By Lyn Dean
Julie Echter, Vice President at Echter’s Nursery & Garden Center, Arvada, reiterates what many green industry businesses have been experiencing for several years – the challenge of finding people to work hands-on, full-time, jobs. The difficulty finding and hiring employees – made worse during the COVID pandemic – has not improved.
“Worker expectations have changed,” says Echter. “At...
Each year, CNGA recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to CNGA and the industry. Awards are presented during the Industry Celebration which takes place during the week of ProGreen EXPO. Award winners are nominated by CNGA members in the following categories:
Hall of Fame - This prestigious award is presented to an individual who, throughout their career, has...
As we roll into yet another spring here in Colorado, we face a new set of challenges. If you’ve been in this industry long, you have come to understand that no two years are ever the same. Last spring we endured the wettest spring in recorded history along the Front Range which presented us all with unexpected challenges. Other...
An Enduring Legacy: Honoring Steve Echter for his Service on CHREF Board of Directors
Steve Echter is retiring from the Board of Directors of the Colorado Horticulture Research and Education Foundation (CHREF). Steve most recently served as Treasurer and Secretary, managing foundation funds and investments, and growing the impact CHREF has on the industry. Steve’s success in his own business...
Obtaining enough vegetative cuttings from some desirable ornamental taxa can be challenging, especially for taxa that flower over a long period of time. Examples include ORANGE CARPET® hummingbird trumpet, Epilobium canum subsp. garrettii 'PWWG01S’, and Furman’s red sage, Salvia greggii ‘Furman’s Red.’ One way to suppress reproductive growth and get the juvenile growth needed for high quality vegetative cuttings,...
The Colorado State University (CSU) Trial Gardens attract thousands of visitors to the campus each year. Trial Gardens include the Annual and Perennial Trial Gardens, along with the Plant Select® and Perennial Demonstration Gardens.
Perennial trials evaluate new selections developed and introduced to the rigorous climate conditions of Fort Collins, Colorado. Perennials submitted are evaluated over a period of three...
As the new year gets underway, now is the time to sharpen your horticulture skills and knowledge. This can be best accomplished by attending ProGreen EXPO, Jan. 30—Feb. 1 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. With more than 100 sessions to choose from, there is a topic for just about any horticultural interest you have.
Besides improving your own...
CNGA members recently completed a 20-question survey to provide feedback on a variety of association programs and activities. This information is being used by the Board of Directors to help plan for future growth and program improvement as part of the CNGA’s long range planning process. Below is a summary of the survey results, showing the key percentages of...
As an instructor in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University (CSU), Shannon Mason’s primary role is to introduce undergraduate students to the wonders of horticulture. Her largest class—Horticultural Science—continues to grow in enrollment. “This course is full every semester,” says Mason. With 250 students enrolled in Fall 2023, the enrollment will increase to 275...
The Second Regular Session of the Seventy-fourth General Assembly will convene on Jan. 10, 2024, for its annual 120-day session. A recurrent theme throughout the last several years doesn’t seem to be changing this upcoming session. Colorado businesses will continue to be on the defensive on many issues! Yes, it is an election year, so we could see less...
