sheesh it is 9 am, and I really gotta go outside and plant, BUT. I just have to let everyone know about the NM Forestry seedling super sale that is going to happen on Thursday and Friday. It hasn't been formally announced yet, and though it might get a little blurb in the local paper, or on Green Fire Times online- From what I heard, the emailing only goes out to those who have already purchased.

The major dork/goofball that is me, went down there, to pick up the seedlings I bought, I ended up wanting more, and spent a great deal of time talking on the phone with Carol-who runs the program. Once I got there, filled with seedling joy, I spent some time with Carol, (she was incredibly generous with her time and expertise, even walking out of the greenhouse to show me mature conifers in their natural state, so I could see what, if I took care of it, the little seedling would look like in 30 years) She was incredibly nice. She mentioned to me that usually they have a limited amount of seedlings left, and they do a "big sale"- She told me that thursday at 8:30 am, is "a little like black friday"-and we joked that is kinda scary..... and I'm not really into "plant thugs?"- I guess the reason is the seelings tend to run about $1. They are usually 2-4 in regular pricing mode (estimate) but the nice part about this "super sale" is that you don't have to purchase them in large lots (which is required, and so, I found myself spending several hundred dollars- (but I got a lot of great plants mind you, and a decimal of anything in a nursery, and the seedlings give me a year, sometimes even close to 2 bump on planting windbreaks and other slow growing trees.

I am not sure of this, so don't quote me, but I think also, individuals are allowed to utilize this sale who don't own at least an acre of land. (this was required and verified by the forest service) So, the low cost, no minimum, and no requirement of land space- really helps anyone who wants to do reforestation, start guilds, reclamation "stuff" etc etc.


I will be honest, a lot of species are gone- but there is still a lot of good stuff, that due to getting the "inside scoop" from lovely Carol the Forest Ranger Boss Lady, (did I mention she was really nice?) there is a fair share of items, and I would encourage anyone in the NM area to go to the sale.

I tried to make mental notes of what I think will still be available for the super sale.


If you go to their site : http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SFD/treepublic/ConservationSeedlings.html and click on the green box that says "view seedling lists" you will see all the species they offer.

I know that all the "packages" listed on the site- are long gone. so forget about those.

***from what I could see, this is what is going to be there:

Afghanistan Pine
Pinon
Apache Plume
Big Sagebrush
Desert Mountain Mahogany
Rio Grande Cottonwood
ServiceBerry
Mountain Snowberry
Hoptree
Spruce (various)
Shrubby Cinquefoil
Rocky Mountain Juniper
I think she might have some Currants but I am not sure


please check the site, though, I am not sure if Carol is updating the quantities since the sale is over. I have enclosed screen shots of the varieties they sell, as I am going to be an early bird next year, so I can get more nitrogen fixers, they are a nice size- I think if any of these plants hold any interest and you have a few hours, and can get to Santa Fe, it is a great opportunity to get some nice sized plants really cheap, and grown sustainably- also helps fund programs for conservation and to fight forest fires (Smokey the Bear approves of your purchase!)


The bare root plants I bought (Manchurian Apricot, Choke Cherry, Nanking Cherry, Golden Currant) are nice. very healthy and I'm excited to plant them.......today. oh god, I gotta go. ha ha. but I just had to share this info, as with the super sale, these prices are awesome, and I think it can really help Permies in this area (especially beginners) in getting their landscapes and microclimates in shape.

I took some photographs while I was there too... for "mood"... I loved how the greenhouse smelled of the most delicious pine.


So once again, the Sale is THURS/FRI 8:30-1 and then 2-4:30

link to MAP to the "TREEHOUSE"

http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SFD/treepublic/TreeHouse.html

, it is really easy to find if you are a local. Go down Cerillos til you see the horrible-mart (walmart) make a left, drive for awhile in a nice midcentury bungalow styled neighborhood till you hit Call Princess Juana- turn right, and drive, and you run into the Forestry Department. I said to Carol, when I saw the map, I though "oh great, I am going to get sooooo lost" (as NM has really "interesting" roads, no cell service often in the middle of cities (for no reason), and a lot of roads aren't even labeled...) but I think they did this for folks from out of town.


I am sending a few friends down there, and may show up myself, I'll post if I am going. Hope to see you if I do, and if I don't, hope you get some great, cheap plants!