Author: Fredricka Bogardus
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Year-round gardening: Getting your Colorado lawn ready for summer
Most of our Pikes Peak region lawns are cool-season grasses. That means that most active growth occurs when temperatures are 60 to 75 degrees F. Kentucky bluegrass, fescues and rye are cool-season grasses. These grasses benefit from some early spring care. Here are a few pointers toward a great lawn this year: Reconsider irrigation In…
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Year-round gardening: Don’t neglect winter-watering duties
It’s official: Most of El Paso County is in a severe drought, according to the Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University. While the region received above average precipitation in the first half of 2021, late summer and autumn were warmer and windier than normal. That, coupled with little precipitation in the final four months…
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Year-Round Gardening: Holiday gift ideas for the gardeners on your list
We are so fortunate to have six locally owned and operated garden centers in Colorado Springs. These stores are a great source of gifts, practical garden tools and supplies, and whimsical home and garden décor. While these stores carry the basic garden tools and supplies, each has some unique gift ideas. I visited these stores…
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Year-Round Gardening: Don’t neglect tree health over the winter
Once the leaves and needles are raked up, it is tempting to stop thinking about tree health. In fact, this is a great time of the year to do a few things for your deciduous trees. Here is a short list of tasks that should be completed over the next couple of months. Deciduous trees…
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Year-round gardening: Is a fall cleanup needed in your garden?
Winter is coming, but there will be days when our warm Colorado sun allows us to spend time in the garden. Once a hard frost sets in, herbaceous plants may blacken and shrivel, and you may wonder how much of this you should clean up. Like most questions, the answer is it depends on what…
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Year-Round Gardening: Take steps to enjoy dahlias for many seasons
Dahlias are one of my favorite flowering plants, with a long bloom season, from early summer to the first frost. Deer and rabbits seem to have no interest in eating these showy plants. While they are usually grown as an annual flower, it is easy to store the roots over the winter and enjoy the…
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Year-Round Gardening: Fall is time to give some attention to your lawn
Autumn is an active growing season for cool season grass. Cool season grasses like blue grass, fine fescue and perennial rye are the most common lawn grasses in our region. A little attention at the end of the season can yield huge dividends in the coming spring. Core aeration is frequently done in spring, but…
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Year-Round Gardening: Annual weeds make unwelcome return
These culprits come seemingly overnight. They lay low at first. Even their flowers hide, so tiny they are barely visible to the naked eye; yet they’re super-efficient at making seed, growing new generations in a matter of days. Meet the prostrate, annual weeds that, as you read this article, might be invading any bare spot…
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Year-Round Gardening: Choose the right plant for the light conditions
When selecting perennial plants for your landscape, most gardeners think first about cold hardiness zones. While that is a great first consideration, the light conditions in your garden are equally important. Plants have evolved to thrive in different light — plants that thrive under the thick canopy of a forest will not do well in…
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Year-Round Gardening: Unpredictable weather rules in April
April can bring all sorts of weather. As it warms, your garden will start to grow. But beware of late April and early May weather mischief. Wait for mid-May to plant tender annuals and vegetables. It is unusual for us to get through April without at least a few hard frosts. General maintenance • Finish…