Monday, December 28, 2009

Curious about composting?

Have you always wanted to start a compost pile but didn't know how to get started?  Want someone to teach you how to build and maintain a compost pile? 


Building and Maintaining a Compost Pile
January 6, 2010,  11 am - Noon
Demo Garden at Texas AgriLife Extension Office of Travis County
1600-B Smith Rd, Austin 78721


Join the Travis County Master Gardeners at the Extension office demonstration garden to learn about various types of compost bins and their merits.  This seminar will help you gain knowledge about the steps required to convert vegetable matter & other waste into compost, a desirable soil amendment.  Adding compost to your garden and vegetable beds will improve your soil and give your plants the organic matter they need to grow healthier.

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.

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

Sunday, September 13, 2009

You CAN build that pond yourself- come learn how.

Join us Saturday, September 19, to learn all about how to build your own backyard pond. This is a free seminar, but space is limited so we are asking those interested to call the Extension office at 854-9600 and ask for the Master Gardeners desk to reserve a space at the seminar. The seminar will be held at the beautiful grounds of the American Botanical Council, loaded with beds of culinary and medicinal plants. So if you have been thinking of adding a water feature to your garden, sign up now and learn what supplies you'll need, how to build , and how to maintain a backyard pond. In addition, get help on selecting the right plants and fish.

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

Have you been thinking of redesigning your garden or creating a new planting bed? Attend the Travis County Master Gardener free seminar on landscape design and learn the basics of good landscape design practices. This seminar will help you learn how to analyze your needs, formulate a concept plan and transform all of it into a final planting plan.

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!

On September 19, the Travis County Master Gardeners are presenting a seminar on building your own backyard pond and sign up is now open. This is a free seminar, but space is limited so we are asking those interested to call the Extension office at 854-9600 and ask for the Master Gardeners desk to reserve a space at the seminar. The seminar will be held at the beautiful grounds of the American Botanical Council, loaded with beds of culinary and medicinal plants. So if you have been thinking of adding a water feature to your garden, sign up now and learn what supplies you'll need, how to build , and how to maintain a backyard pond. In addition, get help on selecting the right plants and fish.

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

With the new watering restrictions just announced and temperatures in the 100s for what seems like forever, it may seem like summer will never end. But fall will be here before you know it and now is the time to prepare your vegetable garden to make the most of the cooler temperatures.

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 !

Learn about using the power of the sun to cook (technically solarize) vegetable garden soil. The benefits of high heat in vegetable garden soil are numerous. Bermuda grass eradication will also be discussed. See how to take a soil sample. This is a free hands-on demonstration so you may watch or help make it happen! Entire experience is outside so bring water and something to sit on. A shady area is near the work area.

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

Join the Travis County Master Gardeners for a free seminar on rose care for summer heat and fall blooms. This educational, hands-on seminar focuses on reducing stress on roses during extreme summer heat and tips on how to produce a strong fall bloom. Also, learn about designing a rose garden in a small space. Bring your pruners and clippers. Presentation starts outside in the rose area and ends in air-conditioned comfort of the Extension building. RSVP not taken, just show up!

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!

Sure, everything suffers in this hot weather. But what about when your plant is really heading downhill and you have no idea why? How can you figure out the cause? Join us for a great seminar to help you figure out what is happening with your plant.

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?

If you're wondering this as you watch one of your plants slowly deteriorate, boy, do we have the perfect seminar for you!

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

This Saturday, the Travis County Master Gardeners Association presents a free public seminar on rainwater harvesting for your garden. This session will teach you all the basics on building a non-potable rainwater harvesting system.

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

The news is out! We have a new Horticulture Agent for Travis County! Daphne Richards comes to Austin from El Paso where she has served as Hort Agent for the past 9 years.

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

Bring your garden to life by bringing life to your garden. On May 2, the Travis County Master Gardeners present a free seminar open to the public on Creating a Wildlife Garden. Learn how to build a habitat that is more attractive to beautiful songbirds, butterflies, frogs, and other beneficial wildlife. Using native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees will increase the beauty of your property, protect the environment, and provide a nurturing refuge for all types of animals. Requirements for building a National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat will also be covered.

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. Over the years, our staff have documented moderate to severe impacts on native tree communities, namely Post oak and Eastern Red Cedar (juniper/Cedar) in this region.

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

How toxic is this pesticide to people? To pets? To birds? To beneficials?
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!

Having trouble picking the right plants for your Central Texas garden? Attend our Going Native seminar on April 30 and hear more about the beautiful native and adapted plants that can grow well in Central Texas and still be earthwise plant choices. Let us help you discover plants that are drought tolerant and resistant to pests and diseases, yet offer the color and texture you desire in your garden. These plants will allow you to build a breathtaking garden while using plants that require less fertilizing, less watering, and less chemical control. Going native is an experience everyone should have in their garden! This seminar 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.

Going Native in the Garden
April 30, 2009
7-9pm
Zilker Botanical Garden

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

2009 Travis County Master Gardener Training Course

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!

Join us for one of our most popular seminars of the year as we teach all you need to know to grow your own farmer's market.

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?

Spring is upon us and perennial plants are beginning to show signs of life again. This past winter was a mild one and many of our perennials that did not die back are resprouting from above ground parts. Some common examples of such plants include yellow bells (Tecoma stans), plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) and golden dewdrop (Duranta erecta). Plants in protected locations are even more likely to have made it through the winter with minimal damage.

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

For a number of years Extension here in Texas has participated in a Digital Diagnostics service coordinated through the University of Georgia. This service allowed us to send digital photos of plants, insects and diseases for identification, diagnosis and recommendations to a central location from which they were routed to various Texas specialists for assistance. After a close look at this service's level of usage across the state and the costs of the service, it was decided that our participation here in Texas should be 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!

Having problems with your lawn? Confused about how to apply fertilizer? Tired of paying a lawn service to take care of your grass? Come attend the Travis County Master Gardeners free seminar this Saturday, March 14 on How to Grow a Great Lawn and you'll learn all you need to know 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

Now here's something that will perk up gardener's ears about town. The Austin City Council voted unanimously on Thursday to ban intentional feeding of deer inside the city limits. Fines for violating the ban range from $75 top $125 per violation.

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

Seminars 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/what/edseminars.html or call The Travis County Master Gardeners help desk at (512) 854-9600.

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


THIRD ANNUAL 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







Check out our website at:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/index.html
for lots of great information on gardening in Central Texas!