Today was a good day. It was gorgeous and warm. The wind blew hinting of the cold to come. There were many many apples I could still reach. Enough for at least 6 apple struesel if I wanted. Or apple cake. Apple cake? Yes apple cake. I think it will be a hit, even with… Continue reading 2022 The last harvest before frost
Category: Plant Type
Oligoneuron rigidum – Stiff goldenrod
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
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
Andropogon gerardii – Big Bluestem
Originally posted 5/2019 Andropogon gerardii Big Bluestem (F,D,Md,A,N) 4-5ft w x 4-8 feet h. Native warm-season perennial clump grass. Found int both short and tall grass prairies. Grayish green stems in spring, turning a copper red in fall. drought tolerant. Base of plants are often purple. In the gardne bed it tends to flop, best… Continue reading Andropogon gerardii – Big Bluestem
Strawberries for Colorado
Strawberries do well in Colorado gardens when they are protected from hungry critters and watered properly. Did you know strawberries aren’t actually berries but accessory fruit? The juicy deliciousness we eat doesn’t come from the plant’s ovary, as in other berries, but the space the ovary sits inside called the receptacle. A strawberry’s skin is… Continue reading Strawberries for Colorado
A focal point tree for the patio
I need a tree that has star quality. It must also be happy in my Colorado garden. This tree will keep watch over the pond and be a focal point from the new patio. It will have a backdrop of prairie flowers from the patio view. That is not the only direction the tree will… Continue reading A focal point tree for the patio
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
The apple tree is damaged during a trim
This apple tree is the centerpiece of my zen garden. A small circular walk leads around its graceful limbs and twisted trunks. In the afternoon its shades my stone patio and lounge. It provides interest in the north part of my yard. In 2021 it produced so many yummy fruits I couldn’t use them all.… Continue reading The apple tree is damaged during a trim
Echinacea purpurea Purple coneflower
Echinacea purpurea Eastern purple coneflower (Su,M,A,N) 2 – 3 ft H x 1 – 2ft W. Pinkish purple daisy-like blooms in mid summer on single flowering stocks. Flower center is burnt orange spikes that become dark seed heads in fall. Dark green leaves and stems have course hair. Stems remain upright throughout winter and seed… Continue reading Echinacea purpurea Purple coneflower
Lovely neighbor tree gets a crew cut
Today I was in distress. My favorite tree in the neighborhood was at risk! All over the ground were long branches. Was it being cut down? This healthy tall majestic beauty, whose unusual white bark is especially lovely in spring against a pink flowering crabapple? No no NO! Whew okay, it was only a few… Continue reading Lovely neighbor tree gets a crew cut