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The Beauty of the Rose

The Rose

Admired for centuries, the rose is a worldwide favorite and the undeniable champion of flowers.  The rose is a member of the Rosaceae family with over 100 species and thousands of cultivars. The beauty of the rose lifts the soul and spirit with numerous colors and fragrances which are second to none.  The rose comes in a multitude of varieties and forms ranging from ground covering shrubs to climbers.  Contrary to myth, growing roses does not have to be difficult.  Check with your local garden shop to purchase hybrids developed for specific climates and hardiness. Cheers

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Contemplation

Contemplation

Winter is often a time for reflection.  As I ponder the events of last season my thoughts give way to plans for next season’s blooms.  It is time to place seed orders.  I give careful consideration to soil requirements, climate conditions and the amount of light in my garden. Paying attention to these criteria will increase my odds of having a successful growing season.

Here is a list of cut flower varieties that I am currently contemplating and would like to share for this coming spring.  Cheers!

Sunflowers

Zinnias

Statice

Cosmos

Strawflower

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Sweet as Candy

CandyTuft

Magically reappearing year after year throughout my garden is our featured flower of the month CandyTuft.  CandyTuft, (Iberis umbellata) resemble mini umbrellas in your garden. They come in a variety of colors and are dwarfed in size.  Colors of pink, lavender, red and white appear at ground level.  These tender perennials are often grown as annuals and are popular in spring because they flower quickly.  CandyTufts add an old fashion aura of enchantment making them a wonderful addition to many wild flower mixes. I start seeds early in spring in fertile soil for blooms that should appear throughout summer.  Cheers

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The Ladybug

Ladybug

One of my favorite beneficial insects is the Ladybug.  When I notice Ladybugs in my garden I know good things are happening.  The Hippodamia Convergens will consume numerous varieties of soft bodied bugs including over 5,000 aphids during their one year life span allowing your garden crops to thrive without the use of pesticides.  I tend to notice these magnificent creatures in mid to early spring.  Cheers

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Fall Foliage

Fall Foliage

Fall has come and will soon give way to winter.   Fall has provided a spectacular array of colors and many souls have taken the trek into the high country to capture a view of changing Aspen and other foliage.  Tons of leaves are shed by trees every year. We rake and place them into bags only to have them hauled away to landfills then spend money the following season for fertilizer when we could have used what was given to us by nature.  Use these fallen bits of treasure to make compost!  Leaves will break down creating nutrients for your soil.  I prefer waiting until most leaves have fallen then scatter them on flower beds and over the winter they will break down adding nutrients to your soil supporting another season of beauty.   Cheers