Spring is on the horizon and our featured flower of the month is the Strawflower.
This full sun favorite brings cheer throughout the entire season. It is easy to grow and makes an excellent cut flower, fresh or dried. I suggest starting seeds in early spring for blooms that attract bees and butterflies until the first frost.
Cheers
If you thought grilling was just for summer, think again. Any time the weather allows is a great time to fire up the grill and winter is no exception. Although outdoor cooking offers the thrill of the grill year round, winter time can offer challenges. Avoid wind and down pours and grill away! Here is a great dry rub that goes with everything including ribs, chicken, or steaks. Rain or shine “get your gill on” Cheers
Spice Rub
¾ cup paprika 2 tablespoons chili powder
¼ cup ground black pepper 2 tablespoons onion powder
¼ salt 2 tablespoons garlic powder
¼ cup sugar 2 teaspoons cayenne
Makes 2 cups
Mix spices in a bowl and store in a cool dark location.
Shaded areas in your garden’s landscape allow certain plants to thrive. In zone 4, shade is a luxury!
The following plants are considered to be “shade or partial shade plants” and still, they will thrive in zone 4 sun!
Geraniums – many varieties are said to need partial shade however, this plant can withstand almost 8 hours of full sun each day. As summer gives way to fall bring these plants inside and continue to see blooms well into fall.
Nicotiana – this plant produces very fragrant trumpeted flowers on a tall, magnificent stalk.
Ageratum – this plant is tall and willowy attracting butterflies to your garden. It’s vibrant blue spikes bring pleasure to your senses.
Now is the time to plant annual seeds that require a twelve week indoor start time. Plants that include snap dragons, rudbeckia and sunflowers need a head start in order to develop properly. I consider “Mothers Day” the final weekend for planting outdoors but you are generally clear to plant annuals until late May in zone four. Let the season begin and remember, have fun and enjoy the process! Cheers.
Our plant of the month is the Coleus. A member of the Lamiaceae family, this plant will grow vigorously in zone 4. The leaves of the Coleus are olive with splashes of vibrant scarlet and chocolate. The Coleus is a partial shade plant with tropical aspects and makes a wonderful border plant. Sow seeds in early spring to create a beautiful tri-colored pattern throughout your garden. Cheers
A favorite winter past time in zone 4 is ice fishing. I know you’re thinking, what is appealing about standing on a frozen lake attempting to lure a fish thru a tiny hole. Fans of ice fishing find it challenging and enjoyable. Numerous innovations such as clothing and gear, vehicles to reach remote locations, sonar, under water cameras, pop-up shelters and augers provide a new dimension and enjoyment to the sport. As we reach the apex of winter let’s partake in the finer traditions of the season. Cheers
The weather can be unpredictable in zone 4, frequent arctic air blasts have exhibited a colder than normal winter in the Rockies. We are anticipating a windy, warmer climate in the latter stages of winter bringing a dryer start to spring. Currently, adequate snowfall blankets the high country so our hope is for adequate water in the growing season with no water restrictions. A recent report confirmed the world is experiencing consistently warmer temperatures. Be a good steward and only use the resources you need. Cheers
One of my favorite flowering plants is salvia. This versatile flower of the month makes a wonderful border and attracts numerous butterflies. It will grow in full sun, is drought tolerant and the brilliant blooms continue when others have finished. I suggest starting seeds in early spring for a flower that will last until the first frost. Cheers
A gardener’s timeless tradition of recycling waste products is simply brilliant. Nature teaches us that organic matter breaks down and nothing goes to waste. The best soil enhancement will always be the addition of nature’s compost! The process is relatively easy and cost effective. I maintain two separate piles of compost in a corner of my back yard. I start with one pile and halfway thru the process begin a second pile for rotation purposes. By using some existing organic garden soil and adding the correct ratio of carbon and nitrogen like fallen leaves, spent annuals, untreated grass clippings, egg shells, coffee grounds, and left over vegetables you begin the process of creating “black gold”.
I work in the ingredients and turn the pile often keeping it moist with a spray of water and covering the pile with a tarp to create a warm environment. I do not add citrus and please, do not add animal products as they will attract unwanted pests! You may consider using a plastic compost bin with a turn handle. There are numerous composting methods so do some research and determine what works best for your garden. Cheers
