El Paso County Cooperative Extension Horticulture

The information on this page describes classes which have already been completed.

Gardening in the Pikes Peak Region

Fall 2005 Class Schedule

Advanced registration is recommended. See the registration information at the bottom of this page.

Classes are offered on Tuesday afternoons or Thursday evenings and are held at the CSU Extension office at 305 S. Union Blvd. (need directions?)

Class	Date
Groundcover Alternatives to Turf Blue grass lawns are the norm... but what else is available to the homeowner? Many choices are available and the creation of an "alternative" landscape is the cutting edge of urban landscaping. Lower maintenance costs, lower water usage, and a landscape of interest and beauty are just a few of the many benefits of "losing your lawn." Come learn more.	Sep 13, 2:00-4:00 p.m. or Sep 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Groundwork - The Scoop on Dirt We’ll dissolve the confusion of how to use soil amendments, soil preparation, organic and inorganic (rock) mulches, and more. Learn what to do and what not to do to amend the soil in Colorado Springs.	Sep 20, 2:00-4:00 p.m. or Sep 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Houseplants - Which to Choose & How to Care for Them Move your gardening indoors for the winter! Learn about various houseplant varieties and how to protect them from common pests. Help your indoor plants thrive!	Sep 27, 2:00-4:00 p.m. or Sep 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
A Veggie Gardener's Fall Agenda Fall and winter are when your garden success really begins! We will discuss how to put your beds to sleep properly, how to start new beds the lazy way, preparing beds for perennial crops, tending perennial crops for winter, planning for next year, and how to have fresh greens all winter.	Oct 4, 2:00-4:00 p.m. or Oct 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Kitchen Gardens Gathering fresh fruit and vegetables for your kitchen table is easy with a little planning and a little effort. Learn how you can grow a personal ‘Farmer’s Market’ in your own backyard or on your patio or deck. The number and variety of garden plants you can grow in our challenging region is surprisingly substantial. Don’t listen to the naysayers eating plastic produce; see how simple it is to eat a delicious, garden-fresh harvest that you grew yourself.	Oct 11, 2:00-4:00 p.m. or Oct 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Gardening for Food Preservation Growing delectable plants is only one element of a productive garden. The edible results of your gardening efforts can last for months with successful preservation. Learn what vegetables and fruits grow best in the Pikes Peak region and the best ways to preserve them through canning, freezing, pickling, dehydrating, and by making jams and jellies. Don’t let any of your produce go to waste; enjoy all of it to the last bite.	Oct 25, 2:00-4:00 p.m. or Oct 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Supplemental Class Meet Jim - The Bear Guy Jim Cole is the author of two books, Lives of Grizzlies: Montana and Wyoming and Lives of Grizzlies: Alaska, which document one man’s first-hand experiences with one of the most fascinating and misunderstood animals on the continent, the Grizzly Bear. Jim has devoted his life to the study for grizzly bears throughout North America. Join us for Jim and Ingrid Cole’s multi-media educational presentation of wildlife photography and original music. “Jim has more than magnificent photographs as a result of his travels in bear country; he has a deep personal attachment and knowledge of his subjects. Through his eyes, readers live a bear’s life, in all its richness, hardships, and triumphs. Jim captures the beauty that exists in the world of the bear, and he shares it with us in Lives of Grizzlies” --Larry Aumiller, Manager, McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, Alaska This as a monumental event for us here at the Extension Office and we hope you will be able to attend. There will be a small charge for admission, $5 for adults, free to children 16 and under. (Don’t leave them at home! You won’t want them to miss this one!)	Sep 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (a special Tues evening event)

Registration Information

The cost is $7 for individual classes, $35 for all six regular classes. The supplemental class with Jim Cole is $5 for adults and free for kids. To register for Gardening in the Pikes Peak Regions classes, please do one of the following:

Call 636-8923 or e-mail lindasmith@elpasoco.com and ask to be registered for the classes you want to attend. You'll be given information on where to send your payment.

Download and print the pdf version of the Fall 2005 Gardening in the Pikes Peak Region Registration Form (visit www.adobe.com for the free Acrobat reader program).

See you in class!