The Garden View

Beauty, Fragrance, Flavor... Herbs Have it All

Cilantro, basil and oregano may not enjoy the same musical fame as parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, but they all make wonderful additions to the garden and to your summer recipes. Don't worry if you didn't make space for them in the garden, many herbs thrive in containers. In fact, growing herbs in pots near the door makes them easy to get to when you want to use them in the kitchen. Some popular herbs ̶ basil and cilantro, for example ̶ are annuals. Many others are perennials that do well in Utah, depending on their location. Some tender perennials, like rosemary, can be grown in containers and brought inside to spend the winter near a sunny window. Containers also help keep some aggressive/invasive perennials in check (we're talking about you mint family). Learn more about growing herbs in containers here and about how to harvest and use herbs here .

Art in the Gardens

Join us June 30 for the annual Art in the Gardens Gala at the Ogden Botanical Gardens (OBG). This fundraising event showcases the work of local artists in some of the most beautiful gardens in Northern Utah. Add live music, fun and informative classes, a silent auction and free garden tours led by our friendly Master Gardeners and you've got a wonderful way to spend a summer Saturday afternoon. Among the artists are Patricia Christensen, Mary Wells, Becky Epinoza, Ardie Miller, Geri Jensen, Wendy Dimmick, Reed Loveland, Gregg Batt, David Wolfgram and Sarah Goodspeed.

Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit garden development at the OBG and items include prints from each participating artist, stained glass art, outdoor furniture, plants and garden supplies. For more information about Art in the Gardens, click here.

Three Cheers for Great Volunteers!

Our small and dedicated garden staff could not possibly keep up with all there is to do and May was a banner month for volunteer work, particularly at the USU Botanical Center. Thanks to an enthusiastic cadre of volunteers, great 4-H participants and guests of all ages our first Baby Animal Days was a great success. Take a look at some guests and volunteers at our photo site here or see the album on our USUBC Facebook page here.

Earlier in May, more than 800 employees from Lifetime Products in Clearfield came armed with garden tools, paint brushes and lots of energy and did in one Saturday morning work that would have taken us months to accomplish. By noon they had planted this year's Food Pantry Garden, cleaned up the ponds and the berm along I-15, hauled and raked a mountain of mulch and landscaped near the Kaysville Education Center...among other things. See them at work here.

Wandering in the Wildflowers

This year's Members Only Wildflower Tour of in the Denver area, August 8-11, is sold out. However, you can still view wildflowers a bit closer to home with guidance from Jerry Goodspeed, Richard Anderson and JayDee Gunnell. Spend the morning of July 28 at beautiful Snowbasin learning to identify and photograph wildflowers and take home a copy of "Wildflowers of the Mountain West". Registration fee includes a gondola ride, instruction, the book, snacks and drinks. To register, click here.

Events & Classes

How to Inspect a Hive

When: June 7

Where: USU Botanical Center greenhouse

Time: 5-6 pm

Cost: $5 workshop/$2.50 beekeeping suit rental

Register: Click Here

USU biologist Cory Stanley and USDA research entomologist Jamie Strange teach new and experienced beekeepers what to look for when inspecting a beehive. Beekeeping suits are required for all participants and a limited number are available to rent.

Botanical Water Color Class

When: June 16th 9 am-noon
Where: Utah House at the USU Botanical Center
Cost: $37 Public/$29 Members of the Garden
Register: Click Here

Join Davis County artist Josephine Bradbury to try your hand at beautiful botanical illustration. The class is geared for the novice, but appropriate for all artistic levels. Be inspired by the gardens at the USU Botanical Center and learn techniques to help you capture the color and texture of flowers. This course will inspire you to get out in the garden and enjoy the beauty of nature. Materials will be provided.

Explore the Garden Family Night:

Art in the Arboretum

When: Monday, June 25th, 6:30-8 pm
Where: USU Botanical Center's Varga Arboretum
Cost: $10 per family (up to six members) $3 per person
Register: Click Here

Walk through the Varga Arboretum and discover the variety and beauty of the trees growing there during a guided tour by a USU Extension Specialist. Then have fun drawing and painting trees in some fun art related activities. This event is perfect for young, budding artists.

Art in the Garden Gala

When: Saturday June 30th 1-5 pm
Where: Ogden Botanical Garden
Cost: Free

Enjoy art, music, food and beautiful gardens at our annual fundraising event. Admire the work of local artists and stroll through the gardens on your own or with one of our Master Gardeners. Plan to take home something you'll treasure from our fundraising silent auction. You may also want to participate in one of the day's classes (listed below).

Hypertufa Trough Workshop

When: June 30, noon-2 pm
Where: Ogden Botanical Center
Cost: $48 Members $60 Public
Register: Click Here

Learn how to mix and make your own hypertufa to create and decorate a planter. All materials will be provided.

Art of Cooking with Herbs

When: June 30, 2-4 pm
Where: Ogden Botanical Center
Cost: $9 Members $15 Public
Register: Click Here

Joy Bossi, well-known radio and television personality will teach this tasty class.

Taking Better Outdoor Photos

When: June 30, 4-6 pm
Where: Ogden Botanical Garden
Cost: $29 Members $37 Public
Register: Click Here

Ogden Camera Club will teach techniques and tools for better outdoor photography. The club is also sponsoring our First Outdoor Photography Contest with prizes.

July

USU Botanical Center Farmers Market

When: July 12, 5-8 pm

It's opening day of this year's farmers market. Come enjoy the evening shopping for fresh produce, artisan foods and locally made crafts. The market continues every Thursday evening through October 11.

Contact Us

Utah State University

Botanical Center

725 South Sego Lily Drive

Kaysville, UT 84037

Phone: (801) 593-8969

Website | Email | Map

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Ogden Botanical Gardens

1750 Monroe Boulevard

Ogden, UT 84401

Phone: (801) 399-8080