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Impact Report

For plan Plant Management Systems: Urban Horticulture (Sandoval County)
Date October 10, 2008, 5:25 pm
For Objective Medium-term Show medium-term objectives
Impact Report WHAT HAS BEEN DONE - MASTER GARDENERS For the past ten years, Sandoval County has trained Master Gardener volunteers. An average of 35 students take the classes and about 28 is the average retention as some take classes for business purposes or belong to city, county or state government. We have approximately 100 volunteers on average at the end of the season. MASTER GARDENER - IMPACT In 2007-2008, 100 Sandoval County Master Gardeners contributed over 5,500 hours of volunteer time in Sandoval County educating residents on plant science, demo gardens, farmers markets, etc. This is equivalent of 3 full time employees. They have logged over 9,000 contacts of which 4,000 were children at Water Festivals, Heritage Days, Harvest Festivals and school demonstration gardens. SOUTHWEST HOMEOWNER CLASSES Each week in February and March a different class is held to teach homeowners and new residents about horticulture practices. Topics are soil, climate, appropriate trees, shrubs, vines, fruit trees, landscape design, small fruits, herbs, lawn and ground covers. An average of 80 residents attend classes and gain knowledge they can implement in their home landscape. Classes are held at a County facility and the tourism department is very impressed with the attendance and the quality of the programs, not to mention the residents attending the classes. GARDENING WITH THE MASTERS This is a once a month education program that is conducted by Master Gardener and agent. Topics vary greatly. Average attendance at these programs is 20 per session. Many of the residents praise or provide favorable comments about subject matter. this past year topics were: Xeriscaping, Olla Irrigation, Herbs, Soils, Bees, Installing Drip system, Fruit Trees, Vegetable Gardening, Preventing Soil Erosion, Water Harvesting, and Pruning the Home Landscape. SENIOR CITIZEN HORTICULTURE SERIES Master Gardeners/Agent taught a mini series of horticulture classes at a Senior Center. Average attendance was 15 per week. Topics varied from square foot gardening, potting plants, cactus, watering, fertilizing, making flower arrangements, container gardening, and raised beds. Programs were set up so Senior citizens could continue gardening thereby enhancing their quality of life. PLANT CLINICS This past year we hosted 5 plant clincs to provide information and to diagnose problems homeowner's were experiencing. These provide outreach and provide exposure to our Master Gardener program, but most important it provides hands on instruction to veteran and new Master Gardener interns. THE WATER-WISE DEMONSTRATION GARDEN-SANDOVAL COUNTY EXTENSION MASTER GARDENERS The Project is the WaterWise Demonstration Garden located in Rio Rancho, Sandoval County, NM. In 2000 Rio Ranch oinvited the Sandoval County Extension Master Gardeners to join a committee researching the establishment of a waterwise demonstration garden for this quickly expanding community on a tight water supply. The challenge: educate New Mexicans about the Southwest's very alkaline, high desert soils at 5000 feet with 9 inches annual rainfall - establishing a yard or garden that is beautiful and low-water as possible using plant material. Convince New Mexicans: Landscaping is no longer hot gravel and a Yucca. The WaterWise Garden is a xeriscape template for homeowners in the community. The Garden demonstrates hands-on learning experience for Master Gardeners and a teaching opportunity for Master Gardeners on projects in the garden. The WaterWise Demonstsration Garden is divided into five different landscape venues displayed as separate, easily accessible xeriscape tools for the homeowner. Homeowners and visitors visually understand several design techniques that can be easily replicated in thei rown yeards. The WaterWise Garden demonstrates various mkulching materials, mulching techniques showcasing flexibility and effective use of materials. Irrigation systems are set up in a number of ways. Example: Bubblers on large trees; spray and sprinklers systems in grass areas, drip irrigation, with variable rate per hour measurement on all other plant material. In this arid climate mulch and irrigation intensify in importance to the homeowner's understanding of waterwise gardening. The WaterWise Garden is free and open very day, morning to evening. WHAT WAS DONE SCMG coordinate planning, design and implementation of projects with Agent. Once SCMG have a design or activity planned, it is taken to rio Rancho or appropriate organization for approval. The total Garden area consists of a little over an acre of planted space. MAIN GARDEN The main garden was established in 2001 and updated by the SCMG in 2006 (approximately 24,000 square feet). An example of that expansion was a grape arbor establishing shade and creating an iris garden. A wedding was held uner the arbor the following season. UPLAND FOREST GARDEN The Upland Forest Garden was established in 2006 (8,000 square feet) and illustrates water drainage with a dry creek bed lined with river rock that directs water to a predetermined destination further into the garden. The SCMG planted 30 roses against a fence to harvest water from neighboring slope watered with sprinklers to demonstrate water harvesting and resourcefulness in planning. During rains the adjacent roof water runs off on the lawn side and enhances both lawn and roses. Harscape includes walls to differentiate garden spaces, paths, large moss-rock benches, 10 boulders (3,000 lb.+) and a latilla bridge across the dry creek bed. Plant material includes several varieties of trees, evergreen and decidous; perennial shrumbs/flowers all recommended and available to homeowners. All information is taught for tour groups, to individual visitors, MG trainees and community volunteers. They can take this information home and begin to see how to use water wisely and maybe benefit from their neighbors watering practices too! MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN The Mediterranean Garden was established in 2007 (8,000 square feet). A team of 16 master gardeners designed this area as a dry, heat, wind tolerant garden. A grant was applied for and received in March and had a completion date of 4 months later! M.G.'s demonstrated great team work to implement the design, including coordinated efforts with Rio Rancho Parks and Recreation, Water Utilities and Cultural Enrichment departments for the use of heavy equipment, pick up and delivery of materials. SCMG also worked with businesses in the community for donations of certain materials not included in the grant such as irrigation supplies and hardscape materials. Neighborhood homeowner's watched the process and/or learned by working with us to obtain first hand experience to use in their landscaping project. Project includes hardscape of 2 - 16' X 8' water catchments connected with a small culvert; 2 moss rock benches, path system connecting all garden area; 16 tres; hundreds of perennials and native grasses; water harvesting, drip irrigation and 4 kinds of mulch. Sandoval Master Gardeners and homeowner's learn about extreme heat, drought tolerant trees like Hackberry, Honey Locust and Kentucky Coffeetree. Volunteers involved have experienced ease of care of these less planted perennials and ornamental grasses that are highly recommended for the southwest. VETERAN'S MEMORIAL WALK The Veteran's Memorial Walk was established in 2007 (1,300 square feet) and is the entrace to the Veteran's Memorial Garden. The SCMG were inveited to design and implement a renovation of this area by Rio Rancho Veteran's Association. SCMG updated the irrigation system, added salvias, yuccas, fountain butterfly bushes, agastache mint plants, dwarf plumbago and crabapple trees mirrored on each side of the walk. SCMG replaced 3 steps that impeded wheelchair movement with a ramp. With the ramp in place, SCMG and Park & Recreation were able to complete the path system that connected the entire garden and Park in February 2008. The response from the visitors about accessibility to the gardens with the ramp was overwhelming. LANDS END The Lands End was established in 2008 (4,000 sf) was contentious with the library next door view gnarly weeds and debris from their main windows. MGs implemented our normal design, funding procedures and came up with an eye pleasing - waterwise space for on-lookers from the library windows and a new teaching tool for the community and Master Gardeners. The garden includes a water retention berm allowing water to fill to certain level and spill over one side and flow into dry creek bed in Upland Forest Garden 30 feet away. Master Gardeners planted on the berm for erosion control. MGs built second berm with 6-10% rocks. This is planted appropriately to slow and retain water off library roof during heavy rain storms. All these techniques are shown and taught to homeowners, visitors and tours. Since 2006 no pesticides have been used inside the gardens or commercial fertilizers. RESULTS Already during 2008, the WWG had approximately 6,700 visitors. The SCMG developed a directory wtih short plant descriptions and maps for self-guided tours. SCMG's actually have hands-n experience working the WaterWise Garden, that will aid answering homeowner's garden questions. there has been great cooperation with Rio Rancho and the Master Gardeners. Homeowners can visualize xeriscape techniques for their yards and gardens. In 2007 Rio Rancho held a "Garden Party" for the community celebrating the expansion of the WaterWise Garden, and to honor the Sandoval County Master Gardeners as "Aquifer Ambassadors" for the water savings generated by many homeowners using the techniques demonstrated in the WaterWise Garden. Since 2006 SCMG have work3ed over 9,500 hours in the gardens. Rio Rancho noted water usage in the WWG diminished beginning in 2006 after completion of Upland Forest Garden project. Water usage continues to be monitored and is in a range that is clearly a savings comparing 2005 and earlier percentages. LEARNING AND IMPACT Impact on the community continues to grow. SCMG conducted tours of the garden for a master's class from NMSU in Las Cruses, NM; Esther Bone Library personnel, many departments of the City of Rio Rancho, Southwest Homeowner's classes, Meadowlark Senior Center Gardening Clases; a third grade class researching "Bugs and Plants" as well as less formal individual tours for homeowners coming to the gardens on our work days. SCMG participated as part of the 2007 Esther Bone Library series of presenters in June with a PowerPoint presentation: 'History of the WaterWise Garden' followed by tour of the gardens with lemonade, cake, cookies and handouts about waterwise gardening. Curtis Smith - Extension Horticulture Specialist NMSU Cooperative Extension Service invited 20 Kansas Extension Agents to see the WWG during their tour of the state. The Kansas agents had Master Gardener programs and were interest in seeingMG activity in New Mexico. It is interesting to discover that many homeowners have replaced blue-grass lawns with buffalo mix lawns after seeing the beauty of low-maintenance native grasses. Howeowners are adding more perennial space; cutting back on the grass areas and their landscaping looks great and is much less labor intensive for them. Rio Rancho homeowner's are also taking away their "gravel" yards and becoming creative with their outdoor space with ideas from the gardens. Howeowners like to see the drip system in the WWG. WE move bark, uncover the irrigation lines and demonstrate assembly. the WWG gives homeowners confidence to take on the project of updating their landscape to be more efficient and beautiful at the same time. People tell us they had professional landscapers update their yards and gardens with ideas brought from the WWG, while others do the landscalping themselves. NATIONAL EXPOSURE! Home & Garden Television (HGTV) contact Agent in Sandoval County about filming the WaterWise Garden in May, 2008. Following the progress and implementation of the gardens via the internet on the Sandoval County Web Site: [http://cahe.nmsu.edu/county/sandoval/mastergardener/water-wise--garden.html], Paul James - "Gardening by the Yard" program, brought his crew from Seattle, Washington. A feature story on the Garden will appear on one of the episodes to be shown in a few months. "Gardening by the Yard" is internationally viewed, so the Agent and the Sandoval County Master Gardener's think it's an honor that the WaterWise Garden can be seen all over the world! What an excellent venue to spread information about waterwise gardening and the education provided by NMSU Extension! Rio Rancho painted a photo of the WaterWise Garden on it's new Water Utility Van. Ruben Archuleta, Water Conservation Technician for Rio Rancho, is always directing people wanting to know where that "place" is - to the WaterWise Garden as he works around the city. The 2007 Water Utilities Calendar featured the WaterWise Garden and explained steps to a waterwise garden. The gardens are recognized by National Wildlife Backyard Habitat area by the National wildlife Federation. Signage for the garden includes WaterWise Garden Principles plus a free handout to take with you; a Miracle Mulch sign with an explanatory handout and 12 signs with handouts, maps and plant directories to assist with touring the WWG. THE CORRALES VILLAGE GARDENS The Corrales Village Gardens, which are designed and maintained by SCMG, are located on the grounds around the Corrales municipal buildings on Corrales Road. These demonstration gardens exhibit close to 100 species of drought-toleeerant trees, shrubs and perennnials which can be grown successfully in clay soil. PURPOSE One purpose of these gardens is to oprovide a "plant list" for people who live in the river valley with its colder temperatures and heavier soils. Many xeric plants will not tolerate these conditions. Providing gardening information to the community around us is the other main goal of these gardens. We work in a very visible location with a great deal of traffic passing by or visiting the municipal buildings. It is easy for people to stop and ask a question. WHAT WAS DONE Planning new projects and determining the renovation and maintenance needs of the gardens is a collaborative process with the SCMG who are involved. The staff of the Public Works Department checks in with us most workdays to see if their services are required. RESULTS Almost all of the origional plants are thriving five years later. This year, we have added two new sections to the gardens. The first new planting area is located on the west wide of the new courthouse/visitors' center. This area is highly visible to passing traffic and borders the new walking path constructed in Corrales last year. A medium-sized cottonwood tree dominates the bed and will allow us to focus part of this project on shade plants. A dry stram bed was constructed along the west side of the bed, and will provide a focal point for the area. With water harvesting becoming more important, this rock feature will illustrate how easy to build attractive and functional this structure can be. The second planting site is located on the west side and is the first thing people see when they park in front of the Village offices. Completing this area will allow us to unify plantings on either side, as well as provide a focal point for the north (entry) side of the building. SIGNIFICANT LEARNING AND IMPACT ON COMMUNITY AND ORGANIZATION: Most plant selection information in this area concentrates on xeric plants, which often do not thrive in our clay soils. The gardens provide living examples of a wide choice perennials, shrubs, trees and grasses that can be used successfully in the valley landscaples. SCMG work at the gardens each week from February through November. We are available to answer questions throughout the growing season. We have also become a resource for the Public Works Department, Recreation Center and Office staff in Corrales. When they need information related to pruning, plant selection or maintenance, they consult us. THE FARMERS MARKETS On average per week, we have 5 Master Gardeners at two Farmers Markets. They pass out an average of 100 bulletins plus answer an average of 20 questions on trees, insects, watering and plant selection for both ornamental and vegetable clients. This is a great service as they are recotgnized by market managers as a great resource and keep the NMSU Sandoval County Extension in the public arena as many residents go to the markets. This was evidenced at the College of Agriculture Town Hall Meeting in Albuquerque when the Corrales Market Manager and also the Village Counsilor mentioned that it was great to have Master gardeners. Due to the popularity of the Sandoval County Master Gardener program, there is curently a waiting list for the 2009 Master Gardener Classes. ISSUE Home horticulture saves water. Sandoval County is experiencing rapid population grown, yet many residents are not familiar with desert horticulture. The Sandoval county Extension Service's basic gardening classes teach general and specific classes for gardening in the Southwest. WHAT HAS BEEN DONE To make current information available to all who could benefit required reaching out to Sandoval County residents through a variety of venues. Classes, workshops, tours, information booths at communtiy events, demonstration gardens, newspaper articles, farmers markets, web site additions, and plrinted materials were utilized. In addition to this, phone/walk in questions plus home visit helped troubleshoot problems. IMPACT All participants in the Sandoval County Extension sponsored events said their general gardening knowledge improved and they would change one or more gardening practices. Our largest city in Sandoval County sugested calling the Extension Service and Master Gardeners for information on using low water alternatives in a special mailing to all residential water users. IMPACT Master Gardeners provide free research based horticulture information in Sandoval County. They are volunteers who learn advanced plant science skills from at least 40 hours of classroom instruction by New Mexico State Extension professional. After training Master Gardeners volunteer a minimum of at least 40 hurs a year to transfer knowledge gained through media, talks and workshops. They answer phone calls, send out nformational materials and develop demonstration gardens. CHILDREN'S GARDENING EVENTS AT CAS SAN YSIDRO The Albuquerque Museeeum's historic Casa San Ysidro is a recreation of a 19th century Spanish Colonial ranchito located in the village of Corrales, just north of Albuquerque. The original home dates to the 1870's and includes a small family chapel, a central plazuela and an enclosed corral area. Every spring, the Casa hosts an open house on Heritage Day n mid-May. On the last weekend in September, the Casa has a second open house durin the Corrales Harvest Festival in Sandoval County. Since April 2007, the SCMG has also assisted teachers and the museum staff in planting a vegetable garden at the Casa with children from Corrales Elementary School. The children plant the garden as 3rd graders in the late spring and return in the fall as 4th graders to see the results. this year the garden was planted with "Old World" vegetables (vegetables that the Spanish colonists brought with them) on the east side of the plot and with "New World" vegetables (vegetables grown by the indigenous Pueblos and also those grown by natives from Central and South America) on the west side of the plot. the goals were to provide the children with hands-on learning activities to increase their interest in gardening and to help them understand where some of their food comes from and the impact of history on our available foods. Partnerships are with the Casa San Ysidro Museum, Corrales Elementary School, and the Sandoval County Extension Office. WHAT WAS DONE For all events, we designed brochures appropriate for young children describing the plants they we4re growing and providing interesting facts about the plants, how seeds grow, and the culture of the plants. We also sprouted seeds to peruse and showed the children the embroyo inside the seed, the cotyledons, the primary root, etc. Heritage Day - SCMG provided seeds (Indian corn, pinto beans, sunflowers, marigolds and zinnias) and 4-pack plastic planters. After the seeds were planted, we put them in a plastic baggie (mini-greenhouse) and gave the children a brochure about seeds and how they grow. Corrales Harvest Festival - SCMG volunteers assembled and distributed approximately 500 growing kits containing garlic cloves or hollyhock seed (examples of plants brought to North america by the Spanish) a bag of compost and a brochure with growing instructins and historical information. 3rd/4th Grade Vegetable Garden - SCMG assisted the museum staff and Corrales Elementary School with planning and coordination. SCMG also offered guidance to the teachers and parents on the appropriate landscape plants and vegetables for the children to grow, provided instruction and helped supervise the planting. When the 4th graders coame back to the Casa in the fall, they were given the opportunity to sample some of the vegetables they had planted as well as other local specialities such as quince jam and "nopallitos" (the prepared pads of the prickly pear cactus). Results: The children enjoyed the hands-on activities, learning how seeds turn into plants, where their food comes from, and why some seeds are planted at different timesof the year. Seeds were planted with abut 59 children on Heritage Day, and we distributed over 500 growing kits at the Corrales Harvest Festival and planted seeds and landscape plants with approximately 100 3rd/4th graders. Significant Learning and Impacts: Working with the museum staff, the Corrales Elementary School and the Sandoval County Extension Service nable the integration of horticulture and history in a unique hands-on environment. In the future we would like to get other youth groups involved in tendintg the garden at the Casa during the summer months.