Thursday, October 5, 2017

Tree Care Seminar -- Free!


Tree Care Seminar

Saturday October 28 from 10am-12pm


Austin Community College South Campus Room 1130

1820 W Stassney Lane  78745




Travis County Master Gardeners, of the Texas A& M AgriLife Extension Service, will present an informative seminar on basic tree care, tree selection, and common tree diseases.

Geared toward the homeowner, you'll come away with knowledge in:
  • Selecting the right tree for your space
  • Planting new trees in the urban environment
  • Tips on how to care for your tree during it's first 3 years. 
Also learn to identify common tree problems and diseases and hear the latest news on Oak Wilt in our area.



Presentations from Wendy Buck, Jackie Johnson, and Jerry Naiser, all Extension-trained Master Gardener tree-care specialists, will last about 40 minutes each, including time for questions.

The seminar is free and open to the public. 
Parking on site.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Corrected Date! Brooke Sustainable Gardening Symposium

Saturday -  October 21, 2017
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Brooke Elementary School
3100 E 4th St 
Austin, TX 78702

Brooke Elementary and Travis County Master Gardeners have collaborated to create a day long gardening symposium. This event is open to the public. Please see below for registration information. Please join us for the Brooke Elementary Sustainable Gardening Symposium. Registration is open to parents, teachers, and interested community members that want to learn more about gardening. Registration is $25 for the day (lunch included). Speaker topics include:
  • Grow Your Own Veggies
  • Backyard Chickens
  • Preserve the Harvest/Vegetable Fermenting
  • Backyard Bees
  • Companion Planting
Information Booths (available in the gym) include:
  • Composing/Vermiculture
  •  Rainwater Harvesting
  • Beneficial Insects
  •  Butterfly Gardening
  • Tree Care
  • Ground to Ground
  • Junior Master Gardener Program
Cost $25 per person (includes lunch)-Sessions will be held in the cafeteria/Information Booths will be in the Gymnasium CPE Credits will be offered to teachers from AISD Science Department/CE Credits will be offered to MGs that attend

  Schedule:
  • 8:30-9:00 Registration
  • 9:00-9:15 Introduction to Brooke Green Program
  • 9:20-10:15 Grow Your Own Veggies
  • 10:20-11:15 Backyard Chickens
  • 11:20-12:20 Lunch (School Garden Panel Discussion w/ AISD Outdoor Learning Specialist) -Attendees can take a tour of the campus gardens -Attendees can visit information booths in the gymnasium
  • 12:25-1:20 Preserving the Harvest/Vegetable Fermenting
  • 1:25-2:20 Backyard Bees
  • 2:25-3:20 Companion Planting
  • 3:25-4:00 Final Remarks and Survey
Information Booths available in the gymnasium between 10:30-2:30pm
Current Booths:
Composting/Vermiculture
Rainwater Harvesting
Beneficial Insects vs Harmful Insects (IPM)
Butterfly Gardening
Tree Care
Junior Master Gardener Program
Ground to Ground Program

Register online at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/2393 Register by phone: 979-845-2604

Monday, October 2, 2017

Brooke Elementary Sustainable Gardening Symposium

Saturday -  October 21, 2017
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Brooke Elementary School
3100 E 4th St 
Austin, TX 78702

Brooke Elementary and Travis County Master Gardeners have collaborated to create a day long gardening symposium. This event is open to the public. Please see below for registration information. Please join us for the Brooke Elementary Sustainable Gardening Symposium. Registration is open to parents, teachers, and interested community members that want to learn more about gardening. Registration is $25 for the day (lunch included). Speaker topics include:
  • Grow Your Own Veggies
  • Backyard Chickens
  • Preserve the Harvest/Vegetable Fermenting
  • Backyard Bees
  • Companion Planting
Information Booths (available in the gym) include:
  • Composing/Vermiculture
  •  Rainwater Harvesting
  • Beneficial Insects
  •  Butterfly Gardening
  • Tree Care
  • Ground to Ground
  • Junior Master Gardener Program
Cost $25 per person (includes lunch)-Sessions will be held in the cafeteria/Information Booths will be in the Gymnasium CPE Credits will be offered to teachers from AISD Science Department/CE Credits will be offered to MGs that attend

  Schedule:
  • 8:30-9:00 Registration
  • 9:00-9:15 Introduction to Brooke Green Program
  • 9:20-10:15 Grow Your Own Veggies
  • 10:20-11:15 Backyard Chickens
  • 11:20-12:20 Lunch (School Garden Panel Discussion w/ AISD Outdoor Learning Specialist) -Attendees can take a tour of the campus gardens -Attendees can visit information booths in the gymnasium
  • 12:25-1:20 Preserving the Harvest/Vegetable Fermenting
  • 1:25-2:20 Backyard Bees
  • 2:25-3:20 Companion Planting
  • 3:25-4:00 Final Remarks and Survey
Information Booths available in the gymnasium between 10:30-2:30pm
Current Booths:
Composting/Vermiculture
Rainwater Harvesting
Beneficial Insects vs Harmful Insects (IPM)
Butterfly Gardening
Tree Care
Junior Master Gardener Program
Ground to Ground Program

Register online at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/2393 Register by phone: 979-845-2604

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Water-Wise Symposium for Home Gardeners

Saturday -  September 30, 2017
10 am - 4:45 pm
Cepeda Branch, Austin Public Library
651 N Pleasant Valley Rd
Austin, TX 78702

Water-Wise Symposium for Home Gardeners:
All-Day Program Features Experts from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Travis County Master Gardener Association and the City of Austin
Participants will learn how to save precious water and money by capturing, channeling and controlling water in the lawn and garden. They will get practical advice from a distinguished panel of Austin experts. Topics covered in the day-long program include rainwater collection, rainscapes, efficient home and garden design, grey water use and City of Austin rebates.
Marian Stasney, program coordinator, said: “Water conservation and control are increasingly crucial for Central Texas. This symposium is a unique opportunity for home gardeners to get comprehensive information all in one place, all in one day.” Attendance at the symposium is free. But, advance registration is required because seating is strictly limited.
The agenda for the full-day symposium is as follows;
  • 10:00 – 10:50   Rainwater Collection, Ed Parken, Travis County Master Gardener
  • 11:00 – 12:00   Rainscapes, Tom Franke, COA Watershed Protection Department
  • 1:00 – 1:50       Water Efficiency, Jerry Naiser, Travis County Master Gardener
  • 2:00 – 2:50       Holistic Home Design for Water Collection and Conservation, Billy Kniffen, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, ARCSA instructor
  • 3:00 – 3:50       Grey Water Use and Design, Robert Stefani, Austin Water
  • 4:00 – 4:15       Rebates from City of Austin, Chris Charles, COA
  • 4:15 – 4:45       Panel Discussion:  Best Practices
Attendance at the symposium is limited to 45 people. Based on similar programs, the symposium is likely to sell out well in advance. Interested residents should register as soon as practical.
Attendance is free. But advance registration is required at http://bit.ly/wisewater_conservation. The program will be held at the Cepeda Branch, Austin Public Library, 651 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin, TX 78702. Lunch is not provided. Numerous restaurants are nearby.

Friday, August 11, 2017

Fall Seminars at Zilker Botanical Garden

Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, 78746

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) or seniors (age 62 & over), $3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted.
 
Bulbs for the Austin Area


Saturday - September 9
10 am – 12 noon
Are you tired of planting bulbs that bloom once and you never see them again? Learn some of the reasons bulbs struggle in our climate and soil while others naturalize into generous clumps that you can share with your friends. Travis County Master Gardener Betty Dunn will discuss some reliable and newer varieties that grow well in our area.
 


 
Garden Decorating 101
Recycle, reclaim & repurpose to enhance your garden space

Saturday - November 4
10 am – 12 noon
Create an outdoor sanctuary by infusing bits of your own personality into your garden. You know what calms you, what aspects of an environment make you feel safest and most peaceful. Bring out those aspects by enhancing your garden in ways that accentuate these elements. Travis County Master Gardener Martha King will show how nature is the ultimate recycler, reusing everything it can, and that creators of garden spaces can use nature as an example.


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


Thursday, July 13, 2017

Wise Rainwater Control for Central Texas

Saturday - August 5, 2017
10 am - 12 noon
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746

Rain gardens, Rainwater Collection, Dry Creeks and Wetlands:
Drought one month, floods the next. Yes, you must be gardening in Central Texas! Can a homeowner control excess run-off from spilling into streets, storm drains and prized succulent gardens? What are some questions that may need to be considered before deciding to invest in any or all of the common options for water control? Join seasoned Travis County Master Gardeners Marian Stasney and Pat Mokry for a discussion on the practical aspects of taming excess rainwater, including functionality, location, construction and maintenance.

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





Thursday, June 15, 2017

The 6 D’s of Container Gardening Success


July 8, 2017 - 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746


Whether you want winter color or summer vegetables, you can grow it in containers. The session covers the major considerations and decisions that lead to gardening success – from design and soil to irrigation and sunlight. Participants will come away with a list of recommended plants and resources suitable for Central Texas. Travis County Master Gardener Kirk Walden is a hands-on experiential gardener.

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.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Saturday Summer Seminars at Zilker Botanical Garden


Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, 78746
10 am – 12 noon


June 10-Wild in the City: Living with Austin’s Urban Wildlife
Got critters? Meredith O’Reilly will lead a discussion of common wildlife species seen in Austin’s urban landscape and offer practical tips for humans to co-exist with wildlife while protecting home and garden. Meredith is the gardening specialist for 4-H CAPITAL and a Texas Master Naturalist.

 


July 8-The 6 D’s of Container Gardening Success
Whether you want winter color or summer vegetables, you can grow it in containers. The session covers the major considerations and decisions that lead to gardening success – from design and soil to irrigation and sunlight. Participants will come away with a list of recommended plants and resources suitable for Central Texas. Travis County Master Gardener Kirk Walden is a hands-on experiential gardener.


August 5-Wise Rainwater Control for Central Texas
(Rain gardens, Rainwater Collection, Dry Creeks and Wetlands)

Drought one month, floods the next. Yes, you must be gardening in Central Texas! Can a homeowner control excess run-off from spilling into streets, storm drains and prized succulent gardens? What are some questions that may need to be considered before deciding to invest in any or all of the common options for water control? Join seasoned Travis County Master Gardeners Marian Stasney and Pat Mokry for a discussion on the practical aspects of taming excess rainwater, including functionality, location, construction and maintenance.

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) 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

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Information Sessions for 2017 Master Gardener Training Program-Travis County

 
Date change for Information Session 2
 
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 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, Monday, June 5, 2017, 6:00 to 7:00 PM
  • MG Information Session 2, Friday, June 9, 2017, 12:00 to 1:00 PM
 
If you are unable to attend one of these sessions offered, you will need to wait until the 2018 information sessions are offered, and thus you will not be able to apply for the 2017 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, 40 applicants will be chosen for interviews.  A maximum of 20 applicants will be accepted into the program.  The fee for the 2017 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 Sept 5 through Oct 24 with the final exam held on Oct 31, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office, 1600-B Smith Rd, Austin, TX  78721.
 
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 (2018 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.
 
For more information, visit http://travis-tx.tamu.edu/horticulture/master-gardener-training/ or call 512-854-9600.
 

Friday, April 21, 2017

Information Sessions for 2017 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 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, Monday, June 5, 2017, 6:00 to 7:00 PM
  • MG Information Session 2, Tuesday, June 6, 2017, 12:00 to 1:00 PM
 
If you are unable to attend one of these sessions offered, you will need to wait until the 2018 information sessions are offered, and thus you will not be able to apply for the 2017 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, 40 applicants will be chosen for interviews.  A maximum of 20 applicants will be accepted into the program.  The fee for the 2017 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 Sept 5 through Oct 24 with the final exam held on Oct 31, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office, 1600-B Smith Rd, Austin, TX  78721.
 
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 (2018 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.
 
For more information, visit http://travis-tx.tamu.edu/horticulture/master-gardener-training/ or call 512-854-9600.
 

Monday, April 17, 2017

Inside Austin Gardens Tour

 
May 6
5 private gardens, 1 public garden
9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Rain or Shine

A rare, behind-the-scenes look at gardens that demonstrate realistic, sustainable practices for Central Texas.
 
 
 
Garden Themes:
  • Earth-Kind Landscaping – environmentally friendly principles and a secret garden.
  • Wildlife Restoration/Preservation – fruits, veggies, beehives & miniature horses.
  • Birds, Butterflies, and Zen – natives, natural attractors along with meditation space.
  • Sun & Shade – sunny daylilies, shady umbrellas and gingers to soothe the soul.
  • Journey Through Fairyland – whimsical design, plethora of plants & a garden piano.
  • AgriLife Testing Ground – rainwater collection, new varieties and proven winners.

$20 advance purchase, $25 on tour day, $5 on tour day for single-garden ticket. The tour of the AgriLife Testing Ground and Demonstration Garden is free.

 
For more information, contact Daphne Richards at 512-854-9600 or drichards@ag.tamu.edu   
 
 

Friday, March 31, 2017

A Passion for Plants: An East Austin Garden Fair

April 8, 2017,  9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Rain or Shine

Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center
2608 Gonzales Street, Austin 78702

Ask the experts and get garden ideas - lots of kid-friendly activities!

Fair showcases creative, low-cost ways to grow vegetables, herbs and fruit as well as information about landscaping, backyard animals and an assortment of demonstration activities.

Free plants, garden magazines, seed catalogs and plastic garden buckets. 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

For more information call 512-854-9600 or visit http://bit.ly/1RxVUN3

Monday, March 6, 2017

2017 Spring Events

March 25 & 26
Zilker Garden Festival


Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin 78746
Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Stop by the Travis County Master Gardener’s vendor tent to purchase a variety of ornamental plants, vegetables and herbs then head over to Kids’ Corner for fun educational garden activities.

Entrance - $10 Adults (age 13+), $4 Children (age 4-12), Under age 4 Free, Parking $5

For more information visit
http://www.zilkergarden.org/ZGF/index.html


April 8
A Passion for Plants: An East Austin Garden Fair


Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center
2608 Gonzales Street, Austin 78702
9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Rain or Shine

Ask the experts and get garden ideas - Lots of Kid-friendly activities! Fair showcases creative, low-cost ways to grow vegetables, herbs and fruit as well as information about landscaping, backyard animals and an assortment of demonstration activities.

Free plants, garden magazines, seed catalogs and plastic garden buckets. Free soil screening for food gardeners – bring a 2-cup soil sample in a quart zip lock bag.
 
For more information call 512-854-9600 or visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/local-extension-resources/east-austin-garden-fair/


May 6
Inside Austin Gardens Tour


5 private gardens, 1 public garden
9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Rain or Shine

A rare, behind-the-scenes look at gardens that demonstrate realistic, sustainable practices for Central Texas. 


Garden Themes:
  • Earth-Kind Landscaping – environmentally friendly principles and a secret garden.
  • Wildlife Restoration/Preservation – fruits, veggies, beehives & miniature horses.
  • Birds, Butterflies, and Zen – natives, natural attractors along with meditation space.
  • Sun & Shade – sunny daylilies, shady umbrellas and gingers to soothe the soul.
  • Journey Through Fairyland – whimsical design, plethora of plants & a garden piano.
  • AgriLife Testing Ground – rainwater collection, new varieties and proven winners.
 
$20 advance purchase, $25 on tour day, $5 on tour day for single-garden ticket.
 
Information and tickets at www.InsideAustinGardens.org
 
 

Friday, January 27, 2017

All About Roses

Saturday - February 4, 2017
10 am - 12 noon
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, 78746

 
Incorporate user friendly roses into your new or existing garden plans! Travis County Master Gardener Cher Coleman has 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.

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.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

All About Roses

Saturday - February 4, 2017
10 am - 12 noon
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Road
Austin, 78746

Incorporate user friendly roses into your new or existing garden plans! Travis County Master Gardener Cher Coleman has 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.

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.