Volunteer Spotlight: Janet Brophy | |
Colorado Master Gardener℠ (CMG) volunteers are a dedicated group of individuals who are knowledgeable and passionate about sharing gardening, landscape and horticulture education. This month we are highlighting Janet Brophy. | |
|
When and why did you join the Colorado Master Gardener program?
Gardening is in my blood. My grandfather was well-known for his gladiola and dahlia displays in his Michigan garden, and my father spent many of his weekends playing out in the garden and yard. We were instructed to save all kinds of organic “waste” from the kitchen to be delivered to the huge compost pile he tended in the woods behind our house. I have fond memories of cutting zinnias and digging for potatoes in my maternal grandmother’s back yard in Illinois. My mother was so joyful with her coral-colored geraniums and white impatiens displayed every summer.
| |
|
|
Engaging Curious Minds
By Becky Clemons, Colorado Master Gardener
| |
The Clayton Elementary School Community Garden is located in Englewood and serves students in grades K-6. The garden is a special place for students to enhance their learning experiences during the different seasons. | |
Wonder and delight in the garden. Photos: Becky Clemons | Early spring, master gardeners present gardening classes to each grade level. They introduce topics such as pollinators, plant needs, parts of a plant, plant life cycle, composting, native plants, and heirloom vs. hybrid plants. Student activities include reading seed packets, learning about the miracle of a seed, and how to start seeds for their garden plots. | |
|
Popular Houseplants for Beginners
By Sarah Henderson, Colorado Master Gardener
| |
|
Growing houseplants has become a popular hobby in recent years. I have been growing, caring for, and killing houseplants (accidentally) since I lived in a dorm room. I’ve learned a lot of what NOT to do, and I’m still learning what TO do.
A common mistake occurs when people buy a plant from a nursery that is simply not suited to their home and lifestyle. It is important to consider what level of care you can provide. Do you travel frequently? Place a new plant where you will enjoy it, remember to care for it, and in a location that meets its needs according to its care requirements.
| |
Spider plant, Photo: hort.extension.wisc.edu | |
New Vegetable and Flower Introductions | We are pleased to have guest author, Yvette Henson, CSU Extension Director in San Miguel County, contribute a timely article on upcoming vegetable varieties for the new year. Thank you, Yvette! | |
|
Yvette Henson
CSU Extension Director, San Miguel County
| |
It’s that time of year again: Garden seed catalogs are arriving in mailboxes, post office boxes or email inboxes. Most seed companies highlight new introductions for the year. I recently attended a webinar about veggie introductions for 2024 and wanted to share some of the new varieties that were mentioned. As a CSU Extension employee, I cannot recommend one seed company or variety over another. This is simply to inspire you to try something new. Do your own research with your own growing goals, your own specific growing conditions, and your favorite seed companies in mind. | |
|
Colorado Garden and Home Show -
A Warm, Bright Spot during a Cold Winter
By Dawn Fradkin, Horticulture Programs Coordinator and Assistant Horticulturist
| |
CSU Extension Booth at the Colorado Garden and Home Show, Photo: Lisa Mason | |
January is that time of year when the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over and the realization hits that we still have many more weeks (and sometimes months) of winter left to get through. For Colorado gardeners this is a tough time of year, and we plow through the snowy days thinking about our spring gardens and planning for the upcoming growing season. It’s also the time of year when you should mark your calendars to attend the annual Colorado Garden and Home Show, to help with your garden inspiration. There’s nothing better than walking through gardens filled with scented, colorful blossoms during a cold Colorado February. | |
|
Native Plants Invite Birds to Your Garden
By Carol Gilmore, Colorado Master Gardener
| |
Spotted Towhee, Photo: Carol Gilmore © | |
Did you know that February is National Bird Feeding month? The proclamation was read in Congress on February 23, 1994 and the month was designated because February is one of the most difficult months for birds to survive. Offering food, water and shelter is a great way to aid native birds through the difficulties of winter and enjoy birdwatching in your own backyard. | |
|
I Didn't Know That!
By Brenda Francis, Colorado Master Gardener
| |
Interactive map, https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov | |
USDA Zone Changes
The United States Department of Agriculture released an updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM) in 2023. The new PHZM shows western Arapahoe County has warmed to zone 6a and the eastern side of the county has warmed to zone 5b. These new regional averages are five degrees warmer than ten years ago.
The PHZM reflects average temperatures. Calculations include the lowest temperatures, but do not use the coldest readings as a baseline. Average lows for zone 6a are -5°F to -10°F. Average lows for zone 5b are -10°F to -15°F.
A prolonged cold snap below the PHZM average can destroy shallow rooted perennials and damage other woody plants. Expect some trial and error when using plants rated for our new, warmer PHZM average lows.
| | |
|  |
PHONE
(303) 730-1920
EMAIL
mastergardener@arapahoegov.com
LOCATION
6934 S. Lima St., Suite B
Centennial, CO 80112
| | |
Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider. | Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. | CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension ensures meaningful access and equal opportunities to participate to individuals whose first language is not English. Colorado State University Extension es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. | Colorado State University no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad y se compromete a proporcionar adaptaciones razonables. | Office of Engagement and Extension de CSU garantiza acceso significativo e igualdad de oportunidades para participar a las personas quienes su primer idioma no es el inglés. | | | | |
