The lavender around Broomfield has been stunning this summer, including this Munstead English Lavender in Broomfield's Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. Lavender is popular with bees and crafters alike, especially now as the season draws to an end. |
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Controlling Japanese Beetle
Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) is an invasive scarab beetle that was accidentally introduced to the United States over a century ago. This strikingly colored but unpopular pest is less abundant and causes less damage in Colorado than in parts of the eastern United States, but nonetheless, Japanese Beetle numbers and questions have been increasing in Broomfield.
Japanese Beetles cause garden damage in two ways. In the spring, the larval stage grubs chew on grass roots, and this root damage can lead to drought stress and even plant death in heavy infestations. This time of year, adult beetles are active and can be easily seen chewing on leaves and flowers. They feed between the veins of leaves, a pattern that makes the leaves look lacey, or “skeletonized.” Japanese Beetles can cause damage on a wide range of plants, but as a relatively new pest, information on their feeding preferences will continue to develop. A few of their favorites are roses, grapes and beans. You can help build this knowledge base by completing the Japanese Beetle Feeding Preferences Survey.
One of the most effective ways to control Japanese Beetles is to hand pick them off of your plants. This is most easily done in the morning or evening. Simply drop the beetles into a jar or can of water mixed with a small amount of dish soap or detergent. Yellow traps that attract Japanese Beetles are very effective in doing their job. However, in areas (like ours) where Japanese Beetles are already well established, research shows that plant damage is not reduced by these traps because they actually attract more beetles to your yard to feed. These traps are also very attractive to bees, another reason to avoid them.
In cases where hand picking or planting less attractive plants are not options, there are insecticides labeled for use on Japanese Beetles. However, it’s up to you to protect our pollinators. Always read and follow product labels in full and never apply insecticides to flowering plants that are visited by pollinators.
View the resources section below for more Japanese Beetle information, including the “Japanese Beetle Plant Damage List,” which is based on observations from the gardening public and will be updated annually.
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Coming Soon: a new way to sign up for CSU Extension programs in Broomfield! |
An exciting change is happening with Library, Arts and History, and CSU Extension programs and reservations. Beginning Aug. 1, users will be able to register for programs, reserve the Eisenhower room, and reserve study rooms in a streamlined way. The new system, Compass, features an easy-to-use calendar that allows users to register for these free programs without an account or log in.
Stop by the library on Aug. 1 for a demo of this new tool.
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New Ag. in the Classroom Curriculum |
Colorado State University and the 4-H STEM AmeriCorps program have developed a brand new agriculture literacy curriculum for 3rd to 5th graders. With topics like seasonal agriculture, plant and animal systems and even agricultural business, the D.I.G.S. Curriculum has engaging STEM and career exploration activities you can use in the classroom or at home. Download the entire curriculum for free on the CSU Office of Engagement and Extension website.
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Help Select Colorado’s Top Flowers
Each year, industry experts evaluate annuals and perennials at the CSU Flower Trial Garden, helping determine which new plants will be available at retailers throughout the state. Be a part of this important process during Public Evaluation Day on Saturday, Aug. 6! Participants can view and judge over 1,400 flowers from 9 a.m. to noon at 1401 Remington St. in Fort Collins. Check out the CSU Source article for more information and important know-before-you-go details. Can’t make Public Evaluation Day? The Trial Garden is open to the public any time.
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STEM Activity: S'Mores Solar Oven!
When life gives you a heat wave, make s'mores! Designed for grades 4-5, this activity is a sample from CSU's new D.I.G.S. curriculum described above. (Scroll down to page 4 of activity for instructions!)
Find other STEM activities on the Broomfield CSU Extension website.
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Cottage Food Safety Training
Offered by Colorado State University Extension, this nationally-recognized training program covers the specifics of the Colorado Cottage Food Act and how to safely operate a food business from a home kitchen. The $50 online class is next offered on the following dates:
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Gardening Programs from CSU Extension
All educational events are free to the public, but some require advance registration. Click on specific links for more information.
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Ask a Master Gardener!
Broomfield Master Gardeners are now available in person to answer horticulture-related questions at convenient community locations:
Master Gardeners have walk-in hours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the CSU Extension Office in the Broomfield Library. Prefer a call-back? You may leave a message anytime on the Master Gardener Helpline at 303.464.5554, or submit your question(s) using this online form.
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Check out What's New on the Broomfield CSU Extension website
for more upcoming events!
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2022 Fall Program Guide
Discover all the great things Broomfield has to offer including classes, programs, services, and more in the 2022 Fall Broomfield Program Guide! The guide covers programs and events in September - December and will hit mailboxes starting today. This edition features LIbrary, Arts and History’s New registration software, Compass!
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FlexRide Free Fare Summer
Help Broomfield expand transportation options across the city and county for FREE this summer! Try out the curb-to-curb service offered Monday through Saturday through August. Coverage area incudes much of southern Broomfield (south of 144th Ave.), with the goal to work with RTD to expand north based on increased ridership!
Call 303.299-6000 or download the RTD FlexRide app to book a trip. For more information, visit Broomfield.org/FreeFare. Not served by RTD FlexRide or other RTD routes? Tell Broomfield about your transportation needs here.
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Reach out to CSU Extension in Broomfield
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Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Colorado State University Extension,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Colorado counties cooperating.
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