Spring's sprung

April is here! Time to re-energize and take the job search in another direction. I've started clocking volunteer hours at Tohono Chul Park, a desert oasis and wildlife preserve in the middle of Tucson. It's a great place to spend a few hours experiencing the beauty and solitude of the desert. I haven't seen any rattlesnakes, yet, but I have seen lots of hummingbirds and butterflies, which is fine with me. I recently parlayed my marketing tradeshow talents to greet and guide folks at the spring plant sale, an annual event and key fundraiser for the Park.

I'm learning to identify a whole range of desert plants and trees while helping out in the propagation greenhouse. I've really missed the smell of garden soil in the spring since moving to the desert and leaving my NJ home. The feel of some nice fresh, moist sandy loam between your fingers is the best therapy I know to clear away a case of the winter duldrums. I am also picking up clever little gardening tricks from spending time with the horticulture crowd. If you place an unbleached coffee filter at the bottom of a flower pot, the soil won't dribble out when you fill it or water it. Did you know that a cement mixer makes a great potting soil mixer? Just add whatever proportions of soil, sand and compost you wish, along with a little water. Mix it for a few minutes and you will have created your very own potting soil for a lot cheaper than what you could buy at the local garden center.

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