Colorado State University’s Twilight Garden Series to Feature Local Gardening Experts

FORT COLLINS – Gardeners of any ability can learn from professionals during the annual Twilight Garden Series, three programs on a variety of gardening topics, with an emphasis on practical information and an informal format.

The series, consisting of three, two-hour workshops, will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 5, June 19 and July 10 at the Colorado State University Plant Environmental Research Center, or PERC, at 630 W. Lake St. on the southwest side of campus. Reservations are not necessary.

Topics of the first workshop on June 5 will center on special area design. "Size Considerations: Hell Strips" will be discussed by Zach Johnson of Colorado State’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture; "Site Exposure: Sun/Shade" will be covered by Fred Haberecht of Colorado State’s Facilities Management; and "Plant Selection for Small Landscapes" will be discussed by Sandy Schlicht of Alpine Gardens.

Workshops on June 19 will cover water-smart irrigation. New irrigation technology will be discussed by Tony Cure of Ewing Irrigation Products; "Water Audits: Water Pressure and Scheduling" will be discussed by Dan Fuhrman of Fuhrman Landscaping; and "Subsurface Irrigation" will be covered by Steve Mill of Mill Irrigation.

On July 10, programs will focus on environmental gardening. "Alternative Pest Control: Weeds, Diseases, Insects, Moles" will be presented by Phil Phelan of Bath Nursery and Garden Center; "Sustainable Gardening Practices: Natural Fertilizers" will be discussed by Jennifer Bousselot from Colorado State’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture; and master gardener and composter John Anderson will cover the best ways to compost.

The series is sponsored by Colorado State’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State Extension and the City of Fort Collins’ horticulture program.

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 unpredictable weather.

For more information, call (970) 491-7019 or visit online at www.hla.colostate.edu.

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