Sunshine Community Gardens

8 August 2019

www.sunshinecommunitygardens.org

Gardener's Picture page

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Are You Interested in Making Sunshine Gardens More Environmentally Friendly?

Here's One Way You Can Help:

Battery Mowing Technology- Help Wanted.

For 35 years, the Sunshine site has used gasoline-powered mowers, and they've been run longer and harder than those in an average yard. They have been maintained by volunteers like Bob Easter and others who have diligently worked to keep them functioning. They are constantly breaking down, and it's only through their steady hard work and continual investment in parts, gas and oil that there is anything for us to use.

Looking at the environmental impact, according. to the EPA, one gas-powered mower produces as much pollution in an hour as do 11 cars. They are a significant source of toxic and carcinogenic substances such as benzene, as well as fine particulate matter.

I'm excited to announce that the Board approved the purchase and testing of a battery-operated electric mower for Sunshine. Change would bring environmental, air quality and health benefits, but we've got to find out firsthand if the technology is ready for the conditions on the site. If we find this mower is a good fit, we hope to buy more as part of our plan to reduce emissions and get equipment that's easier to use and maintain.

I'm looking for a small team of gardeners to commit to operate and evaluate new equipment over the period of six months. If you are interested in exploring this new electrification project, please contact me at steven_uecker@hotmail.com.

Sunshine is already an environmental leader in the community. Let's ensure we're doing our part for cleaner and healthier air. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Steve Uecker

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Faces of Sunshine

Deepika Tharimana - Zone 8

I am a software engineer and I've started gardening this September. I used to do gardening as a kid with my grandparents back in India. My grandfather had paddy fields - paddy fields are rice fields - and during my summer holidays I would go visit him for a couple months and accompany him. With all the farming stuff, he's not a worker; he has farms so he's kind of a landlord. He used to take me around to all his farms and he had people fish for him for fresh river fish so I use to eat that every Sunday. My dad is an entomologist and he is a professor for bachelors of science in biology. My Mom is a housewife and she comes here pretty often; every six months she's here. Gardening is a stress-buster. I sit for eight hours in a room with AC on and with my computer so coming out and seeing the sunlight while gardening is something that is a very good stress reliever for me.

Gardening tip from Deepika:

To check if your okra is edible and not too woody to eat, use your finger to snap the tip. If it snaps easily it's good, if it does not it's too woody. If okra pods are not edible let them dry and save the seeds for next year.

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Upcoming Events at Zilker Botanical Garden

August 1st, 2019

Austin Daylily Society's Monthly Meeting - "So, You Want to Xeriscape?" with Marie Knipfer 7:00pm - 8:30pm

So, you say you want to Xeriscape? But what is that? Xeriscaping is the process of landscaping or gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation. Join the Austin Daylily Society as they come back from Summer break with a presentation on Xeriscaping from Certified Arborist Marie Knipfer M.A. and learn all about it!

For more information, Check out the Austin Daylily Society's website.

May 25th to August 10th - 2019 Woodland Faerie Trail

Explore the abodes of the faeries and gnomes along the Woodland Faerie Trail! Miniature Faerie houses of all sorts are created by families, businesses, clubs and groups around Austin, using whimsical design combined with natural materials to highlight native materials and plants found in Texas. Enjoy them before they're gone!

August 10, 2019 - "Growing Herbs in Texas" Gardening Seminar

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Learn the basics of growing herbs in the Austin area, including soil preparation, watering, growing seasons, when to plant, when to harvest and how to preserve and store your herbs. Master Gardener and past President of the Austin Herb Society, Lucinda Rudin, will provide ideas for growing herbs in a variety of situations, from apartment balconies to raised beds, to incorporating them into your landscape. Together we will get started on a journey to a fascinating group of plants that have been part of mankind's history for thousands of years. There will be an opportunity to visit the beautiful Herb Garden at Zilker at the end of the presentation.

Cost: Free with garden admission

Check out the Travis County Master Gardener's website.

For more info, check out our Facebook event.

August 12, 2019 - Austin Organic Gardener's Monthly Meeting

"Seed Saving" with Jace Furches & Linda Wall - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Please join the Austin Organic Gardeners' club for our August meeting on Monday, August 12th. The topic will be Seed Saving and we're having a 3 part program starting with Jace Furches from the Austin Central Library discussing their seed library. Next, horticulturist Linda Wall from The Natural Gardener will discuss how to save seeds, and we'll wrap up with a seed swap.

Check out the Austin Organic Gardener's website.

RSVP via Facebook.

September 14, 2019 - "Selection, Planting and Care of Your Trees" Gardening Seminar - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Get ready for tree planting season! There are many types of trees, such as ornamental or fruit trees, understory or large shade trees, deciduous or evergreen trees, that are native to Central Texas and will thrive here. Matching a tree's characteristics and growing requirements with your personal preferences is the first step to successfully adding or replacing trees. Planting the tree in the right season, ideally between October and April here in Central Texas, allows the tree's roots to grow and get established before the heat of the summer is upon us. Trees that will increase the value of your property and bring you enjoyment for many years. Please join Master Gardener Jerry Naiser as he takes you through the steps of selecting, planting and caring for your trees.

Cost: Free with garden admission

Check out the Travis County Master Gardener's website.

For more info, check out our Facebook event.

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