2017 Grow Green Landscape Professional Training

Landscape Professionals -
Registration is now open for the 2017 Grow Green Landscape Professional Training Series from the City of Austin.  This training gives professionals the opportunity to learn about earth-wise landscaping and management practices from experts. 

Classes will be held on five Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from January 20th through March 17th.

Registration & payment deadline is January 16, 2017. The classes are $20 per day or $75 for the series**.  Many of the talks will qualify for professional CEU’s.

Visit http://www.austintexas.gov/department/professional-training to register.  For questions contact Denise Delaney at Denise.Delaney@austintexas.gov or call  (512) 974-2581.


January 20 - Plants & Trees, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
February 3 - Edibles & Wildlife, Fiesta Gardens
February 17 - Rainscape Workshop, One Texas Center
March 3 - Maintenance & Treating Pests, Dougherty Arts Center
March 17 - Firewise Landscaping & Wildflower Center Tours, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

New attendees who would like to be listed on the Grow Green website will be required to attend all 5 days, but you can register for individual days. Returning attendees are required to attend at least one day of training each year to stay posted.

Attendees will receive a different giveaway each day, including a reusable travel mug, a garden kneeling pad, and a flash drive. Attendees who become Grow Green Landscape Professionals will also get a high quality folio or tablet case and 2 car magnets!
 
**Please note when you register on EventBrite there is a column before the quantity box that says the class is free. The classes are $20 per day or $75 for the series.  We cannot remove the word FREE from the EventBrite site.

Questions - Contact: Denise Delaney at Denise.Delaney@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-2581

www.austintexas.gov/watershed
www.facebook.com/austinwatershed
www.twitter.com/austinwatershed
www.growgreen.org

#ATXGrowGreen

Aquaponics 101 program - New Braunfels

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office for Comal County will hold an Aquaponics 101 program in New Braunfels in December. 

The program will be held in two parts at the AgriLife Extension office, located at 325 Resource Drive, New Braunfels.

$15 registration fee, which covers both parts of the program, is payable by cash or personal check at the door.

Part 1: Aquaponics terminology, system design, economics and marketing
Dec 14, 6-9 pm and repeated Dec 15, 9 am -noon

Part 2: Hands-on demonstration of how to build a simple system
Jan 10, 9 am - noon

The presenter is Peter Woods, AgriLife Extension program fisheries specialist, Corpus Christi.

This workshop is intended to provide information to people interested in growing fish and vegetables or other plants together in a closed system.  This is a good opportunity for participants to get hands-on experience with the construction and maintenance of an aquaponics system, along with getting information on the components needed to ensure successful system operation and production.  The program will address many practical aspects of aquaponics, including what type of fish to use, and how to measure pH, nutrient concentration, nitrate levels and more.

The first part of the program will be presented from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 14, then repeated from 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 15. This part will address aquaponics terminology, system design, economics and marketing.

The second part of the program from 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 10 will be a hands-on demonstration of how to build a simple system.

To RSVP, contact Janet Sweet at 830-620-3440 or jlsweet@ag.tamu.edu.

Saturday Nov 5 - Demonstration Field Day

Using Water Wisely

Saturday, November 5, 2016
9 am to 1 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721

Learn about the entire spectrum of water saving solutions from high tech to no tech at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office Demonstration Field Day in Austin. You determine the best answer for your situation and pocket book.

Travis County Master Gardeners and Horticulturist Daphne Richards will be available to demonstrate and answer your questions on a one-on-one basis.

Discover various rain water catchment methods. See examples of various watering methods from a wicking bed to drip irrigation. Understand the importance of compost for water conservation and plant health. Gain knowledge about the importance of selecting the right plant for the right place. Look at ways to control heat (summer and winter) to increase vegetable garden production.

Come stroll the diverse garden and ask questions. Enjoy watching the butterflies, bees, blooming flowers, and growing vegetables. Take home lettuce seeds and how-to knowledge to accomplish your next project.

Demonstration Field Day is free and open to the public – No RSVP is required.

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

Seminars for November!

Preserving the Harvest
Thursday - November 10
10 am - 12 noon
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721

Learn about key food preservation processes; freezing, dehydration and canning. Factors related to food spoilage and science involved in prevention will be covered along with a basic review of tools and techniques involved.

Master Gardener Jeff Peters will provide a step‐by step illustration of the hot water bath canning process.

Cost: $10 thru 10/31, $15 starting 11/1 and onsite
NO cash accepted - checks and credit cards only.
Space is limited, register 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
 
 

Hello Invasive Species, Goodbye Texas Natives 
Saturday - November 12
10 am - 12 noon
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746
 
Photo: Giant reed (Arundo donax) along the Rio Grande, National Park Service ‐http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/chdn/monitor/exotics.cfm
 
Invasive species have the potential to drastically change our Texas landscape. This presentation will cover the threats posed by invasive species, as well as responses to the threat. The Invaders of Texas citizen scientist program will be introduced, as one of several ways you can get involved in managing invasive species.

As the Invasive Species Program Coordinator at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Dr. Hans Landel manages the Invaders of Texas citizen scientist program, the Texasinvasives.org website, and collaborates with other agencies and organizations in managing invasive species. He has performed conservation research both in the U.S. and internationally. 

Seminar is free and open to the public - No RSVP is required.

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

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

Landscape Irrigation System Evaluation Workshop

 
November 16, 8 am - 2 pm
LCRA Dalchau Service Center
3505 Montopolis Dr., Austin, 78744

The Lower Colorado River Authority and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension-Texas A&M School of Irrigation are hosting a Landscape Irrigation System Evaluation workshop for licensed landscape irrigation professionals, water professionals, water conservation coordinators and homeowners. Irrigators who complete this workshop will be allowed to conduct irrigation evaluations for customers on behalf of LCRA.

LCRA along with retail water providers offer free landscape irrigation system evaluations to customers as part of LCRA’s WaterSmart program. The evaluations can help make irrigation systems more efficient, saving water and money. An evaluated irrigation system also is eligible for up to $350 in rebates for water-saving equipment such as pressure-reducing sprinkler heads, nozzles, soil moisture sensors and rain sensors.

4 TCEQ Irrigation License CEUs.

Class outline:    AGENDA
Controller settings / trouble shooting with the customer to train them to use it
Flagging issues and record keeping
Identifying efficiency measures to improve performance
Conservation suggestions/changes made to the existing system to increase water savings
Seasonal water budgets
Technology usage i.e. sensors, ET programs “Water My Yard”
Irrigation and Maintenance of Drought-stressed Trees

Presenters Include:
Charles Swanson, Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M School of Irrigation, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, College Station
Brad Hamel, Regional Urban Forester, Texas A&M Forest Service, Austin

Cost: $60 through Nov 7, $75 Nov 8 and onsite.    Registration fee includes lunch.
Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/2137              
Contact: Daphne Richards, drichards@ag,tamu.edu, 512-854-9600

Using Water Wisely – Demonstration Field Day

Saturday, November 5, 2016
9 am to 1 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721
 
Learn about the entire spectrum of water saving solutions from high tech to no tech at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office Demonstration Field Day in Austin. You determine the best answer for your situation and pocket book.

Travis County Master Gardeners and Horticulturist Daphne Richards will be available to demonstrate and answer your questions on a one-on-one basis.

Discover various rain water catchment methods. See examples of various watering methods from a wicking bed to drip irrigation. Understand the importance of compost for water conservation and plant health. Gain knowledge about the importance of selecting the right plant for the right place. Look at ways to control heat (summer and winter) to increase vegetable garden production.

Come stroll the diverse garden and ask questions. Enjoy watching the butterflies, bees, blooming flowers, and growing vegetables. Take home lettuce seeds and how-to knowledge to accomplish your next project.

Demonstration Field Day is free and open to the public – No RSVP is required.

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

5th Annual Texas Fruit Conference to be Held in Central Texas for the First Time

Now in it's fifth year, the Texas Fruit Conference has gotten bigger and better, encompassing a wide variety of  cultural information and best management practices regarding fruit and nut crops. Featuring some of our most renowned AgriLife Extension experts and industry professionals, this year, for the first time ever, the conference will be held right here in Central Texas, at the New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center. 




Whether you currently own an orchard, are considering the potential of establishing one, or are simply a fruit enthusiast, there's something for you at this conference. This opportunity to learn from the very best experts on all-things fruit should not be missed!





Date: October 31 (1:00 to 5:00 PM) and November 1 (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM), 2016


Location: New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center, 375 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels


Cost: $80 through 10/21 ($95 late and onsite)


Register online: 5th Annual Texas Fruit Conference Registration 


Just a few of the featured speakers include:
Monte Nesbitt, Jim Kamas, Larry Stein, George Ray McEachern, and Kevin Ong, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Tom Beckman, USDA-ARS Fruit & Tree Nut Laboratory
Wes Mickel, Argus Cidery
Tim McCaskill, Austin Orchards


Check out the full agenda here: 5th Annual Texas Fruit Conference Agenda

5th Annual Texas Fruit Conference to be Held in Central Texas for the First Time

Now in it's fifth year, the Texas Fruit Conference has gotten bigger and better, encompassing a wide variety of  cultural information and best management practices regarding fruit and nut crops. Featuring some of our most renowned AgriLife Extension experts and industry professionals, this year, for the first time ever, the conference will be held right here in Central Texas, at the New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center. 




Whether you currently own an orchard, are considering the potential of establishing one, or are simply a fruit enthusiast, there's something for you at this conference. This opportunity to learn from the very best experts on all-things fruit should not be missed!





Date: October 31 (1:00 to 5:00 PM) and November 1 (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM), 2016


Location: New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center, 375 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels


Cost: $80 through 10/21 ($95 late and onsite)


Register online: 5th Annual Texas Fruit Conference Registration 


Just a few of the featured speakers include:
Monte Nesbitt, Jim Kamas, Larry Stein, George Ray McEachern, and Kevin Ong, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Tom Beckman, USDA-ARS Fruit & Tree Nut Laboratory
Wes Mickel, Argus Cidery
Tim McCaskill, Austin Orchards


Check out the full agenda here: 5th Annual Texas Fruit Conference Agenda

Using Water Wisely – Demonstration Field Day

Saturday, November 5, 2016
9 am to 1 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721

Learn about the entire spectrum of water saving solutions from high tech to no tech at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office Demonstration Field Day in Austin. You determine the best answer for your situation and pocket book.
Travis County Master Gardeners and Horticulturist Daphne Richards will be available to demonstrate and answer your questions on a one-on-one basis.

Discover various rain water catchment methods. See examples of various watering methods from a wicking bed to drip irrigation. Understand the importance of compost for water conservation and plant health. Gain knowledge about the importance of selecting the right plant for the right place. Look at ways to control heat (summer and winter) to increase vegetable garden production.

Come stroll the diverse garden and ask questions. Enjoy watching the butterflies, bees, blooming flowers, and growing vegetables. Take home lettuce seeds and how-to knowledge to accomplish your next project.

Demonstration Field Day is free and open to the public – No RSVP is required.

For more information, contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600 or visit the Central Texas Horticulture.

Chickens in Your Backyard

October 13
10 am - 12 noon
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721

Are you ready for the fun and rewarding experience of keeping your own backyard chickens?

Learn about planning your coop, breed selection, caring for chicks, ideas to beat boredom, diets for delicious eggs and keeping the coop clean. Master Gardener Laura Wills raises all sorts of fowl - chickens, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowl and quail and will help you get started with this informative talk on raising the home flock.

Cost: $10 thru 10/3, $15 starting 10/4 and onsite
Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu

Great Upcoming FREE Program: Market Ready

Our upcoming FREE workshop, Market Ready, will discuss some of the best practices involved in marketing and selling your home-grown products locally. It's perfect for small-acreage producers, but even backyard growers who want to explore selling produce, herbs, eggs, honey, etc. locally, will benefit. Please join us! Press release below.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County will present a marketing workshop to help small-scale agricultural producers sell their produce to area restaurants and grocery stores.

The free workshop, “Market Ready Training: Selling to Restaurants for Local Growers,” will be held from 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 26 at the AgriLife Extension office, 1600-B Smith Road in Austin.

“The program is designed for local farmers and small-acreage growers, as well as potential buyers,” explained Dr. Daniel Chavez, AgriLife Extension economist, College Station

Chavez, who will present the program the workshop, said topics will include restaurant sales, product marketing, the Young Farmer Grant Program and the Texas Department of Agriculture’s GO TEXAN program.

“The Market Ready program is value-added, best practices course that covers the nuts and bolts of making your product market ready for sale to local restaurants, smaller grocery stores, small grocery chains and others,” he said.

Chavez said workshop specifics would include relationship building, product packaging, labeling and pricing, delivery and storage, along with invoicing, quality assurance and insurance requirements. There also will be information on the financial assistance programs available to small-scale producers.

“At this workshop, attendees will get to know what the potential buyers want and how to effectively market their produce,” he said.  

For more information, contact Chavez at 979-587-4492 

To RSVP, contact Daphne Richards at drichards@ag.tamu.edu

Backyard Basics Educational Series

Bees!
September 8, 10 am to noon
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721

Come learn all about bees: anatomy, society & communication. Gather information on establishing your first hive, beekeeping equipment and integrated pest management. Master Gardener Ginny Stubblefield has been a beekeeper for 3 years and is a member in both Williamson County and Austin Area Beekeepers Associations.


Cost: $10 thru 8/29, $15 starting 8/30 and onsite
Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
Contact: Sue Carrasco, 512-854-9610 or sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu
 

Garden to Kitchen - Tips for a Fresh and Tasty Harvest

Thursday, August 11th, 10 am - 12:00 noon
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Rd, Austin 78721
 
The best part of vegetable gardening is the harvest! Give your home‐grown vegetables the attention they deserve with proper harvesting and handling techniques.
Master Gardener Patty Leander shares tips on when to harvest produce at its prime along with proper storage conditions for peak quality and flavor.

Cost: $15
NO cash accepted - checks and 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

Growing Green in Austin

Saturday, August 6, 2016
10:00 am-12:00 pm
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746

Grow Green is an education program that promotes sustainable landscaping practices. It addresses water quality and conservation, recycling, and an Integrated Pest Management philosophy, which encourages the least‐toxic way to address pest issues.

Attend this class to discover tips and all of the FREE resources available to help you create and maintain a beautiful Central Texas landscape that is good for your pocket book and the environment. Denise Delaney coordinates the Grow Green program for the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department.

Seminar is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required.

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

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

Garden to Kitchen - Tips for a Fresh and Tasty Harvest

Thursday, August 11th, 10 am - 12:00 noon
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Rd, Austin 78721

The best part of vegetable gardening is the harvest! Give your home‐grown vegetables the attention they deserve with proper harvesting and handling techniques.
Master Gardener Patty Leander shares tips on when to harvest produce at its prime along with proper storage conditions for peak quality and flavor.

Cost: $10 thru 8/1, $15 starting 8/2 and onsite
NO cash accepted - checks and credit cards only.
Space is limited, register 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

Easy Composting with Worms!

Saturday - July 16, 2016, 10:00 am–12:00 pm
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746

Let these “little composters” save landfill space while turning your kitchen vegetable and fruit waste into black gold! Even if you live in an apartment you can host a small bin under the kitchen sink. Worm castings are useful in many ways: compost tea, potting soils, top dressing for house plants and seedlings, to name a few. Tommie Clayton, Master Gardener Compost Specialist, will show you how worm bins work, demonstrate how to construct your own worm bin, methods for harvesting castings plus brewing your own compost tea.

Seminar is free and open to the public.
No RSVP is required.

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

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

Backyard Basics Educational 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 tips for harvesting and preserving your garden produce, caring for bees and raising chickens for home egg production.

When: Second Thursday, August – November, 10 am to noon
Where: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County, 1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721
Cost: $10/seminar for early registration; $15/seminar for late or on-site
NO cash accepted - checks and 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

August 11
Garden to Kitchen - Tips for a Fresh and Tasty Harvest
The best part of vegetable gardening is the harvest! Give your home‐grown vegetables the attention they deserve with proper harvesting and handling techniques. Master Gardener Patty Leander shares tips on when to harvest produce at its prime along with proper storage conditions for peak quality and flavor.
Cost: $10 thru 8/1, $15 starting 8/2 and onsite


 

September 8
To Bee, or Not to Bee
Come learn all about bees: anatomy, society & communication. Gather information on establishing your first hive, beekeeping equipment and integrated pest management. Master Gardener Ginny Stubblefield has been a beekeeper for 3 years and is a member of the Austin Area Beekeepers Association.
Cost: $10 thru 8/29, $15 starting 8/30 and onsite


 


October 13 
Chickens in Your Backyard
Are you ready for the fun and rewarding experience of keeping your own backyard chickens? Learn about planning your coop, breed selection, 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 on raising the home flock.
Cost: $10 thru 10/3, $15 starting 10/4 and onsite

 
November 10
Preserving the Harvest
Learn about the key food preservation processes; freezing, dehydration and canning. Factors related to food spoilage and the science involved in prevention will be covered along with a basic review of the tools and techniques involved. Master Gardener Jeff Peters will provide a step‐by step illustration of the hot water bath canning process.
Cost: $10 thru 10/31, $15 starting 11/1 and onsite

Saturday Seminars - Zilker Botanical Garden

Saturday Seminars are free and open to the public.
No RSVP is required.
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12), seniors (age 62 & over), $3 for non-Austin Residents.  Cash or check accepted.



 Easy Composting with Worms!
July 16, 2016, 10:00 am–12:00 pm
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746

Let these “little composters” save landfill space while turning your kitchen vegetable and fruit waste into black gold! Even if you live in an apartment you can host a small bin under the kitchen sink. Worm castings are useful in many ways: compost tea, potting soils, top dressing for house plants and seedlings, to name a few. Tommie Clayton, Master Gardener Compost Specialist, will show you how worm bins work, demonstrate how to construct your own worm bin, methods for harvesting castings plus brewing your own compost tea.

Growing Green in Austin
August 6, 2016, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746

Grow Green is an education program that promotes sustainable landscaping practices. It addresses water quality and conservation, recycling, and an Integrated Pest Management philosophy, which encourages the least‐toxic way to address pest issues. Attend this class to discover tips and all of the FREE resources available to help you create and maintain a beautiful Central Texas landscape that is good for your pocket book and the environment. Denise Delaney coordinates the Grow Green program for the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department.

Hello Invasive Species, Goodbye Texas Natives
November 12, 2016, 10:00 am–12:00 pm
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746

Invasive species have the potential to drastically change our Texas landscape. This presentation will cover the threats posed by invasive species, as well as responses to the threat. The Invaders of Texas citizen scientist program will be introduced, as one of several ways you can get involved in managing invasive species. As the Invasive Species Program Coordinator at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Dr. Hans Landel manages the Invaders of Texas citizen scientist program, manages the Texasinvasives.org website, and collaborates with other agencies and organizations in managing invasive species. He has performed conservation research both in the U.S. and internationally.  Site Photo: Giant reed (Arundo donax) along the Rio Grande, National Park Service ‐http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/chdn/monitor/exotics.cfm


Seminars are free and open to the public - No RSVP is required.
Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12), seniors (age 62 & over), $3 for non-Austin Residents.  Cash or check accepted.

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

Texas Tough Plants

June 9, 2016, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600 Smith Rd, 78721

Are you looking for colorful, low-maintenance plants for your garden? Join us to learn about some terrific Texas native plants that can 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.

Cost: $15
NO cash accepted – checks and 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

June Seminar

Texas Tough Plants
June 9, 2016, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600 Smith Rd, 78721

Are you looking for colorful, low-maintenance plants for your garden? Join us to learn about some terrific Texas native plants that can 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.

Meredith O’Reilly will guide you in choosing the right natives for your yard and your garden goals.

Cost: $10 through 5/30; $15 starting 5/31 and on-site
NO cash accepted – checks and 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

Seminars Next Week!

Dealing with Drought - Tree Care
Thursday - May 12 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600 Smith Rd, Austin, TX 78721

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 drought. 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 Program Manager at City of Austin Urban Forestry, will share her knowledge on caring for trees.

Cost: $15 - NO cash accepted – checks and 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


Firewise Gardening
Saturday - May 14 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
A fire action plan saves lives and property through advance planning. Learn how to take steps to protect yourself and help first responders help you! Master Gardener Cher Coleman will provide you with landscaping tips to create a defensible space, things you can do to make your home more fire resistant. Review checklists for family preparedness, disaster plans and evacuations provided by the Texas Forestry Service and the Austin Fire Department.

Seminar is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required.
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

May Seminars

Dealing with Drought - Tree Care
Thursday - May 12 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600 Smith Rd,  Austin, TX 78721

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 drought. 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 Program Manager at City of Austin Urban Forestry, will share her knowledge on caring for trees.

Cost: $10 through 5/2; $15 starting 5/3 and on-site
NO cash accepted – checks and 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

Firewise Gardening
Saturday - May 14 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746

A fire action plan saves lives and property through advance planning. Learn how to take steps to protect yourself and help first responders help you! Master Gardener Cher Coleman will provide you with landscaping tips to create a defensible space, things you can do to make your home more fire resistant. Review checklists for family preparedness, disaster plans and evacuations provided by the Texas Forestry Service and the Austin Fire Department.

Seminar is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required.
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

East Austin Garden Fair - Saturday!

Come to a great garden fair - Rain or Shine! Saturday - April 16, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center - Gymnasium

2608 Gonzales Street, Austin, TX 78702

 

Free: Admission, Plants (vegetables & herbs), Garden buckets, Garden books/magazines and soil screening for food gardeners. Easy instructions for soil sampling at http://austintexas.gov/soilkitchen

 

Visit with friendly gardeners regarding:

• Bee Keeping, Backyard Chickens, Bugs & Butterfly Gardening
• Growing Fruit, Citrus, Vegetables & Herbs
• Preserving Your Harvest & Food Safety
• Lawns, Turfgrass & Tree Care
• Drip Irrigation Methods & Rainwater Harvesting
• Straw-bale Gardening, Grow Boxes & Keyhole Gardens
• Firewise Landscaping & Native and Adapted Plants
• Composting Basics & Worm Composting
• Houseplants, Terrariums, Greenhouses & Hoophouses
• Aquaponics, Community Gardens & Bio-intensive Methods
• Caring for Garden Tools & much more!

 
Kids will have a great time with 20 activities on bugs, birds, bees, butterflies, seeds, herbs, leaves, soils and seeing nature up close. Get an apron and build a tool box at the Home Depot Kid's workshop.

 

For more information, please call 512-854-9600

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/local-extension-resources/east-austin-garden-fair/ 

Rainwater Harvesting for Landscape Use

Thursday, April 14, 2016
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721

Take advantage of a rainwater collection system to help your landscape, trees and lawn survive Central Texas’ drought conditions. Master Gardener Ed Parken will discuss ways to collect rain, how to use it and ways to add art to a tank. He will provide a tutorial on PVC pipe construction and a tour of the rainwater collection system at the AgriLife Extension Service - Demonstration Garden.

Cost: $15  - NO cash accepted - checks and 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 – Dealing with Drought in the Landscape series.

Great Events for April!

Rainwater Harvesting for Landscape Use
Thursday, April 14, 2016
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721

Take advantage of a rainwater collection system to help your landscape, trees and lawn survive Central Texas’ drought conditions. Master Gardener Ed Parken will discuss ways to collect rain, how to use it and ways to add art to a tank. He will provide a tutorial on PVC pipe construction and a tour of the rainwater collection system at the Extension Office Demonstration Garden.
 
Cost: $10 through 4/4; $15 starting 4/5 and on-site
NO cash accepted - checks and 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 – Dealing with Drought in the Landscape series.

A Passion for Plants: An East Austin Garden Fair
April 16, 2016 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center
2608 Gonzales Street, Austin, TX 78702
Rain or Shine – come enjoy this great FREE event.

Ask the experts and get garden ideas.
Lots of kid-friendly activities!
Free vegetable, herb and ornamental plants
Free Soil Screening for food gardeners – Bring a 2-cup soil sample in a quart zip lock bag. Easy instructions for soil sampling at http://austintexas.gov/soilkitchen

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Travis County Master Gardeners, and Austin Parks & Recreation present the 10th 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. Travis County Master Gardeners offer University-based information to fairgoers on a diverse variety of horticulture topics, while Community Partner Organizations provide information on closely-related services, programs and projects.

The fair features an assortment of DIY and demonstration activities, including building a rain barrel, raised bed or compost bin, and information about waterwise irrigation methods and gardening in containers and straw bales. Learn how to care for house plants as well as your garden tools! Booths on backyard chickens and beekeeping are a big hit with all ages and there will be plenty of activities for kids.

Long-standing community partners and new participants include the Sustainable Food Center, Green Corn Project, Home Depot Kid’s Workshop, Austin Public Library, Austin Fire Department, Austin Resource Recovery/Kansas State Univ, City of Austin-Urban Forestry, Brite Ideas – Aquaponics, Hydroponics & Organics, Austin Herb Society, 4-H CAPITAL AmeriCorps, Travis County 4-H, Travis Co Master Wellness Volunteers and Travis County Cooperative Extension Program-Prairie View A&M University.

For more information, please call 512-854-9600 or visit:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/local-extension-resources/east-austin-garden-fair/

Lawn Maintenance Seminar from Daphne!

Thursday, March 10, 2016
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721

When there are drought conditions in Central Texas, landscape plants become water-stressed so it’s important to look at how you are caring for your lawn to help it survive. Learn how to look for signs of insects, diseases and weeds. Find out the best way to water, fertilize, and mow your lawn.

Daphne Richards, County Extension Agent—Horticulture, leads educational programming in the areas of home horticulture, urban agriculture, and the green industry and will share her knowledge on lawn maintenance.

Cost:  $15 - NO cash accepted - checks and 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 – Dealing with Drought in the Landscape series.

Lawn Maintenance for Water Conservation

Thursday, March 10, 2016
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721

When there are drought conditions in Central Texas, landscape plants become water-stressed so it’s important to look at how you are caring for your lawn to help it survive. Learn how to look for signs of insects, diseases and weeds. Find out the best way to water, fertilize, and mow your lawn.

Daphne Richards, County Extension Agent—Horticulture, leads educational programming in the areas of home horticulture, urban agriculture, and the green industry and will share her knowledge on lawn maintenance.

Cost: $10 through 2/29; $15 starting 3/1 and on-site
NO cash accepted - checks and 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 – Dealing with Drought in the Landscape series.

Insects are Important!

Thursday, February 11, 2016
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn about insect ecology and how you can help.   The talk covers why insects and other arthropods are important to humans and other animals, how drought impacts various insect groups and how people can help attract and keep insects in their yard even in times of drought.

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: $15. No cash accepted - checks and credit cards only.
 
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis Co, 1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721

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 – Dealing with Drought in the Landscape series.

Texas First Detector Seminar

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 pests (insects) and diseases such as the brown marmorated stink bug and rose rosette 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, provide web based resources, and where to report sightings for confirmation.

Seminar is free and open to the public, No RSVP is required.
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

Dealing with Drought in the Landscape Series - Austin

Learn ways to help your landscape and garden perform while conserving, preserving and protecting our water resources. Starting February 2016, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service‐Travis County will be offering monthly seminars on Dealing with Drought in the Landscape.

When: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service‐Travis County, 1600‐B Smith Road, Austin, 78721
Cost: $10/seminar for early registration; $15/seminar for late or on‐site
NO cash accepted ‐ checks and 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

February 11 - Effects on Insect Ecology: How You Can Help
The talk covers why insects and other arthropods are important to humans and other animals, how drought impacts various insect groups and how people can help attract and keep insects in their yard even in times of drought.   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/




March 10 - Lawn Maintenance for Water Conservation
When there are drought conditions in Central Texas, landscape  plants become water-stressed so it’s important to look at how you are caring for your lawn to help it survive. Learn how to look for signs of insects, diseases and weeds. Find out the best way to water, fertilize, and mow your lawn. Daphne Richards, County Extension Agent—Horticulture leads educational programming in the areas of home horticulture, urban agriculture, and the green industry.


April 14 - Rainwater Harvesting for Landscape Use
Take advantage of a rainwater collection system to help your landscape, trees and lawn survive Central Texas’ drought conditions.  Master Gardener Ed Parken will discuss ways to collect rain, how to use it and ways to add art to a tank. He will provide a tutorial on PVC pipe construction and a tour of the rainwater collection system at the Extension Office Demonstration Garden.




May 12 - Tree Care
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 drought. 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.


June 9 - Texas Tough Plants
Are you looking for colorful, low-maintenance plants for your garden? Join us to learn about some terrific Texas native plants that can 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.

February Seminars: Detect Pests and Diseases; Insect Ecology

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 pests (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, provide web based resources, and where to report sightings for confirmation.

Seminar is free and open to the public, No RSVP is required
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/


  

Effects on Insect Ecology: How You Can Help
Thursday, February 11, 2016
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County
1600-B Smith Road, Austin, 78721
The talk covers why insects and other arthropods are important to humans and other animals, how drought impacts various insect groups and how people can help attract and keep insects in their yard even in times of drought. 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 through 2/1; $15 starting 2/2 and on-site
NO cash accepted - checks and 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
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/local-extension-resources/calendar-2/

Compost seminar - Saturday!

Saturday, January 9, 2016
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78746
10 am - noon
 
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