In 11 Arizona counties, trained volunteers teach environmentally responsible gardening in a dry climate, whether it’s in the desert or at 7,000 feet. Master Gardeners answer literally thousands of questions, and a statewide website is available for gardeners no matter where they live.

Desert gardening in particular has its own set of challenges. "This is a fabulous place to garden, but different," says Lucy Bradley, urban horticulture agent in Maricopa County. "People find old rules don't work here."

In Maricopa County alone, about 400 well-organized and well-trained volunteers donated 28,000 hours fielding telephone calls coming into the main Extension office and three satellite locations. In addition, 20 Master Gardeners volunteer in area schools, working directly with students.

Bradley and Master Gardeners reach out to desert gardeners in many other ways: The volunteer Master Gardeners answer questions at Phoenix home garden shows on how to select desert-friendly plants that need little water, where to plant them, and how to keep them healthy. The volunteers also get the word out through e-mail and a bimonthly "Master Gardener Communicator" newsletter.

They are promoting the concept of an "earth-friendly backyard" that teaches about saving energy and water, using greywater while preserving water quality, and using integrated pest management techniques to control plant problems.

It works. About 75 percent of clients said they were willing to use alternatives to pesticides. And, 95 percent said they would contact Cooperative Extension again when they had a gardening question.

Demonstration agents such as the vegetable and herb garden at the Extension office show techniques that succeed. An interpretive trail around the Maricopa County office attracts many visitor gardeners.

Obviously, Maricopa County is urban and located in the desert; Coconino County is not. The Master Gardeners still thrive here, says Tom DeGomez, Extension agriculture and natural resources agent, Coconino County.
About 200 dedicated people are working as trained volunteers, DeGomez says. "Here out main problem is telling people how to deal with the climate. At 7,000 feet, we have cool nights during the growing season, combined with too much sunlight. We deal with city forestry-Ponderosa pines in the yard. Elk and deer are another pressure; they like the backyards and they're especially fond of our golf courses."
Master Gardeners in Coconino County answer gardening questions by telephone, and make house calls to help with perplexing queries. They have renovated landscaping for several non-profit agencies, including the Grand Canyon Trust, Riordan State Park, and the Arizona State Historical Society building.

Coconino, Gila, and Yavapai County Master Gardeners work together to address high elevation gardening. They hold a three-day gardening conference annually to help other gardeners meet the challenges of growing plants in the mountains.

"We're a large, mostly rural county," DeGomez says. "Our Master Gardeners are invaluable in helping people be responsible, environmentally concerned gardeners."