From ancient times human designs and décor using floral wreaths, arrangements and adornments have endured. Pods, cat tails, leaves and fall flowers can be utilized to make a special centerpiece and dry arrangements will last for months.   Whether you choose something from your own garden or ask your local florist to create something, celebratory and everyday fall experiences will be enhanced.

Cheers

The most precious resource impacting our existence is water! Challenging ourselves to use less is crucial! Many years of drought in zone 4 led us to research more creative methods of watering our garden. A “drip irrigation” system pinpoints the exact area water is needed and uses a fraction of water used with a sprinkling system.  Even watering plant roots by hand is preferred to a sprinkling system, the water is directed where it is needed and keeps water droplets off fragile blooms which can attract the hot Colorado sun.

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The first hard frost has taken place covering plants with an icy chill that brings them to their next life cycle.

Specific plants like geraniums or impatiens can be brought inside and continue blooming, the remaining plants can be added to your compost pile helping to create rich soil better known as “black gold” for next year. Forcing bulbs during the fall is a somewhat arduous task but if you decide to do it you will enjoy blooms during mid winter to early spring.  Cheers

 

We enjoyed a remarkable spring and summer in zone 4. Late frost and hail storms subsided with gentler spring rains preparing the ground for planting. Dense snow pack melted slowly filling our rivers to overflowing.  This precious resource filled our reservoirs, dampened our ground and allowed us to use less water this summer. Cooler temperatures and ample rain fall kept forest fires at bay.

Fall has been mild with temperatures in the high seventies! Tricksters will enjoy a balmy night to show off their costumes and gather treats. They are certain to enjoy the October decorations which include numerous flowers still blooming in our garden.  Cheers

 

 

Cornflower

The Cornflower (Centaura cyanus) also known as bachelor’s button is an annual plant native to Europe. It is a full sun, drought tolerant flower that grows between 24 – 34 inches in height with blooms ranging from 1 -1.5 inches in diameter. The most common color is blue however, it can also be found in pink, white and purple. Cornflowers are delicate looking yet vigorous and easy to grow. I advise sowing seeds outdoors very early for summer blooms, or in fall for early spring flowers. Cheers

 

   

The Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a milkweed butterfly found in North America. Its recognizable orange and black wing pattern is particularly popular in the Rocky Mountains and can be seen migrating towards California and Mexico in late autumn.