Only 16 days until the nights start getting shorter. That’s right, our beloved summer days, lasting long into the early evening, will be getting shorter already.
Interestingly enough, that also leaves 202 days until Christmas. So rationally, I only have a few days left to decide if it is just easier to leave the lights up on the house because really, before we know it, the snow will start to fall.
But before the frost nips our buds, you should get ready for a summer full of horticultural delights.
The Durango Botanical Society – a group that has taken on the persona of a fast-growing summer annual – is planning numerous exciting and educational events:
The society now has a dedicated group of docents who would love to take you on a free tour of the Durango Library Demonstration Garden. Tours are at 9:30 a.m. every Friday at the garden (on the river trail), although private tours also can be arranged.
On June 22, DBS is putting on its first self-guided garden tour in and around the Durango area. With close to 10 stops – private and public – you are certain to find some inspiration and ideas.
The weekend of July 20-21 also promises to be another plant-packed one for DBS. A short venture 45 minutes to the west will take you into Montezuma County, an area steeped in agricultural history and diversity. In addition to the desert-like canyons, open fields and antique apple orchards, this area also has a horticultural progressiveness of which we Durangoans should take note. The “Go West!” tour will offer visits to home gardens and local nurseries along with entertainment at a private dinner at the Farm Bistro, complete with a personal tour of Guy Drew Vineyards.
For any and all of these adventures (plus much, much more) visit and register at the DBS website: www.durangobotanicalsociety.com. You also will see opportunities for volunteer and educational occasions, as well as for membership and donation.
Not to be outdone, The Garden Project of Southwest Colorado also has ramped up its educational outreach during the summer months.
Starting next week, in cooperation with the Women’s Resource Center, The Garden Project will host a three-week series of garden-related workshops called “Beauty, Balance and Good Taste.” Topics such as xeriscaping, bio-intensive gardening and preparing your garden’s bounty will be offered Tuesday, June 18 and June 25. These workshops are free to all WRC members and $10 for nonmembers.
On Saturday, local garden guru Frank LeBeau will give a talk at the Ohana Kuleana Community Garden from 10 a.m. to noon. LeBeau will be leading a hands-on discussion about organic fertilizers, composting and making compost tea. The workshop is free for WRC members and $10 for nonmembers. The garden is on the north side of Durango – take Main Avenue to 32nd Street, go east on 32nd Street and cross the river, take the first right onto East Third Avenue, then turn left on 30th Street and follow it to the end.
Check out The Garden Project’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/TheGardenProjectswco, to learn more about its wonderful projects and to register for these events.
parmenterdm@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6464. Darrin Parmenter is director and horticulture agent of the La Plata County Extension Office.
