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| Ferris as a puppy - twelve years ago |
Gardeners have about a million things in common. That's why we're such a merry group of folks, especially in December when there's gift giving and Happy New Year welcoming.
One shared interest stands out around the topic of garden questions ... we have many even though many of us have been gardening for decades.
Where do we go for good, informed, preferably science-based answers?
The obvious answer is the internet and a quick search for answers.
However ... reliability of correct, helpful answers, specifically for Colorado can vary and vary badly if you're not a little bit careful.
We're in luck, locally there are excellent resources which I encourage checking out before you sign off on believing a random garden article from Anywhere, USA.
Where to Go with Questions (4 options) -
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| Jim & Keith |
Two expert horticulturists, appropriately named the Garden Wise Guys - Keith Funk and Jim Borland can be dialed in every Saturday morning from 7:00 am to 9:00 am at 93.5 FM or 810 AM Legends radio - 303 477-2473. Replays can be clicked from the station site or social media.
2. Searching on the internet can net the answers you seek if you're looking in reliable places.
Try Ask Extension.
Extension services (known as Cooperative Extension in some states) are groups of garden trained volunteers and degreed horticulture professionals from participating Land-Grant institutions from across the country. Colorado State University is our state land-grant partner including many counties across the state with local offices where the public can stop by for in-person information and answers.
When you first click on Ask Extension there are options to ask a new question, check your answer status and search on previously answered questions. It's easy. Use key words with your city and state location to narrow the search.
An example might be - grasshopper pests in Denver, CO.
If you prefer to visit with someone on the phone, try your closest extension office and speak with a master gardener volunteer. This time of year you may get a recorded call to leave a message. Someone will get back to you. To find your closest office's site with phone numbers, click here first.
3. Locally owned, independent garden centers often have an excellent customer service desk and knowledgeable staff on hand to assist you. Many offer on the spot plant identification and tips to solve your problem.
4. One of the many perks of living in a large city is the high number of active plant groups or societies. Many have outstanding websites or social media sites where contact can be made with garden questions. Below, click on the plant type/group of interest.
Feel free to join the group too or attend one of their plant sales and educational seminars. Yearly membership fees are quite reasonable.
African Violet Society of America Colorado Affiliates
American Daylily Society Colorado
Colorado Bee Keeping Associations/Clubs
Colorado Cactus and Succulent Society
Ikebana International Denver Chapter
North American Fruit Explorers*
Rocky Mountain Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society
Rocky Mountain Unit of the American Herb Society
Wild Ones Native Plants, Natural Landscapes Front Range
Other National Plant Societies by Plant Type*
*May not have an active Colorado chapter
What do all four have in common? They are FREE dear reader. It's not often that we are able to source free, dependable and trustworthy information from easy access sources. Again, yearly dues apply when joining clubs and societies.
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