World of Cacti and Succulents
The Natural Gardener 8648 Old Bee Caves Rd, Austin, TX, United StatesCome learn about the world of cacti, agave, and euphorbia. Ian will give pointers of how to use them in your home or yard as well as give growing tips and care advice. The World of Cacti and Succulents class is presented by Ian Griffin.
Cut Back Tropical Milkweed
Cut back tropical milkweed to discourage monarch butterflies from overwintering.
Hot & Sweet Remedies for Cold & Flu Season
The Natural Gardener 8648 Old Bee Caves Rd, Austin, TX, United StatesLearn how to make elderberry syrup and fire cider at home. We will discuss the benefits and explore variations of these tried and true folk formulas to personalize a blend that is just right for you and yours. This Hot & Sweet Remedies for Cold & Flu Season class is presented by Herbalist Leesalyn Koehler.
The Importance of Soil
The Natural Gardener 8648 Old Bee Caves Rd, Austin, TX, United StatesProper soil gives a good foundation for a plant to thrive. Join us as a guest speaker from Zilker Botanical Gardens explains how soil can be just as important a factor to consider as sunlight or water requirements. The Importance of Soil class is presented by Matthew Gaston from Zilker Botanical Gardens.
Austin Herb Society Monthly Meeting
Zilker Botanical Garden 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, United StatesSince 1983, the Austin Herb Society has been educating members and the community about herbs, including propagation, landscaping, history, folklore, and culinary, medicinal, and decorative uses of herbs. While our members are united by an interest in herbs, they are also a diverse group of individuals: from gardeners and herbalists to cooks and business owners. AHS members design and maintain the Zilker Herb Garden-a dazzling landscape of color and fragrance that has become a centerpiece of Zilker Botanical Garden. Here, visitors can touch, taste, and smell they way through nearly 200 varieties of herbs, depending on the season. Bees and butterflies dot the beds of basil, lavender, and calendula. There are classic culinary herbs like rosemary, mint, and thyme alongside herbs revered for their health attributes, including aloe and echinacea. In addition to hands-on learning in the Zilker Herb Garden, members enjoy: Monthly meetings with expert speakers on diverse topics (currently via zoom) Educational workshops and seminars throughout the year Study groups focused on culinary herbs and herbal products Field trips to unique gardens and herb-loving businesses Delicious herbal refreshments at our in-person meetings Fellowship with interesting and informed herb lovers Please join us in exploring the wonderful world of herbs! You can also find us on Facebook
Austin Ikebana Group Monthly Meeting
Zilker Botanical Garden 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, United StatesThe Austin Ikebana Group was founded by Isamu Taniguchi (circa 1902-1992), who started building the Taniguchi Japanese Garden when he was 70 years old. Ikebana is more than simply arranging flowers-its Japanese characters mean “giving life to flowers.” This art form has spiritual and philosophical roots, where the relationship between every flower, stem, branch, leaf, and even container expresses a balanced and harmonious nature. The feelings of the arranger play a key role as well. Members rotate leading demonstrations and workshops. Because members have trained in various schools of Ikebana, including Ohara, Sogetsu, Ikenobo, and Ichiyo, they bring a rich atmosphere of learning and growth to the meetings. This becomes a contemplative practice of expressing gentleness and elegance through the art of flower arrangement. Meetings are monthly on the first Friday at 10am.
Austin Bonsai Society Monthly Meeting
Zilker Botanical Garden 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, United StatesBonsai is a living art form, with each plant constantly changing under the hand of the artist. It is a painting never quite finished. Bonsai also change with the seasons, with each plant having its own unique attractiveness during each season. Miniature maples, tiny elms, delicate pines, and junipers reflect both the seasons and the climates where they grow. Under our eyes, and in miniature form, we are privileged to watch the budding and leafing out of spring, followed by the flowers and fruit of summer, and the stark, yet beautiful, effect of bare branches against the winter sky. Bonsai is an exciting adventure that cannot be adequately described to those who have not experienced it personally. Miniature trees and landscapes, carefully nurtured in the seemingly too small containers, return to us much more than they exact in the cost of creating and maintaining these plants, which soon become our “children.” Bonsai is an adventure in which you can participate with us. You can find the Austin Bonsai Society on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Annular Solar Eclipse
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth while at its farthest point from Earth. Because the Moon is farther away from Earth, it does not completely block the Sun. This will create a "ring of fire" effect in the sky for those standing in the path of annularity. During an annular eclipse, it is never safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing. Location Partial Eclipse Begins Annularity Begins Maximum Annularity Ends Partial Eclipse Ends Lakeway, Texas 10:23 a.m. CDT 11:52 a.m. CDT 11:54 a.m. CDT 11:56 a.m. CDT 1:33 p.m. CDT
Landscape Design Class: Curb Appeal
Lakeway Activity Center 105 Cross Creek, Lakeway, TX, United StatesJoin HGTV featured Landscape Designer Gay Gray and learn how to create an inviting landscape in your yard. Learn the basics in curb appeal and backyard design from Gay Gray who has been a featured landscape designer on HGTV and focuses on earth wise and organic gardening. Learn what deer-resistant and drought-tolerant plantings will work great in your landscape. Now your home can be more inviting to family and friends and have that extra detail which may have a potential buyer taking a closer look. The first 5 participants who register by September 13 will have their pictures used as examples in class for design suggestions and ideas. About Gay Gray After a long career as an intellectual property litigator focusing on patent law, Gay Bonorden Gray decided to do her part in making the world a more beautiful place. Leaving a secure position in a Fortune 500 company as in-house counsel, Gay went back to school to pursue a career in horticulture. Since starting her business in landscaping, Gay’s designs have appeared in print in several publications by Sunset Magazines and Books (available at retailers like Barnes and Noble and Home Depot) and have appeared multiple times on HGTV. She filmed two television shows for HGTV's Landscape Smart, and had much fun doing it.
Austin Pond Society Monthly Meeting
Zilker Botanical Garden 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, United StatesThe Austin Pond Society is a nonprofit organization made up of more than 100 members dedicated to increasing awareness of water gardening and to distributing information on pond construction, maintenance, water lilies, and Koi keeping. The APS is composed of people from all walks of life and ages who are interested in backyard ponds, streams, fountains, waterfalls, Koi, goldfish, plants, and all the things it takes to make your own little bit of paradise in your own backyard.
Fall 2023 Earth-Kind Gardening Field Day
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX, United StatesJoin us for "Gardening in Extreme Conditions” at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Travis County Master Gardeners Fall 2023 Earth-Kind® Gardening Field Day! This family-fun and educational event will be held on Saturday, October 21st from 9 am to 1 pm at the Travis County AgriLife Extension office located at 1600 Smith Road, Austin, TX 78721. Parking is available along Smith Road. The event is free and open to the public. It will be held rain or shine. Attendees will receive a free hypertufa pot courtesy of Leaf Landscape Supply (@leaflandscapesupply) while supplies last. For more information please visit https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/event/earth-kind-gardening-field-day-gardening-in-extreme-conditions/. See you there!
Austin Ikebana Group Monthly Meeting
Zilker Botanical Garden 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, United StatesThe Austin Ikebana Group was founded by Isamu Taniguchi (circa 1902-1992), who started building the Taniguchi Japanese Garden when he was 70 years old. Ikebana is more than simply arranging flowers-its Japanese characters mean “giving life to flowers.” This art form has spiritual and philosophical roots, where the relationship between every flower, stem, branch, leaf, and even container expresses a balanced and harmonious nature. The feelings of the arranger play a key role as well. Members rotate leading demonstrations and workshops. Because members have trained in various schools of Ikebana, including Ohara, Sogetsu, Ikenobo, and Ichiyo, they bring a rich atmosphere of learning and growth to the meetings. This becomes a contemplative practice of expressing gentleness and elegance through the art of flower arrangement. Meetings are monthly on the first Friday at 10am.