Author: zboy

Xeriscaping has never looked so good. With global warming affecting our way of life, now is the time for change. The drought conditions throughout the world call for action. Here in zone 4 it appears to be another dry and hot season as we slowly shift to a desert climate. Years ago I planted numerous drought tolerant perennials knowing that my environment warranted this scenario. Water has become a very precious commodity and restrictions throughout the Midwest are being implemented. Lakes and reservoirs are drying up before our eyes and we need to do our part to conserve and make good decisions for the sake of the planet. 

Enjoy!

I must apologize to my readers for my long hiatus from blogging.  Life has been throwing lemons and I have been doing my best to make lemonade. During challenging times it’s wise to “stop and smell the roses” and they just happen to be blooming here in zone 4. 

I do however want to shift my focus to another amazing perennial I planted eight years ago called “Santolina Chamaecyparissus” or Cotton Lavender. It is native to western and central Mediterranean and grows very well on the sunny side of my garden.  It was slow to develop but after its third season it has never let me down.  Plant this drought tolerant show stopper in full sun and fertile soil for long lasting blooms from early spring till fall.  Cheers

We are finally receiving some much needed moisture in the form of snow in zone 4.  The snow is overdue and drought conditions have worsened, appearing to create the perfect storm for another disastrous wildfire season in the rocky mountain region.  January through March are the typical bread and butter months for precipitation however February has yielded the most moisture the past few years. This snow is a welcome sight for my dry floral beds as much needed moisture will jump start early blooming daffodils and tulip bulbs for early springtime blooms.               

Get out there and clear those flower beds of debris and take full advantage of this much needed moisture.  Cheers!

During the height of fall I usually find myself reflecting on the season that is rapidly coming to a close.  While I walk through the garden I survey what flourished and which plants struggled. This season I had success with my flowering perennials but struggled with my vegetable garden.  I was humbled this season when my harvest was a fraction of what I usually get.  I am still baffled as to why but sometimes I have to accept the outcome, hope for the future and focus on what worked.  I was surrounded by beautiful flowers from early spring through fall and was able to harvest just enough from my garden to make my favorite salsa.  Keep digging in the dirt!  Cheers

Now is the perfect time to plan a fall getaway and experience the magnificent colors of fall.  Here in zone 4 we head west to the mountains to relish the natural canvas of glorious colors inhabiting the surrounding landscape. Breathtaking views of aspen trees display their colors of gold, multiple shades of green and hues of orange delight our senses. We have learned that time is precious and using some of it to experience the beauty of our planet is never a waste.  Enjoy!

As the sun sets on another summer season now is the perfect time to add additional plants to your garden since day time temperatures are cooler and the garden soil is warm.  Planting spring bulbs such as tulips and daffodils will ensure early spring time blooms for next season.  Be a step ahead in the game by planting perennial shrubs, trees and flowers for seasons to come.  This summer I have added the perennial flowers Speedwell (“Moody Blues”) and Phlox (“Party Girl”} to my garden. Both flowers are drought tolerant and “full sun” and will be great additions to my flower beds. The sun may be setting on our summer season but it doesn’t have to set on our gardening experience. Keep on planting and digging in the dirt!  Cheers

Once again I was blessed to enjoy another vacation in Juneau Alaska. We shared excellent food, wonderful fellowship, and amazing fishing.  Fishing was special due to several days of calm seas which allowed us to “whack and stack” our limits of salmon, halibut, and coveted black cod. I had the privilege to trek through the Jensen- Olson Arboretum again and it is a place that keeps getting better with each and every visit.  It is a gardener’s oasis and contains our featured flower of the month, the primrose.  Primula Vialii is from the plant family Primulaceae.  It is a leafy bush like plant with dark green foliage.  Its blooms range in colors of purple, white, red and pink.  Primroses are very hardy and adapt well to numerous soil conditions. They can be sowed from seed indoors during the winter months and transplanted in spring.  The flower pictured below is called “Poker Primose” Enjoy! Cheers

One section of my yard is visible to the public and this part of my garden gives me great joy. Neighbors slow their pace to take pictures, smell the flowers and just take a moment to enjoy what they see.  The garden consists of several varieties of drought tolerant perennials that start blooming in spring, continue through summer and some bloom in the fall. If I happen to be in the garden I get a lot of questions like, “how did you get started with gardening?” or “what’s the name of that flower?”  Rather than blabber on for several hours I suggest they go to my website. If you have a question simply type in the subject or the name of a flower and relevant information will appear.  The search for goodness can be challenging these days but you will find goodness in the garden at www.zinniaboy.com     Cheers