Aliens have invaded the Colorado landscape! These aliens are in the form of non-native weeds called “noxious” in Colorado. They’ve gotten that name because of their invasiveness, aggressiveness and the rate in which they spread. Noxious weeds are difficult to control, and most are very adaptable. They also can withstand a variety of harsh conditions,…
In the high plains grasslands, dead grass and plants accumulate. These plant remains are natural mulches and are a great benefit for growing plants. They keep the soil moist and loose, permit air and water to pass freely to plant roots, and reduce soil erosion and weeds. Following Mother Nature’s example will provide those same…
Water is the key to life on earth, yet less than three percent of it is available to humans, so make every drop count. Efficient irrigation is important because more than 50 percent of residential water is used for landscaping. In addition, most plant diseases and deaths are caused by over watering. Saving water in…
Plants need nutrients from soil to make chlorophyll, the green pigment in leaves which fosters photosynthesis. Nitrogen, magnesium and iron are among the nutrients a plant needs to make chlorophyll. “Chlorosis” means “lack of chlorophyll.” Specific symptoms are identified with the name. For example, iron chlorosis is a condition due to a lack of iron.…
Tamarisk or saltcedar was introduced as an ornamental and for erosion control but it has become the number one threat to riparian ecosystem health in the southwestern United States. Over one million acres of riparian habitats are estimated to be dominated by this species. Tamarisk spreads by seeds (600,000 wind-dispersed seeds per year per plant)…
Edema is a plant’s reaction to an excessive amount of water in its cells. It is a physiological disorder that can affect a wide variety of indoor and greenhouse ornamental plants, particularly geraniums. The problem comes about when roots absorb more water than is released, or transpired, through the leaves. As a result, cells in…
Dwarf mistletoes are small, leafless, parasitic flowering plants. They cause major damage to ponderosa, lodgepole, limber and pinyon pines as well as Douglas fir. Hardwood trees aren’t affected. Infection starts when a dwarf mistletoe seed comes into contact with a suitable host. The seeds are explosively discharged at speeds up to 60 miles per hour.…
asses are one of the dominant plants native to the Colorado plains. Native and adapted grasses have recently become a valued addition to Gardens. Ornamental grasses add two important elements to Gardens that no other group of plants can. With the slightest breeze, a Garden with grasses comes alive with movement and sound. Grasses are…
Deer tend to avoid some plants and relish others. While no plant can be guaranteed to be “deer-proof,” some types of plants are less tasty to a deer. Try planting the following kinds of plants which are less attractive to deer. Tree suggestions include white fir, Colorado spruce, pinyon pine, common juniper, Rocky Mountain maple,…
Musk thistle is an ever-increasing problem in Colorado. It’s a noxious weed prevalent in open spaces, vacant lots, pastures, ditch banks and along roadsides. Musk thistle is a biennial, which means it lives only two years. In the first year, it germinates from seed and grows into a low-growing rosette of leaves. The leaves are…
Seasons with high rain fall and high humidity give gardeners the rare opportunity to observe many types of leaf diseases. Warm, wet and humid weather creates ideal conditions for leaf disease development and spread. Overwatering or inappropriate practices can allow disease the same opportunity. Water (or high humidity) is needed to activate bacterial, fungal and…
The easiest way to minimize landscape maintenance is to plant Gardens adapted to the local environment. In Colorado, low precipitation -only about 15 inches per year along the Front Range — means Colorado Gardeners must develop an awareness of wise water use, and incorporate plants that use water efficiently. Xeriscapes, or water-efficient Gardens, are earth…
