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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Your lawn doesn’t die each winter – it goes dormant Dormant grass needs care too, especially in periods where there is lack of precipitation. Turf needs water in winter, though not as much as it does in the heat of the summer. Simply turning off the water until spring leaves your lawn at risk of drought stress. Drought stress creates favorable conditions for problems like turf mites. The damage (brown, straw-like patches) can show up as early as February and…
Did you make any “new year, new you” plans this month? While you’re making lists and setting goals for 2020, why not make some outdoor plans as well? It’s a good time to think ahead about your outdoor spaces and what you want to get out of them when warm weather returns. Is there a garden you want to see, an outdoor space you want to create, or a dreary corner you want to invigorate? What did you resolve at…
In these cold winter months, you can imagine warmer days as you consider what to plant this spring. To help you decide, National Garden Bureau (NGB) has announced their “Year of the” crops for 2020. Trend-watching Colorado gardeners will be happy to learn that several of the plants can grow well in the state’s unique growing conditions. Year of the iris Irises are a beautiful, relatively low-maintenance plant that enjoys sunny Colorado days. It can thrive in the state’s dry,…
