One of springs most anticipated flowers is the tulip. These once coveted and highly expensive bulbs are now readily available in numerous varieties and colors.  They extol beauty beyond compare!

 

 

 

 

For joy in spring, plant this bulb in fall approximately 12 inches below the soil with the bulb tip facing up. Soil should be free of weeds and well draining. Cheers

Snow reached peak levels and rivers are running.  A sigh of relief gives way to the knowledge that it’s not too soon to drop a line into a Rocky Mountain stream and land a trout. Try using one of my favorite flies, the prince nymph.  This fly can be fished alone or used with the dry/dropper method.  Enjoy wild mountain flowers on your way to the honey hole.  Tight lines!  Cheers

 

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Nothing brings more cheer than our flower of the month, the Daffodil. This spring time flower is a member of the narcissus family originating in the native wooded areas of south west Europe and northern Africa.  The perennial bulb is one of the first to flower annually creating a sense of hope after a long winter.  Plant bulbs in fall for blooms that will kick start your spring growing season. Cheers

 

 

A key ingredient in the process of photosynthesis is light. Artificial lighting is a wonderful source for beginning your plants indoors however it cannot replace the sun.

 

 

Cheers

 

The guarantee of warmer days ahead brings cheer to everyone and it’s time to implement garden plans that were pondered during the winter. Plans should include a list of plants that will thrive in your particular zone and a detailed map pinpointing their location.

Flower beds should be clear of debris with soil rotated and conditioned. Green houses and hoop houses should be ready for new plants and for those of you who planted fall bulbs, the fruits of your labor have either sprouted or are on the horizon. Surely nothing says spring like tulips and daffodils.  Keep in mind that one of the most important elements of gardening is enjoying the fruits of your labor. Cheers

 

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.