Gardening

An introduction to the vines of this area by MN Dana Wilson. Participants will learn the basics of plant ID (including the use of a dichotomous key) by focusing on identification of common vines. Time will be spent inside and outside.
Dress appropriately, bring water, sun and insect protection.

Complete list of workshops:

August 16 - Garland’s Duck Creek Mosasaur Project by Darlene Sumerfelt and two other volunteers
September 20 - Wildflower talk and walk by MN Jim Varnum
October 18 - Bus trip to Ladonia and the Sulphur River for a geology and fossil study
November 15 - Fishes of the area and flycasting by MN Dave Petrick
December 20 - The woods in winter by MN Dave Powell

Camp Fire needs your help to plant 25,000 daffodil bulbs by the Trinity River in Fort Worth. If you can dig in the dirt, you can be a part of Camp Fire First Texas’ legacy project in celebration of the Centennial year.  

Saturday, Nov. 1, 10am-4pm

Sunday, Nov. 2, 11am-3pm 

Choose your arrival time at CampFireFW.org or call 817-831-2111 for more details.

The Promise of Peace Garden is raising money to fund a new program where youth on probation in Dallas County will receive 12 weeks of unique training in lifeskills, career pathways and garden-to-table culinary experiences. POP will also mentor them through high school and beyond to higher education. 

Dinner will consist of four courses prepared by local celebrity chefs Sharon Van Meter of 3015, Graham Dodds of Hibiscus, Justin Box of 3015 and Ryan Barnett of Green Grocers. The lovely food will be accompanied by lovely wine from Oak Cliff Cellars and guests will walk away with a newly created P.O.P. Garden Rosemerry Delight by Dr Sue's Chocolate. 

There will be a giving table where guests can contribute to help us change the lives of young adults who are selected for the program. 

This dinner also commemorates the birthday of Randall Copeland and his contributions to the farm-to-table movement and his commitment to quality.

$49.

Class days: Aug. 2 and Aug. 9, 9am-noon

The North Texas Climate is both harsh and promising to the Edible Gardener. What works in most of the country, does not work in our micro-climate, but other strategies can make a difference between garden success and failure. The instructor's family eats something from their garden nearly 365 days a year and she would like to help you plan for that as well. This in-depth class will help you succeed in providing fresh and healthy food to your family every day.

 Class Topics:

• Soil Health-the key to it all

• Garden Ecosystems-Grow a Jungle or Die in the Desert?

• Season by Season Planning

• 10 Day Weather Forecast

• Seasonal Extension

Held July 29, 2014, Aug. 5 and Aug. 12, 8:30 a.m. -noon  

Herbs are the gateway learning tool for successful gardening, healthy living and tasty meals. Learn from all natural herb farmer Holly Ross of Hollyberry Farm and lifelong gardener, Heather Rinaldi of Texas Worm Ranch. This in depth class will take you from the necessity of microbes in the soil to seed and plant propagation to successful uses of herbs in meals and essential oils.

Class includes:  Workbook, 5 herb plants and 3 seed packets, 10 lbs of premium worm castings and one gallon of Worm Wine ™ to improve soil health.

Day 1: Intro in to herb gardening: How to grow, harvest and preserve herbs. In depth overview of how herbs work in the body to promote health and the importance of the essential oils. How to preserve herbs as essential oils.  Design your own herb garden for your yard's distinct needs.

Discover why you should consider vermi-composting, Where you can set up worm bins, how to setup and care for worm bins and how to utilize worm castings as a cheap and easy garden amendment to improve your chances for organic garden and landscaping success. You will get your very own worm bin, complete with worms. $45, includes worm bin with worms.

Instructor: Heather Rinaldi

This two-week certified Permaculture Design Course is paradigm shifting experience you won’t want to miss. Participants have the opportunity to co-create designs for urban and suburban environments and learn about natural building and restorative strategies applicable to life anywhere on the planet.

To receive a Permaculture Design Certificate issued by the Permaculture Research Institute, participants are required to attend all two weeks of hands-on and classroom learning. However, the course is offered in one day modules, so if your schedule doesn't allow you to attend the full two weeks or you can't budget for the full price, you can still participate. 

Taught by eco pioneers, Theron Beaudreau and John Bushe', this 72-hour Premium Permaculture Design Course will be held on sacred grounds that Quanah Parker, the founder of the Native American Church, utilized as a hide out from troops and mercenaries. T

This month we'll be removing woody plants from Rosser's Meadow and working on our butterfly garden and wildflower bed.  

This month we'll be removing woody plants from Rosser's Meadow and working on our butterfly garden and wildflower bed.  

We also have tickets available for our annual Ranger Suite Fundraiser Raffle. Tickets can be had for a $20 donation, Each ticket enters you into our raffle for a chance to win a night at the Ranger game in a suite, right behind home plate, with up to 13 of your friends.   

Only 100 tickets will be sold. Info: Friendsofosgray@gmail.com. All proceeds will go towards maintaining O.S. Gray Natural Area.

Certified master composter Melanie O'Neill will be teaching the class. $30.

There are just 10 spots available, so please let us know ASAP if you or someone you know is interested.  

Info: 214-566-3025.

Drip irrigation is 90 percent more efficient, inexpensive and easy to install. Drip systems promote healthy plants and conserve water use. Learn how to install your own system. Free.

If class is full, contact Gary Cocke at 972-769-4216 to be added to the wait list.