Butterfly Flight period Caterpillar food Common nectar plants, adult food Two-tailed swallowtail (Papilio multicaudatus) April-August Green ash, chokecherry Geranium, thistle, milkweed Scientific Name: Palilio (Pterourus) multicaudatus Kirby Description: Ranging between 3.5 and 5 inches. Large yellow and black wings. Each hind wing has two tail-like projections. Upper surface of male wings has black…
CSU Extension Master Gardeners Notes 711 explains what is Nitrogen “side dressing” and how to use it in your garden. This information is provided to our readers for information purposes and we strongly suggest that you consult your master gardener or CSU Extension Services before application for best results. Plant need for nitrogen varies. Beans, peas,…
This week’s tip of the week from the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado brings a great idea of growing plants “up” instead of “out” when space is limited. Read more. Vertical gardening and “green walls” are a global trend that hasn’t been seen much yet in Colorado. We don’t have the year-round climate to…
Plantalk’s Report 1431 discussed who can use pesticides and the two categories of pesticides as classified by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Environmental Protection Agency classifies all pesticides in one of two categories: general use and restricted use. A general-use pesticide means that any person who can read and understand the label may purchase…
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.…
