[Arid_gardener] landscape design tips

[Dick Gross]

Patti, I believe all nurseries try to do all those things at least on a 
customer by customer basis but house calls are a bit beyond their scope 
unless there is a profit percieved and, of course they have to make payroll 
to keep their doors open. Most make an honest attempt to offer technical 
support with their products.

I have made many house calls and will again if asked and if it is a matter 
in which I have a little experience and common-sense to share.  I don't want 
to come across as the village idiot, a distinct possibility when a novice 
delves into the unknown, but, it is a fun, satisfying activity and an 
excellant exercise to gain experience and expertise. Since a Master 
Gardener's services are free, his or her obligation to be accurate is 
strictly a moral one.

I have advocated Master Gardener "help squads" but have, in effect, been 
ignored or the idea has died for lack of support. This email forum is itself 
fairly effective in solving problems and I thoroughly enjoy the exchanges 
but not many MGs participate and, often, there are not enough facts given to 
render an accurate analysis. A "hands on" approach is usually best.

If any of you want to pick up on this concept, all that's lacking, I 
believe, is a couple of organizers and leaders.

Dick Gross, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Maricopa County Cooperative extension.




 ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Patti Ahlman" <ppuhalla at cox.net>
To: <arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu>
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2006 5:15 PM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] landscape design tips


>I seem to be a challenged gardener and the trial and error learning process 
>is resulting in more error than success.  I have trouble picking the right 
>plants for the right location, even after reading and researching.  I have 
>a limited budget that will probably not cover everything I want to do. Are 
>there services out there that will help you design and choose the correct 
>plants and then sell you the plans so you can plant on your own over time? 
>Many nurseries seem to offer design service if you spend a certain amount. 
>Are they knowledgeable? Is this a viable alternative?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Patti
> Aaron's mommy
> www.missfoundation.org
>
> You can help support the MISS Foundation by using these sites:
>
> www.buyforcharity.com - shopping link
> www.igive.com - shopping link
> www.goodsearch.com - search engine like Yahoo! or Google
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