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…
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 a plant for every mom. Hanging baskets can brighten up a porch, balcony, or sunny window. Many garden centers offer a variety of sizes and color combinations. They can be moved easily, so she can bring them indoors if we anticipate a late-spring frost. Fragrant Plants To make Mom’s porch, patio, or yard smell…
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…
The outdoor entertainment season is just a few weeks away. If you have a grad party, wedding or other outdoor event coming up in May, now is the time to get your lawn into shape (so you’re not rushing around two weeks in advance). That’s why April is National Lawn Care Month. There are four simple things you can do now that will make your lawn lush in just a few weeks. Plus, what you do now will pay off all season…
After recent snows gave them a dose of moisture, and with temperatures heating up along the Front Range, some early spring bulbs are hinting at the color to come. Crocuses, hyacinths and even some daffodils and tulips are showing their faces. The warm days might inspire you to add some color to your landscape. However, keep in mind that April in Colorado could still bring us heavy snowfall. Wait at least six weeks to plant most annuals. If you’re really…
This week has certainly been a windy one! The part of your landscape that can take the most wind damage is also one of the most important—your trees. They provide shade and keep buildings cool. They clean the air of toxins, and they produce much of the oxygen that we breathe. So what are the best ways to address damaged trees and potentially cracked limbs to keep them from becoming a liability? Inspect your trees, and as you do: · Be…
Don’t be fooled this April Fool’s—April is National Lawn Care Month, and below we dispel some of the common myths about lawn care so you can get your yard off to the best start this season: Myth #1: The best time to replant the lawn is in the spring when plants are getting ready to bloom. Reality: Sowing seeds in the spring sets up potential problems. Early season weeds will compete for the space – and hot and stressful months that are hard…
It’s not just a fad to grow your own veggies. Growing vegetables that can go from the garden to the table in a matter of minutes is a solid trend. Even restaurants are establishing their own gardens, and for good reason. Growing your own veggies gives the freshest flavor possible and eliminates the chance of consuming any unsavory pesticides. Now is the season to get those tasty crops growing with cool season veggies – lettuce, carrots, radishes and spinach. And once they…
Don’t let fires take you by surprise Even though we are coming out of one of the coldest weeks in March on record, it is not too soon to start planning for wildfire protection. As the Marshall Wildfire proves, fires that claim hundreds of homes don’t just happen in the heat of summer. Prevention against fire anytime during the year starts with planning now—particularly how to plant and maintain your landscape this spring. As winter turns into an early spring, create…
Not all soil is created equal. Soil serves many important functions in an ecosystem. Whether it is in your landscape or an indoor pot, soil is the medium for your plants to thrive. USDA’s National Resources Conservation Services notes that high quality soil performs five functions at the same time: Soil… Acts like a sponge, soaking up rainwater and limiting runoff. It also helps with groundwater recharge and controlling rainwater runoff in urban environments. Acts like a faucet, storing and releasing water…
