Twilight Garden Series

There is a special beauty in a garden as the sun begins to set! Join us for a series of hands-on educational evenings with horticulture experts from across our community. Three immersive evenings. Three beautiful sunsets. Three opportunities to learn and grow!

All programs include two related topics. Participants will rotate through the two stations. Refreshments and door prizes will be available.

Please note the location on each event. July 23 is at the CSU Trial Gardens located at 1401 Remington St and Aug. 27 is at The Gardens.

Sessions begin at 6 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Session Descriptions

June 25: Nuts and Bolts of Native Plants

The flora of our region is marvelously adapted to the intense swings of the seasons and the challenging environmental conditions found throughout. These adaptations go beyond robust forms and fuzzy leaves to the very traits of their seeds! These traits can tell us both the story of survival as well as offer us clues to their necessary conditions for germination and growth.

Join Stephen Hornbeck, the High Plains Environmental Center Native Plant Nursery Manager, for an examination of regionally native plant seeds, the various forms of dormancy, as well as practical how-to's of overcoming dormancy and growing native plants yourself! Then enjoy a guided waterwise plant tour led by Gardens horticulturist, Andrew Scott, highlighting drought‑tolerant species that bring structure, color, and beauty to low‑water landscapes.

July 23: Creating and Capturing Beauty in the Garden

Location: CSU Trial Gardens | 1401 Remington St., Fort Collins
Instructors: Alison O’Connor and Local Photographers

Begin this beautiful evening at the CSU Trial Gardens with a session on container design. We'll explore how to combine form, color, texture and scale to create memorable containers. Learn how to select plants that complement one another and how to build containers that stay beautiful as the season evolves.

Then shift into a hands-on introduction to cell phone photography. You’ll learn simple techniques for framing, lighting and capturing the essence of plants and garden spaces. Afterward, break into small groups to practice your new skills throughout the trial garden’s vibrant displays.

Aug. 27: Landscaping for Fall Colors and Interest

Location: The Gardens on Spring Creek
Instructors: Chad Miller and Alison O’Connor

Fall beauty doesn’t happen by accident; it’s designed from the very beginning of the growing season. This session explores how to plan for a garden that peaks in autumn, from early‑season choices that set the stage to strategic additions later in the year.

Learn how to incorporate fall‑forward perennials, shrubs and trees, how to extend color and texture deep into the season, and which classic woody plants reliably deliver standout autumn interest.

After the talk, we’ll take a guided fall‑interest tour featuring real‑world examples of the plants and design strategies discussed—trees, shrubs, and perennials that bring richness and vibrancy to the late‑season landscape.

The Twilight Garden Series is presented in partnership with Colorado State University Extension in Larimer County and the Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Department of Colorado State University.