Plantalk Colorado’s issue 1427 covers the topic of natural pesticides very well. When a pest or disease is devastating your plants, refrain from grabbing the strongest chemical you can find. Always try simple and safe controls before using any pesticide. For example, sometimes a strong blast of water from a hose is all it takes…
Another great tip from the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado. Would you like never again to fill your lawnmower up with gas? If so, your day has come. There are now reliable alternatives to the traditional gas-powered lawnmowers and other yard maintenance equipment. With the cost of gas rising and more of us concerned…
We want to share the ALCC tip of the week for ideas for Mother’s Day this weekend. You can never go wrong with traditional containers with pink and white or red and white flowers to delight mom on Mother’s Day. But this year, you could step beyond the conventional container. Finally . . . …
Watering frequency varies with sun and wind exposure, temperature, soil type and individual plant water needs. Drooping leaves or stems and blossom drop often are signs that irrigation needs to be increased. New plantings in full sun often need water every two days the first few weeks or so after planting, depending on weather conditions.…
Perennials grown in containers may be planted any time during the growing season. Ideally, plant them so they can become established before dormancy and the onset of winter. In Colorado, bare root perennials are best planted in the spring. Inspect plants prior to purchase. Look for plants whose new roots are fleshy and creamy white,…
The list of possible perennial plants is long. See fact sheet 7.405, Herbaceous Perennials for a listing of species. Many new, improved varieties are introduced annually that are adapted to our climate. Choose plants for flower color, bloom period, height and light requirements. Compile a chart, organizing this information in an easily viewed manner. Bloom…
A beautiful, healthy perennial garden must have a soil that provides good drainage and aeration. Have a soil test completed to measure the fertility and texture before proceeding. See fact sheet 0.507, Soil, Water and Plant Testing for more information. Prepare the site by removing any existing grass or other plant material in the designated…
Perennial plants can live many years, so careful planning is required. Determine garden size by available space and the amount of time you have for maintenance. Perennial gardens should be functional, simple to maintain, accessible, and supply a progression of flower colors and textures all season. When access is available from two sides, a maximum…
Site selection is the first step in planning a successful perennial garden. Take stock of your environmental conditions to see where an optimal site might be. Ease of access, proximity to outdoor living areas, and visibility from within the home are other factors to be considered. A perennial garden may also be a focal feature…
Our next few posts will be extracts of a great article written by D. Waltman, J.E. Klett and R.A. Cox (12/09) about perrenial gardening. D. Waltman, Colorado State University agriculture graduate student; J.E. Klett, Colorado State University Extension landscape horticulture specialist and professor, horticulture and landscape architecture; and R.A. Cox, Extension horticulture agent, Araphaoe County. 6/00.…
Hardy perennials, grown outdoors or in cold frames can theoretically be planted whenever you can work the soil. Actively growing plants from greenhouses are best planted after the danger of frost has passed in the spring, or no less than one month before the first autumn frost. Plants that are marginally hardy, or are situated…
The outdoor entertainment season is just a few weeks away. If you have a grad party, wedding or other outdoor event coming up in late May, don’t wait until the party is 2 weeks out to get your lawn into shape–because it won’t happen. There are 4 things you can do now that…
