tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22443963093691980672024-03-14T03:03:35.281-07:00UT Gardening CommitteeA committee of the University of Texas Campus Environmental CenterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13391239882277628534noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-4971454595636118142013-08-05T12:11:00.000-07:002013-08-05T12:11:34.819-07:00Hello everyone!<br />
<br />
Both the UT Concho Community Garden and UT Micro Farm have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">moved sites</span></span>, so to access the most updated information about workdays and new blog entries, click on the links below.<br />
<br />
UT Concho Community Garden: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://utconchocommunitygarden.wordpress.com/">http://utconchocommunitygarden.wordpress.com/</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<i>Community garden plot owners should now visit the site above to enter volunteer hours, log produce harvested, and stay updated on upcoming events and workshops!</i><br />
<br />
UT Micro Farm: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://utmicrofarm.wordpress.com/">http://utmicrofarm.wordpress.com/</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
Cheers!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970769187234969532noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-85692483383281731642013-03-13T19:14:00.000-07:002013-03-13T19:14:10.627-07:00Composting ClassHello Gardeners!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaGj9w0uTtlTKAN8fng6fh4EMRkZNwfMJAVBoTwyjLVDvzqBl6JnInrfmd3_THWgX88_rXptSE8LMfTLJA1XrLlI83gq0W95VH_i46xmqpbcMuYnZ7KNw_N9s1hiSElZuPQvF5HoLGo0/s1600/Compost+Class_Digiknow+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaGj9w0uTtlTKAN8fng6fh4EMRkZNwfMJAVBoTwyjLVDvzqBl6JnInrfmd3_THWgX88_rXptSE8LMfTLJA1XrLlI83gq0W95VH_i46xmqpbcMuYnZ7KNw_N9s1hiSElZuPQvF5HoLGo0/s640/Compost+Class_Digiknow+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We are holding another composting class at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Concho Sunday, March 24th at 2:00 PM</span>! We are requiring that all plot owners come out to one of our classes because compost is so important in sustaining a healthy garden. If you made it out to the first one in February that's great, and if you couldn't make it to that one this upcoming class will cover the same material! Check out our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/476082242445144/">Facebook</a> page for more information.<br />
<br />
If you aren't able to attend any at Concho, there are a few other free composting classes Austin holds. Check out <a href="http://www.austintexas.gov/department/composting">this</a> website for locations and dates for Spring classes.<br />
<br />
Everyone enjoy the rest of break and hope to see you at the garden! We will resume regular workdays (9:30 AM-1:30 PM) this Sunday, March 17.<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970769187234969532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-17391000939750110742013-02-22T17:01:00.001-08:002013-02-22T17:01:46.311-08:00Compost: Frequently Asked Questions<h2>
<br /></h2>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: orange;"> Last weekend we had a compost 101 class
at Concho. We went through the processes that make a compost pile successful
and the things that gardeners need to know to make sure the process
goes well. I know that not everyone was able to make it out to the class
so here are answers to some important questions about composting:</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<h4>
<span style="color: lime; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is compost?</span></h4>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Compost is not the same thing as soil.
Compost is considered a soil additive, because it improves the
quality of almost every type of soil. Compost helps sandy soil retain
water, and it helps clay-heavy soil drain better. The active colonies of
micro-organisms in compost help plants to fight diseases. Healthy
plants start with healthy soil.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<h4>
<span style="color: lime; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How does composting work?</span></h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Many different types of micro-organisms
work together to digest plant matter into the finished product that
we use. Both bacteria and fungi are at work in a compost pile. When
enough digestion is taking place in the pile, it starts to heat up.
On a cold day, you can even see steam! We want to give these
organisms the ingredients they need to work fast and heat up. Heat
kills seeds and diseases. After the process has stabilized, which can
take a few weeks to a few months depending on the amount of care a
pile is given, we are left with an earthy smelling soil additive.</span></div>
<h4>
<span style="color: lime; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can I make this process successful?</span></h4>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The organisms that make good compost
require four basic things for success. The first two are carbon and
nitrogen. These two elements are present in all organic matter. What
is important is the ratio between these two elements in the pile. The
optimal ratio is C:N 25-30:1. We control this by adding different
amounts of materials with different ratios. Things that are green and
wet, like vegetables or coffee grounds, usually have C:N ratios of
25:1 or less. We balance these “high nitrogen” materials by
adding things that are brown and more carbon rich like dried leaves,
which are around 70:1 depending on the species. <a href="http://web.extension.illinois.edu/homecompost/science.html">This link</a> has a table
with some common items. The C:N ratio is approximate, and it will
never be exact. We just try to make sure that the piles don't get too
full of dry leaves and carbon heavy materials because then they cool
down and work slower.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Water is an essential item for life so
it is essential for the compost organisms. A pile should be damp
throughout. If a lot of dry material is added, it is important to add
water. Paper does not hold moisture at all, as well as being devoid
of nitrogen and micro-nutrients, so we try to keep it out of our
piles in large amounts.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Oxygen is necessary for the bacteria
in the pile. The difference between compost and landfill is that
landfills don't have oxygen. If the pile is smelly, there's a good
chance it needs to be aerated by turning it or poking holes in it. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<h4>
<span style="color: lime; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a big bag of banana peels/apple
cores/dead garden plants/tea bags/coffee grounds. What should I do
with them?</span></h4>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Well if you have a backyard at home,
you should consider a home compost pile! Otherwise, the Concho piles
accept donations like this. Our piles are a little bit picky though.
First, make sure to take all the stickers off your fruits. Those
little stickers don't break down. We want to keep our compost trash
free. If the garden plants are big, be sure to cut the plants into
small pieces. When adding to a pile, be sure to mix the materials in
to the pile. If we leave stuff sitting on top, it just dries out or
attracts flies. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<h4>
<span style="color: lime; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a big bag of
newspapers/cardboard/”compostable” plastic/large sticks/whole
pecans/metal/wrappers/”compostable” plates and cups. What should
I do with these?</span></h4>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Please do not add these things to our
piles! Adding metal and plastic to a compost pile is practically
littering. Newspapers and cardboard are technically biodegradable,
but they do not hold much moisture or have any nutritional value.
Better to recycle your paper and cardboard. Industrially manufactured
products with the label “compostable” take a long time to
decompose and are only suitable for industrial compost facilities.
Austin is working on <a href="http://www.statesman.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/austin-starts-pilot-program-for-curbside-compost-c/nTj8s/">curbside compost collection</a>.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<h4>
<span style="color: lime; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can I help? How can I learn more?</span></h4>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Come out to the garden on a workday,
every Sunday from 9:30-12:30. We are also <b>having another compost
class on March 24<sup>th</sup></b>, so if you missed the first one you
should definitely attend the next one! More reading about compost can
be found <a href="http://web.extension.illinois.edu/homecompost/intro.html">here</a> or at the public library.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ethan Howleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10584046506093998586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-21001584247959917812013-02-20T18:05:00.001-08:002013-02-20T18:05:22.396-08:00Lil' GardenersHey gardeners!<br />
<br />
Lil' Gardeners (a program where we teach kids all about gardening) will now be holding its weekly lessons Fridays at 9:00-9:40 AM! They will begin this Friday, 2/22, and continue every other week this semester.<br />
<br />
Fill out <a href="https://docs.google.com/a/utenvironment.org/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHBWS0llcGxhRHRGQ1ZTZTBoQ3E4VUE6MQ#gid=0">this</a> form if you would like to volunteer to help lead one of the lessons! We ask that you show up by 8:40 AM at Concho on the day(s) you sign up for so that we have plenty of time to prepare.<br />
<br />
Have a great week!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970769187234969532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-53760302066996626522013-02-13T14:33:00.000-08:002013-02-13T14:33:00.288-08:00Hey everyone!<br />
<br />
I just wanted to remind everybody about our upcoming Composting 101 class this Sunday February 17th at 2:00 pm! It will take place at Concho Garden and will be a fun, interactive way to learn how to compost. Check out our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/375033322595235/">Facebook page</a> for more details!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970769187234969532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-27678760324550252962013-01-29T15:00:00.000-08:002013-01-29T15:00:01.693-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
Thanks to everyone who came out to our first two workdays! We are very excited about the progress being made on the vertical garden and greenhouse. We can't wait to get started on the shading structure. Here are some picks from the last two weeks!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIu2_yVjoQHt3hg-CeDqvva5QytGa4pUthYp5K65MDGQNzigZMQMNxMap-kHhjTdshx3cSROPvQ1HDLRmzqsp9exHrgCqUjsPqVcW1l_eYGAMnzaZD0bXUW_zs8HUvte_OioNa2rgzXeo/s1600/IMG_0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIu2_yVjoQHt3hg-CeDqvva5QytGa4pUthYp5K65MDGQNzigZMQMNxMap-kHhjTdshx3cSROPvQ1HDLRmzqsp9exHrgCqUjsPqVcW1l_eYGAMnzaZD0bXUW_zs8HUvte_OioNa2rgzXeo/s320/IMG_0749.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUv5PhEP3rPe7bjBn74USHJXM9aj0F_pX45OG8aJ3pAeTHLQu2g9DTaQNla9iY8i-O2AEV5bryUPAZcU-qTm0y9Jrgc2B5GxD8Hbn5sbG6FOcPE7qVMr5u7dpGZfaX2Z5ldk_Up08srE/s1600/IMG_0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUv5PhEP3rPe7bjBn74USHJXM9aj0F_pX45OG8aJ3pAeTHLQu2g9DTaQNla9iY8i-O2AEV5bryUPAZcU-qTm0y9Jrgc2B5GxD8Hbn5sbG6FOcPE7qVMr5u7dpGZfaX2Z5ldk_Up08srE/s320/IMG_0751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN65vvb3XzqFUZIjz_u2mxbTJbe3rX5zh2w764wyz34lJyanXSxc112izKWbqipcM-l-hUzY19ox_kMWq4sTEPiG22x5K8Cm3Lqs4dH8QM3c99U4taVrnYLEHL60q1IugN4yqLYQFIWN4/s1600/IMG_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN65vvb3XzqFUZIjz_u2mxbTJbe3rX5zh2w764wyz34lJyanXSxc112izKWbqipcM-l-hUzY19ox_kMWq4sTEPiG22x5K8Cm3Lqs4dH8QM3c99U4taVrnYLEHL60q1IugN4yqLYQFIWN4/s320/IMG_0016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqs9FlPC60AWWd8iYBn9TGBRoi0b-O95xdTwvCgvy3qc93432ujODHCk9aY-RszCCebg_3qcu0TYD51TbMarBBJnAffjt52-rigdgZ76tKH1CitfqsZ9xJpjjXmjiU_9j5o62ekds6IcM/s1600/IMG_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqs9FlPC60AWWd8iYBn9TGBRoi0b-O95xdTwvCgvy3qc93432ujODHCk9aY-RszCCebg_3qcu0TYD51TbMarBBJnAffjt52-rigdgZ76tKH1CitfqsZ9xJpjjXmjiU_9j5o62ekds6IcM/s320/IMG_0027.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
For all those gardeners eager to get to planting, here is a list of some things you can already start putting in the ground:<br />
<br />
Beets<br />
Broccoli<br />
Cabbage<br />
Cauliflower<br />
Carrots<br />
Chard<br />
Collards<br />
Greens<br />
Kale<br />
Lettuce<br />
Mustard<br />
Onions<br />
Peas<br />
Radish<br />
Spinach<br />
<br />
You can find a complete chart of when to plant under gardening resources. Have a good day and hope to see our members at the GM tomorrow 6-7:30 pm, WEL 2.312.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970769187234969532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-88967403201255714592012-12-08T12:37:00.001-08:002012-12-08T12:42:43.025-08:00Composting ClassHey everyone!<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
We had a great time last weekend at the garden starting with the Little Gardener's lesson Friday, the Urban Bike Tour Saturday, and our last workday/composting class on Sunday!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thanks for everyone who came out to help!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8M-DoNQkCYWsCGuJ_1oqb74baP-YYvFGgJmELmZhCndpM9C5H00jVzDrMFS4gCbM3ZB2DKKcxrIpaPhAXkWK1jCI41VwC3Xv21U4K446wW2FD083uYthib4RMwqzYOx3BfJye1az9xQ/s1600/IMG_1017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8M-DoNQkCYWsCGuJ_1oqb74baP-YYvFGgJmELmZhCndpM9C5H00jVzDrMFS4gCbM3ZB2DKKcxrIpaPhAXkWK1jCI41VwC3Xv21U4K446wW2FD083uYthib4RMwqzYOx3BfJye1az9xQ/s1600/IMG_1017.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiptPn1pwR5a9RCULuCnVwpv0HcqohCdZp7VA8aaE_L_92rNFHvkosbyZPzCaa86BEfOBpdJKByjj9xlc6p7imPjIok3JQhql3NqMlcF2wBUadQknKLt0Pg1wk2Zd1ABUxOwsLuRftJc/s1600/IMG_0979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiptPn1pwR5a9RCULuCnVwpv0HcqohCdZp7VA8aaE_L_92rNFHvkosbyZPzCaa86BEfOBpdJKByjj9xlc6p7imPjIok3JQhql3NqMlcF2wBUadQknKLt0Pg1wk2Zd1ABUxOwsLuRftJc/s1600/IMG_0979.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
We wanted to pass along some great information Rene Fuqua, a certified master gardener, shared with us during the composting class. Thank you again Rene for coming by the garden to teach us!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN COMPOST </span></h2>
<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1. BUILD A SPACE FOR YOUR PILE:</span></h3>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
First, create some sort of composting bed. The ideal dimensions are 3x3x3 feet to allow the little microbial decomposers to create an optimal temperature for cooking all the ingredients you will add. At the garden, we used 3 pallets for each pile, but there are many other methods to do this. You can use a <a href="http://organicgardening.about.com/od/compost/ht/storagecompost.htm">plastic bin</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZyox5yLiMU">trash can</a>, or even <a href="http://www.digginfood.com/2009/02/diy-project-compost-fence/">wire fencing</a>!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRevngfOwfGqsfGazeh_TwIVfpp64ovR828N2-5tNTJncRyTPZ9odbAyikUwmjUsT4C2c_jARDn-ZIT8NcO74Nqp8t9ThPrE69hyr5IG1JyCk3_E6N4RYoYWfuDQIkVXnD_MruYsn2DLA/s1600/373491_132595873557770_290958407_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRevngfOwfGqsfGazeh_TwIVfpp64ovR828N2-5tNTJncRyTPZ9odbAyikUwmjUsT4C2c_jARDn-ZIT8NcO74Nqp8t9ThPrE69hyr5IG1JyCk3_E6N4RYoYWfuDQIkVXnD_MruYsn2DLA/s1600/373491_132595873557770_290958407_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2. START BY ADDING THE BIG STUFF:</span></h3>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Adding the bulkier items like dead plants and larger branches allows allows more oxygen to reach your bed and gives them a better chance to break down! This will be your first nitrogen-rich layer.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3. BEGIN ADDING "GREEN" & "BROWN" LAYERS:</span></h3>
<div>
To get the pile cooking, you need to continue adding alternating carbon-rich ("brown") and nitrogen-rich ("green layers") until you get a pile about 3 feet tall. Maintaining a proper C:N ration (25-30:1) is vital to getting soil your plants will thrive on. To do this, add a hefty layer of brown materials (dry leaves, hay, mulch) after step 2. At Concho, we added 2 bags of leaves followed by a thin layer of mulch for our carbon layers. Then comes the good stuff! For the next nitrogen layer, add things like food scraps and grass clippings. Although brown, coffee grounds and filters are a very rich source of nitrogen. We add food scraps and coffee grounds Division of Housing and Food drops off to our composts!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtb4er0O62Y723AGpDiS-OV7zxDb_cECjrqSNmkQgQI5ttT3xCFpJF-PGJ3p2j9KIKGpx1WUdxYWlQzdQS7QOml_4PnLy76g4KfUwdD9LKuZ1sN8esGYjuaXuOpMb8GoFk0ZvpJGX78I/s1600/greenbrownlayers.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtb4er0O62Y723AGpDiS-OV7zxDb_cECjrqSNmkQgQI5ttT3xCFpJF-PGJ3p2j9KIKGpx1WUdxYWlQzdQS7QOml_4PnLy76g4KfUwdD9LKuZ1sN8esGYjuaXuOpMb8GoFk0ZvpJGX78I/s1600/greenbrownlayers.GIF" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4. WATER YOUR PILE:</span></h3>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As you are adding your browns, water your pile to make sure it stays moist. This helps your pile get nice and warm, which is vital for it to decompose.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5. MAKE SURE IT'S LEVEL AND LET IT COOK:</span></h3>
<div>
After you've built your pile, make sure it's level. This will make it cook more consistently. Now you just need to wait! Making sure your pile remains moist is important. Turning your pile every 2-3 weeks will help it break down more quickly. You can have a beautiful pile of compost in just 3 months!</div>
<br />
<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HELPFUL TIPS</span></h2>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><ul style="font-size: medium;">
<li>Avoid adding weeds to your compost pile. They are good little growers and can often infest your soil if you keep them in the mix! However, you can have a separate compost pile dedicated especially for weeds.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="font-size: medium;">
<li>There are a few extra ingredients you can add into your compost to make it even richer! Rene was nice enough to share some she uses in her own compost with Concho. Vermiculture (adding worms and other microorganisms) helps increase nutrients, especially during colder months. Adding granite salt between layers helps with aeration! </li>
</ul>
</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc8DQCp59DGuXja-wexF6gCueSdH340Eq0fKWuu0XPibh-wgeb9oaAyADq2mrOx65VhV0nIhliyt14V-86vo1LoMihp7WhBeHOn2nQgH7P3xfM2aKD1hZOd64a1rPBHTQJcrJm5I_Srg/s1600/IMG_1018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc8DQCp59DGuXja-wexF6gCueSdH340Eq0fKWuu0XPibh-wgeb9oaAyADq2mrOx65VhV0nIhliyt14V-86vo1LoMihp7WhBeHOn2nQgH7P3xfM2aKD1hZOd64a1rPBHTQJcrJm5I_Srg/s1600/IMG_1018.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItOM2JEvlhG-U64Cv-HeInv8luqcDiYdbtn9gojICo3al126EmnohxK2OpQNw5v2REE8WBfNGaII8CDaG4hyphenhyphenFOmrlHpepot_piaRplM-pWHdFjTHOQJs1DqCI8kfv-3dE_nytJ9-YKqA/s1600/IMG_1020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItOM2JEvlhG-U64Cv-HeInv8luqcDiYdbtn9gojICo3al126EmnohxK2OpQNw5v2REE8WBfNGaII8CDaG4hyphenhyphenFOmrlHpepot_piaRplM-pWHdFjTHOQJs1DqCI8kfv-3dE_nytJ9-YKqA/s1600/IMG_1020.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
</ul>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970769187234969532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-90956920155133068612012-11-13T08:13:00.000-08:002012-11-13T08:15:32.206-08:00<h4>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">Urban Farm Bicycle Tour on Saturday, December 1st!!</span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"></span> </h4>
<h3>
<a href="http://urbanfarmbicycletour.com/"><img alt="Urban Farm Bicycle Tour" class="photo" src="http://ebmedia.eventbrite.com/s3-s3/eventlogos/6109391/4280830078-2.gif" /></a> </h3>
<h2>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">The Bicycle Sport Shop kicks off <strong>Edible Austin <em>Eat Drink Local Week</em>--</strong>which celebrates local, fresh food in Central Texas December 1 through 8--with an Urban Farm Bicycle Tour on Saturday, December 1st.</span></h2>
The UT Concho Community Garden has been invited to be featured as one stop on the tour, so we hope that you will join us on the day of to help with our activity for guests, or perhaps join other locavores in this fun learning experience in the form of a bike ride!<br />
<br />
This fifth-annual family friendly bicycle tour includes optional stops at a number of urban farms, and school and community gardens, with various activities to do along this way:<br />
<div>
This is an event that will be fun for all and a way you can learn a lot about local food in Austin. You can buy the tour ticket <a href="http://urbanfarmbicycletour.eventbrite.com/#">here</a>, if interested!<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Although the official itenerary has not been announced, there will be a stop at the UT Concho Community Garden, where we will be working on filling our "Insect Hotel" while educating our guests on the importance of biodiversity in the garden.</strong><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<h4>
<img height="727" src="http://www.metrofieldguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/wildlife-trust-insect-hotel-1024x727.jpg" style="font-weight: normal; height: 263px; width: 370px;" width="1024" /></h4>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>We will need a few volunteers to help us run the event and help those who stop by create our insect hotel. Also we are in need of materials to construct this project. Anything that is waterproof and creates a crevice to attract different bugs would be awesome! Here are some ideas:</strong><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong> sticks</strong></div>
<div>
<strong> pinecones</strong></div>
<div>
<strong> lufas</strong></div>
<div>
<strong> bricks</strong></div>
<div>
<strong> bird houses</strong></div>
<div>
<strong> mats</strong></div>
<div>
<strong> pots</strong></div>
<div>
<strong> much more!</strong><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>You can either bring them to the garden, a general meeting, or the CEC office at SSB 1.302! </strong><strong>For those interested in helping us coordinate the event, please email </strong><a href="mailto:gardening@UTenvironment.org"><strong>gardening@UTenvironment.org</strong></a><strong>.</strong></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970769187234969532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-45215008841313654512012-11-05T17:02:00.001-08:002012-11-05T18:03:25.367-08:00Hey everybody!<br />
<br />
Because it gets dark so early now, we are going to change <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">workdays</span></span> a bit--starting this week!<br />
Our "official" facilitated workdays will now be on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Sundays, from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM</span></span>.<br />
<br />
Currently, we are focusing on constructing a greenhouse made from reclaimed plastic water bottles, in collaboration with Engineers For A Sustainable World (Speaking of which, IF YOU DRINK BOTTLED WATER, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DONATE YOUR USED BOTTLES TO THE GARDEN FOR THIS PROJECT).<br />
<br />
Of course, there are other ongoing tasks for volunteers to do as well, such as the sometimes dreaded (but always tranquil) weed/grass removal of the pathways, and even some last-minute planting that can be done! We hope you will join us!<br />
<br />
If this change in our workday times does not work well for you, feel free to come by and work on your plot or the community area anytime you want, regardless. The garden gate is always open!!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970769187234969532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-1220091180969056392012-11-04T04:48:00.002-08:002012-11-05T08:11:50.301-08:00<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Andrew Hall's flowerbed was recently named <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Garden of the Month</span></span> in Wildlife Austin's <a href="http://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Parks/Wildlife_Austin/NOV2012newsletter.pdf">monthly newsletter</a>! Wildlife Austin is an organization that "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">promotes the creation and conservation of wildlife habitats through community-wide collaboration and public education, and helps bridge existing city initiatives that encourage a well balanced and healthy urban environment for people and wildlife."</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioAIeSPAvcfRXTn6vNtQQMg17DKSmvPCboqDtFdGGDmsS4C_04Mj211i8enjxKiCYMcbF001IU4E9eU4MoOJxfsl3LoicgTUbJ_9oDDaqxGH0qV1dZZrSfFRbugonIjipd3_Ipl0qiK0/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioAIeSPAvcfRXTn6vNtQQMg17DKSmvPCboqDtFdGGDmsS4C_04Mj211i8enjxKiCYMcbF001IU4E9eU4MoOJxfsl3LoicgTUbJ_9oDDaqxGH0qV1dZZrSfFRbugonIjipd3_Ipl0qiK0/s640/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thanks for all the hard work for those of you who came out and a big thanks to Erin who helped us design the bed</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970769187234969532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-83996701774686032522012-10-24T06:38:00.003-07:002012-10-25T13:48:19.477-07:00<a href="http://www.foodday.org/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">FOOD DA</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Y</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></span>IS TODAY! Come out to Speedway Plaza to check out all the tables. We will have one for the CEC and gardening with lots of awesome information (and prizes)!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2244396309369198067" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2244396309369198067" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1KKGtAnczDQdc-srmW2FtwWsk1PmOl7oeBu4z7ii3vh_04NezbOaLG3OsLKxKqOqrwJgRFSJWPUGcaTr2PvJkQmMqcg0g46gblur-3bd4I09U8SekSMkYJRnfA0Ceyac_28kXyULX9pQ/s1600/FB+Food+Day+Profile+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1KKGtAnczDQdc-srmW2FtwWsk1PmOl7oeBu4z7ii3vh_04NezbOaLG3OsLKxKqOqrwJgRFSJWPUGcaTr2PvJkQmMqcg0g46gblur-3bd4I09U8SekSMkYJRnfA0Ceyac_28kXyULX9pQ/s320/FB+Food+Day+Profile+Pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hope to see you there!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970769187234969532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-57326228187008560152012-10-18T14:33:00.001-07:002012-10-18T14:33:58.219-07:00Concho's Container Pond: How to assemble your own!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO74nsGXh3A0pKr0fcFjm9UnR9hbSHR0EsGespsDHru4YCCvT-KZcFCDJOC3pL5LBrl9gY63nN_lckXf-I3uKIBiBM2ybvvJH3HI2c3goMUbmpFUiq01edvR8vgP0aOS6onOY0I_ourWU/s1600/stock-vector-lily-pad-47586619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO74nsGXh3A0pKr0fcFjm9UnR9hbSHR0EsGespsDHru4YCCvT-KZcFCDJOC3pL5LBrl9gY63nN_lckXf-I3uKIBiBM2ybvvJH3HI2c3goMUbmpFUiq01edvR8vgP0aOS6onOY0I_ourWU/s200/stock-vector-lily-pad-47586619.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
We have just installed a container pond at the garden! We will be finishing up the final touches at today's workday (5-7PM), so come out if you would like to help.</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">So, what is a container pond and why are they useful?</span></span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
Container ponds are small ponds usually installed in gardens, parks, or backyards for both aesthetic and practical reasons. If fish are added to the pond, it can be a great way to keep mosquito populations at bay! Otherwise, it is just a fun project with a beautiful outcome.</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How do you go about assembling one?</span></span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
Well, with the help a Pam Penick's similar blog, I am going to go through the steps we took to make one, so you can construct your own!</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Step 1: Getting and installing a stock tank</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
The first thing to do is find a container for your pond. The easiest choice is to get a stock tank, which can be found at almost any feedstore. We got ours from <a href="http://www.callahansgeneralstore.com/">Callahan's General Store</a> in Austin, which has been so helpful in providing materials and information for many of our projects at the garden. There are a few different sizes of these tanks, however, any size will do. Just choose the one that fits best in the area you want to put it; we chose one with a 4 foot diameter. The only specific advice about size is to get one that's at leat 2 feet deep to support the plant and animal life that will be sustaining its equilibrium for you.:)</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
To install it, it is best to have a really level area of ground to place it on. It is a good idea to strip the ground down to the dirt (uproot grass, remove rocks, etc. . .) and spread out a layer of small pebbles (pea gravel works well) for it to sit on top of. This will allow you to make the land as level as possible so your pond won't sink down on one side in the future. </div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Step 2: Buying and planting the correct aquatic plants</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
Now it's time to fill the tank up with water and add the plants! If you fill it up with a hose, it is <strong>very</strong> important to let the water dechlorinate for a few days before moving on. The best option, if available, is to use rainwater. This does not have the chlorine that tap water has and makes the plants and fishies very happy. </div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
Three different types of plants are important to incorporate into your pond in order for it to be almost completely self-sustaining:</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">1. </span>oxygenators</span>-completely submerged plants (Anacharis)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNqXJOErCcCvaE9mY7XqtsgFcz4iP3lcAsb9SBlkPkprjNViVQUOIzrIL4D2SyRhmpe_rTtpnNF2AICa6sX3Olm9DyQYiUSq5vJMyOt9xtVx5FWrRMnzBkDC5B9NCCElcSfTzqdozi0Y/s1600/nates_anacharis_pond_plants_oxygenator_submerged_plant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNqXJOErCcCvaE9mY7XqtsgFcz4iP3lcAsb9SBlkPkprjNViVQUOIzrIL4D2SyRhmpe_rTtpnNF2AICa6sX3Olm9DyQYiUSq5vJMyOt9xtVx5FWrRMnzBkDC5B9NCCElcSfTzqdozi0Y/s320/nates_anacharis_pond_plants_oxygenator_submerged_plant.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> 2.</span> <span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">marginals</span>-go around the edges of ponds (Marsh Marigold, Arrow Head)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTF7-Vi9JHm_-lRHtgYZrvOB2yw3aV0e_jkd-KoRM3VN0QLFGeF0wtvnpbQ3yD_Ro-a9yzKc1-AJD7NAuUmUvrSo2genuk3IMZB8AytN3sq8yhSTkdq1RFG02mGWIDLz8tdkEjqcchfU/s1600/Picture_A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTF7-Vi9JHm_-lRHtgYZrvOB2yw3aV0e_jkd-KoRM3VN0QLFGeF0wtvnpbQ3yD_Ro-a9yzKc1-AJD7NAuUmUvrSo2genuk3IMZB8AytN3sq8yhSTkdq1RFG02mGWIDLz8tdkEjqcchfU/s320/Picture_A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <span style="color: #741b47;">deep-water aquatics</span></span>-sit on the bottom with leaves that emerge out of the water <br />
(water lilies)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujdMrN0X7EzQlgY83IjvekaQzYeuRsWvSFId3YuZNz9_D1M09TbkQerwePB3F8tL-uPlnGrOrYZY33Lig6dD1DG24RqM-iyfkmkfJIQ4mFDQA35hQrSCae46EdTzRYsG7pFKA88RhuLQ/s1600/attraction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujdMrN0X7EzQlgY83IjvekaQzYeuRsWvSFId3YuZNz9_D1M09TbkQerwePB3F8tL-uPlnGrOrYZY33Lig6dD1DG24RqM-iyfkmkfJIQ4mFDQA35hQrSCae46EdTzRYsG7pFKA88RhuLQ/s320/attraction.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Having at least one type of each of these will ensure there is plenty of oxygen in the water for the fish as well as preventing excessive algea growth by absorbing nutrients. Fish also use some submerged plants as a food source, so you might have to replace them every once in a while. Deep-water aquatics like lily pads provide partial shade, which keeps the water temperature cooler and blocks sunlight (which algae use for energy).<br />
</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
The <a href="http://www.callahansgeneralstore.com/">Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center</a> donated all of our plants and the fish to make our container pond possible. They have also been very important to the success and growth of the garden committee!<br />
<br />
Plant oxygenators by filling any pot with soil and your plant and setting it at the bottom of your tank. Adding a layer of pea gravel on the top of the soil will keep it from being disrupted by the water and fish. Do the same for all three types of plants, placing marginals on platforms (bricks, cinderblocls, etc.) around the edges of the tank and deep-water aquatics on the bottom. If the leaves do not yet reach the surface of the water, elevate them on smaller platforms until they grow big enough to rest on the bottom of your tank. </div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PXwhD175C3xLCOT7zhNoqchW-Ps3RxfnstUaItL_OnJTzXv50Xku7GZvCNhI2ySyuWj-ZlPxWy0yMP8Fz64P9pKdtAMrMeu1HJwMuk4mvmV9GU8ETcuxCnVdetpv7JRMph4FnHZqL8Y/s1600/how-to-stock-a-water-garden_detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PXwhD175C3xLCOT7zhNoqchW-Ps3RxfnstUaItL_OnJTzXv50Xku7GZvCNhI2ySyuWj-ZlPxWy0yMP8Fz64P9pKdtAMrMeu1HJwMuk4mvmV9GU8ETcuxCnVdetpv7JRMph4FnHZqL8Y/s1600/how-to-stock-a-water-garden_detail.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Step 3: Don's forget the fish!</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
Last but not least, the fish! The two best options for container ponds in this neck of the woods are the goldfish and mosquito fish (G<em>ambusia affinis</em>). The Wildflower Ceneter again provided us with gambusia fish, which we just put in this week!<br />
<br />
The amount you should put in depends on the size of your pond. The golden rule is that you should have 24 sq. inches of surface water for ever 1 in. of fish!</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Helpful Tips</span></div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<ul>
<li><a href="http://hillcountrywatergardens.com/index/">Hill Country Water Gardens & Nursery</a> also is a gerat place to look for many of the materials and knowledge needed to make your own container pond.</li>
<li>There might be an initial algea breakout at first, but don't fret! The plants and fish should take over, and it will probably go away by itself.</li>
<li>Here are a few references we used when planning the garden's container pond, so check them out if you have and more curiousities!</li>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.penick.net/digging/?p=3376">Pam Penick's DIGGING</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.hintsandthings.com/kennel/fishpond.htm">How to Stock and Maintain a Garden Pond</a></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
We hope this helps if you are interested in staring a new project! </div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
</div>
<div style="border: currentColor;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970769187234969532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-47654377565969155112012-10-14T02:38:00.001-07:002012-10-15T11:08:55.666-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Halloween Potluck & Social!</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVMNfvnghu3NSShBqEWOqTDaEyxHqEJ-cK3OZ60j2DqMoaRMWkQTBKW6r0sHX-mVWOoXFn5vKB9Q1_3EEJgdu9_iGZzzXb6Jpha6o61Orzp93YkEAIwsbliKt4vE8a5Xe9OgLeYzhDzFz/s1600/11X17_GC_Halloween+Party+Poster_V3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVMNfvnghu3NSShBqEWOqTDaEyxHqEJ-cK3OZ60j2DqMoaRMWkQTBKW6r0sHX-mVWOoXFn5vKB9Q1_3EEJgdu9_iGZzzXb6Jpha6o61Orzp93YkEAIwsbliKt4vE8a5Xe9OgLeYzhDzFz/s320/11X17_GC_Halloween+Party+Poster_V3.jpg" width="204" /></a>Join us on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wednesday, October 31st</span> at the UT Concho Community Garden for our Halloween Celebration!<br />
<br />
Orange Bike Project will be having a Social Ride to the garden, taking a scenic route through campus and ending at the garden around 5 PM! Meet at "The Cage" at 4:15 PM, which is in Guadalupe Parking Garage (GUG) at the corner of San Antonio Street & 16th Street. Wheels down at 4:30 PM, sharp. For those interested, please email us at <a href="mailto:gardening@UTenvironment.org">gardening@UTenvironment.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>The event will officially start at 5 PM, taking place of CEC's general meeting that night (carpool will be provided, if needed). </strong><br />
<br />
There will also be a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">partner pumpkin carving contest</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span>beginning at 5:30 PM. Sign up <a href="https://docs.google.com/a/utenvironment.org/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHFsMjVBeW5XbkxCbnlMVWtyR2ptWlE6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">here</a> if you are interested!<br />
<br />
We hope that you can <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">bring a festive dish</span></span> to share with everyone and spread the Halloween spirit. Please let us know what you are planning to bring by filling out this <a href="https://docs.google.com/a/utenvironment.org/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEF2cVNfUjFZVnBYNWVLY2pUeFhCYUE6MQ#gid=0" target="_blank">form</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
At 6:00 PM we will be showing George A. Romero's 1968 classic zombie thriller <i>Night of the Living Dead </i>and playing more fun games for those who are interested!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCKavgTuV89nJ5TfZcxWRfP6ARDX1gig2OQJmv2Fm5fgrW5cnHFzRw6lDJGW7zU0g7jAe-ddodEL12XW6lZmwn-uwnqMeG2O7JkllQzWLPzFkbwqCjTm94b6a_XOZOIEGPOGpr3TtGCo/s1600/Night_of_the_Living_Dead_affiche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCKavgTuV89nJ5TfZcxWRfP6ARDX1gig2OQJmv2Fm5fgrW5cnHFzRw6lDJGW7zU0g7jAe-ddodEL12XW6lZmwn-uwnqMeG2O7JkllQzWLPzFkbwqCjTm94b6a_XOZOIEGPOGpr3TtGCo/s320/Night_of_the_Living_Dead_affiche.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We hope you can join us in our fun celebration!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Costumes are highly recommended. :)</span><br />
<br />
E-mail us at <a href="mailto:gardening@utenvironment.org">gardening@utenvironment.org</a> or check out events on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/utconchocg">Facebook page</a> for more information.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970769187234969532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-19681864438410548882012-10-12T09:38:00.002-07:002012-10-12T17:07:29.277-07:00Hey everyone!<br />
<br />
Because it's been getting dark so early these past few weeks, <b>we are going to move Thursday workdays up a bit to 5-7 PM</b>. This way we can get some more daylight to work at the garden!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpoZNEFBe4lAEXhG6YlwRxx6NXO_U0PLJZ6CM-rMCRXPZXZOuX39bekdDKj-HO_rGjP9_xmgFZcfUtzdy3EJlGX9yPyzlE8ufztrHPlmBm7cCju4DNDsuK9RyV7eNGLf4FygPS80DFPI/s1600/IMG_0951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpoZNEFBe4lAEXhG6YlwRxx6NXO_U0PLJZ6CM-rMCRXPZXZOuX39bekdDKj-HO_rGjP9_xmgFZcfUtzdy3EJlGX9yPyzlE8ufztrHPlmBm7cCju4DNDsuK9RyV7eNGLf4FygPS80DFPI/s320/IMG_0951.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sunday's work times will still be from 10 AM-12 PM.<br />
<br />
If you can't make the entire time, just come to what you can!<br />
<br />
When daylight savings ends, these hours might change again, so<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f6b26b;">keep checking Facebook or the blog for updates</span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Also, for all plot owners:<br />
<br />
To make sure you are getting your 2 hours of volunteering in each month, scroll down to and click on the link that says <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><u><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsLyWpf2lH_NdHpTTHYxNXBLaG8tY2ZWdDZiRVZrZ2c#gid=0" style="color: #7ae613; text-decoration: underline;">Plot Owners' Service requirement Timesheet</a></b></u></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks for all the hard work. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970769187234969532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-91290198137762323542012-09-16T06:53:00.001-07:002012-09-16T06:53:39.935-07:00Potluck and Film Screening at the garden<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join us on Thursday, September 27th at the Concho Community Garden, as we gather for this year's first gardening function! </span></h4>
We will be screening the film, "Trashed", an eye-opening documentary which analyzes the causes and effects of the seemingly-harmless act of "taking out the garbage". This event is brought to you by the Campus Environmental Center's Gardening Committee, in partner with Green Events!<br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04;"><b>POTLUCK WILL START AT 6:30PM & THE FILM WILL BEGIN AROUND 7:30PM. </b></span><br />
Please come with a healthy dish and an empty stomach! :))<br />
<br />
We ask that you <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/363553117061946/" target="_blank">please RSVP</a> so that we may get a head count for drinks/main course dishes that we will be providing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
"Trashed" Official Trailer:</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/5z2s_klZkFg/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5z2s_klZkFg&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5z2s_klZkFg&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13391239882277628534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-1223342756762251462012-08-30T07:28:00.001-07:002012-08-30T07:28:50.427-07:00Fall Semester workdays!In case you weren't already aware, our open volunteer workdays at the Concho Community Garden have been decided on for the semester.<br />
Starting next Thursday, Sept. 6th, our workdays will be EVERY THURSDAY EVENING (6-8pm) and EVERY SUNDAY MORNING (10am-noon).<br />
<br />
The garden is a great place to connect with your peers, learn about alternative food systems and gardening practices, as well as release all the stress that comes with returning back to school!<br />
<br />
If these "official" worktimes do not work for your schedule, you are still welcome to drop by at anytime! A list of ongoing tasks is posted on the shed's dry erase board so that you may lend your helping hands whenever there is a convenient time for you!<br />
<br />
Our first general CEC meeting is also coming up this Wednesday, in WEL 2.312, from 6-7:30pm (and will be every Wednesday thereon).<br />
There, we will discuss ongoing gardening projects and any other initiatives we'd like to tackle for this year! Come with any ideas you may have, we'd love to hear 'em!!<br />
<br />
'til next time,<br />
Brittany<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13391239882277628534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-62845066114812767052012-07-13T13:32:00.000-07:002012-09-16T06:28:08.845-07:00A peak at natural pest management in our garden!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
H<span style="font-family: inherit;">ello gardening folks! I hope everyone is having a great summer thus far!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you've been by the garden lately, you may have noticed a pile of wooden shipping pallets that we have stacked near the b</span>ack fence, near the compost bins and organizational plots. What we have in mind is to actually use these pallets as a way to encourage beneficial organisms, such as parasitic and predatory insects that target those which we gardeners label as "pests". <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenS50w-3vLdGuyXwUoCfh06P5fI0xJVGohrKlb0sPTTovZ8-2tbUJeGNweAy4AXbZMQWZjnpUSjjVdL6xlEXMoRCrMlqCKswiRo1zHdGZP1f2ovXW11I3dYgp-HedHk0IYahHqyv0ICKA/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenS50w-3vLdGuyXwUoCfh06P5fI0xJVGohrKlb0sPTTovZ8-2tbUJeGNweAy4AXbZMQWZjnpUSjjVdL6xlEXMoRCrMlqCKswiRo1zHdGZP1f2ovXW11I3dYgp-HedHk0IYahHqyv0ICKA/s400/photo1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This "<a href="http://www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/uploads/how%20to%20make%20a%20bug%20tower.pdf" target="_blank">Insect Hotel</a>" or "Wildlife Tower", as they are typically called, provide insects with shelter and a place to safely
lay their eggs. They can also serve as feeding places for insects,
amphibians, reptiles and small mammals, providing them with nesting
materials as well. <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The whole purpose of installing the Insect Hotel is to attract beneficial insects
(which far outnumber the "pests") and to also increase
biodiversity in our garden. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOLniQIEKMdnlJ6RccG6iLAiqlv1WlrI5L2id3dQmPIbNQQRA-bUZJkyKgvNk2cg0d506ybV4SlIC086UM24VERsCoLYTHNEDvBhKFZot0ySi1kVwTZgJZZ0nShBJaSKnGlA_suvbErDt/s640/minihotel.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">Pictured above is a small model of an Insect Hotel that we currently have in the garden. Although this one also needs more of its spaces filled, insects love the small holes and crevices that they can burrow and nest in.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">Some great materials for filling out the wildlife tower include: </span></h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Dead plant stalks, fallen bark, twigs, pine cones;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Old wood or wood with holes drilled in it;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Bundles of thick bamboo with holes drilled in each compartment;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Bundled twigs </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Egg cartons, small pots, or containers stuffed with straw;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Piles of sticks, leaves, and rocks; and</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">any other sort of weather-proof material which can create dark nooks and crannies in the gaps of the pallets</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">The Insect Hotel will be a project that can be continually worked on up
until winter, when it will </span><span style="font-size: small;">hopefully </span><span style="font-size: small;">then be fully functional and inhabited.
Then, when Springtime rolls around, the many beneficial critters that
have hibernated will come out and go right to work since they have all
the resources they should need--right there in our garde<span style="font-family: inherit;">n!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">One cool thing I happened to find near the empty stack of pallets was an eggplant with all these spiky little guys on 'em</span>:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9nk9YraamaWMmDagHrBwLGR-GQ63wj4Sz_IjsikK4b8Mps4kppDsgKS5Lvpo1rPqMu1o1A1IcWfSnW3o1CQnVSeNLYddetmm2C8vh0ZQOENYo3fJ2OUPP-p3FbNvRsE2xdmh8vaYaiam/s1600/bugged+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9nk9YraamaWMmDagHrBwLGR-GQ63wj4Sz_IjsikK4b8Mps4kppDsgKS5Lvpo1rPqMu1o1A1IcWfSnW3o1CQnVSeNLYddetmm2C8vh0ZQOENYo3fJ2OUPP-p3FbNvRsE2xdmh8vaYaiam/s400/bugged+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnLOW_l1eQ-OiFtacH3ujvMevGmAs6eNtZdkuIRPHCXM6iQ2rqNHr2jCNpv9yenRYOwxDOrz0y5pH-UOygmvG43wPGIub59hAhnW-i6zWYndgTvQQvugIAoUh3YH6Q_Baf1LI4DsHYfls/s1600/bugged.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnLOW_l1eQ-OiFtacH3ujvMevGmAs6eNtZdkuIRPHCXM6iQ2rqNHr2jCNpv9yenRYOwxDOrz0y5pH-UOygmvG43wPGIub59hAhnW-i6zWYndgTvQQvugIAoUh3YH6Q_Baf1LI4DsHYfls/s400/bugged.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">It turns out that these critters are actually caterpillars which have been parasitized by some sort of fly or wasp that lays its eggs on their backs. There were at least 20 parasitized caterpillars on this one Eggplant alone--with roughly half of them still crawling around on the leaves, like the one pictured above. Once the babies leave their egg casings, the host caterpillar is found on or around the plant (dead) like this one:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I hope the idea of attracting more insects to the garden does not freak anyone out! I find the nature of these things quite fascinating and hope that others will find it just as interesting, too.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
On a similar note, we have some other natural predators that frequent the garden as well! This includes our neighbor's Guinea fowl, which make their rounds of the garden at least once daily. While they may take an occasional peck at plants, they much more prefer to eat insects and seeds. These guys have been hailed as the <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/Nature-Community/1992-08-01/Gardening-with-Guinea-Fowl.aspx" target="_blank">"Ultimate Low-Cost, Chemical-Free Pest Control"</a> for the garden, although you may want to keep an eye on them if you happen to be in the garden when they drop in because they sometimes get to pecking fruits or kicking up the compost. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9KWYblOTBSu3pvzxQCz5eK9JS1YKIH1_qWzCO7eUGk0OSP_UphAZHQ6bMuEogxy6QUvH0uwQOFJ5PB2YuuVB48gmBBGIcUAfgbFxQSkA42W_KL5HTd__JrU1RJCcJ-xRFyHflYmprneA/s1600/guineas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9KWYblOTBSu3pvzxQCz5eK9JS1YKIH1_qWzCO7eUGk0OSP_UphAZHQ6bMuEogxy6QUvH0uwQOFJ5PB2YuuVB48gmBBGIcUAfgbFxQSkA42W_KL5HTd__JrU1RJCcJ-xRFyHflYmprneA/s400/guineas.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This regularly visiting family of Guinea fowl has five large chicks and a monogamous adult pair. Please do not startle them or shoo them away from doing their pest-management duties in the garden! These really are some quirky and helpful birds that are just plain fun to watch too, lemme tell ya! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzkOVwP-Dj_lw1wYux7OAkcF62INH4K0BQMHXu9d79yhLakMuNMY5Yuy-r5zaksRnBFT7XM9M7aJciAyYLrqb4GRE5IzA_nL3Yu49b_uj4FIfCTNlhn_g3KM42bmcM1HqvTP3khMmPPAe/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzkOVwP-Dj_lw1wYux7OAkcF62INH4K0BQMHXu9d79yhLakMuNMY5Yuy-r5zaksRnBFT7XM9M7aJciAyYLrqb4GRE5IzA_nL3Yu49b_uj4FIfCTNlhn_g3KM42bmcM1HqvTP3khMmPPAe/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Although the garden is already recognized as a Certified wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, we hope to further increase the garden's biodiversity this coming year, as well as focus more on spreading these sorts of <a href="http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/factsheets/ipm.htm" target="_blank">Integrated Pest Management</a> knowledge and techniques to visitors, volunteers, and members of the garden.<br />
Looking forward, we hope to hold a Garden Stewardship and a Pest Identification class, in addition to the ongoing Insect Hotel project that we've only got started so far. <br />
<br />
<br />
Feel free to express any and all ideas that you have for contributing to our educational/outreach efforts, events, and/or projects for the garden or even on-campus!<br />
Please also let us know what topics or classes that you'd find interesting for this coming semester! Email us at<b> gardening@utenvironment.org </b>or talk to us about it on a workday! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13391239882277628534noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-57844184997322556792012-07-11T08:28:00.004-07:002012-07-11T08:29:12.395-07:00Work for the UT Micro Farm this Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb07cyeE8jjVAehF3PvzVU1q1GoRGO01xJzV0GQU5IEZQw25-X_14ZYd4GimR21HwW-gAwyMMX3v7EbhN0l-KOblX0OS4KreegJ3pbG63v5PMtpFsmuXh4Ijfab7-NL32MCDZQqRHvD9w/s1600/7544010650_d854a8ff66_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb07cyeE8jjVAehF3PvzVU1q1GoRGO01xJzV0GQU5IEZQw25-X_14ZYd4GimR21HwW-gAwyMMX3v7EbhN0l-KOblX0OS4KreegJ3pbG63v5PMtpFsmuXh4Ijfab7-NL32MCDZQqRHvD9w/s400/7544010650_d854a8ff66_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Want to work for the UT Micro Farm? If you're a UT student, you can! See the job posting <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://hirealonghorn-csm.symplicity.com/students/index.php?mode=form&id=b44fb5fd890576bf460a95a2c7c6e110&s=jobs&ss=jobs">HERE</a></span>. </div>
<br />daniellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808269108041668094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-35022136766043754892012-06-24T07:48:00.002-07:002012-06-24T07:48:45.540-07:00Recent article in The Daily Texan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjo7mGmd4upMixDhah8yI0Xv0NyWJTtvB1Jr5I13RCA2F0i-dsZC25fSVKgMbTkKETaoag6cYm3FwYPwiwvMbvth-IE_xFSMfqwI5C3RsOcFwZRHCfwnSFbHVX6cdsaSkZNsz6TkV1JA/s1600/P1190357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjo7mGmd4upMixDhah8yI0Xv0NyWJTtvB1Jr5I13RCA2F0i-dsZC25fSVKgMbTkKETaoag6cYm3FwYPwiwvMbvth-IE_xFSMfqwI5C3RsOcFwZRHCfwnSFbHVX6cdsaSkZNsz6TkV1JA/s400/P1190357.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check it out <a href="http://www.dailytexanonline.com/university/2012/06/20/ut-concho-community-garden-expand-after-year-droughts"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a>!</div>daniellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808269108041668094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-34725725576274622862012-06-23T18:54:00.002-07:002012-07-10T12:29:53.438-07:00Recently...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9r_LZs4nfn8KzQENoeajoxBQSWCqiZ7EuQXjS14pJjC8MUphe46v-j5A5zuuT7qX_Tk9tsF7KRN97_ovX4x5Wg9bz7vLy3XSIxQ8ZQ1tLIVVrgZ0rZl-jUdIJKISkqMpOSVc_B1MaeA/s1600/P1190295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9r_LZs4nfn8KzQENoeajoxBQSWCqiZ7EuQXjS14pJjC8MUphe46v-j5A5zuuT7qX_Tk9tsF7KRN97_ovX4x5Wg9bz7vLy3XSIxQ8ZQ1tLIVVrgZ0rZl-jUdIJKISkqMpOSVc_B1MaeA/s640/P1190295.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div>
Lots going on these summer days! This morning <a href="http://foodisfreeproject.org/">Food is Free Project</a> came out to our garden to help us install our first wicking bed! It's made of salvaged wooden pallets, political signs, scrap PVC, and tumbled glass from the City of Austin. Once seedlings are established we'll only have to water once-a-week at most! We hope to construct several more of these beds at upcoming garden workdays. All produce grown in these plots will be donated. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFFziTtxVQE-PpAMH6HOlWzIc3H1zH2EauMwiYbebTMzIt2WWROFO2wXzFrXqaqU-UOkQQIoVCPj28sG9wd2q7TKOz_xaFhOhHtIGyrPjqmPI7JLekJPbDbxbbdB163bx0rub28GJ2RM/s400/P1190374.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8rarRj-ISdO6JOqYkIy9cCCw2akBBRjiFXHpT5uXCrspCMOrroaYNpJd0uiLQN9IYpAAKdOp6HiTdlFdgpk9Wk32ieiikMUihvMXy01DdJY8ORKdwj2-mPHK1FYHfEvMrB9RdC3WMS8/s1600/P1190364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8rarRj-ISdO6JOqYkIy9cCCw2akBBRjiFXHpT5uXCrspCMOrroaYNpJd0uiLQN9IYpAAKdOp6HiTdlFdgpk9Wk32ieiikMUihvMXy01DdJY8ORKdwj2-mPHK1FYHfEvMrB9RdC3WMS8/s400/P1190364.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEWCGm8KvAm-ViTV5O13T4DUzHr8U_jb3viURS9psuR62iA76LZAE9wcnyOa_D-zWHKMUQjuUm_kJl-rhsgvRqpaAN9uj49nokybJ9kId_5BL0fJRhtX8Wsjo42Oxa1VOLaYNS4AjAuo/s1600/P1190367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEWCGm8KvAm-ViTV5O13T4DUzHr8U_jb3viURS9psuR62iA76LZAE9wcnyOa_D-zWHKMUQjuUm_kJl-rhsgvRqpaAN9uj49nokybJ9kId_5BL0fJRhtX8Wsjo42Oxa1VOLaYNS4AjAuo/s400/P1190367.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJotY0fXFBFmdHeS5RaKOheRCi1r67KhGO_WziGItzKoMzKI8TJzFFU269ezJ4wFCeSAsZmWRnaJgOXjdVtvybjQ7XQh7w2bB2gH23aiOdSOXyT8536841oUToeNxPC6yU3J9HohSoBz8/s1600/P1190320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJotY0fXFBFmdHeS5RaKOheRCi1r67KhGO_WziGItzKoMzKI8TJzFFU269ezJ4wFCeSAsZmWRnaJgOXjdVtvybjQ7XQh7w2bB2gH23aiOdSOXyT8536841oUToeNxPC6yU3J9HohSoBz8/s400/P1190320.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRAQysZ7T1SIoD-0M9DghX8VFZ_ZOWspekNie8CxEYO_jOF89JQqOub9LiqZ2dtQ5aeAXet_f77T8Aw563fhJj5Fc6pCkCAfbAq99EhyVZDe7TtlhkI2t7El5Guk5LAqQv2NeH60vlTs/s1600/P1190321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRAQysZ7T1SIoD-0M9DghX8VFZ_ZOWspekNie8CxEYO_jOF89JQqOub9LiqZ2dtQ5aeAXet_f77T8Aw563fhJj5Fc6pCkCAfbAq99EhyVZDe7TtlhkI2t7El5Guk5LAqQv2NeH60vlTs/s400/P1190321.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCm16X7aTqQ2dnjF9gA4V3Fe2iyeUyGSwVyIMaS9wlfwlKpzA8WK5dCCRqeeoX8Idx7DbtSOTn2_iL_EM8yl1rZE5aAayFAyysH_FwrOrEy3du_nj5SSSSANkPFZX2afqeuKw3mORp00/s1600/P1190325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCm16X7aTqQ2dnjF9gA4V3Fe2iyeUyGSwVyIMaS9wlfwlKpzA8WK5dCCRqeeoX8Idx7DbtSOTn2_iL_EM8yl1rZE5aAayFAyysH_FwrOrEy3du_nj5SSSSANkPFZX2afqeuKw3mORp00/s320/P1190325.jpg" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbSX-2H-nuUHBt0CwLN7oDrIwegvrA9vGayAoDhLx5LW0SO3wReXRbKsJumVeLSPcGa1AR5aonRYzyp_fLiUKrKSxHuoevno1sdFiot8N1NIT4AfDGolXxd7wzQELAMFKnqi_5roEWiY/s1600/P1190333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbSX-2H-nuUHBt0CwLN7oDrIwegvrA9vGayAoDhLx5LW0SO3wReXRbKsJumVeLSPcGa1AR5aonRYzyp_fLiUKrKSxHuoevno1sdFiot8N1NIT4AfDGolXxd7wzQELAMFKnqi_5roEWiY/s320/P1190333.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wonder why there's CD's hanging around? They're there to ward away birds from snacking on our tomatoes! And to the right, yes, that's rice growing in a toilet bowl. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKvhFsL8WGcjG5T-rMSz-iGKPoeNAlP88Syd9_MH-gP4bpDjxM9B05La3Cv6k64tgwJZ3qWK2bqSwrvlKmLIxSNPSHQdCMJS7PqDW-OJygGLMt2VEwNGT3Kk9h6YQPewNYQbyWDdSm3k/s1600/P1190336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKvhFsL8WGcjG5T-rMSz-iGKPoeNAlP88Syd9_MH-gP4bpDjxM9B05La3Cv6k64tgwJZ3qWK2bqSwrvlKmLIxSNPSHQdCMJS7PqDW-OJygGLMt2VEwNGT3Kk9h6YQPewNYQbyWDdSm3k/s400/P1190336.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvxiydZfCs4SvAYmR1-oBuinVwHXPH8zyLjlJCKt19xCSdfUDC0fU0uer-6rz8jTmrbLdSXPHoYg-MvvOPjDQDSGjXFi7d_LWndtgAw-oBb4Fh3idCDpaCmD3UUr5SbAReitt3anlLMw/s1600/P1190342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvxiydZfCs4SvAYmR1-oBuinVwHXPH8zyLjlJCKt19xCSdfUDC0fU0uer-6rz8jTmrbLdSXPHoYg-MvvOPjDQDSGjXFi7d_LWndtgAw-oBb4Fh3idCDpaCmD3UUr5SbAReitt3anlLMw/s640/P1190342.jpg" width="640" /></a>Last workday we reorganized our stockpile of materials. We have so much to work with: bamboo, plywood, wooden beams, crushed porcelain, black plastic planting containers... If you have any ideas, we want to know!</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qMcXNroLD9kbRzDzhcVEO74V8cmdhjAjSxS58OCgkAPjmZCz73fpfugwamAh3F70ymXlY4cZs9qUnQAhONzGkEJ8bVVsauDLMNpRdbzVbl32pLq62owij0RQGmQEgrNZ4kOO8-045kk/s1600/P1190271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qMcXNroLD9kbRzDzhcVEO74V8cmdhjAjSxS58OCgkAPjmZCz73fpfugwamAh3F70ymXlY4cZs9qUnQAhONzGkEJ8bVVsauDLMNpRdbzVbl32pLq62owij0RQGmQEgrNZ4kOO8-045kk/s200/P1190271.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV19RVL3rLv8g92CNUcNqNW7KHGB4VAoi-VAzrfvssZlt7v8BrcI0WEZFXZntN2h5fnHRgYWLKLowd71gbI0nYiQ-uRa7b7C9NAIYi59jTjS3NvgQaXP4aFbf4IAQpt4AZrMPFOE_VZs4/s1600/P1190282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV19RVL3rLv8g92CNUcNqNW7KHGB4VAoi-VAzrfvssZlt7v8BrcI0WEZFXZntN2h5fnHRgYWLKLowd71gbI0nYiQ-uRa7b7C9NAIYi59jTjS3NvgQaXP4aFbf4IAQpt4AZrMPFOE_VZs4/s400/P1190282.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunyNIKD8XQX_pWTcQ6rZQr6uuswObA3i5c0Cp-jxis4UkHnHOrkh73M4cAezWm2nM_yO9NaCxLwLFf9GFxHccHPhP-WQ-b1nkgGkRgoIDKNgQoIutyTuYreXifS4UH3Nd1fAYi1XgAbM/s1600/P1190349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunyNIKD8XQX_pWTcQ6rZQr6uuswObA3i5c0Cp-jxis4UkHnHOrkh73M4cAezWm2nM_yO9NaCxLwLFf9GFxHccHPhP-WQ-b1nkgGkRgoIDKNgQoIutyTuYreXifS4UH3Nd1fAYi1XgAbM/s320/P1190349.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qMcXNroLD9kbRzDzhcVEO74V8cmdhjAjSxS58OCgkAPjmZCz73fpfugwamAh3F70ymXlY4cZs9qUnQAhONzGkEJ8bVVsauDLMNpRdbzVbl32pLq62owij0RQGmQEgrNZ4kOO8-045kk/s1600/P1190271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx35dduY5l5HhT7qCQ192tSrQh16Yn5k-4K2iqeReJ30rnj25AyIpvahws8wspr1lVRl1HGnyX_CTBcH_ojBtSziSZyDM-q7I7RFuzm3d59gvOMaJcGACswvON8B9Gu3Ka7yfdMimEpQw/s1600/P1190293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline ! important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx35dduY5l5HhT7qCQ192tSrQh16Yn5k-4K2iqeReJ30rnj25AyIpvahws8wspr1lVRl1HGnyX_CTBcH_ojBtSziSZyDM-q7I7RFuzm3d59gvOMaJcGACswvON8B9Gu3Ka7yfdMimEpQw/s200/P1190293.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDvmWHBn5JDjD-OCf8wInzsEsksoFdlEkh-kso8O66QvngajVtU3efvPw18KKs6C9mfj8g1UWD2Oj087RZ3FkM5H2gY7L_9PcO6WTINj-zqvOYsr-xhAafImeR5FJhyphenhyphenIO5CFiQoHSWKs/s1600/P1190270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline ! important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDvmWHBn5JDjD-OCf8wInzsEsksoFdlEkh-kso8O66QvngajVtU3efvPw18KKs6C9mfj8g1UWD2Oj087RZ3FkM5H2gY7L_9PcO6WTINj-zqvOYsr-xhAafImeR5FJhyphenhyphenIO5CFiQoHSWKs/s200/P1190270.jpg" width="200" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> </span></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx35dduY5l5HhT7qCQ192tSrQh16Yn5k-4K2iqeReJ30rnj25AyIpvahws8wspr1lVRl1HGnyX_CTBcH_ojBtSziSZyDM-q7I7RFuzm3d59gvOMaJcGACswvON8B9Gu3Ka7yfdMimEpQw/s1600/P1190293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtV2BRjfrQilV1nH-wMwzsMHZMS7W-D-8IyIMYZWiLGZVNoJep_h1z8MZ7Dg2K2AlexycG4kef_ma4nIEcj2ZlYJEyvxlhn8K0QmIgbyL8FhZIeDPxUDXFkjOZXCjRGkImoKxVHvMTK74/s1600/P1190318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline ! important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtV2BRjfrQilV1nH-wMwzsMHZMS7W-D-8IyIMYZWiLGZVNoJep_h1z8MZ7Dg2K2AlexycG4kef_ma4nIEcj2ZlYJEyvxlhn8K0QmIgbyL8FhZIeDPxUDXFkjOZXCjRGkImoKxVHvMTK74/s200/P1190318.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlcbtrmJI5Mt0zXxcgUh89n338W9fuxOT_etxUDSAcOtGPel8PNeiV82T2O9SDQor4kD_MwQh5GJODAMEDQID7XO_n4E9U-NrOlmf025HWQqibakyYYGEwDhftvl-tClNdNTb947GHnw/s1600/P1190292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlcbtrmJI5Mt0zXxcgUh89n338W9fuxOT_etxUDSAcOtGPel8PNeiV82T2O9SDQor4kD_MwQh5GJODAMEDQID7XO_n4E9U-NrOlmf025HWQqibakyYYGEwDhftvl-tClNdNTb947GHnw/s200/P1190292.jpg" width="200" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCxzI5vLDmU69YRZTWY-Hz_AQY4KNQa8FQ8zTWPTCl_4p4pWpNEnK4fqe20gv9GRboMhueu9TeVNVK1A7R7r5Hlps14vNYIvlPLnLo9eMjQwXUMbqAuEl7gq_UgxEwU7eaOIEQ2vOuZY/s1600/P1190299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCxzI5vLDmU69YRZTWY-Hz_AQY4KNQa8FQ8zTWPTCl_4p4pWpNEnK4fqe20gv9GRboMhueu9TeVNVK1A7R7r5Hlps14vNYIvlPLnLo9eMjQwXUMbqAuEl7gq_UgxEwU7eaOIEQ2vOuZY/s200/P1190299.jpg" width="200" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPw70B6QKg0iVPDxQLELGbltF6_GMNNse6lq56J7UMgA1Qc8eKYostlTHDkvJGdSc7RJUxIxBmXmpYnw8JlN4GGHxja1x9vYSu-tBXk5bMjdetDHz0UTO-QnhMLgBOOXxUizO27y6kVI/s1600/P1190286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPw70B6QKg0iVPDxQLELGbltF6_GMNNse6lq56J7UMgA1Qc8eKYostlTHDkvJGdSc7RJUxIxBmXmpYnw8JlN4GGHxja1x9vYSu-tBXk5bMjdetDHz0UTO-QnhMLgBOOXxUizO27y6kVI/s400/P1190286.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our <a href="http://www.howtocompost.org/">compost</a> operation is going strong! Composting in many ways serves as the foundation for sustainable gardening. Garden waste is not wasted at all; fallen leaves, rotten fruit, dead plants, plant trimmings all recombine and decompose to create an ideal soil amendment full of nutrition, water-retention capacity, and beneficial micro-organisms. Composting on-site generates an efficient, local-specific, closed-loop cycle in which linear inputs (such as chemical fertilizer) and outputs (such as landfill waste) of the garden can be minimized or eliminated.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U9-8bIKdWl18Tm9U_m_mmkFpJ162NK0N0wrpuBKCWCGayZQgUQyHVIRDit7wTtsELRKP06a8ZYd_wbzG_6B1NIMRRWj4yVSm36GO_Z20cw6xAhUkebRI0VUZt7twUAcMwTrJClBuc_Q/s1600/P1190289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U9-8bIKdWl18Tm9U_m_mmkFpJ162NK0N0wrpuBKCWCGayZQgUQyHVIRDit7wTtsELRKP06a8ZYd_wbzG_6B1NIMRRWj4yVSm36GO_Z20cw6xAhUkebRI0VUZt7twUAcMwTrJClBuc_Q/s320/P1190289.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAE9pF993nMC6oVfQaMWseJOQlKpOigFCJpl-zva5rrVgrfTzM6diTfSHuxq61xxWxR2CbzySF_51D-lqToVixy_chtJ5qt7gL6kJYhq9Y2EcXbwpLkG1BVac3f95XJVIzqN-V4wLlv0/s1600/P1190298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAE9pF993nMC6oVfQaMWseJOQlKpOigFCJpl-zva5rrVgrfTzM6diTfSHuxq61xxWxR2CbzySF_51D-lqToVixy_chtJ5qt7gL6kJYhq9Y2EcXbwpLkG1BVac3f95XJVIzqN-V4wLlv0/s320/P1190298.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVacoEfUR9ZjifeBuONoil_1gFSJxxAyjqCQmeWVf7pnY4FA_Vrb2mnUzd7_FFpA6rcyfCcMKg3cS-s0-CYf_yF0oKYROz4vG5Mi_yEd3eu6g10Vvaz0VPjS2GG9uheZ39uYwdGiTMfrI/s1600/P1190291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVacoEfUR9ZjifeBuONoil_1gFSJxxAyjqCQmeWVf7pnY4FA_Vrb2mnUzd7_FFpA6rcyfCcMKg3cS-s0-CYf_yF0oKYROz4vG5Mi_yEd3eu6g10Vvaz0VPjS2GG9uheZ39uYwdGiTMfrI/s320/P1190291.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9r_LZs4nfn8KzQENoeajoxBQSWCqiZ7EuQXjS14pJjC8MUphe46v-j5A5zuuT7qX_Tk9tsF7KRN97_ovX4x5Wg9bz7vLy3XSIxQ8ZQ1tLIVVrgZ0rZl-jUdIJKISkqMpOSVc_B1MaeA/s1600/P1190295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
Come out to our garden anytime! Our "open" workdays are Wednesdays and Sundays 5-8 PM, and we want to see you there!<br />
Be sure to bring a water canteen! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uqGDUZ1Y5OjIAgt5_QqEAnwX8x1uSolAluh4aOuI2EUuDzVrAUv0UqnB2OVObwYtEfzWQeSEBvptbK3BnzA1183jluWLVz_VegYX7gZVF-fbvWmTxr2mS0jHGHC5a0zTrFO8KJWqiTQ/s1600/P1190302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uqGDUZ1Y5OjIAgt5_QqEAnwX8x1uSolAluh4aOuI2EUuDzVrAUv0UqnB2OVObwYtEfzWQeSEBvptbK3BnzA1183jluWLVz_VegYX7gZVF-fbvWmTxr2mS0jHGHC5a0zTrFO8KJWqiTQ/s400/P1190302.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>daniellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808269108041668094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-35579115609102894892012-06-13T12:38:00.001-07:002012-06-13T13:01:18.043-07:00Food is Free Project to lead workshop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMeraV1fmz-y9J5dkuIEQ3OQ6rUz3vdJu6vhbD8d4gVWPvzekjHn081IuMCbCNO7IDF9440TeSnGv-iI7PUdasoBDCEEiI5blqDgRJeW7w290PKLwYzthwYq_RnS-QTDSb8Mdch3s6Ic/s1600/foodisfreebed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMeraV1fmz-y9J5dkuIEQ3OQ6rUz3vdJu6vhbD8d4gVWPvzekjHn081IuMCbCNO7IDF9440TeSnGv-iI7PUdasoBDCEEiI5blqDgRJeW7w290PKLwYzthwYq_RnS-QTDSb8Mdch3s6Ic/s640/foodisfreebed.jpg" width="580" /></a></div>
<br />
Join us for a special event led by a representative from the<a href="http://foodisfreeproject.org/"> Food is Free Project</a>. In this detailed one-day demo we'll learn how to build and install a raised wicking bed, a resource-conscious gardening technique that only requires once a week watering during the summer. The Food is Free Project is a local community building and gardening movement that helps people reconnect with others and the food around them. Come out and join us as we learn about this incredible technique that saves water, time, and resources. We'll be growing community and growing food!<br />
<br />
Date: June 23, 2012<br />
Time: 10:00am<br />
Place: UT Concho Community Garden, 2108 Concho St. <br />
Who: Food is Free Project<br />
Why: To meet great people and eat great food!<br />
<br />
RSVP on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/266987453409187/">Facebook event</a>, or just show up!daniellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808269108041668094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-8624828051772787672012-06-03T18:03:00.001-07:002012-06-03T18:05:05.000-07:00Rainwater system<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALrfjiC4iRRijBybsJ2Zax4DN_U1-BT1BHnVk2Yv_LvvX8rg1SNUSj0Br8dvw4aOqf1SdF4Ys0EpZA5fDsZ9sRVW5_x1R97pce8OOToZopnog2OO-o5Cx_MargWttd-PNe5biFw_dAY0/s1600/P1190247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALrfjiC4iRRijBybsJ2Zax4DN_U1-BT1BHnVk2Yv_LvvX8rg1SNUSj0Br8dvw4aOqf1SdF4Ys0EpZA5fDsZ9sRVW5_x1R97pce8OOToZopnog2OO-o5Cx_MargWttd-PNe5biFw_dAY0/s400/P1190247.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have our first functional rainwater harvesting system thanks to student group <a href="http://www.wix.com/eswutstorage/esw-ut#!">Engineers for a Sustainable World</a>!</div>daniellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808269108041668094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-50986192377594243152012-05-20T22:05:00.001-07:002012-05-20T22:06:26.784-07:00UT Micro Farm!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVE7hsZGvaO0zebnjC1dq2q2hz0brgWcQ4QBSUtC3Ul8u8zbmhQrnNb9_-KavHMN6pbt03ke-LJdjpsHXDym0wMfhE_NAW1EVLuOk0TV7o_F25VKkmcyDd1goqiNpvKBv8EvFJYnUzTU/s1600/MF+graphic+chard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVE7hsZGvaO0zebnjC1dq2q2hz0brgWcQ4QBSUtC3Ul8u8zbmhQrnNb9_-KavHMN6pbt03ke-LJdjpsHXDym0wMfhE_NAW1EVLuOk0TV7o_F25VKkmcyDd1goqiNpvKBv8EvFJYnUzTU/s400/MF+graphic+chard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Learn more about the upcoming UT Micro Farm on our new <a href="http://utgardening.blogspot.com/p/ut-micro-farm.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">page</span></a>! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You are welcome to contribute your talents, interests, experience, and expertise towards making this project the best it can be! Start the conversation by emailing us at <b>gardening@utenvironment.org</b>, or talking with us at our next workday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>daniellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808269108041668094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-19184128174386801732012-05-17T21:53:00.000-07:002012-05-17T21:54:14.750-07:00LBJ Wildflower Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRfOKHgP3g9DX8grc917VCiOZofB0RiMRdW0wEykCg-ORpJslDy_iqI-5GLxMmC1qVo_auFGtUUSn3HHG4ro93mHwORHx8Qbdg9u1A37GShVndYMfZuLH9Kt5WhdahqHbC3excr4OuRo/s1600/P1190125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRfOKHgP3g9DX8grc917VCiOZofB0RiMRdW0wEykCg-ORpJslDy_iqI-5GLxMmC1qVo_auFGtUUSn3HHG4ro93mHwORHx8Qbdg9u1A37GShVndYMfZuLH9Kt5WhdahqHbC3excr4OuRo/s400/P1190125.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our committee has begun a partnership with the <a href="http://www.wildflower.org/">Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center</a>! A recent trip to the center proved beautiful and inspirational. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdzyg8YOT2VYOSa4SxKnCyjWdyeOBJkJP5yyKgDlRiRg9_vtU3iVx85GZvD26-6S2b4Btlot-0dGjZA7STaqllcIkYpxzhvKhsriUuII6iOpbym-n_HvcMyKJOtu1fcwSe9jNsRNIOso/s1600/P1190128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdzyg8YOT2VYOSa4SxKnCyjWdyeOBJkJP5yyKgDlRiRg9_vtU3iVx85GZvD26-6S2b4Btlot-0dGjZA7STaqllcIkYpxzhvKhsriUuII6iOpbym-n_HvcMyKJOtu1fcwSe9jNsRNIOso/s200/P1190128.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhvilTuDdmR2ZMl2N6HNpzCqDLn6e5h5zySZOJARJnK4S5cQMh0fyyNQbZUXR6K449gNh8WafG2_2mZR5N-XqZCtuihF2c3LkjC5Y50QckLZ1VwREAcocLBVlZ3gFtrqgbxW4Fw_P1Fs/s1600/P1190129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhvilTuDdmR2ZMl2N6HNpzCqDLn6e5h5zySZOJARJnK4S5cQMh0fyyNQbZUXR6K449gNh8WafG2_2mZR5N-XqZCtuihF2c3LkjC5Y50QckLZ1VwREAcocLBVlZ3gFtrqgbxW4Fw_P1Fs/s200/P1190129.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0c8LpCCXc0PZU-2yjsK3UjGHHLpFXNLT3CpbWUWemFzdsQWU8936Z77EO-4TUDzXyRShTtoUgR0-N43IsRBJAqsZxMDpkPXyEKeB2WOP6vRR6DQqj7Wk8u0Lw5IuSHZnqRSpBmLoCiqo/s1600/P1190130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0c8LpCCXc0PZU-2yjsK3UjGHHLpFXNLT3CpbWUWemFzdsQWU8936Z77EO-4TUDzXyRShTtoUgR0-N43IsRBJAqsZxMDpkPXyEKeB2WOP6vRR6DQqj7Wk8u0Lw5IuSHZnqRSpBmLoCiqo/s400/P1190130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes. The UT Gardening Committee utilizes native Central Texas plants in our gardens all around campus, and is in the process of installing a new native plant garden at the UT Concho Community Garden. The Wildflower Center has generously donated to our committee plants! We look forward to volunteering at the center this upcoming Fall to further our knowledge of working with native plants.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOXrzC2fM0AfPzQGjNdIzor0D6zwJaL0aZdyl0FBVQtfkAWaH-6A0ikZ2Y48f9p5zbRZs739NBSriMl1pVT_58301nKY8dxYdfmmiCF1PHZZ0AznG4e3s82tcqhp_j8SeJ_qAwbHAOI0/s1600/P1190140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOXrzC2fM0AfPzQGjNdIzor0D6zwJaL0aZdyl0FBVQtfkAWaH-6A0ikZ2Y48f9p5zbRZs739NBSriMl1pVT_58301nKY8dxYdfmmiCF1PHZZ0AznG4e3s82tcqhp_j8SeJ_qAwbHAOI0/s320/P1190140.JPG" width="204" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64rug-vv1kPw6zzOyB7BaDpNyOGM6hj8RWz2xWHShvjXEkJUHiXJQ714UXtUdymwBekDazU39TUGNB_mZEscKAbMpGtrVdI_fAz4TuKCj7i5tQ7wD2SNGwzhw-zKJzurChgixUstflII/s1600/P1190142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64rug-vv1kPw6zzOyB7BaDpNyOGM6hj8RWz2xWHShvjXEkJUHiXJQ714UXtUdymwBekDazU39TUGNB_mZEscKAbMpGtrVdI_fAz4TuKCj7i5tQ7wD2SNGwzhw-zKJzurChgixUstflII/s320/P1190142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Our most recent trip to the center was inspiring! Metal basins filled with water, lilies, and mosquito fish are a beautiful landscape element we'd like to replicate at our garden. Also, a native edibles demonstration plot brought to light some interesting Texas eats: Barbados cherry, Mustang grape, the tubers of winecups, prickly pear cactus, chile pequin, wild onion, and pink evening primrose. We'll create a similar demonstration plot at the UT CG. </div>
<br />daniellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808269108041668094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244396309369198067.post-25240182692480533382012-05-14T13:28:00.004-07:002012-05-14T13:28:51.906-07:00Summer worktimesWhat worktimes work best for you? What do you want to see happen at the garden this summer? Take a quick moment to fill out this short survey:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R5NT8CM" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R5NT8CM</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />daniellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808269108041668094noreply@blogger.com0