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…
The ground is warm, we shouldn’t have any more freezes (fingers crossed), sprinkler systems are turned on and nurseries are getting truck deliveries of new plants daily. Now is a great time to visit your local nursery or garden center and check out some of springs best “smart” plants. Local nurseries and garden centers do a great job of bringing in plants that are “smart” for this area, plants that have been shown to work in Colorado. In this dry…
The Merlin Bird ID app is a free bird identification tool developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This fun to use app helps gardeners (and other users) identify birds by sight, sound, photos, or by answering a few simple questions about the bird they observed. For Colorado gardeners, the Sound ID feature is especially fun during seasonal migrations when your garden may host dozens of species you never realized were there. The app is powered by the massive eBird database…
Many people live where they don’t have space for a garden. A container garden is the perfect solution for all ages and all abilities. Almost anything can be grown in a container, except a large tree. One of the easiest containers is a hanging basket. There’s so many available for Mother’s Day. You can purchase one already done, or you can customize it and put it together yourself. You can even grow vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or strawberries in a hanging basket.…
Miller moths are the adult form of the army cutworm and are a familiar sight across Colorado each spring and early summer. As Miller moths migrate westward toward the mountains, they often seek shelter in homes, garages, and gardens during the day, becoming a nuisance despite being harmless. They don’t damage plants as adult moths, and they DO serve an important ecological role as a food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife before continuing their journey to higher elevations,…
Coral bells (Huechera family) ‘Firefly’ is a winner in Colorado shade gardens Coral Bells is the ultimate versatile and colorful perennial for shady areas of the garden in our area. They sport multi-season interest and a long bloom time (especially the ‘Firefly’ variety). Firefly’ has a compact habit and deep green leaves and produces a profusion airy spikes of red-fading-to-pink bell-shaped flowers on wiry stems (great as a cut flower in a bouquet). Flower spikes are 12-18 inches tall. Looks great in borders, containers, shade gardens, under trees, and in mixed perennial beds. Light Preferences Best: Partial shade to dappled shade. Tolerance: Performs in full shade (color may fade) or morning sun/afternoon shade. Protect from strong afternoon sun to avoid leaf scorch. Soil & Water Well-drained, humus-rich soil; prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. Moisture: Consistent but moderate moisture. Do not overwater…
There are those of us who don’t relish contact with insects and worms while working in the yard, but many of them are actually quite beneficial. For instance: Ladybugs and lacewings prey upon damaging aphids and whiteflies. Ground beetles eat caterpillars and Colorado potato beetles, so they may serve an important function in your garden. By establishing your landscape, you’ve created an ecosystem, and many of those insects serve a purpose. If pests are damaging your plants, you can consult…
