This weekend we switch to Daylight Savings Time–don’t forget to move your clocks an hour forward on Sunday. Although the official first day of spring is March 19, it’s important to resist the urge to spring forward and start planting here in Colorado. The weekend forecast looks to be warm, and along the Front Range bulbs are starting to peek out of the ground. If you are itching to get outside in the dirt, there are still plenty of tasks…
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.…
Color your landscape This week, Pantone® announced that it had chosen two colors for 2021 Color of the Year. Pantone chose them as colors of a solid foundation (Ultimate Gray, reminiscent of rock or concrete) and of cheerfulness and hope (Illuminating’s sunny yellow). For the landscape, there is great potential for incorporating this trendy yet comforting color combination. Plant Select® has introduced a new shrub for 2021, SteppeSuns® Hokubetsi (pictured above, photo courtesy Plant Select), with silver leaves and yellow…
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…
Gardening is not a “set and forget it” hobby A garden needs care throughout the growing season if you want a good harvest. Earlier this month, we shared five tips for establishing a garden. Once the plants are in the ground, we recommended these five steps to help it thrive. By following these simple steps, you and your garden will have a fruitful partnership this growing season: Water consistently. Irregular watering that allows plants to wilt through underwatering or soil…
Tip of the Week If you’re spending more time at home and in your yard, you might be tempted to water the lawn often—but don’t. This is a critical time for your grass; spring is when it grows its feeder roots that capture water all season long. Resist the urge to spoil your lawn. Don’t let its roots get used to over-watering, or it can have negative effects for the rest of the season. Over-watering can cause turf roots to…
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…
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…
Fall has just begun and now it’s time to think about putting our landscape and plants to bed for fall and winter. It’s a good time to give plants a little extra TLC that will pay off in a healthier and nicer landscape next spring. September and early October are critical times for plant care and moisture. Even with the nights cooling off—maybe you’re looking ahead and shutting down our sprinklers to avoid damage from an early freeze—you should keep…
