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How to start a cold-hardy cactus garden

4/30/2026

Cactus gardens need little water or maintenance, and when using the right plants, can be strikingly beautiful

Starting a cactus garden is simple, rewarding, and perfect for sunny, dry conditions. Importantly, cactus gardens are extremely drought tolerant while delivering a beautiful aesthetic.

A cactus garden thrives on sun, excellent drainage, and restraint with water. Keep conditions simple and dry, and your garden will be low-maintenance and striking year-round.

How to start a cactus garden
1. Choose the Right Location
Cacti need lots of sun - aim for at least 6–8 hours daily. Outdoors, pick a south- or west-facing spot. Indoors, use your brightest window.

2. Use Fast-Draining Soil
This is critical. Use a cactus/succulent mix or make your own by combining potting soil with sand, perlite, or pumice. Good drainage prevents root rot.

3. Select Hardy or Decorative Varieties
For Colorado, choose cold-hardy outdoor cacti like:

Brittle Prickly Pear
Plains Prickly Pear
Hedgehog cactus
Escobaria (Foxtail) genera cactus
Claret Cup
Colorado Hookless Cactus
Hen and Chick
Banana Yucca
Cold hardy Agave
Cold hardy Cane cholla cactus
Pincushion Cactus
Hardy ice plant
Sedum

Check out this website for outstanding selections of cold-hardy cacti suited to Colorado. For containers or indoors, mix shapes and sizes for visual interest.

4. Plant with Space and Structure

Space plants so air can circulate
Set slightly above soil level to prevent water pooling
Add gravel or decorative rock on top for a finished look and extra drainage and to prevent crown rot.

5. Water Sparingly
Cacti prefer deep but infrequent watering. Let soil dry out completely between waterings. In winter, water very little if at all.

6. Protect from Excess Moisture
In high-altitude climates, winter moisture is often more damaging than cold. Consider planting on a slight slope or raised bed to shed water.

7. Add Design Elements
Incorporate rocks, boulders, or driftwood for a natural desert look. Group plants in odd numbers and vary height for visual appeal.

Tips

Avoid over-fertilizing - once in spring is plenty
Water sparingly to avoid rot
Use heavy duty gloves or tongs when handling spiny varieties
Cacti naturally reduce their moisture content and shrivel with the onset of winter. This dehydration prevents cactus cell from bursting when they freeze. It's important to cut back water during Autumn months so they aren't holding a lot of water come winter.
Don't mulch cacti for winter protection like you do with other plants.
Most cacti change color in winter (it doesn't mean the plants are sick). This is because the amount of green chlorophyll has decreased but plants will recover come Spring.

Sample Cactus Garden Layout here
Flower-focused Cactus Garden Recommendations

Did you know?
Winter-hardy cacti are well-suited to hot, dry environments and can tolerate cold to minus 20 degrees F! They also tolerate strong, drying winds without issue.

Snack Gardens are the newest trend in gardening

4/23/2026

What makes snack gardens so appealing is how well they fit modern lifestyles.

The new “snack garden” trend is a fun shift in how gardeners grow food, focusing on small, easy-to-manage spaces filled with bite-sized, ready-to-eat crops.

Instead of large, traditional vegetable plots, gardeners are creating compact beds, containers, or patio gardens stocked with things like cherry tomatoes, mini peppers, strawberries, snap peas, and herbs - foods you can literally pick and eat on the spot. See plant list below.

They’re low-maintenance, space-efficient, and quick to produce, making them ideal for beginners, busy households, and small yards or balconies.

They also help reduce grocery costs and food waste because you harvest only what you need, when you need it. Visually, they’re often colorful and Instagram-friendly, contributing to their popularity on social media and among younger gardeners.

At its heart, the snack garden trend reflects a broader movement toward edible, intentional gardening - growing food that is not just productive, but convenient, beautiful, and part of everyday life.

How To Grow a Snack Garden
1. Choose the Right Spot
Pick a location that gets 6–8 hours of sun daily. This can be a small garden bed, raised bed, or even containers on a patio or deck.

2. Start with Great Soil. Use loose, well-draining soil enriched with compost. Healthy soil = better flavor and faster growth.

3. Select “Snackable” Crops. Choose plants that are easy to harvest and eat fresh. Aim for a mix of quick growers and longer producers. See specific plant recommendations below.

4. Plant for Easy Access. Arrange plants so you can reach everything easily. This encourages picking and eating.

Taller plants in back or center
Low growers and trailing plants along edges

5. Water Consistently. Snack gardens do best with even moisture. Water regularly, especially in containers, but avoid soggy soil.

6. Feed Lightly. Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every few weeks. Avoid too much nitrogen, which can reduce fruit production.

Specific Snack Garden Plant Recommendations

Cherry tomatoes (Kitchen Minis Siam Hybrid, Sweet 100, Tiny Tim)
Strawberries (Albion, Seascape, Quinault)
Snap peas (Sugar Snap, Super Sugar Snap, Sugar Ann). Provide trellising.
Mini sweet peppers (Kitchen Minis Tamale, Lunchbox Mini Pepper, Redskin Sweet Pepper)
Baby carrots (Paris Market, Little Finger, Short 'n Sweet)
Cucumbers (Kitchin Minis Cucumber Quick Snack, Bush Champion, Mini Munch)
Radishes (Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, Easter Egg Blend)
Herbs like basil and mint (all varieties of herbs do well in containers)
Edible Flowers (nasturtiums, pansies, violas)

Spring perennials to consider for high-energy nectar sources for pollinators

4/23/2026

Shown in photo above: Spring Snow Crabapple Tree

Planting Spring blooming perennials helps returning pollinators get the food they need as they reemerge after winter.

As pollinators reemerge after winter, they’re in a fragile state and need a few key things to recover and thrive.

Early-season food
They need nectar for energy and pollen for protein right away. Plant early bloomers including these to provide that critical first food source:

Crocus
Snowdrops
Creeping Phlox
Columbine
Bleeding Heart
Daffodils
Rock cress
Candytuft
Pawnee Buttes Sand Cherry
Toba Hawthorne (tree)
Spring Snow Crabapple (tree)

Perfect Purple Crabapple (tree)

Warmth and shelter
Pollinators look for sunny, protected spots to warm up and rest. Leave some areas undisturbed with leaf litter, hollow stems, or brush piles where insects can take refuge.

Water
A shallow water source like a dish with pebbles or a birdbath with fresh water gives pollinators a safe place to drink without drowning.

Safe nesting sites
Many native bees nest in the ground or in stems. Avoid heavy cleanup too early in spring so you don’t disturb overwintering insects.

Fewer chemicals
Skip pesticides and herbicides, especially early in the season when pollinators are most vulnerable.

By providing food, shelter, and a safe environment, you help pollinators recover from winter and support a healthy, thriving garden ecosystem all season long.

New Netflix Show delivers a fun learning experience

4/23/2026

This is a Gardening Show delivers humor and excellent gardening insights for all

This Is a Gardening Show is a lighthearted, six-episode docuseries hosted by Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover) that blends gardening education with quirky humor.

The show follows Galifianakis as a curious (but not expert) gardener who explores gardening topics like growing food, composting, and foraging while learning from knowledgeable guests (and kids) along the way.

The show stands out for its offbeat, comedic tone, mixing practical tips with awkward, funny moments. It makes gardening feel approachable and entertaining rather than technical or intimidating.

Beneath the humor, it carries a gentle message about reconnecting with nature, growing food, and caring for the environment, making it both informative and easy, feel-good viewing.

Here's a review with more details on the show. It has six, 15-20 minute episodes.

Show airs starting on Earth Day, April 22, 2026.

Now is the time to plant seed potatoes - tips for best success

4/23/2026

Planting seed potatoes correctly makes a big difference in yield, especially in climates like Colorado.

Start by choosing certified seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes) available at nurseries and stores where gardening products are sold.

If they’re large, cut them into pieces with 1–2 “eyes” each, letting the cut surfaces dry for a day or two to prevent rot (this is called 'callousing').

Plant once soil temperatures reach about 45–50°F, typically a few weeks before your last frost. Now is a good time to plant because we're experiencing unusually warm daily temps and the soil is warmed up enough.

Choose a sunny spot with loose, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Set pieces 3–4 inches deep and 10–12 inches apart, with rows about 2–3 feet apart.

As plants grow, you can use the hilling method where you mound soil or mulch up around the green leafy stems when they reach 6–8 inches tall, leaving just the top leaves exposed. This encourages more tuber production and prevents potatoes from turning green in sunlight.

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, and avoid too much nitrogen, which can lead to leafy growth instead of potatoes. You can harvest small “new potatoes” a few weeks after flowering, or wait until the foliage dies back and turns yellow for full-sized potatoes.

Last year we recommended planting seed potatoes in a cardboard box (read how-to article here), and members who tried it reported good success! The boxes didn't fall apart and this method seemed to work well as long as the box is at least 12 inches deep.

Earth Day 2026

4/21/2026

Earth Day, celebrated worldwide each year, is a reminder of the powerful role gardeners play in caring for the environment.

What began in 1970 as a grassroots movement has grown into a global effort to promote environmental stewardship, conservation, and sustainable practices.

For gardeners, Earth Day is especially meaningful. It highlights how everyday choices we make for our gardens, from plant selection to water use, can positively impact the health of our local ecosystems.

Earth Day is a great opportunity to be mindful of simple, earth-friendly practices such as planting native species, reducing chemical use, conserving water, composting garden waste, and supporting pollinators.

Even small actions like leaving some leaves for habitat or adding a pollinator plant can make a difference.

This year, celebrate Earth Day and let it inspire you to not only beautify spaces but also nurture the environment, reinforcing the idea that every garden, no matter the size, can contribute to a healthier planet.

Thank you, gardeners, for caring for and growing things, and pampering the Earth to make it a better place for all.

10 Earth Day Projects for Gardeners

Visit Denver Botanic Gardens - free day (Chatfield Farms only) on April 22, 2026! Register here.
Plant natives - saves water and money, reduces maintenance, and supports local biodiversity because these plants are adapted to local soils and climate, and require less fertilizer and pesticides while building ecological resilience.
Plant for pollinators - add flowers that support bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds (plan for blooming plants Spring through till first frost). Here are ideas for what to plant from CSU Extension.
Install a bird bath - provides essential clean drinking and bathing water for birds, and attracts a broad range of species that might otherwise ignore your yard. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators need the water source too, especially in drought-stricken times.
Divide and share perennials - overcrowded perennials don't perform well, so divide and share extras with neighbors and friends to reduce waste and build connections.
Remove invasive plants - invasive species hurt the environment by choking out the native species. Replace invasive plants with natives and/or pollinator friendly plants.
Start composting - turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil, reducing landfill contributions. Food waste in landfills is a significant environment problems because it decomposes without oxygen, producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas (the primary driver of landfill-related climate impact).
Water wisely - install rain barrels, build a water-wise irrigation system for your gardens, or use soaker hoses for more efficient hydration. Choose xeric and native plantings that take substantially less water (once established).
Recycle (for real, not what your trash company says they're recycling) - give this company an opportunity to properly (and actually) recycle your many pieces of plastics, styrofoam, prescription bottles, metal caps, bread tags, clothing and more. An incredible service doing so much good for the planet.
Help a friend start a garden - you have the know-how, and your friend(s) may have no idea how or where to begin in growing a garden. Lend a hand and some of your time to assist someone else in learning to garden.

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. - Audrey Hepburn

How to install a bluebird box

4/9/2026

Mounting nestboxes on a fence, tree trunk, or buildings is not recommended - it makes bluebirds vulnerable to climbing predators including snakes and raccoons.

The best place to install a bluebird box is in an open, grassy area with scattered trees or fence lines, where bluebirds can easily spot insects and watch for predators.

Avoid dense woods or heavily shaded spots—bluebirds prefer clear sightlines and sunlight. Mount the box 4–6 feet above the ground on a pole or post (rather than a tree, which makes it easier for predators to access).

Face the entrance hole east or southeast to catch morning sun and avoid harsh afternoon heat and prevailing winds. A water source (bird bath or water fountain) nearby is helpful.

For best success, place the box away from buildings and heavy human traffic, but still where you can monitor it. Keep it at least 100 yards from other bluebird boxes (unless using paired boxes to deter swallows), and avoid areas with high populations of house sparrows.

Adding a predator guard such as a PVC pipe around the inground post and keeping the surrounding area mowed or open will make the site even more attractive and safe for nesting bluebirds.

The North American Bluebird Society has excellent factsheets on having bluebird boxes, including this one on Nestbox Recommendations (see page 4 for specific mounting and predator deterrence suggestions).

Plant a tree this spring - Arbor Day is Friday April 24th

4/9/2026

National Arbor Day is Friday April 24, 2026 and is the perfect reminder to homeowners to plant a tree (or two)!

Spring is a great time to plant a tree because it gives the tree a nice long growing season to establish roots and get settled into their new home.

There are certain trees that grow well in our area (we've provided a list below), and others that don't. Arborists recommend planing a diversity of trees in your yard to add interest and variety, and also to make our forests less susceptible to widespread damage from pests.

When too many of the same type of tree are planted together, it's a set-up for problems with diseases and insects such as Emerald Ash Borer. Rule of thumb is to plant no more than 10% of trees in the same variety. That way, if one variety succumbs to pests or disease, there will still be others that reach maturity to provide shade and clean the air.

Benefits of planting trees:

Trees support native birds and other wildlife
A mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year and release beneficial oxygen in exchange
Homes with healthy trees sell for more, on average
Trees and shrubs planted for windbreaks can cut fuel consumption by an average of 40% according to the US Department of Energy

Tree Recommendations for our unique area (considered deer resistant and grow well in our local conditions):

Austrian Pine
Pinon Pine
Buffalo Silverleaf
Forsythia Spring Glory
Shademaster Honey Locust
Black Locust
Toba and Russian Hawthorne
Crimson Cloud Hawthorne
Bosnian Pine - Mint Truffle
Serviceberry Rainbow Pillar
Chokecherry Sucker Punch (red leaves)
Blue Spruce
Spring Snow Crabapple
Red Oak (slow growing but strong)

CSU Extension Tree Recommendations

IMPORTANT! Watering Instructions are in the downloadable file below. Includes how often to water, how much to water, and commonly asked questions. Resource credit: Front Range Landscape.

tree_watering_recommendations
File Size:	465 kb
File Type:	tree watering recommendations

Download File

Don't miss our Everything Trees event on Saturday, April 11 at the Franktown Fire Station. A lot of time will be devoted to Q&A with a Master Gardener Tree Expert.

Decisions all gardeners should make early on

4/9/2026

The choices gardeners make in the early years (and every year that follows) shape everything that grows.

Every garden begins with optimism. A few plants, a patch of earth, a hope that something beautiful will take root.

A little foresight, even imperfectly applied, can spare years of reworking and regret.

The best first decision is to start small. A single well-tended bed teaches more than a dozen half-finished ones. It lets you learn your soil, your light, and your own habits as a gardener. Expansion can come later; in gardening, patience is not hesitation, it’s wisdom.

Learn your site before you plant it. Notice where water lingers after snow or rain, which corners burn with sun or shiver in shade. This kind of quiet observation builds intuition. Every successful gardener begins not with a shovel, but with attention.

Invest in good soil before anything else. This cannot be emphasized enough. Compost and organic matter turn ordinary dirt into living ground. A rich soil forgives mistakes, nurtures roots, and rewards you for decades. Quality Landscape south of Parker on Hwy 83 sells an excellent compost mixture called "half and half" that is excellent for making regular soil into growing soil.

Choose plants for your climate and lifestyle, not just for their beauty. Native species and hardy perennials ask less and give more. Mix in a few annuals for play and color, but let permanence anchor your design.

Finally, make space not just for plants, but for yourself - a chair under a tree, a winding path, a view to rest your eyes. These are what turn a yard into a garden and a garden into a sanctuary.

Join us at Black Forest Garden Club events, and read the many articles on this blog. Our community loves gardening and knows the ups and downs of working the soil in this sometimes difficult to grow in climate and altitude. We're more than happy to share our knowledge and experiences with you to help you overcome difficulties you may encounter on your gardening journey.

Begin simply, but begin with care. Your garden will reward you.

The importance of efficient watering on water conservation and overall plant health

4/7/2026

Efficient irrigation is an often overlooked component of sustainable plant health and drought-awareness.

Last month we provided you with a simple DIY irrigation set up to make watering easier, less expensive, and waterwise.

The next step in having a working irrigation system involves two important tasks after set up: audits, and irrigation controllers.

System Audits
Irrigation systems that are not regularly checked and maintained can waste vast amounts of water while simultaneously harming the very plants they are meant to support. Regular inspections help identify these problems early, allowing for timely repairs that prevent unnecessary water waste and contribute to thriving trees, shrubs, and plants.

Components such as pipes, valves, emitters, and sprinklers can become clogged, damaged, or misaligned. Even small issues like a leaking joint or a partially blocked nozzle can lead to significant water loss.

Water conservation is especially important in areas like ours that are prone to drought. Every drop counts so high-performing irrigation systems must minimize runoff, evaporation, and over-watering.

Drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors, and inline flow meters enhance efficiency, but only if they are functioning correctly. Routine checks ensure that these technologies are calibrated properly and responding accurately to unique environmental conditions.

The health of plants is directly tied to how effectively water is delivered. Over-watering can be just as harmful as under-watering. Excess moisture in the soil can lead to root rot, fungal diseases, and nutrient leaching, all of which weaken plants.

Conversely, insufficient or uneven watering can stress plants and stunt their growth. A well-maintained irrigation system promotes strong root development and overall resilience.

Uniformity of water distribution is also important. An unchecked system may distribute water unevenly, leaving some areas oversaturated while others remain dry. This inconsistency can create patchy growth in lawns, for example, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases for all plant materials.

Regular testing and adjustment of the system mitigates these issues, resulting in even coverage, which is essential for both aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Water that runs off due to over-irrigation can carry fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals into nearby waterways, causing pollution and harming ecosystems. By ensuring that irrigation systems apply water accurately and in controlled amounts, this risk is significantly reduced.

Advancements in irrigation controllers – particularly inline flow meters - are transforming how water is managed in residential landscapes.

Inline Water Flow Meters
Inline water flow meters are valuable tools for monitoring and managing water use in irrigation systems. They offer a practical way to save water, reduce costs, and maintain healthier plantings.

They measure the volume of water flowing through a system in real time, helping homeowners understand exactly how much water is being applied to each watering zone. Sudden changes in water flow can signal leaks, broken sprinkler heads, or clogged lines, allowing for quick intervention before water is wasted or plants are damaged.

This is especially useful where we live to allow precise irrigation scheduling and preventing over-watering.

A Google search for "best inline flow meter for residential landscapes" will provide you with an overview of highly regarded inline flow monitoring devices for different applications and budgets.

Regularly checking and maintaining irrigation systems is a simple yet powerful practice with far-reaching benefits: conserving water, reducing costs, supporting healthy plants, and protecting the environment.

Coralberry - the adaptable, low-maintenance shrub birds (and people) love

4/1/2026

This hardy, native shrub thrives in Zone 4 and can reach elevations of up to 7500 feet

Coralberry is a hardy, deciduous shrub prized for its clusters of small pink to coral-colored berries that persist well into Fall and Winter.

A member of the honeysuckle family, it produces modest pinkish flowers in summer, which are followed by the eye-catching berries that often remain after the leaves have dropped. These berries provide seasonal interest and are a valuable food source for birds and wildlife, making Coralberry a great choice for naturalistic or habitat-friendly gardens.

This shrub adapts to a wide range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and tolerates poor soils, drought, and cold temperature, making it especially well-suited to regions like ours.

Coralberry spreads by underground rhizomes, forming dense thickets that work well for erosion control, slopes, or informal hedges. Because it spreads, it needs management in small gardens.

While the berries are not considered edible for people or animals, the plant is low-maintenance and resilient, offering year-round appeal with minimal care.

It has low to moderate water needs (it is xeric), and tolerates a wide range of soils including clay, loam, and sandy (amend any soil type before planting with organic matter, such as compost, to improve moisture and nutrient retention).

Several types of Coralberry are well-suited for Colorado

Hancock Coralberry (S. x chenaultii 'Hancock'): A low-growing, spreading groundcover that grows 2-3 feet tall and spreads 5-10 feet.
Coralberry (S. orbiculatus): Also known as Indian Currant, this variety typically reaches 3-5 feet in height.
Proud Berry (S. x doorenbosii 'Proud Berry'): Known for larger, stunning pink berries, this variety grows 3-4 feet tall and wide.

Pruning: cutting the shrub down to about 12 inches in spring encourages fresh growth and better berry production.

The benefits of Coralberry Shrubs
Wildlife Support: The berries provide winter food for songbirds, and the dense thickets offer cover for wildlife.
Pollinator Friendly: Tiny flowers attract native bees, wasps, and butterflies in early summer.
Erosion Control: Its spreading nature makes it an excellent choice for stabilizing banks and slopes.

How to start a cold-hardy cactus garden

Cactus gardens need little water or maintenance, and when using the right plants, can be strikingly beautiful

Snack Gardens are the newest trend in gardening

What makes snack gardens so appealing is how well they fit modern lifestyles.

Spring perennials to consider for high-energy nectar sources for pollinators

Planting Spring blooming perennials helps returning pollinators get the food they need as they reemerge after winter.

New Netflix Show delivers a fun learning experience

This is a Gardening Show delivers humor and excellent gardening insights for all

Now is the time to plant seed potatoes - tips for best success

Planting seed potatoes correctly makes a big difference in yield, especially in climates like Colorado.

Earth Day 2026

Earth Day, celebrated worldwide each year, is a reminder of the powerful role gardeners play in caring for the environment.

How to install a bluebird box

Mounting nestboxes on a fence, tree trunk, or buildings is not recommended - it makes bluebirds vulnerable to climbing predators including snakes and raccoons.

Plant a tree this spring - Arbor Day is Friday April 24th

National Arbor Day is Friday April 24, 2026 and is the perfect reminder to homeowners to plant a tree (or two)!

Decisions all gardeners should make early on

The choices gardeners make in the early years (and every year that follows) shape everything that grows.

The importance of efficient watering on water conservation and overall plant health

Efficient irrigation is an often overlooked component of sustainable plant health and drought-awareness.

Coralberry - the adaptable, low-maintenance shrub birds (and people) love

This hardy, native shrub thrives in Zone 4 and can reach elevations of up to 7500 feet

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