Oligoneuron rigidum Stiff Goldenrod (F,DM,A,A) 3 – 5 ft H x 2 – 3 ft W. Flat-topped yellow flower clusters in late summer. Multi-stemmed with long basal leaves and progressively shorter lanced shaped leaves near the crown. Hairy leaves (pubescent) feel velvety to the touch and have a nice sheen. Leaves may turn red in… Continue reading Oligoneuron rigidum – Stiff goldenrod
Category: Light
July heat is here
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
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.
An ornamental grass hedge
To give the new patio by the pond some privacy I want to employ ornamental grasses. They must manage a three season showing including winter. While prairie grasses are a part of the yard, ornamental varieties tend to have better structure than their native species. The space will only accomodate about 3 feet of depth… Continue reading An ornamental grass hedge
Actaea rubra – baneberry
Actaea rubra – Baneberry (Sp,M,CL,N) Blooms Spring (Sp) Soil moisture is medium to wet (M) Grows in loamy soils (CL) Native – feeds birds and mammals Poisonous to humans A nice plant for the woodland garden it has white flowers in late spring and fruits in red or white. Actaea rubra is an understory herbaceous… Continue reading Actaea rubra – baneberry
Nicotiana sylvestris – Annual
Nicotiana sylvestris (Su,M,LC,XA) Night-scented tobacco 24″ tall x 12 – 36″ spread, mounded with bright leaves and white summer blooms from June to October. An annual in Colorado, it’s native to the Andes region in Argentina and Bolivia, in South America. Blooms: Summer (Su) Moisture: Medium (M) Soil Type: Loam and Clay (LC) Range: Non-Native… Continue reading Nicotiana sylvestris – Annual
Hummingbird visits the Monarda
I have a love-hate relationship with hummingbirds. They are brilliant and quick, tiny and bold. They are also territorial, dive-bombing murderers. Yes they have chased birds into windows. So it was with this new that I told my neighbor the cheery demons were all hers. Sho she great plants and feeders. But today I happened… Continue reading Hummingbird visits the Monarda
Monarda fistulosa – Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot, Beebalm (Sf,DM,A,N) 2 – 4 ft H x 2 – 3 ft W. Spider-like lavender blooms in late summer on single flowering stocks. Great plant to bring in wildlife. Blooms: Late Summer to early fall (Sf) Moisture: Dry to Medium (DM) Soil Type: All soil types when local ecotype is available… Continue reading Monarda fistulosa – Wild Bergamot
What’s this mushroom?
Wow this is a big cluster of mushroom. It’s growing on the decaying roots of the silver maple. I have posted it to inaturalist to see if I can get an identification.
Helianthus Annuus
Helianthus Annuus Sunflower (Su,D,AE,N) 2 – 8 ft H x 2 – 4 ft W. Annual. Bright yellow ray flowers surround a composite (many flowered) center. Blooming mid summer to fall. Great plant to bring in wildlife. Blooms: Mid Summer to early fall (Su) Moisture: Dry (D) Soil Type: All soil types when local ecotype… Continue reading Helianthus Annuus