Category: Attracting Wildlife

There is nothing more relaxing than a morning cup of Joe on the patio. Now imagine a bird singing. His wings flapping madly as he splashes in the bath. Here and there a butterfly floats above dewy pink flowers. The awe you encounter in a natural habitat can be right at your doorstep. Just follow these tips on native plants and structures that invite wildlife to your yard. Not all are welcome, so you’ll also find tips on keeping the unfriendlys at bay.

Propagating Colorado native flower seed indoors and out

Planting April 13 Planted March 4 Ratibida had about seven sprouts. Probably within the last couple days. cotlydon are yellow. Set out into soil. Geum no sign of sprouting. Many seeds were moldy. These are now in a container outdoors. Butterflyweed no sign of sprouting. Dalea P. 2/4 planted February 4th evidence of germination seen… Continue reading Propagating Colorado native flower seed indoors and out

2021 Plant planning homestead

 Silo Garden and Entry Lane Imagine a place to hang out under the shade of the trees,  a silo bar offering up cold beverages while people play cornhole.  This is the silo garden.  To its north end lies a patio with benches and bar stools. To its south a rounded garden of wildflowers and path… Continue reading 2021 Plant planning homestead

Fall is near, it’s time to reflect on planting

Sheri Hagwood, hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

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

In the Garden, Herbs and Monarda in raised beds to entice butterflies to habitate

Not every wildlife habitat is large.  In fact having a bit of what a little guy needs is nothing more than a few feet of well placed plants, water, and cover. #NofH Converting today’s vege garden to a butterfly’s haven will experiment with 3 kinds of planting. A raised bed in a dry part of… Continue reading In the Garden, Herbs and Monarda in raised beds to entice butterflies to habitate

Garden 2019 native plants to convert the lawn

My lawn is no longer sustainable in its current form.  Not because its not beautiful or healthy with the additional water.   Its just that. water.  Denver is not considering the concrete jungle its creating.  Density is thirsty. Its replacement must be maintenance sustainable. The ease of lawn mowing is overstated.  Unless you move to a… Continue reading Garden 2019 native plants to convert the lawn

Tips to provide protected nesting sites for Native Bees

Protecting and Providing Nesting for Native Bees and Wasps There are products on the market to provide cheap, renewable bee hotels for our native bees and wasps. Here are a few things to help your bees be at home. Leave open ground (no mulch) with sandy soil for ground Keep a wood pile where borers… Continue reading Tips to provide protected nesting sites for Native Bees