family activities
Welcome Spring with greenery Learn about designing and growing a garden in your space LEA HANSON
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lthough northern Colorado is still covered in snow when spring begins, most of us are ready for warmer weather, spring rainfall, and blooming plants. Planning family visits to northern Colorado gardens gets us in the mood for spring as well as helps us start planning our own home gardens. TOUR TREASURE ISLAND DEMONSTRATION GARDEN (WINDSOR) Group tours can be easily arranged by calling 303-726-7634. Tours can have a specific focus such as Plant Select©, xeric© gardening, or vegetables. Or they can be simple walk-throughs to see what is growing and blooming. Parking is available beside the road for cars or small group buses. Tours are accessible to all abilities; most of the garden can be viewed from paved surfaces. PURCHASE A GARDEN IN A BOX (GREELEY) The City of Greeley partners with Center for ReSource Conservation to support the community’s commitment to water conservation. Whether you are looking to redesign a portion of your yard, attract bees and butterf lies, or simply increase your curb appeal, Garden In A Box makes it fun and easy to feel like a master gardener. These do-ityourself garden kits come with 1530 started plans, a Plant and Care Guide, and plant by number maps. Greeley water customers are eligible for a $25 discount while supplies last. Go online to learn more (www. greeleygov.com/services/ws/home/ blog/water/2017/03/14/GIAB_Sale). SUPPORT LOVELAND YOUTH GARDENERS (LOVELAND) This nonprofit is dedicated to cultivating job and life skills, 10
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Attend a Gardens on Spring Creek Event
There are events all year long, but things start to really get rolling in the spring months. Some events this month include: March 2: Seed Starting Made Simple Carnegie Center for Creativity, 200 Mathews St. (West of Old Town Library) 10am—noon
March 16: Interpreting and Using Your Soil Science Test Carnegie Center for Creativity 200 Mathews St., 1pm—3pm
March 9: High Plains Landscape Workshop Drake Center, 802 W Drake Rd. 8:15am—3pm
March 23: An Introduction to Medicinal Plants Carnegie Center for Creativity, 200 Mathews St., 10am—noon
March 16: Grown Your Own Veggies Carnegie Center for Creativity 200 Mathews St., 10am—noon
March 23: Planting for Pollinators Class will be held at the Carnegie Center for Creativity, 200 Mathews St. 1pm—3pm
environmental stewardship, and service in youth. Existing since 1996, LYG offers youth education programs for ages 3-21; most programs focus on and raise money for at-risk and special-needs students in the Loveland community. While LYG offers few events, the organization is willing and able to make connections and set-up experiences as needed for those who either have special needs or are facing unique barriers in life as well as those who want to support these populations. Visit https:// lovelandyouthgardeners.org for more information.
VISIT THE CSU ARBORETUM (FORT COLLINS) The arboretum at CSU in Fort Collins (https://landscapeplants.agsci. colostate.edu/arboretum/) has the largest collections of woody plants in the region with over 1,100 different taxa represented. New plants are continually being added and evaluated in the collection. Although campus construction has altered the size of the arboretum, and sometimes location of the taxa within the space, new and exciting developments continue to happen. Go online to view annual reports that can be used as an educational guide for your next visit.