Weather patterns are exhibiting extreme behavior in our region and the world. Some are plague with drought while others are experiencing monsoon rains and flooding.
Here in zone 4 we experienced a long winter, beginning with frequent arctic air blast followed by record rain. The additional moisture has transformed the prairie into the Emerald City. Cheers
A free -flower plant that adds a sensational splash of color throughout the summer. It is a welcome addition to a flower bed when combined with other drought tolerant varieties. It is full sun, low maintenance and a dependable selection for your unique garden setting. Cheers
Summer is a time for back yard barbecues. Put a new spin on smoked pork shoulder or ribs by using vinegar rather than tomato as a base for your sauce. Try this untraditional recipe for that special finishing touch. Enjoy
Vivacious Vinegar Sauce
2 cups of white vinegar or cider 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 teaspoons of salt
2 tablespoons of turbinado sugar or brown sugar
Makes 2 cups
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Serve at room temperature. Refrigerate after use.
Summer Solstice, the longest day in 2015 occurred June 21st ushering in the hottest season of the year. Perennial flowering plants are approaching their peak while annual flowers are creating an atmosphere of anticipation. Sun drenched flowers like Rudbeckia and Sunflowers are exhibiting vivid colors throughout many garden landscapes. By planting drought resistant and heat tolerant plants you are sure to create beautiful green foliage that will allure year-round. Cheers
A favorite ground cover for the hot and dry conditions of zone 4 is sedum sarmentosum. This brilliant addition to your landscape is luscious coverage with a purpose. Sedum will assist in maintaining suitable soil conditions and help stop soil erosion.
Because it is a perennial, you will enjoy this plant all year and appreciate the slow but steady expansion of growth. Cheers
Our flower of the month is snap dragon (Antirrhinum). With incandescent puffy large vibrantly colored petals, this is one of the most impressive flowers to grow. It is great for containers and mass planting. The snap dragon blooms in early summer.
To create a season – long stream of color throughout your garden sow seeds early in a cool sheltered area. Cheers
The Dandelion, friend or foe? In early spring soon after the last frost dandelions begin to appear. They can grow up to two feet high and sprout little yellow flowers so attractive that some consider them to be ornamental. The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has over a 100 different variations. This difficult opponent of lawns and gardens is categorized as a weed and sometimes a vegetable but is actually a medicinal herb.
A simple recipe for this “spring cleanser” starts with soaking fresh greens before they start to flower in water over night to remove the bitterness, than boil them like spinach. Enjoy!
One of the most common birds found in North America is the American Robin. Stand out features include their distinctive black heads and red breast. They are thought to be among the most numerous bird species in the region.
They nest in Alaska, Canada and the cooler climates in the lower 48. They originally inhabited forest and swamps, but have adapted to life in the city. Enjoy!
One of the last great frontiers in the lower 48 is the state of Wyoming. This part of the mid west truly represents big sky country.
Once you’ve visited one of its numerous national parks, with its wide open ranges and lush rivers you will be eager to return. Cheers
Every successful grow season has its share of volatility, the ambiguous task of sowing seeds to bear fruit or flower is not without its issues. Seeds that initially showed promise wither by the way side leaving you to ponder your growing environment and seed selection. It is an arduous process being a grower, you must know how to handle and learn from your losses. Cheers
