Watery, gardeny, buggy news, info, and tips
An outdoor focus!
WATER UPDATE
At the April city council workshop staff gave a water supply and project update. You can watch it here. I was planning to write a report about it, but time got away from me. I still might try and write one, because staff presented a plethora of information.
At the time of the presentation, April 22nd, our water supply was a little behind average, but staff had hopes for a big wet snowfall in the mountains, which tends to happen at that time of year. Sadly, the snow gods did not come through for us, and instead, the sun jumped into action and started melting the existing snow, which began sinking into the dry ground instead of flowing into our creeks and coming down to us.
Yes, this is how we get our water, and heavy or light snowfall in the mountains makes all the difference. Those at city hall who manage our water are especially glued to what’s happening in the mountains during this time of year.
OLD TOWN GARDEN TOUR
All this year’s gardens are on the north side of Old Town, Baseline, or north of Baseline. The website says: “This self-guided tour features the work of gardeners with widely varying approaches to the craft, but all sharing a common love of thoughtful, water-wise, sustainable gardening.”
RESOURCE CENTRAL RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLER EVALUATION
We will evaluate the sprinkler system at your personal residence at no cost to you. The evaluation includes a visual inspection, efficiency tests, and a customized watering schedule. You'll receive a report containing the test results and maintenance recommendations. To qualify for this service, you must have an in-ground sprinkler system operated by a control clock that waters at least some grass. Register here for a residential sprinkler evaluation.
Non-Residential Sprinkler Evaluation
We will evaluate the sprinkler system at your business, HOA, or other institutional property at no cost to you. The evaluation includes a visual inspection, efficiency tests, and a customized watering schedule. You'll receive a report containing the test results, maintenance recommendations, and a road map to help you decide what next steps to take. Approval by your water provider may be needed. You need an accurate count of your irrigation clocks and zones to apply. Apply here for a non-residential sprinkler evaluation.
Smart Controller Installation
Rachio smart controller installations are offered at no cost to eligible customers. We will replace your current sprinkler control clock with the smart controller and show you how to use it. We have limited smart controllers and appointments available per season. To qualify for this service, you must have an in-ground sprinkler system operated by a control clock. In addition, a sprinkler evaluation is a mandatory pre-requisite to receiving a smart controller. Join the waitlist for a smart controller.
GARDEN IN A BOX
Garden In A Box is currently sold out and will restock on June 18!
Join our 2025 interest list to be notified when the store will be restocked for late summer pickups and planting dates!
While you wait, read about the many blooming benefits of planting in the late summer and get gardening tips and tricks, customer stories, news, and more when you sign up for our monthly newsletter!
RESOURCE CENTRAL SEMINARS
Check out the list of upcoming seminars
Here’s a small sample of topics:
Compost and Soil Health
Insect Visitors in Your Garden: Friend or Foe?
Sustainable High Altitude Gardening with Colorado Native Plants
Pollinator-Minded Fall/Winter Garden Care
LAFAYETTE’S PLANT OF THE YEAR!
Here’s a pic of it blooming in my garden right now. I love blue flowers.
Check out the awesome stickers.
From the city’s website:
To celebrate our pursuit of Pollinator District Designation, we’re spotlighting a Plant of the Year.
Each year, we’ll highlight a native plant that supports local pollinators and healthy ecosystems, while easy to establish and maintain in your yard. Join us in celebrating this year’s pick and learn how you can help support pollinators while becoming water efficient right in your own backyard!
The 2025 pick is Wild Blue Flax (Linum Lewisii). Delicate yet resilient, wild blue flax brightens up prairies and gardens with vibrant blue flowers. An early bloomer, this native wildflower provides food sources for pollinators when most other plants have yet to bloom. This tough species thrives in drier conditions and will bloom repeatedly, offering reliable pollen sources and brilliant colors in your yard throughout the summer.
Maintenance requirements are minimal. It needs infrequent watering to establish, and infrequent supplemental watering needed depending on rainfall.
WATERING RESTRICTIONS
New to Lafayette? Here are the rules for outdoor water use
PICKING THE LESS POPULAR DAYS TO SET YOUR TIMER
I’ve heard there’s some new-fangled thingy that actually turns on your built-in sprinklers for you without you having to drag your hose to various locations in your yard and do it all manually. Wonders never cease. And built-in sprinklers? Who knew? Next, you’ll be telling me we can have phones that aren’t tethered to the wall.
If you have one of these timers of wonder the city is asking you to avoid setting it to turn on during peak periods, early in the morning on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. When everyone chooses the same time to water, it puts a strain on the facilities because even though it’s outdoor water, it still has to run through our treatment plant first, and the plant can only handle so much treating at one time.
I use this old-fangled version so I can only water when I can see where I’m going, unless I wear a flashlight strapped to my gardening hat.
POLLINATOR DISTRICT FOR LAFAYETTE
From the city’s website:
Lafayette Open Space and Sustainability divisions are pursuing Municipal Pollinator District designation, issued by Butterfly Pavilion.
A certified Pollinator District demonstrates a long-term and comprehensive commitment to preserving and protecting pollinators, while taking active and intentional steps to improve and connect habitat. This rigorous designation can take up to 5 years to achieve and the City has partnered with Friends of Coal Creek to tackle different facets of the designation.
Why pursue this designation?
Aligns with the Wildlife Plan and Climate Action Plan.
Protecting pollinator health and diversity during significant global loss.
Quality of life improvement - studies show proximity to green spaces lowers health risks.
Landscape resilience - healthy landscapes thrive and perform functions that help mitigate effects of climate change.
Get Involved
Become an Open Space volunteer
Learn about pollinator conservation at home.
Create Habitat
Avoid spring yard cleanup until temperatures are consistently over 50 degrees.
Leave the leaves! Caterpillars overwinter in leaves in your yard.
Eliminate pesticide and herbicide use in your yard.
Keep cats indoors.
Certify a native garden at your home or business as part of the Coal Creek Pollinator District
Use these resources to create and maintain more pollinator friendly habitat in your yard.
Want to offer more support? Awesome!
Thanks for promoting the garden tour. I’ve spent years landscaping our front and back yards, away from grass and towards low water plants. Much more interesting than grass.
So much information Karen! Thanks! I signed up for the sprinkler evaluation (cross your fingers for me, I'm a little scared to see what they have to say). Water conservation is high on my priority list so this is great.