We need trees in the desert...

CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH AND HAPPINESS! With Fall arriving on the 23rd, now is a great time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Gardening is a great way to take in the fresh air and foster greener streets, but consider the guardians of our communities: trees.

SAVE THE SHADE!  Plant a tree and improve every aspect of your immediate environment. Decrease water evaporation (often greater than the water requirements of a thirsty tree), improve air quality and invest in the future with a new tree. Trees of all sizes are available, and local growers have specimens that will transplant well into your Albuquerque yard or garden.

Help trees flourish again!

Following is some great information for planting, which was forwarded by a Trees that Please (south of ABQ) expert, in selecting the right tree for the time. These guidelines were provided for Gardeners’Guild to assist in the Pilot Ecology Program started this year at Jefferson Middle School, where new trees are being planted as educational and awareness tools:

1. Consider the current condition of your selected tree.

Is it in the ground or in a container? This will let you know what to do.

Pre-dug trees, ones that were dug and put into containers last winter, have as much leaf cover as the root system will carry and so can be moved and planted anytime. They must be moved in a covered vehicle so the wind does not stress them or pull the leaves off. As long as the tree has leaves it will grow roots. By planting in the fall, but before leaf drop, the tree can get a jump on getting established before the drying winds of spring. Containerized trees should be planted as soon as possible, no matter what season. Being in the ground is a much better environment for the trees, as the pot dries out quickly and the roots become cramped.

The number one problem encountered when planting a dormant tree (a time after the first freeze) is that folks forget to water over the winter, or water insufficiently in the early spring. Because there are no leaves, it can’t wilt, and so they don’t realize they have a catastrophe. Wilting, by the way, is a lousy way to tell if a tree needs water. By the time a tree wilts, it has reached the point where it may drop leaves as an emergency response to drought. It takes a lot of energy to re-leaf, and if the tree is again stressed for water and drops its leaves a second time, it will almost certainly die. However, digging a tree up in full leaf and then planting it in an environment where it almost certainly will not have enough water is a recipe for disaster. It will drop its leaves, and if stressed further will die. That is why we NEVER dig trees that are not completely dormant, so trees in our field must wait to be planted until after all leaf drop, usually the end of November.

For the full year of fun gardening tasks, consult the weekly LYL calender.

grow fun with your Fall garden!

This is the best time to get new additions to your garden ‘structure’ in the ground. From now through November, perennials and many trees will appreciate the cool weather plant time and over-wintering to establish themselves. MOST IMPORTANT: This requires that you water at least once a month in the cold season and an awareness of temperatures. Yes, water. Not when it’s very cold or roots will freeze.

“Shrubs and trees are the framework of a garden. Usually these are planted first in a new landscape because they need more time to grow to good size, they provide the walls of the outdoor room and they give essential shade. Plants that naturally grow in or near our area are good choices, since they are adapted to our unique weather and climate. Saturday, at the Gardeners’ Guild, we’ll have some of the loveliest and toughest shrubs and trees available. The New Mexico olive grows in the bosque understory, on the exposed slopes of the Rio Grande and in the malpais. It will probably grow in your yard just fine. Desert willow and mimosa are beautiful blooming (and fragrant!) patio or specimen trees. Bird of paradise is a large shrub (12 feet) that bears large yellow flowers with long red stamens. Very exotic! Our native mockorange has exquisitely fragrant blossoms and grows in part shade. Blue mist is putting on its beautiful blue blooms right now. For all around versatility, you can’t beat (non native) rosemary. It is evergreen, blooms twice a year and provides seasoning for your rosemary bread.” says Peggy Wells of Desert Spring Nursery.

To find the best quality plants, a key to your success, Plants of the Southwest and Santa Ana Nursery are both excellent sources. Email info@GardenersGuild.org if you have questions!

Take the chance to grow green in winter.
Get on track with your Fall garden now! ABQ’s mild climate is well suited for growing vegetables of a cool-weather kind. With forethought and a few supplies, some crops can extend through the coldest days, giving a healthy burst of greens instead of January drear. Plan to plant the vigorous varieties absent from the sweltering summer gardens.

For edibles:
When temps remain below 85, often mid-September, conditions for cool season veggies become favorable. Each variety has a range in these cooler degrees that best suits their needs, as root vegetables and leafy greens flourish in sunny winter days. But not only for plants is the milder weather more pleasant — also for the gardeners, as winter veggies demand less time, energy and resources. The frequency of watering drops and other chores for the garden become less toilsome. No need to rush; return home to plants that haven’t yet spent their daily water. What a refreshing break! These vegetables will require water only once or twice a week, and for the space-challenged gardener growing in containers, this is a great time to try more varieties. Cool season veggies grow well in pots, and can be moved to adjust their conditions: to gain sun or avoid a freeze.

Simple, small actions can make a big difference! If you only have pots and no place in-ground, grow greens in containers.
The root requirements of varieties like chard, spinach and many kinds of lettuce are less demanding, growing just fine in 6-8″ of soil depth. Any container shape will work well and if mobile, offer an opportunity to move your yummy leaves into sunnier spaces as the seasonal sun moves south. A warm, reflective wall will help your greens grow quickly — insulate with some kind of mulch mounded around the pot or use plastic when it gets really cold. Those living in Nob Hill will have the easiest time of it, as the warmest neighborhood in Albuquerque. The North Valley and East Mountains will need to insulate heavily (see details below).

Separate the good from bad: don't get mad. Get weeding!

Now is the time: before planting fall seeds, be sure to remove debris around bushes, structures and wood piles for a clean slate. This clean-up is more important than the Spring fling because it disturbs bugs that will comfortably overwinter if they aren’t turned up now. Don’t let those creatures hide out to eat your plants after a long seasonal sleep!

This sprucing and litter relief will also help reduce weeds now and in spring. With rain (sometimes) falling from the sky, dust is reduced as well as the effort of pulling weeds is too. The soft ground changes everything! It offers the right environment for new seeds after easing the eradication of blasted elms sprouting and suckers of other kinds, like Tree of Heaven.

The best tools are a hand rake, long-handled flat head rake and pop-up leaf bag. To keep down the dust with determination, hose off your porch areas and give plants a good watering. Then get to the task of clearing. For questions, email info@gardenersguild.org!

FALL IS FOR PLANTING.

There are some exceptions to the fall planting principle. Plants that are growing at the northern edge of their range may not survive their first winter if they haven’t had time to grow extensive root systems. They’ll have a better start if planted in spring. Some of these plants are: desert willow, autumn sage or cherry sage, mariola, hummingbird trumpet (Anisacanthus) and Texas ranger (Leucophyllum). Buffalo grass and blue grama grass will not have time to grow enough roots before winter if planted after August, as a general rule. Wait until the ground warms, about mid May, to seed these grasses.

Still, there are plenty of wonderful plants to buy and plant in the fall. The weather is better for plants and planters.

When you are shopping for plants look for ornamental native grasses. Most grasses bloom and bear seeds in the fall. Unless you shop at this time, you might not know how gorgeous and spectacular, not to mention versatile and easy, grasses are. Do you like color, texture, form? Then you would like the rosy clouds of sand lovegrass and bush muhly. Or the cotteny tops of silver bluestem and cane bluestem. Little bluestem changes its stems from bluegreen to chartruse, orange and purple – all at the same time! Later, the whole plant turns red for the duration of the winter. No kidding! If you are skeptical, swing by The Great Outdoors in Albuquerque or Plants of the Southwest to see for yourself.

Now and later. 

BATHS FOR BIRDIE: An urban troweler has many options in creating a great outdoor habitat – adding simple features will improve environmental conditions. If you’re just getting started on a habitat plan in your outer space, there are three basic needs, to support your wildlife. You choose the place to start! Food, water and shelter are the basic requirements of life, and can be integrated in small, simple or sophisticated ways. The truly healthy environment is reflected when these basics are present. It is up to the individual troweler to discover the elements most nurturing for their unique conditions. Water features are one of three most important elements in creating a healthy and supportive outdoor space, so consider adding one to your space and search the GG sites for more details.

Birds do like to feel protected in their environment. Birdbaths or watering features that are snugged next to lower level foliage (like shrubs) will have more frequent visitations from our feathered friends. Bird seed is best sown in sheltered areas or placed in feeders with drainage holes, giving a special consideration to neighborhood cats.

A clean space is very important to the health of your birds. So, design a wildlife-support zone focused on easy maintenance can also provide excellent conditions for their comfort.

Digging for answers!

New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce

Announces 2011 Legislative Priorities (www.nmgreenchamber.com/policy_positions/press-release)
Albuquerque, Revised Friday, February 18, 2011

Today, the New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce announced its legislative priorities for the 2011 session.  The Green Chamber of Commerce supports legislation that promotes local business, levels the playing field for small business, helps businesses go green, builds an entrepreneurial economy, protects our natural resources as a business asset and continues to build New Mexico’s vibrant clean energy economy… The New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce represents over 1100 businesses dedicated to a triple bottom line that invests in people, conserves our air, water and land, and creates long term profits.  The Green Chamber seeks to unleash the creative force of business to restore local communities and take advantage of new opportunities in a fast-growing clean energy economy.

2011 Legislative Priorities

1.      Thinking Local First
FAVOR
SB 19a In-State Business Procurement Advantage
SB 63 Government Food Purchasing Requirements
HB 173 Community Bank Preferences for State Funds
EDD Main Street Program Funding

2.      Leveling the Playing Field for Small Business
FAVOR
SB 6 Combined Tax Reporting for Some Corporations
SB 47 Tax and Revenue Department Tax Expenditure Budget
SB 44 Film Production Tax Credit Tracking and Review
HB 102/SB95 Internet Sales Gross Receipts
OPPOSE
Any Reduction of Hold Harmless for Municipalities

3.  The Green Business Advantage
FAVOR
HB 461 Energy Efficiency Act Provisions and Bonds
SB 237 Colleges in Energy Efficiency and Bonding Act
HB 145 Enacting the High Performance School Buildings Act
SB 442 – Building Energy Disclosure Act

4.      Building an Entrepreneurial Economy
FAVOR
HB 304 Angel Investment Tax Credit Renewal
HB 273 Small Business Research and Development Tax Credit Renewal
HB 33/SB 38 New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange Act
SB 30 Rulemaking Requirements
HB 8 Development Training Programs (Job Training Incentive Program)

5.      Protecting Natural Resources as a Business Asset
FAVOR
Legislation that recognizes New Mexico’s protected lands help attract tourism dollars, boost entrepreneurism, increase property values and protect our quality of life.

6.      Capitalizing on the Clean Energy Economy
FAVOR
SB 137 Electricity Purchase from Customer Generators
SB 233/HB 382 Plant Photosynthesis as Alternative Energy
SB 266 Energy Conservation Bonds
SB 69 Authorizing the Sale of Renewable Energy Transmission Bonds
SB 234 Solar Energy System Gross Receipts
HB 284 Renewable Energy Facilities in Environmental Services Tax
HB 440/SB409 Advanced Energy Tax Deduction for Some Leases
OPPOSE
SB 415 Utility Cost Limits, SB 535 Renewable Energy Cost Thresholds and any other legislation that weakens New Mexico’s Renewable Portfolio Standard
Also: Any legislation that rolls back greenhouse pollution reduction standards and any legislation that reduces or eliminates clean energy incentives

Celerah Hewes-Rutledge
(505)916-1247
Project Coordinator
New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce
www.nmgreenchamber.com