We’ve all dreamed about living on our own private refuge somewhere out there. Why not build your own little beautiful getaway right here at home? One that will provide more than your own satisfaction – it will help establish a welcoming sanctuary in our urban desert of asphalt and concrete. A place where birds, butterflies and hummingbirds can find a haven of natural food and... Read More
“Early gardens are planted on the pray-as-you-sow plan.” ~ Edythe Soper b. 1912 English naturalist It is time to plan your To Do List for the month of April. Consider planting cool season perennials and annuals that have been hardened-off so they are ready for the cool weather. Resist planting tender plants too soon because of the erratic spring weather in Colorado. Days of warm... Read More
The Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) This vining plant has long green leaves and bright red petals. Each part of this plant can be interpreted as symbols connected with Easter. First, the stigma (part of the pistil where pollen germinates) in the center of the flower is made up of three parts that represent the nails used during the crucifixion of Jesus. Second, ten of the... Read More
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now.” ~CHINESE PROVERB As the spring planting season is quickly approaching, one can not underestimate the value of including trees in the landscape. Now is the time to consider new tree planting and pruning existing trees. Nothing else you can plant will have the presence and character of a... Read More
“To dig and delve in nice clean dirt Can do a mortal little hurt.” John Kendrick Bangs (1862-1922) American Writer Before any planting, the soil must be dry, not wet! Working with the soil when wet drastically alters the structure of the soil particles by compacting them. This does not allow for movement of oxygen, microbes, and composting arthropods/insects which are necessary for plants to... Read More
With the beautiful February thaw weather that we have been having, has everyone had a chance to get out into your yard and garden to see how things are doing? It has been an interesting winter season. There has been a fair amount of steady snowfall over the course of the last several months. So much so that in the lowest, shadiest areas of the... Read More
Spring is coming! Its arrival gives us a sense of renewal- time to get outdoors. All of us have an intuitive appreciation and enjoyment for the outdoors, even as we get older. Baby Boomer gardeners represent a strong shopping segment for many independent retail garden centers. Following are suggestions for helping baby boomers continue to garden as age makes it a little more challenging. Provide... Read More
If you have ever ordered any kind of gardening information, especially seeds or nursery stock, your name was entered into a time honored tradition of the January garden catalog drop. For seasoned gardeners this can be an exciting time as well as a challenging time. It can be compared to a child in a candy store – so many good things to pick. For brand new gardeners overwhelming! Many of... Read More
I pinched, pruned, planted, Mulched, manured and mowed; Dug, dressed, divided, Harvested and hoed. Thinned, trimmed, transplanted, Sprayed, sowed and staked; Wheeled, watered, weeded, Rototilled and raked. Loosened, limed and layered, Gardening by the book; But one thing I neglected- I forgot to look! -Bonita Laettner Ms. Laettner’s poem is an excellent 2016 pre-garden check list! As the gardening catalogs start filling your mailbox or inbox, and... Read More
“The most noteworthy thing about gardeners is that they are always optimistic, always enterprising, and never satisfied. They always look forward to doing better than they have ever done before.” -Vita Sackville-West (1892-1962)English Writer A Late December Check List: – It’s not too late to take your Christmas Tree to a – community drop off! Mulch will be made from the discards and used in... Read More
