Cacti, succulents, citrus, fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, roses, flowers—you name it and someone in SaddleBrooke probably has experience growing what you are interested in. Club members’ gardening experiences run the gamut from Master Gardener, to new in town and just starting out, to been here, done that and will be glad to show you what I’m talking about. Four subgroups offer like-minded members breakout meetings and garden tours:
Vegetable and Herb subgroup members recently toured Kara Adam’s Tubac garden. Kara is a writer, a YouTube producer of Sow Arizona, and a master gardener who has transformed her adobe brick home and property into a magical garden. Gail Bohlman, subgroup coordinator, reports: Kara welcomed us with coffee and treats before touring us around her garden. She generously answered questions and inspired us with her practical knowledge. Her garden has in-ground beds, containers, raised beds, fruit trees, grapes, espaliered apple trees, worm and heat composting. There is something continuously growing in all seasons. We learned strategies for building and maintaining healthy soil. After our tour, we enjoyed lunch together at the Stables. We all agreed that it was one of the best days ever!
Our cactus and succulents subgroup members were recently invited to a joint home garden tour with the flower and rose subgroup as many of our members have a wide variety of plants in their yards. This was one of our most interesting tours to date and not just due to the extensive knowledge and graciousness of our garden host. Let’s just say that calling 311 works and the four Golder Ranch firemen that extracted our uninvited guest were greatly appreciated!
Flower and Rose subgroup members have been getting to know each other and enjoying learning from the monthly home garden tours members have hosted this Spring. We are hoping for some garden parties on shaded patios as the heat picks up here.
Citrus and Fruit Tree subgroup members have enjoyed citrus tasting events at local nurseries, home garden tours and the fruit they have picked from their own trees this Spring.
The SBGC website at sbgardeningclub.weebly.com continues to expand with great gardening information supplied by our members. The Upcoming Events section is continually updated with new postings for plant sales, educational seminars, farmers markets, and garden tours all around Tucson. Member contributions make the SBGC website your “go to place” for all things gardening in SaddleBrooke and the Tucson area. If you see a gardening event happening in the Tucson area that is not on the SBGC website, please send this information to sbgardeningclubaz@gmail.com so we can add it to the website for the benefit of all our members.
Over 170 gardeners have joined the SBGC so far to learn from each other’s gardening experiences. This is truly a Members Helping Members club! Membership applications and information about the club and volunteer opportunities can be found at sbgardeningclub.weebly.com. Dues for a basic membership are $10 a year.
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