The landscape is changing almost daily in Broomfield's Xeriscape Demonstration Garden as more and more spring-flowering plants burst out in bloom. A prime example is Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum). With pink nodding flowers and fern-like leaves, it's a lovely, yet hardy plant.
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Get Ready to Grow and Give!
Grow and Give is a statewide modern victory garden project that was started in 2020. It’s also your one-stop shop for local, fact-based information on how to grow your own food in Colorado. There is something for all levels of gardener, including sample garden bed plans, pest and disease information and the comprehensive Colorado Vegetable Guide, available in English and Spanish.
If there is anything more rewarding than growing your own food, it’s sharing your harvest. Whether you want to cook for your family, share with your neighbors or donate your harvests to local organizations, Grow and Give has you covered with recipes, food safety information, and all you need to know to safely donate produce locally.
If you choose to share your harvest in any way, you are making a difference. Help capture this impact by registering your garden (location information is zip code-only) and reporting the food you share. The Broomfield Extension office also has a limited supply of Grow and Give yard signs, donation labels, and produce scales available for Grow and Give gardeners who want to help spread the word.
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Q. What hardiness zone am I in?
A. Find out by entering your zip code into the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/. Hardiness zone maps are based on the average annual minimum temperature expected in a given area. A plant’s “hardiness” refers to a plant’s tolerance of low temperatures. Here in Broomfield, we are in hardiness zone 5b to 6a, depending on your zip code. However, it’s important to note that Hardiness Zone is only one factor in determining whether or not a plant will thrive in a given location. Microclimates, areas with different environmental conditions than the surrounding area, can also affect plant selection. Southern exposures will absorb more solar radiation than northern exposures, for example. Tall buildings and fences may protect plants from drying winds. Valley floors can be more than 10 degrees cooler than surrounding hillsides. Be sure to keep microclimates in mind when choosing plants for your garden. Learn more at: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/143.pdf
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CSU Launches New Web Resource for Crop Producers in the State
In an effort to better connect producers with the most up-to-date resources and cutting edge research, Colorado State University has introduced a webpage called CAMCrops. Information will be updated bi-weekly throughout the growing season for a range of Colorado crops and research areas, including soil, weather, disease, and pests. CAMCrops was created through a partnership between statewide and campus CSU Extension Specialists.
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Join the Seed Library
The Broomfield Seed Library recently celebrated its first anniversary. 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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Webinar: Native Colorado Pollinators
Wednesday, June 4, 12 p.m.
Online
Join instructor Lisa Mason, Arapahoe County Extension, for this webinar on pollinators. After registering, you will be emailed a link to join the Zoom meeting. Remember, you can find recordings of previous horticulture classes on the CO-Horts Blog website.
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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, May 27, 9 am–12pm, Westminster O'Toole's
- Saturday, June 3, 9:30 am–12:30 pm, Broomfield Library (lobby)
- Saturday, June 10, 9 am–12pm, Westminster O'Toole's
- Saturday, June 17, 9:30am–12:30pm - Broomfield Library (lobby)
- Tuesday, June 20, 4-7 pm, Broomfield Farmers' Market
- Saturday, June 24, 9am–12pm, Westminster O'Toole's
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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2023 Broomfield Trail Adventure
Saturday, June 3, 8-10 a.m.
Spano Park, 17715 Huron St.
Free
Celebrate National Trails Day by participating in the Broomfield Trail Adventure at Spano Park. This annual event features a new trail section each year and serves as the Broomfield 100 kick off. Stop by the Ask a Master Gardener table while you're there!
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Science & Art Experience: Colorado Outdoors
Sunday, June 25, 1-3 p.m.
Brunner Farmhouse & Gardens
Free
Interested in both art and science? Plan to attend this free, family-friendly event where you can explore your creativity and also learn more about agriculture, Colorado's ecosystem, and local wildlife. While you're there, be sure to check out the Teaching Vegetable Garden!
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Check out What's New on the Broomfield CSU Extension website
for more upcoming events!
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Welcome, Master Gardener Apprentices!
CSU Extension welcomes EIGHT new members to its team of volunteers in Broomfield. They completed the intensive Colorado Master Gardener training program this spring, including the final exam. Next, each apprentice will complete 50-60 hours of volunteer service (a.k.a. on-the-job training) in the Broomfield gardening community.
Congratulations to Michele Daubert, Kerri Burks, Amy Szymanski, Kara Kroupa, Gwynn Rentfleish, Kate McLaughlin, Bryn Sedlacek, and Natasha Gorrell. A big thank you to our Master Gardener mentors Diann Eason, Mike McNulty, Jan Hanson, and Sharon Dzilvelis for supporting apprentices as they begin their volunteer service.
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Sensory Garden Workshop Held at Brunner
Two Broomfield Master Gardener volunteers, Shari Burton and Kerri Burks, used their backgrounds in horticultural therapy to host a Sensory Garden Workshop at Brunner Farmhouse on May 17. The workshop served participants from the Center for People with Disabilities' Beyond Vision program. As part of the workshop, attendees planted fragrant herbs like rosemary and lavender to take home and enjoy.
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If you're interested in becoming a Colorado Master Gardener in Broomfield,
please visit our website for more information.
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BrewHaHa Festival
Broomfield’s annual BrewHaHa is back Saturday, June 17 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
- Exciting range of modern merchants
- Pre-event yoga class on the lawn (bring your own mat and water bottle)
- … and more!
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Property Tax Information
The 2023 Property Notice of Valuations were sent to Broomfield residents starting the week of May 1. With the statewide increases of those valuations this year, you may have additional questions. The Property Tax Information web page is your one-stop-shop for frequently asked questions, learning more about how valuations are set and to find relief programs for those that qualify.
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Reach out to CSU Extension in Broomfield
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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