And great for Spring cleanup, too!
The rake has a wood handle, and the tines are only 8 inches wide so it can fit into small and narrow spaces without getting hung up on something. $18
Click here to see additional details and to purchase.
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And great for Spring cleanup, too! We've advised you to 'leave the leaves' on your lawn and gardens this Fall, but if you need to clear debris away from your foundation and other nooks and crannies ahead of winter, this rake is an effective tool.
The rake has a wood handle, and the tines are only 8 inches wide so it can fit into small and narrow spaces without getting hung up on something. $18 Click here to see additional details and to purchase. Plant now for gorgeous blooms next Spring AND Fall There are several cold-hardy plants that can withstand low temperatures and even thrive in cold climates. Here are some examples of plants that don’t mind the cold and are perfect for planting in Fall (even late Fall):
Cold-Hardy Perennials Hellebores: Known as the "Christmas Rose" or "Lenten Rose," hellebores bloom in late winter to early spring and can withstand freezing temperatures. They have beautiful, nodding flowers and evergreen foliage. Sedum (Stonecrop): Sedums are tough, drought-tolerant succulents that can handle cold weather. Varieties like ‘Autumn Joy’ add color in the fall, and many species remain attractive through the winter. Hostas: Though they die back in winter, hostas are very cold-tolerant and reliably come back year after year. They thrive in partial to full shade and are known for their striking foliage. Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica): This iris variety is extremely cold-hardy, blooming in early summer with vibrant purple, blue, or white flowers. They tolerate harsh winters and thrive in most soils. Peonies (Paeonia spp.): These hardy, long-lived perennials can withstand very cold winters. They die back to the ground in winter but come back with stunning blooms in late spring and early summer. Cold-Hardy Shrubs Boxwood: Evergreen boxwood shrubs are hardy in cold climates and keep their shape and color through the winter, making them ideal for year-round interest and hedges. Red Twig Dogwood: This deciduous shrub is famous for its red stems, which stand out in winter landscapes. It can withstand freezing temperatures and provides excellent winter color. Winterberry: A deciduous holly, winterberry produces bright red berries in late fall that persist into winter, attracting birds. It’s very cold-tolerant and adds vibrant color to winter gardens. Rugosa Rose: This hardy rose species thrives in cold climates and produces fragrant flowers in summer, followed by large, attractive rose hips that provide winter interest. Cold-Tolerant Vegetables Kale: Kale is one of the most cold-hardy vegetables and can survive freezing temperatures, often becoming sweeter after a frost. It’s an excellent choice for fall and winter gardens. Spinach: Spinach thrives in cooler temperatures and can continue growing well into the colder months, especially if protected with a cold frame or row cover. Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts are extremely cold-tolerant and even improve in flavor after a frost. They grow slowly but can be harvested into late fall and early winter. Carrots: Carrots can tolerate light frosts, and if the ground is mulched, they can be harvested well into the fall or even overwintered in mild climates. Cold-Hardy Trees Spruce: Spruce trees are extremely hardy and can survive in some of the coldest climates. They are excellent for providing year-round structure and greenery. Birch: Birch trees, such as the paper birch, are very tolerant of cold climates and can grow in a wide range of soils. Their striking white bark adds interest to winter landscapes. Maple: Certain varieties, such as sugar maple and Norway maple, are very cold-tolerant and provide beautiful fall color before going dormant for the winter. By selecting plants that are naturally adapted to cold conditions, you can create a garden that looks great and thrives even in the chilliest months of the year. Other cold-hardy perennials you can still plant: garlic, sweet pea, bearded iris, daffodils, black-eyed Susan, ranunculus, peas, and wildflower mixes. These invasive trees are a significant concern in Colorado. In Colorado, several tree species are considered invasive because they spread aggressively, out-compete native plants, and disrupt local ecosystems. These invasive trees are a significant concern in Colorado because they can displace native species, reduce biodiversity, and alter natural ecosystems. Active management, including removal and replacement with native or non-invasive alternatives, is key to mitigating their impact. 1. Russian Olive
Other trees (and shrubs) to avoid include Ash, Austrees, Black Walnut, Silver Maple, Cottonwood, Shrub Honeysuckle, Japanese barberry, Burning bush, Common buckthorn. Fast growing with invasive roots systems or ability to send seeds far and wide are on the do not plant list for Colorado homeowners. Check out this local neighborhood for a colorful Fall drive Driving to see the trees change color in Colorado is a traditional pastime much loved by us locals. But that drive has become an exercise in traffic and crowds in many parts of our State.
If you want to see an incredible display of colorful Fall leaves, look no further than the local neighborhood of Stroh Ranch. Stroh Ranch consists of two neighborhoods separated by the Cherry Creek Trail and a large open green space (see map below). The more established east side of the neighborhood is filled with large old deciduous trees that are having the ultimate Fall color 'moment', and it's happening this week! Take yourself on a slow and easy leaf-peeping drive this weekend through the streets of Stroh Ranch to revel in the beauty of nature in all her glory. Map of the streets of East Stroh Ranch It takes a little effort to help your landscape ease into the fall and winter. Hopefully, you’ve already winterized your irrigation system or scheduled your sprinkler blowout. If not, take a minute today to get it done or get on a professional’s calendar before they book up. Then, turn your focus to preparing trees for winter.
Ideally, try to prune your trees when they have gone dormant. Pruning shade trees helps them better handle the snowfall and strong winds of winter storms—especially if you have dead or damaged branches hanging around from previous storms. Take care of them before they become a hazard to people or property. Once your trees have gone dormant, it’s a good time to prune suckers and water sprouts. For branches that you can’t easily reach from the ground, ask for help. If you don't have proper safety gear to protect yourself or can't prune while standing with both feet on the ground, it's time to call in a pro. Tree pros have the equipment and the expertise to do the job properly. One exception: Do not prune any spring-flowering trees, shrubs, or perennials - late winter or early spring is best for plants like fruit trees or lilacs. Keep in mind that you are preparing your trees for winter, but that doesn’t mean you can completely stop caring for them when the cold sets in. They still need moisture. If the temperatures are above freezing, you can—and should—safely water your trees and shrubs. Fall is the best time to plant anemone if you want Spring blooms The ideal time to plant anemone bulbs for Spring blooms is now. In regions with winters like we have, plant the bulbs in late fall, about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. This allows them to establish roots before the winter chill sets in. For cold climates, it’s best to plant the bulbs early in the fall, as soon as the summer heat begins to fade BUT because our late summer has extended until now, it's still safe to plant anemones. For Fall-blooming anemones, like Anemone hupehensis or Anemone tomentosa, plant the bulbs or rhizomes in the early spring as soon as the soil is workable. This gives the plants enough time to grow, establish roots, and store energy for their late-summer to fall bloom period. Plant anemone bulbs 1-2 inches deep and about 3-4 inches apart, in a spot with well-draining soil and partial to full sunlight. Soak the bulbs in water for a few hours before planting to give them a head start, as this helps soften the bulbs and encourages faster root development. After planting in the Fall, water well and then leave them alone. If planting Spring anemones, water well after planting and then about an inch per week thereafter. NOTE: anemones will rot easily if there is too much moisture. Anemones are beautiful and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful anemone blooms that bring vibrant color to your garden if you plant them. Please know, however, that some kinds of anemones can be invasive and can choke out other plants and take over a garden if not kept in check:
Anemones are considered perennials and become dormant when the temperatures stay above 70 degrees F for extended periods of time. Sodium bicarbonate can benefit certain plants, but it should be used carefully Benefits of Baking Soda for Plants
Potential Downsides of Baking Soda
While baking soda has some benefits in the garden, it should be used cautiously and sparingly to avoid long-term negative effects on soil and plant health. *Sunspray is a horticultural oil designed to meet the growing need for an effective pesticide for those wary of putting potentially harmful chemicals into their gardens and the environment. Horticultural oil is for sale at big box stores and on Amazon. Growing indoor palm trees can bring a tropical feel to your home and add lush greenery to any room. By providing the right light, water, and humidity, your indoor palm tree will add a lush, tropical look to your home and thrive for years to come. Here are some tips on how to grow a palm tree indoors:
Choose the Right Palm Variety: Not all palm trees are suited for indoor conditions. Popular indoor varieties include parlor palms, Areca palms, kentia palms, and bamboo palms. These types are more adaptable to lower light and indoor humidity levels. Provide Proper Light: Most indoor palms prefer bright, indirect light. Place your palm near a window with filtered sunlight. If you notice the leaves turning yellow or brown, it may be getting too much direct light; moving it back a bit can help. While some palms, like the parlor palm, can tolerate low light, growth may be slower in such conditions. Water Carefully: Indoor palms like their soil to be consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot. In the winter, you may need to water less frequently due to lower light and slower growth. Humidity and Temperature: Palms prefer warm temperatures (65-80°F) and high humidity, which can be challenging indoors. Use a humidifier or place a tray of water with pebbles beneath the pot to increase humidity. Avoid placing your palm near cold drafts, air vents, or heating sources, as these can dry out the plant. Fertilize Moderately: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) to promote healthy growth. Apply fertilizer once a month at half strength. Avoid fertilizing during the winter when growth naturally slows. Prune and Clean the Leaves: Remove any yellow or brown fronds by cutting them at the base, but avoid over-pruning, as palm trees grow slowly. Dust the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to keep them looking fresh and to help the plant photosynthesize efficiently. For even more detailed information, click here. Glen Eyrie Castle in north Colorado Springs and nearby Mueller State Park are delightful this Fall10/10/2024
And you don't have to drive I-70! Just a 45-minute drive from Glen Eyrie Castle is Mueller State Park, and it is putting on a stunning Fall color display right now.
Go for the Fall High Tea or Castle Tour at Glen Eyrie (a real treat if you haven't been before), then drive out to Mueller State Park and enjoy Fall in all its glory. Mueller State Park information. High Tea at Glen Eyrie information here. Glen Eyrie Castle tours information is here. Many Fall trees, shrubs, and perennials show their color starting in late Summer A fall color garden can bring warmth and vibrant hues to your landscape as the weather cools. Start by incorporating trees, shrubs, and perennials that put on a stunning autumn display.
Burning bushes, dogwoods, and rabbitbrush offer rich reds, oranges, golds, and purples, creating a beautiful backdrop. Complement these with perennial grasses like switchgrass and fountain grass, which add golden tones and movement to the garden. Adding shrubs such as oakleaf hydrangea and sumac will also bring fiery fall foliage. These plants can provide height, texture, and an array of colors that evolve as the season progresses. In the foreground, choose perennials and late-blooming flowers that thrive in the fall and enhance the color palette. Plants like asters, autumn-joy sedum, and chrysanthemums deliver bursts of purple, pink, and gold, while goldenrod and ornamental kale add additional layers of texture and color. For ground cover, low-growing plants like heuchera (coral bells) and creeping thyme provide foliage that transitions with the season. Place clusters of pumpkins or decorative gourds throughout the garden bed for an added seasonal touch. This article from HGTV showcases an array of richly-colored trees and plants that do well where we live. Includes stunning photography of each. Shown in photo: Autumn-joy Sedum (also called Stonecrop) A healthy pumpkin will last longer - look for one that is heavy for its size, and has a 'bright' color to it. To keep a pumpkin from rotting, especially if it’s being displayed for decoration, you can take a few preventative measures to prolong its freshness.
Leaving leaves on the ground in the Fall is a beneficial gardening practice that supports both the soil and local ecosystems. Fallen leaves naturally decompose over time, enriching the soil with organic matter and nutrients, which improves soil structure, enhances moisture retention, and fosters beneficial microorganisms. This layer of leaf litter also acts as a natural mulch, protecting plant roots and insulating the soil during the winter months.
Leaves provide critical habitat for various wildlife, including overwintering insects like butterflies, moths, and beneficial beetles. Many pollinators and other important species rely on leaf litter for shelter through the winter. By allowing leaves to remain on the ground, especially in garden beds and naturalized areas, you support biodiversity, reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, and help keep your garden healthier and more sustainable. For lawns, simply mowing over the leaves to create a finer mulch layer will allow them to break down more quickly and prevent thick mats from forming. NOTE: if your leaves are diseased or have powdery mildew, do not leave them and do not compost - throw in trash. BE FIREWISE: Don't leave leaves in piles close to the foundation of your home - they dry to crispy in the Fall and pose a fire risk. Keep the spaces four feet away from your home cleared of all debris. This auger drills holes much more quickly than digging with a shovel and has over 6000 5-star reviews This auger drill bit is a dream for digging small holes for bulbs, herbs, transplants, and small perennials. Using an auger for planting bulbs is an efficient way to speed up the process, especially if you're planting a large number of bulbs. Augers attach to a power drill and can quickly dig consistent holes to the right depth, saving you time and effort compared to using a hand trowel or shovel. To use an auger for planting bulbs:
Using an auger makes the process quick, especially when planting dozens or even hundreds of bulbs, and it can be especially helpful in tough or clay soil where digging by hand might be more difficult. Pros and cons of growing Goldenrod Goldenrod (Solidago species) is a hardy, bright yellow flowering plant that can add color and attract pollinators to your garden. However, it has both pros and cons. Pros of Goldenrod:
Goldenrod is a beautiful, wildlife-friendly plant, but it needs to be managed carefully to prevent it from spreading too aggressively in the garden. How to grow and care for Goldenrod Set the stage for a successful growing season next Spring Despite the warm weather, it is time to start preparing our gardens for Winter so that they'll be protected and be healthy, come Spring. Start by strolling around your gardens and take notes on how plants performed, which need to be divided or moved to a better spot, and which poor performers should be replaced altogether.
Don't let those beautiful, nutritious herbs go to waste! Here are more ideas for using them in the kitchen, and home Part 1 in our series on How to Use Herbs from your Garden (with recipes for dressing, marinades, teas, chimichurri sauce, pesto, and herbs basics) is here.
Part 2 - new recipes for you to try! Herb-infused Vinegars Herbal Salts and Sugars Herb Cheese and Butters Herbal Gift Idea - Scented Potpourri Add equal parts Epsom salt and herbs or store-bough potpourri in a bowl. If using herbs, finely shop of layer as shown in image above. Add a few drops of essential oils, and stir it all together. The oil should touche all of the salt and herbs/potpourri. Pour mixture into an airtight container (such as a clean, dry glass jar with lid), and let site for 24 hours to allow the Epsom salts to absorb the scents. After 24 hours, pour the fragrant salt mix into a bowl or sachets and place around your home. Shake or stir the salt mixture every few days to release fresh scent. Now is a great time to bring your yard waste to the site in Castle Rock, and get free mulch while you're there. The Douglas County slash/mulch site will be open through October 26th, on Saturdays only from 8am - 5pm. You can drop off yard waste and/or get free mulch at the same time.
The Slash-mulch and Green Yard Waste site, located in Castle Rock, is for Douglas County residents only and is open on Saturdays from April through October. Acceptable items at both sites include tree limbs, pine needles, shrubs and brush with a maximum length of 6 feet and a maximum diameter of one foot. Please note all loads must be covered upon arrival at the slash-mulch site. During the open season, a county-operated loader will be available to load free wood chips for homeowners to use as mulch. Material can be picked up anytime during the season the site is open to accept slash. The Site Operator has the authority to refuse loads and requires residents to reload and/or haul away materials found not to be in compliance with the regulations. Unacceptable items include:
The following items should be sent to the Green Yard Waste Program instead:
Douglas County does not cut or pick up trees that are on private property. In case of inclement weather, please call 303-663-6274 to ensure that the site will be open as scheduled. |
AuthorsBlog posts are written by Kathy Sullivan, Communications Director. Contact BFGC: [email protected] Archives
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