Albuquerque Area Extension Master Gardeners
Master Gardener Hotline
(505) 292-7144
The master gardeners are a local network of gardening experts who have practical experience as well as a solid foundation in gardening theory. They volunteer their time to answer questions, make presentations and serve as a resource for anyone needing to know more about gardening in the Albuquerque area. They can answer questions on local soil, climate, water use and what plants work best in the arid southwest. Ask them a question, either online or by phone. Their book, Down to Earth, is a valuable guide to gardening in the Albuquerque area.
Albuquerque Garden Center
10120 Lomas NE
(505) 296-6020
The Garden Center offers incredible plant sales each year, where beginners and established gardeners can purchase seasonal plants and vegetables. The 2011 spring stars sale is April 30, but get there early before the best plants are gone. There are also ongoing shows featuring what's in season, where local gardeners can exhibit their spring bulbs and enthusiasts can purchase pansies. Contact the center to find out about specialty clubs such as orchids and African violets, or the Japanese art of Ikebana.
The Center also has a gift shop that carries garden supplies and equipment.
Bernalillo County Cooperative Extension Service
1510 Menaul NW
(505) 243-1386
bernalil@nmsu.edu
Run through New Mexico State University, the state's agricultural school, the county extension office provides help from the experts with an emphasis on what's local. They are available to speak to groups on a variety of horticultural topics. They offer information on home gardening, plant selection for landscaping, and home gardening. They can help in identification of pests, plant diseases, insects and weeds. In addition to traditional forms of pest control, they offer organic alternatives.
Gardeners Guild of Albuquerque
(505) 268-2719
The guild provides a gardening network of local resources and services for urban gardening and gardeners. Find out about backyard gardening, rainwater harvesting, and garden related activities in the Albuquerque area. As well as their online resource listings, their locally written Greenzine magazine has helpful tips and information from area gardening enthusiasts.
Xeriscape Council of New Mexico
Xeriscaping is the art and science of maintaining plants and landscaping in a water-wise method. The Xeriscape Council provides information and resources online, and an annual expo in the spring. The free expo provides seminars on topics such as plant selection, given by experts such as David Salman from High Country Gardens. It also features over 250 exhibitors.
