Ogden Botanical Gardens

Seed Exchange

2012-01-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

Gardeners it's time to come out of hibernation! Mark your calendar for our first event of the year!

I'm excited to announce that we will be hosting the "Ogden Seed Exchange" at the Ogden Botanical Gardens on Saturday, February 18th from 11am-1pm. This is your chance to come share and receive new flower and veggie seeds with other gardeners. Even if you have no seeds to exchange please come. You will not go home empty-handed. There will also be a few seed starting classes before the exchange.

Colorado Rockies Wildflower Tour 2012

2011-12-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

Join us Aug. 8-11, 2012 in Colorful Colorado

4 Days & 3 Nights of Fresh Air and FUN!

We'll fly to Denver...


..then we'll take a motorcoach to Fort Collins

Visit beautiful gardens such as the Denver Botanical Gardens,

Gardens on Spring Creek, and Colorado State University Trial Gardens

Experience Rocky Mountain National Park

With your favorite guides

Relax at the luxurious Fort Collins Hilton

Enjoy the sights and sounds of this quaint college town

Stroll the charming streets of Estes Park

Enjoy Dinner Theater at it's finest one evening as well..

We can hold your spot with a $100 deposit and

your 2012 membership renewal

$795 *

*Price is per person/double occupancy

**Estimated price is based on current fuel prices-subject to change. Airline tickets cannot be secured until January 2012

For more information please call or email Stacie Stone at (801) 451-3403.

Two Completed Eagle Scout Projects in One Week

2011-10-23T22:28:00.000-06:00

This week were lucky enough to have 2 Eagles Scout groups at the Gardens working on their projects. Both projects are wonderful additions and have beautified the Gardens.
On Saturday, October 15th the first Eagle Scout project was led by Justin Cottle. He and his family along with his troop installed tree identification signs in our Power Line Arboretum, which is located north of the building along the walking path. There were a total of 15 signs made and installed. They turned out so nice and will greatly help us to educate our visitors about which trees should be planted under power lines.

The trees and shrubs will grow to about 15-25 feet tall--making them the perfect size where height is limited.

Each sign gives the common name, botanical name, height, width and hardiness zone.

On Thursday, October 20th Seth West and family installed 2 newly constructed park benches under our crab apple grove.

The West Family with Tami Smith (Master Gardener).

Seth and his 2 younger brothers--all Boy Scouts built the redwood benches at their home and installed them at the Gardens.

Working on the fence rails and posts.

They also repaired our wood fence rails and posts which are around the perimeter of the Gardens.
We want to thank our Eagle Scouts for all their hard work in preparing their projects and carrying them out. We are grateful to be the recipients of such great workmanship!
We are always looking for boy scouts who need an Eagle Scout project. If you know of anyone who is interested in helping us out at the Gardens, please leave me a message at (801) 399-8081 or email me. Thank you Justin and Seth for completing your Eagle Scout projects at the Gardens. We know that many people will be able to enjoy the fruits of your labors.

Apple and Cheese Tasting

2011-10-07T13:51:00.000-06:00

Our Apple and Cheese Tasting will be Thursday, October 13th from noon-2pm. This is one of the funest and most delicious event of the year! Did I mention that it's free? Well it is--so bring the whole family and all your friends.

We will have many different apples that are locally grown to sample along with some tasty artisan cheeses from Beehive Cheese.

We will also have samples of pumpkin pie ice cream from Poppin' Johnny's.

Lavender Hill will be here as well. They will we will scooping their own Lavender Lemon ice cream and they will be selling their famous Lavender Lemon Cookies and Lemonade here also.

Join us to sample Utah's finest artisan cheeses and loclly grown apples, the perfect combination for a perfect way to the end the season. You might even find which variety of apple is your favorite to plant in your own yard!

If you can't make it to the Ogden Botanical Gardens from noon to 2pm, we will have samples at the Kaysville Farmer's Market located at the USU Botanical Center from 5-6 pm.

Look How Things Have Changed

2011-09-28T13:03:00.000-06:00

I was trying to clean off my desk today--I know what was I thinking? Anyway, I came across some pictures that were taken in 2006, the first year we started working at the Ogden Botanical Gardens. I was shocked to see how much everything has changed. The Gardens have seen a lot of improvements in the past five years and I'll show you some pictures to prove it.
Here is the area that we call the Outdoor Classroom.

Last year our Master Gardeners helped us put in the beautiful walkway of crushed red rock and we also installed a dry stack wall around our flower beds. We got rid of the windblown chokecherry and desolate jellybean island. Quite the improvement--don't you think?

Before we had a bark path and now we have a nice rock pathway. Last spring these lovely steel arbors were installed. One of our talented Master Gardeners designed and welded the arbors. They are a great entrance into our Outdoor Classroom.

Isn't it amazing what some pretty flowers, a rock wall and pathway can do to a drab existing landscape?

I hope that you have enjoyed the changes here at the Ogden Botanical Gardens. We love how all the hard work from staff and Master Gardeners has made our gardens so beautiful year after year. We hope that we will continue to beautify each and every garden here. Let's see what will happen in the next five years?

And the New Greenhouse Goes To......

2011-09-17T14:24:00.000-06:00

I am happy to announce that the highest bid of the greenhouse is.......... $950 put in by Wendy McKenna. Congratulations Wendy on your new greenhouse. You will have a lot of fun this winter and spring with all the new plants that you can grow inside. Thank you for your generous donation to the Gardens. Wendy please contact me and we will get you your greenhouse.

New Bids

2011-09-15T16:27:00.000-06:00

We've had some bids on the greenhouse today. It is now up $950. You have until Friday night at 11:55pm to bid. I will announce the winner on Saturday.

Current Greenhouse Bidding

2011-09-13T08:17:00.001-06:00

As of this morning the current bid for the new greenhouse is $850. Do you want to bid? Let me know. The bidding will end on Friday night at 11:55pm. If you want a great greenhouse at a super great price and help out the Gardens--now is your chance! Thanks everyone for your help and support! I'll announce the lucky winner on Saturday, September 16th.

New Greenhouse Up For Bid

2011-09-08T16:05:00.001-06:00

Bid on this new greenhouse and it could be yours! The minimum bid is $550. We will be taking bids until September 15th and then we will notify the winner. If you are interested please email me at dorinda.jones@usu.edu or leave a message at 801-399-8081.

Sale Price: ~~$2,499.99~~ $1,549.99

The new STC Easy Grow Green House 8' x 8' Easy 2 Build Greenhouse Kits are beautiful and produce amazing results, period. Description
The Easy Grow Green House Kit 8' wide and 8' long, has very nice headroom of 7'2" - one of the highest in the hobby greenhouse class. The Forest Green painted aluminum frame is very sturdy and will provide dependable service with twin wall polycarbonate covering that is 4mm thick and offers 100% UV protection.

Easy to Assemble Construct this yourself with the innovative connectors, this saves you time and money. Can be assembled by two or more people in 1 day. Assembly instructions that show you step by step what you need to do, only your Phillips Screwdriver and Pliers are needed to assemble. Durability The EasyGrow Hobby Greenhouse Kit has painted aluminum profiles with 4 mm double wall polycarbonate panels for covering.

Easy Grow Greenhouse even offers a lifetime warranty on the frame. Polycarbonate covering offers a 7 year warranty against discoloration. The Easy 2 Build Hobby Greenhouse is very durable.

Shelving One level of removable greenhouse ventilated shelving on both sides of greenhouse the full length. The Built In Shelving makes the greenhouse very sturdy.

Easy Grow Green house features:

1) Heavy Duty Painted Extruded Aluminum
2) 4 MM Double wall opaque polycarbonate
3) Forest Green Powder coated aluminum frame
4) Standard roof vent keeps the air fresh and well vented
5) Ground Stakes for extra stability
6) REAL Door - not a cheap sliding, but a well built aluminum framed hinged door.
7) No Base is required
8) Very strong!!! (designed with criss-cross steel wires)
9) Very easy to follow pictured assembly directions
10) Only a few Hours to assemble
11) "push & click" Connectors that make it very simple to connect
12) Materials that give you a life time structural warranty
13) EZ 2 Build with only needing a Phillips Screwdriver and Pliers.
15) Israel Engineered where the masters of greenhouse design are located
16) DOUBLE DOORS ON THE 8X8
17) Auto vent opener included
18) TWO ROOF VENTS

Each Unit Comes With:
1) Full shelving and roof vents standard
1) Adjustable Side vent for proper air circulation
Shipped in 3 manageable Boxes!
Door width on the 8x8 Easy Grow Greenhouse 8 x 8 Easy 2 Build Green House is 4'1" wide

Wildflower Tour

2011-08-15T22:12:00.000-06:00

We just got back from the wildflower tour to Jackson Hole and we had a great time! We had 45 "Friends of the Gardens" come with us and everything on the trip ran smoothly and without any hiccups.

Our group awaiting our tour at Aberdeen.

We left from the gardens on Wednesday morning at 7am on the bus and headed towards Idaho. Our first stop was at the University of Idaho research plots in Aberdeen. There we saw many native Idaho flowers that they are evaluating for use in home gardens.

A selection of Blanket Flower at the Aberdeen research plot.

From there we went to Rexburg to see the beautiful gardens at BYU-Idaho. I personally had never been there and was pleasantly surprised to see such beautiful flower displays.

Some of the beautiful & colorful pots at BYU-Idaho.

Hollyhocks at the entrance of their Victory Garden.

Rexburg is known for high winds and cold temperatures, but we had great weather when we were there. The gardens were awesome! Their gardens are maintained exclusively by students and each year they have students complete their class projects, which helps their gardens to grow and evolve.

Blooming water lilies in one of their many water features.

After Rexburg we were off to Jackson Hole and stayed at the Snow King Resort. Thursday we went to Teton Village and took the tram up to the top of the mountain to look at the wildflowers.

Our group waiting for the tram at Teton Village.

Richard, JayDee, and Jerry gave tours and help everyone indentify the many wildflowers that we saw there--about 30 different varieties of wildflowers.

Some of the many wildflowers from on top of the Tetons.

Wall flowers

There was still some snow left along some of the ridges and everything was so green and lush. It was such a beautiful place to see wildflowers and the weather was just perfect!

Look at that view!

Later that night we went to the Bar J Ranch and saw the show and enjoyed a great dinner.

On Friday we visited three landscapes in the Jackson Hole area. The landscapes were beautiful and the homes were spectacular.

This house had a stream running right under the house and flows right into the Snake River.

We had so much fun on the trip and made many new friends. Thanks to everyone who came and made it such a great time! We hope to have more "friends of the gardens" join us next year!

Are You Ready For a Salsa Show-Down?

2011-07-27T16:52:00.000-06:00

This is your special invitation to the . . .

Salsa Show-Down

Thursday, August 18 – 5-6 p

Farmer’s Market at USU Botanical Center tent on 50 West

DEADLINE to sign-up: By August 11^th

E-mail: Dorinda.jones@usu.edu or call 801-399-8081

We know you are a great Master Gardener, but are you a Master Salsa Maker as well? Come show off your salsa making skills at the 2^nd Annual Salsa Show-Down.

Those who have already signed up include Kris (our intern), Jake (works at the USU Botanical Center), and Barney Barnett (from Willard Bay Gardens). Come participate, and we promise you good company and an extra special community event.

To sign up call or e-mail Dori now! Tomatoes will be provided; all you need to bring is the rest of your secret ingredients to make a gallon of fresh salsa on-site at the Farmer’s Market. Prizes worth “dollars” will be awarded, so join us for a ton of fun at the Salsa Show-Down!

Hosta Garden Tours & Garlic Braiding Workshop

2011-07-26T21:59:00.001-06:00

{Update: Sorry I put the wrong date. These events happened in July, not in August. Sorry.}
For all those interested here are some upcoming Master Gardener Activities on ~~August~~ July 30th. There is the Utah Hosta Society Garden tour in Utah, Salt Lake and Davis county. For more information click here.

Also, Sandhill Organic Garlic Farm in Eden is having a free Garlic Braiding Workshop at 4pm on ~~August~~ July 30th.

Limited class size so call Marsha at 801-745-8584 or Pete at 801-866-3620 to make a reservation or get more information.

The workshop is free butparticipants pay for garlic used.

New Perennial Garden

2011-07-20T14:57:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we planted a new perennial flowerbed at the gardens. The bed is located along the walkway and can be seen by all those that use the trail. We planted about 600 perennials yesterday in 2 1/2 hours.

Thanks to all the wonderful Master Gardeners who came out and helped us planted this massive bed in world record time! We have the best Master Gardeners in the world! Thank you, thank you!

It looks spectacular and will be a great addition to our gardens. A Ogden Botanical Gardens sign will be placed in this bed soon!

July Gardening Tips

2011-07-12T11:28:00.000-06:00

Apply nitrogen to potatoes and sweet corn in the garden, as needed.
Harvest vegetables early in the morning or in the cool of the evening.
Plant short-season vegetables such as peas, carrots and radishes (70 days or less) where space is available after harvesting.

Apply a second cover spray in July to control codling moths in apple and pear trees. Check updates at http://utahpests.usu.edu/ipm.
Water turfgrass with 1/1 2 to 2 inches of water per week in July and August. Avoid over-watering to satisfy one or two brown patches.

Measure the amount of water the sprinklers are providing the lawn. *For information on performing a water audit go to: http://extension.usu.edu/htm/horticulture.
Mow turfgrass 2 ½ to 3 inches long to prevent stress and help with weed control.

Watch for grub damage in turfgrass, and apply a curative registered insecticide, if necessary.
Feed roses with an all-purpose fertilizer.

Apply borer control to the lower 1 foot of the base of stone fruit trees (peaches, plums, apricots). Go to http://extension.usu.edu/htm/horticulture for more information about peach borer control.
Pre-register for the Budding Workshop held July 16, 9-10:30 am USUBC Greenhouse by going to http://asapconnect.

Art in the Garden Gala: Thursday, June 23rd

2011-06-21T22:08:00.000-06:00

I hope that we get a lot of people out to our Art in the Garden Gala this Thursday. It is going to be such a great free, family event. This is the third year that we have held an open house to celebrate our 17th Anniversary with you. Each year this fun event gets better and better. This year's schedule goes as follows:

3-8pm Art Stroll through the gardens--come check out some beautiful local art and watch the masters paint on site. We have 17 artists participating this year!

3-8pm Garden Tours provided by our wonderful Master Gardeners

5,6,7pm Local Musicians will be performing in our Rose Garden
The three performances are as follows:
5-6pm Harpist, Maren Baumgartner
6-7pm Aspen Strings
7-8pm Acoustic guitar duo

5,6,7pm Kent Teichert, owner of 'For Your Kitchen' will be showing how to prepare the perfect fresh salssa and how to perserve the harvest with a dehydrator.

We will also have Poppin' Johnny's Ice Cream for sale. Trudy is making an Ogden Botanical Garden signature flavor. So come and eat the best ice cream in the world and tell us what you think of our secret flavor!
CB Kettle Corn will also be making their famous kettle corn. The gardens are going to smell heavenly!
We will also have cotton candy for the kids and adults!

Spray Now to Prevent Wormy Apples Later

2011-06-19T21:51:00.000-06:00

Codling moth larvae feeding on a apple.

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30-3:30pm people call in with horticultural questions. The most asked question this time of year is when to start spraying apple and pear trees for the codling moth. The codling moth is the pest that causes wormy apples and pears in the fall. So when do we recommend that you start spraying? The answer is June 18th for Weber County residents. With all the rain we had this weekend you can start your spraying schedule this week June 20-25 and you'll be just fine. To get more information about the codling moth and timings of sprays, please follow this link to the Utah Pests website.

Most Asked Questions of the Week

2011-06-08T17:35:00.002-06:00

www.utahpests.usu.edu

Here are some of the answers to the most asked questions this week.

Thanks to the U tah Pests website for being such a great, reliable source for helping

us diagnose the pest problems that we see on a regular basis. They have wonderful

pictures and up-to-date information for the homeowner.

This past week we have a lot people asking about what is wrong with their peach trees.

They have lost lower limbs of their trees, the leaves came out in the early spring but now

have fallen off, or the leaves are misshapen.

USU Tree Fruit IPM Pest Advisories provide nearly weekly updates on current insect

and disease occurences, biology, and treatment recommendations for Utah. Updates run

from mid-March through September. You can subscribe to their IPM advisory and receive

updates by email.

PEACHES/NECTARINES

Coryneum Blight (Shot hole)

Shot hole lesions are starting to appear on leaves at this time. Shot hole (or
coryneum blight)
overwinters in buds and spreads from there to leaves and later in the season, to
developing fruit.
On the leaves, you will see small round holes that may be purplish or tan in color.
The center of the lesion will sometimes still be attached. Cool, wet weather
contributes to spread.
At the shuck-split stage, you can use Bravo (chlorothalonil, Daconil for residential
use), Abound,
Captan, Ziram, or Pristine.
And keep in mind that the most important treatment is an application of copper at
50% leaf drop in the fall.

Peach Leaf Curl

In the past, we have seen peach leaf curl in Box Elder, Davis, and Weber counties.
Peach leaf curl is a fungal-caused disease that affects peach and nectarine. We may see it
again this year due to the prolonged periods of cool, wet weather we have had this spring.
Damage may not be evident until later in May or early June. Infection occurs just as the leaves
are opening, and causes puckering and distortion of the leaves. The affected area is pink at first,
and then turns green, then brown. Leaves will drop. After the initial infections, new ones only
occur when temperatures are below 79 F.
If you see these infections, note that there are no fungicides that can be applied at this time.
The best treatment is a single application of a fixed copper applied at leaf fall.
For now, maintain tree vigor of infested trees by thinning more fruit than normal, reducing
drought stress with irrigation, and applying extra nitrogen fertilizer.

Dont' Forget the Flower Sale

2011-06-01T22:23:00.000-06:00

We planted our annual beds today! Yipee! Thanks to the help from our wonderful Master Gardeners we were able to get all the planting done in one day! You guys are awesome!
We have plenty of beautiful and unusual flowers for sale and they are a great price! You won't find better or more affordable plants anywhere!
Most annual flowers are $12/flat or $1.50/4-packs
Lisianthus are $16/flat or $2.50/6-pack (our most asked about flower at the gardens!)
Geraniums $1.50
Cannas $1.50
Sale is on Thursday from 2-6pm. Remember that Friends of the Garden you get an additional 20% off these already low prices. See you tomorrow at the sale!

Blooming Beauties

2011-05-30T20:59:00.000-06:00

Even though the weather has been pretty crappy for us gardeners, there are some plants that aren't complaining. Last week I took some pictures of the happy little guys. There are the crabapples that have been blooming for the last month starting with the variety Spring Snow, Sugar Tyme and finally the Bechtel beauties.

Bechtel Crabapple up close and very personal.

Bechtel Crabapple blooms again. Don't the they look like little rose buds?

The perennials this year are very late. We have one lonely iris blooming in the horseshoe bed. They aren't even ready for Memorial Day. Very strange. The columbine is one of the first to bloom in our gardens and we are excited to see it in all its glory.

The columbine is blooming in the water-wise flower bed. Isn't that a cool color for a spring bloomer?

The Arboretum has some hidden blooming beauties as well. Tucked under a huge clump of cottonwoods I saw the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) sticking out it's cute pink blossoms. With all this cool weather this little tree is lovin' life and putting on quite the show. Jerry said that flowering dogwoods are perfect here in Utah as long as they are given some shade. You should give them a try.

Flowering Dogwood in the Arboretum shaded under a huge cottonwood.

Are these pink flowers the coolest thing you've ever seen?

Oh, yeah!


Sorry, I couldn't get enough of them. I'm lovin' these dogwood beauties!

Aren't these the cutest cones you've ever seen? Couldn't they be considered blooming beauties as well? They are from the European Larch in the Arboretum.

Finally, here is the reason why they call this tree a Lace Bark Elm. Awesome exfoliating bark. Wouldn't you agree?

Jerry Answers Some Tough Spring Questions

2011-05-28T21:14:00.000-06:00

Jerry will answer questions ranging from powdery mildew to how to get the greenest lawns. He also highlights some awesome and unusual annuals. We will have many of them available at our Flower Sale on Thursday, June 2nd 2-6pm. Hope to see you there!

We Need Local Artists and Musicians

2011-05-25T17:29:00.000-06:00

We are looking for local artists to display their work and musicians to play at our Art in the Garden Gala on Thursday, June 23rd from 3-8pm.

This is our third year to offer our Ogden Botanical Gardens “Art in the Gardens” Gala. Community members now look forward to attending each year on our anniversary. In the past, many artists and orchestras have participated at this special celebration.

Having artists in the gardens creates beauty while our guests watch. This has been a popular part of this event. Because we try to make our Gala bigger and better each year, we are asking you to complete an application and submit it in advance.

If you know other artists or musicians you think would like to join us that day, please feel free to forward this post onto them. If you have questions about the application and participating in this community event, please call 801-399-8080 between 12:30 and 3:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Ogden Botanical Gardens or email us here.

Plant Giveaway Winner

2011-05-24T13:46:00.000-06:00

Prize tickets were given to everyone who purchased plant at our past sales. I am happy to announce the winner of the 2011 Perennial Plant package is...................drum roll please. The lucky winner is Wendy Eaton!

Wendy will receive one plant each of:
Auslese Lady Mantle, Firewitch Cheddar Pink, Arizona Sun Blanket Flower, Lawrence Flatman Cranesbill, Feuersiegel Helen's Flower, Dazzler Rockrose, Border Ballet Torchlily, Little Titch Blue Catmint, Caradonna Blue Sage, and Magnus Coneflower.
Thanks to everyone who came out and supported us at our plant sales. We had a great selection of perennials, shrubs, trees, flowers, and heirloom tomatoes and peppers to share. Happy planting and congratulations Wendy Eaton!

Flower Sale

2011-05-23T21:56:00.002-06:00

You probably know that because of an unusually stormy spring, the annuals were not ready in time for this May sale. That is why we have scheduled an “Annuals” Plant Sale for Thursday, June 2nd from 2-6pm. Remember that Friends of the Garden get an additional 20% off all plants at our sales.

We'll have a Lisianthus 'Echo Champagne' light pink with a peach edge

For the first time we will be selling the most "coveted" and asked about annual flower at the gardens, the Lisianthus. We have been growing and planting it at the gardens for the past 5 years with many rave reviews. This year we decided to plant more than what we needed in the beds, so that we could offer them to you at our plant sale.

Aren't they gorgeous? We'll have Lisianthus 'Echo Blue' too!

We will have a huge selection of other stunning annuals to choose from as well. Here are some of the other noteworthy beauties that you will have to choose from:

Cleome 'Queen's Mix'


Flowering Cabbage and Kale


'Indian Summer' Black-eyed Susans

Don't Forget: Plant Sales

2011-05-17T20:44:00.000-06:00

This is just a reminder of our upcoming plant sales during our Spring Celebration. Now is the perfect time to plant your gardens!

Wednesday, May 18th 6-8pm Friends of the Garden Plant Sale at the Ogden Botanical Gardens
Thursday, May 19th Noon-6pm Spring Celebration Plant Sale at the Ogden Botanical Gardens
Saturday, May 21st 8am-2pm Spring Celebration Sale at the USU Botanical Gardens in Kaysville
Thursday, June 2nd 2-6pm Annual Flower Sale at the Ogden Botanical Gardens

Pick up your favorite heirloom tomato and pepper starts, select new perennials, and choose a new shrub or tree for your landscape. Staff will be on hand to answer questions. Take a sneak peek at our shopper's guide here. Thank you for your support of the gardens.

Change of Dates for Planting & Annual Flower Sale

2011-05-16T10:47:00.000-06:00

Okay, this weather is really dragging us down. Hopefully it will make up its mind--is it going to be hot or cold, rain or shine? Who knows? Well our plants in the greenhouse are still trying to make up their minds too! Some days they are growing and then other days they just like to "veg" and stay very small. Most aren't ready to be planted or sold.

So we've made a decision about planting our annuals this year. We are going to wait and we'll hold off on planting for two more weeks and we'll have the leftovers for sale that same week.
Here is the plan:
Tuesday, May 31st 9am--Meet at the Ogden Botanical Gardens to move all the annuals from the greenhouse to the gardens where they will be prepped for planting the next day.
Wednesday, June 1st 9am--Plant all the annual beds
Thursday, June 2nd 2-6pm--Annual Flower Plant Sale

Call Kathy at (801) 399-8201 or email her to sign up to help us move, prep, or plant the gardens. Thank you!

Members Only Sale Information

2011-05-11T16:56:00.000-06:00

U TA H S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
B O TA N I C A L C E N T E R
A N D
O G D E N B O TA N I C A L G A R D E N S
invites you to an
Echinacea Extravaganza

As a valued Friend of the Garden, we welcome you this year to an
evening at the Ogden Botanical Gardens for socializing, light refreshments,
and garden enjoyment. This is also your exclusive opportunity to use your
membership discount and get nine of the best Echinacea selections on the
market, preview and purchase new perennials before the general public.
As an added thank you for your support of the Gardens during the
past year we will be giving away a free Canna Lily and Draceana to the
first 80 individuals at the door.
Wednesday May 18, 2011
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Ogden Botanical Gardens
1750 Monroe Blvd.
Ogden Utah 84401

Bring your membership card and save 20% on these North American beauties.

To become a "Friend of the Garden" please call Stacie at 801-451-3403 or go to our membership link here.

Video: How to Plant Carrots

2011-05-10T10:02:00.000-06:00

Learn some tricks on how to plant carrots in the garden from your favorite Horticulturist, Jerry "the movie star" Goodspeed.

Video: Planting Tomatoes

2011-05-08T21:45:00.000-06:00

Jerry, the movie star, is back on the big screen--You Tube that is. Check out his newest video on planting tomatoes in the garden. Bet you'll learn something new about the most beloved plant in the vegetable kingdom! I know I do every time I listen to Jerry, the movie star!

Spring Celebration Shopping Guide

2011-05-06T09:03:00.001-06:00

Check out the Spring Celebration Shopping Guide and see all the plants we will have at our upcoming sales. This Wednesday night (May 18th) is our Members' Only Sale. The public sale is on Thursday, May 19th at the Ogden Botanical Gardens, and again on Saturday, May 21st at the USU Botanical Center. We will have so many awesome and unique plants to choose from at such great prices! Hope to see you there.

Front Page of the Paper: Our Dead Roses & Master Gardeners

2011-05-05T20:53:00.001-06:00

Not coming up roses in many Top of Utah gardens

By Charles F. Trentelman

Standard-Examiner staff

Wed, 05/04/2011 - 10:02pm

{If you are interested in donating to our rose garden please call Kathy at (801) 399-8201 or email us here.}

OGDEN -- More than 30 volunteer master gardeners were busily weeding and cultivating the Ogden Botanical Gardens on Tuesday morning, but they ignored the centerpiece of the gardens, its wide-ranging and much-photographed rose beds.
There's nothing to do in the rose beds. All but one of more than 300 rose bushes died this winter. The beds are full of stunted stalks, waiting to be dug out.
This is not normal.
Losing 20 or 30 plants is normal, but many of the dead roses dated back to the gardens' founding 17 years ago. They survived frost, snow, freezing temperatures and blizzards, but last November was unique, said Dorinda Jones, gardens director.
"In November, it was warm, and then the temperatures dropped dramatically," she said, talking about last fall when the temperature went from the mid-60s to below freezing in one day.
"The plants weren't ready for that, so they couldn't go into dormancy and they died."
The mass death of roses has happened all across Top of Utah, she said, although it depends on how protected individual plants were and other local factors.
But all over, Jones said, gardeners who are going out to do the spring pruning are discovering that there's not much to do but dig out the plant and start over.
The Botanical Gardens, at 1750 Monroe Blvd., along the Ogden River Parkway, features 11 acres of vegetables, fruit trees, flowers, waterwise gardens and other growing things laid out in spreading beds and along the parkway.
The gardens are managed by Utah State University Cooperative Extension Service, but volunteers do almost all of the work. Graduates and students of the Master Gardener Program do most of the labor on workdays scheduled for the first Tuesday of every month, Jones said.
Nadine McKay, of Ogden, and Cary Martin, of Kaysville, were digging out minute bits of weed and grass from one bed Tuesday and breaking up clods.
Other workers were bringing in wheelbarrows full of thick, black compost from the city's compost facility.
Jones said they'll eventually plant 76 varieties of annual flowers and more than 200 flats of plants, most of which were started from seed.
The destruction of the roses wasn't discovered until April 5, when the Gardens normally holds a workshop on rose pruning to show gardeners how to do their own, she said.
As workers trimmed back the plants, Jones said, they noticed that most of the stalks were black, the wood dead. No matter how far back they cut, they didn't find green wood.
Only one plant of more than 300 survived. That made the pruning workshop difficult, she said.
"That one plant got pruned about five times," Jones said, because the classes were held hourly all day.
Now that one plant stands naked, spindly but alive, amid a sea of dead ones.
Jones said the loss of the roses will hurt. Although some weddings are already scheduled and other flowers will be in bloom, people will be less likely to hold weddings there because they normally like to take pictures amid the roses.
She said replacing all of the dead roses will cost about $10,000, money the Gardens don't have. Staff members hope to collect cash or donated roses, either new hybrid tea roses or floribunda rose plants. No grafts from home plants can be accepted, however, because of the danger of disease.
To make a donation, contact the gardens at 801-399-8081 or on the Internet at www.extension.usu.edu/weber.

First Diagnostic Clinic of the Year

2011-05-05T08:32:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was our first diagnostic clinic of the year. We start our Plant Diagnostic Clinics every Wednesday from 3-6pm starting in May until the end of September. Bring in samples or digital pictures of your troubled plants and we will help you solve their problems. Here are some examples of plant problems that we saw last year:

Saw Fly on an Austrian Pine

Herbicide Damage on a Maple

Oak Gall on Scrub Oak

Maple Leaf with Anthracnose

We have a great, skilled team of Master Gardeners that will try to solve all your plant mysteries.

Ogden Botanical Garden's Plant Detectives

Please come and see us throughout this growing season and will help you with all your plant problems!

Update: Weed & Feed Day Tomorrow

2011-05-02T12:20:00.000-06:00

We had a lot to say about “bark” recently in our notice about tomorrow’s Master Gardener Day at the Ogden Botanical Gardens. Unfortunately, the company supplying the bark had their mill break down and cannot deliver it in time. We’ll plan on it next month.

We are really looking forward to having you come tomorrow, so we’ve come up with a new “game plan”. Here’s the projects we will be working on and what you could bring as far as tools and equipment.

1. Moving compost – shovel, gloves, wheelbarrow--if you have one

2. Weeding – trowels and gloves

3. Edging beds – flat edging shovel/tool if you have one


An example of an edging shovel or....

A Half-Moon Edging Shovel

4. Transplanting – gloves, and we will set up tables out front

We are still having our Cinco de Mayo lunch—Taco Bar—and appreciate all of you who have contacted us to help bring something. We are excited, too, about our “Weed & Feed” with Dan Wheelwright sharing his wealth of information about trees.

See you there.

Master Gardener Weed & Feed Day

2011-04-28T13:02:00.000-06:00

Master Gardener in action

We decided to change the name of our Master Gardener Clean-Up Day to "Weed & Feed." We would love to have all our wonderful Master Gardeners come and help us weed and do other tasks at the gardens and then we will feed your bodies and minds. During a delicious lunch you will be able to listen to guest speakers as they talk about various gardening topics. Last month Mark Standing did an "outstanding" job teaching us about composting, so we've decided to continue having the classes throughout the year.

Mark Standing teaching about compost last month

The "Weed & Feed" will be the first Tuesday of each month from 9am-2:30pm, so we hope to see everyone out this upcoming Tuesday, May 3rd. We'll be spreading bark for our garden paths and around tree rings. Please bring gloves, a scoop shovel, a rake, and a wheelbarrow to haul the bark from the parking lot.

Bark path through the Oriental Garden

For lunch we'll celebrate Cinco de Mayo with sweet pork burritos. Please call Kathy at (801) 399-8201 to sign up for a small food assignment.

While we are eating lunch Dan Wheelwright, a certified arborist and Master Gardener, will be talking about the importance of trees in the landscape. It will be a very informative presentation, so we hope to see everyone on Tuesday, May 3rd at the "Weed & Feed".

Thanks again for all your help at the gardens. We couldn't make the gardens as beautiful without your help and support!

Reminder: Sign up for the Irrigation Basics Class

2011-04-27T14:21:00.000-06:00

This is the first time we have offered this class to the public. During this hands-on class you will learn how to improve the performance of your existing sprinkler system, reduce water consumption, save money and time, and promote a healthier and happier landscape.
When: This Saturday, April 30th 10am-Noon
Where: Ogden Botanical Gardens, 1750 Monroe Blvd., Ogden
Instructor: Brandon Cooper, Irrigation Specialist, Master Gardener
Please register for the class here.
Cost: $5 Members, $10 Public

Studio 5: Ogden Botanical Gardens Black Roses

2011-04-22T15:19:00.000-06:00

If you missed seeing your favorite horticulturist on KSL's Studio 5--now is your chance to see Jerry. He explains how we lost all our roses in our beloved rose garden this past winter. We are hoping that through your generous donations we can plant new roses to replaces the ones that died. If you are interested in donating please contact us here or call Kathy at (801) 399-8201. Thanks so much for your continuing support of our beautiful Ogden Botanical Gardens.

Prevent This From Happening in Your Yard

2011-04-19T16:20:00.000-06:00

Do the leaves on your plants look like this in the summer?

Iron chlorosis on a silver maple leaf

If they do, then your plant might be suffering from iron chlorosis and spring is the time to treat this problem. According to Michael Kuhns, USU Extension Forestry Specialist, iron chlorosis is a yellowing of plant leaves caused by iron deficiency, usually in high pH soils (pH above 7.0). The leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green. Some trees and shrubs are more suspectible to iron chlorosis than others, such as Silver Maple, Pin Oak, Japanese Maple, Aspen, and Burning Bush.

A container of iron chelate

One of the most effective, yet expensive treatments for iron chlorosis is by applying an chelated iron to the soil. There are many different brands of chelated iron to choose from. Just make sure that you do not apply Ironite--this is the wrong type of iron. Iron chelate can be applied to soil each spring before the plants leaf out. Last week we applied chelated iron to our Bald Cypress, Japanese Maples, Tanyosho Pines, and Easter White Pine at the botanical gardens. We followed the label and mixed the chelated iron powder to 1-2 gallons of water. The dark, red mixture was then poured around the base of each tree.

Pour the chelated iron mixture around the base of the tree

If applied each year chelated iron treatments can prevent iron chlorosis from happening to your plants. For more information about iron chlorosis please read this article put out USU Extension Service.

Spring Check List

2011-04-07T16:09:00.000-06:00

Stop them before they take over the world!

Lawns: Now is the time to apply pre-emergent herbicides to control annual weed seeds such as crabgrass, spurge, and dandelions. When the forsythias are in bloom will help you remember for years to come. We recommend that it be applied now and again in June for weed control all summer-long.

Fruit tree buds

Fruit Trees: Apply a dormant oil on all fruit trees to control soft bodied insects such as aphids and scale. Remember to spray the dormant oil when you start to see color in the buds. If you apply once the buds have opened you risk burning the foliage/flowers with the oil.

Cut back ornamental grasses, butterfly bush, and other perennials.

Flower Beds: Cut back and remove all of the dead foliage from last year's plants. Most perennials can be cut off to ground level with the exception being lavender and Russian sage. Butterfly bush can be cut back to 18" to help promote more flowers this summer.

Various cool-season crops

Vegetable Gardens: If you can get to your garden without sinking up to your ankles in mud then now is the time to plant cool season crops such radishes, peas, potatoes, onions, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kolrabi, lettuce, and spinach--just to name a few.

Fruit Tree Grafting Workshop

2011-04-07T15:38:00.000-06:00

When: Thursday, April 16th 6-7:30pm
Where: Ogden Botanical Gardens (1750 Monroe Blvd., Ogden)
Cost: $25 members/$35 Public
Instructor: Mike Pace, Box Elder Extension Agent
Register here for the Thursday or Saturday class. Questions call Stacie at (801) 593-8969

Last Year's Grafting Class

Find out how to perpetuate that perfect fruit tree. This hands-on workshop will reveal the techniques behind grafting. Participants will receive two apple trees to take home. This is one of our most popular classes and everyone who comes loves it!
There will also be another class on Saturday, April 16th at 9-10:30am at the Utah Botanical Center in Kaysville.

The "Joys" of Raised Bed Gardening

2011-04-07T14:43:00.002-06:00

When: Thursday, April 14th noon-1pm
Where: Ogden Botanical Gardens (1750 Monroe Blvd., Ogden)
Cost: Free, come early for a good seat

Joy Bossi

We are so excited to have Joy Bossi teaching a class at the Ogden Botanical Gardens. Don't you just love her and her radio show every Saturday morning and her appearances on Good Things Utah? I know that every time I listen to her either at a class or on the radio I learn something new!

Ogden Botanical Gardens Raised Beds

Joy will be showing the advantages of growing vegetable and herb using the raised bed method. Even if you don't currently use this system, we hope to make you believers of how much time, space, money, and water you can save while enjoying your bountiful harvest.

Joy will also have her book "Joy in Your Garden," available to purchase and will also autograph your personal copy. Please come and experience how to have a little bit more "Joy" in your garden this Thursday!

Karen Bastow and Joy Bossi

If you can't make it on Thursday, please come to our Saturday, April 16th class at 11am- noon at the Utah Botanical Center where Karen Bastow will be teaching.

New: Irrigation Basics Class

2011-04-04T15:33:00.000-06:00

{This is a new class that we are adding to our schedule. If you have ever wanted to learn how to improve your existing sprinkler system this is the class for you. It will be a hands-on class and you will receive irrigation supplies to take home.}

Where
Ogden Botanical Gardens
When
Saturday, April 30th 10am-Noon
Instructor
Brandon Cooper, Irrigation Specialist, Master Gardener
Cost
$5 members/$10 public
How to become a member? Click here to get more information.
Description
If you are one of the many that spend your summer frustrated as you struggle with an inefficient or improperly functioning irrigation system, then join us as we discuss concepts and techniques that will help you improve the performance of your system, reduce your water consumption, save money and time, and promote a healthier and happier landscape. This is a hands-on class and printed materials provided for participants.
Registration
Either register here or call Kathy at (801) 399-8201

Black Roses by Jerry Goodspeed

2011-04-01T22:45:00.000-06:00

For years hybridizers have tried to create the elusive, truly black rose. The idea was to be the first to develop this highly sought after flower, which would earn that fortunate person enough money to purchase a small island in the Pacific (something about the size of Australia). There is a dark-purple rose that some people (who may be slightly color blind) have called black; but, in reality, nothing even comes close.

That is until now! I discovered this rare rose recently, and I didn’t even have to do any weird hybridizing stuff. I simply walked out to the Rose Garden at the Ogden Botanical Gardens, and “poof”, there it was. In fact, just about every rose we have has turned into a black rose. Wait, we are talking about the stems being black aren’t we? What? You mean the color of the blossom is black? Never mind….

As several people have noticed, many roses in our area became bored with the normal green canes, and decided to try a new look…black. Although the canes have a decidedly different appearance, the bad news is they probably won’t bloom very well this year. Okay, I think…no, I am pretty sure they are dead. (The idea was to soft peddle this news by throwing in a little humor. I must admit it is, indeed, little, especially when we are talking about our beloved roses.)

Sad as it may seem, many roses throughout northern Utah have fallen victim to a northern Utah fall weather “special”. Late last November through early December, just as we were recovering from our Thanksgiving feast, the weather went from a nice balmy 60+ degrees to about -178 degrees F. Well, actually, it may have felt that cold, but it did dip down to almost 0 degrees in a matter of a couple of days, which made many roses extremely unhappy.

As all rose growers know, this is not the smartest plant in the landscape. Beautiful, yes, but pretty dumb on the plant intelligence scale (I think in rates about a minus 7). Most plants figure out when it is getting cold, begin dropping their leaves, and progress into dormancy about mid to late October. Roses, however, forget winter follows this cold spell, and continue growing and trying to look pretty until about January.

Most years, this is not a problem. But, when the temperature drops quickly from a nice growing temperature to well below freezing, like it did this past fall, the roses do not have enough time to acclimate. Plants need a slow cooling process of about two to six weeks to prepare for winter. They drop their leaves, move water and energy out of the stems and into the roots. As the water leaves the cells in the stems they harden, and are ready for cold temperatures. This explanation simplifies the process, but, basically, it’s too much cold too fast which equals dead roses.

When we get deep, freezing temperatures before the plant is ready, it compromises the integrity of the cells. This is similar to putting fresh strawberries in the freezer. They are nice and firm going in, but the freezing action of expanding water (ice) punctures the cell walls, and all the guts and important stuff leaks out. In other words, the strawberry dies just like our roses did.

I wish there was something we could do about it now, but, in reality, it’s too late. If the cane is black clear to the ground, the roots may still be alive, but the good part of the rose is dead. You will get growth, but it will not be the pretty rose you remember because the rose’s rootstock will take over. Bite the bullet and just replace it. If any green remains at the base of the rose, say about 4 to 6 inches high on the cane, the rose will eventually recover and should be fine.

Regardless, remove all the blackened canes which may include removing the whole rose. The good news in all this is we now have an opportunity to plant some of the cool new roses in our landscapes. I might recommend avoiding the black varieties…

Here at the Ogden Botanical Gardens we also lost roses. In fact, we figure about 300 are gone. Sadly, the roses are a major focal point of the Gardens, and a source of beauty and pride for the city. Because we are a non-profit organization, this puts a huge financial burden on us. With this in mind, we are setting up a fund to buy and replant our beautiful rose garden. We calculate it will cost us about $10,000 to bring the Rose Garden back to its pre-freeze condition. If you would like to help, please contact us at either the Ogden Botanical Gardens (1750 Monroe Boulevard in Ogden at 801-399-8080, Tuesday or Thursday, 12:30-3:30), or the Weber County Utah State University Extension Office (1181 North Fairgrounds Drive, in Ogden at 801-399-8201). Thanks for your help.

Jackson Hole Wildflower Tour

2011-03-29T14:51:00.000-06:00

Susie has put together a wonderful wildflower tour trip to the Tetons for August 3-5 for our Friends of the Garden members. The iternary will go as follows:

photo from Lewis Stage Coaches

Early Wednesday morning departure we will stopping at the University of Idaho Aberdeen Research Facility and the BYU-Idaho Botanical Gardens on the way to Jackson Hole. A deluxe boxed lunch will be provided.

Aberdeen Research Facility & BYU Idaho Botanical Gardens

Upon arrival to Jackson Hole we will check in at the Snow King Resort. That evening you will be free to spend the night on the town or enjoy the various hotel amenities. A free shuttle bus is available and departs every 1/2 hour.

Photo courtesy of Snow King Resort

Thursday morning you'll enjoy a hot breakfast buffet at the resort and then we'll leave for Teton Village where we will take the aerial tram to the the top of Rendezvous Peak.

Teton Village Aerial Tram

There will be a choice of 3 tours based on length and level of difficulty conducted by Jerry, Richard, or JayDee. There will be free time at Teton Village to enjoy the shops and have lunch until our early afternoon departure back to the hotel.

Your tour guides and hosts for this fun trip

That evening we will enjoy the "famous" chuck wagon dinner and show at the Bar J Ranch.
Friday morning after the hot breakfast buffet we'll pack our bags, load the bus, and leave the hotel. We will be visiting local botanical attractions before heading home. There will places to stop along the way where you can purchase lunch before we return home that evening.


Photo courtesy of Bar J Ranch

We hope that you will join us for a wonderful wildflower tour through Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The cost is $499 which includes transportation, four meals, lodging, tram ride, wildflower tour, Bar J Ranch food and entertainment! To register please call Stacie at (801) 451-3403.

Landscape Design Basics Class

2011-03-25T14:10:00.000-06:00

Larry Sagers will be teaching a Landscape Design Basics course on May 5, 12, and 19 at the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District classroom. Click here to learn more. There is a fee for this course and seating is limited. To register call Stacie at (801) 451-3403.

Herbaceous Plants Power Point

2011-03-23T21:53:00.001-06:00

Susie and I had a great time teaching the Master Gardener course on Herbaceous Plants. We hope that you learned a lot and that we inspired you to try some new plants in your own gardens this year.

Don't forget our 1st Master Gardener Clean up Day is April 5th from 9am-2pm. We are so excited to work with you this year out in the gardens!
Herbaceous Plants 2010

2011 Ogden Botanical Gardens and Utah Botanical Center Class Schedule

2011-03-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

Our class schedule is now out and ready for you to view. There are going to be some really great classes this year and most of them are free! We have lined up some awesome teachers to teach us about various gardening topics. There is something for everyone! We hope to see everyone at the gardens this year!
Click here to see all our upcoming events and class schedule.

Pruning Demonstration at the Ogden Botanical Gardens

2011-03-09T14:56:00.000-07:00

The first class of the season is coming up soon. It will be Saturday, March 26th at 9am to Noon. Susie will be teaching how to properly prune shrubs. Dori will be demonstrating pruning techniques on ornamental trees.

Vic will be in the Rose Garden pruning the roses for you to see.

Jerry will be inside the classroom explaining the basics of fruit tree pruning.

Each class will last an hour and will be repeated each hour. For all the information click here.

Hope to see everyone on the 26th.

Winter Weather

2011-03-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

Snow is falling all around....Can you believe our March weather so far? We are back to work and this is the spectacular scenery we had this morning. The snow is melting fast, so I had to go and snap as many cool pictures this morning before it was gone. Now, we're just left with a big puddle the size of Texas!

There isn't much to do in the gardens now with all the water on the ground and all. Susie and I are staying busy in our new office. It was finished our last week of work last October. Thanks to all those who helped us paint, put up a drywall where the ticket window was, lay carpet,and put in new furniture. It really does look spectacular. If you're in the area when we're here you'll have to come check it out.

Backyard Chicken Class in Weber County

2011-03-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Backyard Chicken Class

When: THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2011
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Where: USU Extension,1181 North Fairgrounds Drive, Ogden

Backyard chickens help maintain a sustainable food source, teach children responsibility and are gaining enormous popularity in urban settings. Participants will learn the basics of selection, feeding, management, predator control and legalities. David Frame, the state USU Extension Poultry Specialist will be the instructor.
Call (801) 399-8201 To enroll in the class.

WEBER COUNTY USU EXTENSION

1181 North Fairgrounds Drive

Ogden, UT 84404-3100

Phone: (801) 399-8208

Fax: (801) 399-8205

E-mail: james.barnhill@usu.edu

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY INSTITUTION. Special Needs: For any special arrangements including dietary, physical accesses, or other accommodation requests, please call the Utah State University Extension office for Weber County. Five working days is needed to facilitate special needs requests.

We're Back in Business

2011-03-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are back to work. Sad to see our time off come to end, but happy to start a new year at the most beautiful place in the State. The building is once again open for business and we are waiting for the snow to melt.

We already have a new attraction at the gardens thanks to one of our Master Gardeners, Brandon Cooper. We are so lucky to have such wonderful people to work with. You'll need to come and visit the gardens and our new attraction soon! It is another great feature that will compliment our Outdoor Classroom. I'm not going to reveal our surprise just yet. There need to be a few finishing touches before the big reveal. So stayed tuned.

Don't forget the Ogden Standard-Examiner's Spring Home and Garden Show at the Weber County Fairgrounds is going on this weekend. Susie and I will be giving a class on Veggies on Saturday at 3pm. It will get you excited to planting your gardens. Hope to see you there!

Great Book for a Great Price

2011-03-01T09:31:00.001-07:00

Trees of Utah by Sherm Brough and Darrell Weber

Identify the trees that grow around you or trees that you may want to plant. Using the keys with visual diagrams, you can learn to identify different kinds of trees. There are descriptions of 250 trees that grow in Utah. In the book, Trees of Utah, there is information on the tree size at maturity which can help people decide what type of tree they should plant in their yard. The common diseases for the different kinds of trees are listed.

Trees of Utah normally sells for $14.95, but they are offering it for only $7.00 per book plus $1 for shipping if you purchase 1 or more copies.

For this special price please email or call 801-830-6091

{This is a great book and a valuable one in my collection. I use it often when helping people identify trees in their yards and what to plant as well.}

Need Help With Pruning?

2011-02-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

Since most us only prune trees, shrubs, and roses once a year, we usually need a refresher's course on the basics. Come join us at one of many free demonstrations and re-learn everything you forgot from last year.

Classes taught in Weber County

Saturday, March 12--9am-Noon--Fruit Tree Pruning Demonstration
Joel Grassmeyer's Orchard, 2220 Fruitland Dr., North Ogden (park at Cold Springs Trout Farm or Church)

Saturday, March 26--9am-Noon--Pruning Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees, Shrubs & Roses
Ogden Botanical Gardens, 1750 Monroe Blvd., Ogden (Rotating classes each hour)

Need more information call (801) 399-8201.

Classes taught in Davis County

Saturday, March 5--9am-Noon--Fruit Tree and Grape Pruning Demonstation
USU Botanical Center Greenhouse, 725 S. 50 W., Kaysville

Saturday, March 19--9am-Noon--Fruit Tree Pruning Demonstration
Boyd Hansen's Orchard, 112 S. 3000 W., West Point

Need more information call (801) 451-3403

Check Out These Great Classes

2011-02-08T07:54:00.002-07:00

During the winter we have been ~~hibernating~~ working very hard, trying to set up a lot of awesome classes for this upcoming year.

Here are our March free classes and paid workshop line-up:

Fruit Pruning Demonstrations

Date: March 5, 12, 19 9:00am - 12:00

Location: Call 801-451-3403 for locations

Description: Take the fear out of pruning by learning the art and science of proper pruning practices. We focus on apples, peaches, grapes and raspberries. This outdoor event is one of our most popular workshops, so dress for the occasion and come ready to learn.

*A variety of cooperating growers provide the land for this class, locations will vary.

Instructors: JayDee Gunnell, Jerry Goodpseed

Click here to register

Cost: Free

Backyard Chickens

Change of Date: March 26^th11:00am – 12:00

Location: Utah State University Botanical Center – Utah House

Description: Backyard chickens can help maintain a sustainable food source, teach kids responsibility, and have gained enormous popularity in the past few years, especially in Davis County. Participants will learn the basics of selection, feeding, management, predator control, and legalities. Justen Smith, Extension agent for Utah State University Extension will be presenting the class. Participants receive a coupon for 50% off a 25 pound bag of Start N Grow chicken feed with the purchase of 3 chicks (from Rockin’E Farms).

Instructor: Justen Smith, Davis County Extension

Click here to register

Cost: $25 Members, $35 Public

Pruning Demonstrations for Roses, Ornamental Trees & Shrubs and Fruit Tree Pruning Class

Date: March 26^th9:00am – 12:00

Location: Ogden Botanical Gardens

Description: Come learn how to prune your roses, ornamental trees and shrubs, or sit in on a class explaining the basics of fruit tree pruning. Each class will last one hour and be repeated each hour. Come listen to one or all four.

Instructors: Ogden Botanical Gardens staff (Jerry Goodspeed, Dori Jones, Susie Jones, Vic Robite, Mike Gibson)

Click here to register

Cost: Free

Free Class: De-cluttering your House and Green Cleaning

2011-02-02T21:53:00.000-07:00

De-cluttering your House and Green Cleaning

Date: February 5^th11:00am –12:00

Location: Utah State University Botanical Center – Utah House

Description: Get organized and learn how to de-clutter your home in this free workshop. Learn techniques to make your home the relaxed safe haven you are would like it to be. Participants will also learn how to make their own green cleaning products. “Going Green” with household cleaners can save money, the environment, and even the health of the people in your home.

Cost: Free

{I don't know about you, but I need some help in this department. Now is the time to do it. This wiil be an awesome class to attend! See you there.}

Upcoming Class: Plant Propagation 1,2,3...

2011-02-02T21:34:00.001-07:00

We wanted to make you aware of an upcoming class that will be taught at the Utah Botanical Center. Class size is limited so you must pre-register with Stacie at the USU/Davis County Extension Office, (801) 451-3403.

“Plant Propagation 123…”
Date: Saturday, February 5th, 9:00am – 11:00

Location: Utah State University Botanical Center Greenhouse, 725 South 50 West, Kaysville

Description: Discover the science of propagating plant cuttings and starting yourownplants from seed in this hands-on workshop. Participants will leave with “ready-to-root” cuttings and a home seedstarting tray.

Cost: “Friends of the Garden” Members $25 or General Public / Non-Members $35

Hobby Greenhouse Classes with Larry Sagers

2011-01-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been interested in building your own greenhouse? Now is your chance to take an awesome class about hobby greenhouses from Larry Sagers. He will teaching about greenhouse design, construction, and will answer any questions you might have about starting your own hobby greenhouse. This is the first time that this series has been offered at the Utah Botanical Center so we hope that you will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

Hobby Greenhouse Series

Location: UBC Greenhouse (725 South Sego Lily Dr. Kaysville, Ut.)

Dates: Thursdays - January 13^th, 20^th and 27^th

Time: 9:00 am – noon

Price: $75 for members, $100 for non-members

Call Stacie Stone at (801) 451-3403 to register for these great classes.

Jackson Hole Wildflower Tour: Reserve Your Spot Now

2010-12-15T22:00:00.001-07:00

Give the Gift of a Teton Wildflower Tour

Get prepared! In 2011 the Friends of the Garden membership will be heading to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for a 3 day/2 night guided experience of the flora of Grand Teton National Park. From the top of Rendezvous Mountain alone, at a staggering 10,450 feet, there are more than 100 species of alpine wildflowers to enjoy and photograph. Give yourself or loved one a truly unique holiday gift this year and book your seat today. (Photo credit Richard M. Anderson 2010)
Click here to learn more about and register for the 2011 Teton Wildflower Tour!

Give the Gift of Membership

2010-12-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

**Now until December 31st you will receive your membership for a special low price. Call Kathy at (801) 399-8201 for more information.

A "Friends of the Garden" membership is a holiday gift your friends will use all through the year and it keeps our gardens growing. The $35 annual membership gives your friend discounts on classes like designing with bulbs and creating beautiful container gardens at the Utah Botanical Center and Ogden Botanical Garden, entry to "Friends Only" special events like garden tours and wildflower walks, and 20% off all regularly priced plants.

Especially for holiday giving, gift membership cards will be sent to you in a beautiful holiday card and include $5 off any plant purchase at the gardens next year.

There are two easy ways to give a gift membership. Print and mail the form from our online brochure along with your check. To ensure you receive this special gift card offer in time for Christmas giving we must receive the membership form and payment by December 17. You can also purchase membership cards at the Weber County Fairgrounds, located at 1181 N. Fairgrounds Drive, Harrisville, Mon ̶ Fri, 8 am ̶ 5 p.m.

Master Gardener Banquet--Thanks Class of 2010

2010-11-20T22:41:00.000-07:00

Our Beloved Principal, Jerry

Kathy, the best Secretary

Dori the Assistant Principal

Truant Officer Susie

We had an awesome time at our banquet. We got to talk to all our favorite Master Gardeners, eat some yummy food with our Honey Baked Ham, and put on a free show for all those who attended.

Free, Cheap Entertainment

Jerry, Susie, and I always have fun brainstorming how we're going to outdo last year's skit.

We hoped that everyone had a great time and it was a blast to see the yearbook that Dede put together for us. We're going to miss her now that's she's gone to Peru. Adios Dede. We'll keep everyone posted on how's she's doing in the mission field when we hear any news.
Thanks again for all your support this year. To date this has been the best year yet at the Gardens and we couldn't have done it without each of you!
I'm currently working on a CD of the slide show that we ran at the banquet. Let me know if you would be interested in a copy.

Another Studio 5 Appearance

2010-11-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

If you missed seeing Jerry, which I know everyone does--check him out on Studio 5 talking about Unusual Conifers. You can even come to the gardens and see these trees and possibly Jerry for yourself!

Master Gardener Banquet

2010-11-02T20:40:00.000-06:00

Mark your calendars for the Master Gardener Graduation Banquet on Tuesday, November 9th. It will be great time to reminisce about the year, spend time with friends, eat some great food, and enjoy us making fools of ourselves. What's not to miss? Hope to see everyone there even if you aren't graduating. Call Kathy (801) 399-8201 to choose a potluck item to bring. It will be the best time ever!


In case you forgot about last year's entertainment.

Thanks for a Great Year

2010-10-27T21:17:00.000-06:00

We will be closing up the building tomorrow for the winter. There were probably many tears shed after reading that, but don't worry--we'll open up again on March 1st. I'll continue to post on the blog and we'll still be answering your horticulture phone calls during the winter.
We were able to get all our flower beds ready for their winter slumber thanks to the great help from our Master Gardeners yesterday. We had another awesome work day at the gardens and were able to pull all the annual flowers out and till the soil for next year's plantings.

THANKS MASTER GARDENERS FOR A GREAT YEAR AT THE GARDENS! We had such a wonderful year with so many accomplishments! We couldn't have done a fraction of it without you.

Hope to see you all at the Master Gardener Graduation on November 9th. Call Kathy to sign up for the potluck. Come for the great dinner and a free show!

Apple and Cheese Tasting

2010-10-27T20:56:00.000-06:00

Our last public event of the year was our Apple and Cheese Tasting. We would love to thank our sponsors at Beehive Cheese, Shreibers Cheese in Logan, Pettingills Produce, and Poppin' Johnny's Ice Cream for providing us with such tasty samplings. We did the tastings at both the Ogden Botanical Gardens and the last day of the Kaysville Farmers' Market. Both days were a huge hit! We were so lucky to have great weather and a lot of happy people.

The Line-up of apples and cheese in our new Outdoor Classroom.

We had a fabulous selection of local apples and cheese to choose from.

Trudy with Poppin' Johnny's Ice Cream giving out free samples of pumpkin pie and huckleberry ice cream. Yum!

All the moms and kids were so excited for a taste.

The Key Club from Ben Lomond High School came and weeded in the Waterwise Garden.

We love our volunteers.

Everyone loved the great selection we had of artisan cheese and fresh apples. We love to showcase all the local treats our great state has to offer.

Thanks for coming out and supporting us this year.

The line at the Kaysville Farmers' Market.

We even had a bagpiper providing us with music at the market.

Bye-Bye Annuals

2010-10-25T16:07:00.000-06:00

Rain or shine the annuals are going bye-bye tomorrow at our Master Gardener Clean-up Day. We planted in the rain and I guess we'll pull them out in the rain. I know that it's going to be cold, rainy, and possibly snowing, so dress in layers.

It will be a ton of fun and we hope to see you all there. We will be saying good bye to summer as we give the annual flowers a proper send off to the green dump. Finish up your volunteer hours with your friends at the Gardens and join us for a great pizza and pie lunch.

Another Master Gardener "Team Work" Day

2010-10-18T22:16:00.001-06:00

Have I ever told you how much we love our Master Gardeners? They truly are the best people in this world! When I start to think about all the work they have done at the gardens this year, I get tired. Just looking at the pictures I took at our last Master Gardener Day my muscles start to ache when I remember all the work we did that day. It was awesome what an army of Master Gardeners armed with shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows can do to 17 yards of road base and 13 1/2 yards of decorative rock. Here are some pictures to show you how awesome this team really is...

Piles of rock in the parking lot that were all shoveled by hand and carted over by hand.

We decided to dig up the existing bark path and put in a new rock pathway lined with leftover dry stack rock.

The existing path had to be dug down 3-4" as well.

Each stone had to carefully measured and placed.

It was a great team effort.

On top of the road base we put 4-5 inches of Chat Fire rock.

The road base was then compacted onto the pathway.

Almost done placing each of the rocks.

The decorative rock was then put on top of the road base.

More compaction time.

Didn't it turn out great?

The pathway is so nice we don't want to step on it.

Thank you Master Gardeners. We couldn't have accomplished such a feat without your help. Thanks for staying until almost 6pm to help us get it all done. We think you're the best team ever assembled and we love the opportunity we get to rub shoulders with each of you!

Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Ogden Botanical Gardens

2010-10-04T13:27:00.000-06:00

We started this list about 3 years ago, so I decided that we really just need to post it for the whole world to see why we are so great! If this doesn't get you to visit our gardens I don't know what will. See y'all real soon!

Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Ogden Botanical Gardens

Free admission to 11 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.
Strategically located along the Ogden River Parkway walking trail.
New outdoor classroom, trough garden, raised vegetable and fruit demonstration beds.
An arboretum with over 50 varieties of “Utah –friendly” trees
Our rose garden showcases over 300 hybrid tea, grandiflora, and floribunda roses.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff that will answer all your horticultural questions.
Inspiring annual flower beds designed using over 100 unique varieties.
Did I mention that Jerry Goodspeed frequents the place?
Our talented Master Gardeners can do anything!
There is a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow.

Golf Cart for Sale

2010-10-01T14:38:00.001-06:00

We just put our golf cart on KSL's classified ads. Check it out if you are interested.
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=12645552&cat=192

2010-09-28T14:19:00.000-06:00

One of our most popular events will be here soon.

It’s our annual . . .

Apple & Cheese Tasting

Thursday, October 7 – 5:00-7:00 pm

Utah Botanical Center Farmers' Market

725 Sego Lily Drive, Kaysville

Thursday, October 14 – 12:00-2:00 pm

Ogden Botanical Gardens

1750 Monroe Blvd., Ogden

Come treat your taste buds to a sampling of the many varieties of locally grown apples, complimented by locally produced artisan cheeses. Join us to savor the end of the growing season.

Questions: Davis County - 801-451-3403

Weber County – 801-399-8201

Our Master Gardeners Have Talent

2010-09-20T13:58:00.002-06:00

Have I ever told you how great our Master Gardeners are? Well, if I haven't lately, let me show you and I have the pictures to prove it.

Kay and her Masterpiece

Take for example one of our Master Gardeners, Kay Ballif. Kay invited us to her home to see her beautiful flower beds this past month. She flattered us by saying that she designed her flower beds with the method that Susie and I taught her in the Master Gardener course. Well of course, we had to go and see her handiwork for ourselves. Ta da!

Kay's Front Flower Bed

Aren't they so colorful and fun to admire? Kay has done a phenomonal job on her yard! The flowers are gorgeous and she has a eye for color.

A Color Collage

I think I need to take a class from her. One of the my favorite parts of her yard is her potted plants.

Potted Plant Paradise

Kay has taken a full flower bed and miniaturized it (I know miniaturize is not a word, but I like it) and put it into a container. And her containers look great! They are still alive, which is nothing short of a miracle for living in a desert. They are lush, full of color, and perfectly arranged.

More "Miniaturized" Masterpieces

See, we do have the best Master Gardeners and Kay is just one of the many amazing people that we get to rub shoulders with here at the Ogden Botanical Gardens. Thanks Kay for the invitation and for sharing your talent with us!

Ogden Botanical Gardens

Seed Exchange

Colorado Rockies Wildflower Tour 2012

Two Completed Eagle Scout Projects in One Week

Apple and Cheese Tasting

Look How Things Have Changed

And the New Greenhouse Goes To......

New Bids

Current Greenhouse Bidding

New Greenhouse Up For Bid

Wildflower Tour

Are You Ready For a Salsa Show-Down?

Hosta Garden Tours & Garlic Braiding Workshop

New Perennial Garden

July Gardening Tips

Art in the Garden Gala: Thursday, June 23rd

Spray Now to Prevent Wormy Apples Later

Most Asked Questions of the Week

Here are some of the answers to the most asked questions this week.

Thanks to the Utah Pests website for being such a great, reliable source for helping

us diagnose the pest problems that we see on a regular basis. They have wonderful

pictures and up-to-date information for the homeowner.

This past week we have a lot people asking about what is wrong with their peach trees.

They have lost lower limbs of their trees, the leaves came out in the early spring but now

have fallen off, or the leaves are misshapen.

USU Tree Fruit IPM Pest Advisories provide nearly weekly updates on current insect

and disease occurences, biology, and treatment recommendations for Utah. Updates run

from mid-March through September. You can subscribe to their IPM advisory and receive

updates by email.

PEACHES/NECTARINES

Dont' Forget the Flower Sale

Blooming Beauties

Jerry Answers Some Tough Spring Questions

We Need Local Artists and Musicians

Plant Giveaway Winner

Flower Sale

Don't Forget: Plant Sales

Change of Dates for Planting & Annual Flower Sale

Members Only Sale Information

Video: How to Plant Carrots

Video: Planting Tomatoes

Spring Celebration Shopping Guide

Front Page of the Paper: Our Dead Roses & Master Gardeners

Not coming up roses in many Top of Utah gardens

By Charles F. Trentelman

Standard-Examiner staff

Wed, 05/04/2011 - 10:02pm

First Diagnostic Clinic of the Year

Update: Weed & Feed Day Tomorrow

Master Gardener Weed & Feed Day

Reminder: Sign up for the Irrigation Basics Class

Studio 5: Ogden Botanical Gardens Black Roses

Prevent This From Happening in Your Yard

Spring Check List

Fruit Tree Grafting Workshop

The "Joys" of Raised Bed Gardening

New: Irrigation Basics Class

Black Roses by Jerry Goodspeed

Jackson Hole Wildflower Tour

Landscape Design Basics Class

Herbaceous Plants Power Point

2011 Ogden Botanical Gardens and Utah Botanical Center Class Schedule

Pruning Demonstration at the Ogden Botanical Gardens

Winter Weather

Backyard Chicken Class in Weber County

We're Back in Business

Great Book for a Great Price

Need Help With Pruning?

Check Out These Great Classes

Free Class: De-cluttering your House and Green Cleaning

Upcoming Class: Plant Propagation 1,2,3...

Hobby Greenhouse Classes with Larry Sagers

Jackson Hole Wildflower Tour: Reserve Your Spot Now

Give the Gift of Membership

Master Gardener Banquet--Thanks Class of 2010

Another Studio 5 Appearance

Master Gardener Banquet

Thanks for a Great Year

Apple and Cheese Tasting

Bye-Bye Annuals

Thanks to the U tah Pests website for being such a great, reliable source for helping