It’s that time of the Rocky Mountain growing season where damage to flowers, vegetables, gardens, trees and shrubs due to freezing temperatures could happen at any time. Last weekends frost was not unusual. But it was unique in that the warm temperatures in March accelerated normal plant growth patterns. Which made the plants think it was late May, when a hard frost would be unusual.... Read More
Your head is in a swirl, excited for the upcoming season, what to plant, when to fertilize, what needs pruning, and on and on. Resist planting tender plants too soon Because of the erratic spring weather in Colorado, it is better to be patient and wait for the weather to warm up. Consider planting cool season perennials and annuals that have been hardened-off and can... Read More
While planning your spring garden, consider adding native plants and more diversity to make your yard a haven for pollinators and wildlife. As agriculture has intensified and our populations have grown, a lot of habitat has been lost, so even a pot of flowers on the front porch can make a big difference by supporting hundreds of pollinators. If you’re adding plants with pollinators in... Read More
There are many benefits to using Colorado native and water-wise perennial plants for home and commercial landscapes. Colorado water-wise perennials are naturally adapted to their specific Colorado climate, soils, and environmental conditions. You may create a lush, attractive native landscape utilizing water-wise perennials and shrubs. Another benefit of using Colorado water-wise plants in landscapes is that they may attract a wide variety of wildlife including... Read More
Old-fashioned annual flowers like nasturtiums and zinnias have made a huge comeback in gardens and containers. Because of an increased interest in supporting pollinators and butterflies, the popularity of cut flowers, and because they’re beautiful and easy to grow, this group of annual flowers are gaining in popularity. Not to mention, growing flowers from seed is a great budget choice as well! Quick Growing from... Read More
April and May are terrific months for planting perennials! The cool nights and bright days offer the newly transplanted plants a little time to relax, get situated in their new locale and begin growing roots. Incorporate organic matter like Creek Side’s Natures Yield compost to the soil at planting time to help create a superior rooting environment. Keep watered thoroughly for the first few weeks... Read More
A little planning before planting your vegetable garden will go a long way in helping to create a productive and manageable garden space. Focus your resources on planting only enough of what you would like to eat and enjoy. Vegetables may be grown in containers as well a traditional ground bed. Follow these tips to success Don’t make it too hard or be ready for... Read More
When we think of eating healthy, it may be the thought of eating organic produce or fresh home-grown organically grown vegetables. Because we would like to know where our food comes from and that it has not been sprayed with chemicals. Plants that have not been sprayed with chemicals is an important component of organic growing. But another component of the organic equation is how... Read More
Perennial Definition: A perennial plant will recur each year in the garden. Alternately, an annual plant is one and done for the season. A perennial’s foliage dies back to the ground each winter while the roots survive. The foliage remerges in the spring. A perennial typically takes 3 years to fully establish (sleep, creep, leap). Perennial Planting Considerations: Right Plant, Right Place Light: Sun... Read More
A well-designed perennial garden can provide many years of beauty and enjoyment. Careful selection of plant materials and thoughtful planning can result in a full season of color. A thoughtful design can help you achieve your garden goals including water efficiency, pollinator attraction, family functionality and beauty. Journaling Chances are you’ve thought about a new perennial garden before you’ve reached the actual design task. Utilize... Read More
