Designing a hummingbird garden really isn’t rocket science. But over the years, my gardens have evolved as I’ve learned how to draw in more regular patrons to the buffet I set out for our local hummingbirds. I’ve come to recognize some critical components that every hummingbird garden should include to create a space attractive to both hummingbirds and humans.
…Tips on Designing an Attractive Hummingbird GardenRead More »
These are strange times! With lock downs and stay-at-home orders, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed life quickly and drastically. For those of us in the northern hemisphere (especially gardeners), spring will thankfully make this outbreak much more tolerable. Just being able to go outside, enjoy the sunshine and smell the start of a new gardening season coming to life helps me momentarily forget my fear of what the future might bring. Although I seriously miss meeting with extended family, friends, and coworkers, I have to admit that I am enjoying the extra time I have to spend in my garden. I am so glad to be an avid gardener at a time like this because gardening is the perfect activity for staying mentally and physically healthy through the COVID-19 pandemic. How exactly will gardening keep us healthy, you ask? Well, here are just a few of the ways!
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With the evolving Covid-19 pandemic and so many states being in lockdown or issuing stay-at-home orders, it leaves many unknowns for all of us. One of the not-so-serious questions we, as gardeners, may have is: will I ever be able to shop at plant nurseries this spring? If you are like me, that is one of the things that I most look forward to each year. Even if all that I really plan to buy are annuals, I just can’t wait to get to the nurseries to buy them, and to see what will temp me to stray from my well laid out plans for the season. I seriously get butterflies in my stomach as we approach this time of the year!
But this season may be very different. As an insatiable gardener, I know that I will still need to get my hands on some new plants to satisfy my addiction. So, this year, more so than most, I have turned to online nurseries. At least for the plants that I am absolutely certain that I MUST have! I can be flexible when it comes to annuals, but for those treasures that I spent all winter anticipating adding to my garden, I will stick to my plans if at all possible.
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If your soil is clayey and poor, with little organic matter, like it is in many areas of Colorado, using weed barrier fabric underneath your wood mulch or bark is a big mistake! Mulch is beneficial in gardens here in Colorado for a number of reasons. It reduces the amount of moisture that evaporates from soil, it helps keep plant roots cool – even in really sunny spots, and it helps control weeds. It can also make gardens look more attractive and well kept! But one of the greatest benefits of using wood mulch in gardens with naturally poor soil is that it gradually improves soil quality. That benefit is hard to beat! However, to enjoy this perk, you need to avoid using weed barrier fabric under your mulch.
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Are you ever swept off your feet by some unique, beautiful plant you spot while browsing at a nursery? You confirm that it is hardy in your zone and even thrives in your soil type! Of course, you have to buy it. You plant it in just the right spot for its sunlight and moisture needs, and baby it throughout the summer as it flourishes in your loving care. Everything seems just perfect for providing this plant with a long, happy and healthy life, right? But even though everything seems ideal, your prized purchase doesn’t make it through the following winter. Confused? You are not alone. Colorado has unique weather that can be really challenging for plants and is one of the main reasons why some plants that are hardy for our zones still struggle to survive here. Luckily, there are ways to help plants survive Colorado’s Winters.
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