Written by: Di Graski, Colorado Master Gardener
Supporters of Horticultural Education – SHED – was officially created on July 2, 2015, by four Pueblo Master Gardeners: Bobby Akins, Debbie Blanchfield, Christine Comins, and Orla O’Callaghan. SHED’s membership roll in 2016 included the original incorporators, President Liz Catt, Secretary Marcia Weaber, Webmaster Deric Stowell, Ted Freeman, and Kata Schmidt. SHED’s mission then and now “is to support the furthering of horticultural knowledge in the Pueblo County region.”
How does SHED achieve this goal?
Many folks are familiar with SHED’s annual Plant Sale at the Colorado State Fairgrounds, held on Mother’s Day Eve. This milestone year will be no different: SHED’s Plant Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025, in the Fairgrounds’ Colorado Building.
Proceeds from SHED’s Plant Sale fund scholarships, grants, and educational events in Pueblo County. Here is a quick tally of SHED’s Plant Sale revenues:
2017 – $2,700.00
2018 – $3,255.00
2019 – $2,285.00
2021 – $3,500+
2020 – $4,500.00
In SHED’s first full year of operation, 2016, the members adopted this logo:
In 2019, SHED adopted updated bylaws and a fancier logo:
In 2023, SHED secured tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service and created a new website (puebloshed.org).
2024 was SHED’s best grant year, ever: over $5,000 was awarded to help develop a community garden in Beulah, assist the Pueblo Zoo with its new “Farm to Turtle” hydroponics equipment (photo below), and support Freed Expeditionary School’s outdoor classroom. SHED also awarded 12 scholarships to Pueblo County Extension’s apprentice Master Gardeners.
As SHED’s current thirty members celebrate its Tenth Anniversary, we are grateful to all the folks who have volunteered their time and talents in the past, and we are eager to welcome all to the May 10th Plant Sale. It promises to be awesome, with new vendors, many more donated plants from Master Gardeners, an expanded Garden Swap, and a new feature, the Feedback Booth. We also welcome new grant applicants and members who are passionate about horticultural education.