Carol O’Meara – Colorado State University Extension
Conference and seminar planners have been busy this winter, planning an array of classes to expand gardeners’ minds and feed their souls. If you’re looking to changeup your landscape by going back to natives, check out Landscaping with Colorado Native Plants, Saturday, February 11 at the Ranch Events Center in Loveland.
The second year for this blockbuster natives event, this conference features design, construction, and inspiration for using natives in your garden.
Kicking off the event is a panel of experts and viewing of Hometown Habitat film clips, celebrating native plant landscapes in our area. Moderator Susan Tweit, author and plant biologist, will lead inspiring discussion with Connie Holsinger, Founder of Habitat Heroes Project, Alison Peck, Designer with Matrix Gardens, and Linda Boley, a Habitat Hero.
Participants can choose to attend five smaller breakout sessions, focusing education on what helps you plan for success with native plants. The list of topics includes: Native Plants for Western Slope Gardens by Denver Botanic Gardens’ Nick Daniel; Designing with Native Plants by Susan J. Tweit, Creating Native Plant Landscapes – Can Do Ideas for Beginners by designer Anne Clark.
In session two, check out: Southeast and Plains Area Natives by Don Barnett, Establishing Natives: Native Plant Whisperer by Jim Borland consultant, horticulturist, and radio host, while session three offers Mountain Gardening with Natives – Firewise and Waterwise by CSU Extension Agent Irene Shonle; or Dryer Plants for a New Landscape Era by local plant legend Kelly Grummons.
Sessions four and five include Gardening with Native Plants of the Front Range by CSU Extension Agent Deryn Davidson; Plant This, Not That: Colorado Native Plant Alternatives to Common Garden Plants by Colorado Native Plant Society’s and CSU instructor Jennifer Bousselot; Ask an Expert: Follow up Questions and Conversation conference partners panel; and Water Conservation and Water Requirements for our Native Plants by Denver Botanic Gardens’ Dan Johnson and Northern Water’s Mary Hattendorf.
There’s even a track for pros, with Landscape Restoration – Native Plants on a Bigger Scale by the Butterfly Pavilion’s Amy Yarger and Jim Tolstrup, Executive Director of the High Plains Environmental Center; Creating Homes for Native Plants by Alison Peck; and Propagation of the Native Plants of the Interior West – Secrets Revealed by Fort Collins Wholesale Nursery’s Scott Skogerboe.
Lunch, drinks and snacks are provided with your registration fee and vendor booths will be open during registration, lunch and breaks.
IF YOU GO…
What: Landscaping with Colorado Native Plants conference, presented by the Butterfly Pavilion, Colorado State University Extension, Colorado Native Plant Master Program, Colorado Native Plant Society, Denver Botanic Gardens, and High Plains Environmental Center.
When: Saturday, Feb. 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The Ranch Events Center / Larimer County Fairgrounds, Thomas M. McKee 4-H, Youth & Community Building, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland.
Cost: $90, student cost: $45 with valid student ID; half-day “beginner” registration available for $35.
More information and to register: landscapingwithcoloradonativeplants.wordpress.com
