SEPTEMBER GARDEN NEWS 

News Briefs

Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches
     With the arrival of autumn, several corn mazes and pumpkin patches will open.  Most places offer a number of fun activities for the family.  For details visit the Colorado Proud website at www.coloradoproud.org later this month.  Scroll to "For Consumers" and click on Agritourism Activities and then on Corn Mazes/Pumpkin Patches.

Flower Trials
     Don't miss the beautiful flower trial gardens in Fort Collins this month.  Located on College Ave. and Lake St., the annuals garden features hundreds of plants being grown and evaluated by the CSU horticulture department in conjunction with the green industry.  You will find bedding plants, containers, shade plants and sun plants. Flower trials for perennials are across the street. Be sure to take your camera!  The site is open to the public and is free. For information see www.flowertrials.colostate.edu. 

New Book Release
     On the Roof of the Rocky Mountains, a new book celebrating the accomplishments of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, became available in late June and can be ordered online at www.bettyfordalpinegardens.org.  All proceeds will benefit the work of the Gardens. 

Feed the Needy
     As you plant and harvest your vegetables, you are encouraged to plant a bit extra and then donate the vegetables to local food banks.  CSU Extension has information about organizations that accept donations of produce as well as helpful gardening tips at www.growgive.extension.colostate.edu.  Also, the Plant It Forward program with the Food Bank for Larimer County is collecting produce dropped off at The Gardens of Spring Creek.

Art Displays at Denver Botanic Gardens
     The Freyer-Norman Center Galleries feature art exhibits at Denver Botanic Gardens. They are included with admission to the Gardens. See www.botanicgardens.org for details.
     "Of Sky and Ground: Yoshitomo Saito" -- an exhibit of bronze works -- will run from July 24th to Nov. 28th.  Guided tours and lectures in conjunction with the exhibit will be offered. "Fervor: Ana Maria Hernando" exhibit takes place Sept. 11th - Jan. 2nd.

Colorado Proud
     For recipes, a Colorado crop calendar, information on farmer's markets, and a list of agritourism events (agricultural festivals, fairs, etc.) visit www.coloradoproud.org.

Gardening Classes Available Online
     Due to Covid-19, some public gardens and garden centers are now offering garden classes online rather than hosting in-person classes on site.  This offers gardeners a terrific opportunity to hear from local garden experts you might otherwise not be able to see without having to drive a long distance.  Take advantage of these classes in the comfort of your home!  See our What's Happening page for a list of classes.

Gardening Books on Sale
     Colorado Gardening is closing out its garden bookstore and has reduced the price of the gardening books that we offer for sale.  Please see our Garden Books page for some real bargains on some great books for gardeners.

Public Gardens
     Denver Botanic Gardens, DBG at Chatfield Farms, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Hudson Gardens, Western Colorado Botanical Gardens and The Gardens on Spring Creek are open.  Some of these gardens are limiting visits to a capped number of visitors who must purchase timed tickets online.  Please see their websites for important details regarding what features are open/closed, new procedures to be followed, etc.

Rose Art Photography Book
     Stan Griep, aka Stan the Rose Man, has a lovely book available for those who love roses.  Stan is a Master Rosarian who has spent years growing roses, showing roses at rose shows, and answering questions about roses (including for our Colorado Gardening website visitors).  Please check out his book at https://www.blurb.com/b/9555678-stans-rose-art-photography-portfolio.

Plant Select Selections
   The latest plants to earn the Plant Select designation have been announced.  Plant Select is a cooperative program administered by Colorado State University, Denver Botanic Gardens, and landscape and nursery professionals throughout the region.  It annually recommends plants that have been tested and found to be especially suited to gardens in the Rocky Mountain and Plains states.  For detailed descriptions and photos of the plants please see www.plantselect.org.
     An additional feature is the Plant Select Petites program which showcases plants of smaller stature.  The program also promotes innovative ways to utilize these plants, such as in troughs, rock gardens, patio gardens, fairy gardens and containers.  See www.plantselectpetites.org for additional information and to see photos of the plants.

Gardening Problems or Questions???
Answers for Gardeners
     CSU Extension Service answers gardening questions by e-mail.  Go to www.ext.colostate.edu and click on "Ask an Expert" in the menu.  You may also call your county's CSU Extension Service office with questions. 
     Most garden centers have expert, experienced staff who can provide gardening advice.  Some garden centers also offer diagnostic centers where you can bring in samples of unhealthy plants.
     Master Gardeners are available through Denver Botanic Gardens to answer questions.  From November through March you can contact them from 12 - 4 p.m. on Tuesdays. From April through October you can contact them on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 12 - 4 p.m.  You may reach them by phone at 720-865-3575, or by e-mail at gardeninghelp@botanicgardens.org.

Jeffco Plant Clinic
     Bring plant and turf samples M - F, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. for help with diagnosis of disease, identification of insects, plant identification and plant and pest management recommendations.  The clinic is located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Golden.  Call 303-271-6620 for directions or information.  Some services and tests have a small fee.

NoCo Bloom
     Gardeners in Northern Colorado have a resource for gardening information.  Colorado State University, Larimer County CSU Extension and the Gardens on Spring Creek are working collaboratively to publish NoCo Bloom.  Four issues will be published annually: March, May, July and September.  You will find this free publication at garden centers, community centers, public gardens and the Larimer County Extension office.  See it online at www.fcgov.com/gardens.

Call Before You Dig
     Are you planting trees, building fences or doing other landscape projects that require digging or excavating?  Call 811 before you dig.  Pipeline companies and other utilities will mark the location of their lines at no cost to you. For additional information see www.digsafe.com.

Emerald Ash Borer
     The discovery of Emerald Ash Borers in Boulder is alarming many people, due to the highly destructive nature of this pest. For accurate, up-to-date information please see www.eabcolorado.com, a website set up by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Sadly, this pest has spread to several parts of Boulder County and nearby areas.

Mountain Pine Beetle
     The Mountain Pine Beetle is gaining additional attention now that it is invading populated areas along the Front Range.  "Catastrophic" damage is predicted.  For information on this pest, including tips on how to prevent and control it, please see the article "Mountain Pine Beetle" at www.extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/mountain-pine-beetle-5-528. 

Do Your Part to Corral Tree Pests/Diseases
   Firewood often harbors pests and diseases.  You can do your part to limit their spread to new areas by using only local firewood.  Do not transport firewood across state lines.

FireWise Communities
     Homeowners are reminded of the need to take special caution with landscapes in areas that are likely to be threatened by fire.  FireWise Communities is a highly informative website with lots of helpful information for people who live in fire-prone areas.  Visit the website at www.firewise.org.

Seedling Tree Program
     The Colorado State Forest Service seedling nursery program allows landowners to obtain trees at a nominal cost. To successfully achieve conservation goals landowners are encouraged to plant new forests, restore land after natural disasters such as fires or floods, establish effective windbreaks that reduce erosion, protect homes, cropland and livestock, and enhance wildlife habitat. Trees and shrubs are grown at the CSFS nursery for conservation benefits only. See https://csfs.colostate.edu/seedling-tree-nursery.