Mary Jane Wilson
Cacti, succulents, fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, flowers, roses—you can name it, and someone in SaddleBrooke probably has experience growing what you are interested in. Would you like to learn what has worked for gardeners in our unique SaddleBrooke climate? Would you like to meet people whose gardens produce bags of citrus, baskets of fresh vegetables and herbs, roses of every color and size, and cactus flowers that the javelina won’t touch? More than 150 gardeners have joined the new SaddleBrooke Gardening Club (SBGC) so far to learn from each other’s gardening experiences. Four subgroups offer like-minded members breakout meetings covering issues relevant to their interests.
Vegetable and Herb subgroup members have been planning their spring garden activities and, as always, are willing to share their methods, challenges, and success stories. As the weather warms, germinated seedlings are being transplanted into gardens, raised beds, and movable pots; watering systems are being discussed; and sun and shade strategies are being designed.
Flower and Rose subgroup members enjoyed February garden tours at a home with more than 40 rose bushes and are planning spring home garden tours to take advantage of the fabulous weather and flush of spring blooms we will have here in SaddleBrooke. Rumors are that there might be some garden parties as well!
Also in February, Citrus/Fruit Trees subgroup members visited Mission Garden, located on a historic Tucson site. The garden grows heritage fruit trees, heirloom crops, and edible native plants and was hosting a citrus tasting event. The group tasted pomelos, Seville sour oranges, Valencia oranges, sweet limes, and Meyer lemons. An added bonus was getting to taste a variety of marmalades and conserves, as well as tea made from Seville orange blossoms and grapefruit gazpacho. There were plenty of marmalades, jams, and fresh fruits to buy and take home as well! Another citrus tasting field trip is planned for March.
Our Cactus and Succulents subgroup is searching for a new subgroup coordinator. See our website for information on this opportunity.
The SBGC website at sbgardeningclub.weebly.com continues to expand, with great gardening information supplied by our members. Recent additions include several excellent links to expand and improve your citrus growing skills, as well as additions to the Veggie/Herb section on soil testing and guidelines for timing your spring season planting. 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.
Membership applications and information about the club and subgroups can be found at www.sbgardeningclub.weebly.com. Dues for a basic membership are $10 a year.