During the height of fall I usually find myself reflecting on the season that is rapidly coming to a close.  While I walk through the garden I survey what flourished and which plants struggled. This season I had success with my flowering perennials but struggled with my vegetable garden.  I was humbled this season when my harvest was a fraction of what I usually get.  I am still baffled as to why but sometimes I have to accept the outcome, hope for the future and focus on what worked.  I was surrounded by beautiful flowers from early spring through fall and was able to harvest just enough from my garden to make my favorite salsa.  Keep digging in the dirt!  Cheers

Now is the perfect time to plan a fall getaway and experience the magnificent colors of fall.  Here in zone 4 we head west to the mountains to relish the natural canvas of glorious colors inhabiting the surrounding landscape. Breathtaking views of aspen trees display their colors of gold, multiple shades of green and hues of orange delight our senses. We have learned that time is precious and using some of it to experience the beauty of our planet is never a waste.  Enjoy!

As the sun sets on another summer season now is the perfect time to add additional plants to your garden since day time temperatures are cooler and the garden soil is warm.  Planting spring bulbs such as tulips and daffodils will ensure early spring time blooms for next season.  Be a step ahead in the game by planting perennial shrubs, trees and flowers for seasons to come.  This summer I have added the perennial flowers Speedwell (“Moody Blues”) and Phlox (“Party Girl”} to my garden. Both flowers are drought tolerant and “full sun” and will be great additions to my flower beds. The sun may be setting on our summer season but it doesn’t have to set on our gardening experience. Keep on planting and digging in the dirt!  Cheers

Once again I was blessed to enjoy another vacation in Juneau Alaska. We shared excellent food, wonderful fellowship, and amazing fishing.  Fishing was special due to several days of calm seas which allowed us to “whack and stack” our limits of salmon, halibut, and coveted black cod. I had the privilege to trek through the Jensen- Olson Arboretum again and it is a place that keeps getting better with each and every visit.  It is a gardener’s oasis and contains our featured flower of the month, the primrose.  Primula Vialii is from the plant family Primulaceae.  It is a leafy bush like plant with dark green foliage.  Its blooms range in colors of purple, white, red and pink.  Primroses are very hardy and adapt well to numerous soil conditions. They can be sowed from seed indoors during the winter months and transplanted in spring.  The flower pictured below is called “Poker Primose” Enjoy! Cheers

One section of my yard is visible to the public and this part of my garden gives me great joy. Neighbors slow their pace to take pictures, smell the flowers and just take a moment to enjoy what they see.  The garden consists of several varieties of drought tolerant perennials that start blooming in spring, continue through summer and some bloom in the fall. If I happen to be in the garden I get a lot of questions like, “how did you get started with gardening?” or “what’s the name of that flower?”  Rather than blabber on for several hours I suggest they go to my website. If you have a question simply type in the subject or the name of a flower and relevant information will appear.  The search for goodness can be challenging these days but you will find goodness in the garden at www.zinniaboy.com     Cheers

Now that the growing season is underway with seeds sowed and young tender ling’s planted, it’s time to change our focus to care and maintenance.  Caring for your garden begins with plant placement. The location of your garden will ensure that shade plants get the proper amount of shade and full sun plants receive enough sun in order to thrive.  Proper maintenance also requires a routine hydration regiment.  I like to water my flowers during the early morning hours while the ground is cool. In addition, keeping your garden floor clear of weeds is a critical factor for a successful growing season.

Strange and unusual weather patterns persist here in zone 4.  I am usually writing about spring planting and how it’s safe to start your gardens because frost is less likely to occur.  That is a far cry from what is currently taking place here in zone 4.  The low temperatures and winter like conditions have bought spring planting to a halt.  This isn’t the first time and certainly won’t be the last that Mother Nature has thrown us a curve ball.  I’ve learned over time that my growing seasons are short and sweet and to enjoy the highs and lows that the seasons bring.  Happy planting! Cheers

When you plan your garden you should ask yourself, what do I want to grow? Are you growing plants and vegetables that you want to eat and enjoy or are you growing something that you have read or heard about?  Growing fruits and vegetables for eating will encourage you to provide the care required for a bountiful harvest.  In addition, your time and efforts can be seen as exercise and a time to reconnect with nature.  Time well spent!  Cheers