It's gotten a wee bit colder since our koi, Kyoto, went into quarantine last Friday (see previous post). We had a couple of days of light snow - about 4" - and last night it dipped down to 14 degrees F. There's a thin sheet of ice on both the pond and the isolation tank. As you can see from the photo below, the water in the tank is partially open and well oxygenated.
Kyoto continues to get a daily dose of medicine and seems to be on the mend. Yea!
Just a reminder, be sure to visit my Facebook page (become a fan!) for more details and registration links for upcoming events. Will I see you in Fort Collins this Saturday?
Showing posts with label classes and lectures. Show all posts
It's all about the Dirt
Soil is the solution. For too many years we have been content to give just a passing thought to the soil in our gardens. Sure, many of us have a basic grasp of the concept of soil texture--- the proportional content of sand, clay and silt in a given soil ---but too often we just assume that because we’re in
I believe that as we embrace the concept of regional landscaping, soil will prove to be the core focus around which all else revolves. Plant selection, water management and other resource allocations will all be more tightly tuned to work harmoniously with existing site conditions. Therefore, it’s time to ramp up our knowledge and understanding of soil.
Did you know that soil is classified and given very specific, identifying names just like plants? Names like Ascalon-Otero complex, Nunn sandy clay loam and Big Blue clay loam. Did you know that there are more than 20,000 different kinds of soils and that more are being discovered every day? (My brother-in-law, a soil scientist with the NRCS, is currently mapping Humboldt County California, an area notorious for its rugged redwood forests and marijuana plantations. That’s an adventure!) This chart* shows the correlation between plant classification and soil classification:
Plant Classification= Soil Classification
Phylum= Order
Class=Suborder
Subclass= Great Group
Order= Subgroup
Family= Family
Genus= Series
Species= Phase
*adapted from The Nature and Properties of Soils, 8th edition, Nyle C. Brady
Once you identify the specific soil in your garden you can learn more about its characteristics. Only then can you make meaningful decisions about how to best manage it. Call the CSU Cooperative Extension in your county for information on their soil testing services and dig in!
You may also be interested in this upcoming event:
The third annual Sustainable Landscaping Symposium will take place at Denver Botanic Gardens on Thursday, March 4, 2010, hosted by the Front Range Sustainable Landscaping Coalition, Denver Botanic Gardens, and the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (find them in the Links section of this page). This year’s theme is Down and Dirty: The Scoop on Soil.
The keynote speaker this year is David Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery is a Macarthur Genius Grant awardee, a geomorphologist, and the author of the acclaimed book Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear him speak in
Other sessions will feature:
- Panayoti Kelaidis, Senior Curator and Director of Outreach at Denver Botanic Gardens, on how our soils have shaped life along the
- Kelly Grummons of
- a panel discussion including Jim Borland , Mikl Brawner, and other horticulture and urban agriculture experts from our region
- extended breaks to give you the opportunity to meet and network with each other and visit with our sponsors.
For just 3 weeks, we are offering a special ‘stimulus rate’ – a full day registration for the discounted price of $75 ($10 off this year’s regular rate). This includes a continental breakfast and buffet lunch. The discounted rate is only available now through January 31, 2010.
Please visit www.botanicgardens.org and find this event in our online calendar, or call 720-865-3580 to take advantage of this discount. The registration fee will go up to $85 on February 1. Registration after March 1 will be $100.
Note: parts of this post were originally written for/published in Colorado Green magazine and have been reprinted with permission.
Under the Wire
I just made it! One of my goals this year was to get on board the social networking bandwagon. I joined linkedin several months ago, and this week I created a "fan page" on Facebook. Whoo-hoo! Click on the link in the right hand column of this blog anytime you want to visit (you needn't be a Facebook member to view my fan page.)
The great thing about this new resource site is the events page. Go there to see all of the details about my speaking engagements: full event description, fee (if any) address, time, and links to the organization that's sponsoring me. I hope you'll find it helpful.
My goal for 2010? Work it, baby!
Winter Greetings
Wow, I can’t believe it’s been two weeks since my last post! Time flies when you’re having fun . . . or just plain busy.
On the fun front, we celebrated our daughter’s birthday last week---my “baby” just turned 25 years old! We’ve also been to several holiday gatherings and special get-togethers with friends; always fun no matter what time of year it is! In fact, the planter/bowl featured in this photo was purchased at Urban Roots last week during their holiday open house. Last, my DH and I are planning a two week road trip to California. Our vacation will include visits with family in northern California and Lake Tahoe, as well as a tour through Death Valley (never been, can’t wait!).
The busy has been fun, too. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks working on the proof of my book, Plant Smart! Six Steps to Choosing Perfect Plants. The art director and I are working together, back and forth; to create an attractive, readable format that complements the book’s content. I can’t wait for you to see it! Keeping up with my volunteer obligations and preparing for several lectures in January have also kept me glued to the keyboard.
Watching the weather out my office window has been the extent of my garden activities of late. I hope to return in the New Year with lots of photos of beautiful places and gardens from my winter travels to share with you.
In the meantime, if anyone has a favorite independent garden center or book store that they could refer me to for possible book sales, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you to all of my readers and best wishes for warm and happy holidays!
On the fun front, we celebrated our daughter’s birthday last week---my “baby” just turned 25 years old! We’ve also been to several holiday gatherings and special get-togethers with friends; always fun no matter what time of year it is! In fact, the planter/bowl featured in this photo was purchased at Urban Roots last week during their holiday open house. Last, my DH and I are planning a two week road trip to California. Our vacation will include visits with family in northern California and Lake Tahoe, as well as a tour through Death Valley (never been, can’t wait!).
The busy has been fun, too. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks working on the proof of my book, Plant Smart! Six Steps to Choosing Perfect Plants. The art director and I are working together, back and forth; to create an attractive, readable format that complements the book’s content. I can’t wait for you to see it! Keeping up with my volunteer obligations and preparing for several lectures in January have also kept me glued to the keyboard.
Watching the weather out my office window has been the extent of my garden activities of late. I hope to return in the New Year with lots of photos of beautiful places and gardens from my winter travels to share with you.
In the meantime, if anyone has a favorite independent garden center or book store that they could refer me to for possible book sales, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you to all of my readers and best wishes for warm and happy holidays!
Cha- cha- cha- cha… Changes!
I’ve instituted a few changes to The Art Garden today that I hope you’ll take a few minutes to explore:
I’ve added a Lecture Schedule that lists the dates and topics of my upcoming speaking gigs. Many of them are in association with my new book, Plant Smart! Six Steps to Choosing Perfect Plants, which will be arriving in early 2009. (In fact, I’ve just spent the past week pouring over my editor’s proof. Now it’s off to the art department. Yippee!) I enjoy speaking to both consumers and trade professionals alike; please contact me at jhcstudios@yahoo.com if you would like more information about a variety of landscape/garden lecture topics for your garden group, staff or clients.
You will also see a change-up in my blog list. I’ve dropped a few blogs that are not active, and added a few new ones; including the infamous Garden Rant (Maddening? Yes. Thought provoking? Yes. Worth your time? Maybe!).
Thanks for visiting today!
I’ve added a Lecture Schedule that lists the dates and topics of my upcoming speaking gigs. Many of them are in association with my new book, Plant Smart! Six Steps to Choosing Perfect Plants, which will be arriving in early 2009. (In fact, I’ve just spent the past week pouring over my editor’s proof. Now it’s off to the art department. Yippee!) I enjoy speaking to both consumers and trade professionals alike; please contact me at jhcstudios@yahoo.com if you would like more information about a variety of landscape/garden lecture topics for your garden group, staff or clients.
You will also see a change-up in my blog list. I’ve dropped a few blogs that are not active, and added a few new ones; including the infamous Garden Rant (Maddening? Yes. Thought provoking? Yes. Worth your time? Maybe!).
Thanks for visiting today!
Photo: Maximillian sunflower, Helianthus maximiliana, blooming in my garden today.
Blossoms and Shadows
I took this photograph early one morning last week, just before we had a snow storm. Of course that snow was short lived; it’s just been too warm and windy for any moisture to hang around for long. Speaking of wind, I’ve had a tough time taking many successful photos this spring. I’m determined to upgrade my digital camera this year and am considering the new Nikon D60. Has anyone tried this out yet, or had experience with other mid-range Nikon digitals?
Yesterday I was at Colorado State University to team teach a class on sales techniques for landscape designers. The class was part of a course called “Professional Practices” that was developed by the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado in conjunction with the CSU faculty. The goal of the class series, which is taught by working landscape professionals, is to give students in the landscape design and construction program a “real life” look at the realities of business in their chosen profession. I love visiting with the students there---it always amazes and impresses me to see how much the program has improved since I was a student there (class of 1980!)
Learn All About It
My last post regarding my new garden coaching services brought an interesting comment from fellow garden blogger, Aiyana, at Water When Dry; she mentions a certificate program in her area for garden coaches. That got me thinking about the large number of educational programs available here in the Denver area for all kinds of gardening (although not garden coaching, yet!). Many of them are geared towards those who don’t hold a professional degree in horticulture or landscape architecture but are actively working in the green industry. Other programs are aimed at serious hobbyists who have a passion for gardening, or are for those who really just want to get a clue about how to take care of their home landscapes.
For those in the latter categories it can create a wonderful sense of achievement and confidence to complete the Master Gardener program (available through the local Cooperative Extension offices of most land grant universities in the US) or Denver Botanic Gardens’ Rocky Mountain Gardening Certificate Program. Many garden centers and nurseries also offer great one-time, one-topic classes for a quick hit of information.
Programs for professionals are also abundant. Front Range Community College offers an associate degree in Urban Horticulture. The Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado has the Certified Landscape Contractor (CLT) program that has some real teeth. It combines rigorous testing in both classroom and field in areas of construction, irrigation and maintenance. (In fact, the program is so good that they sell their training manuals to other landscape groups across the country.) The Garden Centers of Colorado and the Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association also have a certificate program geared for plant growers and retail sales professionals.
What is your favorite way to learn about gardening? Classes? Magazines? The web?
For those in the latter categories it can create a wonderful sense of achievement and confidence to complete the Master Gardener program (available through the local Cooperative Extension offices of most land grant universities in the US) or Denver Botanic Gardens’ Rocky Mountain Gardening Certificate Program. Many garden centers and nurseries also offer great one-time, one-topic classes for a quick hit of information.
Programs for professionals are also abundant. Front Range Community College offers an associate degree in Urban Horticulture. The Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado has the Certified Landscape Contractor (CLT) program that has some real teeth. It combines rigorous testing in both classroom and field in areas of construction, irrigation and maintenance. (In fact, the program is so good that they sell their training manuals to other landscape groups across the country.) The Garden Centers of Colorado and the Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association also have a certificate program geared for plant growers and retail sales professionals.
What is your favorite way to learn about gardening? Classes? Magazines? The web?
What are some of the educational resources in your community? I'd love to share them here.
Sustainable Landscaping Symposium
What: Passion to Action – Professional Practices for Now and in the Future.
The Front Range Sustainable Landscaping Coalition presents a full day of inspiration and information about sustainable landscape design and construction.
Keynote Speaker: Kim Sorvig, author of Sustainable Landscape Construction: Land-use, Landscape Construction and Climate Change
When: February 14, 8am-4pm
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens
Registration: DBG at 720.865.3580 or www.botanicgardens.org, course #08 BLL250
Cost: $60.00 pre-registered or $75.00 at the door
The Front Range Sustainable Landscaping Coalition presents a full day of inspiration and information about sustainable landscape design and construction.
Keynote Speaker: Kim Sorvig, author of Sustainable Landscape Construction: Land-use, Landscape Construction and Climate Change
When: February 14, 8am-4pm
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens
Registration: DBG at 720.865.3580 or www.botanicgardens.org, course #08 BLL250
Cost: $60.00 pre-registered or $75.00 at the door
Sponsored by Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Water, Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado and the Front Range Sustainable landscaping Coalition.
See you there!
See you there!
Hear Ye, Hear Ye
A new year brings new happenings. This first quarter of 2008 will be a busy one for me.
First up: a lecture to fellow landscape professionals at the ProGreen EXPO here in Denver. On Wednesday, January 23rd I’ll be speaking on Color Theory for Gardens and Landscapes. It’s an introduction to color vocabulary, the color wheel, and color harmonies based on the color wheel. There are many people working in the green industry who don’t have any basic art background, and color can be down right scary sometimes (or so I’ve been told)! I finally have enough digital photos (and a few favorite old slides scanned) to put this lecture into Power Point. Yea! I’ve joined the 21st century!
Next: a mini-trade show for consumers will be hosted by Echter’s Garden Center in Arvada. March 7-9 I’ll be chatting it up with garden lovers about landscape design, great plants, and the new service I’m offering this year, garden coaching (more to come on that subject)! I hope to see you there.
Finally: the big enchilada---on April 1st my book manuscript for Plant Smart! Six Steps to Choosing Perfect Plants is due to the publisher---yikes! Actually, I’ve made great progress these last couple of months and am beginning to see the end in sight. I’ve had some thoughtful critiques from early readers, so I’m looking forward to working with my editor on the next phase.
Here’s wishing you new challenges, adventures, and growth (ha-ha) in 2008!
First up: a lecture to fellow landscape professionals at the ProGreen EXPO here in Denver. On Wednesday, January 23rd I’ll be speaking on Color Theory for Gardens and Landscapes. It’s an introduction to color vocabulary, the color wheel, and color harmonies based on the color wheel. There are many people working in the green industry who don’t have any basic art background, and color can be down right scary sometimes (or so I’ve been told)! I finally have enough digital photos (and a few favorite old slides scanned) to put this lecture into Power Point. Yea! I’ve joined the 21st century!
Next: a mini-trade show for consumers will be hosted by Echter’s Garden Center in Arvada. March 7-9 I’ll be chatting it up with garden lovers about landscape design, great plants, and the new service I’m offering this year, garden coaching (more to come on that subject)! I hope to see you there.
Finally: the big enchilada---on April 1st my book manuscript for Plant Smart! Six Steps to Choosing Perfect Plants is due to the publisher---yikes! Actually, I’ve made great progress these last couple of months and am beginning to see the end in sight. I’ve had some thoughtful critiques from early readers, so I’m looking forward to working with my editor on the next phase.
Here’s wishing you new challenges, adventures, and growth (ha-ha) in 2008!
The photo? It's a recent sample for my latest fiber art piece. Any guesses what the components are???
Loving Low Water
Join me at 10:00am this Saturday, February 3, at Denver Botanic Gardens as I present a lecture on planning and designing a water-smart xeriscape for existing landscapes. Whether your home is three years old or 100 years old, there are probably opportunities for redesign and renovation that will help you conserve water in your landscape. During this 2 hour class I will teach you how to analyse your current situation, recognize potential problems, and implement solutions.
This lecture is just one of an 8-part series being co-sponsored by Denver Water and Denver Botanic Gardens. To register, call Denver Botanic Gardens at 303-628-6330. $10 advance/$12 door per seminar.
Stay tuned for more information on upcoming garden events this Spring!
This lecture is just one of an 8-part series being co-sponsored by Denver Water and Denver Botanic Gardens. To register, call Denver Botanic Gardens at 303-628-6330. $10 advance/$12 door per seminar.
Stay tuned for more information on upcoming garden events this Spring!
Upcoming Classes and Events
A heads up for those of you who might be interested in learning more about landscape design and/or landscape renovation with a focus on saving water. I will be teaching several classes early next year at Denver Botanic Gardens and I encourage you to register soon either on-line or by phone at 720-865-3580, as classes fill quickly. Click on the links for more info and/or registration for specific events.
The first class, Landscape Design Theory, is on January 13 (Sat), from 9am-4pm. This is an all day lecture that includes a review of historical and contemporary design styles, the elements and principles of artistic design and how they relate specifically to the garden, and the design process used by professionals.
Also on January 13, DBG will have their kick-off for the series of water- smart lectures that they are doing in conjunction with Denver Water. David Salman of Santa Fe Greenhouses will be the guest speaker and there will be tables staffed with industry pros that can answer your questions about plants, irrigation, etc. You will also be able to register for and schedule a future consultation with a landscape designer --- another program that I am involved with!
On February 3, as part of the above mentioned water-smart series, I will be giving a lecture from 10am-noon on renovating your existing landscape to make it more water efficient.
Finally, Lush Landscapes with Less Lawn will be coming on April 7, 9am-noon. This one is not in the catalog yet, but I'll keep you posted.
I hope you can join me for one or more of these events. I really enjoy teaching and public speaking, and my classes are fun and informative---if I do say so myself!!
