Blog Archives

Something special for Mother's Day

4/28/2023

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 14th

If you're planning in advance for Mother's Day - consider making it special with flower-filled lovelies like the gift ideas here.

Shop local for Mother's Day flower bouquets with Prairie Hills Farms. This local grower is off Flintwood Road and grows most of the flowers they use in their exquisite bouquet creations.

"Love You" flowers dish towel (currently on sale for $16.80). Soft, flowery, and generously sized with cute fringe on the bottom for an extra special touch. Order here.

Rifle Paper Company - everything you have ever dreamed of that has flowers on it (think mugs, wrapping paper, stationery, embroidery, frames, wallpaper, bags, shoes...). 20% off $50 right now. Endless ideas for the Mom who adores flowers. A gift certificate to this online extravaganza would be the perfect gift anytime of year, but especially on Mother's Day.

Clever gardening gloves - these may look a bit odd but they are a BIG help in the garden. Whether digging and planting seeds and seedlings in a veggie bed or working in the landscape, these gloves help keep your hands and fingers from becoming fatigued and sore while making quick digging easy. Give them a try! $10.95 on Amazon.

Now is the time to plant and grow alpine strawberries - here's how

4/28/2023

Alpine strawberries, also known as wild strawberries or fraises des bois, are small, flavorful berries that are easy to grow in home gardens.

To grow, follow these steps:

Choose a suitable location: alpine strawberries prefer a sunny to partially shaded location with loose, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve its texture and fertility.

Plant the strawberries: plant alpine strawberry seedlings or runners in early spring or fall, spacing them 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart. Gently press the soil around the roots and water well.

Water and fertilize: keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather. Fertilize the plants with a balanced, organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Mulch: to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, apply a layer of mulch around the plants.

Prune and thin: remove any yellow or dead leaves and cut back the runners to encourage bushier growth. Thin out overcrowded plants as needed to maintain good air circulation.

Harvest: alpine strawberries are ready to harvest when they turn red and are slightly soft to the touch. Pick them regularly to encourage more fruiting.

Where to find alpine strawberries
We called around to all the local nurseries and only Holly Acres in Elizabeth had some (a couple plants only are left). But you can order them from Amazon! Here's the link.

With proper care, your alpine strawberries should produce a bountiful crop of sweet, juicy berries for years to come.

To rescue or not rescue a baby bird?

4/28/2023

If you find a baby bird that appears to be injured or in distress, it's natural to want to help.

However, before you take action, it's important to determine if the bird actually needs assistance.

If the baby bird is fully feathered and appears to be active, it is likely a fledgling that is learning to fly and may not require any help. In this case, it is best to leave the bird alone and let its parents continue to care for it.

If the bird is un-feathered or partially feathered and appears to be injured, it may need assistance. In this case, you can contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance on how to safely and properly care for the bird.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has published this smart information on what to do if you find a baby bird.

It is also important to note that it is illegal to keep wild birds as pets in many countries, and attempting to do so can be harmful to the bird's health and well-being.

19 Hard-to-Kill Perennials That Promise Unstoppable Color

4/28/2023

Year after year, these tough-as-nails perennials will bring the color throughout the growing season.

The list of perennials in the link below from Better Homes & Gardens checks all the boxes for hardy, deer-resistant, everblooming perennials for high-altitude gardens like ours.

All will grow well when planted in the right conditions (for example barrenwort #2 on the list likes shady areas) and all are commonly grown where we live.

A nice large photo accompanies the description of each. This is a quick, good read!

Read the article here.

About the free raspberries we'll be digging on May 13

4/28/2023

Heirloom raspberries grow on the primocane (bear fruit on the current season's growth). They get cut back each fall and grow new canes the next spring that bear the fruit.

Heritage raspberries, also known as heirloom raspberries, are varieties of raspberries that have been passed down through generations and are considered to be of historical or cultural significance.

These are the type of free raspberries we'll have the opportunity to dig on May 13th in Parker (Hess and Motsenbocker Rd).

Heritage raspberries are often prized for their unique flavor, texture, and appearance, and are sometimes more fragile than modern commercial varieties. They come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, black, and purple.

Harvest begins in late summer and lasts until the first hard fall frost.

Typically grown using traditional methods such as hand-picking and pruning, they make amazing jams, are beautiful in muffins, excellent in a cocktail, and also freeze well.

Many people enjoy growing heritage raspberries in their gardens or using them in recipes that highlight their unique flavors.

Is it time to plant yet?

4/20/2023

The best time to plant your annuals, perennials, and shrubs

Proven Winners has a smart guide on when to plant what.

In order to know when it is best to start planting in spring you should know your average frost-free date (according to the Interactive Colorado Last Frost Date Map, our is June 11)! As climate change marches on, however, the historical date is in actuality closer to end of May.

The frost-free date is the date when it is fairly likely you will no longer get frost. Many plants like tender annuals and first-year perennials and shrubs aren't able to withstand frost, so knowing this date is important.

Some plants can go into the ground now, others must wait until end of May to be assured of survival.

Fertilize lavender in early spring (if at all)

4/20/2023

Lavender benefits from fertilization only once or twice a year.

Lavender’s preference for dry, gravelly, nutrient-poor soil sets it apart from other loam-loving vegetables and flowers. It even thrives on a bit of neglect.

Because of this, lavender doesn't need much in the way of fertilizer. For established lavender plants, the best time to fertilize is in early spring just as new growth begins, and again in early fall after flowering has ended. You can encircle the plant with a two inch thick ring of compost to slowly seep into the soil over time.

Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant.

When and How to prune lavender resource article: click here.

It's important not to over-fertilize lavender, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Excess fertilizer can also become toxic to the lavender's root system.

Have yew tried growing yew?

4/19/2023

Yew is a wonderful addition to flower bouquets due to its upright manner and gorgeous deep green color. It is also a wonderful shrub that is deer-resistant.

'Densiformis' Yew is a particularly good plant to grow if you want an evergreen shrub that is hardy to -30 degrees F (Zone 3-4), tolerates sun to shade, and gets 4ft. tall by 4-5ft. wide.

This particular yew is treasured for it's foliage which is perfect in flower arrangements. It is a slow-growing, compact evergreen shrub.

Here are some of Yew's key attributes:
The leaves of the Densiformis Yew are dark green, glossy, and needle-like, arranged spirally around the stem. They are more pliable than prickly.

It has a dense, spreading growth habit, forming a low, mounding shape. It grows slowly, adding about 6 inches per year. You can prune it into any shape you wish, or leave it alone for a more freeform look.

It prefers partial to full sun exposure, although it can also tolerate some shade. Morning sun is ideal in our high altitude location.

This yew grows best in well-drained, moist soil. Densiformis Yew is often used as a low hedge, border plant, or foundation planting. It also works well in rock gardens or as a specimen plant.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: All parts of the yew plant are toxic if ingested, so it should be planted in areas where children and pets cannot access it. Interestingly, it is not toxic to deer.

How to care for bulbs after they have bloomed

4/19/2023

Caring for bulbs after blooming is important to the future health and productivity of the bulb. If you do nothing, your bulbs won't perform well year after year.

These are general steps you can follow to ensure that your bulbs are well taken care of:

Allow the foliage to die naturally. After flowering, the foliage of the bulb is still green, and it is important to allow it to die naturally. This process helps the bulb store energy for the next growing season. Don't be tempted to cut back the foliage until it turns yellow and withers away.
Deadhead the flowers. Deadheading is the process of removing the faded flowers from the plant. Do this immediately after the bloom has faded to prevent the bulb from putting its energy into making seeds and encourages it to store nutrients for next year's blooms.
Water the bulbs after bloom. It is essential to water the bulbs after blooming. Water them well and ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilize the bulbs. Fertilize the bulbs with a bulb fertilizer or a balanced fertilizer after blooming. This helps the bulb to store energy and nutrients for next year's growth.
Lift and store tender bulbs. If you have planted tender bulbs such as gladiolus, dahlias, or cannas, you may need to lift them after blooming and store them in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.

Here's an informational video on how to care for bulbs? Click here.

Some of the best places (and times) for wildflower viewing in Colorado

4/18/2023

Outdoor Colorado has produced a video showcasing some spectacular wildflower viewing spots in Colorado.

The list includes:

Closer to home wildflower viewing
Dawson Butte
Staunton State Park (dogs are allowed)
Castlewood Canyon State Park - East Canyon Preservation Trail (opens May 1)
Roxborough State Park (see link above) Try the Willow Creek Trail.
Denver Botanic Gardens Wildflower Walks

Timing is everything with wildflowers

The best time for wildflower viewing in Colorado generally depends on the elevation and the particular species of wildflowers you want to see. In the low-elevation areas of Colorado, wildflowers typically bloom from late April to early June, while in the mid-elevation areas, they bloom from mid-June to late July. In the high-elevation areas, wildflowers typically bloom from late July to early September.
Some of the most popular wildflowers to see in Colorado include the Colorado Columbine, Indian Paintbrush, Lupine, and Rocky Mountain Iris (shown in photo).
To get the most accurate information on the best time for wildflower viewing in a specific area of Colorado, you may want to check with local parks or visitor centers, as well as consult with wildflower guidebooks or online resources.

Tips for a successful wildflower viewing adventure:

When to go: Peak viewing times are typically July to August, but it never hurts to check with park staff before heading out. Wildflower viewing can be as early as May and as late and early Fall.
Identifying flowers: Check with park staff for bloom lists, trail guides, and other educational documentation.
Look, but don't touch: picking flowers is damaging to ecosystems as well as illegal.

Do you know of a great local trail where wildflowers thrive? Please share with us so we can expand our list. Email us at the address upper right on this page. Thanks!

The Carriage Shoppes Outdoor Garden Show is May 20 - 21

4/17/2023

The Carriage Shoppes in Elizabeth is having an outdoor garden show May 20 - 21.

Carriage rides on Saturday from 11a - 2pm, and Draft Horse Play is Sunday from noon - 3pm.

Come see outdoor pots, containers, and lots of garden-themed goodness at these shops brimming with new and vintage goods. Everyone in the family will find something special and fun to take home.

Don't forget that right next door is The Carriage Shoppes Tea Room - a local treasure for lunch, high tea, or simply a pot of fine tea with home baked scones. They run busy so a reservation is a good idea. 303-646-4681

Local seedlings sale, craft and vendor fair April 22, 2023

4/17/2023

Casey Jones Pavilion is holding a their RK Creations Farm craft and vendor Fair this coming Saturday April 22 from 9 am to 5 pm.

They will be selling all of their starter plants: tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers (mild and super hot), flowers, herbs, squash, strawberries and more. They also carry heirloom varieties.

Can't make it to the event on April 22? No problem, the greenhouse is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 am to 5 pm.

Location: 33784 County Road 21, Elizabeth CO

About Casey Jones Pavilion
The Casey Jones Pavilion is a historic structure within Casey Jones Park that has been used for community events and functions for over 100 years. With a maximum occupancy of 100, the Pavilion has a raised stage, restrooms, a bar area, and can be used for small weddings, corporate functions, or family events.

The Pavilion hosts a community concert series during the late summer / early fall as well as the Elbert County Market Place on some Saturdays throughout the year.

Arbor Day local events

4/13/2023

Parker Parks and Recreation is holding an Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, April 29th (even though Arbor Day is officially the day before). The event includes giving away more than 400 Colorado Blue Spruce seedlings and 600 perennial flowers (coneflower and autumn fire sedum). Registration is not necessary; anticipate one seedling and/or perennial plant per household, while supplies last. Details here.

Date: April 29, 2023
Time: 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Discovery Park, 20115 E. Mainstreet
Cost: FREE! No registration required.

The City of Lonetree is planning a day of education, community, and free trees. Douglas County Master Gardeners will be on hand to provide valuable insights into the world of gardening and tree care. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive one of two types of free trees. These bareroot trees are approximately 3-4 feet tall and the width of a finger or two. While small in size now, they will eventually grow to be between 15-30 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide.

Date: April 15, 2023
Time: 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Cook Creek Pool 8711 Lone Tree Pkwy, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Registration required - click here.

Want to learn more about Arbor Day and the Arbor Day Foundation? Click here.

April Farmer's Almanac

4/12/2023

"Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul." - Luther Burbank, American horticulturist (1849 - 1926)

The bright-colored flowers and tiny needle-like foliage of creeping phlox (shown in photo above) make it an attractive addition to a rock wall garden.
Help peach trees cope with leaf curl by applying a high-nitrogen fertilizer early in the growing season, watering to avoid drought stress, and thinning fruit.
April 22 - Earth Day. According to phenology (the study of cyclic and and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life), grasshopper eggs hatch at around the time when lilacs bloom.
April 28 - National Arbor Day (see this post for local events happening on this day)
Avoid pruning "bleeding" trees like maple and birch until the sap-run season is over.
Save crushed aluminum cans for drainage in the bottom of pots and containers instead of stones. They work well and don't add weight.
Feed perennials beds in April with a complete fertilizer such as 6-12-12.
Red rhubarb varieties are more tender than green types. Try Canada Red, Crimson Cherry, or Valentine in your garden.

What is a geothermal greenhouse?

4/12/2023

Geothermal greenhouses use geothermal (below ground) energy to regulate temperature and provide heat for plants. They are an innovative and environmentally-friendly solution for sustainable agriculture and plant cultivation.

How does it work?
Geothermal energy is heat that is naturally produced by the earth's core and can be harnessed using various methods, such as through geothermal power plants or by drilling into the ground to access hot water and steam.

In a geothermal greenhouse, pipes are typically buried deep underground (6-8 feet) to access the heat, or geothermal energy, which is then used to heat the greenhouse through a process called geothermal heating. This allows for a more sustainable and efficient way to regulate the temperature of the greenhouse and keep plants warm in colder climates.

Geothermal greenhouses are becoming increasingly popular among gardeners, as they offer several benefits over traditional greenhouses. For example, they can significantly reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, as well as provide a more stable and consistent growing environment for plants.

Want to tour a local geothermal greenhouse?
Join us at our April 20, 2023 event as we receive an exclusive tour and presentation of member Kathy G.'s new geothermal greenhouse. The builder, Colorado Greenhouse Builders, along with Kathy, will be on hand to talk about the benefits of these types of greenhouses, and answer questions.

Details about this event:
Thursday April 20, 2023 at 6pm for compost bagging (bring your own bags) and 6:30pm for tour and presentation of greenhouse.

We will have drawings for garden goodies including new Bypass Pruners, fresh blackberry-port jam from Kathy Sullivan, a dozen eggs from Jim Bennett, and an onion set from Dixondale Onions.

Location: 10571 Whispering Pines Drive, Parker

BONUS OFFERING: If you want to bag your own compost manure from Kathy's yard, arrive at 6pm with shovel and bags or pots/containers. Tour begins at 6:30p.

Photo credit: Colorado Greenhouse Builders

Night of Wine and Roses at Tagawa Gardens is April 21, 2023

4/12/2023

This beloved event offers 20% off nearly everything in stock, and the greenhouse will be overflowing with plants and live music.

Night of Wine and Roses and Spring Garden Sale takes place Friday April 21, 2023 from 4 - 7pm. SALE is from 9am - 7pm.

In the evening, the signature event will feature wine and cheese tastings while supplies last.

For all the details, click here.

Dealing with wind damage to trees before it's a liability

4/7/2023

What are the best ways to address damaged trees and potentially cracked limbs to keep them from becoming a liability?

Inspect your trees, and as you do:

Be aware that the tree’s age will likely impact how it weathered the wind and that not all issues are easily visible. While young trees typically do not sustain serious damage, mature deciduous trees not only can be seriously damaged but have problems that aren’t obvious to an untrained eye.
Be wary of cracks and splits in the limbs. Broken limbs pose grave threats to people and property. Often, split limbs may be hanging on by a thread, so to speak, and these “hangers,” may not be so readily noticed. A little more wind or late spring snow can send them crashing.
Look more closely for hangers if there has been some obvious damage to a tree. Cracked limbs can be more difficult to see. One tell-tale sign that a limb is cracked is that it is bending down and/or resting on a limb below.

What to do with cracked branches:

Most cracked branches continue to live. In spite of the cracks, nutrients will still move through the branch to keep offshoot branches and leaves alive. The tree will try to callous over the wound to “heal,” but the bark will not grow back together, and the limb will remain a hazard.
If you have large deciduous trees or think you have trees with cracked branches, consider having them inspected by an arborist or landscape professional. Play it safe and remove wind-damaged limbs before they become a liability.

What to do with split trunks or large branches:

High winds can also cause tree trunks or branches to split vertically or even uproot the tree. As with broken limbs, splits can be hazardous and need to be dealt with right away.
Simply sawing off a limb behind the break won’t be aesthetically pleasing or healthy for the tree. It’s critical to call in a qualified arborist or maintenance professional to remove broken limbs so that they are cut properly for the long-term health of the tree.

Credit: ALCC

Easter Lillies

4/6/2023

Easter lilies are popular as a decorative element in homes during the Easter season.

These lilies are typically pure white and have large, trumpet-shaped flowers with a sweet fragrance. They are native to Japan.

Easter lilies have become a popular symbol of the Easter holiday because of their association with purity and new beginnings. In Christian mythology, the Easter lily is said to have grown from the tears of Eve as she was expelled from the Garden of Eden.

Can they be planted outside in Colorado after Easter?

Lilies are available in several types and in colors ranging from white and yellow to deep red. While lilies are perennial, some do not survive Colorado’s winters.

To test hardiness of a particular lily, pack the rhizomes (what we think of as the bulb of the plant) in sawdust, perlite or vermiculite. Store the rhizomes in a frost-free location during the winter. Replant the stored lilies in the spring. The plants remaining in the garden should be heavily mulched to avoid winter kill.

Plant the lilies to a depth three times the height of the bulb. Easter lilies can also be planted directly into gardens after last frost but with only varied success.

It's important to note that while Easter lilies are beautiful and fragrant, they can be toxic to cats. If you have cats in your home, it's best to avoid bringing Easter lilies inside.

Black Forest Garden Club has a Facebook page!

4/6/2023

You may not know that Black Forest Garden Club has a Facebook page!

We post resources, interesting articles, and tips on the page almost daily. Check it out here.

Mark your calendar for Dutch Heritage Gardens Annual Spring Open House - one of the best events of the garden season

4/5/2023

If you haven't been to Dutch Heritage Gardens for their Spring Open House, you've been missing out on a local gardening treasure.

Dutch Heritage Gardens Wholesale Greenhouse was founded in 2006 on a 100 acres of pristine property east of Monument Colorado. They grow bedding plants, perennials, vegetables, herbs, combination patio planters, mums and fall planters, and poinsettias – specifically grown and nurtured for the Colorado environment.

They are a wholesale grower and open to the public only two times a year for visits and sales of their incredible plants, pots, and hanging baskets.

The Spring Open House Event is May 27 - 29, 2023 from 9am to 5pm. The event is extremely popular, so plan to wait for parking, entering, and checking out. Entry is free.

TIP: bring a truck so you can load up on their fabulous plants, pots, and baskets!

You must sign their waiver to gain entry. Click here for details and waiver button on their website. Photos of past Spring Open House events and directions to their commercial greenhouses are also on the link provided above.

Award-winning documentary The Gardener is a must see

4/5/2023

Amidst a serene garden filled with vibrant colors and tantalizing fragrances, The Gardener documentary blooms like a delicate flower, telling the story of Frank Cabot, a passionate horticulturist and visionary who dedicated his life to creating a botanical oasis in the heart of Quebec, Canada (in Zone 4!).

As the film unfolds, we are whisked away on a journey through time, witnessing the garden's evolution from a simple idea into a thriving paradise. Through interviews with Cabot's family, friends, and fellow garden enthusiasts, we gain insight into the man behind the masterpiece, discovering his unrelenting devotion to his craft and his unwavering commitment to sharing the beauty of nature with others.

In stunning detail, The Gardener captures the essence of Cabot's spirit, revealing how his tireless efforts and unwavering passion transformed a once-barren landscape into a breathtaking work of art. With every petal and leaf, we are reminded of the beauty and power of nature, and the unbreakable connection between man and the earth.

Wander through the winding paths of this garden paradise, bask in the warm glow of the sun, and let "The Gardener" transport you to a world of wonder and awe, where nature reigns supreme and the beauty of the earth knows no bounds.

Who was Frank Cabot?
Frank Cabot (1925-2011) was an American horticulturist, garden designer, and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the field of gardening and garden preservation.

Cabot was born into a wealthy family in Boston and grew up in New York City. He attended Harvard University, where he studied history, and later worked in the family business, the investment bank Cabot, Cabot, and Forbes.

In the 1960s, Cabot developed a passion for gardening and began designing and planting his own garden at his home in Massachusetts. He soon became involved with the Garden Conservancy, an organization dedicated to preserving exceptional American gardens. In 1989, Cabot founded the Garden Conservancy's Open Days Program, which allows the public to visit private gardens across the country.

Cabot also created his own renowned garden at his estate in Quebec, Canada, which he called Les Quatre Vents. The garden is known for its innovative design and extensive collection of rare and unusual plants. Cabot worked on the garden for over 40 years, and it is now open to the public.

The movie is currently available on Amazon Prime.

Crocus symbolize resilience and the arrival of Spring

4/4/2023

Crocuses are flowering plants in the iris family and there are about 80 different species of crocuses (they are not native to North America).

They are one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, often appearing even when there is still snow on the ground, much to the delight of Colorado gardeners! The ability of crocus to bloom even through a layer of snow makes them a symbol of resilience and signals the arrival of spring.

Interestingly, crocuses are often used as a source of saffron, a spice that is derived from the dried stigmas of the crocus flower. But don't attempt to harvest saffron from their stigmas for cooking because crocuses are toxic if ingested (and care should also be taken if planting them in areas where pets or livestock may graze).

Winter weary bees are attracted to crocus' bright colors and sweet honey-like scent.

You can plant crocus in two seasons
Plant the corms September–November for an early spring display. You can also plant autumn-flowering crocuses and in late summer for autumn and early winter color.

The word "crocus" is derived from the Greek word krokos, which means "saffron".

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 14th

​Alpine strawberries, also known as wild strawberries or fraises des bois, are small, flavorful berries that are easy to grow in home gardens.

If you find a baby bird that appears to be injured or in distress, it's natural to want to help.

Year after year, these tough-as-nails perennials will bring the color throughout the growing season.

Heirloom raspberries grow on the primocane (bear fruit on the current season's growth). They get cut back each fall and grow new canes the next spring that bear the fruit.

The best time to plant your annuals, perennials, and shrubs

Lavender benefits from fertilization only once or twice a year.

Yew is a wonderful addition to flower bouquets due to its upright manner and gorgeous deep green color. It is also a wonderful shrub that is deer-resistant.

Caring for bulbs after blooming is important to the future health and productivity of the bulb. If you do nothing, your bulbs won't perform well year after year.

Outdoor Colorado has produced a video showcasing some spectacular wildflower viewing spots in Colorado.

The Carriage Shoppes in Elizabeth is having an outdoor garden show May 20 - 21.

"Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul." - Luther Burbank, American horticulturist (1849 - 1926)

Geothermal greenhouses use geothermal (below ground) energy to regulate temperature and provide heat for plants. They are an innovative and environmentally-friendly solution for sustainable agriculture and plant cultivation.

This beloved event offers 20% off nearly everything in stock, and the greenhouse will be overflowing with plants and live music.

What are the best ways to address damaged trees and potentially cracked limbs to keep them from becoming a liability?

Easter lilies are popular as a decorative element in homes during the Easter season.

If you haven't been to Dutch Heritage Gardens for their Spring Open House, you've been missing out on a local gardening treasure.

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Alpine strawberries, also known as wild strawberries or fraises des bois, are small, flavorful berries that are easy to grow in home gardens.