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.

 

Your hardiness zone will play a vital role when choosing which annuals or perennials to plant. Flowers, trees, shrubs and vegetables will thrive when grown in their favorable region. The Rocky Mountain region is a combination of zone 4 and 5 with an average “last frost” from May 1 through May 30 and an average “first frost” from September 1 through September 30. This translates to approximately 160 days for growing annuals depending where you live in these regions. Perennials will need to be hardy enough to go through the winter in order to bloom or leaf again in the spring, fall and summer.  Compared to  more temperate regions this grow season is relatively short although choosing the best plants for your region will increase the success for all of your planting and sowing. Cheers

Due to successful gardening endeavors, I am often told I have a “green thumb”. While flattered, what does having a green thumb really mean?

I don’t have a PHD in Botany and I’m not a genius. I am an average guy who has a desire to grow beautiful flowers and I pay attention to detail.  I follow simple instruction and plant, seeds and bulbs in the best environment possible. I believe everyone has the ability to have a green thumb.  All it takes is desire and willingness. If I can do it so can you!  Cheers