Science On Tap

Pushing the boundaries: turf transformations and climate warriors for a futuristic landscape

Ross Shirgley’s passion for horticulture and gardening began at Colorado State University. He earned his Biological Science degree in 1994 and went on to purchase a small gardening business that he ran and operated for seven years. Ross has done everything from working at CSU as a groundskeeper, working and collaborating with Denver Botanic gardens, and currently serves as the Executive Director of Plant Select®-  a nonprofit collaboration of Colorado State University, Denver Botanic Gardens, and professional horticulturists. Ross innovates and sees where applications are needed and even invents new garden industry tools like his RAINcane watering wand, which is still in circulation today.