FIND YOUR PERFECT FRONT DOOR WITH JEFF ZAPP, CEO, THE DOOR DUDES LLC
READ THE SPRING NOCO BLOOM EDITION INSIDE!
MODERN HOME SYSTEM SOLUTIONS AND CONCERNS
TRY THIS! DECOR TIPS AND PERSONALIZATION
THE DOOR DUDES TO YOUR CURB APPEAL RESCUE
Editor’sNote
As spring has officially arrived, homes are waking up to possibility. The air carries the scent of new blossoms and porches come back to life with laughter and cold beverages. This month, our MyNoco team is embracing the full bloom of the season with inspiration for every corner of your home — and the great outdoors that surrounds it. In this issue, you’ll find ideas to help shape a home that feels authentically yours. If doors could talk, they’d say a lot about your style — and our feature on trending door designs shows just how to make that first impression count. We’re also diving into home systems and smart upgrades, exploring how modern tech can work for you within today’s environment.
Of course, what’s home without a connection to nature? May is the perfect time to reconnect with the outdoors, and Sandi Squicquero’s article will remind you why a walk in a garden or a moment on your patio matters. We also offer a guide to prepping your backyard for warm-weather entertaining — whether you’re hosting a graduation party or a simple Saturday barbecue.
You’ll also discover home decor tips, and countless events happening throughout the region.
At the heart of it all, this issue is about turning where you live into where you thrive. We hope you find inspiration here to make your house not just a home, but your sanctuary.
Sandi Squicquero, Lisa Truesdale, Matthew Van Deventer
Advertising Coordinator
Jeanine Fritz
NOTES FROM TOWN HALL
Advertising Sales
Check out the events happening at the Windsor Town Hall.
Susan Giglio, Thais Hafer, Abbie Lance, Sara Luttes, Jeri Martinez, Desirea Martinez, Melissa Morris
MYNOCO MAGAZINE
PO Box 337228, Greeley, CO 80633-7228 www.GreeleyTribune.com/Special-Sections
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Published by Prairie Mountain Media, publisher of the Greeley Tribune.
Inside
MAY 2025
COVER STORY
Improve your home’s curb appeal, personal style, and quality with at least 5 door trends provided by local expert, The Door Dudes.
OUTDOOR LIFE
As summer quickly approaches, it’s time for graduation parties, barbeques and nights relaxing outdoors. Lean on resources in the area to start your project(s).
TRY THIS
Displaying beautiful artwork in your home can brighten not just the rooms, but also your mood. Consider these 3 tips for making the right decisions and making it unique.
HOME HEATING TECHNOLOGY
Home owners have an increasing number of options to save money and elevate their at-home experience. Hear from seasoned professionals on the latest options in home comfort.
TREAT YOURSELF TO WELLNESS
Discover local savings with Northern Colorado coupons—featuring neighborhood discounts on dining, shopping, entertainment and more. 8 10 14 18 24 27 40 42
A licensed professional counselor shares studies on the mental health benefits of engaging in outdoor activities, while reflecting on her own nostalgia toward this time of year.
NOCO BLOOM
Explore the many ways gardening enhances our lives and check out the countless events, classes, tips, tools, and even a plant-friendly recipe to commence the season.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Discover the array of events happening across Northern Colorado this May due to special dates such as Cinco De Mayo, Mother’s Day, and more seasonal celebrations.
NOCO COUPONS
By Rebecca Furuta
DoorTrends to Convey Your Personal Style
Jeff Zapp knows there’s a story behind every door. The exterior of a home sets the first impression, and a beautiful front door can give your home an unexpected glowup. Zapp and his team at The Door Dudes have been boosting the curb appeal of Northern Colorado homes for years. “A front door can say so much about the owner: it can be relaxed and welcoming, formal, or really enhance the architectural appeal of the house,” he explains.
Here, The Door Dudes help us round up the top front door trends in 2025 to help you convey your own sense of personal style and ensure your house makes an exquisite first impression.
1) Wooden Doors
Wooden doors have been a staple in home design for centuries, offering a warm and natural aesthetic to an exterior space. The beauty of wood lies in
its unique grain patterns, making each door one-of-a-kind. These doors can be painted, stained, or left in their natural state, offering a versatile and customizable touch to any home. “Nothing is more beautiful than the craftsmanship of a hardwood door,” says Zapp. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, wooden doors are known for their durability and longevity. The Door Dudes make their custom hardwood doors Colorado-ready with high altitude glass and a lifelong service guarantee. “That’s our door, and we’re proud of it, so we’re going to keep it looking beautiful forever,” says Zapp.
2) Glass That Lets the Light In
Solid wood makes a gorgeous gateway to your home, but pairing it with custom glass inserts brings character and texture to the entry. Windows can be sleek and modern to compliment industrial style architecture, or intricate and Edwardian to show off a historic residence. Adding glass is a stylish way to enhance curb appeal. Zapp and his team are experts at
windows. They offer high-quality products designed to improve ventilation and upgrade a home’s look, while combining functionality and style. The Door Dudes can easily go beyond the traditional to help home-owners achieve their own one-of-a-kind look. “Matching a rich, mahogany door to a home’s windows produces a beautiful and inviting end result,” explains Zapp. “It really brings the entire aesthetic of the home together.”
3) Double Doors
When it comes to making your front door more attractive, going bigger and wider can be a stunning option if you’ve got the space. “Your front door can say so much about the occupants inside the home. It’s the first thing your visitors see, and it tells them about what to expect inside,” says Zapp. Double doors can’t help but add a touch of grandeur to the home.
4) Arched Doors
While double doors feel naturally roomy and inviting, arched doorways create a look of sheer
The Door Dudes feature a wide range of door styles and materials.
Courtesy/The Door Dudes
The Door Dudes feature the highest quality products and installations. Courtesy/The Door Dudes
elegance. Often used in Mediterranean-style homes, an arched doorway makes a statement. More specifically, a hardwood arched door is a timeless addition to a front entry that won’t go out of style, even as architectural trends change. The Door Dudes specialize in creating stunning, custom arched door designs to match the exterior of any home.
5) Long-Lasting Materials
If you’ve never changed your front door before, you might be amazed by the range of materials available now. Personal preference will guide you, but what the door is actually made from also has a huge influence on value and security.
Zapp and his team specialize in various wood door options, which provide natural durability and insulation. “Wood doors can last for many, many years and withstand daily wear and tear because they are made from sturdy materials like oak, maple and pine,” says Zapp. “They’re really low-main-
tenance, especially when they are done right.” The Door Dudes pride themselves on getting things done properly the first time.
Nothing quite matches the warmth and natural beauty of hardwood. However, for customers seeking water resistance, energy efficiency, and a more budget-friendly option, materials like fiberglass and steel are excellent alternatives that The Door Dudes also provide. For example, if you love the classic timber look, there are doors available that replicate its appearance while offering the enhanced security and durability being made of steel or fiberglass. Needless to say, The Door Dudes offer a wide range of materials and products, even including patio doors or windows. Since the front entryway is often the first impression of your home, it's essential that the exterior feels refreshed and welcoming. “We want to create products for our customers that are both beautiful and functional for years to come,” says Zapp.
A new door can transform your house’s foyer. Courtesy/The Door Dudes
Going bigger and wider with double doors can be a stunning option Courtesy/The Door Dudes
By Sarah Huber
Prep Your Property
for EntertainingSummertime
If spring weather has you dreaming of backyard barbecues or tossing horseshoes with friends on a freshly landscaped lawn, now is the time to prep your property for it. Whether you’re looking to create shade with a pergola, remodel a guest bedroom or simply wish to replace an unsightly driveway
with a smooth concrete or asphalt lane, local businesses have you covered with inspiration rooted in decades of design experience.
Spring is a great time to maintain or install concrete structures.
“This time of year, we’re getting a lot of calls about pool decks and about fortifying the concrete as the foundation for a new deck,” said Jessica Matthews, General Manager of Sprague Structural Solutions in Loveland. She explained, “If you want to put up a new deck and have an older slab of concrete, it’ll help the structural integrity of your deck if you address the base concerns first: stabilizing and leveling the slab.” Plus, a solid concrete foundation for a porch will “save you money as a good long-term solution.”
The same goes for installing a pergola. While the shade of a pergola is often priceless in the
sun of Colorado, homeowners will save time and resources if they have the foundation of the pergola stabilized and lifted prior to any structural installation. “If the pergola is attached to the side of the home and then later sinks, you will have to remove the pergola before you can address the concrete,” Matthews said.
Sometimes entertaining prep simply starts with a power wash. Sprague Structural Solutions and Estes Valley Asphalt, based in Estes Park, both offer detailed cleaning services, from home structures to the driveway. As for driveways, Sprague Structural Solutions repairs cracks and seals concrete surfaces. “A sealant pulls together a space and gives it that uniform look while protecting it,” Matthews said. Likewise, Estes Valley Asphalt can install a driveway in a few hours that is easy to main-
tain and can last for 15 to 20 years, according to Mario Lopez, CEO of the company. “We clean, patch, fill cracks and do seal coats to give longevity, beautify and make the property look nicer,” he said.
Another way to beautify a property is to level up the landscaping. Crystal Landscaping Supplies, located in Loveland, stocks and delivers landscape materials. Along with a variety of decorative rock, moss rock and flagstone, Crystal Landscaping Supplies carries the largest assortment of mulches, gravel, base material and soils in the area. The company is proud to sell products that are solely quarried and made in America.
If you’re seeking to prioritize sustainability in your new landscape design, experts at Crystal Landscaping Supplies are available to help homeowners select materials that are more likely to
A back yard pergola designed and constructed by C2RS Contracting Courtesy/C2RS Contracting
A patio installed by Sprague Structural Solutions Courtesy/Sprague Structural Solutions
Opposite page: patio designs by C2RS Contracting Courtesy/C2RS Contracting.
Are you considering a building project in time for summer parties?
“This time of year, everyone is ready for a change,” said Mike Bailey, Project Manager with C2RS Contracting, which serves Northern Colorado. “People are looking to repair or replace their deck as they’re thinking about hanging outside all summer long.”
Even more, C2RS Contracting is seeing an uptick in homeowners looking to enhance the “livability” of their property before summer guests arrive. Basement refinishes to create a recreation space are popular, as are kitchen remodels and projects to modernize a home into an open-concept space. “People also love more windows and opening the space up to a patio for indoor-outdoor living,” Bailey said, continuing, “We take time for relationships and for understanding what are the needs and wants for your project.”
What Does a Post Frame Building Cost?
1
Size of the Building
The size of your post frame building is one of the most significant factors influencing its cost. Larger buildings require more materials and labor, which naturally increases the price. For example, a small workshop or storage shed might cost considerably less than a large barn or commercial building. It’s essential to determine your space needs early on to get a more accurate estimate.
2
Doors & Windows
The type and number of doors and windows you choose will also impact the cost. Basic walk doors, slider doors, and overhead doors come at various price points depending on size, material, and insulation properties. Windows can range from simple fixed panes to more elaborate designs with enhanced energy efficiency features. Custom or specialty doors and windows will typically increase the overall cost of your building.
3
Customizations
6 A Comprehensive Guide to Pricing
Custom features can significantly affect the final price. Here are some common
By Vap Construction, Inc.
customizations:
l Wainscoting: Adds aesthetic appeal and can protect the lower part of the building from damage.
l Porches, Sheds, Lean-Tos: Extend the functionality of your building, offering additional sheltered space.
l Cupolas: Provide ventilation and a charming architectural detail.
l Overhangs with Soffit: Enhance the building’s appearance and protect the structure from weather.
l Guttering: Essential for managing rainwater and preventing erosion around the building.
Each customization adds to the total cost, so consider which features are essential for your needs and budget.
4
Location
The location of your building site plays a crucial role in determining the cost. Factors include:
l Shipping Costs: Transporting materials to remote or difficult-to-access locations can increase expenses.
l Code Requirements: Local building codes and zoning regulations can influence the
design and construction methods, sometimes necessitating additional work or materials to meet standards.
5
Foundation
Unlike traditional buildings that require a concrete foundation or footing, post frame buildings typically use holes drilled into the ground with a concrete base, such as quick-crete or sack-crete. This method can be more cost-effective and quicker to install. However, adding a concrete floor or additional concrete features can enhance the durability and value of your building. If you choose to include a concrete slab, the costs will be influenced by the size and any special requirements, such as thickness or reinforcement.
Insulation
Insulation is essential for climate control and energy efficiency. The type and amount of insulation you choose will affect both the upfront costs and long-term savings on energy bills. Options range from basic fiberglass batts to high-performance spray foam, with each offering different benefits and price points.
When considering a post frame building, one of the first questions that often arises is, “What’s the ballpark price?” While it’s understandable to seek a rough estimate, the cost of a post frame building can vary widely based on several factors. At Vap Construction, we frequently receive inquiries about pricing, and we’re here to provide some clarity on what influences the cost of a post frame building. Let’s break down the key elements that contribute to the overall cost, helping you get a better understanding of what to expect.
A Starting Point for Pricing
While it’s challenging to provide a one-size-fits-all price, we can offer some general ballpark figures for common building sizes:
• 30’x40’x10’ – Starting at $21,800
• 40’x60’x14’ – Starting at $39,900
• 60’x80’x16’ – Starting at $70,900
For a more accurate quote tailored to your specific needs and preferences, we recommend reaching out to get a free quote at www.VapConstruction.com. Our team can help you navigate these variables and provide a detailed estimate based on your project’s unique requirements.
At Vap Construction, we’re committed to delivering high-quality post frame buildings that meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Feel free to contact us for personalized advice and to start planning your next project!
Displaying beautiful artwork in your home can brighten not just the rooms, but also your mood. Especially when the pieces resonate with you, or trigger a wonderful memory, you’re bound to maintain that home-sweet-home feeling. “The most important decision to make is, do you love it?” said Jill Atchison, Director of the Thompson Valley Art League (TVAL), which operates the Lincoln Gallery in Loveland. “You’ll be looking at it every day, so you should be proud of your purchase.” Once you find it, coordinating it with the dimensions and style of your space is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Choosing the Right Artwork for Your Space
By Lisa Truesdale
1. CONSIDER COLOR
If you’re starting from scratch, design the room to compliment an area rug you love, the pattern on your sofa, a favorite chair or the pattern of your wallpaper. Then pull your paint palette, other furniture colors and accessories from that color inspiration.
If you’re refreshing an existing room, decide which element in the room you wish to be the focal point; it could even be the new piece of artwork you’re considering purchasing. Then add pillows and other décor that also feature colors from the artwork.
2. SIZE UP YOUR SPACE
Artwork should fit the space proportionally. For instance, on large walls with high ceilings, paintings should measure 40 inches square or larger. Over a sofa or bed, artwork should be large enough to make a statement, or act as a window in the
space. Divide the width of your sofa or headboard by three, and this is the minimum width for the art that should hang over it. When hanging artwork, the best rule of thumb is to place it so the middle of it is at eye level. When hanging multiple small pieces of art, or a gallery-wall arrangement, place the largest piece(s) on the bottom, and space the frames two to three inches apart.
3.
SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS
Browse local galleries, classes, art shows and sculpture shows for pieces that really speak to you. “Knowing the story from the artist helps make the connection to the art,” Atchison
said. TVAL’s annual National Fine Art Show is May 9-June 4, with an opening reception to meet the artists on May 9, from 7-9 p.m. They’re also hosting
Loveland’s annual Art in the Park on August 9 and 10. You could also get creative by making your own art for your home. With kids on summer vacation, this is a great opportunity to get the whole family involved. Upcoming workshops at Lincoln Gallery include “Fused Glass Trinket
Plates” on June 1, and “Splash Dog Pastel Class” on July 13 and 14. See more at lincolngallery. com. The gallery is at 429 N. Lincoln.
2025 National Fine Art Show
May 9, 2025 Opening Reception Open to the public 7:00-9:00 pm
Awards presentation live on facebook at 6:30 pm
Exhibition May 9-June 5, 2025
Gallery hours are Tues-Sat noon-6:00pm
Bradly Rainwater
Finalist: Aquarium Water Reuse
Greeley West High School
Teacher: Corrine Calhoon
Alyssa Johnston
Finalist: Feathers First
Rocky Mountain High School
Teacher: Yajaira Fuentes-Tauber
Diana Kudu
Finalist: Bee The Change!!!
Greeley West High School
Teacher: Corrine Calhoon
Alyssa Ishmael
Finalist: Breathe Easy
Greeley West High School
Teacher: Marka Latif
Emily Day
Finalist: Recycle your Creativity!
Berthoud High School
Teacher: Sally Tinker
Ruben Flores and Cruz Beltran
Finalist: Restoration at Campo Esperanza
Greeley West High School
Teacher: Corrine Calhoon
Congratulations to this year’s winners for the Caring for Our Watersheds contest, proudly sponsored by Nutrien and hosted by the Poudre Learning Center!
With over 480 students participating from Larimer, Morgan, and Weld counties, it’s been an incredible journey of environmental stewardship. Finalist teams have been awarded funding to bring their solutions to life.
To learn more, visit plc.greeleyschools.org.
Blake Livengood
Finalist: Sustainable Concessions
Rocky Mountain High School
Teacher: Yajaira Fuentes-Tauber
Blaire Stidolph
Finalist: Valiant Vegetation
Rocky Mountain High School
Teacher: Yajaira Fuentes-Tauber
Bee Aleman
Finalist: Sustainable Cycle
Greeley Central High School
Teacher: Shelley Welch
Siti Aisyah Mohamad Yunus
Honorable Mention: Earth Guardians
Greeley Central High School
Teacher: Kat De Losh
Xavier Blackwell, Alexandria
Tacoronte, and Andrew Aguilar
Finalist: The Green Closet
Greeley West High School
Teacher: Corrine Calhoon
Bryce Adolf and Millie Carrasco
Honorable Mention: Pathway to Success
Fort Morgan High School
Teacher: Mary Yangzon
HomeHeatingTechnology
By Matthew Van Deventer
Modern Home System Solutions
At the intersection of innovation and resource management, home owners have an increasing number of options to save money and elevate their at-home experience. Modern home system solutions are available for install by a number of seasoned professionals who are well-versed in the latest options in home comfort. Among those options are heat pumps and tankless water heaters.
Comfort Specialist, Cameron Ivy (below) with McCreery and Sun of Colorado in Greeley, said “there’s been a big push for heat pumps recently, especially with all of the incentives like tax credits and rebates.”
Ivy explained, in short, that a heat pump is “essentially an air conditioner running backwards.” An air conditioner pulls heat where it’s not wanted (inside), and pushes it where it doesn’t matter (outside). Some of the air gets cooled along the way.
Depending on the model, a client can use a heat pump in their home or business as the primary heat source. McCreery and Sun of Colorado install Mitsubishi-brand heat pumps.
The Hyper Heat model can keep a structure warm in sub-zero temperatures. The next model does best in zero to 13 degrees. A heat pump pulls the hot air from the outdoors and pushes it through the system into the home or business. “Believe it or not, there is heat in the air when it’s really cold outside,” Ivy reassured.
Clients can also have a dual-fuel system. In other words, the heat pump is the primary source of heat for a home or business, and a gas or electric heat source is available as needed. A Hyper Heat install can range between $17,000 and $23,000. Ivy said “if you’re springing for a heat pump system, you might as well get a nicer system because the savings will be significant.” A heat pump can have 98% efficiency.
Owner of Chamber Plumbing and Heating, Glenn O’Halloran, said for every one dollar of gas spent on heating water with a tankless water heater, $.97 goes
Independent Life an Enjoy
directly to making the water, compared to $.80 with a tank heater. “You’re literally getting almost 100% return on every bit of natural gas you get,” continued O’Halloran.
A homeowner could save $6,500 in natural gas costs over the 20-year lifespan of a tankless water heater. A single unit can
heat five gallons every minute. A 50-gallon tank water heater on the other hand has a recovery rate of 53 gallons of water an hour. “If you have teenagers, there’s nothing better than a tankless water heater,” laughed O’Halloran. An added benefit of these tankless hot water heaters is their size, at just about 58
A tankless water heater, fit neatly into a crawlspace. Courtesy/McCreery & Sun
Tankless water heaters are also considerably more cost-effective. Courtesy/Shutterstock
TANKLESS
Continuous Hot Water Heater System
Traditional Hot Water Water Heater Storage Tank System VS
Traditional Hot Water Heater
Shorter life span than tankless • Less energy efficient
Takes up larger space
Prone to run out of hot water in peak periods
Costly clean up on ruptured/leaking tank
When you choose Tankless:
Save an average of $6,000 on utility bills over 20 years
On demand, continuous hot water supply
Get up to $800 in tax credits and rebates Wifi capable • Save space!
Rinnai is the #1 best selling tankless and it’s made in the U.S.
2x the warranty! 15 years on the heat exchanger, 5 years on Parts, 5 years on labor
Get up to $500 in Trade-in* for your old tank or tankless water heater.
*Some restrictions apply Please contact Chambers for details.
Colorado’s Best Rinnai
#1 Best Tankless Water Dealer
www ChambersPlumbingLoveland.com Sales & Service for 104 years!
pounds, or the size of a piece of carry-on luggage. It can go in small spaces, like a crawl space, and free up a closet or corner of the basement where the tank heater was.
These Rinnai tankless heaters are built in the U.S. An install can be about one-and-a-half times the price of a tank, starting at $3,900. O’Halloran has financing options available though, but he would rather not see people get gouged with high interest rates upwards of 21% because they need hot water. Oftentimes, he’ll work something out. He continued, “A ruptured tank and not having hot water is not a good time to make a bad decision.”
Design Recipes: 5 hot design trends for 2025
BY CATHY HOBBS TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE (TNS)
2025 kicked off with a bang, especially when it comes to design trends. While some are holdovers from previous years, many are not, and represent a fresh new approach to what’s in, relating to home décor.
Here are five key interior design trends, to keep an eye out for if looking to infuse a sense of modern “wow” into your home.
Earth tones. Deep earth and fire colors such as burnt orange, mustard yellow and brick red are being used in everything from upholstery accents to primary colors for accent walls and textiles such as drapery and area rugs. Earth tones add warmth to nearly any room of the home.
Brown versus black. While black will never go out of style, brown in many ways is the new black. Considered to be less harsh, brown can be dressed up or dressed down and is also a strong, neutral foundation color that pairs well with other colors.
Dark wood. While the Scandinavian inspired look dominated by light-colored wood remains on trend, we are still seeing dark wood making a comeback,
especially when it comes to flooring and kitchen cabinetry. Color drenching. Color drenching is a paint technique in which an entire room is painted a single color including walls, baseboards, casings and trims. Perfect for those who want to make a bold color statement. Natural elements. Elements that are inspired by nature are highly popular. Wood elements from accessories to floor coverings are considered unique and bespoke. Global inspired décor is also part of this trend.
The Chambers team, left to right: Nick Clark, Glenn Ohalloran, Lawrence Rivera, Nalen Conder, Jeremy Sanders and Austin Rauch
Team!
TreatYourselfToWellness
By Sandi Squicquero
’Tis the season for “April showers brings May flowers!” This time of year beauty is in full bloom and many people are reigniting their passion for gardening.
Some of my first memories were my grandmother watering her flowers in her backyard, and how vibrantly her Clematis grew around her fence. My brother, Bob, is a devoted gardener, and enjoys it similarly to the music he writes and plays. He says “when my hands are immersed in soil, I am one with God, the earth we come from and will return to. Here, my problems are forgotten for a while, and I feel the same way while working on my music.” His reward is watching new growth vegetate as a result of his efforts. I, on the other hand, love the sight and smell of flowers or herbs, but I have to admit, I don’t get into planting much. I love to see the growth, and I admire those who spend time outdoors in their
gardens. For instance, my tulips in the front yard are about ready to open, and I can’t wait to see their colors.
One of the first gardens was established in 1917, in Canada, called The Victory Gardens. It became popular under the Ministry of Agriculture's campaign: “A Vegetable Garden For Every Home.” Residents utilized backyard spaces to plant vegetables for personal use and the war effort. In March of 1917, Charles Lathrop Pack organized the U.S. National War Garden Commission. This campaign promoted the cultivation of available public and private lands, resulting in over 5 million gardens in the U.S. The campaign was a huge success by the end of the war, exceeding $1.2 billion in food production.
Fast forward to more current issues, during the COVID-19 pandemic there were extended periods of enforced social distancing and a decline in access
to healthcare. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic were published in a systematic review in May of 2020. Studies found that over 96% of patients who survived COVID-19 met the criteria for PTSD and other mental illness criteria. The wide spread consequences of COVID-19 still exist and give us new reasons to engage in outdoor activities. There is extensive research about the benefits of gardening for mental health. In an article in Psychology Today, “Gardening and Mental Health: A Brief Overview,” it is reported that gardening enhances general well-being, reduces stress and improves mood. In the U.S., 1 in 3 (almost 20 million) engage in gardening as a hobby on a regular basis. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease. Reports substantiate that frequent contact
with natural environments has beneficial effects on physical and mental health.
In preparing this article, I found myself reading numerous studies regarding the benefits of gardening. For example, The National Library of Medicine and The University of Florida report benefits like a better memory and increased creativity. Other benefits to gardening include:
l Helping The Body Fight Disease and Promote Heart Health
l Builds Strength and Promotes Sleep
l Protects Your Memory
l Mood Booster
l Fosters A Feeling of Connection
l Gives You A Sense of Empowerment
l Helps Manage Mental Health
Whether you are planting a large garden or a small window box, try to spend some time this
month amongst nature, and you just might watch yourself grow, too.
For a good read, check out Spontaneous Happiness, by Andrew Weil, M.D. He explores a holistic approach to achieving emotional health. Also look for the article “Is Dirt The New Prozac?” in Discover Magazine’s July 2007 issue.
Getting out in the garden promotes several health benefits Courtesy/Shutterstock
Scott & Michelle Butterwor th (Owners)
McCreery &
Local, family owned HVAC company.
If you want your equipment installed and ser viced properly the first time , give us a call. We take the time and care to do it right, the ver y first time .
We are a full service heating and air conditioning company committed to exceptional service and total customer satisfaction.
upcoming noco events
APRIL 30-MAY 3
JBF Spring Sale: Huge Kids Consignment Event
A one-stop shopping pop-up for children’s resale on clothes, shoes, books, toys and baby gear. | northerncolorado.jbfsale.com | Island Grove Regional Park, 4H Building, 527 N. 15th Ave, Greeley.
MAY 3
Community Garden Plant Sale: Heirlooms, Herbs & More! Enjoy baskets, heirloom seeds, herbs, birdhouses, annuals, and plenty of answers to start the planting season. | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | berthoudlocal.wixsite.com | Community Garden at Pioneer Park, E. Indiana Ave. & SE 2nd St., Berthoud.
MAY 3
Run For The Hops: Derby Day Celebration
Come support the Boys & Girls Club and Food Bank of Larimer County with this event’s silent
auction, drinks for a cause, food drive, hat contest, family games and live derby coverage. | 2-6 p.m. | Grimm Brothers Brewhouse, 815 14th St. SW, Building B, Loveland.
MAY 3-4
Mollie McGee’s Fine Craft Market
Over 160 booths of high-quality, handcrafted gifts and items. | Tickets: $5-12. | molliemcgees. com | The Ranch Event Complex, 5280 Arena Cir, Loveland.
MAY 3-4
Cinco De Mayo Celebrations
Downtown Johnstown has a day full of family fun to celebrate this culture and its traditions on May 3 from 1-5 p.m. Greeley’s Cinco De Mayo celebration is on May 4 from 12-6 p.m., which includes a Car Show. | visitdowntownjohnstown. com, Downtown Johnstown | visitgreeley.com, Downtown Greeley.
MAY 3-4
Friends Of The Loveland Public Library: Spring Book Sale
Shop the discounted hardbacks, trade or mass market paperbacks, children’s books, vintage reads, or non-book items found here. | friendsofthelovelandlibrary.org | Thomas M. McKee 4-H Youth & Community Building, “The Ranch,” Larimer County Fairgrounds & Events Complex, I-25 & Crossroads Blvd., Loveland.
MAY 3-JUNE 14
2025 Colorado Governor's Art Show
Don’t miss one of the largest shows featuring exclusively Colorado artists. | governorsartshow. org | Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln, Loveland.
MAY 4
Mommy And Me Brunch
Look forward to a morning of pancakes and beverages, while little ones get to paint a portrait of mom and mom takes on a paint by numbers of a bouquet. | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Tickets: $20. | theplaygroundgreeley.com | The Playground, 1930 Greeley Mall #23, Greeley.
MAY 8
Pins Of Promise: A Bowling Fundraiser For Jobs Of Hope Bowling and pizza to help provide career training, mentorship and support services to those in need. | 5:30-8 p.m. | Tickets $15-$35. | unitedway-weld.org | Chipper’s Lanes, 2454 8th Ave., Greeley.
MAY 14
Northern Colorado Business Owner Summit
Sign up for this dynamic day of networking, expert-led sessions, and hands-on workshops to equip you with strategies for growth, efficiency and long-term success. | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Tickets: $197$297. | howtofounder.com | 815 14th St. SW, Loveland.
MAY 17-18
Rocky Mountain Reprap Festival 2025
3rd annual showcase of up to 75 booths with fascinating 3D printing technology and makers. | Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, May 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | rockymountainreprapfestival.com | Pedersen Toyota Center at The Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Cir., Loveland.
MAY 27
Northern Colorado Owlz
Catch the 2025 baseball home opener for the Owlz, set to play the Rocky Mountain Vibe. | 6:15 p.m. | futurelegendscomplex.com TicketSmarter Stadium At Future Legends Complex, 950 Owlz Way, Windsor.
JUNE 14
21st Annual Loveland Garden Tour & Art Show
“New and renewed” is the theme this year. Be the first to see gorgeous new gardens and returning gardens transformed. | Tickets: $28.52-$108.55. | lovelandyouthgardeners.org | Fort Collins Nursery, 411 W. 5th St., Loveland.
JUNE 25-JULY 6 Greeley Stampede
It’s time yet again for this two-week event featuring concerts, rodeos, art, bulls, and so much more. | greeleystampede.org | Greeley Stampede, 600 N. 14th Ave., Greeley.
See pages 27-38 for more home & garden-specific events shared by The Gardens at Spring Creek.
