Gardening information, publications, gardening news and community events from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Travis County.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Curious about composting?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Frost and Freezes Publication
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
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!
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!
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?
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
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
Sunday, September 13, 2009
You CAN build that pond yourself- come learn how.
Do-It-Yourself Pond Building
Saturday, Sept 19, 2009
10am-noon
American Botanical Council
6200 Manor Rd.
Austin TX
Friday, September 11, 2009
Take charge of your garden design this weekend
Redesigning Your Gardens
Saturday, Sept 12, 2009
1pm-3pm
Old Quarry Branch, Austin Public Library
7051 Village Center Dr (off Far West Blvd.)
Monday, August 24, 2009
Pond Building Seminar-Sign up now!
Do-It-Yourself Pond Building
Saturday, Sept 19, 2009
10am-noon
American Botanical Council
6200 Manor Rd.
We hope to see you there!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Improve Your Fall Vegetable Gardening
This Saturday, the Travis County Master Gardeners will be presenting a free seminar on Fall Vegetable Gardening taught by Master Gardener Vegetable Specialist Patty Leander.
Fall Vegetable Gardening
Saturday, August 22, 2009, 10am-Noon
River Place Country Club
4207 River Place Blvd
Austin TX
Patty will review basics of vegetable gardening and specifically discuss varieties that flourish in the fall and winter months. Perfect your vegetable gardening by hearing more about how to prepare soil, what varieties do the best in Central Texas, and how to avoid common problems. Broccoli, lettuce, swiss chard, radishes and spinach all grow well in our cooler season. And crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash can flourish when planted in late summer to take advantage of the cooler fall temperatures.
This seminar is free and open to the public. No reservations are required. Call (512) 854-9600 with questions.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Cook up the weeds and bugs !
Cook up the weeds, bugs and rot!
Friday, August 7
9 AM – 11 AM
Travis County AgriLife Extension Office
Demonstration Garden
1600B Smith Rd, 512-854-9600
This seminar 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, July 31, 2009
Rose Care for Summer Heat and Fall Blooms
Rose Care for Summer Heat and Fall Blooms
Thursday, Aug 6, 2009
9am-Noon
Travis County AgriLife Extension Office
Demonstration Garden
1600B Smith Rd, 512-854-9600
This seminar 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.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
Okay, I know it hasn't rained in a while...a LONG while. But it will again! This drought has just reinforced the importance of good water management practices including capturing rainwater to benefit people, plants and wildlife.
Please join us for this interesting and informative presentation/workshop on rainwater harvesting.
▪Building rain barrels
▪Drip irrigation rainwater systems
▪Water for livestock & wildlife during droughts
▪Vegetable gardening
▪Landscaping
▪Home water use
When: Friday, August 28, 2009
Where: Travis County Meeting Hall, 6011 Blue Bluff Road
Time: 10 am—2 pm
Catered Lunch
Cost: $25 , checks made payable to FOOD & FIBER
2 General CEU Credits
RAIN BARREL DOOR PRIZE!!!
PLEASE RSVP TO 512-854-9610 BY AUGUST 27
This program is a part of AgriLife Extension's DROUGHT MANAGEMENT AND RECOVERY educational programming.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Plant Problem Diagnosis- help is on the way!
Becoming A Garden Detective: Diagnosing Plant Problems
Saturday, July 11, 2009
10am-Noon
Zilker Botanical Garden
Just when you think you've done everything right by your plants, one of them starts to really look sick. One of the biggest challenges for gardeners is correctly diagnosing plant problems and finding effective, safe solutions. Is your plant dying because of an insect, environmental or disease problem? This seminar will teach you the causes of plant problems, the process for diagnosing plant problems, and how to respond to the problems. This class is free and open to the public.
This seminar 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.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
How can I tell what's wrong with my plant?
Becoming A Garden Detective: Diagnosing Plant Problems
June 16, 2009
7-9pm
Steiner Ranch Towne Square Community Center
12550 Country Trails Lane
Austin 78732
Just when you think you've done everything right by your plants, one of them starts to go downhill. One of the biggest challenges for gardeners is correctly diagnosing plant problems and finding effective, safe solutions. Is your plant dying because of an insect, environmental or disease problem? Join us to learn the causes of plant problems, the process for diagnosing plant problems, and preventive garden management techniques. This class is free and open to the public.
This seminar 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.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Learn How to Collect Rainwater for Your Garden
Rainwater Harvesting for Your Garden
Saturday, June 13, 2009
10am-Noon
River Place Country Club
4207 River Place Blvd.
Austin TX
In addition, learn about rain gardens which capture valuable rainwater in your landscape. Vendors representing tank and gutter companies will be available to answer specific questions. City of Austin representatives will be available to answer permit and rebate questions.
This seminar is free and open to the public and does not require reservations. This seminar is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners Association, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. For questions call the Travis County Master Gardener's help desk at (512) 854-9600.
Monday, June 1, 2009
New Horticulture Agent
While in El Paso Daphne provided leadership for the Master Gardener volunteer program and was active in the media with a weekly radio program, contributions to El Paso Magazine and an online gardening newsletter. She is especially interested in environmental issues including water conservation.
Daphne received a BA in Botany from the University of Texas and a MS in Horticulture from Texas A&M. Her enthusiasm, training, experience and hands on knowledge of both Extension work and leading a Master Gardener program make her a great fit for Travis County to lead our horticulture program to new levels.
Please join me in welcoming Daphne to Travis County!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Bring Your Garden to Life
Creating a Wildlife Garden
Saturday, May 2, 2009
10:30am-12:30pm
Hampton Branch Library at Oak Hill
5125 Convict Hill Rd.
This seminar is free and open to the public. 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, April 24, 2009
Sudden Death of Cedar/Juniper Trees
Our office has received quite a few call on the death of Ashe Juniper or Eastern Red Cedar trees across the county, many of which are on deeper soil east of IH 35. In landscapes these trees often die from excessive water, usually associated with flower beds being constructed around them. But out in the "wild" these trees are quite tough and are generally able to withstand poor soil and climate conditions in our area. So when folks notice a sporadic, sudden death of these trees out in nature it causes alarm.
The following comments by Jim Rooni of the Texas Forest Service provide an excellent perspective on why this is happening and what might be done to alleviate such problems in the future:
"The droughty soils of eastern Travis county are notorious for plant mortality during these extend dry periods.
What can be done? Well, unless these trees are part of a maintained landscape they may benefit from some form of mulching and/or supplemental water, but not too much.
Clients in these areas must understand that this is a natural, cyclic, event that determines the long term plant ecology of a region. Some will say the 'survival of the fittest' concept will eventually dictate the future tree/plant composition for any respective region, including our area of eastern Travis county. Any/all revegetation efforts should seriously consider drought tolerant plant species – native to this region."
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
National Pesticide Information Center
What are some signs of pesticide poisoning? What are emergency treatments for human or animals?
Is you neighbor using pesticides and you’re worried about possible risks?
Are you pregnant and wondering about using a pesticide in your home?
The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) has a toll-free number 1-800-858-7378 staffed by knowledgeable specialists seven days/week from 8:30 to 6:30 CST. NPIC has real-time access to current, in-depth information for a national audience. They can also address questions in Spanish and several other languages.
Call 1-800-858-7378 or visit them on the web at http://npic.orst.edu
The NPIC is a cooperative effort between Oregon State University an the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Go Native in Your Garden!
This seminar 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.
Going Native in the Garden
April 30, 2009
7-9pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
2009 Travis County Master Gardener Training Course
Travis County Master Gardeners work in partnership with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service to provide non-biased, sound horticultural information to the community. More than a garden club, Master Gardeners are a service organization of trained volunteers who give their time in the community to help others garden well and joyfully in Central Texas. To become a Master Gardener, you will need to successfully complete a training course and 50 hours of volunteer service.
The 2009 classes will be taught by Texas AgriLife Extension Specialists, staff and local experts providing you with a minimum of 50 hours of instruction. Topics include lawn care, soil & plant nutrition, entomology, vegetable gardening, urban tree care, plant diseases, home fruit production, plant propagation and water conservation. Classes will held on Tuesday afternoons starting Aug 4th to November 10th from 1-5 pm in Austin. The cost of the training course is $225.00 which is payable upon acceptance to the class.
To receive an application and participate in the interview process, you will need to attend one of the following information sessions at the Extension Office (1600 B Smith Rd):
Tuesday, May 12th @ 12:00 noon
Tuesday, May 19th @ 12:00 noon
Tuesday, June 2nd @ 5:30 pm
For more information about the training course, call the Master Gardeners Desk at (512) 854-9600 or visit http://www.tcmastergardeners.org
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Kickstart Your Veggie Garden with Our Upcoming Seminar!
Growing a Spring Vegetable Garden
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
7pm-9pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
Enjoy juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and delectable green beans straight from your garden. Baskets of okra and armloads of squash can be grown in your garden! Learn how to plant and maintain a spring vegetable garden from Master Gardener Patty Leander, who will share her expertise on vegetable varieties that perform well in Central Texas, recommended planting times, and composting. This seminar is loaded with basic facts and helpful ideas, useful to both new and experienced vegetable gardeners. This seminar is free, open to the public and does not require reservations. Please arrive early as this is one of our most popular seminars.
This seminar 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, March 13, 2009
What To Do With Perennials That Survived Winter?
Gardeners have been asking how to prune such plants this year. Do you cut them back to the ground as usual or prune them only back to where the topmost growth is appearing?
The correct answer is...it doesn't matter! You can cut them back to near the ground and they'll resprout as usual and look great in time. You can also just cut the dead areas out and leave the rest. I generally prefer to cut them back to near the ground because if leave the surviving above ground parts the plants may end up larger than I want and may tend to be rather irregular in shape or "lanky" in appearance. But that's just a personal preference.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Texas Digital Diagnostics System Discontinued
That said, I want to assure our clients here in Travis County that we still offer a diagnostic service free of charge. You can send digital photos in clear, sharp focus to: travismg@ag.tamu.edu. Our Master Gardener e-diagnostic team with assistance from staff in our office will identify or diagnose plants, insects, disease or other plant problems. If we are unable to do this we then send the photos via e-mail to specific AgriLife Extension specialists across the state for their input. All in all the discontinuation of the statewide service should have no negative effect on our ability to serve our clientele here in Travis County.
If you wish to send in a photo include information that would be helpful in diagnosing the problem such as age of plant, species/cultivar, any care provided (watering schedule, fertilizing, pest control), herbicides or weed and feed products used near plant, any soil disturbance (trenching or construction) done within the branch spread of a tree, etc. Keep in mind that you can also bring plant samples to the Extension Office for free diagnosis.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Learn about growing the best lawn possible!
How to Grow a Great Lawn
Saturday, March 14, 2009
10am-Noon
Zilker Botanical Garden
With Spring just around the corner, it’s a great time to learn about growing a healthy lawn. Master Gardener Susan Decker teams up with Denise Delaney from the City of Austin’s GrowGreen program to give you the latest information on the care and feeding of your lawn. Topics will include choosing the right turf for your site, irrigation, fertilization, proper mowing technique, and disease diagnosis and treatment. This class is free and does not require reservations.
This seminar 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.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Rose Pruning
Rose pruning is a topic that comes up each year about this time. Gardeners want to know the best way to prune a rose bush. I have often been frustrated by the lack of a simple, clear answer to that question. All roses are not created equal. There are a number of types, hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, minatures, climbers, "antique" roses, shrub or hedge roses, etc. This defies attempts to create a one size fits all approach to pruning. Instead you need to start with what type of rose you have and its growth habit. Then a useful approach to pruning can be prescribed.
The following web sites are very helpful in guiding a gardener in understanding the best approach pruning their roses, whatever the type:
Pruning Methods by AgriLife Extension is a good guide to spring and fall pruning, as well as summer care. It is simple, straightforward, and probably the best place to start for a new rose grower. If they would add diagrams or photos it would be great.
Pruning Diagrams from Mississippi State Extension provides some very helpful drawings to make the approach to pruning much clearer.
Pruning Roses by the American Rose Society offers several helpful articles on pruning. Keep in mind that these articles are written in various parts of the country so some comments and suggestions may not be completely applicable to central Texas.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Austin Bans Deer Feeding
This new ordinance certainly has its fans and foes. Likewise the effect of such a ban on the deer "pressure" residents experience remains to be seen. The recent drought has left deer will even less to eat and their interest in our landscapes is certainly understandable.
Deer problems are especially bad west of IH-35 where there feeding can do very expensive damage to a landscape, especially one filled with plants they love. Don't forget that we have a publication on Gardening In Deer Country on the Central Texas Horticulture website. Soon coming to the website is a list of plants not preferred by deer. (We had one about ready for publication but one night the deer broke into the office and ate it.)
Travis County Master Gardener Educational Seminars
Everything’s Coming Up Roses
February 21, 2009, 10am-Noon
Sunset Valley City Hall
3205 Jones Rd.
Sunset Valley, TX 78745
Roses aren't just for Valentine's Day - they can bring color and sweet smells to your garden year round! Come attend this free seminar presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners Association on selecting and planting roses in your garden. We will be discussing Earth Kind Roses, a designation indicating high performance and outstanding disease and insect tolerance, as well as the basics of pruning and rose care. Earth Kind is an important designation given to select roses by the Texas A&M University Agriculture program. Earth Kind Roses have been through rigorous statewide testing and evaluation by a team of horticultural experts and found to possess a high level of landscape performance and outstanding disease and insect tolerance/resistance. We will include illustrations of a number of Earth Kind Roses plus information on site selection, soil amendments, and bed preparations. And just as important as selection is care for your roses. Pruning rose bushes is intimidating to many gardeners, but actually very good for the plants. Becoming an accomplished rose pruner takes time and practice. Learn about properly pruning plus the basics of rose care.
Getting Ready for Spring Gardening
February 26, 2009, 6:30-8:30pm
Yarborough Branch, Austin Public Library
2200 Hancock Dr.
Austin TX 78756
The 2009 Gardening Series continues with Preparation for Spring on February 26th. Learn how a little planning now results in healthier and more beautiful gardens all year, what makes plants thrive, and pruning and fertilization techniques to get perennials, trees and shrubs off to a strong start. We'll also cover lawn care, including the how and when of fertilization. Do your plants a favor and don’t miss this great kick-off to spring gardening.
How to Grow a Great Lawn
Saturday, March 14, 2009
10am-Noon
Zilker Botanical Garden
With Spring just around the corner, it’s a great time to learn about growing a healthy lawn. Master Gardener Susan Decker teams up with Denise Delaney from the City of Austin’s GrowGreen program to give you the latest information on the care and feeding of your lawn. Topics will include choosing the right turf for your site, irrigation, fertilization, proper mowing technique, and disease diagnosis and treatment. This class is free and does not require reservations.
Growing a Spring Vegetable Garden
March 18, 2009
7pm-9pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
Enjoy juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and delectable green beans straight from your garden. Baskets of okra and armloads of squash can be grown in your garden! Learn how to plant and maintain a spring vegetable garden from Master Gardener Patty Leander, who will share her expertise on vegetable varieties that perform well in Central Texas, recommended planting times, and composting. This seminar is loaded with basic facts and helpful ideas, useful to both new and experienced vegetable gardeners. This seminar is free, open to the public and does not require reservations. Please arrive early as this is one of our most popular seminars.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Winter Lawn Watering...Yea or Nay?
We've had quite a few calls at the Extension Office about whether or not folks need to water their lawn in winter. The City of Austin water dept. generally discourages this but with the drought folks are concerned about losing their lawn. I spoke recently with Dr. David Chalmers, turf specialist with Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the following comments are the results of that conversation.
Basically in the winter you need very little supplemental water. The combination of cool temps, periodic rainfall (most years), and the turf being basically shut down due to cold weather results in very little water use by the plant. However, this year is definitely an exception. It has been very dry for very long. I've noticed significant dieback of turf in lawns that were not irrigated fairly often in the summer and fall. This decline is continuing in the winter months.
If you have not received a rain in the past few weeks of at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch your soil is probably very dry and your grass is likely suffering, especially in sunny areas and those with more foot traffic. These areas will benefit greatly from an application of about 1/2 inch once a month while it is still "winter" and in the absence of rain. Even in the winter our St. Augustine lawns need adequate moisture to keep the growing points of the grass hydrated. This moderate amount of moisture is usually adequately supplied by nature, but this year those growing points along with runners and roots are desiccating to the point of near death. Even if the grass plant is not lost, an adequately hydrated grass plant will come out in spring growth faster and stronger than a semi dessicated one.
A complicating factor is the disease Take-All Patch. It destroys roots making the grass plant more susceptible to dry soil conditions. Take-All is a common problem in Texas lawns and infected turf areas are much more likely to die from dry conditions than non infected lawns. Additionally, drought stress seems to strongly predispose turf to Take-All infection which researchers believe occurs primarily in the spring and fall seasons.
Strong turf growth means good, dense coverage which means less compaction from foot traffic, less weed invasion and better intake of rainfall and nutrients (less fertilizer runoff).
I hope this helps bring some clarity to the issue of winter watering. To put it simply, most years we don't need to worry about it; this year we do.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
A Passion for Plants: An East Austin Garden Fair
Saturday, March 21, 2009
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Govalle Park, 5200 Bolm Road, just East of Airport Blvd.
Call the Travis County AgriLife Extension Service at 854-9600 for more information
Govalle Park will once again be the site of A Passion for Plants: An East Austin Garden Fair on the last weekend of Spring Break. The theme of our third annual fair is Edible Landscaping for Humans and Wildlife. This FREE public gardening event will feature hands-on demonstrations of how to dig a garden bed, make compost, grow fruits and vegetables organically, create wildlife food and shelter, start plants from cuttings and seeds, and many more gardening tips that anyone can do.
Come for the free advice from our on-site experts to answer all of your gardening questions, and for fun educational activities for kids, with bugs, bugs, and more bugs! Visit our booths and get a free plant! The more you learn, the more plants you earn. Get ready for Spring with all the free information you need to start your own edible garden, whether it’s one plant in a pot or a whole yard full, and then relax with a free massage!
Hosted by the Travis County Master Gardeners Association and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the Sustainable Food Center, the Green Corn Project, and the Holistic Education and Health Network.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Central Texas Horticulture Website
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/index.html
for lots of great information on gardening in Central Texas!