Mongolian Bells (Clematis integrifolia) are a perennial favorite in Broomfield's Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. Look for them in the "Grandma's Garden" area. |
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Preparing Your Yard for Another Dry Summer
You may have had rain (and snow!) just last week, but don't be fooled. The area can expect another dry summer. Lawn watering practices can have a big impact on your home’s water use, and there are steps you can take to conserve water while improving the overall health of your landscape.
Water Less Often
Believe it or not, following this rule of thumb doesn't have to mean compromising on a great looking lawn. When you water your lawn just a bit every other day, for example, grass roots don’t have to dig very deep to find that water. When the grass begins to dry, in comes another shallow application of water, and the roots happily quench their thirst near the surface of the lawn. Instead, take your weekly water amount (or add up the total run time of your sprinklers) and split it up evenly into one or two days per week. Water will move down the soil profile, and grass roots will follow to find water when they need it. Deeper roots lead to a more drought resistant lawn, and you may even be able to reduce the overall amount of water needed. Pretty neat, huh?
Water at the Right Time
The best time to water your lawn is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. During this time period, less wind and cooler temperatures mean less evaporation and more bang for your irrigation buck. Avoid watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. when evaporation is highest, and skip an irrigation cycle when it rains.
Check for Water Waste
Broken or misadjusted sprinkler heads can quickly offset all your other efforts at efficient irrigation. Regularly check for any visible leaks and water spray or run-off outside of the lawn area. Take it a step further with an irrigation inspection offered free on a first come, first served basis for Broomfield residents, or skip the line and perform your own irrigation audit!
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CSU Announces Flower Trial Winners |
Each year, Colorado State University’s Annual Flower Trial Garden tests and analyzes the performance of more than 1,000 varieties of annual bedding plants in Colorado’s harsh growing conditions.
The results are in, and just in time to help gardeners identify the annual bedding plants most likely to succeed in home gardens. Learn more about CSU’s Flower Trial Garden — the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi — and the newest award winners.
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STEM Activity: Build a Nest for Native Bees
Bees need homes too! This activity designed for grades 2-8 shows ways to repurpose different household materials to create a nest for cavity nesting bees.
Check out instructions for this and other STEM activities on the Broomfield CSU Extension website.
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Become a Native Bee Watch Volunteer!
You can become a bee conservationist just by monitoring bees in your own backyard. No prior skills needed, and here are the five simple steps to get involved:
- Register at nativebeewatch.org
- Attend a training session or watch a virtual recording
- Study the Field Guide and other volunteer resources
- Take the identification quiz and score above 85%
- Begin monitoring in your backyard or nearby public garden and submit your data!
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Join the Seed Library
The Broomfield Seed Library is officially open! If you haven’t signed up yet, submit your Membership Form now so you can start borrowing (and donating!) seeds.
Look for the seed collection in the repurposed card catalog located on the second floor of the Broomfield Library. The selection varies depending on donations and seasonality, so you’ll want to check frequently to see what’s available.
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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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Gardening Classes from CSU Extension
All classes 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:
Master Gardeners have walk-in hours from 10 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(s) using this online form.
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Broomfield Trail Adventure
Saturday, June 4, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Anthem Community Park
Free
Celebrate National Trails Day by checking out the Broomfield Trail Adventure at Anthem Community Park. There will be walk, run, and bicycle options and be sure to stop by the Ask a Master Gardener table while you're there!
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Emergency Preparedness Webinar
Thursday, June 9, 6-9 p.m.
Virtual
Topics include livestock/animal emergency preparedness, emergency planning for people with access and functional needs, defensible space, and post-disaster clean-up.
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Kids' Day at New CSU Spur Campus
Friday, June 10, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
CSU Spur Campus, Denver
Free
Curious kids of all ages are invited to their first experience at Terra, the building on the CSU Spur Campus devoted to learning about food systems. Enjoy a day of taste-testing foods, painting with plant-based watercolors, the CSU Bug Zoo, and so much more! The Spur Campus is located on the National Western Stock Show grounds.
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Science & Art Experience: Colorado Outdoors
Saturday, June 25, 2-4 p.m.
Brunner Farmhouse & Gardens
Free
Presented by Broomfield Council on the Arts & Humanities, this event celebrates the grand opening of the Olson Outdoor Teaching Garden with animals, booths, live music, and more.
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Check out What's New on the Broomfield CSU Extension website
for more upcoming events!
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Broomfield’s annual BrewHaHa is back on Saturday, June 18 from noon to 5 p.m. at Arista Park on Arista Place!
This can’t-miss summer festival features fresh local brews, popular food trucks, beloved lawn games, fun and funky live bands, an exciting range of modern merchants, a pre-event yoga class on the lawn (bring your own mat and water bottle)... and more!
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Help Shape the Future of Open Space, Parks, Recreation, and Trails!
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Reach out to CSU Extension in Broomfield
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Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Colorado State University Extension,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Colorado counties cooperating.
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