Poinsettia Select plants with uniformly green foliage and no lower leaves missing. Moderately moist soil; water thoroughly whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. Ideal temperatures are 60F to 70F. Poinsettia plant parts are not edible, and they are not poisonous when eaten. Those whom are sensitive to latex sap, may develop a skin irritation when handling poinsettias. Christmas Cactus Let the plant dry... Read More
One of the most distinctive aspects of celebrating the holiday season is the look, feel and fragrance of holiday greens used in decorating our homes. There is nothing like the smell of fresh evergreen boughs to remind us that the holiday season is fast approaching. Christmas Trees & Evergreens The most familiar use of holiday greens is of course the Christmas tree. Setting up a... Read More
Noble Fir These needles turn upward, exposing the lower branches. Known for its beauty, the noble fir has a long keep ability, and its stiff branches make it a good tree for heavy ornaments, as well as providing excellent greenery for wreaths and garland. Long considered an excellent Christmas tree because of its beauty, stiff branches and long keepability, the species is growing in popularity... Read More
Preparing our gardens for the winter is important. Most of the greenhouses at Creek Side have been ‘winterized’ for the season. A few of the houses have potted plants in them whether it is heated or not. Our perennials are tucked away in the ‘cold’ house. This greenhouse offers protection to the plants from the wind and very severe cold winter temperatures. Once these plants... Read More
Our fall landscapes are changing colors and looking beautiful. Eventually a frost and winter snap will bring an abrupt end to all that autumn beauty. Golden yellow leaves on honeylocusts and cottonwoods, bright red leaves on maples and autumn purple ash will turn brown. Any trees that had not started turning color yet will dry up green. There are a few late coloring trees like... Read More
Lawns Hand rake lawns to remove leaves and encourage air movement in roots. Top dress with uneven spots with top soil and/or peat moss. Reseed bare spots. Aerate lawn with a minimum of 2” plugs (not too dry). Leave plugs on top of lawn. Apply Fertilome Winterizer 1 lb. of high nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 sq ft. of turf. Water in well. Planting Beds Remove... Read More
If you can’t bear to part with your outside plants, there is hope! The plants listed below will not survive outside during Colorado’s winter weather. But with a little care, can be nurtured inside and then place back outside next year: Begonia, Bougainvilla, Citrus, Coleus, Ficus, Gardenia, Geranium, Hibiscus, Impatiens, Mandevilla, Passion Flower, Pentas, Rosemary Location Many gardeners know that heartbreaking feeling that comes with... Read More
Fall is for Planting! Perfect time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, vegetables. Soil is warm until early November to help grow new roots. Get a head start for next season. Take advantage of sale prices from suppliers. Find the right plant for the right location – sun or shade, tall or short, early-mid-late season etc. Plant fall bulbs – tulips, daffodils, hycacinths, crocus Plant trees... Read More
Selection The earlier bulbs and corms are purchased in the fall, the better the selection. Select the largest bulbs of a variety, because there is a direct correlation between bulb and flower size. Generally, a gardener selects the site before purchasing bulbs. This site usually is conspicuously located to show the flowers off to their best advantage. If the bulbs will remain in this location... Read More
Pat yourself on the back. We made it through the May snowstorm. We made it through the 95-degree days of July. Then we made it through a few rainy monsoon days. Now we are back to the 95 degree days. But next week will bring a cool down, including night temperatures which will take us through the end of the month. Don’t give up on... Read More
