Springtime in the Rockies is usually a roller-coaster ride of nice days with warmer temps and colder days that bring heavy snows. And March, as we all know, tends to be the snowiest month. For many plants, this transition time into spring can be the most challenging time of year. Snowfalls from this point forward tend to pack more moisture, and that added weight is more stressful on plants. Here are some coping strategies to help your plants: Deciduous trees: Damp…
Unfortunately for all of us who want to get outdoors and start planting, it’s really too soon to plant perennials and to expect them to survive the recent snows and possible hard freezes ahead. Here’s what you need to know if you have bought plants already: Because these perennials have been in cold storage all winter, they have been kept dormant. But bringing them inside the store where it’s warm has forced them to break dormancy – and they will start…
Children who grow their own vegetables are five times more likely to eat them, according to a 2015 study. Whether it’s at school or at home, gardening can benefit their health and wellbeing in many ways. Consider involving your children in planning your garden, and garden alongside them when it’s time to plant. Let them select veggies, herbs and flowers they would like to grow. Get them involved early in the process to increase their investment and help them learn. Planning a garden…
The damage usually shows up as browned needles and leaves, dead branch tips, delayed leaf-out, or even dieback. Anatomy of a tree during too-dry Winters During dry spells, a tree’s anatomy works overtime to conserve water and survive stress. The roots are the first line of defense, stretching outward and downward in search of moisture; fine feeder roots absorb water, but they can die back quickly if soil stays dry, reducing the tree’s ability to hydrate itself. Inside the trunk…
Don’t count on Mother Nature and the hope of a big snow to get your trees and perennials through the winter this year. Snowfall usually provides far less moisture than rain, and we don’t have to tell you that we’re in a particularly concerning dry spell right now, so you’ll want to supplement with some winter watering for your trees, shrubs, and perennials. Water long enough so that the soil is thoroughly soaked without run-off. Be sure to water areas…
Deer-resistant perennial; it represents joy and prosperity. 1-800-Flowers has designated their 2026 Flower of the Year. The flower and plant of the year are chosen based on their symbolic meaning, as well as consumer and floral trends. This year’s flower is intended to represent positive feelings and futures. Delphiniums are beloved for their tall, elegant spires of flowers that bring a sense of drama and vertical interest to the garden. Blooming in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, they are…
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 is “Cloud Dancer,” a soft, billowy white meant to evoke calm, serenity, and a fresh start. Pantone’s Color of the Year is an annual selection meant to reflect the global mood, cultural shifts, and emerging trends across design, fashion, art, and society. Chosen by the company’s color experts, it serves as both a creative forecast and a source of inspiration, influencing everything from product design and interiors to branding and marketing to worldwide.…
Imagine all the good things that would happen if kids ran around and played outside every day. Today, the average child spends less than seven minutes a day outside in unstructured play (and three+ hours every day in front of some type of screen). As most of us can attest, that’s a drastic decrease in outdoor time compared to when we were growing up. According to Generation Wild, the benefits of playing outside every day are profound: stress and anxiety decrease,…
Despite the common myth, pine needles do not significantly acidify garden soil. Using pine needles in the garden is not harmful to soil or plants in Colorado. They make for excellent mulch that helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and decompose into beneficial organic matter. Fresh needles are slightly acidic, but they do not lower soil pH to damaging levels in our generally alkaline soils. What pine needles do to the soil Pine needles slowly break down and add organic matter…
Certain hardy, cold-tolerant agave species can grow in Colorado, particularly along the Front Range and in warmer, dry areas. Success in growing Agave in Colorado depends entirely on choosing the right species to plant. While not native to the state, species like Parry’s agave, Utah agave, Havard’s Agave, and New Mexico “Century Plant” Agave can survive Colorado winters if planted in well-drained soil. Parry’s Agave Hardy to about -20°F when dry Compact blue-gray rosettes Excellent for rock gardens and xeriscapes One of the most reliable choices here…
