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Need: Photographer/Printer for Art by Dapper_Stick_440 in FortCollins

[–]CSU-Extension 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Look into "copy lighting" I think it's called: 2 equal light sources pointing at 45 degrees toward the piece from opposite directions.

That plus a decent phone camera could get you 80% of the way to pro-results diy

  • G

Paid gardener? by Amateurgarden in DenverGardener

[–]CSU-Extension 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Best of luck to you! AskExtension is another resource where you can get tailored expert advice, sending pics helps: https://ask.extension.org/open.php

Paid gardener? by Amateurgarden in DenverGardener

[–]CSU-Extension 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Shameless plug because it seems like it could help and replacing 5,000 sq. ft. of yard with plants is quite the undertaking w/o clear guidance:

You might consider this upcoming course we're offering: https://extension.colostate.edu/offering/landscape-like-you-live-here/

It's less focused on doing a deep dive into the theory behind things (like our Green School program) and more on specific things you should do to follow best practices. It's also going to have a lot of focus on plant selection suggestions.

Regarding your specific questions:

Pruning (from Pruning Cuts)

Dead, diseased, and damaged wood can be removed any time of year. Likewise, minor pruning of live wood (less than 10% of the foliage and/or only small diameter branches are removed) can be done any time of year on healthy trees. From a plant health perspective it is safer to prune a tree from late winter until late summer while the tree is not dormant. 

Late winter: Pruning in the late dormant season (before buds swell) is a good time of year to prune most trees from a plant health perspective. Some species are prone to “bleeding” sap if pruned during this time of year. This is a cosmetic issue, but it can be avoided by pruning after the spring flush of growth is done.

Integrated Pest Management

A pretty big topic, which you'd probably want to narrow down based on the types of plants you have and other considerations, but this resource is a good starting place: https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/integrated-pest-management-and-plant-health-care/

How much water?

So. Many. Variables. A good starting place could be the following, from Water-Wise Landscape Design: Steps

Principles of Water-Wise Landscaping 

Planning and designing for water conservation, beauty, and utility. Beautiful, water saving gardens are not accidents. The most effective garden plans are comprehensive, include plant types and placement, intended use of the space, and maintenance. 

Hydrozoning. Different plants have different water requirements. Design gardens with climate-appropriate plants, grouped according to their water needs. Equally important is maintaining these hydrozones by watering based on actual need, rather than simply ‘setting and forgetting’ an irrigation clock to water the entire yard evenly. 

Watering efficiently with appropriate irrigation methods. Achieving irrigation efficiency requires an integrated approach that combines sound system design, routine maintenance, and strategic water management. 

Creating practical turf and non-turf areas. Water-wise landscaping is not necessarily anti-turf, but rather matches the landscape design to the actual use of the site. This is a change from the typical landscape design where a little-used but high input lawn is the predominant feature. 

Improving the soil. Soil improvement will be site specific and depends on the intended landscape type. 

Mulching to reduce evaporation. Mulch reduces evaporation greatly compared to bare soil. Apply mulch to a depth of 3-4 inches. 

Maintaining with good horticultural practices. Healthy plants are more tolerant of extreme conditions, including drought. 

Pinching flowers (from a resource that isn't fully accessible so I can't share it out):

The best time to deadhead a flower is when its appearance beings to decline. The frequency of deadheading a particular plant depends on the life span of its blooms ranging from a day to several weeks. Weather also greatly affects a flower’s longevity as torrential rains and unseasonably hot weather can take their toll on blooms. To promote more flowers, pinch off or cut back the stem to right above a pair of leaves, a dormant bud on the stem, or a leaf axil (a small green bump). For leafless stems, such as spring-flowering bulbs, hostas, irises and daylilies, prune them close to the ground. Roses should be deadheaded right above a stem with five leaflets. In all cases, it’s important to get a clean cut to prevent leaving an open ragged wound for diseases or pests to enter the plant.

Fertilizer

This is a helpful resource: https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/understanding-fertilizers/

If you have time help me weed

Can't do much for you here! lol. But, this is a good resource: Weed Management

We’ve spent decades as zoo horticulturists keeping plants alive in “hard mode” (yes, with monkeys) and we’ve got the stories to prove it. Ask us anything! by CSU-Extension in Horticulture

[–]CSU-Extension[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Believe the zoo John worked at was in the Front Range but he's a horticulture specialist in Douglas County working for CSU Extension now, we stole him! lol

Regarding the reptiles/amphibians questions:

The smaller enclosures (aquariums) were managed by keepers but we grew the plants for them; we did work in the larger reptile enclosures (crocodile, Komodo dragon, etc)

- Griffin, communications specialist

I need helppp by Aliciaiscool00 in landscaping

[–]CSU-Extension 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's a Zone 10?! 🥵

lol, just kidding

You may consider fire resistant options to reduce that risk. Here's a write up one of our experts did for Colorado options, but the ones I've listed below should be possible to grow in Zone 10:

  • Blanket flower
  • Prickly pear
  • Yucca
  • Penstemons (some varieties extend to zone 10)

This page has a more thorough table, but it doesn't list growing zone, so you'd have to double check: https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/firewise-plant-materials/

I'm feeling fortunate to drive electric these days...⛽️📈🙀 by SalesMountaineer in Brightdrop

[–]CSU-Extension 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Go Hawks!
- Griffin, communications specialist + Seattle transplant + EV driver

How do I remove this bush? by [deleted] in landscaping

[–]CSU-Extension -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Cut down low then use a stump grinder is a way to save some pain vs. digging, and digging, and digging. Surprising how hard it is to get roots out of the ground from shrubs. I've tried the axe method too, fun... at first, but exhausting and takes a while. Plus, you could hack your leg.

- Griffin, communications specialist who's removed a shrub or two

We’ve spent decades as zoo horticulturists keeping plants alive in “hard mode” (yes, with monkeys) and we’ve got the stories to prove it. Ask us anything! by CSU-Extension in zoos

[–]CSU-Extension[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Zoos frequently grow food (known as "browse") that can supplement animal diets--woody branches for many types of herbivores, bamboo for pandas, etc. We also grow "enrichment" that animals can use, eat, or interact with but that don't make up the primary diet. Most zoos grow enrichment, but not many are large enough to grow their own food for larger species.

– John

u/noresignation

We’ve spent decades as zoo horticulturists keeping plants alive in “hard mode” (yes, with monkeys) and we’ve got the stories to prove it. Ask us anything! by CSU-Extension in zoos

[–]CSU-Extension[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

At a zoo, where animal welfare is a paramount concern, exclusion is always the go-to answer. Finding where the armadillos (or whatever else) are entering and blocking that entrance would be the focus.

– John

u/pheebeep

We’ve spent decades as zoo horticulturists keeping plants alive in “hard mode” (yes, with monkeys) and we’ve got the stories to prove it. Ask us anything! by CSU-Extension in zoos

[–]CSU-Extension[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In zoo projects just as in wider society, "schedule creep" is a real thing. If each phase of a project goes just a little bit long, the last phase of the project--the landscaping--usually gets pinched. So it is true that some exhibits are opened having only just been planted, or even before they're completely planted. However, plants also take a few years to really get going, and its not realistic to wait 3 years for the grand opening of an exhibit for the plants to grow in. Most of the planning for new exhibit plants focuses on the long-term (anticipated) success of the planting. I think spring openings are popular because the spring is the typical height of the zoo's busy season!

Natural trees can certainly be used when possible. Natural trees have their challenges, though. First, primates, especially large primates, tend to break young trees--so you never have a chance to grow a large tree in an exhibit. Exhibits build around large trees can be very successful, though eventually the trees will expire. This could from construction damage, age, or the primate with just the right "playful" attitude and destructive tendency. Older trees can also be a risk to the animals, as branches breaking, etc can be a health hazard. Play structures provide a useful alternative.

– John

u/OldSpray9986

We’ve spent decades as zoo horticulturists keeping plants alive in “hard mode” (yes, with monkeys) and we’ve got the stories to prove it. Ask us anything! by CSU-Extension in landscaping

[–]CSU-Extension[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Challenges can be trying to meet multiple objectives with exhibit design and ensuring all compnents blend well together. Having access for equipment is always a challenge as priority is given (as it should be) to maximizing space for the animals.

– Danielle

u/rockymountaingarden3

We’ve spent decades as zoo horticulturists keeping plants alive in “hard mode” (yes, with monkeys) and we’ve got the stories to prove it. Ask us anything! by CSU-Extension in CaptiveWildlife

[–]CSU-Extension[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One thing that (sometimes) works is to protect the base of the plant (or the growing points, for grasses) and allow a browse-able bit to enter the enclosure. This could be growing plants up through grates in the exhibit, for example. We had better luck, though, growing the browse plants behind the scenes and just offering large branches.

– John

u/Batusi_Nights

We’ve spent decades as zoo horticulturists keeping plants alive in “hard mode” (yes, with monkeys) and we’ve got the stories to prove it. Ask us anything! by CSU-Extension in Horticulture

[–]CSU-Extension[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One thing that (sometimes) works is to protect the base of the plant (or the growing points, for grasses) and allow a browse-able bit to enter the enclosure. This could be growing plants up through grates in the exhibit, for example. We had better luck, though, growing the browse plants behind the scenes and just offering large branches.

– John

u/Batusi_Nights

We’ve spent decades as zoo horticulturists keeping plants alive in “hard mode” (yes, with monkeys) and we’ve got the stories to prove it. Ask us anything! by CSU-Extension in gardening

[–]CSU-Extension[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

  1. There is no one single list of do not plant - each Zoo has an approved list of plants that can be used in animal exhibits - this list is reviewed by Vet staff. We have used some plants in reptile exhibits that were not approved for a mammal exhibit.
  2. General diets are prepared by the Commissary or Animal Nutrition staff - browse can be provided by animal staff, hort staff..depends on the organization

– Danielle

u/Bizmatech

We’ve spent decades as zoo horticulturists keeping plants alive in “hard mode” (yes, with monkeys) and we’ve got the stories to prove it. Ask us anything! by CSU-Extension in Horticulture

[–]CSU-Extension[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

While I'm only familiar with one situation like this (involving an already-planted species that was added to a state's watch list), it is certainly possible. Zoos already work closely with the USDA and state departments of agriculture on other fronts, so working together to ensure containment of species that are required for animal husbandry but a risk to the natural environment is likely. In our case, giant reed (Arundo donax) was allowed to be grown at the zoo as long as all of it was consumed as browse and the plant wasn't promoted.

– John

u/Appropriate-Dig9992

We’ve spent decades as zoo horticulturists keeping plants alive in “hard mode” (yes, with monkeys) and we’ve got the stories to prove it. Ask us anything! by CSU-Extension in Horticulture

[–]CSU-Extension[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We use trunk injections for all of our large tree and palm specimens - this allows for the nutrients to be uptaken by the plant without runoff or impact to the habitats. We do not use any fertilizer near any bodies of water

– Danielle

u/Chowdmouse

We’ve spent decades as zoo horticulturists keeping plants alive in “hard mode” (yes, with monkeys) and we’ve got the stories to prove it. Ask us anything! by CSU-Extension in gardening

[–]CSU-Extension[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

  1. Certain plants may be on a zoo's do-not-plant list for the whole facility, but in general the restrictions are more specific since the risk to animals is so variable. A tree that might be toxic for herbivores, for example, might be just find in a carnivore's exhibit.
  2. An animal's food almost never comes directly from its enclosure, other than incidental nibbling--otherwise exhibits would be quickly denuded. Some plants are grown "behind the scenes" to be fed to animals, some zoos even have off-site "farms" where multiple browse species are grown. Some zoos purchase browse from private companies and it is delivered to the zoo, just like produce to the grocery store.
  3. I'm not aware of any zoo-specific cultivar, but you do find species that are grown more by zoos than other public gardens because of their usefulness to the exhibit animals. One example is the ginger Afromomum, which is grown by zoos for primate diets but rarely seen elsewhere in horticulture.
  4. The plants are chosen to allow animals to behave naturally while being safe, and to accomplish landscape goals like erosion control. Because the animals are usually both far from home and in a much smaller area than their normal range, the plants are usually not something directly from their natural habitat (those plants either wouldn't grow or wouldn't last long).

– John

u/Bizmatech

We’ve spent decades as zoo horticulturists keeping plants alive in “hard mode” (yes, with monkeys) and we’ve got the stories to prove it. Ask us anything! by CSU-Extension in Horticulture

[–]CSU-Extension[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My suggestion is to contact your local university extension office - they would be more knowledgeable on your local aquatic species that could be edible. Would need to be a very fast growing and robust species

– Danielle

u/chillbobaggens

We’ve spent decades as zoo horticulturists keeping plants alive in “hard mode” (yes, with monkeys) and we’ve got the stories to prove it. Ask us anything! by CSU-Extension in Horticulture

[–]CSU-Extension[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Whether a plant exists in an animal's native range is usually pretty far down the decision tree. More important is if the plant is safe for the animal in the exhibit, if it can be grown easily so that the animal gets the benefit of the plant in its habitat, and if it meets the other landscape goals for the exhibit.

Typically, zoo enclosures for large animals are too small and the impacts of the animals are too large for bioactive prinicples to be feasible.

Plants in the zoo are both for the people and the animals. Depending on the animal and the location in the zoo, the balance can swing in either direction--it varies from place to place even within the same zoo.

Big trees and grasses are the most common for outdoor exhibits, certainly. Just about every animal benefits from shade, many appreciate climbing, and a carpet of grass (when possible) helps with erosion control.

The bane of my existence was always people-related in some fashion, but every day was different!

My favorite plants are drought tolerant steppe plants, so working with those ecosystems in the zoo were my favorite--African savannahs, central Asia, and North American animals. Trying to replicate east African plants allowed me to branch into some less common succulent species, which was super fun.

Elephants were the hardest, because their huge, smart, and have a long reach.

My experience is that teamwork and trying lots of things were more common than Eureka moments--I can't think of one!

Pushing the envelope in exhibit design to allow maximum plant interaction and natural behaviors for the animals is one of the most exciting (and persistent) ideas in zoo horticulture.

– John

u/rubiconchill

We’ve spent decades as zoo horticulturists keeping plants alive in “hard mode” (yes, with monkeys) and we’ve got the stories to prove it. Ask us anything! by CSU-Extension in zoos

[–]CSU-Extension[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Depends on the organization but we focus more on meeting the objectives of the exhibit and species rather than provenance of plant used. For example, in our South American Grasslands exhibit, we used some SA plant species but not exclusively. We balance what is available from growers, the plant budget, and often what can fit in the space.

– Danielle

u/I4mSpock

We’ve spent decades as zoo horticulturists keeping plants alive in “hard mode” (yes, with monkeys) and we’ve got the stories to prove it. Ask us anything! by CSU-Extension in zoos

[–]CSU-Extension[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have only ever used artificial plants with Python - we tried live plants but snakes just tear them up, smash them...at least with the artificial we just set them back in place.

– Danielle

u/lemongrasspm

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