The Garden View

Fall Colors: The Science Behind the Beauty

Summer has turned to one of the most spectacularly beautiful autumns in recent memory. The maples are blazing red and the aspens look like pots of gold against their evergreen backdrops. Curious about how it happens and what makes each color appear? Click here to learn more.

Pumpkinpalooza

Come to the USU Botanical Center's Explore the Garden Family Night: Pumpkinpalooza! This free and fun-filled evening is a family favorite to celebrate fall and Halloween . Pumpkinpalooza will take place Monday, October 29 from 6 - 8 pm at the USU Botanical Center Arboretum. Parking can be found at 875 S. 50 W., Kaysville, next to the Utah House.

The USU Botanical Center staff has gone all out this year with events for kids ranging from face painting, a child-friendly haunted forest, glow-in-the-dark slime making, and a Grass Garden Labyrinth with a candy prize for those who make it through the maze.

Family activities include a lit-up pumpkin walk, the pumpkin patch hay ride and all new this year: Pumpkin Chunkin.

The Pumpkin Chunkin event is a pumpkin catapult sponsored by Puffer Landscape and designed by Gordon Haueter, physics teacher at Davis High School. Four scarecrows displaying paraphernalia from Utah universities will be the targets. Each throw will cost $2.

The Pumpkin Patch Hay Ride will take guests through the botanical center's patch to find the perfect pumpkin to take home. The ride, including your choice of pumpkin, will cost $4 per person.

Free apple cider will be offered as well as doughnuts and hot chocolate for the first 200 visitors.

This is a "lights on", child-friendly event. For more information, call 801-544-3089.

Events & Classes

Chili Cook-off

When: Thursday, Oct. 4

Where: USUBC Farmers Market

Time: 5-8 pm

Cost: Free

The Farmers Market season is wrapping up, and we're welcoming fall this week with a chili cook-off. Bring your tastebuds and try our contestants' favorites recipes.

Garden Open House and Apple Tasting

When: Thursday, Oct. 11

Where: USUBC Farmers Market

Time: 5-8 pm

Cost: Free

It's the final market of the year and it's apple season. Come taste different varieties (with a little caramel on the side). Pick up a map of the botanical center from the market information booth and our friendly garden stewards will be available to give you a tour.

Turfgrass Care: Best Practices &

Troubleshooting

When: Tuesday, Oct. 16

Where: USUBC, Utah House classroom

Time: 6-7 pm

Cost: $7 (Free for UNLA Members)

Extension Water Conservation and Turfgrass

Specialist Kelly Kopp teaches this class on best practices for keeping turfgrass healthy and green. Students will also learn to troubleshoot and treat the dreaded brown patch. Homeowners and landscaping professionals are welcome in this class. For certified nursery professionals this course counts for one Continuing Education Credit through UNLA. Click here to register

Members Only Celebration

When: Thursday, Oct. 18

Where: Ogden Botanical Garden

Time: 6 - 7 pm, see details below

Cost: Free, but for Garden Members only

Come bid a tasty farewell to the growing season with an apple and cheese tasting party. Discover the delicious differences in apple varieties paired with cheeses from local producers.

Explore the Garden Family Night: Pumpkinpalooza

When: Monday, Oct. 29

Where: USUBC Farmers Market area

Time: 6 - 8 pm

Cost: Free (Fees for some activities. See story above)

Enjoy a hayride and choose a pumpkin to take home. Find your way through our labyrinth or have your face painted. There will also be children's crafts and treats, pumpkin chunkin' and more. Come join the fall fun!

Contact Us

Utah State University

Botanical Center

920 S. 50 W.

Kaysville, UT 84037

Phone: (801) 544-3089

Website | Email | Map

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Ogden Botanical Gardens

1750 Monroe Boulevard

Ogden, UT 84401

Phone: (801) 399-8080