Category: Outdoor Living

As winter approaches, you’ve likely experienced your first frost of the season. Generally the first fall frost indicates the end of the growing season.  Here in zone 4 the last spring frost is April 30^th and the first fall frost occurs October 4^th which translates to a grow seasons that consist of a 156 days. There is a 50% chance of the first frost occurring after the spring and fall dates. Knowledge of your regional grow season will help you accurately assess and plan your garden accordingly. Cheers

One of my favorite perennial flowers to grow is our featured flower of the month the Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). This flower has hardy fragrant fully doubled fringes that bloom in a plethora of colors. These sparkling blossoms are perfect for the sunny side of your garden.  Its fragrant cluster will attract butterflies and hummingbirds from summer until fall and are ideal for cutting. If you start from seed, I suggest sowing them indoors in late winter or early spring. Cheers

All plants require the proper nutrients in order to thrive. These nutrients are found in the soil in which they grow. The three major chemical compounds of soil are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Nitrogen helps plants develop strong leaves and healthy stems while phosphorus plays a vital role during the early stages of root development and early growth. Potassium promotes root vigor and disease resistance. Maintaining the proper balance of these ingredients is crucial for your plants survival. It is very important to test soil conditions for the correct Ph levels and much more. Cheers

To compare thee to a rose one must have soft cheeks, gentle lips and a shapely nose. An ethereal touch with an exquisite pose.  A lurid look of beauty that abundantly flows. A sweet amenity that everyone knows and with all these features thou art commendable to a rose.

Zinnia Boy

Exploring fall colors in the Rocky Mountains is a glorious experience. There is a small window of time when colors are at their peak.  The air has a hint of the winter that approaches and the fall left behind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We took a drive along the Poudre River in Colorado, experiencing the beauty of the river and fall foliage colors. Don’t miss this incredible time of year, get out and experience Fall.  Cheers

Nicotiana

A welcome addition to any garden is our featured flower of the month, Nicotiana (Nicotiana sylvestris). With dark green foliage on tall stately stalks this flower has pristine white trumpet shaped blossoms that contain a sweet scent. Nicotiana can reach heights of over five feet, is “full sun”, drought tolerant and makes an excellent border plant. For tireless blooms from summer till first frost, start seeds in spring spread 10 inches apart in well draining soil. Cheers

One traditional ornament of fall is known as a “Jack-O-lantern”.  A vegetable with numerous varieties and sizes, pumpkins can weigh over one hundred pounds. The “meat” inside a pumpkin’s tough exterior makes an excellent pie and the internal seeds can be roasted, creating a very nutritious snack.

 

 

 

 

When hallowed out, the pumpkin makes a seasonal Halloween art form. To create your special pumpkin patch I suggest planting 4-6 seeds in groups 6-8’ apart or in rows. Happy Halloween!

I often refer to my favorite flowering perennials as “flowers everlasting”. I say this because every season I can depend upon their return throughout my garden landscape. Their natural and automatic blooms appear to make gardening a synch unlike annuals that must be planted every season. Here are three of my favorite Perennial flowers. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

It won’t be long and one of my favorite weekend activities will end for the year.  Spending time at my local outdoor Farmer’s Market has always provided a sense of community and gives me the opportunity to support local farmers and entrepreneurs. The cost of goods is nearly always lower and the eco footprint smaller compared to purchasing from a grocer.  I can purchase produce that I know has not been in a truck for days and I may be receiving that piece of fruit or those vegetables from the hand of someone who actually harvested it a short time ago. The direct contact is an amazing experience.  Cheers