Events in July
July 11th
Perennials & Ornamental Grasses – Hudson Gardens from 6-7:30pm

July 24th
Horticulture Competition at the Arapahoe County Fair

July 25th
Floriculture Competition at the Arapahoe County Fair

July 25th - 28th
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Battling Japanese Beetles
By Lisa Mason

This invasive beetle has two unique challenges: 1) Japanese beetles cause damage during the larval/grub stage in turf grass, and adults cause damage by feeding on a variety of landscape plants and trees, and 2) adult beetles feed on blooming flowers at the same time pollinators and beneficial insects are pollinating those flowers, which limits control options.

Japanese beetles appear around mid-June, but now is the time to start planning for their return. Here are some things you can do:

  • Keep your plants as healthy as possible. A healthy plant will be able to sustain more damage. Practice good cultural care to reduce stress on your plants.
  • Keep turf as healthy as possible, too. A strong root system will be able to tolerate more feeding from grubs.
  • Be creative with plant selection!
Volunteer Spotlight: Paula Szilard


The Colorado Master Gardener volunteers are a dedicated group of individuals that are knowledgeable and passionate about sharing gardening, landscape and horticulture education. This month, we are highlighting Paula Szilard who has been a Master Gardener for nearly 20 years!
When did you join the Colorado Master Gardener program?
“I became a Master Gardener in 2000, a few years after we moved back to Colorado from Hawaii.”

Why did you join the program?
“I quickly realized that if I was going to succeed at gardening here, I needed to learn all I could about gardening in this challenging environment.”

What is your favorite activity?
“Although I was a reluctant speaker at first, my favorite Master Gardener activity has been teaching and giving talks, particularly on subjects I feel passionate about. . . . "
Horticulture Therapy Program
At the Colorado Center for the Blind, volunteers help students learn how to grow and harvest vegetables, herbs and ornamentals for use and enjoyment in their own kitchens and homes. As part of the Center’s residential Independence Training Program, students use the skills learned in the education provided by Master Gardeners in Arapahoe County to grow their own food as part of their path to independent living without sight.
2019 Open Class Horticulture & Floriculture Competition
Get your garden on! We see a blue ribbon in your future. Your zucchini or sunflower could win you cash and prizes in the Horticulture and Floriculture Open Class Competition at the Arapahoe County Fair. It’s easy to enter. Only $1 per entry. Visit arapahoecountyfair.com for all the categories and entry rules. 
2019 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
The following Master Gardener volunteers were recently honored as Presidential award winners at the Arapahoe County Volunteer Appreciation luncheon. Each volunteer contributed over 100 hours of service in 2018:
Evelyn Alton
Courtney Cowgill
Gloria Huegel
Judy Kunz
Debbie Moody
Sally Swartz
Donnetta Wilhelm


Thank you to all CMGs for your dedication and time!
Pat Giarritano was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year. Pat has been a Master Gardener since 2003. He is the team leader for the Master Gardener volunteers at the Colorado Center for the Blind in Littleton. When he is not helping students, or teaching volunteers at CCB, Pat provides diagnostic help at the regional Jefferson County Master Gardener clinic. On weekends, Pat works in sales and as a plant diagnostician at O’Toole’s Garden Center in Littleton.
Wondering how CSU Extension can help bring garden education programs to your school? Watch our webinar on the great opportunities that we can provide.
The Garden Buzz is edited by:
Donnetta Wilhelm
Judy Kunz
Martha Kirk

CSU Extension of Arapahoe County
(303) 730-1920
6934 S. Lima St., Suite B
Centennial, CO 80112
CSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.