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.
Have a Safe Memorial Day Weekend!
ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS
TOMORROW NIGHT: BCMG Election, Meeting & Class
Edible, Poisonous & Sacred Plants — Details on MG Calendar!
WHEN: Thu, May 21, 6-8pm
WHERE: 3355 Cherry Ridge Suite 212 San Antonio, TX 78230
INFO: 1 CEU. Free. Paul Cox, botanist, co-author of Texas Trees, a Friendly Guide, and former Horticulturist for the City of San Antonio will share his expertise on plants that we might not recognize as edible, poisonous, or considered sacred. Election of 2015-16 BCMG Board of Directors will also take place. For more information, email President Barbara Lutz or call 210-699-0663.
Mark Your Calendars & Register for the Agrilife Volunteer Recognition Breakfast
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service would like to invite you and a guest to a Special Appreciation Breakfast in order to recognize and thank each of Extension’s volunteers and partners for making our programs possible. Join the group on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, 9-11am at MacArthur Park, 1611 NE Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78209. Please RSVP by 5pm, Mon, Jun 15. Register Online, or call (979) 845-2604.
Help Molly Keck, Extension Entomologist!
Grubs Needed: If you have huge rhino beetle grubs in your compost, mulch or soil, collect them for summer bug camps (used for experiments & to demonstrate insect lifecycle). Email Molly Keck, or call: 210-467-6575, or drop the grubs by the office.
Paper Wasps Needed: As it warms up, if you have paper wasps building nests around your house, don’t knock them down, let Molly get them! She is working with a company which will extract the venom for venom therapy. Email Molly Keck, or call 210-467-6575, and she will make arrangements to remove the nest and collect the wasps.
Loquat(Japanese/Chinese plum) Fruit Needed!
Dr. Connie Sheppard would appreciate any of your excess loquat fruit for one of her jams and jellies classes. Please drop them off at the Extension Service office on 3355 Cherry Ridge in the next few days (to the Attention of Annette Pawelek).
Help!! Fill the SAWS Billing Position!!
This work can be done from home. Duties include: maintaining SAWS spreadsheet using approved event sign-in sheets; comparing/reconciling billing information with speakers request spreadsheet (Google Docs); creating an Excel billing invoice & sending to BCMG bookkeeper for QuickBooks. Invoice/supporting information (approvals & sign-in sheets) are sent to SAWS for payment. Shanna Ciano has held this position since our Water Conservation partnership with SAWS was established in 2009. Contact Shanna or Barbara Lutz for more information. This is a very important position as a major part of our operations are funded through this partnership with SAWS.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Need More Help Tomorrow Morning! — Details on MG Calendar!
WHEN: Thu, May 21, 8:30am-Noon
WHERE: San Antonio Food Bank, 5200 West Old Us Highway 90, San Antonio, TX 78227
INFO: Your help is needed to finish working on the State Earth-Kind Herb Trial planting. This is the spring Intern’s special project, but all help and guests are welcome to help finish mulching the herb beds, do light weeding and plant more Rio Grande Gold peppers for future seed collection. Email David Rodriguez if you are able to participate. Detailed directions and maps to the SA Food Bank can be found on the MG Calendar entry for May 21. You can also learn more about volunteering at the SA Food Bank Garden (and Plant Trials) by visiting their website. NOTE: Approx. 20 lbs of “Select Red” Bluebonnet seeds were harvested last week…thanks to all who helped out!
St. John Berchmans Catholic School— Details on MG Calendar!
WHEN: Fri, May 22, 1:30-3:30pm
WHERE: 1147 Cupples Rd San Antonio, TX 78226
INFO: Come out and help install a new garden at St. John Berchmans Catholic School. The learn and work party with the local community will be planting seeds and teaching the kids about transplants vs seeds. Need 1-2 volunteers. If you are interested, email Ruby Zavala.
Basil Fest at Pearl Brewery Farmers Market — Details on MG Calendar!
WHEN: Sat, May 30, 8:30am-1:30pm
WHERE: 303 Pearl Pkwy #300, San Antonio, TX 78215
INFO: The Bexar County Youth Gardens Program will have a booth where we will be potting basil with kids for them to take home to their families. 5-6 volunteers are needed to help with potting and and to talk to the kids about plant care. If you are interested, email Ruby Zavala.
Eco Centro Common Grounds Sustainability Event — Details on MG Calendar!
WHEN: Sun, May 31, 2-8pm
WHERE: Eco Centro of San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
INFO: This event aims to inform people about sustainability and caring for our community. Need 2-3 volunteers to show kids centipedes, beetles, and grubs in Life in a Rotting Log Box and talk to the kids about the importance of insects to our gardens. If you are interested, email Ruby Zavala.
44th Annual Texas Folklife Festival — Details on MG Calendar!
WHEN: Fri, Jun 12, 10am-Noon (Set-up); Sat, Jun 13, two shifts, 10am-3pm and 3-8pm; Sun, Jun 14, two shifts, 10am-2pm and 2-6pm
WHERE: Institute of Texan Cultures UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78205
INFO: On Fri, BCMG volunteers are needed to set up tables and make preparations necessary to provide gardening and water conservation information. On Sat and Sun, join us under the Oak trees to answer gardening questions and help kids pot a plant! You will get a wristband for entrance to the Festival. Park and Ride is available from Crossroads and Randolph. For more information, or to volunteer, email Barbara Lutz, or call (210) 699-0663.
Sewers Needed — Details on MG Calendar!
WHEN: Fri, Jun 12, 10am-4pm
WHERE: 3355 Cherry Ridge Suite 212 San Antonio, TX 78230
INFO: Molly Keck (IPM Program Specialist, & Board Certified Entomologist) needs help sewing insect collection bags for her summer camps. Lunch will be provided. Bring your sewing machine (if you have one you’re most comfortable with), but some will be available. Email Molly Keck to let her know you are coming, or call: 210-467-6575.
WEED, FEED & SEED Help Needed
BCMG Demonstration Garden at the The San Antonio Yoga Center, 11015 Shaenfield Rd, SA 78254, needs your ongoing help. Email Randy Mass, (MG Class 41), or 210-523-7292 to sign up today…any and all help is appreciated!
SPEAKERS NEEDED!!
Please email Sandy Justice if you are interested volunteering for any of these presentations. Your participation is greatly appreciated!
West Ave Compassion Community Gardens
Where: First Church of the Nazarene, 10715 West Ave.
When: Sat, Jun 6, 9:30 am
What: Would like to have a Master Gardener to answer gardening questions, or provide a 30-45 minute presentation on any of these topics: herbs, plant propagation, organic gardening, container gardening, home composting, fruit trees, good bugs/bad bugs, rain gardens, water conservation or worm composting.
Green Spaces Alliance
When: Sat, Jun 13, 5:30-6pm
Where: Gardens of St Therese, 906 W. Kentucky Ave. San Antonio, TX 78201
Topic: Harvesting food from the garden, washing and proper fresh food handling.
Green Spaces Alliance
When: Sat, Oct 24, 5:30-6pm
Where: River Road Community Garden, 780 E. Huisache at corner of Allison Rd, San Antonio, TX 78212
Topic: Harvesting food from the garden, washing and proper fresh food handling.
Rainbow Garden Club
When: Sat, Nov 14
Where: TBD
Topic: Winter Gardening.
Newcomers Garden Interest Group
When: Mon, Jan 11, 2016, 10am-Noon; Speaker starts 10:15; 90 min presentation and Q&A
Where: Meets in private home in 78257 zip code
Topic: Growing Roses in SA.
Newcomers Garden Interest Group
When: Mon, Feb 8, 2016, 10am-Noon; Speaker starts 10:15; 90 min presentation and Q&A
Where: Meets in private home in 78257 zip code
Topic: Summer Vegetable Gardening.
Newcomers Garden Interest Group
When: Mon, Jun 13, 2016, 10am-Noon; Speaker starts 10:15; 90 min presentation and Q&A
Where: Meets in private home in 78257 zip code
Topic: Good Bugs, Bad Bug.s
Newcomers Garden Interest Group
When: Mon Aug 8, 2016, 10am-Noon; Speaker starts 10:15; 90 min presentation and Q&A
Where: Meets in private home in 78257 zip code
Topic: Rain Gardens.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Festival of Flowers Seminars & Roundtable — Details on MG Calendar!
WHEN: Sat May 23, 9-5pm
WHERE: Alzafar Shrine Auditorium, 901 N. Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, TX 78258
INFO: CEUs vary. Fee: $6. Free parking. Seminars: 9:45am-Soil Science, 10:45am-Spa Garden, 11:45am-Scorch Gardening, and 12:45pm-Flowering Trees. Afternoon Organic Roundtable begins at 2pm. For more information on the plant exchange, exhibits, demonstrations, etc., visit the Festival of Flowers website.
Basics of Home Made Wine — Details on MG Calendar!
WHEN: Fri, May 29, 8:30am-4pm
WHERE: Gardens at Old Town Helotes, 15060 Antonio Drive, Helotes, TX 78023
INFO: 6.5 CEUs. Fee: $40 includes lunch. RSVP by Noon,Tues, May 26 to Angel Torres, or call 210 467-6575. .Dr. Larry A. Stein and Dr. Justin Scheiner will present a history of winemaking, how to grow grapes and other winemaking fruit, steps and equipment for starting and a wine making demonstration. Phillip Manea from Wine 101 Helotes will discus wine selections and offer a wine sampling. You can read an article on this class at AgriLife TODAY.
Youth Speakers Bureau Training — Details on MG Calendar!
WHEN: Fri, May 29, 10am-Noon
WHERE: Texas AgriLife Office, Suite 212, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr. San Antonio TX 78229
INFO: 2 CEUs. Free. Interested in speaking to the youth about gardening and life in the garden? Join us for detailed training on different activities to do with the kids. The Youth Speakers Bureau is in urgent need of participants, and really needs volunteers who are interested in sharing their knowledge about gardening. Email Ruby Zavala if you would like to attend.
Citrus Trees for Your Landscape — Details on MG Calendar!
WHEN: Sat, May 30, 10:30am-Noon
WHERE: Milberger’s Landscaping & Nursery, 3920 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78247
INFO: 1.5 CEUs. Free Earth-Kind seminar. More information at Milberger’s website. David Rodriguez, Horticulturist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will discuss how to successfully grow bountiful citrus from trees planted in your landscape or in containers. Bring a notebook.
Growing Palms in the Urban Landscape — Details on MG Calendar!
WHEN: Tue, Jun 16, 6:30-8:30pm
WHERE: Texas AgriLife Office, Suite 212, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr. San Antonio TX 78229
INFO: 2 CEUs. Fee: $10. Mark Peterson, San Antonio Water Systems –Water Conservation Department and former Urban Forester, will discuss the proper selection, planting and maintenance of palm trees in the Urban Landscape. To register, email Angel Torres, or call 210-467-6575.
MG Composter Specialist Training
WHEN: Wed & Thu, Jun 17 & 18, 8am-5pm; Tour of New Earth Soils & Compost on Fri, Jun 19, 9am-12pm.
WHERE: San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX 78209
INFO: 16 CEUs. Fee: $225. Application deadline is Tue, Jun 9, 2015. Detailed information is available on the MG Calendar. You can also email David Rodriguez, County Extension Agent-Horticulturist, or call (210) 467-6575.
Companion Planting Seminar — Details on MG Calendar!
WHEN: Thu, Jun 18, 1-3pm
WHERE: Texas AgriLife Office, Suite 208, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr. San Antonio TX 78229
INFO: 2 CEUs. Free. Master Gardener, Don Crites, will explain which plants, when grown together, attract beneficial or repel harmful insects and/or improve flavor or growth. Bexar County Master Gardener (BCMG) Educational Seminars are held on the afternoon of the third Thursday every other month. For more information, call: 467-6575, or email President Barbara Lutz.
AND, CHECK THIS OUT!
Applications Due This Friday!
Summer Internship – anyone knowing a high school senior or college student looking for a summer job, Texas A&M AgriLife’s horticulture and entomology programs are looking to hire an intern. Jun 15 to Aug 14, approximately 20-30 hours per week, $10 per hour. Interns will help with youth camps, planning camps and programs, leading educational presentations, developing and updating curriculum and some field research. For more information, email Molly Keck or call 210‐467‐6575. Internship 2015 application must be submitted by Fri, May 22.
Brews & Blooms on Saturday Night — Details on MG Calendar!
The San Antonio Botanical Garden, in conjunction with San Antonio Cerveceros, will host Brews and Blooms on Sat, May 23, 6:30-10pm! This is a casual evening of craft beer sampling, food trucks and music. It all takes place in the gorgeous, blooming Botanical Garden at 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio. For adults only; tickets: $25 per person ($22 for Garden Members); admission includes a commemorative glass and tickets good for six beer samples. If you are a designated driver tickets are only $15. Purchase your tickets online.
Summer Camps for Kiddos, Grands, Nieces, Nephews — Details on MG Calendar!
Art in the Garden for Ages 5-8yrs
When: Jun 11 & Jul 16, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, S.A. TX 78230
Come join us for some summer fun! Learn about plants, insects, and other garden life while creating art for your garden(s). Cost: $20 per child. For more information and to register email Ruby Zavala.
Suggested Reading From David Rodriguez
Learn about Citrus Greening in this article: Greening-Resistant GMO Oranges.
Bookmark the Bexar County Youth Gardens Blog to follow what the kids are doing at the Children’s Vegetable Garden (CVG)! Great gardening tips and How To’s. And, the Spring CVG Vegetable Contest was held last Saturday Morning, May 16th. If you’d like to see some great photos from that event, visit the Bexar County Youth Gardens Program FaceBook Page.
The Dinner Tonight website will help you get ready for Barbecue Season! See a video on preparing your grill and learn some healthy grilling tips.
Rebates
CPS offers a Green Shade Tree Rebate which will expire June 30.
SAWS is offering two different coupon programs simultaneously, and require you to remove at least 200 square feet of turf per program coupon. The Watersaver Patioscape Coupon and Watersaver Landscape Coupon are now available; deadline to apply for both is June 30.
SAWS Irrigation Consultation offer
SAWS Residential Irrigation Design Rebate information is also available at Garden Style San Antonio.
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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