Wordless Wednesday 11.12.2014

Geranium sanguineum

Wordless Wednesday 11.05.2014

Northern sea oats, Chasmanthium latifolium

Wordless Wednesday 10.29.2014

Speechless, actually. . .

This potted begonia is in full bloom in a container on my north facing porch.

I snapped this photo just moments ago — it's unheard of for a begonia, the most tender of plants, to be flowering at this time. So much for Mother Nature following the rules — our average first freeze is September 15th!

Wordless Wednesday meets Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day

Here's a brief tour of my mid-October garden:

Questions? Leave a comment and I'll be happy to address them. Meanwhile, be sure to visit Carol's May Dreams Gardens for links to more participants in this month's bloom day celebration.

Wordless Wednesday 9.24.2014

Hello, fall! Rhus glabra 'Laciniata'

This is Normal

Plumbago, Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, is painfully slow to emerge in the spring.

mid-May appearance of plumbago, also known as leadwort

But never fear, once it gets growing it takes off quickly to form a dense mass of foliage about 8" tall. By mid-summer the lovely blue flowers will begin to emerge,

and this lush groundcover will keep flowering through fall.

mid-September and full of flowers

As autumn progresses, plumbago's leaves shift color from rich green to oranges and reds.

Plumbago is a true ground cover and creeps via its root system. Plant in full sun or part/filtered shade. Moderately drought tolerant, once established.

It's Not Too Soon . . .

To start winter watering! I spent the afternoon dragging the hose and sprinkler around my backyard. Here's a recent article from the CSU Extension Service that describes why it's so important, how and when to do it.

An owl-eye type sprinkler delivers a lot of water quickly.

The water I applied today will have plenty of time to soak in before our little snow storm arrives later this week.

Wordless Wednesday 11.13.2013

last of the apricot leaves and the blue, blue Colorado sky

In the Garden Now

Are you a year-round gardener? Do you strive to find things to do in your yard even as the plants are going dormant and the cold wind blows?  Here are a few suggestions — and a little link love — for activities that are perfect for the  November gardener.

Plant bulbs!  It's the perfect time to get those spring blooming beauties in the ground.  For inspiration, check out Deborah Silver's tips on her blog Dirt Simple (nobody does it better!).  You should still be able to purchase bulbs locally, but you might enjoy perusing the offerings from Brent and Becky's Bulbs, too.  Their catalog is packed full of interesting plants and helpful information.

Take care of your stuff. My November Rocky Mountain Gardener's Checklist on Houzz focuses on winterizing your valuable pots and tools.

Schedule a tree pro. Do your trees or large shrubs need to be pruned? Find a Certified Arborist via the International Society of Arboriculture - Rocky Mountain Chapter.  These are the folks that have been trained in tree health management and how to work safely in dangerous situations.

Visit a display garden.  Once deciduous plants have shed their leaves it's easier to focus on their other characteristics, like interesting or colorful bark, persistent fruit (more color!) or a striking form.  Evergreens come into play more strongly now, too.  Make observations and notes for additions to your own landscape, or just enjoy an invigorating walk.  Some of my favorites are Kendrick Lake Park (a fabulous xeriscape and natives garden), The Gardens on Spring Creek (lots of ideas for veggie lovers), and Denver Botanic Gardens (something for everyone!).

Wordless Wednesday 10.30.2013

Wordless Wednesday 10.16.2013

Maximilian sunflower, Helianthus maximiliani, and friend

Photo Friday from Taos, New Mexico

I recently spent the weekend in Taos, New Mexico, visiting with family and enjoying the beautiful sites and sounds of one of my favorite places.

hollyhock, Alcea rosea

courtyard outside my room at Casa Benavides

blue, blue sky and bright yellow chamisa (aka rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosa

Russian sage, hollyhocks and dwarf asters   photo courtesy of Allison Hooper

adobe, ironwork, and blue trim reflect the architectural heritage of the region

Here are some of my favorite places and a look at the larger landscape of the region, and more garden views and links, here.

Hope you enjoy the tour, and have a great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday 10/02/2012

Happy Autumn!

Here are just a few scenes from my garden today, the first day of fall:

my all-time favorite combo: blue oat grass and Autumn Joy sedum

what bees want: sedum and more sedum

Miscanthus strictus in its prime

despite some recent hail damage, the grapes are ripe and sweet

Here's wishing you a beautiful, bountiful fall!

One more time...

I couldn't resist sharing a couple more photos of spectacular fall foliage color.  This is Geranium sanguineum (bloody cranesbill) in my front garden today.  I wanted to capture the color before the snow arrives tomorrow...

Have a great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday 11.07.2012

Super Red

You can keep your burning bush pink and your orangey-red Autumn Blaze maple (the "it" tree for fall color around here these days); I'll take the dark, luxurious reds of fragrant sumac, Rhus aromatica, any time.

The glossy foliage catches the low autumn light and adds depth and complexity — plus a touch of glamour — to this Rocky Mountain native.

Hands down, the best shrub for full sun, poor soils, and dry conditions when your goal is super red fall foliage.

Wordless Wednesday 10.24.2012

Geranium spp.

October means Orange!

The last few days I've been seeing orange everywhere!  From soft, pale coral to intense, almost red (and I'm not even talking pumpkins!). . .

'Autumn Brilliance' serviceberry. This Amelanchear may morph into red.

Engleman ivy.  Parthenocissus may run rampant, but fall color never disappoints.

St. Johnswort.  Hypericum is not known for its fall color, but it's always showy.

The plumes get the press with maiden grass, but Miscanthus foliage color is terrific.

An unknown hawthorn, Crataegus spp., gets orange right.

Orange sand cherry, Prunus besseyi, plays well with the blue berries of Oregon grape holly, Mahonia.

Wind delivered beauty: leaves from a neighbor's 'Autumn Blaze maple, Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred'.

Little bluestem grass, Schizachyrium scoparium, has luscious color that will hold well into winter.   

Orange you glad it's October?

Wordless Wednesday 9.26.2012

goldenrod and sage, Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' and Salvia officinalis purpurea