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 (Chaves County)
Plan Goals
Increase, enhance, and sustain New Mexico urban and rural lifestyles by teaching proper landscape plant selection, management, and efficient water use.
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Plant Management Systems: Urban Horticulture
Impact Reports
“What is Extension?” Program
The Home Garden Club in Roswell asked the agent to present a program on “What is “Extension ?” The program discussed the history and mission of the Extension Service, the Land Grant University System, and current extension programming in New Mexico and in Chaves County. Approximately 20 persons gained facts about programs conducted by the Extension Service that could better their lives.
The Home Garden Club in Roswell asked the agent to present a program on “What is “Extension ?” The program discussed the history and mission of the Extension Service, the Land Grant University System, and current extension programming in New Mexico and in Chaves County. Approximately 20 persons gained facts about programs conducted by the Extension Service that could better their lives.
Backyard Gardening Leaders' Training
The Chaves County Extension Clubs Leaders' Training program was presented by the agent in April. The title of the program was “Backyard Gardening” and included information on understanding soils, pH, soil analysis, soil amendments, fertilizers, mulches, climate zones, microclimates, and irrigation. The extension club leaders, in turn, presented this information to approximately 120 extension club members at their club meetings. Also, over 100 of the leader training booklets were distributed to the public during the Eastern New Mexico State Fair. Club members and the public expanded their knowledge of soils to be more successful at gardening in New Mexico.
The Chaves County Extension Clubs Leaders' Training program was presented by the agent in April. The title of the program was “Backyard Gardening” and included information on understanding soils, pH, soil analysis, soil amendments, fertilizers, mulches, climate zones, microclimates, and irrigation. The extension club leaders, in turn, presented this information to approximately 120 extension club members at their club meetings. Also, over 100 of the leader training booklets were distributed to the public during the Eastern New Mexico State Fair. Club members and the public expanded their knowledge of soils to be more successful at gardening in New Mexico.
Xeriscape Program
As requested by the agent, Dr. Curtis Smith, NMSU Extension Horticulture Specialist delivered a public program in Roswell on “Xeriscape”. The agent coordinated and publicized the event. Eighteen persons gained information on the basic principles of xeriscape in order to utilize low-water needs plants and conserve water use in landscape situations.
As requested by the agent, Dr. Curtis Smith, NMSU Extension Horticulture Specialist delivered a public program in Roswell on “Xeriscape”. The agent coordinated and publicized the event. Eighteen persons gained information on the basic principles of xeriscape in order to utilize low-water needs plants and conserve water use in landscape situations.
Rainwater Harvesting Program
A program on “Rainwater Harvesting” was presented three times this past reporting year in Chaves County by the agent. The presentation included information on the advantages and benefits of rainwater harvesting, elements of a simple and a complex water harvesting system, and examples of various catchment systems, conveyance systems, and modifications of landscape areas. The presentations were given to two different garden club groups and at a public program at the Roswell Public Library. A total of 35 individuals attended the presentations and gained information on utilizing rainwater for water conservation and to promote plant health. In times of drought and with higher populations drawing on the limited water resources of the state, audiences are very interested learning how to capture and utilize rainwater.
A program on “Rainwater Harvesting” was presented three times this past reporting year in Chaves County by the agent. The presentation included information on the advantages and benefits of rainwater harvesting, elements of a simple and a complex water harvesting system, and examples of various catchment systems, conveyance systems, and modifications of landscape areas. The presentations were given to two different garden club groups and at a public program at the Roswell Public Library. A total of 35 individuals attended the presentations and gained information on utilizing rainwater for water conservation and to promote plant health. In times of drought and with higher populations drawing on the limited water resources of the state, audiences are very interested learning how to capture and utilize rainwater.
Ollas
For several years I have taught use of ollas (buried, unglazed clay jars) as means of efficient irrigation and adding interest to landscapes. This information was presented in newspaper articles, news releases, and various publications, presentations to county agents, Master Gardeners, and various gardening/civic groups. The result has been the development of a new small industry in a disadvantaged sector of Albuquerque society.
East Central Ministry in Southeast Albuquerque has developed a growing market for ollas, providing employment and work-skills training to low income and underemployed residents of the area of Albuquerque known as the “war zone”. John Bulten, director of East Central Ministries, told me that this project provides 4 part-time jobs in which workers are trained to hold jobs. The ollas are being sold in California, Colorado, and by several New Mexico Nurseries (many are then shipped out of state), and Whole Foods is negotiating to sell the ollas in 20 stores.
The concept was taken by a friend on a trip to South Africa. Her purpose on this trip was to plant gardens and teaches gardening in poor villages of South Africa. She took information I had written about ollas. Later additional information was requested by organizers of the project for expanded implementation in arid regions of Africa.
John Bulten said that another person has taken ollas to teach container gardening to low income people in Mexico.
In addition to newspaper articles and news releases, this information was published in the Proceeding of the Desert Green Conference and in a quarterly publication of the Colorado Xeriscape organization.
I continue to receive requests for olla information and for public presentations to teach use of ollas in landscape water conservation.
Gardening public and Professionals
When I overheard my name mentioned during a break at the Eddy County Master Gardener classes, I asked what was being discussed. A man, now seeking to be a Master Gardener, said that he had previously attended a xeriscape workshop that I presented. As a result, he xeriscaped his front yard and was now expending the xeriscape to his back yard. He attributed his change in gardening practices and resulting great savings in water (over $100 each month in the growing season) to the earlier xeriscape workshop. He also said that he was now growing plants more successfully as a result of selecting appropriate plants as recommended in the workshop.
A Valencia County apple grower, beekeeper, Master Gardener, community leader, president of the NM Beekeepers Association, president of a local Growers Market annually hosts a tree care workshop because “Extension programs have improved everything I do and I want my neighbors to share in this information.” (Quote from Ken Hays, Bosque Farms, NM)
Master Gardener Program.
In 1995 (when I assumed responsibilities as Horticulture Specialist) there were 4 Master Gardener training programs in New Mexico. One of these was only classes and did not involve the students as Master Gardener Volunteers. In 2007 there were 15 counties with Master Gardeners, 13 counties teaching the classes. I also assist the Navajo Tri-State Extension Master Gardener Program as well. In 2006 a survey of the 15 Master Gardener counties resulted in 9 responses. From the responding counties it was determined that there were 560 active Master Gardeners. These Master Gardeners provided at least 22,808 volunteer hours of service to their counties (10.92 FTE). This benefit which accrued to the 9 reporting counties is valued at $411,456 (based on value for trained volunteers from Bureau of Labor Statistics).
For several years I have taught use of ollas (buried, unglazed clay jars) as means of efficient irrigation and adding interest to landscapes. This information was presented in newspaper articles, news releases, and various publications, presentations to county agents, Master Gardeners, and various gardening/civic groups. The result has been the development of a new small industry in a disadvantaged sector of Albuquerque society.
East Central Ministry in Southeast Albuquerque has developed a growing market for ollas, providing employment and work-skills training to low income and underemployed residents of the area of Albuquerque known as the “war zone”. John Bulten, director of East Central Ministries, told me that this project provides 4 part-time jobs in which workers are trained to hold jobs. The ollas are being sold in California, Colorado, and by several New Mexico Nurseries (many are then shipped out of state), and Whole Foods is negotiating to sell the ollas in 20 stores.
The concept was taken by a friend on a trip to South Africa. Her purpose on this trip was to plant gardens and teaches gardening in poor villages of South Africa. She took information I had written about ollas. Later additional information was requested by organizers of the project for expanded implementation in arid regions of Africa.
John Bulten said that another person has taken ollas to teach container gardening to low income people in Mexico.
In addition to newspaper articles and news releases, this information was published in the Proceeding of the Desert Green Conference and in a quarterly publication of the Colorado Xeriscape organization.
I continue to receive requests for olla information and for public presentations to teach use of ollas in landscape water conservation.
Gardening public and Professionals
When I overheard my name mentioned during a break at the Eddy County Master Gardener classes, I asked what was being discussed. A man, now seeking to be a Master Gardener, said that he had previously attended a xeriscape workshop that I presented. As a result, he xeriscaped his front yard and was now expending the xeriscape to his back yard. He attributed his change in gardening practices and resulting great savings in water (over $100 each month in the growing season) to the earlier xeriscape workshop. He also said that he was now growing plants more successfully as a result of selecting appropriate plants as recommended in the workshop.
A Valencia County apple grower, beekeeper, Master Gardener, community leader, president of the NM Beekeepers Association, president of a local Growers Market annually hosts a tree care workshop because “Extension programs have improved everything I do and I want my neighbors to share in this information.” (Quote from Ken Hays, Bosque Farms, NM)
Master Gardener Program.
In 1995 (when I assumed responsibilities as Horticulture Specialist) there were 4 Master Gardener training programs in New Mexico. One of these was only classes and did not involve the students as Master Gardener Volunteers. In 2007 there were 15 counties with Master Gardeners, 13 counties teaching the classes. I also assist the Navajo Tri-State Extension Master Gardener Program as well. In 2006 a survey of the 15 Master Gardener counties resulted in 9 responses. From the responding counties it was determined that there were 560 active Master Gardeners. These Master Gardeners provided at least 22,808 volunteer hours of service to their counties (10.92 FTE). This benefit which accrued to the 9 reporting counties is valued at $411,456 (based on value for trained volunteers from Bureau of Labor Statistics).