Heat and storms ushered in July. The summer monsoons are back though spotty. While a late June mountain camping trip saw no moisture, quick storms passed most days leading up to a hot July 4. Much of eastern Colorado is now in drought and the high pressure dome we’ve had since mid-June remains. And yet… Continue reading July heat is here
Category: Back Yard
The garden is recovering well.
With a destructive, late spring snowstorm, booked weekends, and rain — the garden is holding its own guite beautifully. Untidy yes, the charm of nature, for sure. Two trees may have to go. Its unfortunate but both will suffer greatly if Emerald Ash comes knocking. We need the trees to have health and be able… Continue reading The garden is recovering well.
Roses in the garden
Planting a rose in a Colorado garden. Roses do great in Front Range Colorado, partially due to the dryness of the air which discourages the fungal diseases you see in eastern roses like black spot. You just need to ensure you have your clays well mixed with organic matter to create space for air and… Continue reading Roses in the garden
Fall is near, it’s time to reflect on planting
When I look about the garden I see a lot of finished projects for the first time in a long time. This year’s been very productive. Not only have I found a few plants that are beneficial to both birds and me, I have found a new sense of appreciation for maintenance, the test of… Continue reading Fall is near, it’s time to reflect on planting
Anaphalis margaritacea – Pearly everlasting
Anaphalis margaritacea – Pearly Everlasting (Su,D,S,N) 24″ tall x 12 – 36″ spread, mounded with bright leaves and white summer blooms from June to October. host plant Blooms: Summer (Su) Moisture: Medium to Dry (M-D) Soil Type: Sand (S) – being tested in clay (2021) check back! Range: Native (N) Started as: Seed Deer resistant… Continue reading Anaphalis margaritacea – Pearly everlasting
Back Yard Plant List
The plants I track in my Colorado garden. Zone: 5 Light: 2020 – 30% sun, 35% part-shade, 35% shade. Looking out my patio I face northwest and the majority of the yard is shaded by numerous trees throughout the day. A large maple was removed in 2019 at the southwestern edge that has created more… Continue reading Back Yard Plant List
Ideas for training lilacs into trees
Lilacs are native to the Southeast Europe. A plant I have loved, loved since childhood, its scent is like no other. Our first lilac grew huge in the middle of our haphazard back yard on the edge of the front range plains. It was a bright spot among the false starts, weedy grass, and scattered… Continue reading Ideas for training lilacs into trees
Koeleria macanthra — June grass
Koeleria macanthra – June Grass (Su,DM,A,N) Sun 3′ – 6′ Tall x 12″ Spread, light green spiky leaves. Purple-red spikes form on one side of the stem from late June to early August. When blooming, orange stamens and feathery stigmas form from the spikelets. seed and cover for birds Blooms: June to August (Su) Moisture:… Continue reading Koeleria macanthra — June grass
The prairie is still waiting to be planted
So the front half of the prairie will be planted over the next few days. It is gray and dreary today. Perfect time for planting. My prairie bed is a large kidney shape. Finding lots of clay may prove a challenge to my initial grass choices. June grass and a blue grass from the open… Continue reading The prairie is still waiting to be planted
Prunus virginiana: A pruning job I actually like
I’ve been known to butcher shrubs. It only makes sense knowing that in my family tree are at least two butchers! But I digress. What I would like to show you is a native chokecherry pruning job I’ve managed to keep tidy for many years. Keeping this shrub that can grow up to 25 feet… Continue reading Prunus virginiana: A pruning job I actually like