If you purchased an Autumn Sage or a Salvia Clevelandii from Boyce Thompson Arboretum in the past few years, chances are the seedling was propagated, potted and lovingly nurtured by the dedicated crew of green-thumbed volunteers from the Superstition Mountain Master Gardeners.

Carol Parrott and members of the Superstition Mountain Master Gardeners at work propagating seedlings at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. (Submitted photo)

You’ve probably met Carol, Elane, Genny or Chuck and Jeanne Ann when they help out at the Spring/Fall plant sales, too: answering questions and offering garden advice. Superstition Mountain Master Gardeners are offering even more as 2013 gets rolling: Feb. 2 they’ll debut a once-a-month series of desert horticulture classes at the Arboretum that are free to BTA annual members, and at no additional charge to our non-member visitors. No advance sign-up required, either!

Feb 2 brings an ‘Australian Plant Walkabout’ tour of Down Under plants with information about how wattle, mallee and emu can be used in Arizona gardens.

March 2 the topic is: ‘Right Plant, Right Place’ and the MGs will share their secrets of successful desert gardening and discuss choosing the right plant for the right place. Got shade? Sun? Sandy soil? Caliche? You’ll learn how picking the right plants and giving forethought to placement can solve the most common gardening problems.

April 6 brings ‘Herbs in your Garden’ and a presentation about medicinal and culinary use of herbs.

Learn more with a visit to ag.arizona.edu/bta; connect with staff, volunteer tourguides and more than 3,300 fans at  facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum.