The Colorado Master Gardener Program: Planting Gardens, Growing People


The Colorado Master Gardener Program
in Pueblo County


Outreach

The  Colorado Master Gardeners (CMGs) in Pueblo County provide a variety of educational opportunities and one-on-one assistance on gardening issues, including diagnostic services in the office and in the field,  and gardening classes and booths.  We also mentor community and school gardens, maintain demonstration gardens, manage a local farmers’ market, and plan and host garden tours.  CMGs serve in Pueblo, Otero, Crowley, and Baca Counties. [Pueblo Chieftain Article on CMG Outreach]


  • CMG volunteer, Wanda, at Farmers MarketFarmers’ Market at Midtown

Colorado Master Gardeners in Pueblo County have managed a Farmers’ Market since 1976; the market is currently held at the Midtown Shopping Center on Tuesday and Friday mornings from early July to early October.  This market is entirely run by volunteers and the proceeds are used to fund a scholarship program for students in Pueblo County.

Each year, Colorado Master Gardeners provide diagnostic services and answer gardening questions for over 3,000 shoppers at the Farmers’ Market at Midtown.

Photo:CMGs provide education on weekly gardening topics at the local Farmers’ Market


  • CMGs lead Pueblo West Garden TourXeriscape Garden Tour

Colorado Master Gardeners help plan and serve as docents during the Xeriscape Garden Tour, answering questions concerning landscape design, water wise gardening techniques, and choosing plants appropriate for southeastern Colorado.  This annual event, held the first weekend of June, draws hundreds of visitors to the 10 to 12 private and public gardens showcased.

Photo:CMGs provide information about plants and gardening techniques at the Xeriscape Garden Tour.


  • CMGs at Pueblo Garden and Home ShowPueblo Home and Garden Show

Colorado Master Gardeners in Pueblo County develop displays and hands-on activities for the annual two day Pueblo Home and Garden show in March.  CMGs provide research based information and expert advice on vegetable gardening, lawns, composting, and plant selection, plus offer fun activities for children and their parents. 

Photo:CMGs prepare for the 2010 Pueblo Home and Garden show.


Four raised beds, located behind the Fine Arts building at the Colorado State Fair, are maintained by Colorado Master Gardeners in Pueblo County.  This garden, a member of the Plant Select® program, was designed to showcase plant species that thrive in the summer heat and peak bloom is in late summer, during the Colorado State Fair. 

Photo:CMG's Plant Select® demonstration garden at State Fairgrounds.


Education for CMG Volunteers


  • In January though March, Basic training for CMG volunteers is provided in Pueblo County via distance education technology. The course alternates from a daytime class (Thursdays) and an evening class (Mondays and Wednesdays).

  • Pueblo County Extension offers CMG volunteers a variety of continuing education opportunities.
  • A variety of seminars and classes on current topics for CMG volunteers and the gardening public
  • Field trips and garden tours
  • Multi-county and regional educational opportunities include CMG Plus Classes, Colorado Updates (monthly update session from CSU), ProGreen, CSU Short Course and CSU Field Days.

Summary


  • CMG volunteers: 60
  • Annual volunteer hours: 3,000
  • Annual value of volunteer time: $66,000

Contact Us

CSU Extension, Pueblo County Office
     701 Court Street, Suite C
     Pueblo, CO 81003
     Phone: 719-583-6566
     Fax: 719-583-6582
     Pueblo CMG Email: cmg@co.pueblo.co.us

Horticultural Staff