By Dawn Fradkin, Horticulture Programs Coordinator and Assistant Horticulturist

January is that time of year when the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over and the realization hits that we still have many more weeks (and sometimes months) of winter left to get through. For Colorado gardeners this is a tough time of year, and we plow through the snowy days thinking about our spring gardens and planning for the upcoming growing season. It’s also the time of year when you should mark your calendars to attend the annual Colorado Garden and Home Show, to help with your garden inspiration. There’s nothing better than walking through gardens filled with scented, colorful blossoms during a cold Colorado February.

The 2024 Colorado Garden and Home Show runs from Saturday, February 24 until Sunday, March 3, and master gardeners from around the state will be at the CSU Extension’s Education Garden booth again this year. The theme of our garden this year is “Whatever you need, Extension is here to help,” so make sure to bring all your gardening questions.

The 2024 garden will be featuring all four seasons. Be prepared to learn how to plant a colorful winter landscape (yes, it’s possible with the right plants), and learn which plants look the best in fall. There will also be new and interactive demonstrations this year. These fun activities will include garden planning strategies, how to repot root-bound plants and how to force bulbs. There will also be terracotta pot decorating and a demonstration about how to create a firewise landscape. The best of all, though, will be the live snail races! You don’t want to miss seeing that.

Make sure to take time away from the winter doldrums and visit us to have some fun in the garden and get your juices flowing for your spring garden inspiration. We look forward to seeing you there!