The Hudson Gardens & Event Center

Inspiration from Nature...

To the attentive eye, each moment of the year has its own beauty . . . it beholds every hour, a picture which was never seen before, and which shall never be seen again. R.W. Emerson

February Gardening Tips

Even though it’s winter, there is always plenty to do in your garden! Check out these helpful tips of things you can do in February to ensure your garden gets off to a great start this spring:

• Prune old and overgrown deciduous shrubs, removing branches that have been injured or torn due to ice, snow, or age.
• Resist the temptation to remove mulch from your perennials—there is still a lot of winter and cold weather yet to come!
• Deep water trees and shrubs.
• Prune your deciduous trees if you haven’t already done so. Remove dead, dying, or unsightly parts of the tree, crossed branches and sprouts growing at or near the base of the trunk.
• Submit your seed orders to ensure you get your desired varieties. Early ordering may also allow you to take advantage of seasonal discounts.
• Brush the snow off of trees and shrubs after heavy snowfalls.

For more helpful gardening information, visit our website at www.hudsongardens.org!

Spotlight on AIRLIFE Memorial Park

The AIRLIFE Memorial Park, nestled in a beautiful alcove along the South Platte River on the Mary Carter Greenway, was built in remembrance of those who died in the 1997 crash of an AIRLIFE helicopter and related car accident on December 14, 1997.  Located near the actual crash site, the park was completed and dedicated on the first anniversary of the crash in December of 1998.

The AIRLIFE Memorial Park is the realization of the grassroots efforts and fundraising of concerned community members known as The Friends of AIRLIFE.  This beautifully landscaped reflective park features unique stone benches, stone pathways, a chiseled rock water fountain  with geese in flight, and a bronze plaque engraved with the names of those who died on this fateful day in 1997. Upon reaching the center of the park , visitors can view another large stone that has been chiseled with this verse by D. H. Lawrence:

“Those who die, and dying still can love, still believe, do not die.  They still live in the beloved.” 

The park is maintained by the Friends of AIRLIFE through generous donations and from the proceeds of the annual AIRLIFE Memorial 5K/10K walk and run held at The Hudson Gardens each May.  Maintenance of the landscape is contributed by The Hudson Gardens & Event Center.

Inspiration from Nature...

The snow itself is lonely or, if you prefer, self-sufficient. There is no other time when the whole world seems composed of one thing and one thing only. Joseph Wood Krutch

Featured Plant of the Month: Soapweed

Be sure to check out Soapweed, Yucca glauca, the featured Plant of the Month for January!

Garden Locations: Rock Garden

Distinguishing Features: Soapweed, a Colorado native, provides unusual winter interest. During the colder months, curly white “threads” extend off the edges of the stiff, upright succulent leaves. This evergreen also produces stalks of white flowers during the summer months, making it a valuable year-round garden attraction. 

Growth and Maintenance:

• Height: 3'
• Spread: 2’ – 3’
• Growth Habit: Upright succulent
• Light requirements: Full sun
• Soil conditions: Well-drained, loamy, sandy or clay
• Drought tolerance: High
• Cold Hardiness: 4A – 10A
• Cultivation: Does not transplant easily, can be susceptible to leaf blight and leaf spot.