Composting: Panel on Different Methods

This video features a two speakers who dig into various composting methods. Gaby Benitez from Keep Austin Beautiful will talk about vermicomposting. This method relies on worms to create high-quality compost or worm castings, in addition to decayed organic matter. Kate Jaceldo from Compost Queens will be talking about the Bokashi method, which is great for indoors and small areas. This method originating in Japan is an anaerobic process that relies on inoculated bran to ferment kitchen waste, including meat and dairy, into a safe soil builder and nutrient-rich tea for your plants. Compost Coalition of Austin has also generously donated a bokashi compost bucket that we will be giving away in a drawing to a random AOG member. 

Samuel Beautysta Lazer: Gente de las nubes / People from the Clouds​

​Sam will joined us from one of the cradles of civilization in the Central Valley of Oaxaca (Teotitlán del Valle). His family is a traditional Benizaa (Zapotec) family of weavers. Benizaa means "people from the clouds" in the native language. Sam will share the richness of his community's agroecosystem that goes back 10,000+ years growing food that is now protected through UNESCO. He will weave a story connecting the cycle of nature's elements that create the beauty of the food to the hand-woven tapestries of the region. Sam will also discuss the fight against GMOs and industrial farming that continues in Mexico and is led by the indigenous people. We hope to inspire and share why this intangible heritage of humanity is so sacred and must be protected.

Brie Arthur: Gardening with Grains 

Featuring design and growing inspiration from her new book, Brie Arthur dives deep into the wild world of Gardening with Grains. Learn how to cultivate grains alongside your favorite ornamental and edible plants. Brie will explain how to design a space that can provide nourishment for your family and your favorite birds year-round! Discover easy-to-apply management strategies for long term success, including how to naturally improve your soil and reduce the need for fertilizer and irrigation. From ancient times to modern living, grains are an essential part of our daily lives. This program is sure to get attendees thinking of all the fun and creative ways they can garden with grains… and maybe even grow some homemade bread and beer!

Matt Powers: Regenerative Soil - The Science & Solution

We started the year off in the soil with author, educator, seed saver, and gardener, Matt Powers. This talk digs into his new, comprehensive book on the most important aspect of organic gardening, Soil Regeneration. Soil is the lynchpin to life as we know it. It’s where carbon is stored, where all life comes from and returns, and it’s also the living foundation for all life on land and sea. If we want to restore our environment, economy, and health FAST, we have to work with soil and not just in one area, but in ALL areas. Matt will inspire you to make SOIL an even more permanent part of our culture. ​

Sharon Lovejoy: Finding Wonder in Organic Gardening

Award winning author and illustrator Sharon Lovejoy inspires adults and future gardeners alike to tune into the natural world. She has written a number of books and appeared on many television programs such as Central Texas Gardener and Today on NBC.

James Brown: Barton Springs Mill

James Brown of Barton Springs Mills will be sharing his story of bringing heritage grains back to Texas. Get to know your local miller as he tells the story of being a long-time music conductor that sold his beloved violas de gamba to buy a mill and a banjo. 

Anastasia Day: Victory Gardens

Anastasia Day, The Historian in the Garden digs into the history of Victory Gardens, which happens to be a large reason for the formation of AOG in 1945. She has been featured in the NYTimes, Slate, and Gastropod, shattering many of the nostalgic myths about World War II-era Victory Gardens.

Tiffany Washington: Farming while Black

Tiffany Washington from Dobbin-Kauv Garden Farm shares her story of farming while black in Austin and as a member of Austin’s Black Heritage community she has put together a history of Austin’s farming heritage. Tiffany is a service disabled combat veteran battling PTSD, mother of four, and is the only Black-owned farm in Austin. Her small, urban farm is in the middle of East Austin - the neighborhood she was born and raised in. She will be sharing her story about why she is a food justice warrior, protecting her childhood home by planting a nutritional defense for her community. You can learn more and support Tiffany’s farm here. 

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