Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Gardening in Deer Country


Gardening in Deer Country
Saturday, April 30, 2011, 10am-12pm
Steiner Ranch Bella Mar Community Center
12401 Bella Mar Trail, Austin, 78732

Deer populations in Central Texas are a growing problem as suburban neighborhoods sprawl into our natural areas. As deer grow accustomed to living around people,  they do more damage to gardens and landscaping. In this seminar you will learn about deer behavior and how to manage them in your environment. Master Gardener Bob Beyer will equip you with information about non-preferred plants, chemical repellants, scare techniques and devices to help you devise a strategy for your own property.

This seminar is free and open to the public.  It is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County, (512)854-9600. www.tcmastergardeners.org

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Interested in Joining the Ranks of the Fabulous Travis County Master Gardeners? Here's Your Chance

Have you always wondered just who exactly are the Travis County Master Gardeners and how their title is earned?

Here's just a little info to whet your appetite:

The Master Gardeners are volunteers who support the efforts of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service through community education in horticulture. Not every county is lucky enough to have this program, but Travis County has a great one. And a great group of Master Gardeners. These dedicated people devote a significant amount of time volunteering in our community. Have you ever called our Extension office in Travis County or sent us an email and asked a horticultural question? Chances are, a very knowledgeable Master Gardener assisted you.

Before becoming Master Gardeners, these folks must attend a very rigorous, but enjoyable, training program. Offered a maximum of once per year in Travis County, this program provides training in such topics as basic horticulture/botany; native and adapted plants; plant pathology; entomology and integrated pest management; tree care; lawn care; and many others.

Deadlines for this year's program are fast approaching. Are you interested in learning more about the application process? Visit the following link to get all the details.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Want to Learn How to Make Compost?

Making Great Compost
Saturday, April 16, 2011, 10:30am-12:30pm
Spicewood Springs Branch Library
8637 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin TX  78759

Compost is organic waste matter decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. Soils that include compost are responsible for healthier plants and can be used in all indoor and outdoor gardening.  Composting yard wastes can reduce what goes to the local landfill by 30% or more!  Get the scoop on what to use and how to make compost at this informative seminar led by Master Gardener, Richard Moline. We’ll provide you with reference material you can take home and use to get your garden growing! 

This seminar is free and open to the public.  It is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

What's Bugging My Vegetables


What’s Bugging my Vegetables?
Saturday, April 9, 2011, 10am-12pm
Homewood Heights Community Garden
2606 Sol Wilson Ave, Austin TX  78702

Learn about the most common garden insects…good and bad.  Knowledge is power and you’ll walk away knowing you can identify the eggs, nymphs, and adults.  Discover Integrated Pest Management (IPM), an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

Park in the neighborhood.  Garden is on the north side of street west of Sol Wilson/Ridgeway intersection. This seminar is free and open to the public.  It is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. For more information see www.tcmastergardeners.org or call the Master Gardener Public Gardening Help Desk at (512)854-9600.