Friday, December 18, 2015

Winter Seminars at Zilker Botanical Garden

Compost
Saturday, January 9, 2016
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin 78746


Compost isn't just a pile of dead leaves! It's a vital community of microorganisms that work to add vital nutrients, moisture, and structure to your soil. Travis County Master Gardener Sheryl Williams will explain the basic science of how compost is created, what materials you can use to make compost, types of compost containers and which to choose, plus what type of compost is best for your garden. Join the tour of the Zilker Botanical Garden Compost Demonstration area to compare different types of compost systems ‐ please dress appropriately.

Seminar is free
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over),
$3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted.

For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600
 
 
Texas First Detector
Saturday, February 6, 2016
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin 78746


“See something, say something”…a program that gardeners can use to improve observation skills detecting invasive pest (insects) and diseases such as the brown marmorated stink bug and rose rosette (see picture) that may appear and cause problems in our gardens and landscapes. Susan Jung and Tommie Clayton, Travis County Master Gardeners, will introduce you to the National Plant Diagnostic Network program, review “wanted posters” so you’ll know what to look for, web based resources, and where to report sightings for confirmation.

Seminar is free
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over),
$3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted.

For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600


Thursday, October 22, 2015

Backyard Basics - Bold and Beautiful Edibles

Thursday, November 12, 2015
10 am to 12-noon
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721


Come join us to learn about edible plants with ornamental potential for Central Texas landscapes. We're talking artichokes, asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, herbs and more. Some are perennials, some are annuals, but all will beautify your landscape and satisfy your appetite.

Master Gardener Patty Leander is a writer for Texas Gardener magazine and grows vegetables year round in her Oak Hill garden.

Cost: $10 thru 11/02, $15 starting 11/03 & onsite
No cash accepted-checks & credit cards only.


Space is limited so register on-line early to reserve your seat!

Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Backyard Basics series.

Friday, October 9, 2015

Inside Austin Gardens Tour - Oct 17th!

Here's a sneak a peek at some of the gardens featured on the Inside Austin Gardens Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eww2R8snOYE.

The tour is Saturday, October 17, 2015 and provides a rare look inside six special private gardens and one public experimental garden that demonstrate realistic, sustainable gardening practices for Central Texas.

Information and tickets:
www.InsideAustinGardens.org

Tour Map:
http://www.insideaustingardens.org/tour-map-2015/

Tour presented by Travis County Master Gardeners Association and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County, 512-854-9600.

Friday, September 25, 2015

Inside Austin Gardens Tour


October 17, 2015 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
6 private gardens,  1 public garden
 
The Travis County Master Gardeners Association's popular Inside Austin Gardens Tour provides a rare look inside six special private gardens and one public experimental garden that demonstrate realistic, sustainable gardening practices for Central Texas.

Tickets purchased via the website or at garden sites.
$19 advance purchase, $20 at the gardens.
Single-garden tickets available on the day of the tour for $5.

Information and tickets at www.InsideAustinGardens.org
Tour Map http://www.insideaustingardens.org/tour-map-2015/

Garden Themes:
Flashy Natives – bright and colorful
Sunbathing Natives – brutal, full sun
Shady Natives – shade and under trees
Death-Defying Natives – especially hardy, minimal water
Cottage Natives – Texas tough classics
Oh Deer! – deer-resistant, not deer-proof
Native Testing Ground – new varieties and proven winners

Tour presented by Travis County Master Gardeners Association and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County, 512-854-9600

Friday, September 18, 2015

Backyard Basics - Plant Propagation

October 8, 10 a.m. to noon
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin 78721
 

Learn how to make new plants for your yard through propagation methods such as rooting slips and cuttings. In this workshop you will assemble a self-watering propagator and select cuttings to grow new plants. All supplies, instructions, and cuttings will be provided for each participant.

Master Gardener Sue King, a Plant Propagation Specialist, is a retired school librarian, an avid soup-maker, and a life-long gardener. Master Gardener Carolyn Turman found propagating plants using cuttings as an easy and inexpensive way to add wonderful additions to her landscape.

Only 8 seats left - No on-site registration available.
Cost: $25 thru 9/28, $30 starting 9/29.

Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
No cash accepted-checks & credit cards only.

Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu

Monday, September 14, 2015

Central Texas Grounds Maintenance Workshop-Austin

When:  Friday, October 23, 2015,  8:30 Registration, 9 am - 4 pm Program
Where: Travis County East Service Center, 6011 Blue Bluff Rd, Austin, 78724
Cost: $60 (through 10/13), $75 (10/14 and on-site), BBQ lunch is included
CEUs: 3 TDA Pesticide CEUs













The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis Co will hold a Grounds Maintenance Workshop on Oct 23, 2015. This conference is in response to our ongoing critical water issues.

The general public can attend but the materials presented will be for turf professionals such as those working with municipalities, including parks departments; golf courses; and large and commercial landscape maintenance firms.

The goal of the workshop is to share best practices for water conservation and turfgrass management. Three Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) pesticide credits are available to attendees.
 
Presentations and speakers:
  • Irrigation Practices, Soil Management and LCRA Rebates/Resources,  Brett Briant, Water Conservation Coordinator, LCRA
  • Pesticides and Personal Protective Equipment,  Daphne Richards, Travis County Extension Agent – Horticulture
  • Turfgrass Selection & New Cultivar Releases,  Matt Elmore, Assistant Professor & Extension Turfgrass Specialist 
  • Turfgrass Management (Insects, Weeds & Diseases),  Dr. Casey Reynolds, Assistant Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist
 
On-line Registration:
https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty

Register by phone: 979-845-2604

Contact:
Daphne Richards, CEA-Horticulture drichards@ag.tamu.edu, 512.854.9600
 
  
 

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Seminar Next Week - Natural Pest Control

Thursday, September 10, 2015
10 am to 12-noon
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721


Come learn how to tell pests from other insects found in your backyard.

Learn a combination of practices to prevent or avoid pest problems rather than treating them once they occur.

Stabilize your landscape so that conditions are more favorable for plants than for pests.




Wizzie Brown serves as Program Specialist – IPM in the Austin metroplex encompassing Travis County and surrounding counties.

Space is limited so register on-line early to reserve your seat!

Cost: $15, No cash accepted-checks & credit cards only.
Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Backyard Basics series.

Monday, August 24, 2015

Backyard Basics - Natural Pest Control

September 10, 2015
10 am to 12-noon
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721


Come learn how to tell pests from other insects found in your backyard. We will focus on integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid many problem pests you may experience. Learn a combination of practices to prevent or avoid pest problems rather than treating them once they occur. Stabilize your landscape so that conditions are more favorable for plants than for pests.

Wizzie Brown serves as Program Specialist – IPM in the Austin metroplex encompassing Travis County and surrounding counties. Visit her blog at
http://urban-ipm.blogspot.com/ 

Space is limited so register on-line early to reserve your seat!

Cost: $10 thru 8/31, $15 starting 09/01 and onsite, No cash accepted-checks & credit cards only.
Register:
https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or
sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu 
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Backyard Basics series.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Inside Austin Gardens Tour

October 17, 2015 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
6 private gardens,  1 public garden

The Travis County Master Gardeners Association's popular Inside Austin Gardens Tour provides a rare look inside six special private gardens and one public experimental garden that demonstrate realistic, sustainable gardening practices for Central Texas.

Tickets may be purchased via the website or at the garden sites. $19 advance purchase, $20 at the gardens.   Complete information and tickets at www.InsideAustinGardens.org.

Access to the public garden (1600-B Smith Road, 78721) is free and Master Gardeners will gladly show you how to create a garden utilizing soil building techniques, share guidelines on building a rainwater harvesting system, reveal efficient water delivery methods, introduce you to a wide range of adapted plants that survive and thrive plus tips for growing your own flowers, herbs and vegetables.

Tour presented by Travis County Master Gardeners Association and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County, 512-854-9600.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

August Seminars - Next Week!

Thursday, August 6
Backyard Chickens

10 a.m. to noon
AgriLife Extension Service Office
1600-B Smith Road, Austin

Are you ready for the fun and rewarding experience of keeping your own backyard chickens? Learn about the various breeds, caring for chicks, ideas to beat boredom, diets for delicious eggs and keeping the coop clean.

Master Gardener Ally Stresing will help you get started with this informative talk on raising the home flock. Ally is an accomplished vegetable gardener who decided that no backyard garden is complete without chickens.

Cost: $15, No cash accepted-checks & credit cards only.
Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty  (Space still available!)
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu  


Saturday, August 8
Photography in the Garden

10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin

Learn how to take plant pictures with impact –namely composition and lighting. This seminar will begin with an overview of cameras (film & digital), lenses and composition. Course prerequisites: study the owner’s manual on your camera.

Sam is a long time photographer and Master Gardener specializing in presentations on Beneficial Insects and Plant Photography. In 2009, he was selected as “Photographer of the Year” in the Travis County Master Gardener photo contest.

Seminar is free
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over),
$3 for non-Austin Residents. cash or check accepted.

For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

2015 Events!

Last post seem like déjà vu or a bit confusing? A glitch in the blog reposted some older events so here’s what's happening this weekend and early August 2015:

This Saturday - July 18 - Pond Basics
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746

Come learn about the steps of building a pond in your backyard and the best tips for success.  Jeannie Farrier, Austin Pond Society Board Member and 2014 President, and also a retired teacher, has had ponds for over a decade.  Her most recent pond holds 10,000 gallons.

Seminar is free
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over),
$3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted.

For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600

 
Thursday August 6 – Backyard Chickens
10 a.m. to noon
AgriLife Extension office
1600-B Smith Road

Are you ready for the fun and rewarding experience of keeping your own backyard chickens? Learn about the various breeds, caring for chicks, ideas to beat boredom, diets for delicious eggs and keeping the coop clean. Master Gardener Ally Stresing will help you get started with this informative talk on raising the home flock. Ally is an accomplished vegetable gardener who decided that no backyard garden is complete without chickens.

Cost: $10 thru 7/27, $15 starting 7/28 and onsite, No cash accepted-checks & credit cards only.
Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu
  


Saturday August 8 - Photography in the Garden
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746

Learn how to take plant pictures with impact –namely composition and lighting. This seminar will begin with an overview of cameras (film & digital), lenses and composition. Course prerequisites: study the owner’s manual on your camera.

Sam is a long time photographer and Master Gardener specializing in presentations on Beneficial Insects and Plant Photography. In 2009, he was selected as “Photographer of the Year” in the Travis County Master Gardener photo contest.

Seminar is free
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over),
$3 for non-Austin Residents. cash or check accepted.

For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600

Monday, June 29, 2015

Backyard Basics Fall Series

Backyard Basics, offered by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County, will provide consumers, backyard gardeners, homemakers, educators and farmers a "do-it-yourself" learning opportunity on raising chickens for home egg production, implementing integrated pest management principles, starting new plants from cuttings, and growing edible plants with ornamental potential.

The monthly programs will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the AgriLife Extension office in southeast Austin, located at 1600-B Smith Road.  Space is limited so register on-line early to reserve your seat!


August 6 – Backyard Chickens
Are you ready for the fun and rewarding experience of keeping your own backyard chickens?  Learn about the various breeds, caring for chicks, ideas to beat boredom, diets for delicious eggs and keeping the coop clean. Master Gardener Ally Stresing will help you get started with this informative talk on raising the home flock. Ally is an accomplished vegetable gardener who decided that no backyard garden is complete without chickens.

Cost: $10 thru 7/27, $15 starting 7/28 and onsite, No cash accepted-checks & credit cards only.
Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu


September 10 – Natural Pest Control
Come learn how to tell pests from other insects found in your backyard. We will focus on integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid many problem pests you may experience. Learn a combination of practices to prevent or avoid pest problems rather than treating them once they occur. Stabilize your landscape so that conditions are more favorable for plants than for pests. Wizzie Brown serves as Program Specialist – IPM in the Austin metroplex encompassing Travis County and surrounding counties. Visit her blog at http://urban-ipm.blogspot.com/

Cost: $10 thru 8/31, $15 starting 09/01 and onsite, No cash accepted-checks & credit cards only.
Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu


October 8 – Plant Propagation
Learn how to make new plants for your yard through propagation methods such as rooting slips and cuttings. In this workshop you will assemble a self-watering propagator and select cuttings to grow new plants. All supplies, instructions, and cuttings will be provided for each participant. Master Gardener Sue King, a Plant Propagation Specialist, is a retired school librarian, an avid soup-maker, and a life-long gardener. Master Gardener Carolyn Turman found propagating plants using cuttings as an easy and inexpensive way to add wonderful additions to her landscape.

Space is limited to 25 - register on-line. No on-site registration available.
Cost: $25 thru 9/28, $30 starting 9/29.  No cash accepted-checks & credit cards only.
Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu


November 12 - Bold and Beautiful Edibles
Come join us to learn about edible plants with ornamental potential for Central Texas landscapes. We're talking artichokes, asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, herbs and more. Some are perennials, some are annuals, but all will beautify your landscape and satisfy your appetite. Master Gardener Patty Leander is a writer for Texas Gardener magazine and grows vegetables year round in her Oak Hill garden.

Cost: $10 thru 11/02, $15 starting 11/03 & onsite, No cash accepted-checks & credit cards only.


Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Pond Basics - the Big, Bad and Beautiful

Saturday, July 18,  10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746


Come learn about the steps of building a pond in your backyard and the best tips for success.

Jeannie Farrier, Austin Pond Society Board Member and 2014 President, and also a retired teacher, has had ponds for over a decade. Her most recent pond holds 10,000 gallons.  

Seminar is free

Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over),
$3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted.

For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/local-extension-resources/calendar-2/

Friday, June 12, 2015

Best Culinary Herbs for Austin

Saturday, June 20th, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746
 
Make meals more flavorful by growing your own herbs. Mild or savory herbs are delicate while pungent herbs add zest. Master Gardener Judith Craft will talk about the best herbs to grow in the Austin area. If time allows, she will lead a walk through the herb garden at Zilker.

Judith became a Master Gardener after retiring and has been the primary volunteer in the herb garden at Zilker Botanical Garden for the past 10 years and a member of the Austin Herb Society for 25 years.
 
Seminar is free

Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over), $3 for non-Austin Residents.
Cash or check accepted.

For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600

Friday, June 5, 2015

Preparing for the Fall Garden

Early registration ends soon -  $10 thru 6/07, $15 starting 6/08 and onsite
Register Online: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty

June 11, 2015 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office
1600 B Smith Rd, Austin, 78721


Imagine gardening without sweat dripping from your brow or mosquitos buzzing in your ears or having to water every day. Those are just a few of the many benefits of the cool season vegetable garden. Join us as we discuss vegetable selection, soil preparation and the importance of timing for the fall and winter garden.

Master Gardener Patty Leander is a writer for Texas Gardener magazine and grows vegetables year round in her Oak Hill garden.

Space is limited, register to reserve your seat!

Contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600,  Sue Carrasco, sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu

Friday, May 29, 2015

Saturday Summer Seminars at Zilker Botanical Garden

10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746


Seminars are free
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over),
$3 for non-Austin Residents. cash or check accepted.

June 20 - Best Culinary Herbs for Austin
Make meals more flavorful by growing your own herbs.  Mild or savory herbs are delicate while pungent herbs add zest. Master Gardener Judith Craft will talk about the best herbs to grow in the Austin area. If time allows, she will lead a walk through the herb garden at Zilker.

Judith became a Master Gardener after retiring and has been the primary volunteer in the herb garden at Zilker Botanical Garden for the past 10 years and a member of the Austin Herb Society for 25 years.


July 18 - Pond Basics - the Big, Bad and Beautiful
Come learn about the steps of building a pond in your backyard and the best tips for success.

Jeannie Farrier, Austin Pond Society Board Member and 2014 President, and also a retired teacher, has had ponds for over a decade. Her most recent pond holds 10,000 gallons.   



Aug 8 - Photography in the Garden
Learn how to take plant pictures with impact –namely composition and lighting. This seminar will begin with an overview of cameras (film & digital), lenses and composition. Course prerequisites: study the owner’s manual on your camera.

Sam is a long time photographer and Master Gardener specializing in presentations on Beneficial Insects and Plant Photography. In 2009, he was selected as “Photographer of the Year” in the Travis County Master Gardener photo contest.

For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Preparing for the Fall Garden


June 11, 2015 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office
1600 B Smith Rd, Austin, 78721


Imagine gardening without sweat dripping from your brow or mosquitos buzzing in your ears or having to water every day. Those are just a few of the many benefits of the cool season vegetable garden. Join us as we discuss vegetable selection, soil preparation and the importance of timing for the fall and winter garden.

Master Gardener Patty Leander is a writer for Texas Gardener magazine and grows vegetables year round in her Oak Hill garden.
 
Space is limited, register to reserve your seat!
Cost: $10 thru 6/07, $15 starting 6/08 and onsite


Register by Phone: 
(979) 845-2604
Register Online: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600
Sue Carrasco, sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Information Sessions for 2015 Master Gardener Training Program-Travis County


Are you interested in becoming a Travis County Master Gardener?
If so, it’s time to apply!


In order to receive an application, you must attend one of our three (3) information sessions. Seating at each session is limited, so please arrive early to secure a seat.

All information sessions will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office, 1600-B Smith Rd, Austin, TX 78721

MG Information Session 1, Tuesday June 9, 2015, 6:00 to 7:00 PM
MG Information Session 2, Friday June 12, 2015, 12:00 to 1:00 PM
MG Information Session 3, Tuesday June 16, 2015, 10:00 to 11:00 AM


If you are unable to attend one of the 3 sessions offered, you will need to wait until the 2016 information sessions are offered, and thus you will not be able to apply for the 2015 program. No exceptions will be made.

At the information session, we will cover the details of the program, and answer any questions that you may have. You will receive a program application at your information session. Applications are not available elsewhere. No exceptions will be made.

After applications are received and reviewed, 50 applicants will be chosen for interviews. A maximum of 30 applicants will be accepted into the program. The fee for the 2015 Master Gardener program in Travis County is $250, payable upon acceptance into the program.

The course will meet every Tuesday, from 8 AM to 5 PM, from September 15 through November 17, at the Travis County East Service Center, 6011 Blue Bluff Rd.

If you are accepted into the training program, complete the classroom training, and pass the final exam at the end of the course, you will be required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service by October 31 of the following year (2016 in this case). Your volunteer hours will be spent on various Extension-approved projects, which will be explained to you during the program.

A criminal background check is required of all Extension volunteers, including Master Gardeners. Therefore, as a matter of policy, criminal background checks will be run on all persons accepted into the Master Gardener training program.

The Master Gardener Program is conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service a maximum of once per year in Travis County, but not necessarily held every year. The limited number of spaces in the program will be filled based on assessment of the applications and personal interviews.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Dealing with Drought – Alternative Methods of Gardening

May 14, 2015 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office
1600 B Smith Rd, Austin, 78721

If you have limited garden space or limited time yet still have a desire to nurture your green thumb, Master Gardener Pat Mokry will teach you how to raise carefree veggies, herbs and flowers using self-sufficient grow boxes. Then, for some ‘new’ gardening techniques, Master Gardener Marian Stasney will describe the ancient practices of both keyhole gardening and hugelkultur.


 
Cost: $10 through 5/10, $15 starting 5/11 and onsite 
NO cash accepted - checks and credit cards only.

Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Space is limited so register on-line early to reserve your seat!

Contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Butterflies in the Garden

May 9, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746



Want to start a butterfly garden for your school or even your own backyard? Do you want to help encourage pollinators to your plants? This seminar will focus on butterflies and how you can invite them into your space.

Kellyn Smith has been a Master Gardener since 2013 and has a specialization in entomology. A lover of all insects, she founded the butterfly garden at her school, a place she and her students treasure.

Seminar is free
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over), $3 for non-Austin Residents. 
cash or check accepted. 

Presented by Travis Co Master Gardeners. For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

East Austin Garden Fair - Saturday 4/11


Rain or Shine - come enjoy this great event.  Meet us under the big oak trees or inside the Recreation Center (if raining).

April 11, 2015 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center
2608 Gonzales Street, Austin, TX 78702


Visit Capital Metro for bus routes: https://www.capmetro.org/schedmap/
(#4 Montopolis, #17 Cesar Chavez or #300 Govalle)

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Travis County Master Gardeners, and Austin Parks & Recreation present the ninth annual East Austin Garden Fair.

Free and open to the public, this fun, hands-on fair involves community members in creative, low-cost ways to grow vegetables, herbs and fruit to improve the family diet as well as information about Earth-Kind landscaping.

Get expert advice from Master Gardeners on all aspects of gardening and composting, as well as backyard chickens and beekeeping. The fair will feature an assortment of DIY and demonstration activities, including garden planning, kids’ activities and container garden building.

New information this year will address raising backyard rabbits, alternate methods of gardening, building a backyard greenhouse or hoop house, house plants and terrariums, and garden tools and techniques.

Long-standing partners and participants include the Sustainable Food Center, Capital Area Food Bank, Festival Beach Food Forest, Green Corn Project, Home Depot Kid’s Workshop, Texas 4-H, AmeriCorps, AgriLife Extension Master Wellness Volunteers and Prairie View A&M University.

FREE vegetable, herb and ornamental plants offered to participants while supplies last.

For more information, please call 512-854-9600
2015-EAGF-flyer

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Dealing with Drought – Tree Care

April 9, 2015 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office
1600 B Smith Road,  Austin, TX 78721

$10 through 4/05, $15 starting 4/06 and onsite


Register:
https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by phone: 979-845-2604

Space is limited so register early to reserve your seat!

NO cash accepted - checks and credit cards only.
 
 Many trees are stressed by prolonged periods of hot, dry weather. Selecting trees that use water efficiently is one way to make your landscape more resistant to droughts. Learn about several tree maintenance procedures to increase a tree’s chance during drought such as mulching, proper pruning, limiting fertilization and supplemental irrigation.

Lara Schuman, an ISA Certified Arborist and acting Program Manager at City of Austin Urban Forestry will share her knowledge on caring for trees.

For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

April Announcements!

Dealing with Drought – Tree Care


April 9, 2015 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office
1600 B Smith Road,  Austin, TX 78721

Registration: $10 through 4/05, $15 starting 4/06 and onsite
https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty

Many trees are stressed by prolonged periods of hot, dry weather. Selecting trees that use water efficiently is one way to make your landscape more resistant to droughts. Learn about several tree maintenance procedures to increase a tree’s chance during drought such as mulching, proper pruning, limiting fertilization and supplemental irrigation.

Lara Schuman, an ISA Certified Arborist and acting Program Manager at City of Austin Urban Forestry will share her knowledge on caring for trees.

For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600

 
 

 A Passion for Plants: An East Austin Garden Fair


April 11, 2015 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center
2608 Gonzales Street, Austin, TX 78702


Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Travis County Master Gardeners, and Austin Parks & Recreation present the ninth annual East Austin Garden Fair.

Free and open to the public, this fun, hands-on fair involves community members in creative, low-cost ways to grow vegetables, herbs and fruit to improve the family diet as well as information about Earth-Kind landscaping.

Get expert advice from Master Gardeners on all aspects of gardening and composting, as well as backyard chickens and beekeeping. The fair will feature an assortment of DIY and demonstration activities, including garden planning, kids’ activities and container garden building.

New information this year will address raising backyard rabbits, alternate methods of gardening, building a backyard greenhouse or hoop house, house plants and terrariums, and garden tools and techniques.

Long-standing partners and participants include the Sustainable Food Center, Capital Area Food Bank, Festival Beach Food Forest, Green Corn Project, Home Depot Kid’s Workshop, Texas 4-H, AmeriCorps, AgriLife Extension Master Wellness Volunteers and Prairie View A&M University.

FREE vegetable, herb and ornamental plants offered to participants while supplies last.

For more information, please call 512-854-9600
2015-EAGF-flyer

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Dealing with Drought - Using Native Plants in the Landscape


Using Native Plants in the Landscape

March 12th, 10 am - noon
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office
1600 B Smith Rd, Austin, 78721
 

Cost: $10 through 3/8/15 or $15 for late and on-site registration
 
Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Space is limited so register on-line early to reserve your seat!
NO cash accepted - checks and credit cards only.
 
Contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600, Daphne Richards drichards@ag.tamu.edu

Native Texas plants bring beauty and function to your garden while being well adapted to handle Texas’ blazing summers, drought, and other weather extremes. In addition to being water-wise, native plants provide great benefits to pollinators and birds.

4-H CAPITAL’s gardening specialist and Texas Master Naturalist Meredith O’Reilly will guide you in choosing the right natives for your yard and your garden goals.





 

Friday, February 6, 2015

First of 5 seminars-Dealing with Drought in the Landscape

Landscaping Basics
February 12th, 10 am – noon

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office
1600 B Smith Rd, Austin, 78721


Cost: $10 through 2/8/15 or $15 for late and on-site registration
Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600


Learn basic landscape principals and become familiar with the native and adapted plants to incorporate into your garden. Carolyn Williams has been a Master Gardener for over 14 years and a gardener in Central Texas for over 40 years. She hold both Basic and Advanced Landscape Design Certification from ACC. She will share her experience of working with good Texas tough plants to use in your designs.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Fabulous February Seminars

All about Roses
February 7th , 10 am - noon
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746

Seminar is free
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child or senior, $3 for non-Austin Residents.
Contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600

Incorporate user friendly roses into your new or existing garden plans! Cher Groody is a master gardener with 30 years’ experience in the use of roses in a landscape. She will teach you methods for proper selection of rose varieties, site prep and maintenance like pruning, pest control and fertilization. This session is excellent for newbies and experienced gardeners and questions are encouraged.  



Dealing with Drought - Landscaping Basics
February 12th, 10 am – noon

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office
1600 B Smith Rd, Austin, 78721


Cost: $10 or $15 for late and on-site registration
Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600

Learn basic landscape principals and become familiar with the native and adapted plants to incorporate into your garden. Carolyn Williams has been a Master Gardener for over 14 years and a gardener in Central Texas for over 40 years. She hold both Basic and Advanced Landscape Design Certification from ACC. She will share her experience of working with good Texas tough plants to use in your designs.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Growing Fruit Seminar at Zilker Botanical Garden

Growing Fruit in Your Home Garden
January 31st, 10 am-noon
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746


Seminar is free
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child or senior, $3 for non-Austin Residents.



January is a good time to plant trees so come learn how to grow fruit trees in your home garden. Tree talk includes peaches, plums, pears, figs and apples. Blackberries & grapes will also be discussed.
This seminar will cover the basics including how to plant a tree and which fruit varieties excel in our area. Master Gardener Joe Posern, fruit specialist, has been growing fruit in Austin since 2007 and will share his experience.

Presented by Travis Co Master Gardeners.

For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600.

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/local-extension-resources/calendar-2/

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Dealing With Drought in the Landscape Series

Are you prepared for the hot, dry summer months that lie ahead? Now is the time learn about ways to help your landscape and garden perform while conserving, preserving and protecting our water resources.  Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Travis County and Travis County Master Gardeners will present a series of monthly seminars called Dealing with Drought in the Landscape starting in February.

The programs will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the AgriLife Extension office in southeast Austin, located at 1600-B Smith Road.  
Cost is $10 per seminar for early registration and $15 per seminar for late or on-site registration.  To register, go to https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty.  For more information, contact Richards at 512-854-9600 or drichards@tamu.edu

February 12 - Landscaping Basics   
Learn basic landscape principals and become familiar with the native and adapted plants to incorporate into your garden. Carolyn Williams has been a Master Gardener for over 14 years and a gardener in Central Texas for over 40 years. She hold both Basic and Advanced Landscape Design Certification from ACC. She will share her experience of working with good Texas tough plants to use in your designs.

March 12 - Using Native Plants in the Landscape 
Native Texas plants bring beauty and function to your garden while being well adapted to handle Texas’ blazing summers, drought, and other weather extremes. In addition to being water-wise, native plants provide great benefits to pollinators and birds. 4-H CAPITAL’s gardening specialist and Texas Master Naturalist Meredith O’Reilly will guide you in choosing the right natives for your yard and your garden goals.

April 9 - Tree Care During Drought 
Many trees are stressed by prolonged periods of hot, dry weather. Selecting trees that use water efficiently is one way to make your landscape more resistant to droughts. Learn about several tree maintenance procedures to increase a tree’s chance during drought such as mulching, proper pruning, limiting fertilization and supplemental irrigation.  Lara Schuman, an ISA Certified Arborist and acting Program Manager at City of Austin Urban Forestry will share her knowledge on caring for trees.

May 14 - Alternative Methods of Gardening 
If you have limited garden space or time yet still have a desire to nurture your green thumb, Master Gardener Pat Mokry will teach you how to raise carefree veggies, herbs and flowers using self-sufficient grow boxes. Then, for some more ‘new’ gardening techniques, Master Gardener Marian Stassney will describe the ancient practices of both keyhole gardening and hugelkultur.

June 11 - Preparing for the Fall Vegetable Garden 
Imagine gardening without sweat dripping from your brow or mosquitos buzzing in your ears or having to water every day. Those are just a few of the many benefits of the cool season vegetable garden. Join us as we discuss vegetable selection, soil preparation and the importance of timing for the fall and winter garden.  Master Gardener Patty Leander is a writer for Texas Gardener magazine and grows vegetables year round in her Oak Hill garden.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Master Gardener Seminars at Austin Home & Garden Show


Travis County Master Gardeners will be offering educational seminars at the 17th Annual Austin Home & Garden Show - Garden Stage on January 17-18, 2015 at various times.

Saturday 1/17/15
 
11:00 am Roses and Rose Care; Holly Plotner
Roses aren’t just for Valentine’s Day – they can bring color and sweet smells to your garden nearly year round. Learn about Earth Kind Roses, a designation indicating high performance, disease and insect resistance, plus the basics of pruning and rose care.
 
12:00 pm Drought Resistant Plants; Cheryl Harrison
There are many native and adapted plants that look great in the landscape while surviving on little water. Discover a selection of plants that will thrive in Central Texas.
 
1:00 pm Rainwater Harvesting; Ed Parken
Don’t let valuable rainwater just wash down the gutter when it could be irrigating your garden and landscape. Learn the basics of rainwater harvesting and how to construct your own system.
 
2:00 pm Lawn Care in Times of Drought; Sheryl Williams
Yes, you can have a lawn that looks great under water restrictions. Learn  about turf options and basic lawn care for drought in Central Texas.


Sunday 1/18/15
 
1:00 pm Home Fruit Production; Joe Posern
Discover the basics of back yard fruit production: site selection, soil preparation, variety selection and specific needs of fruit crops in Central Texas. No squirrels allowed!
 
2:00 Backyard Greenhouses; Pat Mokry & Susan Jung
Learn the basics of hobby style greenhouses: selection, site location and how to manage heat, cold, water and pests.

Where: Austin Convention Center,  500 East Cesar Chavez Street,  Austin
Cost:  $8.50; Seniors $6.50; 16 and under Free

Seminar times & features subject to change

For complete details, go to http://www.austinhomeandgardenshow.com/seminar_GardenStage.html

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

2015 Turfgrass Ecology Workshop

When:  February 16-20, 2015,  8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Where: Travis County East Service Center, 6011 Blue Bluff Road, Austin
Cost:    Early Registration through 1/30/15: $450, Standard Registration after 2/13/15:  $495
CEUs:  TDA pesticide credits (amount to be determined)
Register:   https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/Turf
Contact:   Daphne Richards, 512-854-9600,  drichards@ag.tamu.edu

The Turfgrass Ecology and Management Short Course is an intensive 5-day educational opportunity for anyone interested in the fundamentals of turfgrass physiology and management. It is designed for professional turfgrass managers as well as anyone else in the green industry with a desire to learn the basics of how to properly manage turfgrasses with respect to growth, fertility, pest control, water use, water quality, etc. Attendees will be exposed to the fundamentals of proper turfgrass selection, growth and maintenance as well as the latest up-to-date information from a diverse collection of Texas A&M University faculty.

Short Course directed by Dr. Casey Reynolds, Assistant Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist

Specific Topics Include:
– Introductory Turfgrass Physiology
– Turfgrass Species: Identification, Selection, and Establishment
– Turfgrass Management: Mowing, Fertility, and other Cultural Practices
– Turfgrass Water Use and Proper Irrigation Practices
– Soil Physical and Chemical Properties
– Water Quality: Analysis, Interpretation, and Implementation
– Pesticide Labeling and Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Regulations
– Turfgrass Pest Management: ID and Control of Weeds, Diseases, and Insects
– Spreader and Sprayer Calibration: Classroom and Hands-on Exercises

Brochure: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/dropinn/materials/material_512.pdf

Registration fee includes the following:
• 5-day workshop
• Learning materials, articles, handouts, notebook, etc.
• Framed continuing education certificate
• TDA pesticide credits (amount to be determined)
• Sprayer calibration reference cards
• On-site refreshments

Tax Deduction
If courses are taken to maintain and improve professional skills, a tax deduction is allowed for education expenses including registration fees, travel expenses, meals, and lodging. (See Treas. Reg. 1162-5 Couglin vs. Commissioner 203 F 2d 307).

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Rescheduled Seminar - Growing Fruit in Your Home Garden

January 10th seminar has been rescheduled for January 31st.

 
Growing Fruit in Your Home Garden  
January 31st, 10 am-noon 
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746
Seminar is free
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child or senior, $3 for non-Austin Residents.



January is a good time to plant trees so come learn how to grow fruit trees in your home garden. Tree talk includes peaches, plums, pears, figs and apples. Blackberries & grapes will also be discussed.
This seminar will cover the basics including how to plant a tree and which fruit varieties excel in our area. Master Gardener Joe Posern, fruit specialist, has been growing fruit in Austin since 2007 and will share his experience.

Presented by Travis Co Master Gardeners.


 
For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/local-extension-resources/calendar-2/

Monday, January 5, 2015

A wise gardener anticipates June in January

January is a good time to plant trees so come learn about fruit trees for your summer harvest.

Growing Fruit in Your Home Garden
January 10th, 10 am - noon
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746

Seminar is free
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child or senior, $3 for non-Austin Residents.



Tree talk includes peaches, plums, pears, figs and apples. Blackberries & grapes will also be discussed.
This seminar will cover the basics including how to plant a tree and which fruit varieties excel in our area. Master Gardener Joe Posern, fruit specialist, has been growing fruit in Austin since 2007 and will share his experience.

In partnership with the City of Austin-Office of Sustainability supporting a healthy and just local food system.


Presented by Travis Co Master Gardeners.
 
For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600.