The Early Season Begins

Not only does it feel like spring, with the warm weather we are experiencing right now, it sometimes feels like summer is right around the corner. But wait a minute…we live in the Rocky Mountain growing region.  What does that mean?  Well, for all of you have lived in this area for some time, you know what that means…there is more cold, snow, rain and... Read More

Vegetable Garden Planning

Vegetables can be demanding plants. Whereas ‘weeds’ can scratch a living anywhere, vegetables require attention. Most need fertile soil, protection from wind, regular watering, and some help to defend themselves against pests. You cannot simply dig a hole in the ground, plant your veg, and expect it to thrive.  A little planning before planting your vegetable garden will go a long way in helping to... Read More

Hardening Off Plants before Planting

“Hardening off” may sound like some sort of difficult preparation for a college exam. Take heart. It isn’t. It isn’t even hard! Hardening off refers to the process of acclimating plants from indoor temperatures to the outdoors. Because plants usually are grown in greenhouses (or, as seedlings in our kitchen window!), they’ve been pampered. They need to be introduced slowly to the elements of wind... Read More

Greenhouse Planting Progress Report

Mother Nature has kept  us primed with lots of beneficial moisture this winter.  With beautiful spring-like days in between.  But all seasoned Rocky Mountain gardeners know the nice weather we have is going to be mixed with cold and snow for the next several weeks.  Let it snow now and send sunny skies in April and May when we really need it the most! Container... Read More

Landscape Plants and Design Part 2

Plan to plant perennial plants and shrubs for landscape and Water Wise Gardening Now that you have a plan it is time to think about what you want to plant. Tree and shrub selection, perennials, and hardscaping. Creek Side offers over 400 varieties of perennials including sun/shade, hot/dry, pollinator plants, ornamental grasses and xeric plants. Considerations: *Sun or Shade, East, West, North or South, Wind... Read More

Prevent and Get Rid of Fungus Gnats

Houseplants bring a wonderful, lovely dose of nature indoors where you need it most, further helping us by purifying the air in our homes. At some point, you might notice some unwelcome visitors making your houseplants their home. Fungus gnats, also known as soil gnats, are small dark insects that look like fruit flies and live in the soil of houseplants. You might notice them... Read More

Early Season Flowers and Plants

Rolling into the month of March, most of we avid gardeners are feeling like we are ready to get going in the garden.  Best bet is to continue with garden clean-up and preparation.  Cut back your ornamental grasses.  Remove large pieces of garden debris.  Add compost to the soil. But if you are anxious to be the first person on your block with flowers on... Read More

Landscape Planning and Design Part 1

Plan & Design Consider Water Wise Plants Microclimates Color, Height, Seasonal Bloom Start a garden journal by jotting down layout ideas, plant material, etc. Consider what type of garden you would like. Familiarize yourself with the microclimates for YOUR landscape (hot, dry, shady, sunny, windy). Photograph the area you’re planning to design. Then research, analyze, question, and brainstorm ideas for the area. Draw a rough... Read More

Important Seed Packet Information

Creek Side Gardens proudly features Botanical Interests Seeds, a Colorado company.  Every seed packet is designed to help gardeners succeed. Featuring gorgeous botanical artists’ renderings of each variety, each packet is like a mini-encyclopedia, full of information inside and out, to inspire and assist every type of gardener.  Whether you are planting flowers, herbs or vegetables, following the information on the seed packet is your... Read More

Plan Ahead with Essential Garden Supplies

Plan ahead and be equipped with garden supplies that you will find helpful this season. FERTILIZERS Jack’s – Our mainstay fertilizer that we sell and grow with is Jack’s.  The Petunia Feed is for ALL flowers in containers and a great start the season fertilizer.  Round out the trio with the All Purpose and Bloom Booster. Espoma Organics –  Natural gardening solutions.  We have a selection... Read More