Happy Independence Day! You can find these red, white and blue perennials (and more!) in the Broomfield Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. From left to right: Vermilion Bluffs® Mexican sage, Shasta Daisy, and Mongolian Bells® clematis. Stop by the garden at 7 p.m. on July 19 for a guided tour by Broomfield Master Gardeners and CSU Extension. |
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Landscape Reminders for a Wet Spring and Dry Summer
Summer is officially here, and the weather has been an especially wild (and wet!) ride. While there are many benefits to enjoy from the increased precipitation, some gardeners have questions about unfamiliar issues.
CSU Professor and Extension Turf Specialist, Tony Koski, answers questions on many gardeners' minds, like “Are the mushrooms growing in your lawn bad?” and “What’s with all the weeds and nightcrawlers?” in this CSU Source article.
Although you can celebrate the delay in turning on your irrigation, water use will remain an important issue throughout the season. Most Colorado households use about 50% of their water outdoors, and reducing water waste in the landscape can make a big impact. City and County of Broomfield partners with Resource Central to offer free sprinkler evaluations through Slow the Flow Colorado. Evaluations include an inspection of irrigation system components, a custom watering schedule, overview of your irrigation controls, and a detailed report. Request your evaluation today using this online form, or by calling 303-999-3824.
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Q. Why are the conifers in my yard browning?
A. You're not alone! The severe browning is likely due to our cold winter this year. We had one of the coldest winters in the past 20 years and conifers have shown some of that damage. If you see needles that are browned (especially at the tips), it’s likely winter burn. Watering in the winter can help, but only if dry winds and warm temperatures are at play (as they weren’t last year). Browning is usually masked by new growth in the spring.
Here's some additional online reading:
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A.I. Ag Robots: Coming Soon to a Farm Near You |
In the not-so-distant future, as Colorado fruit and vegetable growers continue their struggle to find enough farm workers to weed and harvest their produce, a once unthinkable option is on the table. The latest crop of agricultural robots are beginning to fill the gaps left by farm labor shortages.
“The technology might seem totally sci-fi,” says Adrian Card, CSU Extension’s statewide specialty crop expert, “but that future is already here; it’s becoming a reality.”
Colorado farmers got a first-hand look at autonomous weeding technologies earlier in June at the CSU Arkansas Valley Research Station in Rocky Ford. Learn more...
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Spice it Up (with herbs)!
Looking for ways to use the herbs you've been growing this summer? Inspired by a recent Family Learn and Grow class at Brunner, this handout includes DIY ideas for making herbal butter, herb-flavored vinegar, and minty pink lemonade.
Check out Garden Notes 731 for research-based information on growing your own herbs! |
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Transform Your Thirsty Lawn
Broomfield residents can apply to receive up to $500 off lawn removal services to help transform a thirsty lawn into a beautiful, low-water landscape. Check out the new Lawn Replacement Program managed by Resource Central for discounts when you remove a section of lawn. Learn more at Broomfield.org/SaveWater.
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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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Free Gardening Programs
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:
- Saturday, July 8, 9 am–12pm, Westminster O'Toole's
- Tuesday, July 11, 4-7 pm, Broomfield Farmers' Market
- Saturday, July 15, 9:30 am–12:30 pm, Broomfield Library (lobby)
- Tuesday, July 25, 4-7 pm, Broomfield Farmers' Market
Master Gardeners have walk-in hours from 9:30 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 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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Master Gardeners Teaching the Next Generation!
Congratulations and thank you to CSU Extension volunteers for completing another successful year of "Dragon School" in the Boulder Valley School District. Each year Broomfield Master Gardeners develop and present hands-on, horticulture-related lessons to 3rd-5th graders at the Backyard Biology & Beyond after-school program at a local elementary school. Using the Junior Master Gardener curriculum, volunteers teach the science behind gardening and help raise students’ awareness of gardening-related life skills, careers, service projects, and leadership opportunities. Here are samples of the students' creative pollinator projects:
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If you're interested in becoming a Master Gardener in Broomfield,
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Great American Picnic
Celebrate Independence Day with family, friends and neighbors at Broomfield’s 2023 Great American picnic! Starting at 5 p.m. at the Broomfield County Commons Park, the Great American Picnic will be fun for the whole family featuring two beer gardens, inflatables for kids and food vendors serving your favorite treats.
Join Broomfield for the one-of-a-kind Bike Parade at 5:45 p.m. Live music begins at 6 p.m. The evening ends earlier this year with fireworks scheduled to launch at 9:15 p.m. For details about regulations, schedule and more, visit Broomfield.org/GreatAmericanPicnic.
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The Summer Concert Series is Back!
Get ready to join us for unforgettable evenings of music, food, and family fun. This year's lineup promises to be one of the best yet, featuring an incredible range of talent, from touring bands to local Salsa groups, grammy award-winning performers, and world-class trumpeters. No matter what your musical tastes may be, we've got something to satisfy every ear.
There will be bicycle valets at this year’s Summer Concert Series. Broomfield encourages attendees to walk or bike to the concert events this summer. Park your bicycles at the Broomfield Bike Valet while you enjoy the pre-show festivities presented by the Broomfield Library and Broomfield Council on the Arts and Humanities, the amazing food trucks and the fantastic music! Learn More
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Participate in the Broomfield 100!
The Broomfield 100 is a challenge to complete 15 Broomfield Trails and activities. Enjoy the great outdoors, get exercise, and learn about Broomfield's extensive trail system, all to earn a prize! Share the wonders of the great outdoors with your loved ones and ‘check in’ on the Online Passport. For more information visit: Broomfield.org/Broomfield100
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Eat the Rainbow this Summer with WIC!
There are two incredible ways to get fresh fruits and veggies this summer through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. WIC participants can get free produce at the Broomfield Farmers' Market every week from June 13 - Sept. 26, and can also sign up for free produce delivery from Miller Farms! Learn more about these programs and sign up for WIC at Broomfield.org/WIC.
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Reach out to CSU Extension in Broomfield
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Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider. | Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. | CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension ensures meaningful access and equal opportunities to participate to individuals whose first language is not English.
Colorado State University Extension es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. | Colorado State University no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad y se compromete a proporcionar adaptaciones razonables. | Office of Engagement and Extension de CSU garantiza acceso significativo e igualdad de oportunidades para participar a las personas quienes su primer idioma no es el inglés.
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