Category: The Garden Club Monthly

News and updates from the Newberry Springs Garden Club regarding local crops and sustainable practices.

  • Meet the Author: Dr. Keller Horton on Dryland Permaculture

    Meet the Author: Dr. Keller Horton on Dryland Permaculture

    Meet the Author: Dr. Keller Horton on Dryland Permaculture

    Transforming a desert lot into a productive landscape requires more than just water—it requires the right species. We are thrilled to announce that the Newberry Springs Garden Club will be sponsoring a book signing and lecture by our very own Dr. Keller Horton, author of “Useful Trees and Shrubs for Dryland Permaculture.”

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    Dr. Horton’s work is a vital resource for anyone living in the Silver Valley. His research focuses on plants that don’t just survive the Mojave heat but thrive within it, providing shade, windbreaks, and even food. Join us at the CSD Building to learn how to apply permaculture principles to your own property and pick up a signed copy of this definitive dryland guide.

    Doctor Keller Horton is not a medical doctor. He comes from a background of thirty five years in education and curriculum design. During that time he also completed his Master’s Degree specializing in Environmental Law and Regional Design Methodologies for Development in Lower Income Countries. Dr. Horton has over 50 years of gardening experience. His lessons began early in life with his parents and both sets of grandparents on farms in West Texas. He caught the Permaculture, “bug” while doing You Tube research on aquaculture greenhouses. While watching a video on aquaculture, a mysterious thumbnail video title appeared on the right side of the screen. The title simply read, “Greening the Desert”. The temptation to click on that video was unbearable. When he watched the video, an entire new world of creating self-sustaining food forests was revealed. Twenty-seven books and 100 videos later he decided to enroll in the fantastic permaculture course offered by the Permaculture Research Institute in Jordan. Yes, Jordan, in the Middle East where the Jordan river separates the nation of Israel from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The course site was located right within one of the hottest, driest, most rocky, and inhospitable spots you could ever imagine on Planet Earth.

    Event Details:

    • Location: Newberry Springs CSD Building.
    • Featured Work: Useful Trees and Shrubs for Dryland Permaculture.
    • Focus: Low-water landscaping and sustainable shade strategies.
  • Sustainable Seeds: Updates from the Newberry Springs Garden Club

    Sustainable Seeds: Updates from the Newberry Springs Garden Club

    The Newberry Springs Garden Club continues to be the primary knowledge exchange for our local green thumbs. This month, we are focusing on “Desert-Hardy Varieties”—selecting seeds that have evolved to thrive in our specific micro-climate. By sharing seeds and starts among neighbors, we are building a localized “Seed Bank” that is far more resilient than anything bought at a big-box store.

    In addition to our monthly swap, the club is highlighting low-volume drip irrigation setups. These systems are essential for maintaining our lush home gardens while staying within our community’s water conservation goals. Whether you’re growing heirloom tomatoes or desert lavender, the Garden Club is here to ensure your garden thrives as a sustainable asset to the Newberry Springs ecosystem.

    This Month’s Focus:

    • The Heirloom Swap: Exchange seeds that have successfully fruited in Newberry soil.
    • Drip Logic: Transitioning from overhead spray to targeted root-zone watering.
    • Garden Mentorship: Pairing experienced growers with new residents.