Bonnie Nowicki
April is a busy planting month. Trees, shrubs, seasonal annuals, perennials, succulents, and veggies fill the local nurseries. Our landscapes are creative works in progress. It’s time to be inspired to plan a special corner of your yard for relaxation or a featured flower bed or raised planter. Renew or reuse items that perhaps are languishing in your garage, such as flower pots or some unique trellis material. Yard art is fun and creative. Enjoy the freshness of springtime.
This month I wish to emphasize the unique opportunity we have here in Green Valley regarding obtaining Master Gardener certification. If you wish to expand your gardening horizon, you can accomplish the entire process from the comfort of your home. While the Pima County Cooperative Extension office continues to be closed, Green Valley residents will be able to take the 18-week course, taught by University of Arizona professors, remotely on Zoom. Classes will be three hours long every Tuesday from Aug. 3 through Dec. 7. The worthwhile cost is $200. For application information, go to extension.arizona.edu/pima-master-gardeners. The deadline for application is April 30.
On another note, I mentioned in my October 2019 column about starting a casual neighborhood garden group. Well, I did organize one in my Quail Creek unit, following CDC guidelines, of course. Six ladies gather on the designated host’s outside patio from 2 until 3:30 p.m. once a month. We discuss a chosen garden topic and proudly show off our thriving yard plants or recent plant purchases. We share ideas and plant cuttings. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spread the joy of your gardening enthusiasm and knowledge with like-minded neighbors. After COVID, our little group could easily double. Be inspired. Call your neighbor and think spring!