Thursday, February 28, 2019

Spring is here! East Austin Garden Fair set to bloom


Welcome all gardeners!  Whether you are new to, or an old-hand at gardening, the “East Austin Garden Fair: A Passion for Plants” is perfect for you.  Experts from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Travis County Master Gardeners and Austin Parks and Recreation will be available to answer your questions and share their gardening expertise. 

Admission is free and the event is open to the public. The theme for this year’s fair is “Learn. Teach. Grow” and will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13 at the Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center, 2608 Gonzales St. in Austin.

With over 50 booths exhibiting on a variety of topics, the fair will appeal not only to the traditional homeowner but also to those who favor more urban lifestyles.  A special section just- for-kids brings lots of family-fun activities.  There will be a plant giveaway, lots of free gardening materials, and complimentary soil screening.

“This fun, hands-on fair involves community members in creative, low-cost ways to grow foods to improve their family diet, as well as providing people an opportunity to learn about EarthKind landscaping,” said Daphne Richards, AgriLife Extension agent for horticulture, Travis County. Richards said EarthKind landscaping combines the best of traditional and organic techniques while emphasizing reduced use of chemicals.
    
Daphne will be available to answer questions about gardening and horticulture and to talk about the Master Gardener volunteer program as part of the “Meet the Horticulture Agent” feature at the fair. 

Travis County Master Gardeners will provide information on a variety of horticulture topics, while community partner organizations will provide information on related services, programs and projects.

“The fair’s demonstration activities will include straw bale gardening, tools and techniques, and composting, as well as learning about best irrigation methods and how to garden using containers,” Richards said. “Attendees can also learn how to care for their fruit trees, house plants and vegetable gardens, plus learn about subjects like backyard chickens and beekeeping.”

Richards said free soil screening for gardeners will be offered through Austin Resource Recovery. To have soil tested for metals, pH and nutrients, attendees need to bring a 2-cup soil sample in a quart-size zip-lock bag. Instructions for soil sampling can be found at
http://austintexas.gov/soilkitchen.

Free vegetable, herb or ornamental plants will be given to attendees while supplies last.



For more information, call 512-854-9600 or go to AgriLife Extension’s Central Texas Horticulture site at http://bit.ly/eastaustingardenfair.


Free Seminar - The Challenges of Tomatoes Blight - Blossom End Rot - Bugs

10 AM to 12 PM at the Austin Area Garden Center, Zilker Botanical Garden.

Master Gardener Vegetable Specialist Patty Leander will kick-off this year’s seminar series on March 30, 2019, with a presentation on tomatoes.  She will share her knowledge of how to overcome some common challenges that adversely affect tomatoes, such as common bugs and diseases.  In addition, Patty will share harvesting tips and some of her favorite recipes for enjoying your tomato bounty.  Austin newcomers and long-time residents will benefit from the seminar, whether you have a large backyard garden, participate in a community garden, or have a few potted tomatoes on your balcony.

Part of the Travis County Master Gardener seminar series. Presentations this year will feature a breadth of gardening topics, such as growing tomatoes, dealing with drought conditions, and Japanese garden design, that will be of interest to both new and experienced gardeners. 

The Austin Area Garden Center in Zilker Botanical Garden is located at 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin 78746.  A park entrance fee is required.  The fees are $2 per adult, $1 per child (ages 3-12) or seniors (age 62 & over), and $3 for non-Austin Residents. Cash or check accepted.

Attendance to the seminar is free.  No registration is required.