Desert Gardening Mastership
The Desert Gardening Mastership at the Garden is designed for those interested in plants and will teach about their selection and care, as well as their ecological and cultural significance. Desert Gardening Mastership classes are open to all regardless of intent to complete the program and can be found in the program listings of Gardening and Landscaping.
Classes and Guidelines
Core classes will get you started in your garden and are marked in the calendar with a DGM-C They are introductory in nature and will help you build a solid foundation in whatever type of gardening endeavor you pursue. Elective classes are marked with a DGM-E in the calendar. Students will be awarded a Desert Gardening Mastership upon completion of 12 classes; four core classes and eight elective classes (five in one elective track and three from any other track.)
For a complete list of classes and elective tracks or a Desert Gardening Mastership Information Packet, call 480-481-8146.
Class offerings under the Desert Botanical Garden Mastership Program are labeled as follows:
(DGM-C) Desert Gardening Mastership Core
(DGM-E) Desert Gardening Mastership Elective
Desert Landscape Shrubs (DGM-E)
Join the Garden’s curator of shrubs to experience the world of desert adapted plants. Learn to use shrubs to provide a critical framework for a landscape. In addition to introducing you to an array of medium sized plants suitable for our desert environment, this three-part workshop will provide the tools you will need for the selection, placement and proper maintenance of the ideal shrubs for your garden. The first two sessions are held in the classroom, and the final session is a walking tour of the Garden to admire mature specimens in a landscape setting. Instructed by Kirti Mathura. Limit 25.
Wednesdays and Saturday / January 13, 20 and 23
Wednesdays / 6 - 9 p.m. and Saturday / 8 - 10 a.m.
Member: $60 / General Public: $72
Click here to register on-line for January 13 class.
Drip Irrigation Design and Installation (DGM-E)
Homeowners will learn how to design a drip irrigation system that will be efficient and able to handle your landscape as it grows into maturity. Proper zoning for plant materials, soils and microclimates will be covered, as well as concepts of hydraulics to ensure systems will function properly not only at start-up but over time. The installation portion covers the point of connection out to the end caps. Learn tips to help avoid many of the common mistakes associated with drip system design and installation. Hands-on activities include connecting poly tubing with a compression coupler, as well as three styles of emitter installation and when and why each should be used. Instructed by Jeff Lee. Limit 25.
Saturday / January 23 / 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Member: $30 / General Public: $38
Click here to register on-line for January 23 class.
Caring for Your Desert Garden (DGM-C)
My irrigation system runs every day, why aren’t my plants healthy? Why is my cactus getting sunburned? How often should I fertilize and shear my shrubs? This class will shed light on misconceptions and malpractices commonly associated with desert gardening. Learn how to select the right plants and correctly plant them in your landscape. Proper techniques for watering, fertilizing, pruning and other maintenance will be addressed. Instructed by Garden curator Kirti Mathura. Limit 25.
Wednesdays / January 27 and February 3 / 6 - 9 p.m.
Member: $60 / General Public: $75
Click here to register on-line for January 27 class.
Sustainable Landscape Design (DGM-C)
Feeling overwhelmed about how to renovate your garden so it is both lovely and sustainable? This introductory class will explain the basics of designing in harmony with natural desert systems to create a beautiful landscape that is also water and energy efficient. Find out how to assess your property and draw a conceptual map that will guide current and future garden decisions. Simple design techniques will be introduced. This program is for homeowners with either existing or new landscapes. Instructed by Jack Gilcrest. Limit 25.
Wednesday / February 17 / 6 - 9 p.m.
Member: $30 / General Public: $38
Click here to register on-line for February 17 class.
Groundcovers and Vines for the Desert Landscape (DGM-E)
An assortment of interesting groundcovers and vines can add great beauty to your garden. The benefits don’t stop there! These plants can also keep your indoor and outdoor living spaces cooler during the summer months. Learn the best choices for your desert landscape and how you can make these plants work for you. Instructed by Kirti Mathura. Limit 25.
Wednesday / February 24 / 6 - 9 p.m.
Member: $30 / General Public: $38
Click here to register on-line for February 24 class.
Watering and Controller Programming (DGM-E)
Take an active role in the health of your landscape by learning correct watering techniques and how to properly control your home irrigation system. The ins and outs of irrigation controller programming will be demonstrated through hands-on exercises with controller models in the classroom. Learn when and how much to water, and how proper watering not only benefits your landscape, but actually conserves water and lowers your utility bill. Instructed by Jeff Lee. Limit 25.
Saturday / February 27 / 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Member: $30 / General Public: $38
Click here to register on-line for February 27 class.
