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2026 flower festivals to attend around Colorado

3/31/2026

Attending flower festivals is a feast for the senses and the spirit, where color, fragrance, and creativity come together in breathtaking displays.

Strolling through vibrant fields, curated gardens, and artful arrangements offers a chance to slow down and fully appreciate the beauty of nature in bloom.

Each festival reflects the season and the region, showcasing not only flowers at their peak but also the passion and skill of growers and designers who bring them to life.

Beyond the visual delight, flower festivals create a sense of connection—to nature, to community, and to inspiration itself.

They invite visitors to gather, learn, and celebrate the rhythms of the natural world, often sparking new ideas for home gardens or simply renewing a sense of wonder.

Whether it’s the first tulips of spring or the rich colors of late summer, these events remind us how deeply flowers can uplift, inspire, and bring people together.

Canyon City Music & Blossom Festival May 1 Canyon City
Pollywog Station Lavender Farms Prairie Blooms Festival May 16th Parker
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival July 10-19 (40th Anniversary!) Crested Butte
Colorado Lavender Festival June 26-28 Palisade
Rocky Mountain Flower Fest August 9 Colorado Springs
Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival April 26 Boulder
Lavender Festival July 18-19 Littleton (Chatfield Farms)
Pick Your Own Peonies May 23-June 14 Fort Collins
Pick Your Own Flowers
Yetman Farms Spring Festival May 17 Lakewood

Planting dahlias too early is a bad idea in our area

3/26/2026

Timing is everything when it comes to planting dahlias

Dahlias are a beloved garden flower by so many but despite the number of shops selling the tubers right now, you shouldn't plant them until after the last frost, typically mid to late May in our area. Keep those tuber purchases in a cool, dry area for a couple more months.

In Colorado, dahlias should be planted after the last frost, typically mid to late May, when soil temperatures have warmed. By planning ahead, you’ll be ready to plant at just the right moment, giving your dahlias a strong start and ensuring a vibrant, long-lasting display starting in late August (dahlias take about 90 days to bloom).

This article has excellent information on growing dahlias, including soil prep, how to spot tubers you should toss due to disease, and getting more blooms through strategic cutting.

The average last spring frost date for our high-altitude area is generally mid-May. Due to the 90% chance of frost occurring until June 11, it is safest to wait until late May/early June to plant sensitive crops unless plants are well protected.

Add nitrogen to your soil prep this Spring for better plant growth all season

3/26/2026

Plant health will be noticeably improved throughout the growing season if you add a nitrogen boost to your soil this Spring

Adding nitrogen to soil in spring is one of the most effective ways to support strong, healthy plant growth.

Nitrogen fuels leafy development and rich green color by helping plants produce chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis. As plants come out of dormancy in spring, their demand for nitrogen increases, making this the ideal time to replenish what may have been lost over winter. Seeds and seedlings also benefit from early application of nitrogen to the soil before planting (just don't overdo).

Good sources of nitrogen boost for plants includes blood meal (12-15% nitrogen fast acting) or fish emulsion (5-6% nitrogen also fast acting). Use compost, aged manure, manure tea - our recipe is here, feather meal, or alfalfa meal for sustained, long-term release.

For Spring soil prepping, mix nitrogen fertilizer into the top 1-2 inches of soil rather than leaving it on top. Water after application to help nutrients reach the root zone, and consider splitting applications over time to maintain steady growth throughout the season.

Be careful not to over-apply, as too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers and fruit. And don't use too much nitrogen on tomatoes, peppers, squash, and beans, as they don't need as much nitrogen once established.

Vegetable crops that benefit from a nitrogen boost include:

lettuce
spinach
kale
Swiss chard
arugula
broccoli
cabbage
cauliflower
Brussels sprouts
corn (heavy feeder that needs consistent nitrogen for strong stalks and ear development)
onions
garlic
leeks
herbs - basil, parsley, and cilantro

Important note: Nitrogen fertilizer typically lasts in the soil for 2 to 8 weeks for quick-release formulas and 2 to 5 months for slow-release formulations. The longevity depends on soil type (sandy soils leach nitrogen more quickly than clay soils), temperature (nitrogen turns to a gas in high temperatures causing it to escape into the atmosphere), and moisture (heavy rainfall or excessive irrigation can wash nitrogen away).

For additional details on using nitrogen in your garden and troubleshooting tips, click here.

Tip: Apply nitrogen early in the growing season and taper off as plants begin flowering or forming fruit to keep growth balanced and productive.

Easy-care flowering vines that deer avoid

3/26/2026

Shown in photo above: Coral Honeysuckle

Beautiful flowering vines are a great addition to any landscape and if they're deer resistant even better!

Anmer
Flowering vines are an especially pretty addition to the garden, providing vertical interest, lovely flowers/berries, and are often beautifully scented. Some bear showy flowers that attract pollinators, are evergreen, or bloom and then bear small fruits.

We all know that hungry deer will eat almost any plant, but there are many that deer leave alone most of the time. Those are the ones you'll want to consider planting in your garden. All are perennials suited to our climate and altitude.

Deer-resistant vines

Western White Clematis - fast growing, small white flowers
Blue Moon Wisteria - tolerates extreme cold down to Zones 3-4
Virgina Creeper - highly adaptable but also highly invasive. Gorgeous Fall color.
Trumpet Creeper - vigorous grower, features orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds
Silver Lace Vine - fast growing, quickly covers fences and has white flowers

Coral Honeysuckle - attracts pollinators with its nectar; berries for birds in Fall and Winter; non-invasive and low-maintenance.
American Bittersweet - fast-growing; you'll need both male and female plants to get the clusters of orange-yellow fruits. Full sun to part shade.
Star Jasmine - grown as an annual here (but you can grow it in a pot and bring it inside in winter), it gives wonderfully fragrant pure white flowers and can be pruned to whatever height you prefer (i.e. tall and trellised in summer, short inside in winter)

Key considerations for growing at high altitude:
Hardiness - plants hardy to Zones 3-4 typically perform best year after year

Site protection - plant in a protected location to protect from harsh winds and late Spring frosts that can damage early flower buds

Soil - most appreciate rich, moist, well-drained soil.

Sunlight - at least 6 hours per day to encourage consistent blooming

Pruning - prune in late Winter to early Spring(February/March), cutting them back to 18-24 inches above the ground to encourage vigorous growth. Spring blooming vines should be pruned immediately after they finish flowering in the Spring, not before. Don't prune in the Fall - they might not survive the Winter.
Watering - keep soil evenly moist but not wet.

Support - a sturdy pergola, trellis, or obelisk work well, as do fences. Weatherproof materials for your supports are a good idea (galvanized or powder-coated steel, painted or treated wood).
How to train vining plants - check out this video (start at minute one).

Drip Irrigation Recommendations and PDF

3/26/2026

Club member Eric Houby has years of experience with setting up a simple drip irrigation system for home gardens and landscapes. He understands the nuanced water requirements for native and xeric plantings, perennials, containers, and vegetable gardens.

Eric is sharing his vast knowledge about drip irrigation and the resources for setting up a simple system for your outdoor environment with the PDF linked below.

This is perfect for those who don’t want to hire a contractor to set up a garden watering system.

In this low-snow very dry environment we are currently experiencing, water conservation is more important than ever. In addition to saving water, installing a simple drip irrigation system is a huge time and money savings for any homeowner.

Read the full PDF here.

Have questions for Eric? Please email [email protected] and we'll make sure he gets your correspondence.

Benefits of setting up a simple drip irrigation system:

• Reduce time watering by hand
• Reduce water usage
• Reduce weed growth
• Grow healthier, stronger plants

Water Fountain made from flowerpots

3/26/2026

Create a stunning focal point in your garden this year - it's easy!

Water fountains are excellent for landscapes and gardens for a variety of reasons: as a stunning focal point, as a relaxing white noise, and to attract beneficial wildlife like birds, butterflies, and bees. Water fountains improve air quality, and can even help cool the surrounding area.

Many gorgeous water fountains can be purchased from local garden nurseries, or you can make your own using garden pots. Go big or small - whatever you choose, these instructions for how-to make your own will give you a pretty water fountain in no time.

Another easy water fountain idea we've published is here.

It's time to clean your bluebird boxes

3/25/2026

We are entering into bluebird season - when those stalwart blue-feathered friends begin reappearing in our landscapes looking for mates and homes in which to raise their fledglings.

One easy thing you can do to help the population thrive is to clean out your bird boxes each Spring (March). Here's how:

Ensure that the entrance hole size is not enlarged or blocked. The round entrance hole should measure exactly 1-9/16 inches. No undesirable species can access a hole that size. For detailed information on exact specifications for a Mountain/Western Bluebird box, click here.
Repair or replace cracked or rotten wood
Check to make sure that the nest box resists water intrusion
Clean the interior after each brood has fledged to reduce parasites. A paint scraper or car window scraper handily remove dried droppings stuck to the walls of the box.

Not all sources agree that cleaning out the boxes is needed, but if you are so inclined here are a few recommendations for how to do so in a manner safe for the birds:

Remove old nesting material and scrub the house with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water and remember to rinse well to eliminate any residual smell. Dry the house thoroughly, with the door open, in the sun.
Use an unscented mild dish soap and warm water solution to keep mold from getting in and spreading, dry thoroughly in the sun.
Some people prefer to use white vinegar instead of bleach. Use a light spray of cleaning vinegar (not more than 6% concentration) to kill any parasites and bugs that have taken up residence, rinse with water, and dry thoroughly.

Why clean boxes are important
Dirty bluebird boxes cause illness by harboring parasites like mites, blowfly larvae, and bacteria, which can lead to nestling death, stunted growth, and the spread of diseases like Aspergillosis or Avian pox.

Old, moldy nesting material can also make adults hesitant to reuse the box. Clean your boxes after each brood fledge, especially before nesting season.

Parasite Load: Old nests are filled with mites and lice that feed on baby bluebirds.
Disease Transmission: Bacteria from accumulated feces (if not properly removed) can create an unsanitary environment, causing bacterial infections.
Nest Quality: A clean, dry, and empty box is far more attractive to returning bluebirds for their next brood.

A car window scraper or paint scraper is handy for cleaning out last year's nest mess on sidewalls, inside top and inside bottom of box.

Related article
North American Bluebird Society Fact Sheet on Getting Started with Bluebirds

The best time to put out hummingbird feeders this Spring

3/8/2026

In Colorado, it’s best to put hummingbird feeders out in mid to late April or early May for those at higher altitudes

.The first migrating hummingbirds - usually rufous hummingbirds and broad-tailed hummingbirds - often begin arriving in the southern parts of the state in mid-April and move into higher elevations by late April to early May.

Having feeders out about a week before you expect them ensures early arrivals have a food source. Don’t worry about putting feeders out too early, as you won’t “trap” hummingbirds into staying. They still migrate according to daylight and natural food sources.

Quick tips:

Use a simple mixture of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water (no red dye).
Change the nectar every 3–5 days, more often in warm weather.
Hang feeders in partial shade to slow spoilage. Clean feeders regularly to keep mold from growing.

Setting feeders out early not only helps migrating birds but also gives you a front-row seat to one of spring’s most delightful arrivals.

This article has additional detailed information on using and managing hummingbird feeders.

Seed Starting and Transplanting How-to

3/5/2026

This is seed starting season, which helps local gardeners get an early start on veggies and annual herbs and flowers.

Seed starting is the process of growing plants from seed rather than buying established seedlings.
Gardeners sow seeds in containers filled with a light, sterile seed-starting mix and provide warmth, moisture, and strong light to encourage germination and healthy early growth.

Starting seeds indoors several weeks before the last frost gives plants a head start on the growing season, while direct sowing outdoors works well for crops that prefer to grow where they are planted.

There are a multitude of seed starting how-to's out there. One great resource for those just learning the ropes of seed starting is Johnny's Selected Seeds website.

Johnny’s Selected Seeds is a well-known American seed company founded in 1973 and headquartered in Winslow, Maine. The company supplies high-quality vegetable, flower, and herb seeds, along with gardening tools and growing information for both home gardeners and commercial farmers.

Known for its extensive seed trials and breeding programs, Johnny’s carefully tests varieties for flavor, performance, and disease resistance before offering them to growers. Today the company is 100% employee-owned and ships seeds and supplies to gardeners and farms across the United States and around the world.

Johnny's Seeds offers detailed information on seed starting and transplanting, including guidelines for starting seeds indoors, tips and troubleshooting advice for starting healthy seedlings. Click here to see the Guidelines for Starting Seeds Indoors and numerous other pages of information related to seed starting and plant growing and transplanting.

It's helpful to know that window light is typically insufficient for effectively growing seedlings which need 14-16 hours of daily exposure to full-spectrum light. Supplemental lighting is very helpful - see this video for more info.

Burpee Seeds, another long-trusted seed company, has a lot of great products for seed starting here.

Locally, you can get information and products at Big Tool Box in Parker, and Tagawa Gardens.

Can you use old seeds for seed starting? Read our article regarding old seeds here.

Does gardening by the moon really work?

3/2/2026

This agricultural tradition has been practiced for thousands of years, starting with the Egyptians who tracked lunar cycles to guide planting and harvesting before modern calendars existed.

Gardening by the moon is based on moon phases which influence moisture and plant growth, similar to tides. The waxing moon (new moon) favors above-ground crops. The waning moon (where the visible illuminated surface area decreases each night) favors root crops and pruning.

The Science Side

The moon does have a gravitational pull on Earth and does affect ocean tides.
However, there’s limited scientific evidence that moon phases meaningfully affect seed germination or plant growth in home gardens.
Controlled studies have not consistently shown strong, repeatable results.

Why Some Gardeners Swear by It
Even without strong lab evidence, people report success because:

It creates a planting rhythm and intention
It prevents rushing tasks
It spreads work out over time
It encourages observation
Gardening attention alone improves outcomes

In Practical Terms (Especially in Colorado)
At high altitude, your success is influenced far more by:

Soil temperature (if soil is too cold for growing seeds or plant starts, the moon phase won’t overcome that).
Frost dates
Drainage
Sun exposure
Water timing

Where It Might Have Subtle Influence
Some gardeners feel moon timing helps with:

Germination of leafy greens
Pruning timing
Transplant shock

Does moon gardening override climate science? No. Can it add mindfulness and rhythm to your gardening? Absolutely. And gardening done thoughtfully — regardless of method — almost always performs better than gardening done reactively.

If you Enjoy the Idea

Follow soil temperature and frost dates first.
Then use moon phases as a gentle guide for timing within that window. It becomes a layer of intention, not superstition.

Why your amaryllis didn't bloom this year and what to do now

3/2/2026

If an amaryllis fails to bloom, it’s usually because the bulb didn’t store enough energy during the previous growing season.

Amaryllis are bulbs that rely on their leaves to rebuild strength after flowering, so if conditions weren’t ideal, they may skip a bloom cycle. A healthy amaryllis bulb can bloom for decades, often producing bigger and more dramatic flowers each year once it settles into a good cycle.

Common Reasons Amaryllis Don’t Bloom
1. Leaves were removed too early
After flowering, the strap-like leaves should grow for several months. If they were cut back too soon, the bulb couldn’t store enough energy.

2. Not enough light
Amaryllis leaves need bright light during Spring and Summer to recharge the bulb.

3. No dormancy period
To bloom again, most amaryllis need 8–10 weeks of cool, dry rest in Fall. See below.

4. Bulb is crowded or planted too deep
Amaryllis prefer a snug pot, but if the bulb is buried completely it may struggle. The top third should sit above the soil.

5. Bulb is too small or weakened
Young bulbs or bulbs that didn’t receive fertilizer may take another year to regain strength.

How to Get It to Bloom Next Year

Let the leaves grow all Spring and Summer (indoors). Place the plant in a bright window. One of the most common mistakes that prevents amaryllis from blooming again is cutting off the leaves too early after the flowers fade.
Feed regularly. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer every 2–3 weeks while leaves are actively growing.
Give it a Fall rest. In early Fall, stop watering and fertilizing and allow the leaves to naturally yellow and die back. Store the bulb in a cool, dark place (50–60°F) for about 8–10 weeks (early October for holiday blooms).
Restart growth. When bringing the bulb out of dormancy, water very lightly at first - just enough to moisten the soil. Too much water early on can encourage leaves instead of a flower stalk. Once the flower stem begins to emerge, watering can increase normally. Repot if needed, water lightly, and place in a bright warm spot. A flower stalk usually appears in 4–8 weeks.

Pro Tip: Amaryllis naturally grow toward light, which can cause the tall stems to lean. Professionals rotate the pot a quarter turn every few days so the stalk grows straight and balanced. This produces the tall, dramatic flower presentation amaryllis are famous for.

After the blooms are finished, amaryllis sends up long green leaves. These leaves are extremely important because they act like solar panels, capturing light and producing energy that the bulb stores for the next year’s flower. If the leaves are trimmed back, tied up, or allowed to weaken from poor light, the bulb cannot recharge itself and may skip blooming the following season.

What is seed stratification and why is it useful to cold-climate gardeners?

3/2/2026

Many plants, such as wildflowers, native species, and perennials, produce seeds that will not sprout right away.

Seed stratification is a technique gardeners use to simulate natural winter conditions so certain seeds will germinate. For gardeners in our climate, winter sowing and fall planting often work beautifully because the natural winter provides the exact conditions many seeds need.

In nature, those seeds fall to the ground in Autumn, experience cold, moist winter conditions, and then germinate when spring arrives. Stratification recreates this process by manually exposing seeds to cool, moist conditions for a set period of time, which breaks their dormancy.

Gardeners usually stratify seeds by placing them in a moist medium such as sand, peat, or paper towels, sealing them in a bag or container, and storing them in the refrigerator for several weeks to a few months depending on the species.

Once the required chilling period is complete, the seeds are planted and often germinate more reliably. This simple step can greatly improve success when growing plants such as many wildflowers, trees, and shrubs.

How to know which seeds to stratify, and for how long
The length of time varies by species, but most require 30–90 days in the refrigerator at about 34-40°F.

Here are 10 seeds that benefit from cold stratification and grow especially well in Colorado gardens, particularly in sunny, dry, or high-altitude conditions. Many are native or well-adapted to our climate, so they are reliable choices.

Three simple seed stratification methods to try

1. Refrigerator Method (Most Controlled)This is the most common and reliable method. Place seeds in a moist medium such as damp sand, peat moss, vermiculite, or a slightly damp paper towel. Seal them in a labeled plastic bag or container and store them in the refrigerator (34-40°F) for the recommended time, usually 30-90 days. Check occasionally to ensure the medium stays lightly moist but not soggy. After the chilling period, plant the seeds in pots or directly in the garden.

2. Winter Sowing Outdoors (Easiest Method)This method lets nature do the work. Sow seeds in containers (such as milk jugs with drainage holes) filled with potting soil, water lightly, and place them outside in late fall or winter. The seeds experience natural freezing and thawing cycles and germinate in spring when conditions are right. This technique works especially well for wildflowers, perennials, and native plants. See our recent article on winter sowing.

3. Direct Fall Planting Many seeds can simply be planted directly in the garden in late Fall. Scatter or plant them at the recommended depth, then allow winter weather (snow, moisture, and cold) to naturally stratify them. When spring arrives, the seeds awaken and sprout as temperatures warm.

2026 flower festivals to attend around Colorado

Attending flower festivals is a feast for the senses and the spirit, where color, fragrance, and creativity come together in breathtaking displays.

Planting dahlias too early is a bad idea in our area

Timing is everything when it comes to planting dahlias

Add nitrogen to your soil prep this Spring for better plant growth all season

Plant health will be noticeably improved throughout the growing season if you add a nitrogen boost to your soil this Spring

Easy-care flowering vines that deer avoid

Beautiful flowering vines are a great addition to any landscape and if they're deer resistant even better!

Drip Irrigation Recommendations and PDF

Water Fountain made from flowerpots

Create a stunning focal point in your garden this year - it's easy!

It's time to clean your bluebird boxes

The best time to put out hummingbird feeders this Spring

In Colorado, it’s best to put hummingbird feeders out in mid to late April or early May for those at higher altitudes

Seed Starting and Transplanting How-to

This is seed starting season, which helps local gardeners get an early start on veggies and annual herbs and flowers.

Does gardening by the moon really work?

This agricultural tradition has been practiced for thousands of years, starting with the Egyptians who tracked lunar cycles to guide planting and harvesting before modern calendars existed.

Why your amaryllis didn't bloom this year and what to do now

If an amaryllis fails to bloom, it’s usually because the bulb didn’t store enough energy during the previous growing season.

What is seed stratification and why is it useful to cold-climate gardeners?

Many plants, such as wildflowers, native species, and perennials, produce seeds that will not sprout right away.

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