Volunteer Spotlight: Mark Overland | |
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 Mark Overland. | |
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When and why did you join the Colorado Master Gardener program?
I have known long-time Master Gardener Martha Kirk for many years, and she suggested that I would enjoy the program. When I retired, I had the program in mind as being a perfect fit to engage me physically, socially and intellectually. I was admitted to what became known as the “COVID class” of 2020. Given the unprecedented circumstances and our general unease about the situation, I thought the program might be canceled for the year, but the transition to remote learning was managed admirably, and I enjoyed it immensely.
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Got Plant or Insect Problems? We Can Help!
By Dawn Fradkin, Horticulture Programs Coordinator and Assistant Horticulturist
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Assorted landscape problems, Photos: Martha Kirk | |
Have you ever had a sick plant, found a new insect in the garden, or discovered a plant problem that you didn’t know what to do about? Perhaps a favorite tree started turning brown and dropping leaves in June. Maybe a prized rose suddenly started growing strange balls on its stems. A myriad of problems can arise in plants, and the issues that cause them can be as varied as the plants themselves. What’s a plant owner to do? Well, you’re in luck. Homeowners can bring in samples of their plant (or insect) problems to the Arapahoe County CSU Extension office for identification, diagnosis and recommendations. | |
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Create a Rainbow in the Garden and on Your Plate
By Paula Peirce, Colorado Master Gardener
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A rainbow of colorful vegetables, Photo: pixabay | |
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Gardeners know the joy of biting into the perfect tomato. We also love to watch plants grow, change and develop. It can all come together when we plant, grow, and eat food from a home vegetable garden or planter.
As we plan what to grow this year, consider planting a rainbow of colors in your garden. Everything we eat has a different mix of vitamins, minerals and healthy phytochemicals. The phytochemical pigments add vibrant colors to our food. The tried-and-true wisdom of eating a wide variety of foods is the first step toward getting all the vitamins and minerals we need to stay healthy. “Eating a rainbow” of colors is the next step to enhance our phytochemical intake and wellness.
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What's the BUZZ?
A New Report on Colorado Pollinators and You Can Help Support their Habitat!
| The Colorado legislature passed Senate Bill 22-199 which provided funding to the Colorado Department of Natural Resources to conduct an assessment on the health of pollinators in Colorado. Deryn Davidson, Sustainable Landscape Statewide Specialist at CSU Extension spearheaded the project in partnership with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, and the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History. Supporting partners also included state and federal agencies, researchers, scientists and land managers in Colorado. | |
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Lisa Mason
CSU Extension Horticulture Specialist
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Indispensable Tools for the Garden
By Lucinda Greene, Colorado Master Gardener Emeritus
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Are you new to gardening and looking to acquire the most efficient tools for the job? While specialty gardening projects like bonsai may require specific tools, this list is a good start to help you get through most outdoor perennial, shrub and vegetable garden tasks:
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Hori-Hori Knife: This Japanese garden knife is an all-purpose tool. Use it for digging small holes, transplanting seedlings, weeding, and other precision tasks.
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Weed Cultivator: Great for extracting those hard-to-manage sidewalk- and driveway-crack weeds. The narrow blade is also useful for cultivating between tight rows in the garden.
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Landscape Fabric - Yea or Nay?
By Carol Gilmore, Colorado Master Gardener
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Disheveled landscape fabric, Photo: gardenrant.com | |
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Gardeners love the plants in their gardens but hate the weeds that encroach on their favorite plants. In desperation and a dislike of getting on their knees to weed, they may turn to alternate solutions like landscape fabric.
We have learned more about landscape fabric over the years. It often does not do what it is supposed to do, especially over time – keep the weeds out. It can be effective in the short term, but within a few years, the pores can clog with dirt. This prevents water and air from getting to plant roots and allows weeds to germinate on top of the landscape fabric. As the fabric itself breaks down, weeds can grow right through the fabric.
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I Didn't Know That!
By Judy Kunz, Colorado Master Gardener
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Seed packets and testing, Photos: u.osu.edu | |
Seed Inventory Time
It can be discouraging to sow seeds in the spring with the hope of seeing the first leaves peek out of the soil, only to have nothing happen. Outdated seeds are frequently the culprits in this disappointing scenario. Taking the time to check seeds now and discarding those that are old or non-viable can save frustration and lost growing time in the garden later.
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PHONE
(303) 730-1920
EMAIL
mastergardener@arapahoegov.com
LOCATION
6934 S. Lima St., Suite B
Centennial, CO 80112
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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. | | | | |
