At this point in the summer, your gardening to-do list should be mostly about maintenance. Keep weeding and deadheading flowers like dahlias, marigolds, and salvia. Keep an eye out for emerging pests and fungus like aphids or powdery mildew and be proactive before they can wreak havoc on your garden plants. If you’ve got bearded irises in your landscape, now is the time to divide them. Overcrowding can result in fewer blooms or no blooms at all, so it’s a…
Looks like temps are heating up again. Your lawn might start to look brown or stressed, but resist the urge to simply water more. There are good reasons NOT to turn up the water until you check what’s going on with the lawn. Fungus problems can turn your lawn brown—almost overnight. And if you crank up the water, you’ll only make it worse. When lawns begin to stress, the color turns blueish-gray before it looks like straw. If you walk…
Last week we talked about colorful, low-water annuals for your containers. Now let’s discuss the benefits of water-wise perennials. They are low-maintenance, need little water, and, if properly established, won’t need to be replaced each season. Water-wise perennials need more water during their first growing season to become established, but in following growing seasons require much less water. All the hardy, low-water plants listed below offer color and interest in the landscape and have low water needs once established. •…
In Colorado, we love our landscapes and are spending more time outdoors where we can enjoy them. While we had some rain early this week, we are reminded that drought is a fact of life in our state. We should look for plants that are easy to grow, can handle summer heat, and don’t need a lot of water. Annuals for patios and porchesPorches and patios don’t seem complete without a container or two of annual flowers. Choosing the right…
Mother’s Day ‘living’ gifts A living gift is a great idea for Mother’s Day. Whether she lives in an apartment or in a house with a big yard, there is plant for every mom. We’ve got a few ideas for celebrating Mom with plants. Hanging baskets can brighten up a porch, balcony, or sunny window. Many garden centers offer a variety of sizes and color combinations, so you’re sure to find something that fits Mom’s style. They can be moved…
Successful gardening doesn’t have to be complicated or exotic. As with many endeavors, keeping the process simple and grounded in the basics pays off. This week we’re sharing five tips to start your garden off right. Choose wisely. Know how many plants you can grow in the space you have. Avoid the temptation to over purchase. Count the days. Make sure plants have time to grow to maturity. Seed packets tell the number of days until harvest. If you plant…
When planning your landscape, keep home safety in mind. Most burglars are not the slick, sophisticated type seen in films; many break-ins are hastily planned. A few strategic design decisions could provide the deterrent needed to make a potential burglar rethink their actions. Security professionals and law enforcement often recommend the following environmental safety measures for homes: Reduce hiding spots. Avoid big hedges around the front of your property. Don’t plant large shrubs near windows or entryways, where potential intruders…
Sunny days ahead Springtime in Colorado is a roller-coaster of weather, with warm, sunny days followed by blustery or snowy days with chilling temps. We can use the ups and downs of the temperature swings to accomplish different gardening tasks that will all pay off when the growing season is here to stay. Many of us are staying home right now, so we can make the most of that time by improving our landscape. After all, landscapes have a direct…
High quality landscapes can increase the value of a home by as much as 10% Your landscape offers health benefits, environmental benefits, and enhances your community when it is properly planned. It can also increase your property value. Some experts claim that landscaping can yield the highest return on investment (ROI) of any home upgrade if you are looking to sell. A 2017 study at Colorado State University (see link below) found that for every dollar invested in a residential…
During the winter months, indoor plants can help you get your nature fix until spring returns. January 10 is Houseplant Appreciation Day, so let’s take a moment to recall some benefits of the plants you keep inside your home or that you’ve brought indoors for the season. They look great. Indoor plants make great décor. Whether they are flowering plants like poinsettia or cyclamen, hardy succulents, or leafy green trees, plants can make your house look stylish. They help you…
