New Mexico Master Gardeners are knowledgeable gardeners who assist their local Cooperative Extension office in providing accurate, research-based gardening information to county residents. Master Gardeners work in association with, and under the guidance of, the local County Agricultural Agent to assist their community with various horticultural-related activities. Our Master Gardeners have assisted with the Arbor Day celebration, school and community gardens and fair events.

The object of the Master Gardener program is to introduce some of the basic theory behind horticultural practices, to help candidates learn more about specific subjects in depth, and to become more knowledgeable, well informed gardeners. Volunteer projects may include assisting with plant clinics, seminars, community gardens, or other Master Gardener group-chosen project(s) to fulfill volunteer service time.

2018 Chaves County Master Gardener Program

Updated information coming soon!

Demonstration Xeriscape Garden

In 2009, the Chaves County Master Gardeners planted a demonstration xeriscape garden at the Spring River Park and Zoo in Roswell to show the attractiveness of certain native and low-water use plants and to encourage the use of those plants in home and business gardens.

The Roswell Parks and Recreation Department designated a planting area at the zoo, along with a watering system specifically for the xeriscape garden. The Extension Agriculture Agent worked with NMSU's horticulture specialist to secure plants from the Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Materials Center in Los Lunas and to design the garden.

For More Gardening Information Visit:

• New Mexico State University Extension Master Gardener Program

• New Mexico State University - Low Water-Use Landscape Plants for the Southwest

• New Mexico Office of the State Engineer - Water Conservation Publications