Presenter:  Randy Verble, Master Gardener

Randy and his wife moved to New Mexico in 2021 from Denver, CO, and left a home with beautiful landscape that included a very large front yard perennial garden. They purchased a home on the West Mesa that had a completely barren backyard, not even one worm!. His desire was to create a habitat for wildlife and pollinators, as well as an oasis for him and his wife. However, he was faced with the challenge of a new climate and environment. The soil was composed of sand and rock, with an underlayer of caliche - a new term for him! His questions were many:  How do you grow a garden in sand and rock?  Are there any nutrients found in this type of "soil?"  How much water is required to grow things in the desert when rainfall is so scarce? Since then, Randy has completed the Master Gardener training for New Mexico and will take you on his journey of learning via the transformation of his backyard.  He will share with you the steps to consider when growing plants, shrubs and trees in your own "oasis."