At lower elevations and in protected areas, the early bulbs of spring are popping up to paint the first strokes of color across the landscape. Some places are seeing crocus and hyacinths – and daffodils and tulips are soon to follow. As we are well aware this week, April is (sort of) warming, but it can still be a time of heavy snow – and even a temperature dip into the deep freeze. Protecting early-flowering bulbs When the bulbs you…
If you’re yearning for spring color, take a break from the cold and find inspiration from the CSU flower trial gardens. Two winning plants from the flower trials have been named plants of the year by the National Garden Bureau. 2019 is the Year of Salvia nemorosa, a pollinator-friendly garden plant. Colorado State University named a salvia “Best of Show” in its 2018 flower trials. Salvia ‘Big Blue’ from PanAmerican Seed, pictured above right, is “a later bloomer that is…
Successful gardens don’t have to be complicated or exotic. A great garden grows, is harvested and enjoyed by a gardener who knows and follows 10 basic steps. As in most endeavors, keeping the process simple and grounded in the basics pays off. Select smart. Know about how many plants you can grow in the space you have and avoid the temptation to over purchase. Count the days. Make sure plants have time to grow to maturity. Seed packets tell the…
Frost appears to be out of the forecast which makes Mother’s Day a great time to give mom plants she can enjoy outside beginning right now. Hot 2018 trends in flowers are the Pantone Color of the Year which is Ultra Violet plus bright shades of orange and yellow. Every year the Color of the Year shows up in furniture, décor and fashion as well as in spring flowers. This year we see Ultra Violet and shades of purple in…
Today, the third Friday in April, is Colorado’s Arbor Day, and National Arbor Day takes place the fourth Friday in April. This day makes it the perfect time to think about planting a new tree or three. A long growing season let’s tree get settled into their new home. Before you plant another flowering crabapple tree, consider trying something different. Many arborists recommended planting a diversity of trees in your yard, throughout a neighborhood and within the community. Tree diversity…
