Here are details on the latest, hottest News and upcoming Volunteer & Education Opportunities for your Gardening interests! Use the BCMG Master Calendar to find more information on upcoming Classes and Seminars, Volunteer Opportunities, and Gardening Events.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS
Don’t Miss This Important Information!
Zika 101 & Mosquito Reduction –– Details on MG Calendar
When: Thu, Aug 25 at 10-11:30am & 2-3:30pm; and Tue, Aug 30, 6-7:30pm
Where: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Bexar County Office,3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208
Info: With locally transmitted cases in Florida, Zika is hot on our minds lately! In Texas, we are bracing ourselves for cases spread from our local mosquitoes. And with all the rain we have had, we can expect the mosquito populations to spike in the next couple weeks. Zika is spread by the species of mosquito that lives and breeds in our backyard, so we can play a HUGE role in reducing them and our likelihood of contracting Zika. Learn what you need to know about Zika and Reducing Mosquitoes from an entomologist’s perspective. Free seminar! Space is limited, please RSVP – 210-631-0400 to Nick or email Molly Keck. For BCMGs –– 1.5 CEUs; Code 001.
SAWS WaterSaver Coupons Coming for Fall 2016
Whether you want to reduce the amount of grass in your landscape or just spruce it up, SAWS WaterSaver Coupons can help you make water-saving changes to your landscape that, once established, will look great for years to come. All you need to do is remove 200 square feet of grass and decide if you want to replace it with drought-tolerant plants or a patioscape, or both. Fall 2016 applications will be accepted Sep 1 thru Oct. 31.
Save the Dates on Your December Calendar! –– Details on MG Calendar
Our annual Poinsettia Sale is a major fundraiser for the BCMG and it is scheduled for Fri & Sat, Dec 2nd & 3rd. On both days, volunteers will be needed to help with Poinsettia Unloading and Distribution at BCMG Office, Suite 208. And remember to plan to purchase some poinsettias for gift giving and for your Holiday decor! (Details coming!) Then the following week, the annual Tour of Peterson’s Nursery will take place from 10am to noon on Fri, Dec 9th. (Now, that should have you daydreaming of cooler temperatures!)
CVGP Message from David Rodriguez
As you all know, BCMGs are the Stewards of the Children’s Vegetable Garden Program (CVGP) at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. That being said, this is one of the largest programs that BCMGs oversee! Every MG should consider doing at least a season or two as a Garden Mentor. If you were not able to attend this past Saturday’s orientation, but do want to help out occasionally (especially the first four weeks of planting), please email Mary Fernandez and David today!
And, if you know a family that might have children who would be interested in participating this fall, applications are still being accepted! The first session was held last Saturday morning, August 20th.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Seed Extractors Needed
Need 1-2 volunteers to extract seeds from Ruby Moon’ Hyacinth bean pods. Simple indoor job of about two hours. You can take pods home or work at the AgriLife office. If you are interested, email Angel Torres-Luna, or call 210-631-0400.
2016 Fall Youth Garden Educator Training
When: Sat, Sep 10, Volunteers 8am-4:30pm; Event Time 9am-4pm
Where: Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 NW Military Hwy, 78231
Info: Approximately 25 volunteers are needed to help with plant sorting, presentation time keep, and assist the educators attending. Job descriptions are available on the BCMG calendar entry for this event. This program is designed for teachers, educators, and volunteers in support of Youth Gardening in the classroom and community. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Ruby Zavala. For BCMGs –– 8.5 Vol Hours; Code 980e.
Fall Backyard Basics Expo – Youth Activities
When: Sat, Sep 17, Volunteers 8:30am-1pm; Event Time 9am-12:30pm
Where: San Antonio College Oppenheimer Academic Center, 1819 N. Main Ave,78212
Info: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will be conducting our Fall Backyard Basics EXPO. Five to six volunteers are needed to help with youth activities, assist as room monitors, and/or assist the participants attending. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Ruby Zavala. For BCMGs –– 4.5 Vol Hours; Code 950.
Backyard Basics Fall Expo – Plant Sale or Ask the Plant Expert Booth
When: Sat, Sep 17, Volunteer Shifts 8-10:30am and 10:30am-1pm
Where: San Antonio College Oppenheimer Academic Center 1819 N. Main Ave 78212
Info: Six volunteers are needed to help with the plant sale and answer gardening questions for the “Ask the Plant Expert Booth.” Please email Anna Vogler to volunteer. For BCMGs –– 2.5 Vol Hours; Code 600b.
Petco’s First Annual Sustainability Festival
When: Wed, Sep 21, 10am-1:00pm
Where: Petco San Antonio Support Center, 654 Richland Hills Drive, 78245
Info: Two volunteers are needed to answer gardening questions at the BCMG table. Please email Anna Vogler to volunteer. For BCMGs –– 3 Vol Hours; Code 611b.
Speakers Bureau
The Speakers’ Bureau needs your help! Please email Karen Gardner or call 210-523-7750 to have your name and contact information added to the Speaker Volunteer List and the Speakers Bureau Assistant s List, or to volunteer for a specific request. Speakers use Volunteer Hour Activity #s: 902=preparation; 903=presentation; 904=tear down; Assistants use #901=Administration. Thanks!!
Here are several current Speakers Bureau Requests:
Topic: Fall Landscaping
When/Where: Sat, Sep 17, 9-10am at West Ave. Compassion, 1705 West Ave., 78207
Topic: Cool Season Veggies
When/Where: Wed, Sep. 21, 6:30-7:30pm at Great Northwest Library, 9050 Wellwood, 78250
Topic: Good Bugs, Bad Bugs
When/Where: Sat, Sep 24, 11am-noon at 1101 Elbel Rd. Schertz, TX 78154
Topic: Perennial That Thrive in SA
When/Where: Wed, Sep 28, 6:30-7:30pm at Great Northwest Library, 9050 Wellwood, 78250
Topic: Speaker’s choice
When/Where: Wed, Oct 5, 6:30-7:30pm at Great Northwest Library, 9050 Wellwood, 78250
Topic: Rainwater Harvesting
When/Where: Saturday, Oct 22, 9-10a.m, 1705 West Ave. 78207
Topic: Plants that Thrive in SA
When/Where: Thu, Feb 9, 2017, 10:30-11 a.m, 13611 Bell Dr. 78217
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Upcoming Classes — See All the Details on MG Calendar!
Wed, Aug 24: Landscaping for Water Management; 1.5 CEUs; Code: 002
Thu, Aug 25: Zika 101 & Mosquito Reduction; 1.5 CEUs; Code 001 (2 classes offered)
Sat, Aug 27: How to Start a Community Garden; 3 CEUs; Code: 002
Sat, Aug 27: Wildscaping: Landscaping for Wildlife & Conserving Water; 2 CEUs; Code: 002
Sat, Aug 27: Raised Bed & Container Gardening; 1 CEU; Code: 002 (2 classes offered)
Sat, Aug 27: Start Growing Your Fall Tomatoes Now! 1.5 CEUs; Code 001
Tue, Aug 30: Thu, Aug 25: Zika 101 & Mosquito Reduction; 1.5 CEUs; Code 001
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Opportunities to Meet New Requirement for 3 CEUs at BCMG Monthly Meetings & Seminars (Total Annual CEUs = 6); BCMG CEU Code: 003
Thu, Sep 22, 6-8:30pm: Beekeeping––General Mtg (note: date change to 4th Thursday)
Thu, Oct 20, 1-3:30pm: Holiday Arrangements with Stephanie Jones––Seminar & Mtg
Thu, Nov 17, 6-8:30pm: Flora of Big Bend with Claude Townsend––General Mtg
Start Growing Your Fall Tomatoes Now! –– Details on MG Calendar
When: Sat, Aug 27, 10:30am–Noon
Where: Milberger’s Landscape Nursery, 3920 N Loop 1604 E., 78247
Info: This free Earth-Kind® Seminar will be presented by David Rodriguez, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Horticulturist. South Texas offers vegetable gardeners two great growing seasons every year. Fall has milder temperatures which bring out the best flavors in home vegetable gardens. Insects and disease are less bothersome. And you can grow warm- and cool-season crops. Bring your questions and a notebook. Details at Milberger’s website. For BCMGs –– 1.5 CEUs; Code 001.
Note: Earth-Kind® combines organic and traditional principles that help homeowners create lush yet environmentally safe gardens and landscapes. These research-proven techniques are successful, and preserve and protect the environment.
Fall Vegetable Seminar –– Details on MG Calendar
When: Sat, Sep 3, 10:30am–Noon
Where: Fanick’s Garden Center Inc., 1025 Holmgreen Road, 78220
Info: David Rodriguez from the Texas A&M Agri-life Extension Service will show you how to properly plant, grow, and harvest your vegetables. David has a ton of experience in gardening and would love to share his knowledge and passion of vegetables with you. Seminar is free but any donations to the Children’s Garden are welcomed. Bring a notebook. Details at Fanick’s website. For BCMGs –– 1.5 CEUs; Code 001.
It’s More Than the Spring! –– Details on MG Calendar
When: Sat, Sep 10, 10:30am–Noon
Where: Milberger’s Landscape Nursery, 3920 N Loop 1604 E., 78247
Info: This free Earth-Kind® Seminar will be presented by David Rodriguez, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Horticulturist. He will help you prepare for a Fall and Winter Vegetable Garden. David will answer your specific questions about your gardening issues. Bring a notebook. Details at Milberger’s website. For BCMGs –– 1.5 CEUs; Code 001.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Bexar County Office presents: Backyard Basics Expo — Details on MG Calendar
When: Sat, Sep 17, 8:30am-12:30pm
Where: San Antonio College Oppenheimer Academic Center, 1819 N. Main Ave, 78212
Info: $20 per person ($25 onsite); For BCMGs –– 4 CEUs; Code 001. Kids Free. Children’s area with youth activities. Free raffle drawing at closing. Register online. Find details in the attachments on the MG Calendar.
Native Landscape Certification, Level 1: Intro to Native Landscapes — Details on MG Calendar
When: Sat, Sep 24, 8am-4pm
Where: Tye Preston Memorial Library, 16311 South Access Road, Canyon Lake, TX 78133
Info: This course teaches the value of including and preserving native plants in landscapes, the differences between sustainable and conventional development, and an understanding of Texas vegetation regions and soils. Fee: $37 plus $10 for lunch options from Jason’s Deli. For BCMGs –– 7 CEUs; Code 002. Register online. For registration questions, email Meg Inglis, NLCP Coordinator, or call 512-589-1316. For location and class specific questions, email Sara Riggs, Host Chapter Manager, or call: 571-236-8571.
Dr. Bill Welch says this will undoubtedly be one of the very best Course offerings he has offered!
Landscape Design Study Series XXIII, Course I –– Details on MG Calendar
When: Mon-Tue, Sep 26-27
Where: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, College Station, TX
Info: An especially exciting program is planned including Jim Patterson ASLA, LEED, who is landscape architect for the upcoming A&M Gardens and Greenway on the West Campus in College Station. 12 CEUs for MGs; Code 001. Discount is $145 by Sep 1st. Find the course description, registration information and tentative schedule online. Email your questions to Michele Wehrheim or call (313) 649-1067.
Registration Now Open! 2016 Texas Fruit Conference –– Details on MG Calendar
When: Mon, Oct 31 and Tue, Nov 1
Where: New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center, 375 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Info: Online registration — Early-Bird $65/per person by Sep 1; regular to Oct 21 $80; on-site registration (Oct 31) $90. Conference topics include: Keys to successful small acreage fruit growing, Stinkbugs and Leaffooted bugs—traditional and organic control approaches, Water delivery & conservation options, most-diagnosed fruit diseases in Texas, History of commercial fruit in Texas, Successful outcomes in farmers markets, Avocados, Olives, Table Grapes, Fringe Fruits, & more!
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: The Cowboy Experience –– Details on MG Calendar
The 2016 Southern Region Master Gardener Conference will be held Nov 1-4, 2016 and hosted by Tarrant County in Arlington and Fort Worth. All who register before midnight, Monday, Sep 5 will be entered to win one of five full registration fees ($275), or one of five tours or the Cowboy Experience (winner’s choice valued from $30 to $70). Master Gardeners from thirteen southern states will come together to learn from gardening specialists, tour local sites and gardens, and be treated to some good old-fashioned Texan hospitality. Get all the details online!
International Spinach Conference to be Held in San Antonio –– Details on MG Calendar
When: Wed-Thu, Nov 30 & Dec 1
Where: El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel, 110 Lexington Ave, 78205
Info: This two-day conference includes a full-day educational meeting with lunch featuring Texas grown spinach, followed by a day-long tour of the rich spinach growing area of the Texas Winter Garden along with numerous research plots and trials. Go online for registration and for further information. CEUs TBD; Code 002.
MASTER GARDENER SPECIALIST COURSES IN 2016—See All the Details on MG Calendar!
If you are interesting in attending, please email David Rodriguez, Extension Agent-Horticulture, Bexar County. BCMG CEU Code: 001.
Texas Superstar, Sep 20-22, Bexar County MGs, San Antonio
Master Volunteer Entomology Specialist, Sep 26-29, San Antonio
Vegetable Specialist, Nov 9-11, Bexar County MGs, San Antonio
AND, CHECK THIS OUT!
SABOT Fall Plant Sale
Plan to head over the San Antonio Botanical Garden (SABOT) on Sat, Sep 24, or Sun, Sep 25 from 10am to 2pm each day for a Really Big Plant Sale! SABOT members have early admission at 9am. As always, admission to the sale is free with paid admission to the Garden. The sale will feature an extremely large inventory of plants that have been nurtured over the summer, and in general they’re looking great, despite the heat. As usual, the majority of the species being offered are perennials with low water requirements, with several new or unusual offerings that will interest avid gardeners.
Dinner Tonight!
Football season will be starting very soon and for family and friends plan to serve Healthy Beef Fajitas!
In Case You Missed It!
2017 TMGA State Conference – The CRUISE!
Five hundred and sixteen (516) Master Gardeners have signed up for the 2017 Texas Master Gardener Association State Conference Cruise leaving the dock in Galveston on April 27, 2017. Loads of great speakers while we cruise and over fifty shore excursions are available for your picking when we dock in Cozumel. Come join your fellow Master Gardeners and enjoy a great State Conference!
There are still a few openings left so sign up now! If you register for the cruise and conference before Labor Day, you will be entered into a drawing and eligible to win one of 5 free tours or one of 5 free registrations (your money will be refunded if you win); all prior registrants are included in the drawing. Come join us! Sign up now online!
The Awards Luncheon will be in Galveston on May 1, 2017 after the ship docks. Details are being finalized now so more information will be coming soon.
Mark Your Calendar: 2018 TMGA State Conference
The 2018 TMGA State Conference will be held in College Station, TX from April 4 to April 6, 2018 coinciding with the Grand Opening of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Teaching Garden. Be sure and put this on your calendar – it will be a wonderful conference and an opportunity to tour the new Teaching Garden.
PLEASE NOTE: The email address associated with this e-Blast is only checked once a week. To volunteer or to sign up for a class, please use contacts provided. Thank you! If you no longer wish to receive e-Blasts from Bexar County Master Gardeners, please send an email to eBlasts@bexarmg.org with “Remove from Distribution List” in the subject line.
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