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Roots & ShootsRoots & Shoots

March 2010March 2010

EDITOR: Vineetha Kartha ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Carlene Warner COPY EDITORS: Meg Paterson, Karen Sankman CALENDAR: Karen Sankman WEBSITE QUESTIONS: Kristen Wagner 602/827-8200 x311 USPS MAIL QUESTIONS: Debbie Mauldin 602/827-8200 x308

Deadline is the 18th of the month prior.

Roots & Shoots, published monthly by & for Maricopa Co. Master Gardeners, is printed under the direction of:

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION MARICOPA COUNTY OFFICE

4341 E. BROADWAY RD. / PHOENIX, AZ 85040-8807 PHONE 602/827-8200 FAX 602/827-8292

HOURS: 8:00AM-5:00PM WEEKDAYS maricopamastergardeners.org

STAFF: Monica Pastor, County Extension Director Kristen Wagner, Program Coordinator, Sr.

602-827-8200 x311 / krwagner@cals.arizona.edu James Truman, Program Coordinator, Sr

602-827-8200 x306 / jstruman@cals.arizona.edu Debbie Mauldin, Admin. Ass’t

602/827-8200 x308 / dmauldin@cals.arizona.edu

Roots & Shoots In this edition: Garden spotlight MG Update Diggings in the Garden Traveling Gardener Magic of Rain Baja Adventure And many more!!

Maricopa County Master Gardeners MG CONTACT LIST: For a complete listing, see the organizational chart under MG Business on the MG Central website East Valley Satellite: Wayne Hall -----------------------480-507-5422 Director at Large: Vacant Carl Rutherford ----------------- 480-325-1469 Educational Materials: Vacant NE Valley Satellite: Debbie Lyding ------------------- 602-789-7377 Demonstration Garden: Pam Perry 602-279-6250 Linda Belous --------------------- 480-991-4306 MG Support: Cherie Czaplicki 623-975-5397 Linda Thiedke ------------------- 480-614-0150 Public Events: Vacant NW Valley Satellite: Marianna Hancin -----------------623-566-1737 Public Training: Jim Oravetz 623-584-6068 Kris Coates ------------------------623-915-3337 Helen Zinn ------------------------ 623-271-7518 SATELLITE OFFICES: EAST VALLEY: 480-985-0338 NORTHEAST VALLEY: 480-312-5810 NORTHWEST VALLEY: 623-546-1672 Red Mtn. Multi-Generational Center Via Linda Senior Center PORA Office 7550 E. Adobe 10440 E Via Linda 13815 Camino del Sol Blvd Mesa, AZ 85207 Scottsdale, AZ 85258-6099 Sun City West, AZ 85375 Mon. & Thurs. 9:00a.m.-Noon Mon. 9 -12:30 p.m.; Thurs. 9 -4 p.m. Weekdays 9:00a.m.-Noon The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities. Persons with a disability may request a reason-able accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter, by contacting Kristen Wagner, Program Coordinator, at krwagner@cals.arizona.edu 602-470-8086x311. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Ex-tension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, James A. Christenson, Director, Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, The University of Arizona.

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Maricopa County’s Master Gardener Newsletter

The Idea The Montessori Center School stands on two acres of land that used to house a ranch. The garden began with the theme of a horticultural ranch mimicking the ranches in the vicinity. Originally the garden had date palms, citrus, grapes, olives and roses. The date palms were started with the original seeds distributed for cash crops. The grape vines ( Flame and Thompson Seedless) were recovered from a long gone vineyard in north Glendale. Also notable is the use of railroad ties and brick, all reused and recycled from the locality. The garden has been added to over the years and has since turned into an outside learning environment that complements the learning environment already established inside the classroom. The Vaz’s vision was to bring smell, sight, touch, hearing and tasting to the garden so that each of the five senses can be experi-enced separately in the garden. Also prominent is the compass garden, allowing the child to recognize the four directions. Key elements for success The five senses, smell, sight, touch, hearing and tasting are experienced in each garden. Aromatic plants such as lavender, rosemary, sage, basil and lemongrass fill your nose with sweet aromas in the garden of smell. Iris bells and a teepee of gourds are just some of the plants Joe has planted for the garden of sound. The taste garden is sure to make your tastebuds tingle with kumquats, artichoke, broccoli and eggplants. Tactile delights like mallow, flame plant and ice plant make up the garden of touch. The compass garden is a unique garden with notches for the four cardinal directions and the four ordinal directions. The overwhelm-ingly native plant variety substantiates Joe and Nimal Vaz’s appreciation for nature and the environment. The garden was built by various volunteers, including students and their parents, creating a sense of owner-ship for the entire community. The various structures in the garden are also reminiscent of Montessori basics for learning. Especially notable is the sculpture “Give the child the world,” built by the father of a former stu-dent, Nelly. Skill building opportunities Joe and Nimal Vaz believe that all knowledge comes from nature. The garden allows the children to learn about the circle of life, watching the progression of growth from seeds to plants to fruit, back to seed again then recycled. Don’t miss your chance to tour the “sensory garden,” featured in the Maricopa County Master Gardener RGRP tour, to be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010.

From the giant tamarisk tree to the tiny herbs, every element in Joe and Nimal Vaz’ s garden provides the children an opportunity to be closer to nature, a place to learn about the environ-ment and about taking care of plants. For the Vaz’s who have dedicated thousands of hours to making the inspiration of the garden into a reality, it is a joyful and fulfilling accomplishment.

Garden SPOTLIGHT Joe Vaz’s “Sensory Garden” at Montessori Center School

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WHO: Mike Wallace is supervisory officer for the United States Department of Agriculture and was until recently state survey coordinator for the Arizona Department of Agriculture. His job is pest detection and his focus these days is on the cactus moth, Cactoblastis. WHAT: Cactoblastis, a problematic pest which could cause major problems to prickly pear cactus in the southwest. It is not in our region now, though it may eventually arrive here. Mike will tell us how to recog-nize this moth, understand it's behavior and what it does to cacti. He will tell us about it's journey so far and what they are learning about counteracting it's impact. If there are methods of control that may work here or some in development, we'll hear about that, too. As Master Gardeners, information on potential pests helps us inform the public to prevent harm where possi-ble. The pest, itself, is not the only issue. Mis-use of pesticides is also a concern. As we all learned in the MG course, the right tool for the job is often not the biggest, baddest poison. And we learn about the right plant for the situation, too. I'm hoping that there are some prickly pear cacti that aren't attractive to this moth and that this moth will be less vigorous in the Sonoran desert, but these are only my hopes. I haven't heard the talk yet. Mike Wallace will also give us a brief update on the citrus psyllid's progress. While the psyllid has been seen in Yuma, the disease has not. In situations like these, voices of reason are really important. Once the word is out that a pest may arrive, the county extension gets a lot of calls. Some will be false alarms. This is already happening with the citrus psyllid. Master Gardeners have a role in public education about pests and bugs in the garden even when the particular critter in question is not here. What we do does matter. Please come with your questions as usual. WHEN: Wednesday, March 10, 9:00 am WHERE: at the extension office, 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix

MG Update Exotic Pests of concern By Deb Sparrow Cactoblastis, Detection of and Impact on Cacti

Design Charrette This month’s Design Charrette will be held in Sun City West on Saturday, March 20 from 9:00 AM until noon. March is a wonderful month to experience our lovely Arizona weather and be outside helping Jolene Peer with her garden. It’s great to be with fellow Master Gardeners and hear all the wonderful ideas on garden design, and, of course, there is always great food involved! You might just want to come just to learn about design and eat. No previous design experience is necessary, just your imagination. Please come and join the fun. Here is what Jolene has to say about her garden: “My husband and I moved to Sun City West in 2005 to start our new adventure. As a Midwest gardener I had much to learn about the southwest. I would love some ideas on how to plant the front of our house that faces northeast and the west side of the house. I'm open to any ideas that would be low water usage.” If you can join us, please e-mail designcharrette@hotmail.com or call Beth Kirkpatrick at 480-275-4833. The Design Charrette Team - Beth, John, Matt and Sue

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Maricopa County’s Master Gardener Newsletter

Diggings in the Garden by Pam Perry

For the second time in as many months, the cats are pacing while I write, annoyed that the wet weather precludes bird hunting and nap-ping in the sun. The irrigation timers are again off, and cool season weeds continue to sprout and grow… welcome rain!! Trail day dawned with some sun, some clouds, and cooler temps than the week that preceded it. Thank you master gardeners and interns for helping, despite the measurable rain which fell during the morning! After an introductory tour, Jim Homan, Ken Smith, Pam Mulvehill, Jeanne Moorhead, Emily Bartle, Lynn Krabbe, Bruce Kubride, Eileen Kane, Nora Cronin and Lori Hartman cleaned and trimmed the pond area, removed the temporary berm around the Sissoo, and used the soil to enhance berms around the citrus. The paths thru the lupine were rediscovered, and the cassias blocking MCCE signs cut back. In the veggie patch we have followed Terry’s recommendations for late winter soil prep (See his article in February Roots and Shoots). We planted the first installment of tomatoes; more to follow as they root out. These babies are from seed and I was not as quick off the mark to move them up as I could have been. Pep-pers and eggplants will join them in the northwest corner of the veggie garden this year. A few asparagus shoots have been tasted. We will harvest until May 1, when the crop is declared done. The plants will be fer-tilized, mulched, and allowed to mature. The ferns that feed the roots allow for the spring harvest another year. Into harvest baskets go lettuces, carrots, beets, rutabagas, kale in several flavors, spinach, chard, green onions and itoi’s, cauliflower and brocoverdes. The sole surviving heirloom sprouting broccoli is still amongst the tomatoes, sending out sweet tender shoots. So many riches! This is why a vegetable garden for sure! It is almost warm enough to plant corn, melons, cukes, squash and beans. Many bulbs emerge and we are weeding to make sure they get plenty of sun; it is fun to watch them bloom. If you have left-overs from lifting and dividing, or seasonal containers, you are welcome to donate them to the bulb garden. And if they are identified, that would be even better! Thanks to Mike Hills for the 5th composter in our com-post demo area. Citrus was fertilized; pruning on deciduous fruit trees has commenced. The desert perennials along the Trail are budded and will be lovely, complimenting the lupine. Ron Brennan continues his irrigation evaluation and welcomes folks to join him Tuesday’s beginning about 1 pm. Mapping of what is, maintaining drippers, evaluating valves are just a part of what he is hoping to accomplish. We still gather Tuesday’s at about 3 pm in the veggie area, and do what calls out to us the most insistently. The bananas have bloomed, and several tropical fruits are producing this season. The mild winter has has-tened production! Debbie and Steve Young are often found in the roses, continuing the legacy left us by the heritage rose society. We will all miss the contributions to this garden made by James Allen Kichefski. Look for an announcement of the spring sale sponsored by the Rare Fruit Growers Association. They have some interesting treasures waiting in the wings! This is held in early April, and often the Herb Association offers plants as well. Pop in for the March Weed and Feed and learn about spring planted herbs and herb care. Plan on a Trail Day April 17, or come and weed any time before then! We have hula hoes available and they work great while plants are small. Grasses and paths are easy targets if you are concerned you might tread into unfamiliar turf and do something awful. But, truly, I don’t think you can…

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The 9th Annual Real Gardens for Real People (RGRP) Tour

Saturday, March 13, 2010

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Orvalita Hopkin’s “A Collector’s Paradise” Orvalita’s garden has a fairy tale setting; lush flora and secret nooks ac-cented with quaint collections and the sound of gurgling water invite visitors to spend many lazy afternoons. The Hopkins’s many talents and personalities have extended themselves into the garden making the space truly a part of their lives. Lisa Grant’s “Sunny and Shade” An Arizona native, Lisa has forged a symbiotic relationship with the Ari-zona sun—her garden is a true play of shadows, light, texture, shapes and sounds. The Zen like setting has an instant calming effect while the various special niches prompts the inquisitive gardener. Jackie Rich’s “Garden of Ideas” Jackie’s garden is a destination for inspiration seekers, pet lovers, plant enthusiasts and those interested in Father Kino’s heritage fruit trees. Both the rustic western front yard and the hard working back yard are constantly evolving with ideas and brand new projects. Jackie’s garden is a perfect example of water conservation and alternative gardening practices. Ronda Cronin’s “Lush & Edible” Garden Ronda’s 1959 ranch style house and garden has a resort like setting; a backdrop of color provides a very inviting ambience, tempting visitors to spend a lazy day by the pool, in the shade of whispering trees. Mean-while, snack on the delicious kumquats or apples and peep into the se-cret garden to complete your day. Doreen Pollack’s “A Gardener’s Muse” Doreen Pollack’s garden is like a fresh impressionist watercolor painting - very organic in nature, mother earth is given full rein; everything has its way and a reason for being there. A front yard of orchard & vegeta-ble garden with innovative spaces in the rear garden providing color and scent. Jennifer Wadsworth’s “Dolce Verde” Jennifer’s 1939 ranch style home and garden play an iconic role in the surrounding community. A sustainable homestead, the garden is highly functional and a place of healing—alive with plants that thrive on organi-cally improved soil and an energized sense of community. Joe Vaz’s “Sensory Garden” at Montessori Center School Joe and Nimal Vaz’s garden engrains a piece of history and provides children an opportunity to be closer to nature, a place to learn about the environment and taking care of plants.

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Maricopa County’s Master Gardener Newsletter

Real Gardens for Real People Needs your Help! Calling all volunteers, seasoned or new, interns too! We still have a few openings for you on the tour!

Our Master Gardeners have been working long and hard to get their 7 beautiful gardens looking their best for the day of the Tour. But they can't do it alone! Now is the time to get out in the fresh air, meet some new friends and earn yourself some valu-able MG hours. We need help with garden cleanups before the tour, or shifts on the Tour Day, Saturday March 13th, including: Garden Greeters, Ticket-Takers, Traffic Control, Garden Rovers & Clean-Up, as well as Ask a MG and MG Book Sales. Volunteers who help out before or during the tour will be invited (along with their 'significant other') to go on the "sneak peek" pre-tour/pot-luck lunch on March 7th at 11:30 am. Please take a minute to read over the "want ads" below and sign up with one of our garden captains. Thanks so much for your support and en-thusiastic participation! Joe Vaz's Montessori Center School: "A Sensory Garden" Featured in Roots & Shoots March 2010. Map Mar 6 & Mar 7, 8 am - noon - Joe needs help with general garden cleanup. Tour Day, March 13, noon - 4:30 and 4 - 6 pm - Garden Greeters, Rovers, Ticket Takers & Clean-Up To volunteer contact Joe's Garden Captain: Laurie Scott 602-361-7555 l-scott-2007@hotmail.com Ronda Cronin's "Lush & Edible" Garden featured in Roots & Shoots Nov 2009 . Map Mar 5 & Mar 12, 9 am - noon— Ronda needs help setting up for the tour. Tour Day, March 13, noon - 4:30 pm and 4 - 6 pm - Garden Greeters, Rovers, Ticket Takers, & Clean-Up. To volunteer contact Ronda's Garden Captain: Mary Beth Kalkbrenner 602-861-4720 email: marybeth@pksi.phxcoxmail.com Jackie Rich's "Garden of Ideas" featured in Roots & Shoots Jan 2010 Map Mar 6, Mar 12, 8 am - noon - Jackie needs help with general garden cleanup. Tour Day March 13, 7 - 9 am, 8 am - 12:30 pm,

noon - 4:30 pm, 4 - 6 pm - Garden Greeters, Rovers, Ticket Takers, & Clean-Up. To volunteer contact Jackie's Garden Captain: MaryAnn Armbruster 602-795-5283 maarmbruster@earthlink.net Orvalita Hopkins' "Collector's Garden" featured in Roots N Shoots Oct 2009 Map Mar 2, 1 - 4 pm - Orvalita needs help with clean-up and painting outdoor furniture. Mar 12, 10 am - noon—Orvalita needs help to put up plant labels. To volunteer contact Orvalita's Garden Captain: Roylene Keilholtz 480-694-6115 keiroy@asu.edu On Tour Day we have a few openings for specialty booths: MG Book Sales at Ronda's "Lush and Edible" Garden needs 2 volunteers, March 13, 1 from 8 - 12:30 pm, and 1 from noon - 4:30 pm. Also at Ronda Cronin's garden, (shared with MG Book Sales Booth): MG Website Navigators - Promoting and demon-strating the Master Garden website. Wireless access and a laptop provided. Giving out handouts for visi-tors which include links to blogs and garden/seed suppliers. Must be comfortable w/ roaming around the web. Needs 2 volunteers March 13, 1 from 1130am to 2pm, and 1 from 2 to 4pm. Lisa Grant's "Sunny and Shade" Garden featured in Roots N Shoots Dec 2009 on page 3. Map "Ask a Master Gardener" Booth at needs 4 volun-teers, (with AAMG experience) March 13, 2 from 8 - 12:30 pm and 2 from noon - 4:30 pm To volunteer for MG Book Sales, MG Website Naviga-tors, or the "Ask a Master Gardener" Booth contact: Meg Gaeta 480-656-2523 mmmagaeta@yahoo.com

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Traveling Gardener, wandering, wondering, noticing… The Best Season in the Garden by Linda Larson

I arrived at Allerton Park near Champagne, IL on a drizzly gray day late in May. The grounds of this grand old Estate include a sunken garden surrounded by expansive white walls, a formal boxwood knot garden and a bed of peonies. Rounding a corner an expanse of 24 varieties of peonies stood in full bud. My visit was a week before the flowers opened! Yet the image of those buds just beginning to show pink was a spectacular show of expectation and the promise of spring. In San Diego there is rarely an off season but a hot summer day in Balboa park sent me in search of shade. Wandering through the eucalyptus grove I was drawn to the massive roots of the Merton fig tree. No hues of green or flower in sight but the massive roots hold such fascination; rising up to four feet high from the ground to the top of the root. A fall walk in Logan Botanical Gardens, in Utah, with the colorful flowers past their prime it is a perfect time to notice the dried flowers and perhaps find a feather, and seed pods. The skeletal shapes of flowers, dried into neutral colors generate an entirely different landscape than the seasonal prime.

Friends planning a visit to a new garden struggled to pick the best time to go, wanting the garden to be at its’ peak perfection. Predicting the weather, wondering if it would rain, if the climate would be just right for the flowers to bloom they struggled to match their schedules to the hoped for perfect visit. Poet William Brown wrote, “There is no season such delight can bring as sum-mer, autumn, winter, spring.” Whenever you get yourself to a garden, I be-lieve you will find something good. Traveling doesn’t always bring us to a garden on the day of perfection. Yet what is perfection but a dangerous myth that can reduce our joy. If we only go when we believe the garden will be perfect we can miss so much. Most public gardens eagerly welcome visitors with special events and displays all year round. January in Chicago Botanical Gardens is certainly not the busiest visitor season, however shades of brown, with a burst of red covered with fresh snow make a beautiful scene. Dwarf conifers and massive pines frosted with snow are the very essence of a winter . Strolling through the garden, all sounds muffled by fresh snow, the crisp clean cold awakens all your senses.

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Maricopa County’s Master Gardener Newsletter

Traveling Gardener continued…

In our desert gardens March is a favorite season. Driving through our neighborhoods a spray of colors in poppies, flax, penstemons ,and daisies are around every corner. Blooms on saguaros, aloes and palo verde provide a brief spectacular show. The best season is now! gardens are a gateway for us to connect to nature. Nature is there to awaken our senses, and keep us connected to the earth. Go to the garden on a windy day, a rainy day, on a cloudy day and it may just be the best day of the season. Images by Rich Larson

The rains of January and February woke the desert from its drought induced quiescence. Seedlings ap-peared everywhere in response to the rain that comes so inconsistently. This green carpet turned to a shag and then to a Flokati rug in mid-February. Who knows how deep the pile will grow as the season progresses? It all depends on what happens with the rain.

Everyone knows plants need water and desert plants are not an exception. The exception shown by de-sert plants and deserts in general is how responsive they are to outside stimuli. It still amazes me how a few inches of rain can trigger these amazing re-sponses. Most people looking at desert soil during a dry spell might conclude it devoid of life. It seems nothing exists except for the mineral fraction (remember from the Soils Class of the initial training - the sand, silt and clay. Please say you remem-ber!). Take that soil and give it some water and voila something magical happens. What seemed in-ert springs to life with an array of seedlings. Some grasses, some dicots, some natives, some exotic and even some noxious weed plants all emerge from the soil. That in itself is amazing but other plants also that come to life. These plants are usually considered common in other regions but not here. Mosses, algae and yes even some small ferns can break from long dormancy pe-riods and add to the flora palette of the desert. I saw a dramatic example of this at the Boyce Thomp-son Arboretum recently. The bark of a Celtis reticu-

lata (Hackberry tree) glowed an emerald green with an algal bloom I'd only seen in pictures from the Pa-cific Northwest Rain Forest. I doubt this tree came from Washington or ever visited the area. But some-how, sometime in the past enough algae propagules landed and settled on it's bark and remained dor-mant waiting for the right combination or rain, hu-midity, temperature and/or day length brought to life. We don't see that very often so when it does happen makes it all the more special. Of course the big question popping up refers to the wild flower bloom this year. The predictions vary by region and prognosticator. Personally it doesn't mat-ter that much to me. Expecting an great bloom usu-ally causes too high an expectation. Having a low expectation for mass blooming offers a much bigger surprise if you go around some curve and 'Bam' there it is: A carpet of gold, blue, indigo, violet, white and red spread out like a tapestry. That is the magic a surprise offers that I like. Certainly winter rains may lead to an increased fire hazard the next summer. That's a few months away and nothing much can be done in the desert to stave the verdant growth. Around your home steps can be taken as a fire-safe practice. But in the desert, what can you do? Enjoy it now and hope. I hope to see you sometime down the road.

The Magic of Rain by Terry Mikel

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A Report on the Herb Society of America’s Annual Conference by Judy Bates

Larrie and I traveled to Michigan early this summer to at-tend the Herb Society of America‘s Educational Conference and Annual Meeting. It was held from June 4th – 7th, 2009 at the Amway Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids. We try to at-tend these annual conferences every few years but we were particularly interested in this year‘s conference be-cause our esteemed AHA member, Kirti Mathura, was going to receive the highest honor that the Society awards – The Helen de Conway Little Medal of Honor. We also had never been to Michigan and were looking forward to visiting gar-dens there. We arrived in Grand Rapids on Wednesday evening, pre-paring to attend one of the pre-conference bus tours on Thursday morning. The tours are always terrific (for her-bies!) and ours included 5 award-winning gardens on the Michigan State campus, lunch, strolling and shopping at the Southern Exposure Herb Farm and a stop at the Michigan State Extension Office, in downtown Grand Rapids. While on the bus, between towns, we had a wine-tasting with accompanying hors d‘oeuvres to complement the wines – lots of fun and very tasty. The concurrent sessions on Fri-day and Saturday are always interesting and entertaining – my favorite being ―Promising Plants, which brings unique and little-known herbs to the attendees‘ attention. Kirti has served on this committee. There was a very enjoyable Key-note Lecture and several other presentations that everyone attended. About 10 people attended a West District Section Meeting and Kirti, Larrie and I attended the Members-At-Large Meeting because we do not have an HSA Unit in Phoenix and we (and several others in the AHA group) are Members-At-Large of the HSA. There was also a business meeting where members let the HSA Board know about their unique needs and a Rosemary Circle Luncheon, honor-ing the 25-year members. On Saturday night, the excitement mounted as the annual Awards Dinner was approaching. Kirti, Larrie and I (dressed in our finest) met for a short photo session – she because of her impending award presentation and Larrie and I be-cause we are her friends and supporters from home.

We wished that Mike Hills could have been there because he had mounted a very successful campaign of support let-ters to accompany the submission of Kirti’s name for the award. The dinner and ensuing awards recognition program were delightful and we were very proud of Kirti as she graciously accepted her medal. On Sunday there was another terrific tour titled, “The Gardens of Western Michigan.” This time, we all at-tended the same tour and the three of us had a really good time. Kirti and I took lots of photos and we will share them sometime. You will be very happy if you are able to attend one of these yearly conferences someday – next year‘s conference will be in Nashville.

Congratulations to Kirti Mathura on the Helen De Conway Medal of Honor

Excerpt from the HAS awards program Kirti Mathura was very involved in planning the 2007 HSA Educational Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, and was also a speaker, as well as being a tour guide at the Desert Botanical Garden. This involvement is only the tip of the iceberg of Kirti‘s devotion to herbs. She is highly respected for her knowledge of herbs and native plants. She generously shares her time and knowledge, volunteering for many organizations, including Master Gar-deners, Arizona Native Plant Society, Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society, Arizona Herb Association, and of course The Herb So-ciety of America. Kirti works as a horticulturist at the Desert Botanical Garden and is respon-sible for designing, planting and maintaining the delightful new herb garden. She is the author of a book, The Arizona Low Desert Flower Garden. Her lectures are considered a very real learning experience and her leader-ship in the herb/plant world is unparalleled.

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Maricopa County’s Master Gardener Newsletter

Baja Adventure by Sue Hakala

We went to Baja the last two weeks of March via the car/truck ferry from Topolobampo, Sinola to La Paz. It was a great Mexican experience, in what was like an older cruise ship. The bed linens were starched and ironed, and a hot meal was included. The ferry departed at midnight after taking hours to load. We slept dur-ing the five-hour crossing, missing the rough seas. We then hit Highway 1, driving the entire length of Baja from tip to top, discovering some of the world's most unique desert plants. We took many unpaved roads to gorgeous beaches on both coasts. Baja is home to plants like Dudleya siempreviva, Pendalanthus marcopar-pus, Pachycormus discolor, Espuela del Diablo, Ferocactus gracilis, Echinocereus brandegeei, Myrtillocactus cochal, Lophocereus schottii, Agave deserti, spring wildflowers, and native blue fan palms, to name only a few. Seeing Baja plants in the various climate zones from the ocean up to mountain tops was very exciting, but being in the boojum/cardon forests was something everyone should experience in the area around Catavina in the Vizcaino Desert. This central area of Baja possesses the lushest desert on the peninsula with towering cactus and succulent plants by the tens of thousands. It is an unending onslaught of the astonishing. One cardon (Pachycereus pringlei) was so huge that it would easily take ten people with arms outstretched to go around the trunk; another had to be 70 feet tall. This area can see very little rain in a year. Most of the pre-cipitation comes from coastal fog that creeps in through the lowlands in the evening. Some boojums had Til-landsia recurvata, related to the Spanish moss found in the Southeastern United States, on them. My favorite plant sighting was seeing Stenocereus erucas (creeping devils) in their sandy, foggy habitat near the Pacific coastal village of San Carlos. They were growing in small nests on either side of the road we ven-tured down. The plants reached out like snakes creeping across the sand, and I was jumping up and down with joy in having finally found them as this is what I came to Baja to see. They grow up and over one an-other here like great piles of spaghetti, just 1,000 feet from a mangrove-edged bay. Intertwined in their em-brace, in the shadow of scruffy shrubs, were Mammillaria dioica, with Ferocactus acanthodes and various chollas nearby. Cardons and ocotillo towered among them. Seeing plants in their home environment is always a thrill, and makes me a better gardener. Knowing that creeping devils flourish in a foggy sandy environment has made me change the way I grow them. Mine now grow in about 2-3 inches of builder’s sand that I add under them as they creep along the ground putting down roots, simulating their sandy habitat. I spray them with my hose to suggest coastal fog at least once a week, and deep water them in the warm months when the monsoon doesn’t. Many people have a view of Baja gleaned from the 1950’s stories told of a terrible unpaved road loaded with bandits. We found Highway 1 (the main road) in perfect condition throughout our whole trip. The people were friendly and spoke enough English to help us get where we wanted to go. We stayed in moderately priced hotels and had delicious food at every meal. Give Baja a try, and be astonished by the incredible plants. Good references: Baja California: The U.S. Border to Cabo San Lucas. Baja California Plant Field Guide, by Norman C. Roberts, published in 1989.

Special Thanks from Sam Pryfogle

I would like to thank all the Volunteers for helping out at the 2010 West Valley Citrus Clinic;Monica Gillespie, Patricia Butler, Chris Schnier, Julia Wawrzyniak, Shirley, Bartly, Phyllis Schott, Robert Therry, Charles Stephens, Ron Mellot, David Bize, Lynn Zollin, Lisa Dubas, Andrea Groves, Rita Kaiser, Margaret Rains, Car-lene Warner, Fran Schott, Carol Tripp, Milly Johns, Hope Martin, Olin Miller, Paula Palao, Marlies Plaggen-borg, Susan Charneski, Diane Knight, Darren Chapman, Jennifer Guenthner, Jo Anne Knell, and Donna White. I hope to see you all next year.

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10 

A Dirty Story by Sheryl Stradling

As a newbie to Arizona desert gardening, when I moved to Mesa in March 2008, I quickly grabbed a shovel and pick, and started digging in the back yard, a wasteland. The result – a garden plot of previously unsul-lied clay, approximately 4' x 20' x 6' along a west-facing concrete block wall. Little did I know that it was the sun scorched spot! Since I knew nothing about desert gardening, and considered myself somewhat of an ex-pert at organic vegetable gardening in other climates (Sacramento valley, Seattle), I quickly planted all the veggies I knew grew in a “hot” (think Sacramento with that cool evening delta breeze) climate – cantaloupe, tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash, eggplant, peppers. Well, I had mostly beginner's luck....the eggplant thrived until the next summer when I took it out, having decided to give up summer gardening! I did get to-matoes and squash until the 112 degree weather took over, and actually enjoyed three very sweet (but small) cantaloupes. Then I learned a little...about alkaline soil, seasons for vegetable planting in the valley, watering...all the usual “secrets” of success here. Of course, I knew the soil had to be improved more, and had started com-post piles, so used them, and augmented with more purchased compost and manure as well as standard chemical fertilizers. Fall garden included a selection of lettuces, radishes, summer squash, tomatoes, (including various volunteer plants of tomatoes and green beans), as well as the usual fall vegetable selec-tions – carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, onions, kale, chard, parsley, garlic and my favorite flowers, of course, marigolds, nasturtiums and calendulas. I was well on my way. So one day, while wandering around the vast back yard which my partner and I had been working on land-scaping, I “rediscovered” a secret garden area....between the house and block wall on the east side, and next to an unused dog kennel. It also had been a wasteland of trash, dirt piles which we'd put there while exca-vating for other projects, old tree limbs, outcast railroad ties, etc. But I suddenly saw it in a new light ---- it had once been, or been planned to be --- a garden area! It had three water valve stub-ups...so I started dig-ging and the piping was intact. It had organic material still in it and it was friable! It had tilth! It was about 100% better than the clay of my first experiment – and once again I added to it – some fertilizer and pur-chased soil amendments, as well as my own compost. So I planted again (the same veggies and flowers as before) on October 15th – exactly 1 month after my first planting. The results have been overwhelming. I believe the soil was the answer. Although they say the soil must be improved twice a year forever here, I believe that the difference in the soils made the difference in the re-sults. The second garden's soil retained water better due to its structure and it contained more organic ma-terial. The second garden totally outperformed the first although planted a month later. And yes, the location has probably also made a difference. Although on the east side and in more shade, the second garden is in an enclosed garden room – it would probably be too hot in summer, but in winter, it retains the heat. All the cauliflower is ready to eat compared to only one of those in the first garden; the lettuce grew 4 times faster and larger, the carrots are larger, the calendulas are eye-popping orange gorgeous and huge, the chard, though transplanted rather than grown from seed, is 4 times bigger and was edible size very quickly. The tomatoes are not ready yet (but there are lots of green ones) and onions and garlic are about the same as the first garden, but everything else has been truly amazing. All this and a 70' tall eucalyptus fell on it during the big storm...but the garden survived. So, the selling point of my garden real estate is ...dirt, dirt, dirt! And that is the end of my dirty story.

11

Maricopa County’s Master Gardener Newsletter

The Annual Ikebana Show Master Gardener, Nan Holt had a presentation at the annual Ikebana show at the Phoenix Art Museum and her entry was voted the “most stunning” by her peers. Some of the material used in her display was donated by James Truman and came from the former University of Arizona agricultural research farm. She used the twisted, gnarled, heavily thorned branches of the Flying Dragon Citrus. Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arranging. Nan has been study-ing Ikebana since 1978 while living and working in Japan. She has completed all her degrees and is now working on her teaching certifi-cate. Ikebana of Arizona does an annual exhibit during the first week-end of February at the Phoenix Art Museum in the Asian Wing. The arrangements are stunning, as always. Congratulations, Nan!!! Information and image courtesy Nan Holt and James Truman

Pomegranate Educational Seminar Arizona Rare Fruit Growers

Thursday , March 11, 2010 7:00PM University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Office, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix, Arizona

Please join us for an exciting evening and discussion on the USDA Pomegranate collection and Pomegranate cultivation!

Our Keynote speaker, Mr. Jeff Moersfelder, USDA Greenhouse Propagation Manager and Curator of our Nations’ Pomegranate Collection, will discuss characteristics of the 600 pomegranate varieties held by the USDA in Davis, California, and the mission of the USDA in preserving these varieties. We are also excited to welcome Mr. Harvey Correia, Pomegranate farmer and founder of the exciting Yahoo group Pomworldwide.

This is an opportunity to meet leading figures in the study of

Pomegranate culture, and ask questions about the cultivation of these fruit. As usual, bring your fruit from the garden to share afterwards.

For additional information contact AzCRFG President Monte Palmer at Palmermj1@juno.com , or Patrick Hallman, Program Chair P_hallman05@hotmail.com .

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service, and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

March 2010 Events Calendar Submit events to Karen Sankman

March March Volunteer Opportunities

Sign up to volunteer at Master Gardener's Ambassadors. User name: mgvol, password: maricopa

Mar. 1-Mar. 17

Smartscape Workshop Volunteers Needed

4 -6:30 pm, every Mon and Wed from Mar. 1-Mar. 17, Maricopa County Co. Ex., 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix. Contact Tyler Storey or (602) 827-8200 ext. 395 if you would like to volunteer.

March 1-May 31

Summer Master Gardener Training Class

Now accepting applications for Summer 2010 classes, from July 13-Nov. 2. Classes will be held at Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix. Info/Application

Mon 1 Desert Pointe Garden Club Meeting

9-11:30, Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Dr., Phoenix. Judy Tolbert (480) 961-1768

Mon 1 Ask a Master Gardener

10 am-noon, Sun City Library, Bell Branch, 16828 N. 99th Ave, Sun City. Bring plant or pest samples for ID and advice. Cherie Czaplicki or Antje Schneider

Mon 1 Scottsdale Garden Club Monthly Meeting

11:30 am, McCormick Ranch Golf Club, 7500 E. McCormick Pkwy, Scottsdale. RSVP for luncheon to Karen Kelley (602) 942-4848, Scottsdale Garden Club

Mon 1 Valley of the Sun Gardeners Meeting

6:30 pm, Valley Garden Center, 1809 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix. Orvalita Hopkins

Mon 1 Orchid Society of AZ Monthly Meeting

7-9 pm, Arizona State Veteran Home, 4141 N. 3rd St, Phoenix. Julie Rathbun (602) 843-0223. Orchid Society of Arizona

Tue 2 Master Gardener Training Class

9:30 am-12:30 pm, Desert Breeze Police Substation, 251 N. Desert Breeze Blvd, Chandler. Carolyn Hills of the AZ Herb Assoc. will talk about herbs.

Tue 2 NE Valley Satellite Diagnostic Clinic

10 am-noon, Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale. Debbie Lyding. Bring plant or pest samples for ID and advice.

Tue 2 Tuesday in the Garden

3 pm-dusk, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Bring gloves and tools that you like to help with maintenance in the vegetable garden. Pam Perry (602) 279-6250

Tue 2 Down to Earth Toastmasters

6-7:15 pm, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Olivette Aviso (480) 235-5989. Down to Earth Toastmasters

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service, and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Tue 2 Sun Country Iris Meeting

7 pm, Valley Garden Center, 1809 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix. Ardi Kary at (480) 949-0253, Sun Country Iris Society

Tue 2 Phoenix Bonsai Society Meeting

7:30 pm, Valley Garden Center, 1809 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix. Elsie Andrade (602) 995-3870. Phoenix Bonsai Society

Wed 3 RGRP Meeting 12:30-2 pm, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix, Palo Verde Room. Linda Thieken

Wed 3 Phoenix Permaculture: Water Harvesting Class

6:30-8:30 pm, Tempe Transportation Center, 200 E. 5th St, Tempe. $10 donation. Info/Register

Thu 4 NW Satellite Office Diagnostic Clinic

10 am-noon, 13815 Camino del Sol, Sun City West. MaryAnn Garewal (623) 546-1672. Bring plant or pest samples for ID and advice.

Thu 4 Water-Wise Edible Gardening

6-8:30 pm, Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale. Free to Scottsdale residents. Learn what to plant and when to grow fresh vegetables. Info/Register

Thu 4-7 6th Annual Arts and Flowers Celebration

Phoenix Art Museum. More than 60 floral arrangers and garden club members will showcase their interpretation of museum art through design. Encanto-Palmcraft Garden Tour on Mar. 6 showcases 5 gardens. Info

Thu 4 Irrigation Maintenance 6:30-9 pm, Gilbert Public Works, 525 N. Lindsay Rd., Gilbert. Free. Info/Register.

Thu 4 Arizona Herb Association General Meeting

7-9 pm, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix. Topic: Skin care line made with native plants. Carolyn Hills, AZ Herb Assoc.

Thu 4 East Valley Garden Club Meeting

7-9 pm, Mesa Community College at 1833 W. Southern, Kiva Room in the basement of the Clock Tower Building. Judy Smith (480) 539-0381.

Thu 4 Rose Society of Glendale

7 pm, Glendale Adult Center, Rm. 104, 5970 W Brown St., Glendale Rose Society of Glendale, Gerry Mahoney (602) 616-3137

Fri 5 Main Office Diagnostic Clinic

8 am, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Bring plant or pest samples for ID and advice.

Fri 5,6,7 Maricopa County Home and Garden Show

10 am-7 pm Fri and Sat, 10 am-5 pm Sunday, University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale. Home & Garden Show

Fri 5

Desert Designers Monthly Meeting

10 am-noon, Pyle Adult Center, 655 E. Southern, Tempe. Marylou Coffman, Desert Designers

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service, and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Sat 6 AZ Tree Climbing Championship

8 am-noon, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ. Watch skilled arborists as they show off their skills in climbing venerable Eucalyptus trees. Climbers will compete in several different events. Info

Sat 6 Arizona Herb Association Weed and Feed

8:30 am, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix. Everyone is welcome! Fun, hands-on experience. Carolyn Hills, AZ Herb Assoc

Sat 6 Phoenix Permaculture: Hands-On Herb Potting

9-11:30 am, Maya’s Farm at South Mountain, 6106 S. 32nd St, Phoenix. $25. Info/Register

Sat 6 Master Gardener Q&A Session

10 am-2 pm, Northwest Regional Library located in the Surprise Recreation Complex, 16089 N. Bullard Ave, Surprise, AZ. Marianna Hancin. Bring plant or pest samples for ID and advice.

Sat 6 30th Annual Arizona Agricultural Day

10 am-3 pm, Historic Sahuaro Ranch Park, 9802 N. 59th Ave, Glendale. Free for children 12 and under, ages 13 and up is $2 or free with 3 cans of food for the local food bank. This event helps to increase public awareness about AZ agriculture. From 11-1:30 pm, for $1, enjoy a lunch of beef or pork wrap, coleslaw, beans, egg, vegetable, honey stick, milk. 2009 Ag Day Info

Sat 6 Guided Wildflower Walk

11 am, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ. Info

Sat 6 Bonsai of Scottsdale 1:30 pm, Granite Reef Senior Center, Rm 7, 1700 N. Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale. Pat Mitchell (480) 575-5649

Sun 7 AZ Homegrown Solutions: Build Your Own Rain Barrel

9-11 am, 922 W. Pierson St, Phoenix. $10 plus additional fees for materials. Info/Register

Sun 7 Phoenix Home and Garden Tour

11 am-4 pm, Windsor Square Historic District, Central Ave and Camelback Road. This is a self-guided walking tour featuring 10-12 historic homes and gardens. $12. Info/Tickets

Sun 7 AZ Homegrown Solutions: Build a Compost Tea Maker

12-2 pm, 922 W. Pierson St, Phoenix. $40 which includes materials. Info/Register

Sun 7 Desert Plant Pollinators 1-4 pm, Desert Botanical Garden, $30 mem/$38 non-mem. Info/Register

Sun 7 Plants of the Bible Guided Tour

1:30 pm, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ. Learn about botany, history, and scripture on this slow-paced walk led by Bible student, Leda Fide. Info

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service, and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Mon 8, Tue 9 and 15

Native Plants-The Elegant Solution

6-9 pm, Desert Botanical Garden, $75 mem/$95 non-mem. Kirti Mathura will teach you how to make native plants a part of your landscape. Info/Register

Mon 8 Wildflower Adventures

6:30-8:30 pm, Desert Botanical Garden, $20 mem/$25 non-mem. Arizona Highways Magazine photography editor, Jeff Kida will share favorite locations, wildflower tips and techniques for capturing the beauty of the spring wildflower season. Info/Register

Tue 9 Master Gardener Training Class

9:30 am-12:30 pm, Desert Breeze Police Substation, 251 N. Desert Breeze Blvd, Chandler. Dr. F. Edward Northam will talk about weed science.

Tue 9 Desert Sun African Violet Society Meeting

10 am, for location contact: Ann Stoetzer (623) 872-9020. Desert Sun African Violet Society

Tue 9 Tuesday in the Garden

3 pm-dusk, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Bring gloves and tools that you like to help with maintenance in the vegetable garden. Pam Perry (602) 279-6250

Tue 9 Program Your Irrigation Timer

6-8:30 pm, Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale. Free to Scottsdale residents. Info/Register

Tue 9 Arizona Native Plant Society Meeting

7-9 pm, Webster Auditorium at Desert Botanical Garden. Arizona Native Plant Society, Doug Green (480) 998-5638

Tue 9 Sonoran Desert Iris Society Monthly Meeting

7 pm, Valley Garden Center, 1809 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix. Contact: Darol Jurn (623) 932-3412

Tue 9 West Valley Rose Society Meeting

7 pm, Landscape Mart, 8028 W. Thunderbird Rd, Peoria, AZ Heidi Leavitt (602) 971-0179, West Valley Rose Society

Tue 9 Phoenix Bonsai Society Meeting

7:30 pm, Valley Garden Center, 1809 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix. Elsie Andrade (602) 995-3870. Phoenix Bonsai Society

Wed 10 Master Gardener Update

9 am-noon, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Topic: Mike Wallace of the USDA will talk about the cactus moth and give an update on citrus psyllid. Deb Sparrow

Wed 10 RGRP Meeting 12:30-2 pm, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix, Ocotillo Room. Linda Thieken

Wed 10 Culinary Colors of Cumin

6:30-8:30 pm, Desert Botanical Garden, $45 mem/$55 non-mem. Info/Register

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service, and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Wed 10 Phoenix Permaculture: Backyard Composting Basics

6:30-8 pm, Tempe Transportation Center, 200 E. 5th St, Tempe, $10 donation. Info/Register

Wed 10 Scottsdale Rose Society Monthly Meeting

7:30 pm, Eldorado Community Center, 2311 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale. Topic: Larry Bell talks about growing roses in pots. Michael Levitt (480) 206-3806

Thu 11 Tolleson Gourd Patch Monthly Meeting

2:00-4:30 pm, Tolleson Senior Center, 9555 W. VanBuren, Tolleson, AZ. Lana Hinde (602) 843-9015, Tolleson Gourd Patch

Thu 11 Spirit of the Desert Gourd Patch Meeting

4:30-6:30 pm, Sewing Room at the Sun Lakes Oakwood Arts & Crafts Center at the intersection of Riggs Rd and EJ Robson Blvd, Sun Lakes. Sally Kiste (480) 895-7638 or Barbara Crossland (480) 802-6891, Spirit of the Desert

Thu 11 Drip Irrigation Design and Installation

6-8:30 pm, Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale. Free to Scottsdale residents. Info/Register

Thu 11 Mesa East Valley Rose Society Monthly Meeting

7 pm, Mesa Community College Library, 1833 W. Southern Ave, Mesa. (480) 807-3475. Mesa East Valley Rose Society

Thu 11

AZ Rare Fruit Growers Monthly Meeting

7 pm, Palo Verde Room at Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Topic: pomegranates. AZ Rare Fruit, Patrick Hallman (602) 348-5576

Fri 12 Main Office Diagnostic Clinic

8 am, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Bring plant or pest samples for ID and advice.

Fri 12-28 Spring Plant Sale 8 am-5 pm, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ. Info

Fri 12 Washington Garden Club

9:30 am, Valley Garden Center, 1809 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix. Orvalita Hopkins, Washington Garden Club

Sat 13 Phoenix Pond Society 9 am, Member home. Contact for address: Susan Sithwick (480) 654-2107. Phoenix Pond Society

Sat 13 Learn to Prune 9-11 am, Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden, Shady Terrace Room, 5601 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. Free to Scottsdale residents. Info/Register

Sat 13 Irrigation Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair

9 am-noon, Desert Botanical Garden, $30 mem/$38 non-mem. Instructor: Jeff Lee. Info/Register

Sat 13 Volunteer Orientation Class

9 am-1 pm, Desert Botanical Garden. All new volunteers must attend an orientation class. Info: Pam Levin (480) 481-8166, Volunteer Application

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service, and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Sat 13 Real Gardens for Real People Tour

9 am-4 pm, 7 locations in the Central Phoenix area, $20 Info/Tickets

Sat 13 Vegetables, Tomatoes, Herbs

10-11 am, Gardener's World, 3401 E. Baseline Rd., Phoenix, Reservations at (602) 437-0700

Sat 13 Irrigation Principles (drip, T tape, flood)

11 am-noon, Gardener's World, 3401 E. Baseline Rd., Phoenix, Reservations at (602) 437-0700

Sat 13 Guided Wildflower Walk

11 am, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ. Info

Sat 13 Edible/Medicinal Desert Plant Guided Walk

1:30 pm, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ. Learn about native desert plants have fed, clothed, and healed indigenous peoples for millennia. Info

Sat 13 Composting as Easy as One-Two!

1:30-3 pm, Dobson Branch library, 2425 S. Dobson Road, Mesa. Free. Pam Perry will talk about backyard composting. Info

Sun 14 Herb Gardening 12-2 pm, Southwest Gardener, 2809 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix. $40. Reserve and pre-pay at (602) 279-9510. Info

Sun 14 Plant Sale Preview Walk

1-3:30 pm, Desert Botanical Garden, $25 mem/$30 non-mem. Info/Register

Mon 15 and 22

Designing Water Features: Home Fountains, Waterfalls, Ponds

6-9 pm, Desert Botanical Garden, $60 mem/$75 non-mem. Info/Register

Tue 16 Master Gardener Training Class

9:30 am-12:30 pm, Desert Breeze Police Substation, 251 N. Desert Breeze Blvd, Chandler. Stacey Bealmear will talk about entomology.

Tue 16 West Valley Gourd Patch Monthly Meeting

1:30 pm, Glendale Library at 59th Ave. and Brown. Contact Joanne Griner (623) 937-3268, West Valley Gourd Patch

Tue 16 Tuesday in the Garden

3 pm-dusk, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Bring gloves and tools that you like to help with maintenance in the vegetable garden. Pam Perry (602) 279-6250

Tue 16 Down to Earth Toastmasters

6-7:15 pm, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Olivette Aviso (480) 235-5989, Down to Earth Toastmasters

Tues 16, Mar 23, and Mar 30

“Chandler Smart” Landscaping

6:30-8:45 pm, Chandler Senior Center, 202 E. Boston St. Free to Chandler utility customers. Ron Dinchak leads this three-class series about the basics of landscaping. Info/Register at Water Conservation Office (480) 782-3580. Info

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service, and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Tue 16 Phoenix Bonsai Society Meeting

7:30 pm, Valley Garden Center, 1809 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix. Elsie Andrade (602) 995-3870. Phoenix Bonsai Society

Tue 16 Phoenix Rose Society Meeting

7:30 pm, Valley Garden Center, 1809 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix. Phoenix Rose Society, Jeannie Cochell (602) 493-0238

Wed 17 Love of Bonsai Class 9am-noon, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ. $25 mem/$32.50 non-mem. Info, register and pre-pay at (520) 689-2723.

Wed 17 Landscaping in the Arizona Desert

5:30-6:30 pm, Peoria Development & Community Services Bldg, Point of View Room, 9875 N. 85th Ave., Peoria. Free. Leeann Spahos talks about landscaping design ideas. Info/Register or (623) 773-7286.

Wed 17 Phoenix Permaculture: Bermuda Grass Removal

6:30-7:30 pm, Tempe Transportation Center, 200 E. 5th St, Tempe. $10 donation. Info/Register

Wed 17

Phoenix Permaculture: New Volunteer Orientation

6:30-7:30 pm, Downtown Phoenix Public Market Meeting Room, next to Royal Coffee at SE Corner of Central Ave. & McKinley St., Phoenix. Info/Register

Wed 17 AZ Gourd Society Monthly Meeting

7-9 pm, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix. Contact Cheri Williams (623) 322-5660, AZ Gourd Society

Wed 17 Phoenix Chrysanthemum Society Meeting

7:30 pm, Valley Garden Center, 1809 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix. Contact: Wayne Wight (602) 943-7418

Thu 18 Landscaping in the Arizona Desert

10-11 am, Peoria Development & Community Services Bldg, Point of View Room, 9875 N. 85th Ave., Peoria. Free. Leeann Spahos talks about landscaping design ideas. Info/Register or (623) 773-7286.

Thu 18 NW Valley Gourd Patch Monthly Meeting

3:30-5:30 pm, Nadaburg School in Wittman, AZ. Contact Judy Moody (623) 544-6866, NW Valley Gourd Patch

Thu 18 Desert Valley Orchid Society Meeting

6:30 pm, Scottsdale Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale. Steve Grass (602) 508-1808, Desert Valley Orchid Society

Thu 18 Phoenix Permaculture: Wine Making Using Any Fruit

6:30-8:00 pm, Lady Bug-Environmentally Responsible Pest Control Office, 1641 E. University Dr, Mesa. $10 donation. Info/Register

Fri 19, 20, 21

Desert Botanical Garden Plant Sale

7 am-5 pm Fri & Sat, 9 am-5pm Sun, Desert Botanical Garden. Friday for Garden Members Only. Open to the Public Sat, Sun.

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service, and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Fri 19 Main Office Diagnostic Clinic

8 am, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Bring plant or pest samples for ID and advice.

Sat 20 Tovrea Castle Volunteering

7-11 am, Tovrea Castle, 5041 E. Van Buren St, Phoenix. Info/RSVP to Jason Johnson (602) 568-5562

Sat 20 Mesa East Valley Rose Society Deadheaders

8 am meeting/ refreshments, pruning from 9-noon, Mesa Community College Rose Garden, 1833 W. Southern Ave, Mesa. Bring gloves and pruners/shears. Carol Poe (480) 895-7793, Mesa East Valley Rose Society

Sat 20 Glendale Xeriscape Garden Workday

8-11 am, Glendale Demonstration Garden at the Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., Glendale. Help maintain the grounds. RSVP Joanne Toms (480) 242-9081.

Sat 20 Landscape Watering by the Numbers

9-11 am, Surprise Public Safety Auditorium, 14250 W. Statler Plaza, Surprise. Free. This hands-on class will teach you how to set your irrigation timer. Info/Register

Sat 20 Irrigation Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair

9-11 am, Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden, Shady Terrace Room, 5601 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. Free to Scottsdale residents. Info/Register

Sat 20 Phoenix Permaculture: Home and Yard Tour of the Bee Oasis

9-11 am, 2652 E. Butte Circle, Mesa. $10 donation. Learn how to implement permaculture practices in your own home. Info/Register

Sat 20 Gourd Art Class 9am-1 pm, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ. $30 mem/$37.50 non-mem. Info, register and pre-pay at (520) 689-2723.

Sat 20 Design Charrette 9 am-noon, Charrette at a Sun City West home. Reserve at Beth or (480) 275-4833.

Sat 20 Desert Sun African Violet Society Meeting

10 am, for location contact: Ann Stoetzer (623) 872-9020. Desert Sun African Violet Society

Sat 20 Ask a Master Gardener

10:30-1:30 pm, Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale. Bring plant or pest samples for ID and advice. George Salamunec

Sat 20 Guided Wildflower Walk

11 am, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ. Info

Sat 20 Plants of the Bible Guided Tour

1:30 pm, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ. Learn about botany, history, and scripture on this slow-paced walk led by Bible scholar, David Oberpriller. Info

Sat 20 Bonsai of Scottsdale 1:30 pm, Granite Reef Senior Center, Rm 7, 1700 N. Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale. Pat Mitchell (480) 575-5649

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service, and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Sun 21 Tree Tour 1:30 pm, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ. Guided tour of trees with Terry Mikel. Info

Tue 23 Master Gardener Training Class

9:30 am-12:30 pm, Desert Breeze Police Substation, 251 N. Desert Breeze Blvd, Chandler. Pam Perry will talk about vegetable gardening.

Tue 23 Tuesday in the Garden

3 pm-dusk, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Bring gloves and tools that you like to help with maintenance in the vegetable garden. Pam Perry (602) 279-6250

Tue 23 Liven Up Your Yard

6-8:30 pm, Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale. Free to Scottsdale residents. Learn to use colorful flowers and desert plants to attract backyard wildlife. Info/Register

Tue 23 Tree Biology 6-9 pm, Desert Botanical Garden, $30 mem/$38 non-mem. Info/Register

Thu 25 New River Gourd Patch Meeting

9-11:30 am, New River Senior Center, 48606 N. 17th Avenue, New River, AZ 85087. Camille Massey (602) 708-0416

Thu 25 Landscaping for Resource Efficiency

5:30-7:30 pm, City Hall Pine Room, 8401 W. Monroe St., Peoria. Free. Tyler Storey talks about landscaping while using less water, cutting your air conditioning use, and producing less green waste. Info/Register or (623) 773-7286.

Thu 25 Landscape Makeover 6-8:30 pm, Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale. Free to Scottsdale residents. Replace your grass with an exciting outdoor living space. Info/Register

Fri 26 Main Office Diagnostic Clinic

8 am, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Bring plant or pest samples for ID and advice.

Fri 26 Glendale Xeriscape Garden Workday

8-11 am, Glendale Demonstration Garden at the Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., Glendale. Help maintain the grounds. RSVP Joanne Toms (480) 242-9081.

Fri 26 Pass Mountain Wildflower Hike

8 am-noon, , Desert Botanical Garden, $25 mem/$30 non-mem. Hike in the Usury Mountains. Info/Register

Sat 27 Veggie Planting Party 9-11 am, Desert Botanical Garden, $25 mem/$30 non-mem. For families with young children under 12 yrs. Info/Register

Sat 27 Xeriscape: Desert Fusion Garden Lecture and Walking Tour

9-11 am, City Hall Pine Room and Desert Fusion Garden, 8401 W. Monroe St., Peoria. Free. Kirti Mathura will talk about the seven Xeriscape principles and take you on a tour of the Desert Fusion Garden. Info/Register or (623) 773-7286.

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service, and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Sat 27 Glendale Green Festival Volunteering

Two shifts of volunteers needed, 7-11 am and 11 am-3 pm. Contact Joanne Toms (623) 930-3535

Sat 27 Glendale Green Festival 9:30-10:50 am, Using Rainwater in Your Landscape. Glendale Main Library Large Meeting Room, 5959 W. Brown St., Glendale. Info

Sat 27 Glendale Green Festival 10-10:50 am and 12-12:50 pm, Garden Walk and Talk. Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden Outdoor Classroom, south of Main Library at 5959 W. Brown St., Glendale. Info

Sat 27 Glendale Green Festival 11-11:50 am, Vegetable Gardening; 12-12:50 pm, Tree Care in the Desert; 1-1:50 pm, Desert Plants. Sahuaro Ranch Park Fruit Packing Shed, 9802 N. 59th Ave, Glendale. Info

Sat 27 Concepts of Landscape Design

10-11 am, Gardener's World, 3401 E. Baseline Rd., Phoenix, Reservations at (602) 437-0700, ext. 120 or #2

Sat 27 Composting Basics 10 am-noon, Southwest Gardener, 2809 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix. $20. Reserve and pre-pay at (602) 279-9510. Instructor: Pam Perry. Info

Sat 27 Landscape Maintenance Practices

11 am-noon, Gardener's World, 3401 E. Baseline Rd., Phoenix, Reservations at (602) 437-0700, ext. 120 or #2

Sat 27 Guided Wildflower Walk

11 am, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ. Info

Sun 28 Pruning Trees and Shrubs

1-4 pm, Desert Botanical Garden, $30 mem/$38 non-mem. Info/Register

Sun 28 Edible/Medicinal Desert Plant Guided Walk

1:30 pm, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ. Learn about native desert plants have fed, clothed, and healed indigenous peoples for millennia. Info

Sun 28 Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society Meeting

2 pm, Dorrance Hall at Desert Botanical Garden. Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society . Judy Braun-Brody (480) 481-8129

Tue 30 Master Gardener Training Class

9:30 am-12:30 pm, Desert Breeze Police Substation, 251 N. Desert Breeze Blvd, Chandler. Terry Mikel will talk about plant propagation.

Tue 30 Tuesday in the Garden

3 pm-dusk, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Bring gloves and tools that you like to help with maintenance in the vegetable garden. Pam Perry (602) 279-6250

Tue 30 Program Your Irrigation Timer

6-8:30 pm, Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale. Free to Scottsdale residents. Info/Register

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service, and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Wed 31 RGRP Debriefing Meeting

11:30 am-1:30 pm, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix, Palo Verde Room. Potluck at 11:30, followed by an end of tour debriefing meeting. Linda Thieken