Echter's Home

Classes & Events


spring on our minds

We can hardly wait to get our hands in the soil again!
Join us weekends in March, and learn tips from the
experts we work with. We're ready to get growing!

All listed classes are free unless noted otherwise

 
   
10:00-11:00
Landscaping with Natives 
Native plants are dependable,
durable, look good and are right
at home in your garden.  

 Presented by: Scott Skogerboe,
Fort Collins Wholesale Nursery  
1:00-2:00
Japanese Beetle Management for the Home Gardener  
Practical advice on how to combat and control the damage from Japanese Beetles. 

Presented by: 
John Murgel, Douglas County CSU Extension Agent   
3:00-4:00
Trees and Shrubs
for Colorado Gardens   

Trees and shrubs are the backbone of the garden. Discover diversity, new varieties and the tried-and-true that add value and beauty to your landscape.  

Presented by: David Dickey,
J. Frank Schmidt & Son -
Woodburn Nursery  
 
   
11:00-12:00
The Wide World
of Garden Tools 

From trowels to pruners, shovels, sprayers, hoses, spreaders and rakes - the choices can be intimidating especially for newer gardeners! Griff will help you sort out the must-have tools you really need to manage the many tasks that come with gardening.    

Presented by: Griff Wirth, Echter's Hard Good Specialist     

2:00-3:00
Selecting Perennials for Lower Maintenance

A review of the growth habits of perennials makes you a smarter gardener when you are choosing plants for your garden. The more you know, the smarter you garden!  

Presented by:
 Harriett McMillan,
Echter's Horticulture Specialist   
 












April events section header

Visit us in April to kick off the gardening season!
Experience the excitement of our Open House event,
indulge your passion for gardening & learn at our spring classes,
and party with a purpose at our spring charity event.

All listed classes are free unless noted otherwise

 

On this unforgettable evening, Echter's Garden Center will transform into a vibrant spring market, featuring over 50 local vendors and artisans offering unique treasures, handmade goods, and delightful finds. Sip on exquisite wines and refreshing beverages as you explore the market, enjoy live music, and sample delicious food products or purchase bites from select vendors. With a lively and welcoming atmosphere, it's the perfect way to shop, connect, and support a meaningful cause.

Spaces are limited, so gather your friends and get your tickets today for a night of fun,
community, and celebration. Let's cultivate hope together this spring!


2025 spring open house
We're celebrating the beginning of another great gardening season as our Annuals Greenhouse opens
to the public April 12-20! Shop the greenhouse for classic spring plants like pansies, dianthus,
violas, and more to bring color and life back to your garden beds. You can shop cool-season
vegetable starts for the veggie gardens too!

While you're here, enter our One Grand Giveaway
for a chance to be one of ten lucky winners of a $100 Echter's Gift Card.
Stop by our Plant Doctor's desk to fill out an entry form.
Good luck!

Behind-the-Scenes Greenhouse Tours
This is your opportunity to learn more about our Echter's-grown plants and meet the staff responsible
for starting seeds, growing, and stocking the plants you see on the benches of our greenhouses!
Our growing team will take you behind the curtain to the growing areas located behind
the retail store and on the north side of 52nd Avenue.

TOUR SCHEDULE - APRIL 12-20
Monday-Friday at 2pm
Saturday & Sunday at 11am and 2pm

 
 

10:00-11:00
Hardy Cactus, Agave
and Yucca  

Hardy succulents provide interesting
year-round appeal to the landscape.  
Learn more with Kelly's expertise.   

 Presented by: Kelly Grummons,
Cold Hardy Cactus  
1:00-2:00
Landscaping Your
Colorado Garden

Discover trees, shrubs and perennials that grow well in our region. Learn plant combinations and basic design principles to create curb appeal and enhance your outdoor living spaces.   

 Presented by: Dan Lee,
Black Forest Landscape Designs  
3:00-4:00
A Rose is a Rose  
Join our experienced rosarian to
discover new varieties and learn the basics of caring for roses in your landscape. 

 Presented by:
Peggy Williams,
Consulting Rosarian,
Denver Rose Society  
     
10:00-11:00
Bonsai for Beginners   
An introduction to this creative form
of gardening from an experienced member of the Rocky Mountain
Bonsai Society. Tips and techniques
for getting started and selecting
plants and materials    

 Presented by: Rich Katz,
Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society   
1:00-2:00
Ornamental Grass:
Catch the Wave  

Everything you need to know about these beautiful plants. Learn about the different varieties and how to keep them looking their best.    

 Presented by: Gracyn Kanan,
Echter's Nursery & Perennial Specialist
3:00-4:00
Fruit from the Garden
Fruit trees and berry bushes produce tasty harvests for the gardener. Discover how to best grow and manage your personal orchard and berry patch.  

 Presented by: Keith Williamson, Little Valley Nursery  
     
4:30-5:30
Pond in a Pot
If you want a pond, but don't have the space, pots are the answer. Create
an aquatic garden in a container.
It's easy, creative and fun.     

 Presented by:
Joel Russel,
Echter's Perennial Specialist
&
Griff Wirth,
Echter's Hard Goods Specialist
4:30-5:30
Fairy Garden Workshop    
Step into the enchanting world of miniature gardening at our spring Fairy Garden Workshop! Our expert instructor will guide you through the process, and you'll be able to take home your one-of-a-kind creation.

Materials fee: $75
REGISTER HERE
 Presented by: Camille Gaty,
Echter's Annuals/Foliage Specialist
4:30-5:30
Spring Pond Clean Up     
Learn tips and techniques that will have your water garden ready for the season to come.     

 Presented by:
Griff Wirth,
Echter's Hard Goods Specialist
     
10:00-11:00
Exciting Combinations
for Container Gardens 

Create magic this spring with new trends in design and plants. Beautiful containers, full of color, texture and dramatic flair are yours for the planting. Get your creative inspiration in gear. Container gardening is more fun than ever!      

 Presented by:
Debi Borden-Miller,
Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Assoc.
1:00-2:00
Garden Design for
Pollinators and People

Any part of your landscape, from large meadows to container plantings can provide food, shelter, and other resources for butterflies, bees, and birds. Amy will provide design tips and native plant recommendations for beautiful, functional gardens that also attract these important species!      
 Presented by:
Amy Yarger, Senior Director of Horticulture at Butterfly Pavilion
3:00-4:00
The Urban Garden
and the Mountain Garden 

Imagine maintaining two gardens with different needs. Plant pallet, critter control and moisture management in gardens that are many miles apart but rewarding in performance and beauty.       

 Presented by:
Mike Kintgen, Curator of Alpine Collections, Denver Botanic Gardens
     
10:00-11:30
Vegetable Gardening 101       
If you are new to gardening and want to get started, this is the class for you.  Gay will cover all the details and get you off and growing.      

 Presented by:
Gay Bechir, Echter's Annual Specialist
1:00-2:00
Japanese Beetle Management
for the Home Gardener 

Practical advice on how to combat and control the damage from Japanese Beetles.       

 Presented by:
 Lisa Mason, Arapahoe County CSU Extension Agent
3:00-4:00
Don't be Afraid
of Drip Irrigation

If you're not sure where to start, this class will put you on the path forward with the basic nuts and bolts of how to plan and proceed with your project with confidence. 

 Presented by:
 Griff Wirth,
Echter's Hard Goods Specialist
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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