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
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
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
The “secret” to success with taking care of house plants is to create the same ideal conditions as they would enjoy in their native habitat. Indoor Plant Lighting Wondering what plant to put where? Here’s an indoor plant lighting guide to four categories of light exposure for house plants. Sunny (direct sun) location? Within 2 feet of a south- or southwest-facing window. Window sills flooded... Read More
A well-designed garden provides interest from early spring through late autumn, and beyond if you also select plants for winter structure. But, for the main growing season, much of that interest comes from flowering and foliage plants. Most perennial plants flower for two to four weeks, but the longest flowering perennials, like coneflowers and catmint, measure their flowering period in months, not weeks. The Longest... Read More
More snowfall than average so far for January and February. Everything in the landscape will appreciate the moisture. Had our share of polar temperatures as well. And we know we have more cold temperatures and snow ahead. So, what do we early gardening enthusiasts do? Let us do what we know works for early to mid-March gardening and landscape care in the Rocky Mountain region. ... 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
There are many benefits to using Colorado native shrubs for home and commercial landscapes. Colorado native shrubs are naturally adapted to their specific Colorado climate, soils, and environmental conditions. You can create a lush, attractive native landscape utilizing native shrubs and perennials. Another benefit of using Colorado natives in landscapes is that they may attract a wide variety of wildlife including mammals, birds, and butterflies.... Read More
Are you interested in eating healthy and nutritious food? And saving money on groceries? What could be more nutritious and healthier than growing your own herbs and vegetables in your own backyard? Or even in a container on your patio or balcony? Creating your own herb garden or vegetable garden can be a very satisfying experience, although it is not a no-maintenance activity. But with... Read More
Springtime is arguably the most exciting of all the seasonal changes because it really feels like a new beginning. We can scratch last year’s gardening experiences off the map and begin anew. So, let’s begin preparing now for a successful season. Planning Begins Now! But before the planning begins, take a few minutes and review your successes and failures in the garden and landscape last... Read More
