Colorado State University Hosts Twilight Garden Series for Local Gardeners

Gardeners in the Fort Collins and surrounding communities have the opportunity to learn how to plant and manage fragrant plants, and work xeric plants in landscapes, as well as understand water conservation tactics and how current research projects at Colorado State University’s Environmental Research Center will help their own landscapes at the annual Twilight Garden Series.

The series, consisting of three, two-hour workshops, will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on June 7, June 21 and July 12 at the Colorado State University Plant Environmental Research Center, or PERC, at 630 W. Lake St. at the southwest corner of campus.

The topic of first workshop on June 7, Twilight Garden Tour: Walking tour of the Plant Environmental Research Center facilities, includes presentations from Colorado State faculty and staff from the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Jim Klett, professor and Cooperative Extension specialist, will speak about the research on woody plants in the university’s arboretum. Tony Koski, Colorado State Cooperative Extension specialist and professor in horticulture and landscape architecture, will discuss research on ways to best manage lawns so they will thrive in Front Range conditions. Deb Guenther and Frank Stonaker, researchers within the department, will discuss organic vegetable gardening, and experts also will share information about the water requirements of shrubs.

Fragrant Gardening, on June 21, will focus on fragrances in the garden and design ideas and tips to highlight plants for their scents. Bill Horner with the rose society will share tips for growing roses and Allison Sheldon from the Fort Collins Nursery will discuss fragrant perennials. Sue Oberle, owner of Oberle Botanical, will discuss potpourri fragrances and ideas for displaying potpourri.

The final workshop, July 12, will provide information for working xeric plants into a landscape. Irene Shonle, Cooperative Extension agent from Gilpin County, will provide information about using Colorado’s native plants in landscaping. Klett will discuss using plants in the Plant Select program, a program designed to find and distribute the best plants for gardens located in the high plains to the intermountain region. He’ll also share information about the plants added to the Plant Select list this year. Jack Fetig from Fossil Creek Nursery will speak on ornamental grasses.

The series is sponsored by Colorado State University’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State Cooperative Extension and the city of Fort Collins.

Admission to one workshop is $5 for a single event or $10 for the entire series; pre-registration is not required. Refreshments, snacks and door prizes will be given. Workshops are held outdoors, rain or shine, so participants are asked to dress appropriately for the unpredictable weather.  For more information, call (970) 491-7019.

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