Category: Bees

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

Prunus americana Wild Plum

Prunus americana  American Plum / Wild Plum On sale in 2021 at Tagawa Gardens – this most intoxicatingly scented spring bloomer is a hardy, woody tall shrub or flowering tree. Blooming in March, this is early food source for native bees waking up in Spring. https://tagawagardens.com/documents/2021_Nursery_Trees_Shrubs_List.pdf This year we had a large wet snowstorm on… Continue reading Prunus americana Wild Plum

Asclepias tuberosa

Asclepias tuberosa- common butterflyweed is an essential part of the Colorado Garden. So lovely and bright, it also is a workhorse for providing  to our natural food web. I am planting this in both a sandy site and a heavy clay – two different varieties. I have seeds from Plants from Prairie Nursery    

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

Short Prairie Mixes for CO neighbors of habitat

As you live in this world you begin to know what makes for happy neighbors. For some its a natural part of life.  For others, we have to work at being amongst the world.  The older I get the more introverted my tendency. Luckily I have outgoing neighbors to draw me out. And over the… Continue reading Short Prairie Mixes for CO neighbors of habitat

Sandy Soil Natives

This is my first foray into sandy / loose soils.  Up until this year, most of my gardening has taken place in mature suburban yards.   Places with some pretty ugly clay when you dig down.  Thank goodness for the class I’m taking.  I have learned about sand as a soil and how to work with… Continue reading Sandy Soil Natives

Habitat Assessment Guide for Pollinators in Yards, Gardens, and Parks

Though not a book with hefty covers, Xerces Societies’ downloadable pamphlet, Habitat Assessment Guide for Pollinators in Yards, Gardens, and Parks is a MUST have reference for the neighbor of habitat.  It gives as much information as any on what to plant to be a part of the new garden phenomenon. The booklet also describes how… Continue reading Habitat Assessment Guide for Pollinators in Yards, Gardens, and Parks

Allium Cernuum

Allium Cernuum (Nodding Onion) Native to Colorado Can be planted in damp clays 1 -2′ tall pink blooms Best planted in mass   This full sun bulb of the onion family blooms in late summer, Jul to August.  It is good for pollinators and deer resistant.  The delicate blooms vary from white to pink.  If… Continue reading Allium Cernuum

Ratibida columnifera

Ratibida columnifera – Prairie coneflower (Su,DM,A,N) 12 – 36″ tall x 12 – 18″ spread, fine, lacy leaves.  Yellow to reddish summer blooms from June to September.   Light brown columnar center of the flower with yellow drooped rays form resemble a sombrero.  The R. columnifera forma pulcherrima have brownish purple rays. Another common name for… Continue reading Ratibida columnifera