There’s nothing quite like the Tagawa Garden Center in Aurora, Colorado. When I was looking for unique and hard to find evergreens for my small suburban backyard, I always found them at Tagawa.
Colorado Garden Design
If you find yourself wanting to learn how to master container planting, or how to grill the vegetables you’re growing, or what flowers to plant that love our Colorado heat, then Tagawa Gardens is the place for you. They have a whole series of classes created just for you. And not just you. They have classes just for the kiddies in our lives. How much fun is THAT?!?
Quite obviously, there’s NEVER a dull moment at Tagawa Gardens!
Check it out!
Sat., Jun. 26:
10:30 AM-12 Noon, Gardening Around Deer & Rabbits, Leslie. Learn what you can do to deter wildlife from “browsing” your prized Dahlias and Verbenas while being gentle with our environment.
2:30-3:30 PM, Kitchen Garden Grilling, Deb Whitakker.. Grilling from your garden is different from grilling meats. Some vegetables are better pre-cooked and finished on the grill. Delicate vegetables prefer fast cooking over a hot flame rather than slow grilling at cooler temps which causes them to fall apart and into the grill, and peppers and eggplant need to be thoroughly charred for the best results. Get the inside scoop on fast, easy grilling from your garden! Please register for this class so we have enough samples!
1-2 PM, Patriotic Kids “Fourth of July” Planting. Becca & Grandma Mimi use the colors of the U.S.A to teach little gardeners about planting a container garden. Kid’s plant a small pot of red, white and blue flowers to take home. Limit 15 children accompanied by adults, max. 3 children per adult, Mat. Fee: $7 per child, please register for this class!
Sun., Jun., 27:
11 AM-12 Noon, Gardening & Eating Locally; In Your Own Backyard, Carole Kastler of Camelot Design, CamelotDesign.net. Tricks and tips to grow your own food in a small space, with limited resources and starting late! You can still do it and do it effectively, plus get great tips for next year! See the mature plants and herbs that Tagawa Gardens has as well as mature container gardens and indoor growing materials. Check out the herbs and discover how to garden later into the fall and winter for more “year round” harvesting.
1:30-3:30 PM Cold Process Soap Making, Christina Blume, Herbalist. In this demo class you’ll learn how easy it is to make cold process soap in your own kitchen! Homemade soap contains moisturizing glycerin and is free of the harsh preservatives and chemicals found in commercial soaps that can be drying and irritating. You’d never believe that soap making was this easy and you’ll soon be making gifts for birthdays, hostesses, or showers! Take home an extensive handout full of recipes, web sites, and resources plus a bar of the handmade soap, a bottle of fragrance oil and a sample packet of soap pigments. Limit: 24 Mat. Fee $25, payable to instructor, please register for this class.
Sat., Jul. 3
Planting By Invitation Only! 11AM -2PM, Grey Kitty® Container Planting Invitational. Many of the non-profit groups participating in Grey Kitty® Animal Rescue event will be creating container gardens that will be sold at silent auction on July 10 & 11. All plants are donated by Simply Beautiful® so that each group collects 100% of the winning bid. Come watch them create patio pots with Simply Beautiful® plants nd learn how to build summer container gardens, too, as a representative of Simply Beautiful will be on-hand to help! Attendance in the audience is open to the public, container garden planting by invitation only, groups must be participating in Gery Kitty® Pet Rescue Event in order to plant.
3-4 PM, Flowering Containers that L-O-V-E the Heat. Our sunny, Colorado summer can bake a lovely porch pot to a crispy crunch! Patty K. helps us avoid such heartbreak with plant varieties that thrive in our hot, hot, and intense summer heat and look gorgeous!
July 10 &11:
11 AM-3 PM Both Days, Grey Kitty® Birthday Celebration & Animal Rescue Event & Silent Auction. Visit with over 25 animal groups featuring pets available for later adoption! Learn about bunnies, cats, dogs, and many more—see our website for a complete list of groups participating. If you give a donation of $5 or more to any group at the event, you will receive a coupon for 10% OFF your purchase (see website for details)!
New for 2010! Bid on lovely container gardens created by each animal group! Each group’s pot will be on display in their booth and available via silent auction, with 100% of the proceeds going to the group that created the pot, thanks to the generosity of Simply Beautiful® Plants!
Special Guests: E.A.R.S. information (Electronic Animal Recovery System) courtesy of J. Dorn Nienaber, Farmer’s Insurance Group, The Nienaber Agency. Create a digital ID for each of your pets. Included in the Home Organizer is a form to fill out on your animal. In the event your animal is lost or missing you can email vital information to the local shelters and humane societies to recover your animal much quicker!
As of May 28, the following groups are participating in the 2010 event:
(links to be provided soon)
All Setter Rescue (Silent Auction, Sat & Sun)
Animal Rescue & Adoption Society (Silent Auction, Sat & Sun)
Cat Care Society (Silent Auction, Sat & Sun)
Cavy Care Inc. Guinea Pig Shelter & Sanctuary (Silent Auction, Sat & Sun)
Colorado Greyhound Adoption ((Sat & Sun)
Colorado House Rabbit Society (Silent Auction, Sat & Sun)
Dumb Friends League (Sat & Sun)
Edwards Foundation for Rescued Animals (Silent Auction, Sat & Sun)
Gabriel Foundation Aviary & Adoption Center (Silent Auction, Sat & Sun)
Good Samaritan Pet Center (Silent Auction, Sat & Sun)
HawkQuest (Silent Auction, Sat)
Mile High Ferret Club (Silent Auction, Sat & Sun)
Misha May Foundation (Silent Auction, Sat)
Pueblo Collie/Sheltie Rescue (Silent Auction, Sat & Sun)
Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue, Inc. (Silent Auction, Sat & Sun)
Rocky Mounatin Great Dane Rescue (Sun)
Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue (Silent Auction, Sat)
Rocky Mountain Wildlife Concservation Center DBA The Wild Animal Sanctuary (Sat & Sun)
Westie Rescue Network (Silent Auction, Sat & Sun)
Sat., July 17:
10-11 AM, How to Build a Wormery Composter. Luan Akin shows how easy it is to recycle kitchen scraps into wonderful, rich compost in a small space with the help of our worm friends—perfect for any size garden, patio or balcony!
1-3 PM, Making your Own Ceramic Pot Fountain. Dee shows how to take simple parts—tubing pump, pot and a few others—and make a beautiful and unique fountain for indoor or outdoor use. This is a demonstration class only.
Sun., July 18:
Noon-3 PM, Xeriscape Cluster 1, Craig Miller. This is a condensed form of a 6-part series class! In Cluster 1, you ‘ll learn the Principles of Xeriscape and Principle 1: Design. Xeriscape™ is not rocks and cactus, but a colorful, lower maintenance alternative to the water hungry landscapes we are most used to. Learn the 7 principles of xeriscaping, and take away some great ideas for retrofitting your existing landscape, or installing a new one! The Design portion offers a way to have beautiful, livable landscapes without excess water use, and any good xeriscape begins with a good design. Learn the basics of xeric yard and garden design in this instructive class.
July 24 & 25
Mountains & Plains Iris Society Annual Iris Rhizone Sale! Featuring iris rhizomes grown by members of Region 20 of the American Iris Society! All proceeds of the sale benefit this non-profit organization that promotes the appreciation and culture of irises.
Sat., July 24
Mountains & Plains Iris Society Annual Iris Rhizone Sale! Featuring iris rhizomes grown by members of Region 20 of the American Iris Society! All proceeds of the sale benefit this non-profit organization that promotes the appreciation and culture of irises.
10-11 AM, Perennial Grasses. Roxanne, one of our Perennial Experts, presents the positives about these loverly, graceful additions to the landscape that are at their best in late summer!
1-2 PM, Recycled Treasures for Your Garden–the Joys of Creative Repurposing ‘Show & Tell,’ Karen Z. Do you enjoy creating whimsical garden art using ‘found objects, ‘thrift store finds’ , ‘cast offs’ & ‘dumpster treasures’ ? Let’s meet and share ideas and pictures!
Sun., July 25:
Mountains & Plains Iris Society Annual Iris Rhizone Sale! Featuring iris rhizomes grown by members of Region 20 of the American Iris Society! All proceeds of the sale benefit this non-profit organization that promotes the appreciation and culture of irises.
Noon-3 PM, Xeriscape Cluster 2, Craig Miller. In this condensed class, you’ll learn Principles 2, 3 & 4! Principle 2: Soil Preparation– next to design, soil preparation is the most important part of successful xeriscaping and gardening. We will dish out the “dirt” on amending soil for a water efficient and healthy landscape. Principles 3 & 4: Appropriate Use of Turf & Plant Selection–the most controversial and misunderstood of the Xeriscape principles is the concept of appropriate turf. Turf grasses have a place in the landscape, even in Xeriscape. We will provide you with guidance on this aspect of landscaping, as well as cover plant selection and proper grouping of plant materials in this informative class.
Sat., July 31:
10-11AM, Planning Now for Putting Your Water Garden to Bed for the Winter, Cyndie Thomas. Yes, it is a dirty job. Next spring you’ll reap the benefit of all your hard work this fall. Critical topics such as removal of summer debris, protecting tender plants by over wintering them indoors and “adjusting your pond fish feeding schedule” will be covered.
11:30 AM-12:30 PM, Tried & True Kids’ Refrigerator Jam. Becca & Grandma Mimi share a special bonding moment with your kids by making homemade preserves that are quick and easy, fun , and taste like you just picked ‘em. Mat. Fee: $7 (for lids, jars, etc.), please register for this class! Limit: 15 children (each must be accompanied by an adult.)
1:30-2:30PM, Growing Orchids in Colorado, Dee shows how easy it is to grow these beautiful plants indoors in our climate. Light, water, transplanting and re-blooming are some of the many topics covered.
August
Sun., Aug. 1:
Application deadline for Holiday Gifts for Pets & Their People Craft Event November 6 & 7, 2010. See www.holidaygifts4pets.com for details.
Noon-3 PM, Xeriscape Cluster 3, Craig Miller. This completes the condensed series featuring Principles 5, 6 & 7! Principles 5 & 6: Irrigation & Mulch. Irrigation is necessary in a xeric landscape, at least during the first few years while the plants’ root systems are developing. And critical to making efficient use of that water is the appropriate use of mulch. Principle 7: Maintenance–maintaining the landscape cannot be forgotten, even in a xeriscape. Pruning, occasional weeding and pest management, checking that the irrigation system is functioning properly, and adjusting automatic irrigation systems as the seasons change will be needed. Come learn what you need to know to maintain your xeriscape properly!
Thurs., Aug. 5:
4-7 PM, “Girl’s Thyme” Ladies Night Out. Be the first to take advantage of our 28th Anniversary Sale-abration! 50% OFF Perennials & Roses, 25% OFF Everything Else*, plus visit with local spas, cosmetics, clothing and jewelry vendors and other favorite ladies products. (Merchandise sold by Girl’s Thyme Out vendors is not included in our Anniversary sale). (* see TagawaGardens.com for details & exclusions).
Fri., Aug. 6
28th Anniversary Sale Begins! 50% OFF Perennials & Roses, 25% OFF Everything Else*, through Thurs., Aug. 19 (* see TagawaGardens.com for details & exclusions)!
Aug. 7-8:
Anniversary Weekend Celebration!!
Join us for a bake sale featuring home-made goodies prepared by Tagawa staff, to benefit Park Task Force! Plus classes about preserving your harvest and adding color to your gardens for fall! Enjoy our Anniversary Sale discount as mentioned above!
Sat., Aug., 7:
9 AM-3 PM, Tagawa Employees Community Bake Sale to Benefit Parker Task Force! All proceeds benefit The Parker Task Force/Food Bank, a non-profit organization formed to assist residents of Parker, Franktown & Elizabeth who are in need of short-term assistance.
1-2 PM, Preserving your Harvest: Delicious Dried Foods from your Garden, Deb Whitakker. Americans have been conditioned to think that fresh is best, but that’s frequently not the case. Drying produce is the ultimate in sustainability: no freezer burn, significantly reduce storage space, locked in nutrients, but the best part is the taste of specialty foods that are commercially unavailable, like powdered heirloom tomatoes that add incredible depth to soups and stews; kale and zucchini chips that are unbelievably delicious alternative to the MSG-laden GMO potato chips; Grand Marnier-marinated dried pears for topping pastry cream. No fee for this class, however please register for this class so we have enough samples for everyone!
Sun., Aug., 8:
11 AM -12Noon, Long-Blooming Perennial Color, Lina, Perennial Coach, directs us in choosing plants that ensure our gardens look fresh and dramatic well into the fall months!
1-3PM, Luxurious Lotions, Jackie Robb. Diethanolamine (DEA), Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Magnesium aluminum silicate. Are these ingredients in your lotions or moisturizers? Are they safe? Have you noticed that the ‘natural’ ingredients are listed towards the end of ingredients, meaning they are in the smallest amounts? Come learn how to make your own moisturizing lotions without irritating and harmful chemicals at a fraction of the cost you would pay at the stores. You will learn how to make lotions that are nutritious to the skin using truly natural and organic ingredients that will leave your skin feeling soft and supple. Learn how to incorporate your favorite healing and moisturizing herbs you can grow in your own garden. Participants will go home with samples of lotions made in class as well as a handout with many terrific recipes to try at home. Limit 30; Mat. fee $10, payable to the instructor, please register for this class!
Aug., 14-15:
Melon Daze! A new family event featuring classes and fun involving melons! Plus, locally grown melons of all types will be available for purchase!
Sat., Aug. 14:
9:30-10:30 AM, Kid’s Melon Salsa class, Becca & Mimi. Salsas made with melon are the best of both worlds (sweet and spicy). Share the fun of “cooking” this special treat together from “South of the Border!” Mat. Fee: $7 (for lids, jars, etc.) Limit: 15 children (each must be accompanied by an adult) please register for this class!
11 AM-12 Noon, Obstacle Course Melon Races. This comical race through an inflatable obstacle course is for children and adults alike. Who will make it through first?
12:30-1:30 PM, The Embellished Melon, Helen Lozynsky. Carve your own melon masterpiece –Bring a cantaloupe, a pairing knife and a cutting board. The class includes a discussion on how to grow melons plus their use in salads and as dessert. Limit: 25 adults, please register for this class!
2:30-3:30 PM, Kid’s “Melon Balloon” Toss. Children test their skills at gently tossing a melon balloon between pairs without breaking the “melon!” After each successful toss, both kids take a step back and try again until there is a winner!
Sun., Aug., 15:
9:30-10:30 AM, Kid’s Melon Salsa Class, Becca & Grandma Mimi. Fruit salsas are the best of both worlds (sweet and spicy). Share the fun of “cooking” this special treat together from “South of the Border!” Mat. Fee: $7 (for lids, jars & misc.), Limit: 15 children (each must be accompanied by an adult), please register for this class!
11:30 AM-12:30 PM, Authentic Mexican Watermelon Agua Fresca, Alicia. There are stands throughout Mexico that sell this refreshing fruit drink that is also a favorite with the kids. A chilly, absolutely delightful afternoon treat that will refreshes to the core! Please register for this class so we have enough samples!
1:30-2:30 PM, Obstacle Course Melon Races. This comical race through an inflatable obstacle course is for children and adults alike. Who will make it through first?
Aug. 21 & 22:
Rocky Mountain Koi Club Annual Koi Show and Mile HIgh Daylily Society Annual Sale!
See fabulous koi on display, and koi and pond supply vendors available. Plus, daylily roots from Society Members gardens available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the Daylily Society! See www.RMKC.net or MileHighDaylily.com for details!
Sat., Aug. 28:
10-11 AM, Late Blooming Perennials. Lina directs us in choosing plants that ensure our gardens look fresh and dramatic well into the fall months!
12 Noon -1 PM, How to Stretch your Container Gardens into the Fall and Winter. Kris shows us which plants take a ‘bit of a nip’ in the air and look great doing so!
2-3 PM, Dangerous Plants in the Garden, Helen Lozynsky. What you don’t know may be deadly. This class includes a discussion covering some common, yet lethal garden plants. Yet even with these potent plants, mankind was able to discover some of their positive aspects & put them to good use.
Sun., Aug. 29:
11 AM-12 Noon, 9NEWS Rob Proctor’s Perennials Gardens Layouts. Rob demonstrates, with style and flair, his winning design plans for perennials in a garden!
1-2 PM, Pruning 101, Craig Miller. So how do you properly prune that tree or shrub in your yard? Why and when should you prune? What should you look for when contracting with a tree care professional? These and other questions will be answered during the course of this enlightening class.
2:30-4:30PM, Natural Skin Care, Christina Blume. In this class you’ll learn all you need to know about skin care from cleansing, to moisturizing and protecting. Cleansing grains, facial steams and cleansers, masques that remove all debris from pores, toners and astringents, acne & blemish treatments, 2 moisturizers, one for daily use that contains far more nutrients and anti-oxidants for your skin than anything available commercially and one which is profoundly healing for damaged skin and premature aging, lip balms and under eye nutrient oil. Conduct a 2 month experiment and notice the difference in fine lines and wrinkles! Take home an extensive handout, facial steaming herbs, a 2 month supply of moisturizer and a tube of the lip balm. Your friends will all ask if they can purchase your handmade wonder cream! Limit 30: $25 mat. fee , payable to the instructor, please register for this class!
September
Sept. 4, 5 & 6:
Chile Pepper Fiesta! Fresh, roasted chile peppers will be available, plus enjoy fun classes about how to prepare tasty foods with roasted chiles! On all three days, Digital ID M.I.L.K. information (Managing Information on Lost Kids) will be available, courtesy of J. Dorn Nienaber, Farmer’s Insurance Group, The Nienaber Agency. The M.I.L.K. Digital ID was designed to provide parents & caregivers a convenient location to sore a digital photo & identification information regarding their children, which is stored on your computer hard drive and provides a vital identification tool in the event of an emergency.
Sat., Sept. 4:
9:30-10:30 AM Salsa Making for Kids, Becca & Mimi our Children’s Gardening Enthusiasts. Fruit salsas are the best of both worlds (sweet and spicy). Share the fun of “cooking” this special treat together from “South of the Border!” Mat. Fee: $7 (for lids, jars, etc.), Limit: 15 children (each must be accompanied by an adult), please register for this class!
11:30 AM -12:30 PM, 51 Ways to Use Roasted Chiles, Deb Whitakker. Tips on preparation & freezing and recipes for vegetarian, chicken and pork green chili, traditional Chile Rellenos & polenta crusted Chile Rellenos. Tasting included… Please register for this class so we have enough samples!
1:30-3 PM, Authentic Mexican Salsa Recipes, Alicia. Please register for this class so we have enough samples!
Sun., Sept. 5:
10:30-11:30AM, Salsa Making for Kids, Becca & Mimi our Children’s Gardening Enthusiasts. Fruit salsas are the best of both worlds (sweet and spicy). Share the fun of “cooking” this special treat together from “South of the Border!” Mat. Fee: $7 (for lids, jars, etc.), Limit: 15 children (each must be accompanied by an adult), please register for this class!
1:30-3 PM, Authentic Mexican Chile Rellenos, Alicia. Just enough heat to engage the palette and still be the “real thing.” Shh, don’t let Alicia’s’ family know she’s giving out the secret recipe! Please register for this class so we have enough samples!
Mon., Sept. 6:
1-2 PM, Authentic Mexican Green Chile with Meat, Alicia. Please register for this class so we have enough samples!
Sept. 11 & 12:
52nd Annual Colorado Dahlia Society Show. Sat. 9 AM-5 PM, Sun. 10 AM-3 PM. We are honored to host this affiliate of the American Dahlia Society! Their purpose is to stimulate interest in and to promote the culture and development of the dahlia. Come see beautiful flowers on display and chat with members about dahlias!
Sun., Sept 12:
1-2 PM, Choosing the Right Tree for the Right Location, Craig Miller helps you make the right decision when it comes to tree selection and planting. We will explore environmental factors that influence tree selection, what you should look for when purchasing a tree, tree placement and proper planting techniques.
Sept. 18:
Bulb Festival! Classes about these fall-planted, spring-blooming miracles!
9:30-10:30 AM, Kid’s Container Bulb Class, Becca & Grandma Mimi make bulbs magical for kids. How proud they will be next spring to see what they have created! Mat. Fee: $10, Limit: 15 children (each child must be accompanied by an adult), please register for this class!
1-2 PM, 9NEWS Rob Proctor’s Planting Bulbs for Spring Color. Rob specializes in planting bulbs in patio containers in the fall for an unbelievable flower show next spring! Learn his special tips for success.
Sun., Sept. 19:
11 AM-12, Noon How to Kill a Tree, Craig Miller. Our 5 step program for “Assisted Herb-icide” will teach you how to properly care for your trees. From poor pruning to construction damage, improper planting to over watering, we will cover the tree maintenance practices that shorten the lives of trees in our urban forest.
1:30-3:30 PM, Fall Container Garden Charity Garden Party! Registration required, limit: 50. Check back heresoon for details and pricing!
Sat., Sept 25:
9 AM-4 PM, Rocky Mountain African Violet Society Fall Sale. African Violets and accessories will be available for sale, with all the proceeds from their sale going to The Society!
10 AM-12 Noon, Growing African Violets & Other Gesneriads, Dee. will make raising these great plants a cinch for you! Find out exactly what the plants want; light, Water and Temperature and Fertilizer. Don’t let their scary names frighten you.
Sat., Oct. 2
Garlic Festival! More details soon!
Recorded Webinars
APR 6 2010 – Growing Locally In Your Own Backyard:Get Organized-Design
APR 12 2010 - Landscape Design Basics Part I
APR 13 2010 - Growing Locally In Your Own Backyard:Soil Prep, Raised Beds, Containers and Companion Plants.
APR 16 2010 - Landscape Design Basic Part II
APR 20 2010- Growing Locally in Your Own Backyard:Harvesting, Maintenance & Extending
APR 22 2010 - Landscape Design Basics Part III
Last 3 posts by Andrea Kalli
- My List of Gardening Books - Part 1 - September 3rd, 2010
- Events at Hudson Gardens in September 2010 - September 1st, 2010
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