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CHREF Research for 2021

Colorado Horticulture Research and Education Foundation Funded Research for 2021

The CHREF Board of Directors met by Zoom on Friday, December 6, 2020 and heard research reports from CSU personnel on research funded for the calendar year 2020 and heard requests for 2021 calendar year. The following four projects were approved for funding 2021.

1. Woody Plant and Herbaceous Perennial Evaluation for High Plains and Rocky Mountain Region
Both the Arboretum and Perennial Demonstration Garden at Colorado State University have several established areas for evaluation trials. These areas provide a strong foundation for scientific plant evaluation for the Rocky Mountain Areas and High Plains area. The grant from CHREF for 2021 will help us to create more space for evaluation of woody plants in an area south of Horticulture Center on the CSU campus. It will also allow us to help maintain the arboretum and perennial garden and also improve the website and educational outreach of the arboretum and perennial garden. Grant also will help to cover cost in producing published reports based on our annual evaluation along with herbaceous perennial collection and updating our website.

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GreenCO 2021 Legislative Priorities

The  first regular session of the Seventy-Third General Assembly will convene on January 13th, 2021. How the session is going to look is still up in the air, due to COVID-19. Safety has been the main topic on how the General Assembly should move forward. One option that has been discussed is that they may convene on the 13th and then break for a month or two as more people will be getting vaccinated. As the state expects to see another budget shortfall, it is unlikely many bills will pass that have a negative fiscal impact to the state.

With the state budget woes, it is anticipated that the General Assembly will be working on similar legislation to HB20-1420-Adjust Tax Expenditures For State Education Fund, which will look to cut certain tax expenditures the state offers in order to fill the gaps in the budget. As many bills died last year, because of both the fiscal note as well as the priority to pass legislation pertaining to COVID-19 relief, many bills could . . .

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What To Do If Your Receive an Unsolicited Package of Seeds

Washington, D.C., August 4, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urges anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds to mail those seeds to the location listed here for your state. If more than one location is listed for your state, please select the location closest to your residence.

Instructions for Mailing Seed Packets:

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Favorite Plants for Pollinator Gardens

There is nothing as inspiring as sitting in your garden looking at your flowers and watching the face of a child light up when they see a butterfly flit over the Pentas or a hummingbird hover by the Salvia or bees busily buzzing from Alyssum to Nepeta blooms. Even as an adult, watching pollinators at work is fascinating!

If you are serious about attracting these lovely creatures, a garden that includes plants for the entire life cycles of the pollinator will be best. There are several parts to the cycle (depending on which pollinator we are talking about) but, food (nectar source), shelter, water and in some cases host plants are what you need. Plant with intention for these needs. 

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Tips For Continuing Business When Your Customers Stay at Home

After weeks of confusing and varied COVID-19 information and new guidelines governing how we do business, many of us find ourselves working remotely. Ours is a hands-on industry, so adapting to this new world requires far more than a shift to a home office. Fortunately, we're a creative bunch finding innovative solutions. Here are some tips and ideas on how to continue business from home. 
                      Photo Source 

Online Ordering, Curbside Pickup and Delivery

With so many families confined to their homes, the yard and garden are both an escape and a focal point. The demand for plants is there, but many customers are uncomfortable with the idea of entering retail spaces. Online ordering systems have been a lifesaver for garden centers and nurseries. Curbside pickup and delivery also keep contact to a minimum and keep staff employed.

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