Category: Outdoor Living

 

These pictures were sent to me by way of Vancouver Washington this morning.  The Hellebore pictured on the left, is an ornamental flower that flourishes in zone 5-8, it is one of several perennial plants that bloom from January through April.

 

 

 

The picture on the right is a Daphne, a beautiful flowering shrub that is well suited for fertile well draining soil in a partially shaded area in your garden’s landscape.  As I am starting seeds under grow lights in zone 4, my friends in the Pacific Northwest are enjoying these beautiful delicate blooms.  That’s ok, their forecast says it will rain every day for the next week, my forecast says sunshine for the next week.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

One of my favorite perennial flowers is our flower of the month, the Shasta Daisy. This Shasta Daisy dazzles with its multiple white petals and lime center. Shasta daisies thrive in well draining soil and are the perfect cut flowers for that special bouquet. Deadheading this full sun favorite will keep blossoms blooming for several months after their spring time arrival. Cheers

Cosmos (bipinnatus) is a free flowering billowy plant that produces bold bicolor blooms that come in numerous varieties. I personally enjoy them when added to a wild flower variety mix.

 

 

 

 

This drought tolerant full sun plant is a butterfly favorite. I suggest sowing seed in spring for blooms that should peak from August until late September.  Cheers

Add a radiant glow to your garden, plant sunflowers! Your garden will be filled with bold vibrant blooms guaranteed to produce a smile. After the plants bud they will began to track the sun which is truly a pleasure to watch. I suggest planting taller varieties of sunflowers at the north side of your garden as they tend to cast shadows on other flowers. I prefer to sow seeds in spring for buds that should emerge in late summer. Cheers

Our featured flower of the month is Tithonia (Sundance). It is a tall bushy sunflower relative that contains 3 inch scarlet-orange daisies that attract butterflies to your garden. It is full sun and drought tolerant making it suitable for the sunny side of gardens landscape. I suggest sowing seeds in spring in well draining soil for blooms that will last until first frost.  Cheers

Sowing your seeds indoors during the winter months is one of the best ways to get a head start on the upcoming growing season. By utilizing a simple lighting system or a well lit window well, you can sow seeds now to have plants ready to be planted after the last frost in your region. If you haven’t purchased your seed selection, now is the time. The most popular seeds have a history of selling out very early in the year. There are numerous seed starting kits that will aid you in creating the correct environment for a good head start. Cheers

 

2016 has arrived and so have the New Year’s resolutions, many of which will include eating healthier.  One solution to conquering this resolution is to grow your own organic vegetables. By sowing seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost you can plant and enjoy your bounty by spring.

I suggest planting lettuce, kale, tomatoes and onions as this will give you a base salad. Add some cooked shrimp, tuna or cheese and you have a meal.  Cheers and Happy New Year!

The winds of change are blowing and the winter solstice has passed, marking the beginning of winter in zone 4. While many regions in the country are still experiencing summer like conditions, the Rocky Mountains have experienced winter early and often. Arctic like conditions have nestled over the region providing a lot of snow and a white Christmas. With temperatures this chilly it’s time to turn our focus on plans for next season’s garden layout and seed selections. So, as we flock to our favorite winter pass times, let’s remember to stay safe and have fun. Cheers

Create a story book setting throughout your garden with our featured flower of the month, Statice. A Mid-summer mix of long stemmed small papery flowers, Statice are well suited for the sunny side of your garden’s landscape.  It is an all time favorite when added to any cut floral arrangement.  When growing Statice, I prefer to sow seeds in early spring after the last frost. Sow seeds 8 to 10 inches apart in well draining soil for tiny blooms that should reach an approximate height of 16 inches. Cheers

It is undeniable that winter has arrived early in zone 4. If you have not prepared your garden for winter, now is the time.  Your winter check list should include mulching flower and vegetable garden beds with fall leaves or straw.  One of the most important things you can do while temperatures are above freezing is treat perennial flowers, trees and shrubs for pests. Taking these simple steps will enhance your gardens performance for seasons to come. Cheers