What is a weed? It’s any plant that grows where we don’t want it. Often they are non-native, potentially invasive plants that can outgrow and crowd out the plants we put in our landscape on purpose. To avoid a big problem in the height of the growing season, take some time to stop weeds as soon as they appear. The key is to get rid of them before they flower or go to seed. There are two basic methods of…
After recent snows gave them a dose of moisture, and with temperatures heating up along the Front Range, early spring bulbs are popping up in landscapes and giving us a hint of the color to come. Crocuses, hyacinths, even some daffodils and tulips can be spotted in gardens and flower beds. The warm days might inspire you to add some color to your landscape. Keep in mind that April in Colorado could still bring us heavy snowfall or even a…
November is a good time to think about wrapping your vulnerable trees for the winter. If you planted a new tree this fall or have a young tree in your landscape, wrapping it can protect your trees from winter damage. Why wrap Changes in temperature—especially those days when the temperature drops 20 degrees in two hours—can cause the frost cracks or split bark. The tree bark can also suffer sunscald, which are burns caused by sun exposure once the leaves…
Fall is a critical time for lawn care and moisture. Hopefully, you shut down your irrigation system prior to the hard freeze and snow we just had, but your landscape still needs care. We are still experiencing drought, and taking care of your plants now can ensure that they return to their full splendor next spring. Keep watering Keep watering even after the system is winterized. Haul out the hose and sprinkler and keep watering as needed as long as…
This fall’s mild temperatures give us an opportunity to plant now for a beautiful landscape next year. Fall is the best time to get bulbs into the ground for spring color. Choose your location and buy your bulbs now if you haven’t already. It’s hard to go wrong with tulips, daffodils, hyacinth and crocus. Add edibles to the mix by planting garlic and saffron crocus. Note the bloom times of each type of flower so you can group and plant…
As the growing season winds down and you prepare your landscape for winter, you may find yourself with a lot of yard waste. Instead of bagging it and tossing it into the garbage, why not make that yard waste continue to benefit your plants by composting? What to put in your compost bin: Leaves Grass clippings Straw Plant debris While you’re at it, you can also add food waste from indoors, like coffee grounds, fruit peels and cores, and vegetables.…
Our landscapes have been through a lot in the last week. Call your landscape professional if you’ve got tree damage or are concerned about your sprinkler system. Some fixes require the help of an experienced pro. While you wait for that appointment, you can still add some color and style to your landscape with fall containers. They are an easy way to quickly spruce up your porch or patio. If the weather gets wild again, you can bring them into…
This growing season has had more than its share of heat-filled days. Super-hot days don’t always grow the best veggies. Tomatoes, in particular, suffer during hot days combined with warm evenings. At 85 degrees, pollination and fruit set will be affected. At 95 degrees when nighttime temps are at 75 or above, flowers may fall off the plants. Prolonged days with high temperatures, as we have seen this year above 90 degrees, can slow ripening. Cucumbers in heat stress can…
This growing season has had more than its share of heat-filled days. Super-hot days don’t always grow the best veggies. Tomatoes, in particular, suffer during hot days combined with warm evenings. At 85 degrees, pollination and fruit set will be affected. At 95 degrees when nighttime temps are at 75 or above, flowers may fall off the plants. Prolonged days with high temperatures, as we have seen this year above 90 degrees, can slow ripening. Cucumbers in heat stress can…
Now is a good time to refresh garden areas, as some annuals have likely begun to fade. Choose some perennials that will tolerate the hot days still ahead and bring color to your garden for the rest of the growing season. Gardens are where plant science and art come together. Start by selecting plants that will grow in Colorado’s harsh hot and cold climate and that need very little water. Then select the ones you will plant based on their…
