Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.
Plant Management Systems: Urban Horticulture (Sandoval County)
Plan Goals
Improve public's satisfaction with landscape plant issues by teaching proper plant selection and management, including pest, disease and weed control, and appropriate, efficient irrigation.
- Owner
- Related Plans
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Plant Management Systems: Urban Horticulture
Impact Reports
Long-term successes
A. In a conversation with Jim Brooks, proprietor of Soilutions (a composting and landscape waste recycling firm in Albuquerque), I was told that his $ ¾ million business was the result of Extension an NMSU Extension project begun in the early 1990’s. In response to a request from the City of Albuquerque Waste Management Department, as Bernalillo County Extension Horticulture Agent I began a Master Composter Program attended by Jim Brooks. Although he was already composting, the course taught by NMSU Specialists, local experts, and me provided new information at a depth that improved his knowledge of composting. In addition to knowledge he gained in the classes, he told me that a person to whom I introduced him became his partner in the formation of Soilutions. In addition to the direct economic benefits of job creation and income to the company, the company economically and environmentally benefits the City of Albuquerque by recycling landscape wastes (under contract to the City). These waste materials are used to produce valuable soil amendment rather than contributing to the filling and eventual moving of the municipal landfill to a location farther from the city (increasing costs to city taxpayers and rate payers). These citizens have access to an economical soil amendment to improve their garden soil and reduce irrigation needs. Jim Brooks continues to be a local resource teaching composting and other environmentally wise activities to people in the Albuquerque area and all New Mexico, to work with state and municipal agencies. This continuation of information dissemination was the reason Master Composters were formed. Jim still remembers and discusses the importance of NMSU Extension Programs in this area. (Master Composter education has been incorporated into Master Gardener training since I left Bernalillo County, but in the past year there has been a citizen based effort to reestablish the program and Bernalillo County Extension has been a partner in this process.)
B. John Bulton, director of East Central Ministries (a non-profit faith-based organization), recently told me that the olla production facility that his ministry operates supports 1/3 of his ministry to a disadvantaged community within Albuquerque. This ministry was established in a multi-cultural community with gang violence, drug problems, and chronic unemployment/underemployment. John established the ministry and olla production facility to teach employment skills, provide food support (food pantry) and a clothing closet for the community. This has grown to include a low cost apartment living facility in which life skills are taught, a community garden, an affordable middle school, and a health clinic. All this is supported by donations and the olla production facility. A related consequence is that the production of ollas has improved landscape water use efficiency in numerous residential landscapes in New Mexico and many other state in which East Central Ministry sells ollas. To date I am not aware of any other major producers of ollas, although I have spoken to people who expressed an interest in starting production.
A. In a conversation with Jim Brooks, proprietor of Soilutions (a composting and landscape waste recycling firm in Albuquerque), I was told that his $ ¾ million business was the result of Extension an NMSU Extension project begun in the early 1990’s. In response to a request from the City of Albuquerque Waste Management Department, as Bernalillo County Extension Horticulture Agent I began a Master Composter Program attended by Jim Brooks. Although he was already composting, the course taught by NMSU Specialists, local experts, and me provided new information at a depth that improved his knowledge of composting. In addition to knowledge he gained in the classes, he told me that a person to whom I introduced him became his partner in the formation of Soilutions. In addition to the direct economic benefits of job creation and income to the company, the company economically and environmentally benefits the City of Albuquerque by recycling landscape wastes (under contract to the City). These waste materials are used to produce valuable soil amendment rather than contributing to the filling and eventual moving of the municipal landfill to a location farther from the city (increasing costs to city taxpayers and rate payers). These citizens have access to an economical soil amendment to improve their garden soil and reduce irrigation needs. Jim Brooks continues to be a local resource teaching composting and other environmentally wise activities to people in the Albuquerque area and all New Mexico, to work with state and municipal agencies. This continuation of information dissemination was the reason Master Composters were formed. Jim still remembers and discusses the importance of NMSU Extension Programs in this area. (Master Composter education has been incorporated into Master Gardener training since I left Bernalillo County, but in the past year there has been a citizen based effort to reestablish the program and Bernalillo County Extension has been a partner in this process.)
B. John Bulton, director of East Central Ministries (a non-profit faith-based organization), recently told me that the olla production facility that his ministry operates supports 1/3 of his ministry to a disadvantaged community within Albuquerque. This ministry was established in a multi-cultural community with gang violence, drug problems, and chronic unemployment/underemployment. John established the ministry and olla production facility to teach employment skills, provide food support (food pantry) and a clothing closet for the community. This has grown to include a low cost apartment living facility in which life skills are taught, a community garden, an affordable middle school, and a health clinic. All this is supported by donations and the olla production facility. A related consequence is that the production of ollas has improved landscape water use efficiency in numerous residential landscapes in New Mexico and many other state in which East Central Ministry sells ollas. To date I am not aware of any other major producers of ollas, although I have spoken to people who expressed an interest in starting production.
2009
This past year a representative from Intel Corporation requested that extension provide a plant clinic and information table at their facilities. Intel is familiar to most residents of the state as one of the larger employers and corporate donors. We scheduled two evening sessions from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM when shift changes occur. We had over 200 employees pick up literature and bring in plant samples for diagnosis. Intel was very happy that we provided this service to their employees and would like us to continue next year.
This past year a representative from Intel Corporation requested that extension provide a plant clinic and information table at their facilities. Intel is familiar to most residents of the state as one of the larger employers and corporate donors. We scheduled two evening sessions from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM when shift changes occur. We had over 200 employees pick up literature and bring in plant samples for diagnosis. Intel was very happy that we provided this service to their employees and would like us to continue next year.
2009 HOMESCAPE COURSE
Many new homeowners have moved in recent years to Sandoval County. Many bought new homes with little or no landscaping. They are at a loss as to what to do with their properties. Requests began coming to the extension office wanting help in assisting them with design and landscape. Three master gardeners came up with a course where these people go design and put a plan together for their property "Homescape Solutions."
They instructed them to bring current diagrams from home. How to plan a landscape was based on their immediate and future desires. 21 residents attended and they all completed designs for their yards.
Many were grateful as they had called architects, landscape designers and had been quoted several hundred dollars for the work they did themselves.
They were given tours, adaptable plant lists and how to design focal points.
Many new homeowners have moved in recent years to Sandoval County. Many bought new homes with little or no landscaping. They are at a loss as to what to do with their properties. Requests began coming to the extension office wanting help in assisting them with design and landscape. Three master gardeners came up with a course where these people go design and put a plan together for their property "Homescape Solutions."
They instructed them to bring current diagrams from home. How to plan a landscape was based on their immediate and future desires. 21 residents attended and they all completed designs for their yards.
Many were grateful as they had called architects, landscape designers and had been quoted several hundred dollars for the work they did themselves.
They were given tours, adaptable plant lists and how to design focal points.
VEGETABLE GARDEN FOR DONATION TO FOOD BANKS
Master Gardeners in Sandoval County teamed up with a landowner in Corrales to raise vegetables. The purpose was to grow proudce for donating to food banks in Sandoval County. They have so far donated 1,200 pounds of tomatoes, 500 p0ounds of green beans, and a ton of other vegetables. Recipients are Storehouse West and St. Felix Pantry. Sister Edna said the garden has helped fill a much needed gap. She said there has been an increase in demand for the pantry mostly from people who have lost their jobs recently. Often she says the pantry does not have much to offer when it comes to fresh vegetables so people anticipate delivery of the fresh Corrales crop. Vegetables tend to be expensive and it's something many cannot afford.
Master Gardeners in Sandoval County teamed up with a landowner in Corrales to raise vegetables. The purpose was to grow proudce for donating to food banks in Sandoval County. They have so far donated 1,200 pounds of tomatoes, 500 p0ounds of green beans, and a ton of other vegetables. Recipients are Storehouse West and St. Felix Pantry. Sister Edna said the garden has helped fill a much needed gap. She said there has been an increase in demand for the pantry mostly from people who have lost their jobs recently. Often she says the pantry does not have much to offer when it comes to fresh vegetables so people anticipate delivery of the fresh Corrales crop. Vegetables tend to be expensive and it's something many cannot afford.
SUMMARY 2009
Sandoval County trained volunteer Master Gardeners have provided science-based horticultural education and information to citizens. Today a network of over 100 volunteers provide advice on practices that help protect the environment and foster community stewardship.
The Agent needed to respond to the growing number of requests from the urban and suburban public for advice and information on home gardens and landscapes.
Extension created the Master Gardener Program to utilize university-trained volunteers as field educators. Volunteers receive between 40 plus hours of specialized horticultural education from NMSU specialists and other experts. In return, they volunteer to provide horticultural instruction and answer questions from the public. They also write horticultural articles and columns that appear in local media, including the state's largest newspapers and provide numerous public workshops and seminars.
Sandoval County Master Gardener programs are active in the county. There are more than 100 active Master Gardener volunteers working on behalf of Sandoval County, contributing more than 5,000 hours of volunteer effort toward Extension projects and focusing on the following educational priorities: 1) water conservation, 2) protection of water quality, 3) reduction of the economic and ecological damage by invasive species, 4) increasing the application of sustainable management poractices to home and public landscapes, 5) increasing local knowledge of the economic and ecological value of home and public landscapes and 6) promoting increased health and well-being through gardening. The time contributed by these volunteers is valued at over $100,000. Master Gardener volunteers each give an average of 62 hours of volunteer service during the year, each assisting over 60 people and in total serving over 20,000 people with science-based horticultural information and programs. They also educate over 2,000 children each year.
SANDOVAL COUNTY PLANT CLINICS PROVIDE ONE-ON-ONE ASSISTANCE
Master Gardener volunteers in Sandoval County work one-on-one with community residents and the green industry to provide assistance with plant problems and treatment recommendations, as well as education on sustainable gardening methods.
There is an ongoing need among residents for knowledge about sound horticulture practices such as sustainable landscaping, water conservation and water quality protection, integrated pest management, and control of invasive species. Adoption of these practices by home gardeners can lead to increased economic and ecological value of home and public landscapes and improved health and well-being through horticulture. Many need one-on-one assistance to identify plant problems and obtain treatment recommendations. Commercial pesticide applicators and green industry personnel also use extension staff assistance and Plant Clinic resources.
The Sandoval County Master Gardener Plant Clinic provides assistance to community residents and green industry personnel on an individual basis to assist them with gardening problems and provide horticulture education. Clients can access Extension staff, master Gardener Volunteers, and Plant Clinic resources by visiting in person March through October or via phone and email year-round. Plant clinic resources include books, fact sheets, publications and videos on plant identification, pests and diseases, weeds, landscape trees and shrubs, perennials, grasses and groundcovers, native plants, greenhouses, plant propagation, and many other horticulture topics. Services provided include plant and weed identification, plant problem diagnosis, advice on horticulture methods and practices, and pest management recommendations.
An average of 200 people use Plant clinic services each year. Clientele visiting the Master Gardener Plant Clinic in 2009 were surveyed for changes in knowledge and practices as a result of information and advice from Extension staff and volunteers. 99 percent reported increased knowledge and horticulture issues and 97 percent reported intent to change gardening practices.
SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE GARDENING
Master Gardener volunteers in Sandoval County are teaching home horticulturists sustainable landscape practices that help save water and protect the environment.
There is an ongoing need among residents for knowledge about sound horticulture practices such as sustainable landscaping, water conservation and water quality protection, integreated pest management, and control of invasive species. Adoption of these practices by home gardeners can lead to increased economic and ecological value of home landscapes and improved health and well-being through horticulture. For some people the preferred method of attaining knowledge is to attend classes.
In 2009 a variety of classes covering multiple aspects of home horticculture have been offered by Sandoval County Master Gardeners. Teaching emphasis was placed on water conservation, protection of water quality, reduction of economic and ecological damage by invasive species, increased applicatio of sustainable management practices to home and public landsclapes, increased public awareness of the value of home and public landscapes, and improved health and wellness through gardening. A combination of lecture, demonstrations and hands-on teaching activities were provided.
According to evaluations administered at the end of each class, 98 percent of the attendees reported an increase in knowledge, 60 percent reported a personal benefit from the classes, and 98 percent reported an intent to change their gardening practices.
Courses included SW Gardening Series; 7 - 2 hour courses
Gardening with the Masters - 9 - 1 1/2 hour classes
Cabezon Horticulture Series - 6 - 2 hour classes
meadowlark Senior Center - 10 - 2 hour classes
Urban Tree workshop - 1 - 4 hour class
Pruning - 5 - 2 hour classes
An average of 500 residents attended classes this past year at each class. Attendees were provided with numerous free handouts and offered the opportunity to get questions answered.
SANDOVAL COUNTY WATERWISE DEMONSTRATION GARDEN AWARDED 2009 INTERNATIONAL MASTER GARDENER SEARCH FOR EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Sandoval County Extension and Master Gardeners in cooperation with the Rio Rancho WaterWise Demonstration Garden was awarded the 2009 Search for Excellence Award at the International Master Gardener Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada March 23, 2009. The International Master Gardener, Search for Excellence is the recognition program of Master Gardener volunteer work throughout the United States and Canada. Search for Excellence has seven categories in which Master Gardeners can demonstrate their outstanding contributions to their communities. The Award shows that significant learning took place, whether by the Master Gardeners or the general public they were involved with. All volunteer projects done are significant to their communities, but not all are Search for Excellence projects. The Search for Excellence is designed to recognize outstanding group projects, not an individual who does outstanding work. The award was received by Rudy Benavidez, Program Director, Sandoval County Cooperative Extension and Linda Poe, Sandoval County Master Gardener.
HGTV PROGRAM FEATURES SANDOVAL COUNTY GARDENING EVENTS
The national television program ‘Gardening by the Yard’ hosted by Paul James visited Sandoval County and filmed several points of interest. He discovered what he wanted to visit through the Sandoval County Extension website. He contacted the County Agent, came to New Mexico and along with his crew filmed the Rio Rancho WaterWise garden because of the unique garden design. He also selected High County Gardens in Bernalillo, NM because of the xeriscape plants shipped nationwide. He discovered a vineyard and Anasazi Fields Winery which is partly owned and managed by a master gardener. He expressed to the County Agent that he really enjoyed his visit and what he saw in Sandoval County and would like to do a follow-up in the near future. The program aired in May, 2009.
Sandoval County trained volunteer Master Gardeners have provided science-based horticultural education and information to citizens. Today a network of over 100 volunteers provide advice on practices that help protect the environment and foster community stewardship.
The Agent needed to respond to the growing number of requests from the urban and suburban public for advice and information on home gardens and landscapes.
Extension created the Master Gardener Program to utilize university-trained volunteers as field educators. Volunteers receive between 40 plus hours of specialized horticultural education from NMSU specialists and other experts. In return, they volunteer to provide horticultural instruction and answer questions from the public. They also write horticultural articles and columns that appear in local media, including the state's largest newspapers and provide numerous public workshops and seminars.
Sandoval County Master Gardener programs are active in the county. There are more than 100 active Master Gardener volunteers working on behalf of Sandoval County, contributing more than 5,000 hours of volunteer effort toward Extension projects and focusing on the following educational priorities: 1) water conservation, 2) protection of water quality, 3) reduction of the economic and ecological damage by invasive species, 4) increasing the application of sustainable management poractices to home and public landscapes, 5) increasing local knowledge of the economic and ecological value of home and public landscapes and 6) promoting increased health and well-being through gardening. The time contributed by these volunteers is valued at over $100,000. Master Gardener volunteers each give an average of 62 hours of volunteer service during the year, each assisting over 60 people and in total serving over 20,000 people with science-based horticultural information and programs. They also educate over 2,000 children each year.
SANDOVAL COUNTY PLANT CLINICS PROVIDE ONE-ON-ONE ASSISTANCE
Master Gardener volunteers in Sandoval County work one-on-one with community residents and the green industry to provide assistance with plant problems and treatment recommendations, as well as education on sustainable gardening methods.
There is an ongoing need among residents for knowledge about sound horticulture practices such as sustainable landscaping, water conservation and water quality protection, integrated pest management, and control of invasive species. Adoption of these practices by home gardeners can lead to increased economic and ecological value of home and public landscapes and improved health and well-being through horticulture. Many need one-on-one assistance to identify plant problems and obtain treatment recommendations. Commercial pesticide applicators and green industry personnel also use extension staff assistance and Plant Clinic resources.
The Sandoval County Master Gardener Plant Clinic provides assistance to community residents and green industry personnel on an individual basis to assist them with gardening problems and provide horticulture education. Clients can access Extension staff, master Gardener Volunteers, and Plant Clinic resources by visiting in person March through October or via phone and email year-round. Plant clinic resources include books, fact sheets, publications and videos on plant identification, pests and diseases, weeds, landscape trees and shrubs, perennials, grasses and groundcovers, native plants, greenhouses, plant propagation, and many other horticulture topics. Services provided include plant and weed identification, plant problem diagnosis, advice on horticulture methods and practices, and pest management recommendations.
An average of 200 people use Plant clinic services each year. Clientele visiting the Master Gardener Plant Clinic in 2009 were surveyed for changes in knowledge and practices as a result of information and advice from Extension staff and volunteers. 99 percent reported increased knowledge and horticulture issues and 97 percent reported intent to change gardening practices.
SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE GARDENING
Master Gardener volunteers in Sandoval County are teaching home horticulturists sustainable landscape practices that help save water and protect the environment.
There is an ongoing need among residents for knowledge about sound horticulture practices such as sustainable landscaping, water conservation and water quality protection, integreated pest management, and control of invasive species. Adoption of these practices by home gardeners can lead to increased economic and ecological value of home landscapes and improved health and well-being through horticulture. For some people the preferred method of attaining knowledge is to attend classes.
In 2009 a variety of classes covering multiple aspects of home horticculture have been offered by Sandoval County Master Gardeners. Teaching emphasis was placed on water conservation, protection of water quality, reduction of economic and ecological damage by invasive species, increased applicatio of sustainable management practices to home and public landsclapes, increased public awareness of the value of home and public landscapes, and improved health and wellness through gardening. A combination of lecture, demonstrations and hands-on teaching activities were provided.
According to evaluations administered at the end of each class, 98 percent of the attendees reported an increase in knowledge, 60 percent reported a personal benefit from the classes, and 98 percent reported an intent to change their gardening practices.
Courses included SW Gardening Series; 7 - 2 hour courses
Gardening with the Masters - 9 - 1 1/2 hour classes
Cabezon Horticulture Series - 6 - 2 hour classes
meadowlark Senior Center - 10 - 2 hour classes
Urban Tree workshop - 1 - 4 hour class
Pruning - 5 - 2 hour classes
An average of 500 residents attended classes this past year at each class. Attendees were provided with numerous free handouts and offered the opportunity to get questions answered.
SANDOVAL COUNTY WATERWISE DEMONSTRATION GARDEN AWARDED 2009 INTERNATIONAL MASTER GARDENER SEARCH FOR EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Sandoval County Extension and Master Gardeners in cooperation with the Rio Rancho WaterWise Demonstration Garden was awarded the 2009 Search for Excellence Award at the International Master Gardener Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada March 23, 2009. The International Master Gardener, Search for Excellence is the recognition program of Master Gardener volunteer work throughout the United States and Canada. Search for Excellence has seven categories in which Master Gardeners can demonstrate their outstanding contributions to their communities. The Award shows that significant learning took place, whether by the Master Gardeners or the general public they were involved with. All volunteer projects done are significant to their communities, but not all are Search for Excellence projects. The Search for Excellence is designed to recognize outstanding group projects, not an individual who does outstanding work. The award was received by Rudy Benavidez, Program Director, Sandoval County Cooperative Extension and Linda Poe, Sandoval County Master Gardener.
HGTV PROGRAM FEATURES SANDOVAL COUNTY GARDENING EVENTS
The national television program ‘Gardening by the Yard’ hosted by Paul James visited Sandoval County and filmed several points of interest. He discovered what he wanted to visit through the Sandoval County Extension website. He contacted the County Agent, came to New Mexico and along with his crew filmed the Rio Rancho WaterWise garden because of the unique garden design. He also selected High County Gardens in Bernalillo, NM because of the xeriscape plants shipped nationwide. He discovered a vineyard and Anasazi Fields Winery which is partly owned and managed by a master gardener. He expressed to the County Agent that he really enjoyed his visit and what he saw in Sandoval County and would like to do a follow-up in the near future. The program aired in May, 2009.