Help Beautify Our Gardens
We’re seeking gardening volunteers to help maintain our gardens.
No experience is necessary; any amount of time you can spare is greatly appreciated. We provide training and orientation, so don’t worry if you’re new to gardening. We believe everyone has unique gifts to share, and we’d love for you to be part of our team. Join us in nurturing our green spaces and fostering community growth!
Make new friends, have fun, breathe fresh air, and contribute to the growth of horticulture in the Pikes Peak region. HAS runs on volunteer power and you as a helper can learn much about gardening from local gardeners.
Come for just an hour or stay for all 3 hours. We are flexible and want you to enjoy your time in the garden.
Tuesday or Thursday Volunteers-Starting in April, join the HAS Gardener and
volunteers on Tuesdays or Thursdays, 9:00 – 12:00 to help in the Demonstration garden.
Work may include planting, weeding, raking, and other activities.
Wednesday Volunteers- Starting in April, join the HAS Gardener and others on
Wednesday mornings from 9:00 – 12:00, to help in the Heritage Garden. Work may
include planting, weeding, raking, and other activities. In case of wet or cold weather,
volunteering may be canceled.
If you would like to get outdoors and help, sign up to volunteer here.
Thank You for a Successful Plant Sale
Annual Meeting, Silent Auction a Big Success-
Volunteer Awards Presented
On Nov. 2, we had our Annual Meeting and Silent Auction at Patty Jewett Clubhouse. We had a nice turnout this year, with everyone coming together and celebrating our accomplishments.
We also had a great Silent Auction — everyone had a chance to get a fun item! There were quite a number of lovely plants in the auction, and I was surprised that they all found homes.
A timely lecture on winter care of trees capped off the event. Thanks to everyone who attended, as well as those who worked to organize the event — particularly the Education/Events Committee and other HAS board members. We would like to recognize Janet Fitzgerald and Laura Lowan, who worked very hard on the Silent Auction, and Jordan Copelin of Dad’s Gardens for a great lecture!
Another highlight of the annual meeting is when we acknowledge volunteers for their extraordinary efforts for the benefit of HAS.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Ken Janzen is our Volunteer of the Year. Ken has been a great help in the gardens, which is a result of his years of work in horticulture, including commercial fruit-growing. This summer, Ken offered to redo the irrigation to our vegetable beds. He had installed some irrigated garden beds at Family Life, and also had been coached on his own vegetable garden irrigation, and said that he didn’t want to waste his knowledge. Ken installed our irrigation in three days, and did a beautiful job, including follow-up tweaks. He said that he likes to see projects through, which is heartening since he will be joining the board! We look forward to learning from you this coming year, Ken!
Henry Cannell Award
The other award is the Henry Cannell Award, which went to Sean Lohman. Sean has spent many of his precious after work hours on our upcoming transition to our non-profit Google account, with all that entails. He has been very patient with us as we have been setting up our personal HAS email addresses in this system, and moving files/documents over to the new Drive.
He is constantly mulling over how tasks can be performed more easily. He has also done a lot of impressive work with Kathy on our Membership Committee. On top of that, he always offers to lend a hand, which is so appreciated. Thanks for your dedication to upgrading not only our systems, Sean, but our public image.
Congratulations to our very deserving winners!
Winter Tree Care
by Gaye Woullard, HAS Trustee
Jordan Copelin of Dad’s Gardens, a certified arborist, spoke at our annual members meeting about “The How and Why of Winter Tree Care.”
Jordan emphasizes proactive care for trees to enhance their role in converting CO₂ to O₂, reducing energy costs, and providing natural wildlife habitats. Proper maintenance can prevent costly problems related to tree damage, injury, and removal. Colorado Springs has few native trees, such as Rocky Mountain Junipers and Ponderosa Pines, which means many tree species in the area require additional attention to stay healthy in winter.
Colorado’s winter presents specific risks for trees, including heavy snow loads, high winds, prolonged droughts, and intense UV exposure. These environmental stresses can weaken trees and make them vulnerable to damage.
“Hazard reduction pruning” is one essential practice for minimizing winter-related harm. This type of pruning involves removing dead branches over 1.5 inches in diameter, limbs with visible decay, and branches with weak connections. It’s also helpful to thin the canopy to improve airflow and reduce the strain on the tree during snow or wind events.
Monthly watering is critical during winter to support tree hydration and promote “cold hardening,” which helps trees survive cold temperatures. This watering should cover the entire drip line, simulating good rainfall. It’s recommended to water twice in one day if possible and avoid shallow, trickling water methods. Despite the counterintuitive idea, watering before a freeze does not harm trees — dry conditions in winter are more damaging.
Tree wrap can protect young trees with thin bark from intense UV light, extreme temperature changes, and deer antler damage. This flexible, brown cardboard wrap should be applied to deciduous trees under five years old, from Halloween until Mother’s Day. Wrapping helps guard against “sunscald” from temperature swings, which is especially relevant at Colorado’s elevation, where sun exposure can be extreme.
Jordan’s primary takeaways are to prune long branches that extend over valuable areas, water trees at least once a month, and use tree wrap to protect young, thin-barked trees during the winter. Following these practices helps trees survive Colorado’s harsh winter and sets them up for healthy growth come spring.
Horticultural Art Society 