December 2016
Established in 1980 
In this issue you will find:
  • Upcoming Events
    • Member tours & events
      Green Things Nursery, Tucson
    • Seminars
  • Feature Articles
    • In your plot by Lorna Mitchell
    • Make a donation to GVG via AmazonSmile this holiday
  • Project Updates
    • Arid Garden
    • Historic Canoa Ranch
    • Ogden Community Garden
    • Desert Meadows Park
  • Committee Updates
    • Spring Garden Tour
    • Membership Activities
    • Membership
  • Photos contributed by members
Want to submit an article or a photo in the January newsletter? Please submit it by December 30th.  Click to submit
Potluck on January 7th!
Upcoming Events
 
  • December 8th ~ Members' Activity
    • Tour, Holiday Plant Display, Green Things Nursery, Tucson
  • January 5th ~ Seminar
    • Container/pot plant garden display ~ Kathy Stone & Francesca Moses, Earth Angels, Quail Creek
  • January 7th ~ Members' Activity
    • Potluck dinner at La Posada
  • January 12th ~ Seminar
    • Citrus tree care and management ~ Glenn Wright, U of A, Yuma
  • January 19th ~ Members' Activity
    • Tour, U of A Biosphere 2
  • January 23rd ~ Seminar
    • Cactus and succulent care ~ Mark Sitter, B&B Cactus, Tucson
    • Note: This is a Monday and will be at Quail Creek Club House
For a complete calendar of events go to the website   Click for website  
FEATURE ARTICLES
"In Your Plot"   by Lorna Mitchell

Freezing temperatures finally hit and with a thud. Prolonged warm weather made the freeze especially difficult for some plants normally considered hardy (Swiss chard in my plot) because they could not prepare gradually over several weeks. These plants will survive but suffered damage. We picked the last of our tomatoes on November 29 and harvested 60 (yes, sixty) pounds of red ripe tomatoes that were snuggled under the canopy of fall growth. That's sixty pounds of sunshine stored up in little red bundles! That's the latest and largest crop of tomatoes I've had without frost protection. Next up; harvest the green ones.

Cold nights and Christmas in sight; it's a relief that our gardening chores slow down this month. Let's not forget to maintain irrigation and weed. Please make it a habit to manually turn on your water to visualize the connections and emitters so you know they are functioning properly every time you visit the garden. Our timers need to be wrapped with insulating material such as a towel or blanket and protected from getting wet. A great help is a silver sun shade for a car and a bungee cord, both from the 99 cent store. Plants thrive on less water now than they did three months ago so it's wise to reduce the length of time water is on.

There is still time to put in onion plants or sets (which will not produce big bulbs and should be used as green onions) and garlic cloves for harvest in late spring/early summer. See last month's article for planting tips.

If that's not satisfying enough try growing sprouts in a jar on your kitchen counter. Get seeds from a food source such as a grocery store or seeds specifically marked for sprouting; don't use seeds for gardens because they often are treated with fungicide to prevent decay in the soil before they sprout. Mung beans, garbanzo beans, peas, alfalfa, clover, arugula, lentils, dill, broccoli, etc., can all be sprouted in a mason jar laid on its side with a little water in it with cheesecloth replacing the lid. It is very important to soak the seeds first then rinse and pour off the water at least once, maybe 2-3 times a day. Keeping the seeds moist (but not sitting in water), clean, and airy is the trick.   Sprouts are wonderfully nutritious and add a great crunch to sandwiches, salads, and snacks. There are great web sites for all the info you need for successful sprouts and recipes and ideas on how to use them. One helpful site is sproutpeople.org

This is the month to browse seed catalogs and sources for next spring's plantings. Find interesting varieties of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, etc.; order the seeds this month and plant indoors in January. They are slow starters and need time to be ready to put out the end of March. My favorite seed company is Johnnyseeds.com   I've had great success will all their varieties and order from them year after year.

With Santa's visit only weeks away why not drop a few hints about those gardening supplies you've been wanting all year, or maybe you need an idea for your gardening friend. Now is the chance to request those good gloves with the extended cuffs or that great little kneeling pad with handles that doubles as a bench. How about hand tools that won't fall apart (that you can keep in your locker!) or that large brimmed hat with a chin strap, or a gift certificate to your favorite nursery or seed catalog? Whatever Santa brings to you, may it bring joy with it.
 
 
Those are my plot thoughts for now, a very Merry Christmas to all my fellow gardeners, Happy Gardening!

Shop AmazonSmile for holiday gifts 

Green Valley Gardeners is now listed on AmazonSmile. When you shop Amazon, log into AmazonSmile, use your existing login information, select Green Valley Gardeners as your non-profit of choice. The club will receive a small donation for each qualifying purchase you make. Thank you!

To shop AmazonSmile go to http://smile.amazon.com/
PROJECT UPDATES
Sarah Hein works to divide and transplant root-bound Mexican Sunflower
Arid Garden
by Mary Kidnocker 

Quickly going from record-breaking high temperatures to freezing made it challenging to get the garden's cold protection plan into action when needed.
We tried to cover at least the bottom third of our cold-sensitive tree-climbing cactus which should safeguard the core of the 15 to 20-foot rambler. See the attached photograph. Time will determine our success.
 
With much of the garden now heading for dormancy, the work load slows. Volunteers use some of this time to tidy the street-side outside the garden wall. Later we plan to continue "sprucing up" the club's adopted median on La Canada Blvd.
 
Besides all this Friday work, several Arid Garden Valued Volunteers also work at Desert Meadows Park on Wednesdays ... in other words these are devoted, caring, hard-working members who really fit the definition of "a service club made up of gardeners."
 
On a chilly morning at the Arid Garden, valued volunteers Jim Campbell and scantily-clad Byron Hinton go about their tasks. 
Historic Canoa Ranch (HCR)
by Jack Davis and Raydine Taber

Dramatic weather change required the HCR team to cover all and protect the irrigation timer. As of December 2, all is good. Thanks to Ann Christian, Raydine and Jack, and to our volunteers that will continue to oversee HCR.

The big news, after several years of planning, is that the courtyard garden at the Jr House is becoming a reality. Preparation work, including leveling, gutters, water storage, and irrigation system placement will be accomplished this winter by Pima County and planting will begin in early spring. In addition, planning of additional irrigation and planting at the Grijalva House is being undertaken to provide an environment much like the original.

If you have not been on a tour, in the past year, consider doing so with your guests as there are many new exhibits. Contact Valerie Samoy at (520)-724-5220 to schedule a tour on a Tuesday or Saturday. We are always looking for new volunteers for our GVG projects at the HCR. To become a part of our team, contact Jack Davis or Raydine Taber (contact numbers/email addresses are on the Green Valley Gardeners web page.
     
     
Just a reminder of summer at HCR ~ winter will be red and white in the Junior House.
    
Allen J. Ogden Garden by George Stone

Nov.4th: Mitzvah Day at the Ogden:
Everyone needs to feel as though they still can help others and that's what Mitzvah day does. It's a good deed. The Ogden garden had just the right project for someone. A shed and a chicken coop needed to be painted and the organizers said they could help. At 9am sharp, three ladies showed up looking ready to paint. The ladies first toured the garden, sipped tea, ate a few donuts and then jumped in and started painting. Ann-Marie Schaffer, Virginia Danieu and Ann Zublin painted the shed and coop in 3 hours. Everyone had paint on elbows, hair, legs, clothes but no one seemed to care. They left feeling good about themself's and that is what it's all about. Green Valley news dropped by and took a few pictures as well. Thanks, everyone and hope to see you next year. We will have something for you-I promise.

Ann-Marie Schaffer, Virginia Danieu and Ann Zublin painted the seed shed and chicken coop as their volunteer contribution.  
 
 
Nov. 12th: Copper View School: In Sahuarita
IN THE BEGINNING: Mrs. Haydee Hernandez,2nd grade teacher at Copper View Elementary became interested in a school garden and applied for a $500 grant. When awarded, she put that money to good use by purchasing two raised wood beds, soil and a curriculum for two 2nd grade teachers. Interest in the garden gained momentum and soon two other 2nd grade teachers wanted to participate. Seeing the need for more raised beds Mrs. Hernandez contacted the Sahuarita and Tucson community food banks who donated for additional raised beds. Up to this point the Ogden's only role has been one of technical assistance by several garden members. One of our gardeners, Steve Teichner personally donated $100 to the school to be used for irrigation and storage.

Because of a partnership between the school and the Green Valley Gardeners the children at Copper View will benefit from the academic perspective, to the physical well-being, to the life long experience that only a hands-on garden can provide. Mrs. Hernandez states the five raised beds are considered Part I of a 3-part school vision. Stay tuned as this little garden at Copper View pursues a vision that touches the lives of hundreds of children in our community.

Ms. Haydee Hernandez, Copper View, 2nd grade teacher 
 
Lunch for Copper View's 2nd grade courtesy of the school's garden 

Nov. 11th& 19th"
Ogden & Rio Rico Onions:
Each year, during the first week of May the Green Valley Gardeners put our fabulous Texas Sweet onions on sale and 2017 will be no exception. Grown here in the rich soils of the Santa Cruz river valley and kissed by our Southern Arizona sun the onion is legend for its sweet taste.

6,400 onions have been in the ground since November 11th and are nurtured for over 160 days by our own gardeners. We call them our State Fair Onions for all are Blue ribbon winners and are always BIGGER, JUICER and SWEETER. Hopefully the sale will become a major fund raiser for the Green Valley Gardeners. 2017 promises to be a banner year with expectation exceeding 10,000 pounds of onions going to market. The success of this fund raiser is dependent upon as many as 60 garden member volunteers and----starting in January we will ask those who wish to become involved with this worthwhile event to sign -up for one of the 6 work crews. To date the onion project has worked 600 volunteer man hours. 

22 FFA students, school staff and GVG members spent 400 manhours in soil prep, irrigation installation and planting onions at Rio Rico. 
                           
 
Nov.22nd and 14 tons of rock:
The front yard of Ogden looked bad after the removal of the contaminated soil in the onion plots. Holes here and there which were caused by the machinery, but, 14 tons of rock makes a big difference. Thanks to those that helped spreading the rock you were a big help.

November 28th:
It's starting to look a lot like Christmas. Boy! does it. Matt & Brenda Provstgaard wanted to put their collection of commercial decorations to good use and asked to install them at the garden. Why not? On top of that Haydee Hernandez wanted to put up a tree and involve the gardens children as well as those in the neighborhood. Why not? Our neighborhood church wanted to become involved. Why not? So, on December 18th at 6pm we will have a friendship tree lighting where our neighbors will gather for Christmas carols, a tree lighting ceremony, cookies & hot chocolate. The garden lights will remain lit every night until Christmas from 5pm to 10 pm.

Focus on the family:
Jerry & Linda Wiebe have become a steady fixture of the Ogden garden since joining Green Valley Gardeners in 2013. Starting in a 5x10 raised bed because of time constraints, the Wiebe's have now moved to a full 10x40ft plot # 15 . Jerry & Linda live in Quail Creek after both retiring from public education positions. Both are avid fishermen and travel annually to Mexico for a week of fishing.
 
Ogden volunteers planting onions at the Ogden Community Garden. 
 
Henry Garcia provided the trailer. Dennis St John donated the greenhouse. Volunteers provided the man/woman power.
Desert Meadows Park
by Chuck Parsons 

The park received a donation of a very nice greenhouse this month. The planning has been going on for some months, but November 30th the move from it's original home on Placita Arcos to the park took place. It made for a very slow parade down Abrego! It was a very chilly morning, but we had a good turn out of volunteers. We lifted the greenhouse off its foundation, carried it over a wall and onto Henry Garcia's flatbed trailer. From there it made a slow drive to the park. Was once again lifted off the trailer and set onto its new foundation at the park.

A very nice addition to the park!
COMMITTEE UPDATE S
Garden Tour Committee

Plans for the Spring Garden Tour on April 8, 2017 are underway, and we are looking for more volunteers. The tour is a significant undertaking, and the efforts of many volunteers are needed to make it a success.
 
As a major fundraiser for the Green Valley Gardeners, the tour helps support the Arid Garden, Canoa Ranch, Desert Meadows Park, Ogden Garden and the GVG weekly seminars.
 
There are a variety of different jobs for which you can volunteer, and you do not need to have prior experience to take on one of the roles. More experienced people will be available to help you if you have not worked on the tour before. It's a great way to learn and become more involved with the group.
 
Below is a short description of the volunteer positions for which we currently have the greatest need.
 
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact co-chairs Stacie Meyer (859-691-1121) or Cynthia Surprise (875-209-1978) by phone or by sending an email to [email protected].
 
With your help, we know we will have a successful garden tour.
 
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS:
Greeters: Two greeters work at each garden for two-hour shifts selling tickets, marking tickets for visitors, and handing out and collecting surveys.  
 
Retail Ticket Sales Coordinators: Identify local retail sites willing to sell tickets, bring tickets to the sites and collect money for sold tickets once a week.
 
Ticket Sellers: Sell tickets for the tour at one of the following locations: GVG seminars, Wednesday farmer's market; GVG spring plant sale, selected location on day of tour.
 
Poster Distributor: Locate venues willing to display posters advertising the tour; distribute posters to venues prior to tour and collect posters after tour.
 
Plant Identification Sign Coordinator: Collect plant identification lists from hosts, print identification tags, and distribute tags to hosts.
 
Travel Directions Writer: Write travel directions for each garden and create map.
 
Traffic Signage Coordinators: Determine appropriate locations for directional signs prior to tour, place signs and pick up signs after tour.

Membership Activities  By Marita Ramsey and Cathy Merritt
 
On Saturday, November 12th, over 100 of our members and their guests enjoyed wonderful weather, good food and had a chance to see all the new happenings at Desert Meadows Park. It was also a great time to greet friends who have returned for the winter and to welcome new members.


Our next planned event is a visit to Green Things Nursery on Thursday, December 8th for their Holiday exhibit of poinsettias, Christmas cactus and other seasonal plants.

Green Things Nursery, Tucson 
 
 
Preparations are well underway for a potluck dinner on January 7th at La Posada, and a members' tour to the University of Arizona Biosphere 2 on Thursday January 12th. 
Membership by Mark Thompson
 
    
Membership had a banner year in 2016 with over 400 members and over $7600 in dues coming in during the year. In the month of November, we welcomed 16 new members:
 
            Larry Bear
            Joy Maier
            Virginia Danieu
            Linus Einum
            Tim Farnum
            Emma and Wm Erdahl
            Timber Friedman
            Carl Johnson
            Sherry Moreau
            Tom Morrell
            Elizabeth Nye
            Karen  Petzel
            Terry Dixon
            Matthew and Brenda Provstgaard
 
If you see these new members, please make them feel welcomed.
 
Renewal membership will begin January 1, 2017. On that date, you will be able to go online to our Green Valley Gardeners Website and pay your membership dues with just the click of a mouse and a credit card. If you are a new member since September, you do not need to renew for 2017. But, please stop by the Membership Table at the seminar to pick up your name badge.
 

Photos Contributed by Members
 
Climing cactus 'Harrisa guelichii' in its latest winter fashion.
Photo by Mary Kidnocker
Ogden gardeners planting onions.
Photo by George Stone  
Editor: Chuck Parsons | Green Valley Gardeners | 520-904-9020 | [email protected]  | www.greenvalleygardeners.com
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