Travis County Master Gardeners Association

Texas Tough Plants
2016-06-09 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office, 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX, 78721, United States
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 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 garden goals.
Part of the Dealing with Drought Series
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

Firewise Gardening
2016-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Austin Area Garden Center – Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, United States
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.
Zilker Botanical Garden
2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
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

Tree Care
2016-05-12 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office, 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX, 78721, United States
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.
Part of the Dealing with Drought Series
Cost: $10 through 5/02; $15 starting 5/03 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

East Austin Garden Fair 2016
2016-04-16 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center, Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center 2608 Gonzales Street, Austin, TX, 78702, United States
Ask the experts and get garden ideas.
Kid-friendly activities!
Free Admission
Free Plants
Free Garden books, magazines and seed catalogs
Free Soil Screening for food gardeners – Bring a 2-cup soil sample in a quart zip lock bag
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.
New this year – free soil screening for food gardeners (for metals, pH and nutrients) offered through Austin Resource Recovery. Bring a 2-cup soil sample in a quart zip lock bag.
Easy instructions for soil sampling at http://austintexas.gov/soilkitchen
FREE vegetable, herb and ornamental plants (while supplies last) are offered to participants to encourage continued interest in horticulture and healthful eating.
Long-standing community partners and new participants include the Sustainable Food Center, Capital Area Food Bank, Green Corn Project, Home Depot Kid’s Workshop, Austin Public Library, Austin Resource Recovery, City of Austin-Urban Forestry, Brite Ideas – Aquaponics, Hydroponics & Organics, Texas Parks & Wildlife, 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.
Flyer-English Flyer- Spanish
Educational programs conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program are open to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the County Commissioners’ Court of Texas cooperating. Persons with disabilities who plan to attend a meeting and who may need auxiliary aids or services are required to contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County at 512-854-9600 ten working days prior to the meeting so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Rainwater Harvesting for Landscape Use
2016-04-14 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office, 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX, 78721, United States
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.
Part of the Dealing with Drought Series
Cost: $10 through 4/04; $15 starting 4/05 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

59th Annual Zilker Garden Festival
2016-04-02 10:00 - 2016-04-03 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Austin Area Garden Center – Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, United States
Visit the Travis County Master Gardeners at the Festival!
For over 50 years, the annual Zilker Garden Festival has been a one-stop, garden shopping destination when spring arrives in Austin and Central Texas. A family-friendly event, the garden festival offers something for everyone.
Shop Vendors
Visit our vendor booths from Austin and Central Texas who will offer a variety of plants for sale – native and adapted annuals and perennials, cacti & succulents, veggies & herbs, orchids, and tropicals. Shop for garden-themed arts & crafts, ceramic pottery, custom jewelry, handmade artistic clothing, herbal products, and garden hats.
City of Austin Programs
Visit the City of Austin Grow Green tables on the lawn by the Garden Center for activities, resources, and information on growing beautiful, earth-wise gardens. Visit Smokey the Bearfrom 10:30am-12:30pm! Take a Garden Tour at 2:30pm, led by a Grow Green plant expert at the Green Garden (near the Garden Center)! Create miniature faerie houses, forts, or sculptures at the Zilker Botanical Garden table!
Plan to arrive early and bring your wagon!
Details at http://zilkergarden.org/ZGF/index.html
Half Price Admission on Sunday For All Bicyclists!
$10 Adults (age 13+), $4 Children (age 4-12), Under age 4 Free, Parking $5*

Lawn Maintenance for Water Conservation
2016-03-10 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office, 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX, 78721, United States
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. In addition, find out the best way to water, fertilize, and mow your lawn. Daphne Richards, County Extension Agent—Horticulture Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Travis County leads educational programming in the areas of home horticulture, urban agriculture, and the green industry. She also serves as the coordinator of the local Master Gardener program. Watch her each week on the award-winning television program “Central Texas
Gardener”. You might also see her around town at various gardening events with Augie, her sweet little Dachshund.
Part of the Dealing with Drought Series
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

Effects on Insect Ecology: How You Can Help
2016-02-11 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office, 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX, 78721, United States
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/
Part of the Dealing with Drought Series
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

Texas First Detector
2016-02-06 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Austin Area Garden Center – Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, United States
“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

Compost for Beginners
2016-01-09 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Austin Area Garden Center – Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, United States
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

Beekeeping 101: What’s the Buzz?
2015-12-09 16:45 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office, 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX, 78721, United States
December 10, 2015
Travis County Extension Office

Cost: $15.00
Must RSVP by December 9, 2015 at 2 PM (Central time)

RSVP to sacarrasco@ag.tamu.edu
you will receive a confirmation email once you are on the list.

Seating is limited, so register early
Pay at the door- CHECKS ONLY (NO CASH ACCEPTED!)

Location: 1600-B Smith Road, Austin, TX 78721

Program as follows:

4:45-5:30 Registration
5:30-5:35 Welcome
5:35-6:25 Honey Bee Biology & Behavior
6:25-7:10 How to Get Started: Beekeeping Equipment Essentials
7:10-7:15 Break
7:15-8:00 Buying Bees, Installation & Basic Set-up
Where Do I Get Bees?
8:00-8:45 Annual Management
8:45-8:55 Ag Land Tax Valuation for Honeybees
8:55-9:00 Evaluation & Wrap Up

The program will be co-presented by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agents and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Volunteers.

Questions? Call 512-854-9610 or 512-581-7186

Person with disabilities who plan to attend meetings or functions who may need auxiliary aids or services are requested to contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Travis County at (512) 854-9610 two days prior to the event so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Educational programs of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, disability, age or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U. S. Department of Agriculture and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

Backyard Basics – Bold and Beautiful Edibles
2015-11-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office, 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX, 78721, United States
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 and onsite, 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
Space is limited so register on-line early to reserve your seat!
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Backyard Basics series.

Inside Austin Gardens Tour
2015-10-17 | TX
The Travis County Master Gardeners Association has set Saturday, October 17, 2015 for their popular Inside Austin Gardens Tour (IAGT). The tour provides a rare look inside six private gardens and one public experimental garden that demonstrate realistic, sustainable gardening practices for Central Texas.
Tickets are $19 advance purchase, $20 purchased at the tour.
For details and to purchase advance tickets, go to insideaustingardens.org

Backyard Basics – Plant Propagation
2015-10-08 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office, 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX, 78721, United States
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

Backyard Basics - Natural Pest Control
2015-09-10 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office, 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX, 78721, United States
Come to learn how to tell pests from other insects found in your backyard. We will focus on integrated pest management to avoid many problem pests you may experience. 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/

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Backyard Basics series.
For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600.
Cost: $10 thru 09/06, $15 starting 09/07and onsite
NO cash accepted – checks and credit cards only.

Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
Space is limited so register on-line early to reserve your seat!

Photography in the Garden
2015-08-08 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Austin Area Garden Center – Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, United States
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 with park entry.
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

Backyard Basics – Backyard Chickens
2015-08-06 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office, 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX, 78721, United States
Are you ready for the fun and rewarding experience of keeping your own backyard chickens? Ally Stresing will help you get started with this informative talk on raising the home flock. Ally Stresing is an accomplished vegetable gardener who decided that no backyard garden is complete without chickens.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Backyard Basics Series.
For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600.
Cost: $10 thru 08/02, $15 starting 08/03 and onsite
NO cash accepted – checks and credit cards only.
Register: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Register by Phone: 979-845-2604
Space is limited so register on-line early to reserve your seat!

Pond Basics – the Big, Bad and Beautiful
2015-07-18 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Austin Area Garden Center – Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, United States
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 with park entry
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

Best Culinary Herbs for Austin
2015-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Austin Area Garden Center – Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, United States
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 with Zilker entry
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.

Master Gardener Training Information Session
2015-06-16 10:00 - 23:00, 2015-06-09 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office, 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX, 78721, United States
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.
MG Information Session 1, Tuesday June 9, 2015, 6:00 to 7:00 PM
MG Information Session 2, Friday June 12, 2015, 12:00 to1:00 PM
MG Information Session 3, Tuesday June 16, 2015, 10:00 to 11:00 AM
All information sessions will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office, 1600-B Smith Rd, Austin, TX 78721
If you are unable to attend one of the 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.

Master Gardener Training Information Session
2015-06-12 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office, 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX, 78721, United States
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.
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
All information sessions will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office, 1600-B Smith Rd, Austin, TX 78721
If you are unable to attend one of the 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.

Dealing with Drought - Preparing for the Fall Garden
2015-06-11 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office, 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX, 78721, United States
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.

Registration: $10 through 6/07, $15 starting 6/08 and onsite
https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Backyard Basics series.
For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600

Dealing with Drought - Alternative Methods of Gardening
2015-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Travis Co AgriLife Extension Service Office, 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX, 78721, United States
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 Stasney will describe the ancient practices of both keyhole gardening and hugelkultur.
Registration: $10 through 5/10, $15 starting 5/11 and onsite
https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Dealing with Drought series.
For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600.

Butterflies in the Garden
2015-05-09 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Austin Area Garden Center – Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, United States
Butterflies in the Garden: Wanting to start a butterfly garden for you school or even your own backyard? Maybe, you have a small garden and just want to help encourage pollinators to pay you plants a visit. In this talk we will focus on butterflies and how you can invite them into your space. Kellyn Smith has been a Master Gardener since 2013. A lover of all insects she has a specialty in entomology and founded the butterfly garden at her school, a place she and her students treasure.
Presented by Travis County Master Gardeners. For more information contact: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Travis County, 512-854-9600
See the Workshops & Events Calendar for more information.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/local-extension-resources/calendar-2/
