Growing Through the Seasons: Fall Gardening Programs Come to Powell and Cody Libraries

For gardeners, October doesn't mean the end of the gardening season. It means there is still plenty to learn, save, prepare, and plan.

This month, the Cody and Powell Libraries are bringing together local gardening and horticulture experts for four free programs focused on everything from saving seeds to preparing trees and gardens for the winter ahead.

The programs pair especially well with the Park County Seed Libraries, where patrons can take free seeds and gardening resources made possible through community donations.

Saving Seeds for Another Season

The gardening conversation begins in Powell on Tuesday, October 6 at 6 p.m., when Ted Smith, Horticulturist Extension Educator with the University of Wyoming Extension, presents How to Harvest and Save Seeds.

Seed saving is one way gardeners can carry a little piece of this year's garden into the next growing season.

Smith will share practical information about harvesting and saving seeds from garden produce, helping gardeners understand how to preserve seeds for future use.

Smith returns to the Cody Library on Thursday, October 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. for Gardening in a Winter Wonderland.

The program will cover seed saving along with ways to prepare plants for the winter months.

Smith's work with UW Extension brings research-based horticulture information directly to Park County residents. The local Extension office provides resources and education on gardening, landscaping, trees, lawns, soil, weeds, pests, and other topics important to Wyoming gardeners.

Preparing Gardens for the Cold

On Thursday, October 22 from 6 to 7 p.m., Cody Library welcomes Katherine Clarkson of the Park County Master Gardeners for Autumn Leaves & Gardens Please.

Clarkson will share the many things fall gardening has to offer, including seasonal gardening tips and ways to prepare gardens for the colder months.

The Park County Master Gardeners are part of the University of Wyoming Extension's Master Gardener program, which connects gardeners with horticultural education, volunteer opportunities, and resources designed for Wyoming's unique growing conditions. The local group offers classes and educational programs on a wide range of gardening and landscape topics. Clarkson currently serves as president of the Park County Master Gardeners.

Don't Forget the Trees

Powell's gardening lineup takes a turn toward the trees on Tuesday, October 13 at 6 p.m., when Josh Pomeroy of Blue Ribbon Tree Service presents Winter Tree Health.

Pomeroy, a certified arborist and owner of Blue Ribbon Tree Service, will discuss how to prepare trees for winter and how to care for them throughout the colder months.

Trees are a long-term part of any landscape, and preparing them for Wyoming's winter conditions can be an important part of maintaining a healthy yard and community canopy. Pomeroy has also been involved in local efforts to protect and expand Powell's urban tree canopy.

From Seed Libraries to Community Gardens

All four programs connect naturally with another Park County Library resource: the Park County Seed Libraries.

Located at the Cody, Powell, and Meeteetse Libraries, the Seed Libraries offer patrons free seeds for their gardens. The program was created with the idea that seeds could circulate through the community, with gardeners encouraged to donate saved seeds back to the collection at the end of the growing season. Community members have helped build the collections through donations and volunteer efforts.

The Seed Libraries include vegetable, herb, fruit, flower, and heirloom varieties, giving gardeners an opportunity to try something new while helping keep the tradition of growing and sharing alive in Park County.

October Gardening Programs at a Glance

Tuesday, October 6, 6 p.m. | Powell Library

How to Harvest and Save Seeds with Ted Smith

Tuesday, October 13, 6 p.m. | Powell Library

Winter Tree Health with Josh Pomeroy

Thursday, October 15, 6–7 p.m. | Cody Library, Grizzly Hall

Gardening in a Winter Wonderland with Ted Smith

Thursday, October 22, 6–7 p.m. | Cody Library, Grizzly Hall

Autumn Leaves & Gardens Please with Katherine Clarkson