GardenersGuild +green your scene

for spring's arrival

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 19:23:39 GMT

Set aside time to ready for warmer temps!
Spring, reliably unpredictable in its conditions, officially arrives on Saturday morning. All sorts of plants will be sprouting, and now is the time to take extra steps to protect your plants. Many members still have peas, beans and other crops growing outdoors that are sensitive to a freeze. To keep them going, keep them warm and give them cover that suits your budget, varieties and your space.
Read Love Your Leaves tips below if you need a review!
Or attend a workshop for more outdoors fun and learning:

AT THE Hq: swap resources in celebration!
As stewards of city spaces, urban gardeners can help neighbors by exchanging resources. The 12 steps to sustainability offers some ideas but conservation through collaboration is one of the easiest. Do less, by working with others. Improves our environment, any time of year.

Have a truck? Need a truck?
Seeking soil amendments or looking to lighten your load?
PLEASE SWAP WITH AND ASSIST OTHER GG NEIGHBORS!
It isn't easy to coordinate the many things we need to do these days, but collaborative efforts are indeed much more effective. EMAIL GG. Help neighbors! No question you will benefit too.
A good feeling goes along way. There's no pain for this gain!

NEW FOR SPRING 2010:
LOG IN TO SEE THE greenzineABQ ONLINE: use your email and password to log on.
greenzineABQ is now online for members at www.GardenersGuild.org!
For those who asked for a paper-saving internet version, navigate to the new member monthly habitat action guide. The dynamic nature and diversity of our city requires a bridge in communication amongst citizens, organizations and their wonderful projects. It is written by the community and for the community, so please let friends and family know that submissions are encouraged. Grow greener in desert conditions!

LYL: For basic plant protection you can...
1. mulch them and 2. cover them as explained below.
Mulching, with almost any biodegradable material, will keep soil warmer and sheltered from the stripping effects of wind. The layer must allow air circulation, as will most organic materials, but also be thick enough to insulate (1-2 inch on average). Dried leaves, straw, pine needles or pecan shells can be easily applied to existing plantings of any kind and store more warmth. (Email GG if you have more questions about particular mulching materials.)
As cover, two options are most common. Plastic sheeting will retain much of the heat gained from sun each day, so this is a great way to protect for colder parts of the city such as the East Mountains or North Valley. However, it does require more maintenance as the plastic must be lifted each day for circulation. Frost blanket, affordable and available at GardenersGuild, will provide sufficient insulation for many area gardens as it keeps the freezing moisture off of plants and retains some heat through the night. Take care to tuck your cover over every side to ensure that blowing winds don't blast right through your bed.
For additional tips, and there are many.
Visit GG or read online.

_______________________________________
Gardening might not save the world. But on the other hand, maybe it will.
Three simple steps to greener streets;
1. Begin composting if you don't yet,
2. Grow more food this coming spring, and
3. Reduce your use of chemicals.

Gardeners'Guild Headquarters:
4012 Central SE ABQ NM 87108 505.268.2719 info@gardenersguild.org
Mon-Wed, by appt. Thurs-Sat open to the public 10am-6pm
www.gardenersguild.org

get hoein'

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 20:13:52 GMT

Whether clearing out cool weather beds or creating a new space for summer veggies,
get oriented: begin observing your spaces for signs of activity.

1. See signs of sprouting bulbs and other early risers? Lighten mulch to a modest layer for best sun exposure and fewer moisture issues.

2. Have you sited your new project areas? Do preparatory work now to become familiar with the set-up before placing plants.

3. How's the watering system fared through the winter? Do a pre-check and keep a sharp eye out for small leaks by running the system for 5-10 minutes minimum. Check soaker hoses closely for cracks and be sure to keep a list of parts to purchase.

4. Coming out of hiding... Bugs promise to be out in force this spring with the extra moisture this winter -- so far, the Albuquerque area and much of New Mexico is up by 50% this year. There has been an extended period of freeze to reduce their populations, but pesky creatures will appear and populate without a watchful eye.

Bug management is important - one of the top four tasks to keep the garden growing well. But CHEMICALS ARE NOT NECESSARY to keeping your environment clear. Starting early, before temperatures are consistently over 60degrees, will help wipe out the first wave.

If you see pesky bugs already, beginning a regular maintenance plan will reduce current numbers, even more so later on. Stock up on Neem oil concentrate to repel bugs, smother adults that are present, kill soil-borne stages before they emerge, and build strong immunity.

Love Your Leaves:
tips to get the best results.
+ Sweep, rake and collect the dry, dusty remnants of leaves housing bugs as soon as possible.
+ Remove debris from perennials; bugs hide out of site, underneath leaves or plant interiors.
+ Identify bugs that are present now. Common pests: aphids, spider mites, fungus gnats and maybe thrips
+ Spray down areas with water under pressure to dislodge seen and unseen bugs.
+ If temperatures are colder, wait until noon, or a warmer day for the water works
+ Remove caterpillars by hand! They love leafy greens under which to hide and blend in very well.
+ In spring, plant habitat perennials to attract birds that provide great help in controlling bugs.
+ Remember there is a natural approach to almost any infestation, with regular care.
+ If bugs are present, and formulate a plan to treat for that particular creature.

PEST GUIDE TO HELP FORMULATE THE PLAN:
   http://www.extremelygreen.com/pestcontrolguide.cfm
OR CONTACT GG for assistance in identification of bugs and healthy remediation methods using Neem, Diatomaceous Earth and other non-chemical solutions along with your 20% member discount!

Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is also a better understood approach now that more farmers are researching alternative methods to chemical control. This link leads to a NMSU pdf for more info:
     improving methods and safety of pest management

Happy Planting!
Visit the Hq: 4012 Central SE Albuquerque NM 87108
hours: open to the public, thurs-sat 10am-6pm. by appt, Mon-Sat
Email for assistance: info@gardenersguild.org or call 505.268.2719

start a project now

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 18:57:00 GMT

It's a good time to start
almost any type of project:

attend a workshop, 
build your raised beds, 
amend the soil, 
create shade, 
plan a simple catchment system,
 plant seeds, 
start seedlings, 
research a topic that interests you for the coming season.

Need suggestions to grow a greener environment?

Take on a small project!
Virginia Burris recommends to members:
"I have come across a wonderful sounding project that I have joined and am going to recommend that my April classes check out and join. It is from the Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation and is called the Great Sunflower Project. They are offering citizens of US and Canada to take part in a tracking project of bee populations, and are found online at www.Xerces.org.
Much is unknown in the bee world on bee distributions and decline/or recovery of bee populations so are asking citizens to register and participate in collecting bee population figures. Participation requires planting the annual native sunflower Helianths annuus var LEMON QUEEN, available from Botanical Interests. Take 15 minutes of observation 2 times per month noting what bees visit a particular sunflower. Last year it was found that some gardens which seemed bee friendly has no bees, other places had many bees..." Join the effort to learn more through the collective participation of individuals.

Take a stand, for organics! Give your input on GMOs:
The USDA has alarmingly and mistakenly announced that they do not believe that consumers care whether or not GMO's are a part of our food supply and our agricultural production. Approving GMO alfalfa, for example would significantly harm the integrity of and access to organic food as well as the livelihoods of independent organic farmers. We need to show them that we do indeed care!
Please take a moment! You can still submit your comments to the USDA by following this link from Food Democracy Now! Every voice counts!

OR Contribute locally to your community:
A. Send submissions to info@gardenersguild.org!
No topics barred. Your knowledge, including recommendations for resources, events and responsible local companies are critical in this exercise of improving our world through sharing.
B. If you are a current members and haven't received your copy, or would like to renew and receive greenzineABQ by mail, please log in to your profile using your email, {Contact_Email} and password to update your postal address online.

EVENTS: Making Schools the Model for Healthier Environment, a NEW WEBINAR SERIES for educators.
From The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity and for colleagues in the field.

You're Invited! Learn best practices for addressing childhood obesity, and strategies for using policy and environmental change to reverse the epidemic of childhood obesity.

Each webinar will be held bi-monthly on Thursdays at 2 p.m. Eastern (1 p.m. Central, 11 a.m. Pacific), and will discuss initiatives currently underway to ensure that schools become the standard for healthy eating and active living. These webinars will feature researchers, advocates, and policymakers discussing solutions to problems that schools face in providing healthy food and opportunities for physical activity. These sessions will also provide resources to help make schools healthier.
Register for any or all of the four webinars in this series:
March 11 - Sowing Seeds: Improving Food Quality with Farm-to-School
March 25 - Setting the Standard: What Schools Are Doing
April 8 - Let’s Get Physical: Being Active to Reverse Child Obesity
For more information about this webinar series visit: www.reversechildhoodobesity.org.
Follow them on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RWJFCenter.

See the complete list of events available to Albuquerque residents HERE.

LYL: loving your leaves this week means...
REMOVING HEAVY MULCH and replace it with a lighter, fresh layer. This will reduce bug problems by disturbing their sleeping places, and restore moisture retention with a replenished mulch layer. Perennials will appreciate some circulation around the base, any bulbs you might have in the ground need a breather too.

AMMENDING YOUR SOIL WITH SAFETY by using well composted material, or organic material of most kinds. But don't use anything too fresh at this time! 'Too fresh' includes manure or large quantities of green waste that can cause a nitrogen imbalance if you are planting right away.

~ Source well-aged chicken poo, locally! Or use goat, llama and horse manure too, from small farms that don't use pesticides on their grass or antibiotics/hormones in their diet.

~ Source sawdust for a soil amendment that with most woods outside of pine, to retain moisture as micro-sponges from a local woodworker and urban troweler. Sawdust and shavings are an organic material that can be used to retain excellent moisture levels as an amendment, improve drainage and texture, prevent soil compaction, can be quickly composted with worms, or introduced now into soil with compost such as manure for planting in May. Wood shavings and sawdust have the greatest advantage to a high desert garden as micro-sponges that, in our soil's high alkalinity, will break down very slowly. (Exerpted from greenzineABQ)

Navigate your way to greener streets with Gardeners'Guild.
4012 Central SE Albuquerque NM 87108 www.gardenersguild.org
email: info@gardenersguild.org 505.268.2719
hours: Hq by appointment Mon-Wed. Shop open Thurs-Sat 10am-6pm

get started with good seed choices

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 18:31:03 GMT

What will you need for your projects this spring?
Whether a small raised bed, xeric conversion or backyard farm, now is the time to plan and prepare the space. Save this week and simplify the process: buy the basics now before good weather and winds come to cloud our planning with spring fever!

Focus on seed: make a natural choice.
Order your preferred spring seeds at the GardenersGuild Hq this week and save 25% from BountifulGardens.org, supporting sustainable agriculture. Select and ship your favorite varieties with no additional cost for excellent quality seed...
"Bountiful Gardens sells untreated open-pollinated non-GMO seed of heirloom quality for vegetables, herbs, flowers, grains, green manures, compost and carbon crops. We are able to offer many varieties as Certified Organic, Natural, Biointensive or Grow BiointensiveTM sustainable seed. CCOF Certified Organic Handler, CDFA OP #23-0336. Specialties: Rare and unusual varieties. Medicinal herbs. Super-nutrition varieties."

Seeds and soil are the key ingredients to start your garden right. Buying quality products is most important when time and money are tight. All GG recommendations are based on experience, research, and local gardener insight. So enjoy full-service benefits that Gardeners'Guild provides! Send inquiries to the urban gardening gurus (info@gardenersguild.org), and grow a plot this season that is out of sight!

EVENTS:
coming next week, green your scene with greenzineABQ!
Gardeners'Guild is breaking with trend and putting print media to the proper task. A seasonally and regionally appropriate habitat handbook, greenzineABQ will work to bring the community and environment together. Look forward to news and perspectives, events and illustrations, how-tos and and helpful lists, with a saavy seasonal approach. Not all urban gardening needs can be met in one place, but this cutting-edge city digest will extend this group's 'full-service' location beyond physical borders.

Enjoy a fresh look at gardening in Albuquerque, with a little something for everyone. Created to provide local information, improve communication among trowelers along with visibility for projects or problems, this printed monthly mag will be available to members by mail or for pick-up.

MEMBERS, PLEASE UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION!
email the headquarters with details: {Organization_Contact_Email}
OR LINK TO YOUR PROFILE ONLINE: {Member_Profile_URL}
and reviewing your information.
SIGN ON with your email, {ContactField_e-mail} and password.

AT THE Hq: Please lend your local perspective.
If you enjoy the Nob Hill area as a pedestrian, please contact city hall to support the Central and Morningside traffic light. Most importantly, the light will improve pedestrian safety and help to further unify the area.
Contact the office of Councilor Rey Garduño, District 6
email: reygarduno@cabq.gov
or Julian Moya: julianmoya@cabq.gov
Telephone: (505) 768-3152

Participate on a regional level:
"The Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG) is beginning work on the 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and is seeking public input via a survey. This plan will provide a vision for future transportation in the central New Mexico metropolitan area.
Feedback regarding experiences traveling by car, train, bus, bicycle and walking are needed. Also, comments are sought related to what would benefit transportation in the region over the next 20 years. The survey will be available online until February 12, 2010.

Take the survey: www.mrcog-nm.gov/content/view/364/1/
To request a paper version or Spanish version of this survey, call 505-724-3639.

LYL: additional tips for getting started
Create a plan to water your plants wisely.
Sketch out your space, sun exposure and the location of planned additions.
Mulch now to protect your soil. Mulch later to save moisture.
Varieties, planting methods and budget will indicate the type of mulch.
Seed for the right season...
"Cool season" varieties can be planted now through April or so, depending on the weather: carrots, cabbage, kale, lettuce, radishes and spinach are examples. "Warm season" varieties are those that like to grow in warmer temperatures. You can buy those seeds now, but most will not want to be planted outdoors until mid-April. Vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, beans and squash will freeze if temperatures

Based on germination temperatures, Gardeners'Guild will be ordering seed twice a month, February through June, selecting the most popular varieties and those that are seasonally appropriate. Feel sure you're planting at the best time by stopping by the headquarters, and bring your questions.
The first round of early-spring/late winter seeds will arrive next week.

Shopping for plants soon? Choose the right perennials for your space. Link to our lists of 'backbone' plants online, and recommended for most areas and tolerant of our extreme conditions.

Recommended resources: IN TOWN
For Native Plants, visit Desert Spring Nursery, The Great Outdoors, Plants of the Southwest, and Santa Ana Nursery
For those Special Interest Gardeners: Join a special interest club at the Albuquerque Garden Center and Council of Garden Clubs
Recommended resources: IN BOOKS
Follow this link to a list of recommended books on a broad range of topics.

Please send your recommendations to share with members!

HEADQUARTER HOURS ARE NEW FOR 2010:
Monday-Wednesday, by appointment. Thurs-Saturday, 10am-6pm
These changes have been made to improve this organization's effectiveness -- your comments are encouraged to be sure that GardenersGuild continues to provide the assistance you need.

Plot a course to greener futures with GardenersGuild!
Helpful info. Great quality. Good price. @gardenersguild.org
4012 Central SE ABQ NM 87108 505.268.2719
Mon-Wed, by appointment. Thurs-Saturday, 10am-6pm. Sunday, closed.

Dig it: 2010 Workshop run-down & Volunteer Ops

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:14:03 GMT

The results are in.
Cutting edge researchers now understand why the human species has been able to develop our distinctively complex culture when others haven't. While as independent personalities, we might be drawn to books, DIY and self-education, compelling studies show that our comprehension and future potential is dramatically improved by being in a cluster of collected effort: www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/topics. This Emotional Live, a new 3-part PBS series available online, persuasively demonstrates there are physiological reasons why humans are more effective, and live happier with their lives, when working in concert with others of our species.

Not only do we accomplish more working as a team, we learn better in a group. Chemicals produced by the body actually utilize the dimension of group experience to advance our understanding and enhance retention. This spring and summer, Albuquerque has a wide array of opportunities to create a healthier environment and an invigorated mind. So, get digging. Read on for workshops and other pathways to a stronger community and boosted brain power.

Volunteer as part of a group effort with one of these projects and watch great things happen, like magic:
Get involved in kids' education. Volunteer at Zia Elementary to assist in their 3-year old and 'round garden and share your time and experience! From Sara Van Note, "Garden volunteer(s) needed! The Zia Garden Club is an after-school gardening program that teaches kids grades K-5 about growing, preparing and eating healthy food. We meet once a week for an hour and a half and work in raised beds and in-ground plots (in the winter we have a modified hoop house). We strive to water using only rainwater and our garden is organic. Two teachers co-coordinate the program, which is grant-funded. We would like to find a volunteer with gardening experience to help support the Garden Club on a regular basis. This would be a great opportunity for someone to contribute to teaching the next generation the wonders of growing food! So if you are patient, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and interested in helping out, please let us know! In return we can offer you the bounty of delighted children, fresh and delicious veggies, and the opportunity to make a difference in your community."
Zia is located near Lomas and San Mateo, about a mile east of UNM. Please contact Sara Van Note, Third Grade Teacher/Zia Garden Club Co-Coordinator, vannote@aps.edu for more information.

Rio Grande Community Farm needs board members focused on funding their important area projects and services. Details from Head Educator, Stephanie Dobbie: The Mission of the Rio Grande Community Farm is to connect people, food and public land by:
    • demonstrating sustainable urban agriculture and community food security
    • creating education and training opportunities in agriculture
    • celebrating the traditions and culture of agriculture
    • enhancing urban wildlife habitat
Qualifications
Dedication to the aims and objectives of the Rio Grande Community Farm, RGCF.
Has the ability and willingness to commit time, energy and resources to the RGCF.
Has business or organizational background which provides useful knowledge and skills to the RGCF.
Experience in one or more of the following would be useful to the board:
        • Fund raising / Gift solitation
        • Community outreach / volunteer coordination
        • Public relations, news media connections
        • Non-profit rules and regulations
        • Advocacy with elected officials, City / Open Space administration
        • Agriculture
        • Writing skills (e.g. grant proposals, solicitations letters)
        • Web site development / administration
Responsibilities
1.    Attend monthly board meetings.
2.    Serve on standing committees.
3.    Set policy and procedure.
4.    Ensure fiscal responsibility for the welfare of the organization.
5.    Assist in fundraising efforts to maintain RGCF programs.
6.    Participate in and help staff projects and special events.
7.    Provide experience and expertise as abilities and time permit.
8.    Participate in community education and outreach.
9.    Promote the mission of the RGCF thru current memberships, affiliations and associations.
10. Monetary donations are encouraged as resources allow.
11. Become a dues paying member of Rio Grande Community Farm."
To see more about this productive organization: www.riograndefarm.org

Volunteer requests from Jedrek Lamb of the Hubbell House Alliance:
"2010 is going to be a very exciting year for the Hubbell House Alliance! It is a great time to become a member and be involved. Below is a list of the committees and their functions we are looking to fill in the coming season. If you enjoy visiting us, please become involved in any manner possible, from planning and protecting the future of HHA to enjoying the many events and lectures available to the public.
Docents
Develop and maintain a training program for conducting interpreted tours of the Hubbell House including the specific and regional history, the open space and surrounding cultural landscape.
Hold a docent recruitment event for the docents.
Secure funding to develop interpreted tours on the Hubbell house and the surrounding cultural landscape (with fundraising committee).
Outline a program and secure experts to do training.
Find people willing to become docents and develop tours with docent at end of training
Education/Educational Activities
Establish a plan to hold conferences on farming, history, etc.
Partner with other organizations to provide education on open space and natural history
Create educational programs for example traditional metal and jewelry making
Sponsor a bird watching program at the Hubbell House Property
Agriculture
Maintain a Heritage Orchard and Vineyard.
Support training programs, workshops conferences and interpretive tours for the farm and agricultural topics especially through partnerships.
Support open space for wildlife includes native grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees.
Coordinate volunteer days for work on the property and the house.
Work towards organic certification.
Historian
Create a history of the Hubbell Gutierrez family and the impact of surrounding cultural influences.
Monitor and collect additional information, photos, stories, videos etc. on the area and its history.
Partners and Alliances
Help strengthen and define our partnerships
Establish working relations with pajarito village associations and other south valley neighborhood associations and look for new partnerships and collaborations
Work to coordinate our yearly calendar with that of our partners
Find out about events and the organization: www.hubbellhousealliance.org

At the Hq: CRITICAL NEIGHBORHOOD ISSUE!
If you live in Nob Hill, and are concerned about pedestrian safety, please contact our City Councilor for District 6, Rey Garduno, to let him know that the new traffic light at Morningside and Central will improve your neighborhood. Call 768-3152 or email his policy analyst: julianmoya@cabq.gov

TAKING ACTION WITH NEW TOOLS...
In February, Gardeners'Guild will be (finally) debuting greenzineABQ, a monthly habitat action guide to assemble resources, disseminate information and facilitate conversation city-wide. Included with the Advocate membership, this handbook will The dynamic nature and diversity of our city requires a bridge in communication amongst citizens, organizations and their wonderful projects.

WE NEED YOU TO SHARE GOOD IDEAS AND LOCAL INFO!
A. Send submissions! No topics barred. Your knowledge, including recommendations for resources, events and responsible local companies are critical in this exercise of improving our world through sharing.
B. If you are a current members, or would like to renew and receive the new greenzine by mail, please log in to update your mailing address online!

EVENTS: the wonderful world of spring and summer workshops

GGT Teacher Workshop & Garden Visit: Learn to Build a Worm Bin for class
Friday, January 22nd   4-6pm
Bandelier Elementary • free for APS staff to attend. $7 to take with you a newly assembled worm bin.

Urban Gardeners Series #1. Planning Your HIgh Desert Vegetable Garden
Saturday, February 13   9:30-noon
Harwood Art Center
$5 • free to members of Harwood, RGCF, Gardeners’ Guild or the Action Buzz Garden

HAC Sustainability Series: Workshop #1 - Pruning
Saturday, February 20
Harwood Art Center. Check for details closer to the workshop date:
1114 7th Street NW in Albuquerque, (505) 242-6367

$200 for the 2-day international conference. The Expo is free to the public.

Urban Gardeners Series #2. Dig Your Hands in the Dirt: Planting Your Vegetable Garden
What is the proper way to transplant a seedling? How should I lay out my garden? Should I plant in rows or use a different strategy? Get answers to these questions and more at this interactive workshop. Come with questions and leave with answers to dig in and get going right away!
Saturday, March 20
Rio Grande Community Farm
$5 • free to members of Harwood, RGCF, Gardeners’ Guild or the Action Buzz Garden

SEASONAL HIGHLIGHT!
The Wonders of Habitat Gardening – Getting Started with Virginia Burris
Session 1: Friday, April 9 and 16, 2010 from 9 am to noon    OR
Session 2: Saturday, April 10 and 17, 2010 from 9 am to noon.
Cost: $40 per session. Register online in February at gardenersguild.org

Why are gardens only thought of as a place for plants? Learn how to landscape your yard so it welcomes birds, bees, lizards, butterflies, and other living things. You will never want to go back to a garden limited to “just plants”. A garden planned only for plants is like cooking without adding salt, pepper and spices.
Learn how to create a backyard not only for wildlife but for yourself and your family. Provide a place for your children to connect with nature.

The class will cover the general requirements of a habitat – food, water, cover, a place to raise young, and a focus on native plants. Examples of the interactions between animals and native plants that can occur in your garden will be discussed and the habitat requirements of some native plants and animals will be described. Garden maintenance techniques that enhance the success of the habitat will be discussed. Attend this class and gain ideas you can use to design a garden that is friendly to wildlife as well as being beautiful.

HAC Sustainability Series: Bio-Fuels
Saturday, April 17th
Harwood Art Center - Check for details closer to the workshop date:
1114 7th Street NW in Albuquerque, (505) 242-6367

Urban Gardeners Series #3. Staying on Top of Things: Garden Maintenance
Oh, the weeds! And the bugs! This workshop will focus on keeping up with your flourishing garden by providing you with strategies to keep things healthy and vibrant. When to supplement with natural fertilizers, integrated pest management approaches and more will be covered.
Saturday, April 24
Action Buzz Garden
$5 • free to members of Harwood, RGCF, Gardeners’Guild or the Action Buzz Garden

Become a Master Composter
April 24-25 and May 1-2, 2010
    9am - 4:30pm on all 4 days
After a 15 year hiatus, applications are now being accepted for the revived Master Composter training program. The program with administrative support from the Bernalillo County Extension Service is a"sister" to the Master Gardener Program.

Application submission deadline is March 30, 2010.
Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors Blvd NW
$25.00 administrative fee. The course fee is refundable to those who complete all aspects of the program. Complete program information is being posted at: http:// bernalilloextension.nmsu.edu/mastercomposter
Program applications and information are available from: johnzarola@comcast.net., 505.929.0414

Urban Gardeners Series #4. Sustainable Solutions to Vexing Problems: Preparing for the Height of Summer
By June, gardeners are preparing for the extreme sun and heat of the high summer months. Come learn about ways to prepare your garden before conditions become too intense. Sun shading, reducing water loss, the best times to be out in the garden (for the plants and for you) and more will be addressed.
Saturday, June 19
GardenersGuild Headquarters
$5 • free to members of Harwood, RGCF, Gardeners’Guild or the Action Buzz Garden

HAC Sustainability Series: Water Conservation
Saturday, June 26th
Harwood Art Center. Check for details closer to the workshop date:
1114 7th Street NW in Albuquerque, (505) 242-6367

Urban Gardeners Series #5. Seed Saving and Seed Swap
Saving seeds from successful crops is an excellent way to ensure bountiful future harvests. Seed saving can also help you develop a strain that is ideally suited for your conditions. Come learn all about seed saving and, for those of you who have some to share, swap your favorite varieties with others. Why save seeds? What seeds can be saved? How should they be stored? What about cross-pollination? Join us to learn all about the remarkable life of seeds!
Saturday, August 21
GardenersGuild Headquarters
$5 • free to members of Harwood, RGCF, Gardeners’Guild or Action Buzz Garden

WHEW! There's more coming, too. Email GG if you have questions!

Essential new year updates & Hq hours

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 04:49:26 GMT

Goodbye 2009. Hello 2010!
Every day is a new day but nothing says 'fresh' like a new year.
After close to 6 years, and some bumps in the road, GardenersGuild has assisted hundreds of individuals towards creating their healthier and happier habitat. The GG mission to provide education and better access has empowered many curious and caring minds, serving a great variety of gardening interests. These independent weeders in Albuquerque have seeded projects of all sorts, spreading the benefits of growing more in urban environments. Fortunately the modern concentrations of people in cities magnifies the positive effects of each person. As Lao Tzu is quoted, "Small acts lead to great deeds."

NOW IS THE TIME TO GATHER OUR RESOURCES
While individual efforts are very powerful, the maw of a strained economy and troubled ecology are threatening to clamp down quicker than we can cause recovery, one by one. Individuals gathered into the GG membership have helped sustain this group, but working in collaborative ways is now necessary to reach sustainability as a community. Rapidly changing conditions and climate highlight the need to mobilize the strength of communities working together. And considering the dramatic disconnect from our environment, now must be the time and we every piece need to solve this puzzle.

LET'S TAKE ACTION WITH NEW TOOLS.
GG is gathering momentum to invigorate collaborative efforts within the Albuquerque area:
1. In February, Gardeners'Guild will be debuting greenzineABQ, a monthly habitat action guide to assemble resources, disseminate information and facilitate conversation city-wide. Included with the Advocate membership, the guide will bridge communication amongst citizens, organizations and their wonderful projects ongoing in this dynamic and diverse city.
2. GARDEN eXchangeABQ is moving into its next phase! This month, we will be taking the compiled recommendations to The City of Albuquerque, thanks to Councilor Rey Garduno and Trudy Jones who are taking the next crucial step to promote community gardening in our neighborhoods.
3. GardenersGuild educational workshops, for spring 2010:
Series #1 - 3 Parts. Planning, Planting and Maintenance - February through April.
Series #2 - 2 Part workshops. Habitat Gardening in April with Virginia Burris.
4. The GROWING GARDENS TEAM is now up and running with a great group of teachers, nurses, principals and social workers, to encourage schools to build educational gardens and train educators through new teachers' workshops.
EMAIL FOR INFORMATION if you work with APS and want to get involved.

WE NEED YOU TO SHARE GOOD IDEAS AND LOCAL INFO!
A. Send submissions! No topics barred. Your knowledge, including recommendations for resources, events and responsible local companies are critical in this exercise of improving our world through sharing.

B. If you are a current members, or would like to renew and receive the new greenzineABQ by mail, please log in to update your mailing address online!

C. Review the newly structured hours and services for GG Headquarters:

MONDAY - WEDNESDAYS Deliveries and Consultations: by appointment
THURSDAYS - SATURDAYS Store Hours: 10am - 6pm
SUNDAYS off duty

MORE GOOD NEWS!
+ Long-standing members can be given keyed access to the headquarters for meetings and activities outside store hours if so requested.

These changes have been made to improve this organization's effectiveness -- your comments are encouraged to be sure that GardenersGuild continues to provide the assistance you need.

Plot a course to greener futures with GardenersGuild!
4012 Central SE ABQ NM 87108 505.268.2719
Helpful info. Great quality. Good price. @gardenersguild.org

The great disconnect...

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 04:54:41 GMT

Gardening might not save the world. But on the other hand, maybe it will. If you're not yet convinced, cumulative data this decade clearly demonstrates that not only the environment benefits tremendously from people gardening in city spaces, but our health & psyche too.

These days when productivity is seen as the key to prosperity, 'connecting' by electronic device for speedy communicating and 'better' command of day-to-day situations is now unavoidable. However, consumed by this digital connection, we've lost contact with the environment around us and the ability to cope. It's becoming clear that connecting with nature is an absolute necessity for our survival, despite the cushion of modern comforts.

Since the 19th century, gardening has been seen as a specialty pursuit, cloaked in a mysterious knowledge of nature's ways, and reserved for the inexplicably green-thumbed. Those who gardened appeared to have the proprietary rights to its benefits and didn't necessarily share their wisdom and experience with others. During the Depression, when the most resilient tomato or lettuce variety could draw the best price, there was every reason to protect this kind of knowledge. But times, they are a-changin'. In reality, research shows that gardens and growing together are necessary components if we are to maintain a better quality of life in city spaces. We must reconnect with the environment and re-discover our instinctive abilities to grow plants for physical and mental health.

Our "retreat from the natural world is most evident in the young, but it is not a generational phenomenon. Instead, the ubiquity of the computer is changing the very essence of the human animal. We are in the midst of a historical change in 'our mode of vision'."
(www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/14/AR2009121403347.html?hpid=topnews)

Research in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health says the impact is particularly noticeable in reducing rates of mental ill health. In residential areas where green spaces were 40% or more of the residential total, children under 12 were 21% less likely to suffer from depression. The annual rates of 15 out of 24 major physical diseases were also significantly lower among those living closer to green spaces. (See a recap: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8307024.stm or the study: www.envplan.com/abstract.cgi?id=a35111)

Among more than 300,000 Dutch adults and children, those living near more "green spaces" tended to have lower rates of 15 different health conditions. Also remarkable, researchers have found that those who had more green around them suffered less when living on more restricted finances or status. This may seem obvious to many gardeners, but imagine the improved condition of those that you care for who don't garden now -- mandatory gardens begin to make more sense that mandating insurance. So, get growing more to reconnect. (For more reading: www.webmd.com or www.reuters.com).

Green your street for blue skies and better living in general!

Southwest gardening specialists now residing in Taos, Andy and Sally Wasowski, are the most persuasive advocates for revolutionary change in our landscape traditions. They give regional perspective to our specific challenges and preconceived notions. For your educational entertainment, try: The Landscaping Revolution: Garden with Mother Nature, Not Against Her.
Don't hesitate! Expand your habitat activities.
Try one of these three simple steps to greener streets:
1. Begin composting if you don't yet,
2. Grow more food this coming spring, and
3. Reduce your use of chemicals.

"Landscaping can no longer be seen as a war between Mother nature and us... we have to start giving back by creating sanctuaries for these displaced creatures around our homes".

EVENTS: TODAY, Swing by the SVEDC's Open House!
Friday, December 18th, from 2pm - 5pm, the SVEDC is proud to invite the public to our holiday open house! We'll be featuring 24 of our local businesses, from Heidi's Raspberry Jam to Dolores' Salsa to What the Fudge and Lusty Monk's Mustard. Come for lots of free food, live music, drawings, holiday gifts, and fun for the whole family! And don't forget about our famous holiday Gift Baskets! Thank you being a part of the Economic Development Center's effort.
For more details or directions to their beautiful new building: www.svedc.org/

Wishing you happy & safe holidays!
Explore your outer spaces. Express your ideas. Evolve through positive change.
4012 Central SE ABQ NM 87108 505.268.2719
Helpful info. Great quality. Good price. @gardenersguild.org

Simple Steps to Greener Streets!

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:17:27 GMT

Choose one simple step & begin improving your community and ecology!
Your neighborhood needs you, whether birds or befriended humans, to bring good things to your block. Each backyard could use a little 'bio-remediation' and it happens so easily with your participation, and city-smart solutions. see enews EVENTS below for related happenings.

This month, the help you need is available to start an easy eco-project:
1. Start a compost bin or pile this week, if you don't already recycle your green waste! Join in the GardenersGuild workshop this Saturday at 10am at the downtown Buzz Action Garden. To learn more reasons why composting is crucial for a healthy habitat, read this week's posting about bio-remediation from a local expert, online: www.gardenersguild.org/LYLhabitatarticles OR in person at the headquarters on Central SE.
2. Design a stylish or simple city coop now, to welcome spring chickens next year.
Introduce helpful companions to your garden space who specialize in fertilizing and pest removal. Need help? Contact GG Specialist Eustacia for design and construction assistance: 410-5497.
3. Attend the inaugural Homegrown Goods Exchange at GardenersGuild, a week from Saturday.
Collect and trade your goodies made with garden ingredients, or trade other things that could be used in another home gardener's row! Together extra stuff can be easily recycled and re-purposed. This event is open to members and non-members alike. Enjoy Open House atmosphere the 17th.
4. Support this group & your city habitat by purchasing the GardenersGuild 2010 habitat calendar. Available the last week of October, this calendar will help GG raise much needed funds. It will keep you growing all year with the weekly LoveYourLeaves program, and can also be used as an educational and environmental school fundraiser! If you would like to order in advance, contact the GG headquarters for info.

AT THE Hq: supplies and time are still available for your cool season garden
It isn't too late to get seeds germinated, but it will be soon. GardenersGuild has the goods in stock that make winter veggies a no-brainer. Get last-minute answers when shopping for supplies. Seeds, soil, insulation and your enthusiasm will grow a hardy, holiday plot...

Here are the basic ingredients:
+ cool season seeds are available now with more on the way by week's end.
+ insulating 'frost blanket' is in stock, to be used with any kind of frame.
An ample 12' x 12' section is $12 for members ($15 non-members) and is easy to 'install'.
Larger sections are available upon request from the roll in-store for bigger plots.
+ organic soil is available for starts: member price is $9.60/1 cu ft or $12 for 1.5cu ft bags.
+ straw/coco-fiber transplant pots are available for a buck a piece
+ plastic growing pots are available for free.
(If you have extra, bring them by GG for 'reallocating' to another urban gardener.)

Greens, like spinach, lettuce and other specialty varieties are shallow-rooting and can be grown in almost any container. While root vegetables appropriate for cold temperatures, such as carrots and radishes, will need 8-10" in soil depth. You can start with a small pot or raised bed if growing winter vegetables is new for you. Find our intro article online.

EVENTS: support your gardening habit and a healthy habitat!
Any events below will be a worthwhile investment in your garden's future...

This Saturday, October 10th • 10am @ Action Buzz Neighborhood Garden
WHAT: Urban Grower’s Collaborative Workshop Series
Backyard Composting: from kitchen scraps to black gold
WITH: Walter Dods from Soilutions, Inc. in the South Valley
This workshop will focus on the construction and maintenance of a small residential composting system. A short presentation will be followed by Q&A and discussion. Topics will include • compost theory • essential ingredients • “creative” ingredients • various methods • troubleshooting + how to use your compost
Find the garden at 1255 8th Street NW -- 2 blocks north of Mountain at Summer Ave.
Admission is FREE for members of Gardeners’Guild, Rio Grande Community Farm and Harwood Art Center • Non-member admission is $5 (kids are FREE)
- - - - - - - - - -
Saturday, October 17th - Homemade Goods Exchange on the patio at GardenersGuild.
Do you have more dried rosemary, basil or prepared pickles than you can use this year? Have you been canning up a storm, trying to use or save all the seasonal goodies? Then gather up your extra edibles etc, preserved or otherwise, and exchange them for things other gardeners have got! Jams, sauces, seeds or homebrew, dried herbs or ornamentals and other preparations are all very welcome. Please be a part of this effort to make the most of resources and redistributing healthy goods.

Come to exchange: 2pm to 4pm. Open house starts at noon!

- - - - - - - - - -
Sunday, October 18th - chicken coop visit. bring your Q's to get A's
To find if there is enough interest for a second coop visit, those intending to join in this chicken coop visit will need to RSVP by this Saturday, October 10th! This visit will be held only if enough members RSVP. Check your newsletters the 'week of' for confirmation and coop visit location.

Make the most of your growing activities with Gardeners'Guild new group efforts:
Save money for your community, school or ecology project with GG's new buying group.
Save your time and other resources by growing year 'round and exchanging with others!

Explore your outer spaces.
Express your ideas.
Evolve through positive change, with GardenersGuild.
4012 Central SE ABQ NM 87108 505.268.2719
Helpful info. Great quality. Good price. @gardenersguild.org

Cool Season Seed Details

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:00:38 GMT

If you started seed for cool season veggies, or are planning to soon, make use of the weather reports to keep watch for your sprouts. True, the conditions in Albuquerque are unpredictable. But take note of the day's high, and look for varieties to germinate well when we reach the appropriate temperatures. If your winter veggies are on a southern exposure, and against a wall, the high temperature those seeds experience will be much warmer than the reported 'daily high'. Keeping an eye on your garden's exposure provides additional information as the sun's angle lowers, and trees begin to lose their leaves.
    Sample germination temperatures...
Beets            55-80°
Broccoli        around 70°
Carrots        50-75°
Cauliflower        around 70°
Chard            55-80°
Kale            65-85°
Lettuces        60-70°
Other greens        50-70°
Radishes        45-85°
Spinach        55-70°
Turnips        65-75°
If you started seed a couple of weeks ago, and no sign of them has yet appeared, there's a good chance they will when conditions are right.

+ Remember the 'time and date' telephone number? Seems like centuries ago.
Fortunately, there is an online location now for the information, and it proves just as useful. If you don't watch local news, try this link for weather: www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=394

What's the big idea?

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 03:46:54 GMT

HABITAT MATTERS, to put it simply.
In an city setting, it is diversity that creates an active and engaging environment. The variety of people and interests found in Albuquerque provides one of the most essential elements for a healthy community, integrating many perspectives and skills to enrich and improve our quality of life. In gardening, and growing our own oasis, the same element of diversity is required to reap the widest benefits afforded by the bigger idea of habitat. But how is it possible to gather all of these specific points of interest into one cooperative effort? GardenersGuild! Albuquerque's habitat headquarters.

It may sound too expansive for one organization to accomplish, but GardenersGuild was created as a support group - building access, education and empowerment for individuals - that multiplies energies by linking people and interests together under one common cause: to improve our outer spaces. Even one simple act in support of your near environment creates a ripple effect with wider benefits in the end. The effort to improve or 'green' our urban scene needs each person sharing their interests and resources to grow that healthy habitat, and promote positive change.

That's why GG membership exists and can change the future of our community. If you support your habitat, please continue your contribution as a gardeners'guild member and share with others the benefits of being a participant in growing our Albuquerque habitat. The world is a better place if we each take that one step, one at a time, together.

AT THE Hq: Seasonal service and supplies come together for expanded member support.

The INROADS: member marketplace is debuting today with a selection of the highest quality and carefully chosen collections to easily color your spring garden or containers. Access good prices and great quality on seasonal supplies, when you need it. It offers the best choices, with seasonal information, for our extreme habitat. INROADS, is a new tool to offer members the best service by integrating guidance and good value to simply sustainability.

Help us make this transition to sustainability by experimenting with this new avenue for sourcing your supplies + provide feedback to be sure your favorite supplies do not get omitted.

For more information on spring-blooming bulbs:
www.gardenersguild.org/bulbs

EVENTS: made possible thanks to member contributions!
Saturday, SEPT 12 - cool season workshop, with Deb Brubaker at Rio Grande Community Farms
Saturday, SEPT 26 - chicken coop visit. bring your Q's to get A's
Saturday, OCT 10 - composting made easier, with Walter Dodds of Soilutions
Sunday, OCT 18 - chicken coop visit #2... enjoy a casual learning experience, and get another opportunity to refine your coop design.

The GG calendar lists these events. Check your newsletters for coop visit locations the week prior.

LoveYourLeaves:
Make the most of your growing activities with Gardeners'Guild new group efforts!
+ Submit an original article and/or photographs to post for the community
+ Help in planning a harvest and habitat festival. Contact the Hq now.

Explore your outer spaces. Express your ideas. Evolve through positive change.
4012 Central SE ABQ NM 87108 505.268.2719

Ready for the coming season?

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:17:02 GMT

It isn't too late to plan for fall improvements and cool-weather festivities! But a PLAN is key to having more fun than frustration.
To keep pace with the seasons passing, there's no standing still. With fewer minutes in the day to create a balance of work and relaxation, we face the greatest challenge in caring for our health and quality of life in today's environment. So what can be done to squeeze in the stuff that refuels us?

1. Make time... For many Gardeners'Guild members, the garden is where relaxation begins. Even 15 minutes can make a difference in your state of mind, in your fitness and most definitely in your garden. Good weather in Albuquerque affords ample opportunity to enjoy our gardens and improving your spaces can happen without the stress. 2.Make priorities. 3.Make a plan!

BIG NEWS! Change is afoot.
The Climate Action Plan is moving forward, and thanks to the Task Force of 60 dedicated citizens, greenhouse gas reduction strategies in Albuquerque are making great progress! Town hall meetings to discuss the 'CAP' are taking place throughout August, and your input is needed. Find the schedule at www.cabq.gov/cap, or on the GG events calendar, then give your opinion using this survey.

Great news for efforts to garden in APS schools. Help is finally here!
Susan Smith, former head of education at Rio Grande Community Farms is now the Coordinator of APS school gardens. Following is her request for assistance in this exciting new endeavor... "If you are interested in knowing about or volunteering with the school gardens we will be starting through the APS Homeless Project. Thank you for your interest!

We're planning to start with gardens at the 14 schools that have after-school tutoring programs. Those schools are:
    •    Elementary -- Adobe Acres, Alvarado, Eugene Field, Hawthorne, Inez and Mountain View
    •    Middle -- Kennedy, McKinley and Van Buren
    •    High -- Del Norte, Highland, Manzano, Valley and West Mesa
Three schools will have the biggest projects to start with -- Hawthorne, McKinley and Highland.

If you're interested in helping with any of these gardens, there will be a general volunteer orientation (required for all Homeless Project volunteers) at our main office located at Inez Elementary on Tuesday, September 15 at 3:00 PM. It will last an hour. All volunteers who work directly with students must be fingerprinted and background checked -- at our expense. If this time doesn't work for you, we'll work out another.
If you would rather work "indirectly", let me know! One of the things we need help with is distributing fresh fruits and vegetables (given to us from the Farmers' Market) to the tutoring sites. If you know others who are interested, please forward this message."

Susan Smith, Resource Teacher
APS Title I Homeless Project
(505) 256-8239
smith_susan@aps.edu

Teachers... looking for a fresh idea for school fundraising? How about flower bulbs?
A tried and true attention-getter, people love to support the kids and grow a bigger garden. Flower bulbs are a low-water planting, because the bulb itself is a storage tank that takes them through the dry times. Bring green into the classroom, and color to the lives of those that donate. The National Gardening Association is a reliable partner in fundraising with their bulb program, and a natural for schools.

MEMBERS ARE SAVING MORE RESOURCES -- thanks for your participation!
Not just money, but more importantly, members are saving and recycling resources which multiplies the environmental benefits in more ways than one. When a grower's plastic pot is reused, that means less into the landfill. But consider the other implications. The person who takes possession of that second-hand pot has taken one less trip to the store: money and gas saved. In addition, that is one more plastic pot that might not be manufactured which saves energy and raw materials. The same is true with seeds saved and shared with friends, or extra produce exchanged with a neighbor. 'Hyper-local' activities encourage a remarkable efficiency of resources, and offers a refreshing way to interact with those near you.

RECAP FOR NEW MEMBERS -- GG helps you build a better habitat
To assist our membership and enourage more to join in, GG is moving forward with new tools, tuned to the seasons. This organization offers a resource network + a gathering place for information and small or large activities to improve the environment, our daily lives and our future. Be more effective by combining efforts.

Previewing next week: INROADS, a supply service or member marketplace, offering convenience and the best habitat and garden products available, in season or out, and at a great value. Next week, preview the new online catalog with fun new products (like the hummingbird feeder pictured above). Pre-order gardening supplies at great prices through GG so you can get everything you need, when you need it.
In September: official debut of the website retooled, with catalog and weekly tips news feed (LoveYourLeaves)
Also enjoy more activities, of a social kind. Attend one of the workshops, or a garden party for members, to be hosted at the GG headquarters. Keep a close eye on the calendar to know the most up-to-date info.
Coming in October: 50 Ways to LoveYourLeaves, a habitat wall calendar for 2010, with weekly reminders to keep you on track and beautiful nature photos to keep you company.
Next spring: Completion of the urban oasis at Gardeners'Guild! This garden will be designed and labeled for seeing and selecting locally appropriate plants along with other smart solutions for city spaces. Over the next six months, you can help complete the habitat demonstration garden, and create a more special place to visit.

THANK YOU GARDENERS'GUILD MEMBERS. You grow better habitats, one garden at a time.
habitat Hq: 4012 Central SE ABQ NM 87108 info@gardenersguild.org 505.268.2719

When it's too hot to be planting...

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:19:46 GMT

Planning for your cool weather garden may seem premature, with highs still in the 90s, but consider two good reasons to beginning a plan now on paper:
#1, it's blasted hot. Even avid enthusiasts are avoiding the sun, aware this isn't the time to trifle about outdoors. Providing sufficient water for thirsty plants is plenty of energy already spent in the garden each day. There's no need to watch and wait while planted fruits and veggies ripen.
And #2, for those who expect to grow cool season varieties, or make changes for next year's garden, the best success comes with a well-considered strategy. (Next week's newsletter will have a link to GG's LoveYourLeaves schedule for transitioning through August and September. Get thinking now, and get growing when you're ready!)

To get started, jot down a list of tasks to accomplish and begin gathering supplies to make the most of your efforts and resources. If you're not sure of the timely tasks or changes that need to be made, ask yourself "What does my garden need?" After you discover what, then ask "When?".
Presto! Like magic, the list of tasks and changes appears on your page, offering a clear path to your improved or ideal gardening space. While there's no need yet to start planting seeds, reflections on your current plot makes for a better one next year, or next season. Need more information right away? Contact GardenersGuild with questions.

AT THE Hq: Members save big $ for one more day.

Stay cool on Friday the 31st & fund fall projects @GG while you save 40% on all supplies and decor.
What's on sale? Garden totes and gloves, hand tools and long-handled too, birdhouses, books, bird feeders and yard stakes, watering cans, pottery, platters, plates and bowls, cutting boards, dishtowels, tea pots and storage jars, glassware, lanterns and candles, kids tools and learning toys -- your favorites! (Exempt from discounts: soil, plants and those pieces from local artisans.)
Bring a friend and both save 50%. Sale ends Friday, July 31st.

EVENTS: Stay tuned, for free stuff and more!
Expect exciting new modifications to membership benefits and services at GardenersGuild. Through August, network members will be finalizing new strategies for a more sustainable organization. The focus is to better serve members and extend outreach and education to the community:

+ Get access to lower prices and great quality, on demand, with the launch of a member supply club. It will offer the best choices at a discount for our extreme Albuquerque habitat.
+ Share the healthy habitat message with schools, your neighbors or the larger community using educational materials developed in-house by GardenersGuild, and printed for local conditions.
+ Easier ways to participate in the discussion, designed for the needs of this diverse membership!

In September, GG will launch these expanded services and informational materials resulting in a better support structure for the group and those creating positive change in a city environment.

What's free at the Hq? All kinds of goodies for your garden, through the coming month.
Beginning August 4th, pick-up shell flower and mosquito fish for your pond or water feature. For composting cultivators, fill a container with worms for free from the demo bin, which is pleasantly overpopulated. For people who propagate, procure a pound of earthworm castings, plastic pots for seed-starting, and all at no extra cost. Bring your extra pots, or other unused material, if you have them... grower and member, Peggy, is looking specifically for 1 gallon pots.
While supplies last! If possible, BYOPB. (bring your own plastic bag!)
Watch newsletters for week by week developments and new free stuff each week.

LYL: neem, the bug-getter with gusto
Neem is a remarkable plant with which many of you are familiar. However, careful testing in recent years has revealed that neem oil, as a pest management solution, offers benefits in addition to its inherent safety features.
Available in concentrate, neem is an easy-to-apply remedy that not only repels bugs, but also strengthens a plant's immune system and reduces their susceptibility to pest attacks. Neem has little, if any, negative implications in a habitat garden and will target the most annoying bad bugs. "When bugs feed on plants with a coating of neem solution, they will quickly stop eating, and will also stop growing and reproducing." Long-term, pest management becomes even easier with a regular and light application of neem as maintenance throughout the year.

Insect pests which neem will control: Leaf-eating beetles, Cabbage caterpillars, Leaf-miners
Brown leaf-hoppers, adult grasshoppers, Greenfly (aphids)
Mealy-bugs, Onion thrips, Young scale insects, whitefly,
Surprisingly, Neem is shown to repel termites and most species of ants for over 1 month
Sourced in part from http://www.iirr.org/book.htm -- Sustainable Agriculture Extension Manual
If other things are bugging you, drop by Gardeners'Guild to get the scoop on your droop.

Make the most of your growing activities with Gardeners'Guild new group efforts:
    Submit an original article and/or photographs for print in the new area habitat magazine
    Save money for your community, school or ecology project with GG's new buying group.
    Collaborate in community/member booth at farmers'market for September and October.
    Help in planning a neighborhood-wide October harvest and habitat festival. Contact the Hq now.

Explore your outer spaces. Express your ideas. Evolve through positive change.
4012 Central SE   ABQ NM 87108     505.268.2719 info@gardenersguild.org

save some green:

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:26:57 GMT

Though it is baking outside, this is a perfect time to take a trip in to Gardeners'Guild.

For two more weeks, fund fall projects for this community support group while finding the best prices all year on the great selection of goodies @GG. Save 40% on the entire store, or bring a friend and both save 50%. Sale ends July 31st.

Thanks to early birds who have already visited, bagging some of the best deals in decorating your garden. For those who love to give gifts, or would like to liven up their homestead, good value doesn't any get better.

What's on sale? Almost everything:
Garden totes, gloves, hand tools and long-handled too, birdhouses, books, bird feeders and yard stakes, watering cans, pottery, platters, plates and bowls, cutting boards, dishtowels, tea pots and storage jars, glassware, lanterns and candles, kids tools and learning toys -- all of your favorites! For gift shoppers, layaway is available for total purchases over $100.
(Exempt from discounts: soil, plants and those pieces from local artisans.)

What's on your wish list?
Created as a self-sustaining organization, GG depends on the membership to guide this group with feedback. Your voice mobilizes a philosophy of access and empowerment into a working force that creates positive change in our environment.
Send a message.
And feel good about speaking up! When you visit for values in July, please provide feedback about your garden and lifestyle needs. Recommend those supplies you'd like to see in the purchasing program, reducing prices on basics. Are there plants you would like to pre-order? Which services do you currently find helpful or would like to find handy? Other ideas for the organization? Frequent requests will be the first ones addressed. Submit them to the new Hq suggestion box while shopping, and watch positive change happen.

AT THE Hq: what's in store?

July        a great sale to gather 'momentum' and moving forward.
August    finalizing new strategies:
    1. Formation of the buying club for better prices & only the best choices for our environment
    2. Formal introduction of a new publishing division
    3. Better ways for the membership to communicate, including essential updates or 'tweets' through Twitter. Next week, check your newsletter for an overview of changes beginning in August.
September     expanded services begin, focused on positive change in our city habitats.

Make the most of your growing activities with Gardeners'Guild with group efforts:
    Submit an original article and/or photographs for print in the new area habitat magazine
    Save money for your community, school or ecology project with GG's new buying group.
    Collaborate in community/member booth at farmers'market for September and October
    Could you help in planning an October harvest and habitat festival. Contact the Hq now.

EVENTS: LAND/ART catalogs available now
For all of those who requested copies, a stack of artful brochures has arrived at the Hq.
For those who aren't familiar with the LAND/ART project, running through November...
"This summer and fall, a group of New Mexico arts organizations have joined together to present LAND/ART, which will explore relationships of land, art, and community through exhibitions, site-specific art works, lectures, and a culminating book. Focusing on “environmental” or “land” art, the collaboration seeks to address our changing relationship to nature, and to offer a new or previously unconsidered understanding of the place in which we live.

Historically, New Mexico has been a place where the intersection of nature and culture is at issue. In the 1960s and ‘70s, the American Southwest was the location of the first generation of Land Art or Earthworks, including such major projects as Walter De Maria’s The Lightning Field and Charles Ross’ Star Axis in New Mexico, Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty and Nancy Holt’s Sun Tunnels in Utah, and James Turrell’s Roden Crater in Arizona."
Excerpted from the website, http://www.landartnm.org/ where information on Albuquerque area tours can also be found.

UPCOMING: out of town
Tour: Star Axis by Charles Ross, Northern New Mexico
August 8 & 22, 8am - 3pm

Star Axis is an “Earth-to-Star” installation, a sculpture/observatory that focuses on Earth’s place in relation to the celestial environment, located near Anton Chico, New Mexico (2 – 2.5 hour drive from Albuquerque). Four dates are scheduled for this tour as the site is designed for a limited number of visitors at any one time. Sponsored by the Contemporary Art Society of New Mexico (CAS) and LARC (the Land Art Committee). Reservations and a tax-deductible donation are requested. For more information on Star Axis visit www.staraxis.org.
For information on this tour and to make a reservation, please contact CAS at casartnm@gmail.com or 505-244-8777.

Explore your outer spaces. Express your ideas. Evolve through positive change.
Visit GG - Tuesday to Saturday. Open to the public: 12noon-6pm. Member hours: 10am-noon, until further notice.

Ride the raindrops...

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:29:12 GMT

Not quite a 'wave' of moisture, this uncommon spell of wet and overcast weather have provided the perfect conditions for transplanting.
Take a 1-2-3 strategy to enhance your garden and maintenance needs now, with an easy 3-step process:
1. Identify your bare spots and select appropriate plants (stop into GG or email with questions.)
2. Trowel up your plant's future home, loosening soil & weeding a 3' foot radius at the same time
3. Transplant the new additions into their quickly prepped spot, and mulch immediately

Recapturing depleted ground, one area at a time, urban gardeners can achieve that oasis at home by working in manageable sections. Trowelers will also see greater progress implementing the 1-2-3 strategy in each section as your time is spent efficiently and future work becomes easier.

Sound to good to be true? Try it out! Here are a few common problems with plant solutions:
A - conceal that awful junction box: wild white phlox will produce tall plants quickly, obscuring eye-sores in one summer
B - fill a funky corner: with something pretty that doesn't fight with your foundation like an ornamental grass
C - protect soil with plants instead of mulch: use hardy geranium, low-growing sedums or euphorbia in dry conditions
Find these plants at gardeners'guild this week. Email to order in advance.
______________________________________
THANK YOU to VOLUNTEERING MEMBERS who lend their support in many ways.
Thanks to the many members and non- that, with their response and recommendations, are helping to send a clear message requesting better assistance and support in growing a greener Albuquerque environment. GG will be collecting responses to the GARDEN eXchangeABQ poll until June 17th. Please feel free to forward the link to other concerned citizens.
______________________________________
AT THE Hq: what's in-store?
Following is a list of this week's availability with today's arrivals in perennials and annuals...
+ New annuals... celosia/cockscomb, amaranth and marigold in quarts (all grown locally)
+ New in gallons find double feverfew, clary sage, hardy geranium, white phlox and agapanthus!
+ Popular perennial herbs in gallons have replenished. (now out of stock: terragon, hops, winter savory)

Varieties of edible perennials will be on-hand through the summer, and support fall planting as well.

+ Scented geraniums - great potted, for refreshing the air indoors.
+ Edibles remaining in quarts - peppers, eggplant, leeks, basil, epazote, parsleys, lemon balm and stevia
+ More interesting 3" edibles and flowers, listed in last week's email

+ For members only, stake your claim for remaining tomato and eggplant starts.
Email and selections can be put aside. Very few of each are left. (No cost for these starts, just a donation if possible.)

Tomatoes ~ Aunt Ruby's German Green, Balcony Hybrid, Roma, Red Lightning, Rutgers, Original, Old Fashioned, Cluster, Jetsonic Hybrid, Moonglow, Tangerine, Purple Russian, Chocolate Cherry
Eggplants ~ Dusky Hybrid, Rosa Bianca, Lavender Touch, Raveena, Pingtung, Brazilian & Italian

Want to see what these look like, or learn more about tomatoes and eggplant? Follow this link.
For more details on growing in an arid climate: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/vegetable/tomatoes.html

+ Next week, more blooming perennials including long-awaited penstemon varieties, salvia, scabiosa, daylilies and more.

If xeric and drought-tolerant plants are your mission this week, find the best selection of Albuquerque-grown at the Desert Spring Nursery Opening below.

______________________________________
EVENTS: This Saturday
There's a new nursery in the neighborhood! Owner and GG member, Peggy Wells cordially invites you to the grand opening of Desert Spring Nursery at 139 Charleston SE: Saturday, June 13 from 1:00 til 3:00 (or so).
"Enjoy refreshments, admire the edifice and take home a lovely plant. Most of all, help us celebrate the looong awaited completion of the new nursery. PS: If you can’t come in the afternoon, we’ll be open 10:00 to 12:00 A.M. too.

UPCOMING: The Hq may experience short closures end of June & early July
Due to on-going community organization projects, the gardeners'guild headquarters may be closed between June 23rd-25th, as well as June 7th to 11th. Short stints may be covered by volunteers but the website will have full, day-to-day details. Please check the home page for Hq hours during these to windows. Members are invited to send questions.

______________________________________
HAPPY PLANTING!
EMAIL: info@gardenersguild.org
READ: www.gardenersguild.org
VISIT: 4012 central se albuq nm 87108
CALL: 505.268.2719

This week's news...

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:38:23 GMT

AT THE Hq: a new grower is getting started
Find plants from the new SEN Nursery, growing favorites and unusual varieties currently in 2" starts...
pixie zinnias, junior sunflowers, candy tuft, heirloom nasturtiums, French petite leeks, mini Basil, Thai Basil, cameo Basil, tarragon, mint, lemon balm, statice, lemon Basil, alpine strawberries, savory, French sorrel, cilantro. New deliveries will arrive throughout the summer.
Scented geraniums are arriving regularly for a good selection of fragrances each week. Great for clearing the air, collect them for year 'round enjoyment -- not frost hardy.
Edibles and perennial herbs will be available throughout the season, while supplies last.
Send your requests for things above, and native/xeric plants too.

MEMBER+1 sale: bring a friend and save HALF on accessories
June 5th through 12th enjoy 50% off your purchase if you bring a buddy. It's that easy.
Thank you for sharing Gardeners'Guild with others.

Catch our new GG column in the Local iQ!
We appreciate feedback: feedback@gardenersguild.org
Or visit: 4012 Central SE Alb NM 87108

Behind on your planting?

Thu, 28 May 2009 22:55:52 GMT

It's never too late to get your garden started in Albuquerque! For warm season fanatics, tomatoes grow through October until the first freeze comes.
And in a sunny southern spot, edibles can flourish for a few additional weeks. As an average, tomatoes will take somewhere between 70 to 90 days until ready to eat. Specifics can be found on each seed pack or online with a search of the variety's name. Counting backwards from the estimated frost date: now until then is over 150 days! Tomatoes will also ripen off the vine, particularly well in a paper bag, so fear not of planting more. But get them in soon. Toms love high temps and best if they are in the ground when the 90's come along. Peppers too, will wait for heat to grow their best.

For larger 'fruit' lovers, planting squash and pumpkins at the end of June provides plenty of time without the hassle of huge squash bug populations. So grow like crazy and then share with neighbors or use simple preservation techniques with the harvest haul. By then it will be time, with a little or a lot, to keep going through the next months with colder season 'crops'. It couldn't be easier to cultivate cool weather varieties which provide the best nutrition of all. (Nothing like your own fresh greens at happy holiday gatherings.)

AT THE Hq: a brand new bunch of starts!
Thanks to a dedicated gardener and supporter of GG, there are many new and unique starts available at GG this week. While most are tomatoes and eggplant, the variety of colors and sizes makes planting one more worth it. These new arrivals (in styrofoam - get to the Hq quick!) will be open to members available for a donation of your choice! Those on a shoe string can plant three for free, to get you growing.

Also available this week, more scented geraniums - great potted, for refreshing the air indoors.
Next week, more blooming perennials. Find penstemon, primrose and popular herbs replenished.
      (requests that are now out of stock: terragon, hops, winter savory)

EVENTS: Both coming this Saturday!
GARDEN eXchangeABQ #3 - Meet, Greet and Vote for your Priorities
      MAY 30th @10am MEET other co-activists involved in making change
      LOCATION: 100 block of 14th SW (south of Central), second house north, west side
            look for the wide pecan shell driveway with large pergola overhead! we'll be looking for you.

LEARN about projects going on in Albuquerque and fall activities on the horizon
VOTE for your priorities and help assemble recommendations you want to see before the city!
VOLUNTEER to be lead contact for an action group
ASK QUESTIONS about your garden during Q&A
MINGLE in a relaxing atmosphere with other urban gardeners
Please arrive at 10am for a cup of coffee or tea..."

BACKYARD FARMING WORKSHOP #2 May 30th @9am
WHAT: Second Backyard Farming Workshop! How to Plant Annuals and Perennials and Set up Great Watering Systems for Optimal Vegetable and Flower Production
COST: $5 Donation to cover cost of materials for the workshop.
WHERE: A private residence in Nob Hill, Albuquerque. Because of limited space, we will email or call with the location and directions when we receive your pre-registration.
TO PRE-REGISTER: Please email melanie@melanierubincoaching.com or call 505-261-3214.
FOR MORE INFO: Visit www.abqbackyardfarms.com

LYL: Love your (free-press) leaves!
Check out GG's new column in the Local iQ, now on newstands.

Thanks for growing more.
Visit Gardeners'Guild for information:
4012 Central SE   ABQ NM 87108
www.gardenersguild.org
505.268.2719

Don't hide from the heat!

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:45:32 GMT

GATHER TOGETHER GARDENERS: in one of our city's few remaining historical gardens, to cultivate community and residential gardening activities in ABQ. Next week, BEAT THE HEAT AND THE BLAZING SUN IN COOL SHADE of a late Victorian garden, lovingly revitalized by a gardeners'guild member, to share with future generations.

The 3rd meeting of this citywide collaborative, called GARDEN eXchangeABQ, is for residents and co-activists interested in improving the urban environment by creating true change through a united effort and cooperative voice. This endeavor to bring citizens together, coordinated by Gardeners'Guild at the request of the city, was created to be the vehicle for mobilizing Albuquerque's urban population towards improved environment, education and employment opportunities.

The garden is a place where many rewards can be gathered towards improvement of our health, the health of others and a sustainable health of our environment. Combining creativity and shared resources is the path to a stronger, self-sustaining community. Meet with fellow gardeners in efforts to ease obstacles in growing city gardens & nurture solutions that will sustain us in the future. Empowering citizens through collaboration is the eXchangeABQ group's mission.

SAVE THIS DATE! Saturday, May 30th at 10am
the GARDEN eXchangeABQ will meet to assemble and finalize the list of grassroots recommendations to the city, and select action group leaders for the next step in organizing Albuquerque's gardening community. Be an important part of the process, a week from this Saturday, and enjoy one of ABQ's best outer spaces.
LOG ON FOR THE LOCATION!

REMINDER FOR NEW MEMBERS:
If you haven't had time to log on to the website, you have been registered by a GG assistant online to assure the newsletters reach you. To log in, use your email and temporary password 'garden', in lower case letters. Please update your profile to assure you don't miss out on special events or announcements.

AT THE Hq: new arrivals in both plants and functional decor
fresh this week are the 'tipsy tomato' door mat, jardiniere bowls, watering cans and lots more for gifts etc.
in plants, the first group of scented geraniums in gallons - perfect, potted on the front porch - in 7 'flavors'
veggie start quantities and now running low!
    + thai, italian, lemon and red rubin basil
    + ancho, banana and big jim peppers
    + millionaire (ichiban) eggplant
    + french, italian and lisette varieties in parsley
    + a few robust roma tomato plants are remaining, with additional varieties on the way from members
    + and a selection of perennial herbs in gallons
    Stevia is ready, and available upon request.
All have been grown locally, and without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

EVENTS: see the calendar for complete details
INNOVATIVE SUMMER CLASSES FOR UNM STUDENTS with the Research Service Learning Program -
    assist your community while gaining credit towards your degree!
Anthro 230 - Mapping Local Food: Learn basic GPS and GIS skills in this four-week RSL course.
        June 8 – July 2, 2009
        MTWR 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Anthro 309 - Topics in Social Movements: Community Activism for Sustainable Living
        July 6th to July 31st – 10:30 – 1:00
        Contact Andrew Marcum at amarcum@unm.edu or 508-5613 ~ CRN 18391

GARDEN eXchangeABQ gathering - Saturday, May 30th

COOP TOUR! sponsored by urbanchickens.org and confirmed for Sunday, June 6th

CALLING ALL GG CHICKEN KEEPERS! We need homes (and urban herds) to host classes...
With the confusion and misfire of the class listed a few weeks back, and the growing interest, gardeners'guild is asking members who currently keep chickens to offer their space for the education of others. Each workshop can be organized at the convenience of hosting members, and limited to the appropriate number of people.
Please email if you can spare a couple of hours and your experience with these zen-like creatures.

LYL: weed while it's easy
With more rain on the horizon, this week could be your best bet for weeding out the water-wasting unwanteds. Foxtail is one of the most frustrating weeds, and now is the time for germination, if it hasn't already. With moist ground, a heavier tool won't be necessary. If weeds have grown large, choose an old trowel to gently lift or loosen a shovel-full, so that removing the entire root is a sure thing. Thanks for Loving Your Leaves!

Visit GG for questions: 4012 Central SE ABQ NM 87108, online www.gardenersguild.org
or email: info@gardenersguild.org

Think 'big picture'.

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:55:19 GMT

plan for the longhaul, and relish the long-lasting rewards!

an effort over the longhaul, or 'a period of time sufficient for factors to work themselves out', is the balanced approach to truly improve our environment, future, and our fun factor too. those most critical aspects of life, habitats and also our health, keep us rooted and are better loved over the long term. whether gardening, getting healthy, saving seeds or saving the life of a stray, greater joy and sustainability is the product of a big-picture approach. For example...

With the summer starting to look like it might be a roaster, planning for the challenges makes sticking to your gardening projects less of a sticking point. With a possibility of 90 degrees this week, coping techniques to manage your plants and lessen your labor are key to bountiful results.

+ Lettuce and other cool weather varieties will be struggling to keep it together. To extend them into warmer temperatures, shade them now from almost all direct sun.
+ Cooler crops in containers can now be positioned to protect them from the hottest, western exposures.
+ Be sure to mulch, or cover the soil from the sun, to reduce evaporation, maintain cool roots & reduce stress.
+ Plant in groupings when possible as plants protect and support each other.
+ Interplant varieties, with low growing snugged next to taller and branching edibles
+ And grow through all seasons, simply! When it seems July or August couldn't get any hotter, and the summer may never end, look forward to sowing seeds for September gardens that will grow through the cold months. Contact gardeners'guild with your planning questions and remember, summer will come to an end but the fun of gardening and rewards of creating your urban oasis will continue, over longhaul.

AT THE Hq: this week's availability
A couple of new additions will arrive Wednesday afternoon with a replenishing of varieties from previous weeks. Lisette and italian parsley join the french, with more Parcel coming too. Purple basil joins genovese, thai and lemon. Brazillian eggplant won't be available again for a week or two, but Ichiban-style Millionaire is. Tomatoes and peppers are going fast, but more will be ready in following weeks. Romas, beefsteak and yellow pear are expected along with a selection sweet and spicy peppers.
Please email if rhubarb is on your list, so that it can be reserved.

Other varieties are available each week thanks to member extras. This week, a butternut squash, bell pepper and zucchini will also be available while supplies last. 20% discount applies to plant prices as well as the perfect gifts for remembering a favorite mom. GG can gift-wrap it too. Best selections available Wed & Thurs.

EVENTS: prep your space for food-producing pets!
Chicken Keeping 101 will be held on Sunday, May 10th from roughly 2pm-4pm. Location:
RSVP is required for the class and for directions to the class location. email kt@urbanchickens.org First will be a quick presentation on chicken keeping basics (15 minutes), some demos and then a Q and A session.

ALSO: beginning Thursday with National Public Gardens Day, the Albuquerque BioPark has a number of events through the weekend including the Bonsai Show starting on Saturday May 9th. Check out the full listing at their web page, http://www.cabq.gov/biopark/common/mayevents.html#PubGar

GG: your urban gardening support groups, growing communities one garden at a time. email for info

Celebrate the garden's bounty for May Day

Sat, 02 May 2009 14:42:53 GMT

green your world ~ identify your resources.
If you planned for a garden this year, be sure to plan for the bounty!
Do you have unidentified or unused resources to share with others? Wise use of individual urban resources is our greatest responsibility in caring for the future. The garden gathers many rewards towards the improvement of our health, the health of others and the sustainable health of our environment. To best utilize available resources, start with creativity and the community in which we live. Nature provides tools, but they don't come with labels or instructions.

Whether artist or herbalist, fresh food cook or community builder, the garden is key to a fully lived life. Discover more about your garden's gifts and put ALL of the extras to use. The wider community needs your help to be healthier, and to move towards a more sustainable future. But how do we begin?

Take action that is easy, fun and will have an impact...
1. TAKE YOUR GOODIES TO MARKET. Would you be interested in having access to local Farmers' Markets to sell or exchange your extra produce? Currently there are administrative obstacles to very small growers getting involved, and your statement is needed to persuade city officials to ease the annoyances and maintain safe standards. Email it to GG.

2. Got space? DONATE YOUR AVAILABLE SPACE, SMALL OR LARGE, TO A FAMILY WITHOUT THAT RESOURCE. Growing room is a vital resource, and surprisingly enough, many don't have it. For those looking to raise their family's level of health and relieve some financial woes, the space you didn't plant might be the connection.
gardeners'guild has families hoping you will contact us to provide the space that they don't have.

3. Looking to start a neighborhood or community garden with a group? PLEASE EMAIL A SHORT TESTIMONIAL DESCRIBING YOUR IDEA, situation, and what you would like to accomplish with your community project. Only a group of voices will help ease the complications of water and zoning, while it helps others to achieve their goals.

4. SHARE YOUR TALENTS WITH THE COMMUNITY.
Maybe you have a skill or creation that would enrich other lives? Create or experience the creativity in others.
Highly recommended: an upcoming event demonstrating exquisite use of garden-grown materials in the natural landscape. Artists Linda Holland and Becky Holtzman will be displaying their incredible works. To be uplifted, visit the Albuquerque Open Space Visitors Center beginning May 1st, with an artists reception on Saturday 2nd, 1-4pm.

PLEASE CONTACT GARDENERS'GUILD WITH YOUR TESTIMONIALS & OFFER OF RESOURCES.
Hopefully soon, there will be enough online activity at the member center to make this process even easier!

LYL: Growing a garden furthers your path to sustainability.
Here are 11 simple steps for urban dwellers:
capture and conserve, try new things, care for your surroundings, share with your neighbor, observe, ask questions, repurpose, reduce your use, live in reality, adapt to conditions and give back to Mother Nature.

AT THE Hq: What's still are missing from your garden plot?
A new crew of starts will be arriving by noon Thursday to populate the empty spaces:
    + eggplants, of two kinds and cucumbers in quarts,
    + a good group of basils and heirloom tomatoes,
    + peppers are coming, including green bells and Big Jim.
    + quart-sized herbs are also still available, with a selection of perennials in gallons
    Rhubarb can also be requested.
All plants have been grown locally, and without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

HAPPY 5TH MAY DAY FOR GARDENERS'GUILD!
THANKS TO ALL THOSE THAT PARTICIPATE.
gardeners'guild would have been a 'goner', long long ago, if it weren't for you who support the group.

4012 central se albuq nm 87108 www.gardenersguild.org 505.268.2719

gardening with a global frame of mind

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:57:52 GMT

How are we connected? Globally and locally, it is becoming apparent that the ripple effect does not stop with state or national borders.

While growing food should have little to do with politics, the conditions in which we grow, and the choices we make as individuals can be dramatically affected by legislation passed or voted down in the US. Currently, our future growing conditions in the US are being fought over in legislature with bills that address food and the general environment. But those decisions extend beyond our borders with ripples that affect millions of lives.

In the GG membership, three members are providing their time through services in Africa with the Peace Corps and Nurses Without Borders to improve the living conditions and quality of life for those half way around the world. Below is a collage image of pictures showing the two year-old garden project, started in with the dedication of member Marika, to promote healthy nutrition! Started with donated seed and her hard work, they share experiences every day over fresh, healthy food. Each story is truly amazing, and with the internet, it is possible to learn more about changing conditions and participate as a connected world community member.

HAPPENING GLOBALLY: marika's garden

HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY: Congressional Bill HR 875
Unfortunately, large for-profit interests often have a greater say in freedom of choice when it comes to health, unless we as individuals voice our opinion. This bill in particular addresses every aspect of growing food, and makes it one to watch. The Organic Consumers Fund, OCA's lobbying partner in Washington DC, analyzed this bill and determined that it could not support food safety legislation applied in a one-size-fits-all manner, especially a bill that references the National Animal Identification System (a voluntary USDA animal tagging program. If this bill were passed as it is today, it wouldn't criminalize organic farming but would heavily regulate what choices could be made by food growers everywhere. To get the full story, view the bill at
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-875

Also this month, a bill passed in committee that now mandates research of GMOs in Africa. With so little history behind growing with GMOs, it seems unfortunate that anything would be mandated. For a grassroots overview of this issue, http://www.lavidalocavore.org/diary/1338/

AT THE Hq: wee plants...
if you buy them now be sure to protect them!
As promised, a limited selection of veggie starts are coming available this week. Grown in Albuquerque by Moonlight Gardens and other local growers, GG will be offering new varieties of edibles and other locally cultivated houseplants and perennials...

Gorgeous 1 gallon herbs, grown locally, arrived this week, hardened off for cool spring temps. English broadleaf thyme, hop-flowered oregano, winter savory and lavenders - hidcote and grosso - are available. Three hop plants, for home-brew folks, and two terragon are in larger pots. For the culinary types, a parsley and celery cross, "Parcel", is a unique and exciting option. Find french parsley, chervil and rue, too. These herbs are available in deep quarts.

Considering the cold spell this weekend, the cucumbers could take a cool snap but small tomatoes at Hq would need indoor shelter for another week or so.
REMEMBER to keep water off cold roots.

LYL: reminder
Assess and service your irrigation system now, to be sure plants don't spring to life with drought-like conditions. Watering responsibly requires maintenance, mulching and plant selections that are well-matched for our high desert conditions. Contact GG with plant selection questions, follow this link to our recommended plants, or view the city's list approved for the xeriscaping rebate program and excellent online resource.
Don't forget to love your leaves!