One of my favorite necessary creatures is the bee. This hairy-bodied insect is a master pollinator and gatherer of nectar.  Regrettably, the bee like many other creatures is under constant siege.  The bee’s gift to cross pollinate is a necessity to a thriving eco system.  We must perform all that we are capable of accomplishing to preserve a sustainable environment, aiding all creatures large and small.  Cheers

With water being a precious resource, growing these drought tolerant full sun varieties will contribute to your personal conservation efforts. Cheers

 

 

Lantana (disambiguation) is a member of the verbenaceae family. It is a perennial, native to the tropical regions of the Americas’ and Africa. There are over 150 different variations of this plant that will bloom from spring throughout fall.  Plant this verbenaceae in early spring.  Cheers

 

 

The rocky mountain region of zone 4 is infamous for its numerous peaks and valleys. Go explore a fourteener or one of its many hiking trails, the season is generally from June through September. Take in the fresh air and views while enjoying “ridge walking” and being above the timberline.

 

 

 

One of my personal favorite hikes is Glacier Peak, it is located in the Arapahoe National Forest with a starting elevation of 11,585 feet.   It is an easy trail taking about 72 minutes to reach the summit (12,853). Once there, you will be rewarded with views of Greys and Torreys Peaks. Enjoy

We love our gardens and we love our pets, can they co-exist?

Dogs in particular need a fence.  In addition, low additional fencing may be required around areas needing special protection.

Never leave your pet in the garden alone, when bored or frustrated, digging could become a fun pastime.

Take care to choose plants that will not be harmful to your pet and teach your pet to relieve himself in a specific area of the garden, this will make clean up a snap.

Cheers!

Wild flowers are an excellent way to add texture and color to your landscape. Combining old-time cheerful favorites like rudbeckia, cosmos, shasta daisy’s, poppies and baby’s breath will create a whimsical paradise throughout your landscape. Sow seeds with a spreader in early spring or late fall.  Cheers

With run off subsiding, now is the time to get a line wet.  In order to obtain the “big bite” I like to fish with a streamer. Streamers imitate bait fish which usually attract larger prey. One of my favorite streamers to use on the river or in still waters is the Wooly Bugger. When used effectively during free floating or stripping it’s guaranteed to increase your chances of landing that special trophy. Cheers

 

 

 

Happiness is scheduling a tee time on a rocky mountain golf course. Play the hard ball for 9 or 18 holes with various clubs while enjoying the pristine landscape.

 

 

 

 

 

Golf Tip

During your back swing remember to always keep your head down and your eye on the ball.  Cheers

 

 

 

Seed Swap is a forum for exchanging gardening tips and thoughts on outdoor living. Share your thoughts today!

Cheers

A stunning drought tolerant plant that will thrive in zone 4 is our flower of the month celosia. Its feathery plumes of scarlet or gold will add contrast and color to your garden. It is a full sun flower and is excellent cut or dried. Sow seeds in spring for plumes that will thrill throughout summer.  Cheers