All Things In Nature Newsletter

Vol 2 - Edition 1

Springtime in the Rockies

Living above 7000 feet in the Colorado Rockies means that there is always a chance for large swings in weather, especially in the spring and fall.  We regularly go from 60 degree days to 30 degree days, and our plant choices must take all of this into account.  This, in addition to our high winds and alkaline soil, make us think that we have a limited plant palette to use.  Nothing could be further than the truth! All it takes is a little bit of research, and remembering the #1 rule:  "Right Plant, Right Place".  If we take the time to evaluate our soil and site conditions, and marry the conditions to our plant selections, then the plants will thrive because they are growing where they should be.  If we chose plants simply because we like their flowers, they remind us of where we used to live, or because they are "trendy" or "collectible" then we run the risk of putting a plant in our gardens that will struggle, wilt, or simply die.  If you are new to the Front Range area, and don't know what grows here, or how to start, consider taking classes from your local county Extension Service, or local utilities' company.  There are many great classes offered on everything from Xeriscaping, Soils,  Planting, and Trees/Shrubs.  Or, we can help you out by meeting with you to get you started in this wonderful planting environment!

Consider summer blooming bulbs

Most of us love to see the spring time flowers that come from bulbs such as tulips, crocus, iris, hyacinths and such.  We plant hundreds, sometimes thousands of bulbs in the fall to get an early jump on seasonal color.  Who can blame us? After a long cold, snowy winter, the first crocus bloom is one of the most welcoming sights I know.  But, what about summer?  If you have not tried planting bulbs for summer, maybe this is your year to think about it.  Lilies are one of the most beautiful flowers there are, and so easy to plant and take care of.   All they require is well draining soil, at least a half day of sun, and fertilizing once or twice a year.  Many will thrive in the same location for several years before they get too crowded.  When this happens, you get an additional bonus of free lily bulbs to plant somewhere else in your gardens, or to share with your friends.  If there is one downside to lilies, it is that the deer love to eat the buds.  So, make sure you take this into account in your plant placement.  I plant mine mixed in with lavender plants and other deer resistant plants so the deer leave them alone.