garden tours in west valley?

i'm a complete beginner at gardening, and over the past 2 years have taken most every class to get me started, yet having never been around gardening and not having the time or money to mess it up too much, it scares me to get started! but i am determined to...

i would love to see what others are doing first hand to get some better ideas as to what works in our climate... please let me know if you're open to this - and i'd be happy to lend a hand in exchange!

thanks!

ginger in litchfield park

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Permalink Reply by Rob on October 11, 2009 at 11:34am

Hi Ginger. There don't seem to be many of us out here on the west side. The most well-established permaculture gardens I've found are central or east side. Don't worry though - if you've taken the classes then you have a great foundation; it's time to get outside! : ) Know up front that you will succeed in some things and fail in others, and that's OK. Just dip a toe in - start small - and you'll do fine.

Remember that seeds saved from store-bought genetically-modified veggies and fruits may not germinate. Not sure if anyone had recommended it yet but here's a great resource for heirloom variety seeds native to the southwest: http://www.nativeseeds.org/

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Permalink Reply by ginger on October 11, 2009 at 5:56pm

hi rob, i really appreciate your reply and suggestions - and yes i guess there aren't that many members in the west side, and that my best option is probably to go to some of the tours listed in the events or the work days at the community gardens...

i just went to my first work day at the Roosevelt gRow Garden & Gallery on garfield and 6th street, http://www.azhomegrownsolutions.org/events/roosevelt-grow-garden-ga... - kenny was very helpful and informative, answering my many questions and showing me how simple composting can be... they mainly have gardens with berms to walk on with sunken beds to retain the water... i liked this idea and can picture doing this for my garden... today was mainly pulling weeds and i found how green and wimpy i am as even with garden gloves i got a huge blister on my palm from using a hand tool... so, guess i have been initiated now! lol... i even wore my JUST DO IT shirt (yes, it says that!) then came home and started removing the bermuda grass from my 20'x6' garden section... i was excited to find we have a LOT of earthworms already in the soil!then i will get some good composting, probably from singh (adding in some fish emulsion), start planting and getting my own composting going! i'm excited!

thanks so much for your encouragement and the link - i will definitely be placing an order with them soon!

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Permalink Reply by Portia on October 11, 2009 at 7:30pm

I live in the west valley. I'm actually a native west valley girl :) You are more than welcome to come and look at my garden and see what we have done. Maybe there will be something that will help or encourage you. I still consider myself a new gardener and am constantly looking at trying new things out.

Let me know if you are interested. I'm just a few miles from Litchfield Park. 107th ave and Thomas Rd.

Portia

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Permalink Reply by ginger on October 11, 2009 at 8:11pm

thank you so much, portia, i would love to see how your garden grow!

when works best for you?

ginger

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Permalink Reply by Portia on October 12, 2009 at 6:41pm

During the week I am home by 4pm. Saturday I believe we will be home all day. You are welcome anytime. I'll give you my cell number if you want to call me for time and directions. Look forward to meeting you.

Portia
602-573-5683

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Permalink Reply by ginger on October 12, 2009 at 9:55pm

hi portia, saturday would work best for me, as i work in scottsdale and am sometimes not home until it's dark - and i definitely want to see your garden in the daylight! so if you don't mind, i'll call you saturday morning and see what time might work for you...

thanks again, i'm looking forward to it!

ginger
602-291-9651

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Permalink Reply by Portia on October 12, 2009 at 11:14pm

Sounds great. We will talk on Saturday.

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Permalink Reply by ginger on October 18, 2009 at 10:32am

portia, thanks so much for sharing your lovely garden yesterday - you truly have a wonderful place and are doing a fantastic job!

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Permalink Reply by Portia on October 18, 2009 at 8:42pm

Thank you. It was a pleasure to share it with you.

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Permalink Reply by Mari Ross on October 16, 2009 at 2:36pm

I wish we had more activity out west here. My motto is trail and error out here basically. Coming from a wet state (MI) to the desert has definetly changed my gardening habits, I mainly do mine in pots so that I can move them if need be. I have decided to embrace native plants and am trying my hand at a few cactus. Something that back in Mi I could only do inside so I am able to get bigger pieces of plants to "try". Take a gander at my pics & you'll see....

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Permalink Reply by ginger on October 16, 2009 at 6:01pm

i think you're right, mari - trial and error is probably inevitable so i should not be afraid of it... thanks for your thoughts and sharing your pics - we can certainly have fun in the process!