One of the mysteries of life – why only some leaves turn red and others don’t This wonderful information about why leaves turn color in the Fall comes to us from National Public Radio. According to the NPR article, “Every autumn, trees break down the green chlorophyll in their leaves, so that they can recover precious nitrogen before the leaves fall. (That nitrogen is necessary for photosynthesis, as well as building proteins and DNA.) The loss of this chlorophyll exposes…
Careful plant selection and thoughtful design create low-water landscapes that are enjoyable for humans and wildlife alike. Gardening in an arid climate doesn’t have to mean a yard full of rocks with a few cacti plunked in. There are hundreds of plants that thrive in xeric conditions using little to no water (once established), making for an interesting and beautiful arid climate landscape that requires little maintenance and contributes positively to the planet. Here are three inspiring (and very popular)…
For a Colorado garden, they’re especially appealing because they bloom very early, before most perennials have emerged. Snowdrops are among the most enchanting bulbs you can grow. Their little white, nodding flowers often appear while the garden is still brown and dormant—sometimes even pushing through snow. When do snowdrops bloom?Snowdrops generally flower from late winter into very early spring. At higher elevations, blooming can be considerably later than in milder climates. One of their remarkable characteristics is their ability to…
80% of migratory birds travel at night. Every lit window and outdoor light puts migrating birds at risk of collision and/or death. During migration, think of your yard as a refueling station. A bird may arrive after flying hundreds or thousands of miles and need to find food and shelter immediately. For a Colorado garden, that can mean leaving some seed heads standing, growing native berry-producing shrubs, maintaining insect-friendly flowers, and providing dense vegetation where birds can rest. Bird will…
Faux webbing is surprisingly dangerous to wildlife when used outdoors in and around gardens, porches, trees and shrubs. Faux spider webbing can be a fun Halloween decoration, but it can be dangerous for wildlife because its thin, stretchy fibers can entangle birds, bats, butterflies, bees, small mammals, and other animals. Why faux webbing is harmful to wildlife Birds can become tangled in it. Fine synthetic strands can wrap around wings, legs, feet, and beaks. A bird trying to pull free…
Timing is everything with lavender. Late Summer/Fall is the best time to trim. Pruning lavender is an important with a number of benefits to the plant: promote healthy growth maintain its shape encourage abundant flowering prevent woody and leggy stems that show sparse growth An annual clean-up of lavender keeps your plants looking neat and tidy and regular pruning also slows down how quickly the plant ages. Here are easy steps to prune lavender effectively: Timing: Prune lavender soon (late…
This hardy, native shrub thrives in Zone 4 and can reach elevations of up to 7500 feet Coralberry is a hardy, deciduous shrub prized for its clusters of small pink to coral-colored berries that persist well into Fall and Winter. A member of the honeysuckle family, it produces modest pinkish flowers in summer, which are followed by the eye-catching berries that often remain after the leaves have dropped. These berries provide seasonal interest and are a valuable food source for birds…
Cactus gardens need little water or maintenance, and when using the right plants, can be strikingly beautiful Starting a cactus garden is simple, rewarding, and perfect for sunny, dry conditions. Importantly, cactus gardens are extremely drought tolerant while delivering a beautiful aesthetic. A cactus garden thrives on sun, excellent drainage, and restraint with water. Keep conditions simple and dry, and your garden will be low-maintenance and striking year-round. How to start a cactus garden 1. Choose the Right Location Cacti…
Several hardy herbs can survive or even thrive through cold winters, especially with a bit of protection. While most herbs are considered ‘tender’ (think basil, which dies back in the Fall and certainly after a hard frost), some can withstand our cold, harsh winters, and can even be cultivated year-round and harvested when they’re covered in snow. Cold-Hardy Herbs Thyme – A perennial herb that survives freezing temperatures and often stays evergreen. Sage – Hardy in many climates; established plants can…
Why use drip irrigation? Drip irrigation systems save water by controlling a slow drip to the roots of the plants. Pipes can be either above surface or buried below the soil to target the root zone and minimize evaporation. When partnered with smart irrigation technologies, drip irrigation helps maximize water resources more efficiently. Keep in mind that roots follow water, if you are watering only the top 3 – 4 inches, your trees and shrubs are going to grow shallow…
