Volunteer Spotlight: Donnetta Wilhelm | | |
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 Donnetta Wilhelm. | |
When did you join the Colorado Master Gardener program and why did you join?
I joined in 2006. My motives were self-serving at the time, as every single thing in our landscape was failing to thrive or on the cusp of death. In searching for answers, I found horticulture solutions offered through CSU Extension, which led me to the CMG Program. Once I learned how to do things correctly and our landscape flourished, I wanted to teach others how to do the same.
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2023 Colorado Garden and Home Show - A Preview
By Dawn Fradkin, Arapahoe County Master Gardener Coordinator and Assistant Horticulturist
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Are you ready for a jolt of spring color and some garden inspiration? Then mark your calendars for the 2023 Colorado Garden and Home Show, February 4-12, 2023. It promises to be another great event – a favorite among Coloradans and master gardener volunteers alike. This year, the CSU Extension Garden will focus on important aspects of waterwise gardening. Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver and Douglas counties, as well as Plant Select, have been busy collaborating, planning and designing the garden under the leadership of Dr. Klett. He just retired and leaves behind an incredible legacy. Here is an interview with him, and a sneak peek of the garden. | |
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Beyond the Obvious
By Donnetta Wilhelm, Colorado Master Gardener
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“Take two cacti and call me in the morning,” says the Ohio State University Wexler Medical Center website. Medical science has shown that indoor plants in the home create a healthier environment, improve mood, lower stress and anxiety, aid in a sense of purpose and responsibility, and improve mindfulness which prevents anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Houseplants can also enhance a living space, adding texture, majesty, and grace. Larger plants can provide a flair that a piece of furniture would never be able to accomplish. | |
Illustration: freedesignfile.com | |
Where Do Bees Go in the Winter? | I have been asked a few times this season what happens to the bees in the winter. Bees and other insects have special adaptations so their species survives from year to year. Here is a look at bee adaptations and life cycles in the wintertime. | A frame from a honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony full of capped honey and capped brood. Photo: Lisa Mason. | |
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Lisa Mason
CSU Extension Horticulture Agent
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Planting Bulbs in Containers for Spring Blooms
By Carol Gilmore, Colorado Master Gardener
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Photo: Flowerpatchfarmhouse.com | |
Are you ready for a spectacular movable display of flowers that are easy care and can be placed in the best spot for a spectacular exhibition? Try planting bulbs in pots or containers in the fall or winter so they can be easily moved to add a splash of color where it will be on the best display. | |
Planting bulbs in pots or bulb vases and having them bloom indoors in the dark of winter has brightened many households. Grow bulbs of paperwhites, tulips or amaryllis indoors to brighten the winter doldrums or place them in pots and display them outdoors in spring. | |
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Sustainability Begins at the Compost Pile
By Judy Kunz, Colorado Master Gardener
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Illustration: freepik.com | |
There’s no doubt about it. Our native soils are frequently less than ideal when it comes to gardening. That black, crumbly soil that falls apart when squeezed in our hands may occur in other parts of the country, but, for the most part, it just doesn’t naturally exist here. While our Front Range soils usually contain many of the nutrients needed for healthy plants, heavy clay with small soil particles, meager pore space and low organic content can be a gooey substance that leaves little oxygen for plant roots to thrive. | |
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What's Bugging Your Lawn?
By Pam Rosendal, Colorado Master Gardener
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Mite damage to lawn, Photo: Colorado Springs Gazette | |
It’s January. What could possibly be bugging your lawn? It’s the middle of winter, after all. Surprisingly, mites are active in winter and may be damaging lawns while you’re indoors enjoying a mug of hot chocolate.
Mites are tiny, smaller than a pinhead, spiders making themselves at home in the lawn. In Colorado, the three most common mites are: banks grass mites, clover mites and brown wheat mites. It’s the clover mites and brown wheat mites that are most active from February through May. They cause lawn damage by sucking moisture from grass blades. We’ve all seen the result come spring with yellow or brown patches that don’t green up with the rest of the lawn. Most often, the damage is found on south- or west-facing slopes. With severe mite damage, the turf may need to be renovated or replaced.
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I Didn't Know That!
By Judy Cale, Colorado Master Gardener
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February is National Bird Feeding month. Many believe that birds need to be supplied with supplemental food in the winter. However, did you know that birds can feed on berries and seeds that your native plants produce? Excellent examples include the black-eyed Susan, coneflowers, sunflowers, goldenrod, etc. Also grasses such as Sideoats Grama, Blue Grama and Indian Rice Grass contribute an abundance of seeds. Shrubs such as Blue Boy and Blue Girl holly, snowberry and smooth sumac provide shelter and berries for birds. Ensure you supply them with drinkable water too. This spring, consider planting an additional shrub, more native flowers or grasses. Birds will thank you. | |
Left, house finch in grasses, Photo: pinterest.com. Right, chickadee eating sunflower seeds, Photo: pinterest.fr. | | |
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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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CSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. | | | | |
