Corrales Town Hall Gardens
The Corrales Town Hall Gardens, which are designed and maintained by SCMG, are located on the grounds around the Corrales municipal buildings. This is the land of Johnson grass, bindweed and elms, not the four-wing saltbush and sagebrush which grows on the slopes around us. Cold air falls down these slopes and settles in the river valley, contributing to a shorter growing season and colder winter temperatures. The soil contains much more clay, retaining water longer than sandy soils. Visitors will see over 100 species of drought-tolerant trees, shrubs and perennials, which grow successfully in this environment. SCMG are available on work days to provide gardening information to visitors or Village staff.
We will be working on Wednesday mornings (later when it’s cold, earlier when it’s hot) from February through November. The gardens are a great place to practice your pruning skills, learn more about ornamental plants or just enjoy sharing tips, techniques and knowledge with other MG who have a passion for plants. We hope to see you there!
Protocol:
1. Meet with current volunteers to review and assess the previous year. Discuss goals and develop a plan for the coming year.
2. Consult with the Public Works staff and Village Administrators to coordinate plans, activities and resources.
3. Organize new projects. Purchase and deliver plants and supplies in a timely manner to ensure orderly progress and optimal survival of plants.
4. Assist Village staff and visitors with plant problems and questions.
5. Research and purchase new plant choices based on the criteria in the project description above.
6. Prune shrubs and trees at the appropriate times to promote healthy, attractive growth.
7. Clean out borders in the spring, and replace mulch as needed. PU trash and weed when necessary.
8. Grow and purchase seedlings of cool & warm–season annuals for borders and pots.
9. Divide, move, trim and deadhead perennials as necessary.
10. Check irrigation system weekly. Adjust timing as needed and repair or replace any emitters that are not functioning properly. Hand water pots and new plantings.
11. Monitor borders for insect and disease problems. Only when necessary, treat with the least toxic methods using IPM guidelines.
12. Collect seeds and dig annuals in fall to over winter and replant the following year.
13. Maintain an accurate list of all plants in the borders. Take pictures frequently to be used for planning and presentations. Keep a record of plants that don’t survive as well as those that are successful.
14. Solicit donations of funds and plants for current and new projects.
15. Present the project to the SCMG trainees and distribute the protocol. Sign up new volunteers at the end of the training sessions. Keep records and complete required paperwork for SCMG.
Wish List:
1. Draw a landscape plan of each border.
2. Create a brochure with plant descriptions and pictures of plants in the borders.
3. Assemble a notebook about the project including landscape plans and pictures, which could be borrowed by visitors from The Corrales Visitor’s Center or Library.