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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…

Here are a few things to keep in mind as we continue in the winter months. During a storm: Keep an eye on snow accumulating on trees – on both deciduous and evergreens. If branches are sagging under the weight, use something long such as a broom handle to gently shake snow off the branches as high as you can reach. Start at the lowest part of the tree rather than at the top. If you start dusting snow off the top, it…

Don’t count on this past November’s big  snow to be enough to get your trees and perennials through the winter.…

These invasive trees are a significant concern in Colorado. In Colorado, several tree species are considered invasive because they spread aggressively, out-compete native plants, and disrupt local ecosystems. These invasive trees are a significant concern in Colorado because they can displace native species, reduce biodiversity, and alter natural ecosystems. Active management, including removal and replacement with native or non-invasive alternatives, is key to mitigating their impact. 1. Russian Olive Description: A thorny, gray-green tree that produces small, silvery leaves and yellow…

Hudding, clustering, vibrating, hibernating… In winter, bees adapt to survive the cold in varying ways. Honeybees: In winter, the male drones die off, leaving only the female workers and the queen. The all-female bees form a tight cluster (with the queen at the core/warmest spot), and then begin shaking and shivering to maintain a temperature of about 95 degrees F.  The outer bees insulate the inner bees, rotating positions so that each bee gets a turn in the warmer center. Throughout…

Goldenrod (Solidago species) is a hardy, bright yellow flowering plant that can add color and attract pollinators to your garden. However, it has both pros and cons. Pros of Goldenrod: Attracts Pollinators: Goldenrod is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. It blooms in late summer and Fall, providing essential nectar (and pretty Fall color) when many other plants are finished blooming. Low Maintenance: Once established, goldenrod is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care, thriving in a variety of soil…

This time of year it isn’t unusual to have some pumpkin leftover after making pumpkin pie. Instead of tossing it – use it for treats for your pets! They’ll love these homemade treats. You’ll notice that this recipe calls for 3 simple ingredients; oats, peanut butter, and soft fruit or vegetables. You can use leftover pumpkin (but not pumpkin pie filling), apples that are a little wrinkly pureed into sauce, or any soft fruit or vegetable with the exception of avocado, onions, mushrooms,…

Rudeneja comes from the Lithuanian root ruduo, meaning autumn or Fall. Rudeneja: the way nature and the weather begin to feel like autumn – the leaves change colors, starting their last great dance before falling away, and the sound of crisp crackling branches and leaves fills the air. The verb form specifically describes the slow and gentle transition when the world begins to prepare for the colder months ahead.…

Leaving leaves on the ground in the Fall is a beneficial gardening practice that supports both the soil and local ecosystems. Fallen leaves naturally decompose over time, enriching the soil with organic matter and nutrients, which improves soil structure, enhances moisture retention, and fosters beneficial microorganisms. This layer of leaf litter also acts as a natural mulch, protecting plant roots and insulating the soil during the winter months. Leaves provide critical habitat for various wildlife, including overwintering insects like butterflies,…