November 2011

Images courtesy RGRP galleries

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

Deadline is the 18th of the month prior.

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

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION MARICOPA COUNTY OFFICE

4341 E. BROADWAY RD. / PHOENIX, AZ 85040-8807 PHONE 602.827.8200 FAX 602.827.8292

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

STAFF: Kelly Young, Assistant Agent, ANR/Urban Horticulture

602-827-8200 x319, kyoung@cals.arizona.edu Kristen Wagner, Program Coordinator, Sr.

602-827-8200 x311 / krwagner@cals.arizona.edu Debbie Mauldin, Admin. Ass’t

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

Roots & Shoots In this edition: RGRP Gardens MG Update Diggings Traveling Gardener Gardening by Color The Ups & Downs of Gardening And many more!! Cover by Kirsten Carter

Maricopa County Master Gardeners MG CONTACT LIST: For a complete listing, see the organizational chart under MG Business on the MG Central website East Valley Satellite: Jackie Rensel --------------------480-821-5226 Director at Large: Vacant Carl Rutherford ----------------- 480-325-1469 Educational Materials: Vacant NE Valley Satellite: Debbie Lyding ------------------- 602-789-7377 Demonstration Garden: Pam Perry 602-279-6250 MG Support: Cherie Czaplicki 623-975-5397 Public Events: Vacant NW Valley Satellite: Marianna Hancin -----------------623-566-1737 Public Training: Jim Oravetz 623-584-6068 Kris Coates ------------------------623-915-3337 Helen Zinn ------------------------ 623-271-7518 SATELLITE OFFICES: EAST VALLEY: 480-985-0338 NORTHEAST VALLEY: 480-312-5810 NORTHWEST VALLEY: 623-546-1672 Red Mtn. Multi-Generational Center Via Linda Senior Center PORA Office 7550 E. Adobe 10440 E Via Linda 13815 Camino del Sol Blvd Mesa, AZ 85207 Scottsdale, AZ 85258-6099 Sun City West, AZ 85375 Mon. & Thurs. 9:00a.m.-Noon Mon. 9 -12:30 p.m.; Thurs. 9 -4 p.m. Weekdays 9:00a.m.-Noon The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities. Persons with a disability may request a reason-able accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter, by contacting Kristen Wagner, Program Coordinator, at krwagner@cals.arizona.edu 602-470-8086x311. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Ex-tension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kirk A. Astroth, Interim Director, Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, The University of Arizona.

1

Maricopa County’s Master Gardener Newsletter

R&S: Tell us a little about yourself and your garden. I have always had a green thumb. I love flowers and have always puttered around with colors in the garden. I have been in this house for 15 years and was very involved with the construction of the house and land-scaping, and was able to see the lot in its natural state before it was bladed. So I was able to move some of the more interesting and mature plants to a safer spot. As a part of the committee that created the desert foothills overlay district with the City of Scottsdale, I have tried to maintain as native a plant palette as possi-ble in my garden. Plants in my garden include a large variety from vegetables to wild flowers to agaves, cacti and several specimen trees. R&S: What inspired you to offer your garden for the RGRP tour this year? I have always enjoyed the RGRP tours . Since becoming an MG in 2004, I have been involved in the MG out-reach program and the HOA to help others with their gardens. So when I saw the email asking for RGRP gar-dens, I immediately wanted to offer up my garden. R&S: Tell us a little about your garden responsibilities and daily routine? Over the years nature has taken over and the garden has allowed me to become more and more lax. Daily responsibilities include making sure drips are working fine and minor weeding. I always go to the DBG plant sales so I am constantly replanting and replacing, especially if there is an open drip. R&S: What are you excited to spotlight about your garden for the RGRP tour visitors? My garden is a place to enjoy and wander around and watch the birds, butterflies and critters. It has a reju-venating feel. Nature has given back a hundredfold here and there is a serenity and unity to nature with this garden. R&S: What advice would you give to gardeners who want to create a garden such as yours? Always make a plan first. Plan for the larger elements in your garden. Plant three of everything (Rule of Three), and plant smaller gallon sizes. You will have more success that way. R&S: What in your opinion is the importance of the RGRP tour for the master gardeners? RGRP is an important conduit to reach many more people with earth friendly gardening processes. Each gar-den offers the MGs an opportunity to share with others their passion for gardening and lessons learnt. If you would like to volunteer for the RGRP tours, please contact Ellen Bachman at ellenjb731@gmail.com.

2012 RGRP Gardens - Susan Noack on her Desert Retreat

A refined combination of great beauty and naturalness, Susan Noack’s garden has a rare elegance to it. Each element in the garden is meaningful and structure how you view the surrounding desert. The majestic Saguaro, the intriguing agaves, the sensuous herb corner and the patient ironwood provides a peaceful am-bience that only nature can provide. This is certainly a garden that can rejuvenate you...

Roots & Shoots

2 

WHO: Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr Our speaker is Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr., a local environmental consultant. His business is called Southwest Green and he publishes an online magazine about sustainability called NxT Horizon. George Brooks studied Wildlife and Fisheries at the University of Arizona, Marine Biology at San Diego State University and Zoology at Arizona State University. Long time Master Gardeners may remember him from his work at the Maricopa County Extension as an aquaculture specialist about twenty years ago. More recently, George Brooks has served on the board of the Central Arizona Project. He is currently chair of the Board of Directors for the Southminster Social Service Agency where he puts his training to work to break the cycle of food, energy and poverty, by offsetting the power bills for 1,000 low-income homes in the 85040 zip code. Weatherization and community gardens are part of this effort. George hopes to bring aquaponics into the urban mix to help with the food part of this picture. WHAT: Aquaponics - Growing Fish and Vegetables Aquaponics combines aquaculture and agriculture. The reason? In a word, sustainability. Dr. Brooks writes; “Aquaponics is a sustainable food production system that combines traditional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish, crayfish or prawns in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbi-otic environment. In the aquaculture, effluents accumulate in the water, increasing toxicity for the fish. This water is led to a hydroponic system where the by-products from the aquaculture are filtered out by the plants as vital nutrients, after which the cleansed water is recirculated back to the animals. The term aquaponics is a combination of the terms aquaculture and hydroponics.” The nutrients from fish farming can support crops like lettuce, watermelon, peas, carrots and herbs. The recent and growing interest in backyard urban farming makes this a good time to look at innovations in gardening. George will give us an overview of the basic science of aquaponics, the species of fish and shrimp that can be grown locally and the vegetables to grow with the fish. We’ll consider potential challenges and benefits to the local grower including cost, water, species availability, markets and laws. WHEN: November 9, 2011, Wednesday morning, 9:00 am WHERE: at the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix

MG Update Aquaponics By Deb Sparrow Growing Fish and Vegetables

3

Maricopa County’s Master Gardener Newsletter

Diggings in the Garden by Pam Perry

The Demo garden offers volunteers opportunities for seed collecting and propagation of plants to con-tribute to the annual plant sale which took place at Metro Tech High School in October! Seeds were packaged and labeled, boxes of poppy seed heads were bundled for crafty souls, flats of I’itoi multiply-ing onions that were planted up one Tuesday morning were ‘rooted and shooted’ and ready to go Rain lilies were thinned a bit and sold at the plant sale as well. On Tuesdays in the Garden we have had many hands to make light work of planting several varieties of kale, peas, spinach, onions, lettuces, leeks, and the list goes on. Soil temperatures are great and seed is emerging quickly! Garlic is up and shallots went in this week! What is it about onions…? They are so easy and so good harvested fresh! Lots of snipping and turning results in good compost to dig in as we excavate sweet potatoes! Some of the ‘summer greens’ plants are still hanging on; the Colchortus is setting seed, and we have discovered young pods are sort of cucumber flavored! The Malabar spinach blooms, as is the H. Sabdar-iffa. OOPS! I moved the Egyptian walking onions this spring to a raised bed. Wrong! They did not like moving in spring, they did not like the raised bed. They died. I will be looking for replacements and have taken a lesson from this experiment! They are best left alone until fall! Now I know that! A seed of a bitter melon planted in early summer germinated during monsoon! We have fruit to harvest, now to figure out what to do with them! Monsoon is a great planting season, in advance of fall; so many great crops can get a head start then! Not so much the string beans. Of all the seeds planted few germinated and have died off steadily. Last year the Kentucky wonder pole beans did a great job. The ones I planted in late spring sort of held on, but August spelled a death knell for them. Timing is everything. Even the potatoes which reverted to earth have sent up shoots! Now to keep them alive long enough to bear a crop! We have piles of compost. Do procure fresh seed for planting corn and beans! And good luck! Gardeners have harvested pounds of sweet potatoes. Corn, eggplants, and peppers have a truly wonder-ful new lease on life! The Fajita bell sure has a bite! The remaining tomato plants have indeed set fruit as we have had both day and evening temperatures in the ‘tomato-setting-window’ this fall; Will they turn red before frost comes? This is the fall tomato gamble! It is not too late to get that fall garden go-ing. Plant salad crops, fava beans, short season peas, kales… There are great starts of many fall veggies in the nurseries if you do not have the inclination to plant seeds now! The Herbies are planning a big planting day November 5th and the Rare Fruit Growers continue to work on their garden in preparation for the Regional Rare Fruit Growers Conference in Tempe. All are wel-come; speakers are national and international. Check their website for more information. Work on the water harvesting grant continues behind the county fence, with a pavers workshop and some general revamping of old projects. Keep your eyes open for volunteer opportunities! We have several rain bar-rels on the property these days and more to follow! Master Gardener interns have taken on two projects this fall, developing a Monarch butterfly way station integrated with the wildlife friendly selections that are the bones of the original plantings along the De-sert Trail, and updating the bulb garden. Look for volunteer opportunities to assist with these efforts, and make contributions!

Roots & Shoots

4 

Design Charrette Our November Design Charrette is scheduled for Saturday, November 12th from 9am until noon in the east valley at the garden of Claire Sievers. Remember, everyone is welcome, new interns and seasoned master gardenerrs alike. Each of us have something to contribute and new things to learn, so come out and help Claire plan her garden. The only requirement is to bring you imagination and a dish to share for our potluck lunch. Claire had this to say about her yard.

“We have a fairly large backyard with a pool, outdoor fireplace and barbeque, some mature citrus and a couple of other trees and shrubs. There are a lot of blank spots that I'd like to creatively fill with low water use plants and succulents. I want to grow more vegetables and I like the idea of something blooming in my garden year round. I'm not sentimental about any of my shrubs and like the idea of perhaps replacing them with some that provide something edible or just more color. Our backyard is our favorite room nine months out of the year and even during the hot months, we enjoy the view! Please come to my Charrette and give me some ideas.”

Come enjoy the morning with your fellow Master Gardeners and also earn three volunteer hours. To re-serve your spot send an email to designcharrette@hotmail.com

Please note: We still have openings to host Design Charrettes this coming spring. You must have previ-ously attended a Charrette before you can host one and we only schedule Charrettes at the homes of Mas-ter Gardeners. Please contact us at designcharrette@hotmail.com if you are interested.

What is a Design Charrette...And How Can I Participate?

A Design Charrette is a forum hosted by a Master Gardener to develop design ideas for a chosen land-scape. As a Master Gardener, you can host a Charrette for your own property or any other. This is a 3-hour event that includes a tour of the grounds, potluck and design discussion. The number of attendees is usu-ally limited to 12. HOSTS: Receive the benefit of free design ideas. As the host, you will provide a tour of your property which includes plant identification and information, researched or experimental. The host provides a letter of intent for the property that prioritizes goals, needs and problems to be solved. A simple drawing of the property must also be provided to the group to use in their landscape design. Lastly, the host provides cups, plates, utensils, napkins and water. Guests will bring the food. GUESTS: No formal landscape design education is required. But we do require that you bring your imagina-tion! Come; enjoy the garden tour, plant identification and the opportunity to learn from fellow Master Gar-deners as we share our design ideas. Each guest will need to bring a potluck dish. Design Charrettes are held on Saturday mornings and the date is determined by the host and Design Charrette team. If you are interested in hosting a Design Charrette or have any questions, please contact us at: designchar-rette@hotmail.com

Your Design Charrette Team

Beth Kirkpatrick, Sue Lanker, and Matt Murman

5

Maricopa County’s Master Gardener Newsletter

FROM YOUR RGRP CHAIR It was only a few years ago at this time that there was no chairperson identified to lead the Real Gardens for Real People (RGRP) tour scheduled to take place four months hence. There was a question as to whether the RGRP tour would continue at all. The revenue generated by the tour just about covered the cost to pro-duce the event. So the RGRP could have ended. In a few short years, a team of Master Gardeners (MG) grabbed the tour by the scruff of the neck, ironed out any wrinkles, organized it top to bottom and documented every role and function of the tour so it could be handed on to subsequent year teams seamlessly and consistently. Each year since the inception of the RGRP tour in 2002, lessons have been learned, RGRP tour procedures refined and enhanced and a new team of MG volunteers recruited and trained to carry on as standard bearers. As of last year, the RGRP tour dou-bled the revenue generated. This year the revenue we generate from the tour will be greater and now we should start to look at how we can best put to work those funds in educating our communities. As the Chair and newcomer to the proceedings behind the scenes of the RGRP tour, the truth is the RGRP is a well-oiled machine. Scores of MG volunteers have worked tirelessly for this cause behind the scenes to achieve this significant achievement. Their efforts to carry out the MG mission to educate the community about responsible garden-ing have been boundless and really without recognition. They do what they do simply out of their passion and commitment. In the month of November, we now approach the 11th annual tour, with our seven gar-dens lined up, our seventeen committees organized and focused and our team of MG volunteers swelling by the week to fill our requirements. While we may not know the faces of the of the MG volunteers behind the scenes of the RGRP tour, please know we are standing on the shoulders of some of the most professional, focused volunteers any organization could ever wish for who have brought us to this point. There is another very important aspect of the RGRP tour that we should not fail to acknowledge. The MG interns have played and continue to play a crucial role in the success of the RGRP tour. It seems to be an intangible thing; not prescribed or planned or expected. Interns step forward to lead the tour, take on lead-ership roles of committees and volunteer their gardens to be on the tour. For example, Roger Marach in the November graduating class of interns volunteered to do both. MG Interns enable the RGRP tour move from strength to strength. It is almost like a relay, with the baton handed off to those poised and focused to run the next relay of the race. As the Chair, I would like personally to thank the MG’s and Interns who have stepped forward and made the RGRP tour happen. It is truly something special - it is a huge opportunity to blow life into our mission of edu-cating the public in responsible gardening. Please will you join me in thanking our volunteers who invest countless hours promoting the vision and purpose of the Master Gardener program?

“Cairns have held deep significance for millennia. These Cairns capture a brief moment in time when the ele-ments are in balance. Each unique composition repre-sents accomplishments, knowledge and experience gained, difficulties overcome and guidance for pathways yet to be traveled.”

Roots & Shoots

6 

Traveling Gardener, wandering, wondering, noticing… Grateful for Gardeners by Linda Larson

November is a month for Thanksgiving and we celebrate it with a feast of food symbolizing the harvest celebration. Gardens, and those who tend them give us much to be thankful for throughout the year. A recent visit to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York reinforced my gratitude as I noticed the range of care provided each day to ready the public gardens for viewing. The Brooklyn garden was founded in 1920 on 39 acres. Today it is a major cultural institution welcoming nearly a million visitors a year from all over the world. The garden offers a variety of styles and plant collections, providing plenty to see whenever you visit. Visiting just days after Hurricane Irene, there were signs of damage in the leaves and trees from this major storm. One might think a garden would not be worth visiting after such an event but the garden structure and the healthy plants stood visibly strong. There is a resiliency in plants and trees that allows them to spring back in the sun and rain that follows such great stress. In addition, the garden staff worked hard to clean up and diminish the damage. Pruning, raking and general tidying began immediately to ensure visitors would enjoy the garden. When you visit a garden and are trying to see all of the expansive grounds it is easy to lose sight of the small beauties right before you. Walking into a conservatory of bonsai immediately refocuses your eye. You can look down on the canopy of a miniature red-wood. These “trained in a tray trees” provide a different view and a total delight! Recognized as one of the finest in the world, the Brooklyn Botanic Bonsai collection began with a donation of 32 trees from Henry C. Folger (no relation to the coffee) in 1925. Today, over 350 Bonsai are in the collection. I am so grateful for gardeners with the knowledge, dedication and skill to maintain these miniature works of art. Many of the trees are over 100 years old. The Bonsai trees illustrate styles seen in nature: some trees are straight and true, (formal upright), some have weathered the storms and been pruned by nature, (informal upright), some cascade down, as if swooping over a cliff. The Bonsai also represent hardwoods, soft-woods, tropical and warm climate trees. What a challenge and re-sponsibility to cultivate and care for miniature trees! A significant element in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is their espla-nade of trees. The Japanese cherry trees, which bloom in the spring, are a favorite attraction and many visitors flock to enjoy the brief flash of beauty. Now, along side the esplanade is a grove of Liberty Oaks planted in 2002 as a memorial to honor the victims of the 9/11 tragedy. I happened to be in that spot on Sept. 11, 2011 when firefighters, police officers and family members walked through the trees to lay a wreath of remembrance at the entrance to this memorial grove. The oaks have been growing for 10 years and

7

Maricopa County’s Master Gardener Newsletter

Traveling Gardener Continued...

Jamie Durie & The Outdoor Room By Janet Schwappach

Now, I didn’t really know much about Jamie Durie, except that he co-hosted that HGTV Dream Home show. So when I learned that he would be doing a presentation and book signing at the new Summer Winds Nursery, I did a little research. It turns out that the exceedingly handsome Aussie hosts his own HGTV show, The Outdoor Room, as well as the PBS program The Victory Garden. Unfortunately, that was the day we had to move 7 yards of dirt. So I missed his presentation, but man-aged to get there in time to meet him at the signing for his book, The Outdoor Room. He is as charming as he is handsome. Oh, and the book…the book is a design must-have. In the first section of The Outdoor Room, Durie lays out how he came to landscape design as well as what inspires him. He then shows how to get your own inspiration by looking at the world around you, using color, incorporating trends, and growing your passion. After a quick primer on design principles, Durie goes into the design process—from the initial site evaluation to a completed landscape. Even if you’re not doing the work yourself, the informa-tion—as well as tips for working with contractors—can be extremely helpful if you’re hiring a landscape professional. The bulk of the book is devoted to specific case studies where Durie outlines client challenges and solu-tions, and what inspired him to create each design. He also provides a landscape plan, plant lists and beautiful photography showing the result. While not every design can be used as-is in your desert garden, there are pieces of inspiration throughout The Outdoor Room that you can adapt to create your own beau-tiful outdoor space here in the desert. I bought this book on a lark. My real motivation was to meet Jamie Durie. And, really…what does a TV guy know anyway? But the woman in line behind me brought in her own copy—or, should I say, pieces of it. The cover was worn, the binding was torn. The pages seemed to be held together by multi-color Post-It notes throughout. I didn’t understand that then. But I get it now. The Outdoor Room is one of those design books that will continue to inspire and inform and delight for years. And writing in the margins is mandatory!

they are straight and tall. In the fall when their leaves begin to turn, there is a different kind of seasonal beauty. Throughout his-tory when our souls are wounded and words fail us we often turn to nature for solace. We consecrate a space and we plant trees. The influence of the trees encourages reverence and allows a space for silence. The somber adults gathered in this large group stood quiet and respectful. However the little children, too young to have known what happened on that awful day, ran in the grass, turned in circles, leaned upon the tree trunks and played while waiting for the service to be over. For the little ones, nature brought joy into the moment. Nature creates a sense of wonder but gardeners who plant the trees and maintain the space give all who visit the opportunity to find inspiration. There is much to be grateful for in our gardens, both outside our own door and in our shared public spaces. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is a spectacular garden whether you have a day or an hour to spend. Other visitors will discover different delights than I did on this visit, yet what we rarely see are the dedicated gar-deners that care for these beautiful and significant places everyday. For this, let us give thanks.

Images Courtesy Rich Larson

Roots & Shoots

8 

Gardening by Color by Connie Ballard & Olivia Wolsiffer

As gardeners, have you ever considered choosing your produce based on the nutritive qualities of color? Of course, selections must be made considering all of the basic components of successful fruit and vegetable gardening; season, space available, and personal taste. However, building a garden based on healthful eating habits provides a new perspective and one worth considering. When we think about consuming fruits and vegetables, envision the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yel-low, green, blue, purple, and for the sake of this article, we will add white to the list. Each of these colors contributes a wealth of nutrients in the form of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are natural, bioactive chemi-cal compounds found in plants that give fruits and vegetables their color, flavor and scent and those com-pounds provide invaluable protective qualities to the human body. A single phytochemical derived from food can act as an antioxidant (protects cells from damage), an anti-inflammatory (reduces pain and swelling), and an immune-boosting agent in the human body. Although there can be many phytochemicals in one piece of fruit or vegetable, we will focus on a select few. Let’s take a look at the different colors and some of their unique qualities. Red fruits and vegetables include the phytochemicals lycopene and anthocyanins. Studies have shown that lycopene may reduce the risk of prostate, lung, and stomach cancer while promoting heart health. Antho-cyanins are powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. In addition, red fruits and vegetables may help prevent urinary tract infections and promote memory function. Some suggestions for fall planting include beets and radishes. Spring planting suggestions include tomatoes, red peppers, watermelon, and radishes. Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables include the phytochemicals beta-carotene and flavonoids. Beta-carotene has a dual role the body; it is an anti-oxidant and is converted to vitamin A. Beta-carotene may reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Vitamin A promotes healthy eyes, skin and a healthy immune system. Flavonoids work in conjunction with vitamin C to stimulate wound healing and aid in bone, teeth, and skin health. Citrus fruits are abundant in flavonoids. For the vegetable garden, carrots are a nutritious option for fall planting. For spring planting, orange/yellow options include pumpkin, corn, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe. Green fruits and vegetables contain the phytochemicals indoles, isothiocyanates, beta-carotene, and lutein. Indoles and isothiocyanates are found in vegetables belonging to the cruciferous family: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, and cabbage. These two phytochemicals are powerful cancer-preventing agents. Like beta-carotene, lutein contributes to healthy eyesight. Specifically, lutein helps prevent the progressive disease, macular degeneration, which ultimately leads to blindness. Lutein is abundant in green leafy vegetables. Green leafy vegetables also play a role in the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, thereby reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Fall planting suggestions include artichokes, asparagus, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, endive, kale, green onions, and spinach. Spring sugges-tions include artichokes, collard greens, green onions, and zucchini. Blue and purple fruits and vegetables contain polyphenolics and anthocyanins. Both phytochemicals are pow-erful anti-inflammatory and anti-aging compounds. In addition, they help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, and aid in memory function. Typically, blue and purple fruits, such as blueberries and blackberries, do not thrive in the desert. However, eggplant can be planted in the desert during the spring season. White fruits and vegetables contain allicin, indoles, and sulfaforaphanes. Found in garlic, onions, leeks, and scal-lions, allicin assists in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels. It also helps to fight off infection. Found in cauliflower, indoles and sulfaforaphanes help prevent cancer. Fall planting suggestion included cauliflower, garlic, leeks, and scallions. Scallions may also be enjoyed in the spring. So, while you are planning your fruit and vegetable garden, why not think about planting for health by including a variety of color? This way, you are getting all the important phytochemicals, antioxidants, vita-

9

Maricopa County’s Master Gardener Newsletter

The Bugs are Back in Town by Carrie Ostorski

The Big Bugs exhibit has returned to the Desert Botanical Garden and will run from now through January 1, 2012. This is one of several exhibits and special activities that teach garden visitors about the importance of bugs and creatures in our gardens. The artist, David Rogers, recreates the hidden gardeners to highlight their roles in nature that we often take for granted. The exhibit has traveled across the country and provides a platform for educational programs and interactions for new audiences everywhere. His goal is to increase awareness of beneficial insects, polli-nators and insect predators (predators to other insects) and promote their conservation through this very popular exhibit. All of the bug sculptures displayed in the garden for the Big Bugs exhibit were built from re-claimed and recycled wood and willows (when cut, willows will continue to grow), along with vines, bamboo, shelf fungi and dried branches. Rogers sustainably harvests the natural materials from the forest. The bug sculptures he creates are on a gargantuan scale; sometimes reaching over 20 feet long and varying in weight from 300 to 1,200 pounds! The exhibit brings kids and families to the Garden and connects them to their natural environment. There are also interpretive signs with important and interesting information about beneficial bugs and pests. As an ex-ample, the importance of ladybugs and bees to a garden is emphasized and taught. Did you know that one ladybug (actually called a lady beetle) can eat thousands of aphids? That sounds like a friend I want to have in my garden. Another important and very popular exhibit at the Garden, is the monarch butterfly exhibit. This exhibit is de-signed to inform humans about the importance of protecting the fragile and threatened monarch butterfly habitats and conservation. The messaging crosses over to information about milkweed and its importance to the monarch. Milkweed is the host plant that female monarchs lay their eggs on. You can use this plant to attract monarchs and queen butterflies. Here’s a tip - if you grow milkweed in your garden, it’s important that you do not trim the tops of the stems. This is an important part of the plant for monarch eggs. Avoid using pesticides on or near milkweed. Caterpillars and other beneficials may eat holes in milkweed, but it is not bad or damaging to the plant’s health. They are important too! Guests arrive to see the Desert Botanical Garden they love and the new exhibits, but the beauty of this is the interplay of the exhibits with the plants and connecting the insect sculptures with the space and environment. As children, adults and families admire and learn about the sculptures and meander through the Garden, they are also learning about the value and importance of bees, birds, butterflies, other pollinators as well as the benefits of insects to your garden and its well being. Put your garden gloves away for a while and visit this amazing exhibit with your friends and family. It’s worth the trip!

mins and minerals from the most important and bioavailable source: food! Note: Olivia Wolsiffer and Connie Ballard are both Registered Dietitians. References: 1. Joseph JA, PhD. Nadeau, DA, M.D, Underwood, A. The Color Code. 1st Ed. New York, NY: The Philip Lief Group, Inc.; 2002. 2. United States Department of Agriculture. Introduction (I). Fruits and Vegetables Galore – Helping Kids Eat More. Available at: http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/hsmrs/Fruits%20and%20Vegetables%20Galore/Introduction. pdf. Accessed October 8, 2011. 3. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Vegetable Planting Calendar for Maricopa County. Available at www.maricopamastergardener.com/pubs.htm. Accessed October 8, 2011.

Gardening by color continued...

Roots & Shoots

10 

Are they Berries or Aren't they? by Christine Nimitz

Berries are very popular fruits. Who does not wait anxiously for those Driscoll’s raspberries and strawberries at the peak of the seasons? Blue-berries, with their massive antioxidant content, are perhaps one of the best fruits you can eat on your morning cereal or in a smoothie. But surprisingly, some of them really are not berries, and some other fruits and vegetables actually are berries by way of botanical classifica-tion. A berry is defined as a multi-seeded fruit derived from a single ovary. Berries have seeds attached to an inner core. Strawberries have seeds on the outside, so by definition, they are not berries (FIGURE 1). Neither are raspberries and blackberries—they are aggregate fruits com-posed of many drupelets. Figs, like mulberries, are false fruits or multi-ple fruits, in which the flowers and seeds grow together to form a single mass (FIGURE 3) However, tomatoes, bell peppers, blueberries, cranberries, and kiwifruit are berries. (FIGURE 2) Citrus are also a specialized type of berry called a hesperidium. A hesperidium is defined as a berry having a thickened leathery rind and juicy pulp divided into segments. Melons are a spe-cialized berry called a pepo, since they have a hard outer rind. NOTE: No berries (or whatever they were) were left uneaten after this photo shoot Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figs Class Notes 12 July 2011, Terry Mikel (speaker) California Master Gardener Handbook, 2009. Pittenger, Dennis, editor. Chapter 2 Images courtesy Christine Nimitz

The University of Washington Medicinal Herb Garden By Sheryl Stradling

Tucked away in Seattle in an area along NE Pacific Street on the University of Washington Campus is the me-dicinal herb garden, a part of the Botany Department. It spans 2-1/2 acres, contains around 1,000 species of plants used around the world in traditional and herbal medicine and is one of the largest public gardens of its kind. Started in 1911, the garden is a wonderful resource for herbalists and gardeners, and a joy to explore. Currently divided into seven sections or areas, the entrance area is home to many native Pacific Northwest plants. Many varieties of plants native to various climates and cultures and traditionally used in herbal medi-cine grow well in the temperate and moist climate of the Pacific Northwest. Late spring and summer are the best viewing times, and the warmest, too! When I lived in Seattle and worked at the UW, I spent many hours in the garden, enjoying the variety through the seasons and assuaging my curiosity about what grew in other areas of the world. I always was amazed at the signs I saw such as “please do not eat or take the fruit – saving for seeds” that the gardeners put up next to the many edible and wonderful plants such as bitter melon. Now that I am an Arizonan, I was equally amazed on my visit this summer to find, yes, Indian fig and prickly pear cactus growing there! It is definitely worth a visit if you are in the Seattle area. For more information please visit their webpage at http://www.biology.washington.edu/mhg/

11

Maricopa County’s Master Gardener Newsletter

I moved here in 2003, into a house that had a VERY large yard, with the majority of the property having been landscaped by the builder. The yard had plenty of space for large shrubs and some palms, and I also had them install a watering system for a zone on the side where I was going to plant an herb and vegetable garden. All I could think was, “Check out all this sun – wow! Imagine all the great stuff I can grow here! (don’t think I can't hear your laughter).” My elation quickly turned to dismay as the temperature climbed and all I could do was stand in my air condi-tioned living room and look out my window at the space where I had thought I was going to plant all these wonderful things. I continually apologized to my poor yard as I looked out helplessly at bare dirt. As I tried to learn how to keep my lawn (yea, I know) and landscape alive, I felt not inspiration, just desperation. There was the automatic timer that controlled the water for all the different zones of the property and was more complicated than a car engine. (I can change the oil in my car, but program my landscape timer… not a chance). Besides that, as soon as I thought I had it figured out, the weather would change and it had to be reprogrammed. Then there was the first time the yard care guy said, “Did I want my lawn scalped this year?” I have no idea what my response actually was, but I'm sure my face said it all. The lawn did go through the apparently normal stages of ‘the good, the bad, and the ugly’ and I just decided to stop thinking about it. The Citrus trees died, and I don’t know why. The junipers gave up (not enough hugs?). Both of my beautiful trees in the front; well established and healthy, were torn apart by monsoon storms and had to be removed. There went the vista from my office window…how I longed for some lush, beautiful green scenery , and the talent to keep it alive. I lived there about 6 years and never did get the garden planted. That section of the backyard remained this big, naked mound of expectant potential, just waiting for something good to happen. I can’t say I was sad to leave that house and yard, since I felt it represented my failure as a yard owner and gardener. So when I moved to my current house I was determined (more like driven, actually) not to make the same mistakes (famous last words) and to be able to create a beautiful landscape and garden. To tell the truth I have made many mistakes, but at least they weren’t the exact same ones. Some things I have learned: • Even if you plant desert-adapted or native plants that supposedly can’t be killed by heat, it can still get

too hot for them and they want to give up (yea, me too), and it isn’t all your fault. • Many plants that might be okay in the ground are not going to be okay in pots. • When the aphids arrive by the billions, say a prayer over your plants, leave town and hope for the best

while preparing to pull them out when you get back. I don’t know if I would use this bullet, as you can use yellow sticky traps to catch the aphids so they don’t kill your plants…it works for me.

• Just because the nursery has a particular plant available or planted something (look how cute that is!), doesn’t mean that it's a good time to plant that or a good way to plant it.

• You almost can’t kill Basil, but you can drown it, and since I learned that on my own I got to share that information with a friend who did overwater and consequently drown her Basil (see, I am on my way to being a MG).

• It’s important not to feel stupid when you don’t know if your plant problems are from overwatering, under watering, or lack of the appropriate nutrients, since those can have all the same indications.

Why am I in the MG program? I want to become skilled as a Master Gardener for Maricopa County and share what I have learned with others, but really I want to kill fewer plants. So now I am an aspiring Master Gar-dener and I won’t tell you that I think I know what I'm doing, but at least I have hope, and I'm in good com-pany, attempting to successfully garden in Arizona. Stay tuned!

The Ups and Down of Gardening in AZ by Tana Elliott

Roots & Shoots

12 

2011 Rose Garden Tour Rose Society of Glendale

Saturday, November 12, 2011 9:30am—4:00pm

Master Gardener Julie Rodolico and The Rose Society of Glendale invites you and your family, friends, and/or organization members to partake in a magical tour of five private, beautiful rose gardens and one public rose garden, where our tour will begin, all located in the West Valley. Tour Details On the day of the tour, participants will convene at a lovely public rose garden to pick up maps and receive their tour program. The program will include an itinerary, the location and description of each garden, and a detailed map. Participants are encouraged to carpool on this self-guided tour. Total mileage to visit all six of the gardens is approximately 37 miles. Gardens must be viewed in order at specific times. Garden No. 4, home of Master Gardener Julie Rodolico, will have other MG on hand to answer questions. Jim Oravetz also a member of the Rare Fruit Growers Assoc. will answer questions on fruit and citrus trees. Cherie Czaplicki will be demonstrate and/or answer questions of potting plants, and Amber Huntoon will be on hand to answer questions on desert adapted plants. Julie will talk about roses and vegetable gardening. In addition to a feast for the eyes, guests will enjoy delicious refreshments at each of the gardens. At the last garden, participants will dine on a sumptuous dinner of barbeque chicken, ranch-style beans, fresh pasta salad, country cornbread with butter, dessert, and beverages. Only 100 tickets are available for purchase; the cost is $25 per person. The deadline to purchase tickets is Saturday, November 5, 2011. For additional information, please contact Candy Sheperd at 623.878.9607 or send an email to rosebuds1@cox.net. The Gardens Garden No. 1 9:30 – 10:00am The tour starts at an incredibly beautiful and historic public garden that includes more than 400 named roses of all types and colors. These include hybrid teas, floribundas, climbers, and several polyanthas. The colors will be striking, as the roses will be in their prime bloom. Guests will enjoy the garden’s grounds, which are home to numerous peacocks, birds, and historic buildings. Garden No. 2 10:15 – 11:00am This garden is located at the home of husband-and-wife consulting rosarians. The couple has produced award-winning roses year after year. There are 150 roses, from micro-miniatures to large old garden roses, including hybrid teas, floribundas, and shrub roses. The pathways wind between the rose beds. The garden also includes a large fountain, small fishpond, pots of herbs, and shaded areas where visitors can sit and en-joy the natural beauty. Guests will enjoy “English tea” refreshments—scones, savory tea sandwiches, and sweet treats—with your choice of hot or iced tea, lemonade, or coffee to drink. Bottled water will also be available. Garden No. 3 11:10 – 11:30am Nestled on an acre lot, this magnificent garden overlooks a sunken sports field, classic Italian statues, a cas-

13

Maricopa County’s Master Gardener Newsletter

cading waterfall, and luxurious pool. The incredible garden also includes ruellas, sage, hibiscus, honeysuckle, bougainvillea, thevetia, pomegranate and fig trees, and flowering plum. The roses include hybrid teas and floribundas as well as container flowers and plants, annuals, and perennials. Guests can congregate on a beautiful, large brick patio with furniture where they can rest and quench their taste buds. Snacks and bev-erages will be served for everyone’s enjoyment. Garden No. 4 Master Gardener, Julie Rodolico 11:35am – 12:15pm Crafted on a half-acre lot, this garden features beautiful statuaries, succulent and cactus garden (both sun and shade), raised herb and vegetable gardens, potted topiaries, several water features, and approximately 50 roses, including climbers, hybrid teas, floribundas, David Austin roses, miniatures, and mini-floras. Fruit trees—lime, lemon, fig, apricot, apple, and plum—are poised throughout the garden. Mediterranean plants such as grapes, Cyprus, olive, lavender, iris, and amarilla also adorn the property. The grounds are crafted in an Italian theme with a large, beautiful, handmade water wall decorated with handmade tiles from Hungary. The property is additionally poised with gorgeous mountain views. The grounds include a splash pad and art wall, a large patio for entertaining, and a 25x50-foot stone gazebo with fireplace. Simply magnifique! As-sorted teas and more snacks will be available at this garden along with bottled water. Garden No. 5 12:35 – 1:15pm The fifth garden is the pride and joy of expert rosarians. This husband-and-wife team never disappoints at the rose shows—they continually produce blue-ribbon roses. They have approximately 150 assorted roses. Their meticulous garden includes hybrid teas, floribundas, climbers, miniatures, mini-floras, polyanthas, and shrub roses. The property is also adorned with a large water fountain and pool.. This garden will also include the savory tunes of a classical guitarist to enjoy as you browse the beautiful garden. Guests will be served shrimp cocktail along with other snacks and beverages. Garden No. 6 1:35 – 4:00pm The final garden is tended by award-winning rosarians. Over 150 roses complement the 1+ acre grounds. Paver and gravel pathways lead around the rose beds composed of hybrid teas, floribundas, miniatures, and climbing roses. Interspersed throughout the garden are perennial flowers, irises, and hibiscus. Guests will conclude the tour with a delicious dinner of barbeque chicken, fresh pasta salad, ranch-style beans, country cornbread with butter, dessert, iced tea, coffee, and soda. The Rose Society of Glendale will also conduct a raffle of unique gifts. Contact Us For additional information, please contact Candy Sheperd at 623.878.9607 or send an email to rose-buds1@cox.net. The public is invited to become acquainted with the Rose Society of Glendale and its members by attending a membership meeting, which is held on the first Thursday of each month at 7pm at the Glendale Woman’s Club, located at 7032 North 56th Avenue (corner of 56th Avenue and Glenn Drive), or visit our website at roseglenaz.com. We look forward to meeting you.

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service,

and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

November 2011 Events Calendar Submit events to Karen Sankman

Upcoming Events

Nov. 10, 2011 Phoenix Permaculture: Fruit Tree Orders

Deadline to order fruit trees is Nov. 10, 2011. Info/Order

Dec. 3, 2011 3rd Annual Tour de Coops

9 am-4 pm, self guided tour of chicken coops in the Valley. Info

Jan 10-May 1, 2012

Master Gardener Training Classes

9:30 am-12:30 pm, University of Arizona Eller College of Management, 16425 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, $275. Info/Register

Jan 21-June 10, 2012

Permaculture Design Certification Course

$845 if paid in full by Nov. 21, 2011, otherwise $995. Info/Register

Jan 21, 2012 East Valley Citrus Clinic

9 am-noon, Greenfield Citrus Nursery, 2558 E. Lehi Rd., Mesa. $8 advance purchase/$10 at the door. Info/Tickets

Jan 28, 2012 West Valley Citrus Clinic

9 am-noon, Truman Ranch in Surprise, AZ. $8 advance purchase/$10 at the door. Info/Tickets

July 10-Oct 30, 2012

Master Gardener Training Classes

9:30 am-12:30 pm, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix, $275. Info/Register

November 2011

Tue 1 NE Valley Satellite Diagnostic Clinic

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

Tue 1

Tuesday in the Garden

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

Tue 1 Down to Earth Toastmasters

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

Tue 1,and Tue 8

Edible Landscape Design and Plant Selection

6-9 pm, Desert Botanical Garden, $50 mem/$62 non-mem. Info/Register

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service,

and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Tue 1 Master Gardener Training Class

6:30-9:30 pm, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Final Exam and Graduation.

Tue 1 Sun Country Iris Meeting

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

Tue 1 Phoenix Bonsai Society Meeting

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

Thu 3 NW Satellite Office Diagnostic Clinic

10 am-noon, 13815 Camino del Sol, Sun City West. Kris Coates (623) 214-2385. Bring plant or insect specimens for ID and advice.

Thu 3 Pruning Basics 6-8:30 pm, Avondale City Hall, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, City Hall Sonoran Room, Avondale. Free. Info/Register

Thu 3 Irrigation System Maintenance

6-8:45 pm, Chandler City Hall, 175 S. Arizona Ave., 2nd Floor, Chandler. Free to Chandler residents. Info/Register

Thu 3 Selection and Care of Fruit Trees

6:30-8:30 pm, Desert Botanical Garden, $25 mem/$32 non-mem. Info/Register

Thu 3 Arizona Herb Association Meeting

7-9 pm, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix. Carolyn Hills, AZ Herb Assoc.

Thu 3 East Valley Garden Club Meeting

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

Thu 3 Rose Society of Glendale Meeting

7 pm, Glendale Women’s Club, 7032 N. 56th Ave., Glendale. Rose Society of Glendale, Gerry Mahoney (602) 616-3137

Fri 4 Carraro Cactus Gardens Volunteer

7-10 am, Carraro Cactus Gardens at Tovrea Castle, 5041 E. Van Buren St, Phoenix. Info/Sign up

Fri 4 Main Office Diagnostic Clinic

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

Fri 4 Chandler Water Festival

8 am-2 pm, Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Rd. (McDowell Pavillion), Chandler. Robin Becker (480) 782-3800

Fri 4

Desert Designers Meeting

10 am-noon, Pyle Adult Center, 655 E. Southern, Tempe. Wanda Collins or (480) 882-2569.

Sat 5

Arizona Herb Association Weed and Feed

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

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service,

and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Sat 5 Master Gardener Q&A Session

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

Sat 5 Arizona Rare Fruit Growers: 2011 Festival of Fruit

8:30 am-5 pm, ASU Memorial Union, 2nd Floor, 300 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe. $45. Local tours on Nov. 3, 4, and 6. Info/Register, Arizona Rare Fruit Growers

Sat 5 Maximize Your Irrigation System

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

Sat 5 Wallace Garden Tour 9:30 am-noon, Desert Botanical Garden, $40 mem/$50 non-mem. Info/Register

Sat 5 Bonsai of Scottsdale Meeting

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

Sun 6 and Sun 13 Propagating and Cultivating Herbs

8-11 am, Singh Farms, 8900 E. Thomas Rd., Scottsdale. $90. Register at Singh Farms or (480) 233-0726.

Sun 6 Herb Plant Sale 12-3 pm, Southwest Gardener, 2809 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix. Info

Sun 6 Wildflowers for Your Desert Garden

1-3 pm, Desert Botanical Garden, $25 mem/$32 non-mem. Info/Register

Sun 6 Plants of the Bible Guided Tour

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

Mon 7 Carraro Cactus Gardens Volunteer

7-10 am, Carraro Cactus Gardens at Tovrea Castle, 5041 E. Van Buren St, Phoenix. Info/Sign up

Mon 7 Desert Pointe Garden Club Meeting

9 am-noon, Ahwatukee home. Contact for address: Judy Tolbert (480) 961-1768, Desert Pointe Garden Club

Mon 7 Ask a Master Gardener

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

Mon 7 Scottsdale Garden Club Meeting

11:30 am, Cottonwoods Resort, 6160 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. RSVP for luncheon to Judy at (480) 964-4789. Scottsdale Garden Club

Mon 7 Growing Great Chilies

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

Mon 7 Valley of the Sun Gardeners Meeting

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

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service,

and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Mon 7 Orchid Society of AZ Meeting

7-9 pm, Arizona State Veteran Home, 4141 Herrera Way, Phoenix. Julie Rathbun (602) 843-0223. Orchid Society of Arizona

Tue 8 Desert Sun African Violet Society Meeting

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

Tue 8 Hydroponics Made Easy

10 am-5 pm, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix. $100/$117 credit card. Info/Register

Tue 8

Tuesday in the Garden

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

Tue 8 Pruning and Maintaining Your Landscape

6:30-8:45 pm, Chandler City Hall, 175 S. Arizona Ave., 2nd Floor, Chandler. Free to Chandler residents. Info/Register

Tue 8 Arizona Native Plant Society Meeting

7-9 pm, Webster Auditorium at Desert Botanical Garden. Arizona Native Plant Society, Mike Plagens

Tue 8 West Valley Rose Society Meeting

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

Tue 8

Phoenix Bonsai Society Meeting

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

Wed 9 New River Gourd Patch Meeting

8:30 am-1 pm, Pioneer RV Park, 36408 N. Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix. Karen Friend

Wed 9 Master Gardener Update

9 am-noon, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Topic: Aquaponics-Backyard fish and veggie growing. Deb Sparrow

Wed 9 Saguaro Garden Club Meeting

9:30 am, Pyle Adult Center, 655 E. Southern, Tempe. Mary Trick at (480) 829-7972.

Wed 9 RGRP Meeting 12-2 pm, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. Beth Kirkpatrick

Wed 9 Scottsdale Rose Society Meeting

7:30 pm, Eldorado Community Center, 2311 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale. Michael Levitt (480) 206-3806

Thu 10 Phoenix Permaculture: Fruit Tree Orders

Deadline to order fruit trees is Nov. 10, 2011. Info/Order

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service,

and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Thu 10 Tolleson Gourd Patch Meeting

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

Thu 10 Spirit of the Desert Gourd Patch Meeting

4:30-6:30 pm, Sewing Room at the Sun Lakes Oakwood Arts & Crafts Center, 24201 S. Oakwood Blvd, Sun Lakes, AZ. Sally Kiste (480) 895-7638, Spirit of the Desert

Thu 10 Drip Irrigation System Installation

6-8:45 pm, Chandler City Hall, 175 S. Arizona Ave., 2nd Floor, Chandler. Free to Chandler residents. Info/Register

Thu 10 Mesa East Valley Rose Society Meeting

7-10 pm, Mesa Community College Library, 1833 W. Southern Ave, Mesa. (480) 807-3475. Mesa East Valley Rose Society

Thu 10

AZ Rare Fruit Growers Meeting

7:30 pm, Palo Verde Room at Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. AZ Rare Fruit, Monte Palmer (480) 688-2087

Fri 11 Main Office Diagnostic Clinic

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

Fri 11 Washington Garden Club Meeting

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

Sat 12 Carraro Cactus Gardens Volunteer

7-10 am, Carraro Cactus Gardens at Tovrea Castle, 5041 E. Van Buren St, Phoenix. Info/Sign up

Sat 12 Phoenix Pond Society Meeting

9 am, Member home. Contact for address: Dave Nelson (480) 357-7205. Phoenix Pond Society

Sat 12 Irrigation System Maintenance

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

Sat 12 Design Charrette 9 am-noon, Charrette at a Mesa home. Reserve at Beth or (480) 275-4833.

Sat 12 Sunrise Garden Club Meeting

9:30 am, Member home in Tempe. Contact for address: Julie at (480) 838-2414.

Sat 12 Rose Society of Glendale Garden Tour

9:30 am- 4 pm. View six beautiful gardens. $25. Info/Tickets

Sat 12 Water Wise Plants, Frost Protection

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

Sat 12 Master Gardener Q&A Session

10 am-noon, Avondale Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale. Bring plant or insect specimens for ID and advice. E-mail or (623) 333-2602

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service,

and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Sat 12 Ask a Master Gardener

10:30 am-1:30 pm, White Tank Branch Library, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Rd, Waddell. Bring plant or insect specimens for ID and advice. Angie Tatum (623) 882-7976

Sat 12 Curb Appeal and Landscape Lifestyles

11:30 am, Gardener's World, 3401 E. Baseline Rd., Phoenix. Free, Reservations at (602) 437-0700

Sat 12 Fall Gardening 1 pm, Gardener's World, 3401 E. Baseline Rd., Phoenix. Free, Reservations at (602) 437-0700

Sat 12 Edible/Medicinal Desert Plant Guided Walk

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

Sun 13 Contain Your Herbs 12-3 pm, Singh Farms, 8900 E. Thomas Rd., Scottsdale. $45. Register at Singh Farms or (480) 233-0726.

Sun 13 Pruning Trees and Shrubs

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

Sun 13 Grand Opening of Carefree Desert Gardens

3 pm, Carefree Town Center, 101 Easy Street, Carefree. Light refreshments and tours of the Garden will be available after the brief grand opening ceremony.

Tue 15

Tuesday in the Garden

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

Tue 15 Down to Earth Toastmasters

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

Tue 15 DBGenus: Mammillaria

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

Tue 15 Phoenix Bonsai Society Meeting

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

Tue 15 Phoenix Rose Society Meeting

7:30 pm, Valley Garden Center, 1809 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix. Phoenix Rose Society, Jeannie Cochell (602) 363-6444

Wed 16 Southwest Gourd Society Meeting

7-9 pm, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix. Lana Hinde (602) 843-9015, SW Gourd

Thu 17 NW Valley Gourd Patch Meeting

3:30-5:30 pm, Nadaburg School, 21419 W. Dove Valley Rd in Wittmann, AZ. Judy Moody (623) 544-6866, NW Valley Gourd Patch

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service,

and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Thu 17 Starting Vegetables From Seed

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

Thu 17 Desert Valley Orchid Society Meeting

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

Fri 18 Main Office Diagnostic Clinic

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

Fri 18

Tempe Garden Club Meeting

9:30-11:30 am, Pyle Adult Center, 655 E. Southern Ave, Tempe. Josephine Vincze, Tempe Garden Club

Sat 19

Mesa East Valley Rose Society Deadheaders

8 am, Mesa Community College Rose Garden, 1833 W. Southern Ave, Mesa. Bring gloves and pruners/shears. Training provided. Mike Cryer , Deadheaders

Sat 19

Desert Garden Institute: Passive Rainwater Harvesting

9 am-noon, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway, Phoenix. $25. Info/Register

Sat 19 Ask a Master Gardener

9:30 am-12:30 pm, Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Ave., Peoria. Bring plant or insect specimens for ID and advice. David Haase (623) 889-5585.

Sat 19 Concepts of Landscape Design

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

Sat 19 Desert Sun African Violet Society Meeting

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

Sat 19 Master Gardener Q&A Session

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

Sat 19

Landscape Maintenance Practices for Homeowners

11:30 am, Gardener's World, 3401 E. Baseline Rd., Phoenix. Free, Reservations at (602) 437-0700

Sat 19 Thanksgiving Floral Arrangements

1-3 pm, Desert Botanical Garden, $60 mem/$75 non-mem. Info/Register

Sat 19 Mesa East Valley Rose Society Show

1-3 pm, Mesa Community College, Student Center, 1833 W. Southern Ave, Mesa. Mesa East Valley Rose Society

Sat 19 Bonsai of Scottsdale Meeting

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

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service,

and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Sat 19 Plants of the Bible Guided Tour

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

Sun 20 Coffee: From Field to Food

1-3 pm, Desert Botanical Garden, $50 mem/$62 non-mem. Info/Register

Sun 20 Tree Tour 1:30 pm, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ. Info

Sun 20 Phoenix Chrysanthemum Society Meeting

2-4:30 pm, member home. Contact for address: George Chi (480) 248-7685. Phoenix Chrysanthemum

Tue 22

Tuesday in the Garden

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

Fri 25 Main Office Diagnostic Clinic

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

Sat 26 San Tan Garden Club 7-8 am. Call Sandy at (480) 987-9821 for address and information.

Sat 26, Sun 27 Thanksgiving Weekend Fall Foliage Festival

11 am- 3 pm, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior, AZ. Info

Sat 26 West Valley Rose Society Show

1-5 pm, ASU West Campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale. West Valley Rose Society

Sun 27 Edible/Medicinal Desert Plant Guided Walk

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

Sun 27 Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society Meeting

2-4 pm, Dorrance Hall at Desert Botanical Garden. Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society . Judy Braun-Brody (480) 481-8129

Tue 29

Tuesday in the Garden

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

December 2011

Fri 2,3,4 26th Annual Poinsettia Festival

10 am- 5 pm, Gardener's World, 3401 E. Baseline Rd., Phoenix. Free

Items in green denote an event sponsored by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Service,

and/or an opportunity for volunteer hours. Underlined words are links to websites or e-mail addresses.

Wed 7 Holiday Floral Arrangements

1-3 pm, Desert Botanical Garden, $60 mem/$75 non-mem. Info/Register