Join Us for Founders Day on April 11th!
Presented by Amy Yarger, Senior Director of
Horticulture at Butterfly Pavilion
photo courtesy of Amy Yarger
What: Light Refreshments & Lecture on “How Gardeners Can Help Biodiversity”
Who: Presented by Amy Yarger, Senior Director of Horticulture at Butterfly Pavilion
Where: The Peel House (First Lutheran) 1515 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
When: Saturday, April 11th. Refreshments start at 9:30 a.m. Lecture 10-11 a.m. with questions afterward.
HAS Members: $11/member (payment link below)
Non-Members: $21/non-member (payment link below)
*Payment must be made in advance of the event and guarantees your seat at the lecture. We are limited to 90 people, so please let us know if you would like to be put on a waitlist by emailing info@hasgardens.org.
In the horticulture world, we frequently hear references to the importance of biodiversity, but as home gardeners, how can we make an impact? Biodiversity supports our livelihoods and ecosystem health, but scientists report that our native plant and animal populations are at risk. However, our gardens can be a powerful force for positive change – they can conserve resources, improve wildlife habitat, and even have a positive influence on our physical and mental health. In this engaging presentation, Amy will share strategies and tips that cultivate healthy biodiverse gardens and contribute to resilient communities.
Amy Yarger is the Senior Director of Horticulture at Butterfly Pavilion and has worked in the public horticulture field since 1996. She received a bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of California, Irvine, and then went on to study plant-animal interactions at the University of Michigan. Her master’s thesis concerned the effects of invasive weeds on pollinator-plant relationships. Amy currently leads Butterfly Pavilion’s local pollinator habitat initiatives, such as the Pollinator District program and the Urban Prairies Project, which restores habitat in urban and suburban natural areas. Her work at Butterfly Pavilion, where she has worked since 2000, touches on many of her passions: plants, invertebrates, habitat conservation , and science education.
To register for this lecture: Click Here to Register for the Founders’ Day Lecture (both HAS members and Non-Members)
!!!!!Please ensure that you complete both steps: registration and payment. Both steps are required to confirm your spot.
Pay HAS member payment ($11) Click Here to Pay for an HAS Member Reservation ($11)
Pay HAS non-member payment ($21) Click Here to Pay for a Non-Member Reservation ($21)
Free Rose Pruning Class
Photo by Barb Valenti
What: Free Rose Pruning Class
Where: Demo and Heritage Gardens
When: Monday and Tuesday, April 13th and 14th, @ 9:00 a.m.
For the past 3 years, we have offered a free class on rose pruning and care to anyone and everyone. After the class, we ask you to practice the pruning technique we teach by pruning some of our 100 roses in the Heritage and Demonstration gardens (aka “sweat equity”).
We start with a 30–40-minute formal presentation in the cottage (224 Mesa Road) on Monday, April 13th, and Tuesday, April 14th at 9:00 a.m., and then work in the garden by pruning roses. The actual pruning usually starts about 9:45 for 1-1.5 hours. (done by noon). We will have several HAS gardeners to help you with the hands-on art of pruning roses.
We provide all the tools, but you should bring sturdy garden gloves, wear a head covering, and wear long sleeves. Bring your own water, sunglasses, and sunscreen. We do have several pairs of rose gloves (which cover more of your arm). It is also suggested to have a current tetanus shot as you are working with soil and thorns.
Our capacity is 25 participants, and we often have a waiting list.
Please email us at info@hasgardens.org with any questions.
Click Here to Register for the Monday, April 13th Rose Pruning Lecture
Click Here to Register for the Tuesday, April 14th Rose Pruning Lecture
Horticultural Art Society Events Calendar
More Events in 2026
March 21st – Forestry Lecture by Peter Ceren & Kirsten Inghilterra
April 11th – Founders’ Day Lecture by Amy Yarger, Horticultural Director of the Butterfly Pavilion
April 13 & 14 – Rose Pruning Demonstration
May 8-9 & 15-16 – HAS Annual Plant Sale
Horticultural Art Society 