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