rd, Austin, 78721

512-854-9600

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

A garden tour not to be missed!

Need some inspiration for your gardening? Love to get a peek at other people's gardens? This weekend is the Inside Austin Gardens tour presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a wonderful tour showcasing 6 Austin gardens. All of these gardens are maintained by the homeowner, no professional gardening staffs in sight!

The theme this year is sustainable gardening for urban wildlife. All the gardens are National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitats attracting animals, hummingbirds and butterflies for the whole neighborhood to see and enjoy. The spaces are designed using native plants and sustainable gardening practices. The event includes garden tours and educational seminars at each location, including: Gardening to Attract Birds; Plant Magnets for Butterflies and Hummingbirds; and Adapted & Native Plants in Your Landscape. In addition, plant sales will be happening at tour sites.

Tickets are $10 for all 6 gardens (or $5 per garden if you visit just 1) and can be purchased at any home on the tour. You can visit this website to view the brochure and see a map of where the gardens are located.

The Travis County Master Gardeners are a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Learn how to plan and install an irrigation system

Now is the time to plan an irrigation system for your vegetable and/or flower beds. Learn how to install one type of drip irrigation system. Drip irrigation is a slow, steady, precise amount of water providing a soil-to-water-to-plant relationship which is conducive to plant growth. A drip system has very little evaporation so less water is required. The plant leaves stay dry reducing fungus and disease problems. Come for the hands-on experience or just watch. This free event is sponsored by the Travis County Master Gardeners Assoc., a volunteer arm of Texas AgriLife Extension Service.


Friday, October 16
9 AM – 11 AM am
Demonstration Garden, Texas AgriLife Extension Service
1600B Smith Rd

854-9600

Monday, October 5, 2009

Show Your Trees the Love!

Do you have questions on the right tree choices for Central Texas? Not sure how to plant a tree to give it the best possible start? Do trees need special care to thrive in our area?

The Travis County Master Gardeners present For the Love of Trees, a tree seminar for Central Texas.

For the Love of Trees
Saturday, October 10, 2009
1-3pm
Old Quarry Branch, Austin Public Library
7051 Village Center Dr. (off Far West Blvd. )
Austin TX 78731

Join Travis County Master Gardener and ISA Certified Arborist Jerry Naiser to learn all about how to do right by your trees. Learn the right trees to choose for your Central Texas landscape by choosing those that enjoy our native soils and tough climate. Understand how to select the right tree for the right location by considering mature height, longevity, light needs, and leaf coverage. Hear how to correctly plant a tree to give it a strong start and secure location for its lifespan. Finally, learn how to care for and prune your tree for long-term health and during times of stress such as construction or drought.

This seminar is free, open to the public and requires no reservations. It is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners Association, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. Call the Travis County Master Gardener's help desk at (512) 854-9600 with questions.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Who can resist new plants?

Looking forward to adding some new plants to your garden but not the cost of buying them? Wondering how to grow a cutting from a friend's plant to successfully put in your garden?

Propagation 101: Growing New Plants for Your Garden
Saturday, Sept, 26, 2009, 11am-1pm

Yarborough Branch, Austin Public Library
2200 Hancock Dr.
Austin TX

Attend this free seminar on plant propagation and learn how to grow your own plants from seeds or existing plants. Attendees will learn multiple ways to propagate plants including cutting, layering, division, and seed propagation. In addition, learn tips on transplanting and care for your new plants to get them off to a strong start when planted.

This seminar is free, open to the public and requires no reservations. It is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners Association, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. For more details, see http://www.tcmastergardeners.org or call the Travis County Master Gardener's help desk at (512) 854-9600.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Double Digging and Raised Bed Construction

Join us Friday, September 25, 9 AM for a hands-on demonstration at the Travis County AgriLife Extension Service Office.

The Green Corn Project will explain the benefits of Double Digging (a method of loosening and aerating the soil that allows roots to grow deeper and access water more easily). In addition, the Travis County Master Gardeners will demonstrate constructing a raised bed. Volunteers are needed to help with the digging and incorporation of the compost. Necessary tools are provided. If volunteering, please wear closed toed shoes and gloves. This free event is sponsored by the Travis County Master Gardeners Association, a volunteer arm of AgriLife Extension Service. www.tcmastergardeners.org.

Double Digging and Raised Bed Construction
Friday, September 25, 2009
9 am - 11 am
Demonstration Garden, Texas AgriLife Extension Service Office
1600 “B” Smith Rd
Austin TX
512-854-9600