What is Gardeners'Guild?
What are the additional benefits of joining GG with a supporting membership?
In addition to providing direct support for the greening of your community through the gardening guild's services and community assistance, there are the benefits that come with joining a like-minded community yourself. Community is created, and though the 20% discount on supplies can help you garden more, gardeners have much to offer each other in experience and exchange.
Memberships begin at $20, providing the foundation for education and creation of future gardens.
Does Gardeners'Guild offer classes?
We welcome community members to teach what they know in a safe, comfortable space @GG. The use of this space is free to members, but must be reserved two weeks in advance. The small reference library at Gardeners'Guild is open regular hours to individuals and small study groups. Gardeners'Guild does offer a changing variety of crafting activities, with Specialists teaching also. Spring '09 Gardeners'Guild begin hosting weekly, wide-ranging topics for the urban gardener.
How do I find other community garden groups in Albuquerque?
Gardeners'Guild has as its mission: access education and empowerment for urban gardeners. Albuqueruqe has many active groups in gardening and environmental areas which GG hopes to bring together for better exposure of local projects and improved eXchange of skills, services, information, volunteers and material resources for more successful gardening in city spaces. You can also find special interest groups through the Albuquerque Garden Center at 10120 Lomas NE.
Where can I get good plants in Albuquerque? native plants?
There is a range of sources for plants in Albuquerque. Some have been raised in the climate and some have been transported from more humid environments. Some plants adapt easily, and some plants refuse to live healthily in our area. You can find interesting plants of every description at area nurseries and events. Looking for GG area recommendations? see the GARDENresources.
Little-known facts: plants will be healthiest when raised in their native conditions, and some of the most interesting plants can be found grown locally at certain events around town...
Plant society sales at the Albuquerque Garden Center are the ideal source for plant specialties and seasonal fare. Day lillies, iris, natives and more can be found by following the center's calendar or joining your favorite group. When in season, the Downtown Farmers Market is home to a remarkable propagator from Corrales among other sellers of home-grown plants. Many Albuquerque plant sellers can be found at the yearly Xeriscape Conference. Don't miss it!
Albuqueque desparately needs more micro-growers! Contact GG to get your plants to market.
Can I still grow a garden with very limited gardening space?
If you pick your favorite plants, you can grow and get your garden going like any other space! Indeed, small spaces can be more rewarding and less work, but the plan is important. First decide what you would like to grow, and then consider the conditions of our space. More details:
What varieties can be grown in containers?
Almost anything can grow in a container of some kind but they may require a little extra care. Many varieties of edibles (vegetables & herbs) and ornamentals, including bulbs, do well in pots or containers. Choosing the right pot for your plants can improve success, and Gardeners'Guild helps by email or on-site. Container gardening books are also a big help here, some of which can be found in the Hq library. What would you like to grow? Do you have pots onhand? Recycle, reuse or repurpose if possible and stay away from chemicals in small spaces. There are other solutions!
Where can I find organic supplies?
You can find many organic, natural and non-chemical supplies at Gardeners'Guild. Even better, walk-in assistance is available at Gardeners'Guild to ask questions if you are looking for new solutions or to adjust your current methods. Education about safe solutions and methods are the key to healthier environments, and can be found at the GG Hq.
What's this bug?
There are more common bugs, and less common bugs. The following types are not considered beneficial: aphids, fungus gnats, spider mites, soft or hard scale, and mealy bugs commonly plague houseplants and some edibles. Squash bugs, caterpillars and leaf hoppers are three of the most damaging and frustrating outdoors. To identify your bug: use this link to a great website which can help you with ID, visit the mail with pictures, or use the GG Hq library.
Can I compost?
Yes, but the best success is not with traditional methods as they require more humidity. EMAIL GG Instructions are simple when you know your needs. Check the GARDENING101 composting article.
What is vermicomposting?
THE BEST WAY TO COMPOST IN ALBUQUERQUE! GG has worms and suggestions for containers. Details? It is easy. not stinky. quick to happen. fun for kids and a way to make friends. It is true. The whole process produces great natural fertilizer as a bi-product with basically no work. Wow.
What gardening books and periodicals are recommended for Albuquerque conditions?
This is the short answer, with more suggestions available in the LoveYourLeaves ezine:
Consider buying anything by local guru, Judith Phillips. The Native Plant Society of Central new Mexico has published a modestly-sized but incredibly helpful guide to best plants. Gaia's Garden is an important and transformative book, well suited for Albuquerque gardeners. The Xeriscape Conference 2009 (end of February) is a great place to get regional books. It is worth a trip just for the book selection. For those who need help in pruning, look for the very well illustrated Pruning guide from DK Publishers. Don't just guess, unless you feel inspired! Brad Lancaster in his volumes talks about the importance, practicality and intelligently developed ways, of capturing and conserving water (harking from AZ). Often Plants of the Southwest or Soilutions will carry these.
FOR A WELL-CONSIDERED OVERVIEW OF GARDENING IN ALBUQUERQUE, FIND DOWN TO EARTH. This is the all-encompassing general reference and grand work of the Master Gardeners in ABQ.