Gardening & Landscaping Archives - The Austin Common https://theaustincommon.com/tag/gardening__landscaping/ Network of people interested in information, events, and resources related to Austin and the environment. Thu, 02 Nov 2023 20:12:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 Feast in the Field https://theaustincommon.com/event/feast-in-the-field/ Sun, 12 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=50800 Come Celebrate the 120th Birthday of our east Austin farm site! On Saturday, November 11, we’re hosting a Feast in the Field, 6-9 pm where you can dine under the stars, enjoying organic foods from our farm and others, prepared by the Escoffier Culinary school. This...

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Come Celebrate the 120th Birthday of our east Austin farm site!

On Saturday, November 11, we’re hosting a Feast in the Field, 6-9 pm where you can dine under the stars, enjoying organic foods from our farm and others, prepared by the Escoffier Culinary school. This fundraising dinner benefits the Green Amendment campaign, and French artist Denise Camat will auction a painting for this cause.

The evening begins at 6pm with an inspiring keynote speaker, Maya van Rossum, founder of the Green Amendment campaign. This nationally known lawyer and environmental activist will share how Texans can achieve a legal right to a clean and healthy environment (like Montana, Pennsylvania and New York have). And share insights into this summer’s lawsuit brought by Montana’s youth activists who were able, for the first time, to use a Green Amendment to successfully make the case that the state is not protecting them from climate change. (Her talk is free and open to all).

The talk will be followed by a beautiful feast-in-the-field dinner. (Tickets can be purchased here.)

Wear your boots, bring a sweater and come dine under the stars. We’ll celebrate the rich history of this authentically Austin, creative community farm, while enjoying freshly harvested local food, and engage with your neighbors as we discuss climate solutions with national and local leaders.

Dinner features Green Gate Farms’ vegetables, herbs and flowers as well as local meat prepared by our partners at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Organic wine and spirits. Birthday cake to finish! (Vegetarian option available too).

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Healthy Soils, Healthy Trees: Cultivating Biodiversity and Climate Resilience with Mushrooms https://theaustincommon.com/event/healthy-soils-healthy-trees-cultivating-biodiversity-and-climate-resilience-with-mushrooms/ Sat, 30 Sep 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=50584 Join us for a conversation about the role fungi can play to address land conservation and regeneration, and cultivate resilience to climate change and other challenges in Central Texas. Speakers will include Dr. Colin Averill, Founder and CEO of Funga, a public benefit corporation reintroducing...

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Join us for a conversation about the role fungi can play to address land conservation and regeneration, and cultivate resilience to climate change and other challenges in Central Texas.

Speakers will include Dr. Colin Averill, Founder and CEO of Funga, a public benefit corporation reintroducing fungal biodiversity to forests, Cristina Campbell, Biologist at City of Austin working on the City’s first ever mycorrhizal fungi study, and members of CTMS including Andie Marsh (Rhizos LLC), Christopher Kennedy and Angel Schatz!  Learn more about local and regional initiatives to use fungi to support Austin’s urban forest, and how you can get involved in CTMS’s Healthy Soils, Healthy Trees program which uses recycled mushroom blocks to improve the health of local trees, soils and forest lands in East Austin.

Free and open to the public. Registration required and space is limited. Donations accepted.

Refreshments provided by Rambler, Austin Beer Works and Smallhold, a public benefit corporation and network of organic mushroom farms with operations in Brooklyn, Austin, Los Angeles, and beyond.

Support provided in part by City of Austin’s Urban Forestry Program and Patagonia.

SPEAKERS

Dr. Colin Averill is the Founder and CEO of Funga, a public benefit corporation reintroducing fungal biodiversity to forests, accelerating tree growth and carbon capture as a natural climate solution. Dr. Averill has spent over 17 years studying how soil microbial life controls forest carbon capture, most recently leading a team of ecologists at ETH Zürich’s Crowther Lab. His talk will cover new discoveries in forest fungal microbiology and what they mean for protecting fungal biodiversity, addressing climate change, and accelerating the recovery of nature. Watch his TED Talk on the science behind the work.

Cristina Campbell has a master’s degree in Conservation and Population Biology and is a co-author on the paper titled Native Tree and Shrub Canopy Facilitates Oak Seedling Regeneration in Semiarid Woodland which investigated oak seedling survival in three habitat types and looked at their association with ectomycorrhizal colonization. She currently works as an Endangered Species Biologist for City of Austin Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. Her work has focused on intensively monitoring a Central Texas endangered songbird, surveying cave-dwelling insects, studying Brown Pelican nestling success on islands off the South Carolina coast and helping to restore desert wetlands in west Texas. Cristina is intrigued by mycology in all its facets, from the medicinal uses to the mycoremediation properties.

Andie Marsh is a Soil Health Specialist, with a focus on the applied science of soil biology. She is on a mission to help others restore life and functionality to their soil systems. Equipped with her microscope and the power of observation, she assesses soils and compost amendments to inform restoration efforts through her business, Rhizos LLC. Marsh is a member of the Central Texas Mycological Society and collaborator on the Healthy Soils, Healthy Trees initiative, funded by the City of Austin’s Urban Forestry program.

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Seed Gathering https://theaustincommon.com/event/seed-gathering/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=50284 Join us and Central Texas Seed Savers to learn about the Austin Public Library Seed Collection, gardening, and sustainable living while we process seed donations for the Seed Collection. RSVP here. Location: Central Library, 710 W. César Chávez St., Demonstration Area (1st floor)

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Join us and Central Texas Seed Savers to learn about the Austin Public Library Seed Collection, gardening, and sustainable living while we process seed donations for the Seed Collection.

Location: Central Library, 710 W. César Chávez St., Demonstration Area (1st floor)

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Patagonia – SXSW 2023: Soil Power Happy Hour https://theaustincommon.com/event/patagonia-sxsw-2023-soil-power-happy-hour/ Fri, 10 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=49725 Howdy, Austin! It’s SXSW time. It’s also the start of our 50th year of business unusual. We’re excited to celebrate right here in our Austin retail store. Join us for conversations around regenerative organic agriculture, corporate and grassroots activism—and the importance of weaving environmental and...

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Howdy, Austin! It’s SXSW time. It’s also the start of our 50th year of business unusual. We’re excited to celebrate right here in our Austin retail store. Join us for conversations around regenerative organic agriculture, corporate and grassroots activism—and the importance of weaving environmental and social justice into the fabrics we wear.

 

Bring your cup for happy hour(s) and that old jacket you’ve been meaning to repair (our Worn Wear crew will show you how). Fun runs, coffee, tacos, screen printing, and a glimpse into what we’re asking ourselves: What’s Next?

 

It’s a soil power hour! Come learn about how Regenerative Organic Certified practices build topsoil and help farmers make a good living on a living planet. We’ll start off the evening with local eats from LeRoy and Lewis BBQ, drinks from Patagonia Provisions and Austin Winery, and live music by Harry & Emmy and Benjamin Violet, plus on-site screen printing. Patagonia’s own Helena Barbour will be joining us to talk about the Multicultural Refugee Coalition, which helps refugees find work in sustainable farming.

 

When: Friday, March 10, 2023
Where: Patagonia Austin, 316 Congress Avenue
Time: 5 PM – 7 PM
All weekend our in-store events are open to the public, first-come-first-served. On March 11, we’re hosting “Run, Repair, And Raise A Glass” and on March 12th we’re hosting “Keep It Weird, Keep It In Play.” 

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Milwood Seed Library Kick off https://theaustincommon.com/event/milwood-seed-library-kick-off/ Sat, 04 Mar 2023 19:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=49677 Kick off the start of the Milwood Branch’s seed library. Learn about Texas indigenous plants and meet other gardening enthusiast. All ages welcome.

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Kick off the start of the Milwood Branch’s seed library. Learn about Texas indigenous plants and meet other gardening enthusiast.

All ages welcome.

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Goodness From The Garden https://theaustincommon.com/event/goodness-from-the-garden/ Thu, 16 Jun 2022 22:30:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=48121 Please join us June 16 in celebrating our partner projects and Austin community urban agriculture at our first ever fundraiser, Goodness from the Garden! Since we began in 2020, Fruitful Commons has been helping communities in Austin grow their own food. We’ve distributed $30,000 in mini grants to gardens...

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Please join us June 16 in celebrating our partner projects and Austin community urban agriculture at our first ever fundraiser, Goodness from the Garden! Since we began in 2020, Fruitful Commons has been helping communities in Austin grow their own food. We’ve distributed $30,000 in mini grants to gardens and food forests across the city, won the top prize at the national Thriving Cities Challenge, and enabled our partner organization Festival Beach Food Forest to gain city approval for expanding their acreage and establishing an outdoor kitchen– and we’re just getting started!

 

Goodness from the Garden will feature live music, local food, and talks by local garden leaders. We can’t wait to plant more seeds to advance food security, support community leaders, and expand community agriculture in Austin.

  • Enjoy tasty bites and drinks inspired by fresh ATX garden bounty
  • Meet the great people advancing community gardens and grassroots urban agriculture projects
  • Mingle with others interested in fresh local food and seasonal cuisine
  • Celebrate the second birthday of Fruitful Commons, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit

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Socialize & Serve with Black Lives Veggies https://theaustincommon.com/event/socialize-serve-with-black-lives-veggies/ Sat, 14 May 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=48090 Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to get our hands dirty! Join us with Black Lives Veggies on May 14th to repair and build garden boxes. This is a great opportunity to get outside, meet new people, and help make a...

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Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to get our hands dirty! Join us with Black Lives Veggies on May 14th to repair and build garden boxes. This is a great opportunity to get outside, meet new people, and help make a difference in your community. No experience is necessary – we will provide all the tools and training you need. So come on out and join us for a day of fun and gardening!

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Lawn Management Kicks Off 2022 Travis County AgriLife Programs https://theaustincommon.com/event/lawn-management-kicks-off-2022-travis-county-agrilife-programs/ https://theaustincommon.com/event/lawn-management-kicks-off-2022-travis-county-agrilife-programs/#respond Wed, 20 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=47808 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension-Travis County kicks off the 2022 educational series with A Lawn of All Seasons – Best Management Practices for a Healthy Happy Lawn, on April 20th at 10 am to noon.  Dean Minchillo, Extension Program Specialist with the Urban Water Team, will...

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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension-Travis County kicks off the 2022 educational series with A Lawn of All Seasons – Best Management Practices for a Healthy Happy Lawn, on April 20th at 10 am to noon.  Dean Minchillo, Extension Program Specialist with the Urban Water Team, will provide tips on keeping a lawn healthy during drought or watering restrictions.

 

The program will be presented utilizing a webinar format and interested parties are required to register.  

 

Dean will talk about how various species handle drought stress, and the best management practices for fertilization, maintenance, irrigation, and mowing heights.

 

Waterwise Strategies for Austin Gardens “ is the 2022 theme for the educational series. Other topics planned include Irrigation Controller Selection, Water Conservation in Austin, and Permaculture Strategies for Water Conservation.  All programs are presented by experts from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Travis County Master Gardeners, and Austin Water.

 

Due to technological constraints, the webinars have a limit of 100 attendees.  Those who register but are not among the first 100 attendees or who miss the webinar for any reason will be able to view it later.  After registering, participants will be provided a link for the live session or to view a recording of the program.

 

You can submit questions during the webinar and get answers live as time allows. Questions that aren’t addressed during the webinar will receive answers via email.  Viewers of the recorded sessions can send their questions to the Travis County Master Gardener help desk at travismg@ag.tamu.edu.

 

More information on the seminars can be found by visiting the Travis County Extension Education website. You may want to sign up for event notifications and subscribing to the blog

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Bright Green Future Grants Awarded to 41 local Schools https://theaustincommon.com/bright-green-future-grants-2022/ https://theaustincommon.com/bright-green-future-grants-2022/#respond Thu, 20 Jan 2022 00:13:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?p=47406 About The Author This post is sponsored & written by The Office of Sustainability, the city department that is working toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, a healthy & just local food system, and climate resiliency. Action Box Click the badge above to learn more about...

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Austinites You Should Know

About The Author

This post is sponsored & written by The Office of Sustainability, the city department that is working toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, a healthy & just local food system, and climate resiliency.

Action Items

Action Box

Click the badge above to learn more about the city's Bright Green Future Grant program.

This post is sponsored by the City of Austin Office of Sustainability. All Austin Common sponsors are screened by The Austin Common team to ensure they’re doing good for their employees, customers, our community, and the planet.

The City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability announced last month that 41 Austin-area K-12 schools will receive funding to implement 45 sustainability projects that are expected to benefit 15,000 students. Nearly half of the schools receiving a grant qualify for Title 1 funding, which include a larger percentage of students from low-income families. These projects will offer hands-on learning opportunities, make school campuses greener, and provide tangible benefits to surrounding neighborhoods.

 

Projects were selected from every Austin City Council District, representing schools in Austin ISD, several private schools, and a few schools in Eanes, Leander, and Round Rock ISDs. Each project will receive up to $3,000 to implement their project. This year, nine schools will create spaces for outdoor learning.

 

“The pandemic has not gone away, and it’s now more important than ever to have safe outdoor spaces for student learning,” said Lucia Athens, Austin’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “Almost every project funded this year will bring students outside.”

The Office of Sustainability received 75 applications from 53 schools. The following projects were awarded funding through a competitive process:

  • Outdoor learning spaces help students stay safe and healthy. In addition, research has shown that children who spend time outdoors are happier and perform better academically. At Blazier, Menchaca, Becker, Linder, Patton, Highland Park, and Rodriguez Elementary Schools, Bowie High School, ABH Community School, and the Harmony School of Excellence, students will connect with nature and breathe fresh air in outdoor classrooms.

  • Bicycle clubs improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve health by getting students out of cars and on bikes. This year’s clubs will teach students about bike safety and maintenance at Allison, Langford, Sanchez, Hart, Perez, Houston, Rodriquez, St. Elmo, Reilly, Harris, Oak Springs, Ortega, and Overton Elementary Schools.

  • Rain garden projects at Magnolia Montessori For All and Mills, Lee, Cunningham, Anderson MillsSunset Valley, and Grandview Hills Elementary Schools will help conserve water, provide education about native plants, and minimize soil erosion.

  • Growing vegetables in school gardens at Linder, Campbell, Zilker, and UT Elementary Schools, the Mendez STEM Academy, Bailey Middle School, Bowie High School, and the Liberal Arts and Science Academy will help students learn about healthy food options while reducing the carbon impact of transporting vegetables from farm to grocery store to table.

  • Barton Creek and Brentwood Elementary Schools, and St. Ignatius will plant and maintain a wildlife garden to provide habitat for various native pollinators and birds. An aviary at Govalle Elementary will help students understand the critical role bees play in our environment.

  • Students at Austin Discovery SchoolAlternative Learning Center, and Maplewood Elementary will create recycling and composting programs for students and their families.

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Harvest Fair https://theaustincommon.com/event/harvest-fair/ Sat, 06 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0000 https://theaustincommon.com/?post_type=tribe_events&p=47036 Join us for a drive-thru event about the various food and health resources available to the community. We will be giving out (while supplies last): seeds, mini garden starter kits, produce boxes and more! All ages welcome Free and open to the public!

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Join us for a drive-thru event about the various food and health resources available to the community. We will be giving out (while supplies last): seeds, mini garden starter kits, produce boxes and more!

All ages welcome
Free and open to the public!

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