Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-859-5752, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Daphne Richards, 512-854-9600, drichards@ag.tamu.edu
AUSTIN – The annual “East Austin Garden Fair: A Passion for Plants” will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 14 at the Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center, 2608 Gonzales St. in Austin.
The fair is presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Travis County Master Gardeners and Austin Parks and Recreation. The theme for this year’s fair is “Learn. Teach. Grow.”
Admission is free and the event is open to the public. There will be a plant giveaway, free gardening materials and a free soil screening for those involved in vegetable, fruit and herb gardening.
“This fun, hands-on fair involves community members in creative, low-cost ways to grow foods to improve the family diet, plus provides them 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.
Richards will be available to answer questions about gardening and horticulture and 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 provide information on related services, programs and projects.
“The fair’s do-it-yourself and demonstration activities will include building a rain barrel, constructing a raised-bed garden area or compost bin, 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 house plants and garden tools, 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 and ornamental plants will be given to attendees while supplies last.
Community partners and new participants in the fair include the Sustainable Food Center, Green Corn Project, Home Depot Kids’ Workshop, Austin Public Library, Austin Resource Recovery, City of Austin-Urban Forestry, 4-H CAPITAL AmeriCorps, Travis County 4-H, Travis County Master Wellness Volunteers, the Travis County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and the Cooperative Extension Program-Prairie View A&M University.
For more information, call 512-854-9600 or go to AgriLife Extension’s Central Texas Horticulture site at http://bit.ly/1RxVUN3.
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