Add some “pop” to your garden by growing our featured flower of the month, the California poppy.  Poppies come in a variety of colors, red, cream, orange, gold and pink. These delicate silky crepe-paper petals are supported on green stems with fern like foliage. They are” full sun” and adapt well to cool weather climates. They typically bloom from spring into summer and will perform best when planted in deep rich well draining soil. Cheers

Yesterday was warm and people were wearing short sleeved shirts. Today we are experiencing a typical March snow storm in full force. The much needed moisture will fulfill so many needs on so many levels. Fire fighters are breathing a sigh of relief as immediate fires are dampened and some future fires will not have a chance to ignite on our grasslands or in our Rocky Mountain forests.  Water is being added to our reservoirs for drinking water and for irrigation purposes.  Our personal gardens will have water and we have hope of nonexistent water restrictions.  Ski runs will have more snow providing public recreation adding to our economy.

We always look forward to summer but not without our “Rocky Mountain Rain” in the form of wet and heavy snow. Cheers

The early spring like conditions in the rocky mountain high country has encouraged some of the wild life to seek lower elevations to forage for food. It is truly amazing to witness these majestic creatures in a natural setting. Enjoy!

Spring is on the horizon and it is almost time for one of my favorite flowers to bloom, the Tulip. Tulips are perennial bulbs that will grow in full sun or partial shade. Once they emerge they can be enjoyed in the garden or used in cut floral arrangements.  When I grow tulips, I select well drained soil then plant the bulbs six inches deep with the bulb tips facing up. The bulbs should be about six inches apart. Make sure to keep the area weed free and protected from frost by utilizing a layer of mulch in cold winter climates.  Cheers

With spring on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to start seeds indoors. By implementing an indoor growing system that consist of a lighting system, grow pellets, seeds and trays, you can get a head start on vegetables and flowers for the upcoming season.  There is nothing quite like the thrill of witnessing the germination process. Enjoy!

While most winter time dishes consist of hearty stews and warm casseroles, take a break away from the norm and fire up the grill. Try grilling lobster tails, Alaskan crab legs or wild salmon and you are guaranteed rave reviews.

Tip:

The number one enemy of winter grilling is freezing wind. It has a profound effect on the internal temperature of your grill.  Properly shielding your grill and utilizing your grills venting system is a great way of beating the cold. Cheers

 

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