It’s a good time to put in some work to help your landscape stay healthy as it heads into dormancy for the winter. It’s still warm, but autumn begins next week and we look forward to cooler days ahead. A little care now will help make your lawn hardier so that it will return next spring as vibrant as ever. Here are some steps to consider. Be sure to talk with us about which of these steps are important for your…
Turf serves an important purpose: it provides recreation areas for adults, kids, and pets alike. But native grasses bring a character all their own, with the added bonus of being low-water and low-maintenance once established. Ornamental grasses can also provide height, varying texture, movement, and year-round interest. Consider adding them to your landscape this year. A few examples of Colorado native grasses for your consideration: Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis). Did you know that Colorado has an official state grass? It…
Toward the end of August and early September, conditions are prime to plant cool-season crops for fall harvest. These plants aren’t made for the long and intensely hot days of summer. Late summer’s cooling nighttime temperatures and shorter days with less sunshine offer the right conditions. Plants to consider: Green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, lettuce, collard greens, chard Beets Broccoli Carrots For best results, follow these tips: Look for seeds with packets that say they will mature in 60…
If you’ve got some big planters in your landscape, they don’t have to stay empty and boring this winter. The rest of your landscape might be dormant, but your containers can add a pop of color and interest until spring blooms return. A colorful container can be a decorative element by itself. Use brightly colored ceramic pots to add some interest to your porch or stoop. But if you’ve gone with muted colors in your containers, you can still add some pizzazz…
How to cycle and soak to save water and get best watering results As temperatures rise, you may be tempted to run your sprinkler longer. But resist that temptation, and instead practice cycle-and-soak watering. It’s an efficient way to keep your landscape healthy and be sure that none of your watering goes to waste. Here’s how to cycle and soak: Break up your watering into shorter intervals. For example, if you usually water an area of lawn for about 15…
Want a gift that lasts longer than a rose? Roses traditionally say, “I love you,” but a bunch can be rather short-lived. Here’s some creative inspiration to extend your very special message to your very special someone. Extend the blooms with a rose plant Your Valentine can keep it indoors for now and move it outside when the weather warms. With proper care, roses will continue to bloom indoors. Give your sweetheart some special indoor greenery Indoor plants are always…
Each year, the National Garden Bureau (NGB) chooses its plants of the year in several categories: annuals, perennials, bulbs, shrubs, and edible plants. This year they also added a houseplant to the roster. Below are their picks for 2022. Take some time to learn more about these trendy plants and plan to add them to your own landscape in the new year: Gladiolus (bulb) – Dramatic flowers grow from these bulbs (corms, to be exact) each summer. Fun fact: Gladiolus is the official…
Did you know that your landscape can support wildlife? There are many birds that overwinter in Colorado, including chickadees (pictured), juncos, crows, and the striking cedar waxwing. A healthy landscape can provide food and shelter for them. Many landscape plants can be a home or a meal for birds. Sunflowers, yarrow, and blue flax are among the plants that can give sustenance to our feathered friends. Yarrow can provide nest material as well. Trees and shrubs like blue spruce, Rocky Mountain juniper,…
This Sunday is National Poinsettia Day. Poinsettias are a great gift for this time of year. While they are not edible and could cause mild illness, they aren’t poisonous to kids or pets. Use them to decorate your home without fear but know that it can take some effort to keep them alive and healthy in Colorado. If the gift recipient isn’t a dedicated plant lover, you might consider a different, hardier gift plant. If indoor houseplants are more their speed,…
If you haven’t planted bulbs yet for next spring, there may still be time. Planting now gives them time to develop roots before the ground freezes. It’s an easy project as long as you know a few things to do – and not do – when planting. Do: Choose a location that is well-drained and gets plenty of sun. Plan your planting around bloom time. Daffodils and crocuses will appear early in the season, while tulips will come along later.…
