COLOR! COLOR! COLOR! May means one thing around here, color and lots of it.  We've got more color than a bowl of Fruit Loops!  More color than a box of crayons! More color than Jackson Pollock redecorating Liberace's bathroom!  We've got more color than...well you get the picture.

Come on by and check out all of our colorful patio pots, hanging baskets, planters, annuals, perennials and more!

The Three Sisters

The Ancient Art of Companion Planting

Native Americans throughout North America relied on three principal crops for survival; corn, beans and squash. These three vegetables were central to the lives of Native peoples for hundreds of years.   The Iroquois famously named them The Three Sisters because all three plants work together and support each other. The corn grows tall and provides a form for the beans to climb up, the beans enrich the soil and the squash leaves provide a natural mulch for all three.   It's no wonder the Iroquois saw such perfect co-habitation as a gift from heaven. 
 
The Three Sisters elegantly illustrate the idea of companion planting; the art of planting different plants together for their mutual benefit. We can apply this same ancient technique in our own gardens. You can use companion planting to intensify the flavor of vegetables, enrich the soil, attract beneficial insects and repel pests.  As you plant your garden this year, try some of these companion plants yourself!
 

• Basil not only enhances the flavor of all vegetables, particularly tomatoes, but it also repels aphids, whiteflies, hornworms, mosquitoes and other insects. 
   
• Onion repels cabbage butterflies and helps all members of the cabbage family.
   
• Chives are good companions for tomatoes and fruit trees
   
• Garlic helps repel fruit borers
   
• Chrysanthemums help protect strawberries
   
• Japanese beetles can be lured by marigold, evening primrose, four-o'clock and woodbine
   
• Garlic also helps deters Japanese Beetles
   
• Marigolds discourage nematodes from attacking potatoes, strawberries, roses and bulbs
   
• Nasturtiums help keep away squash bugs and benefit potatoes, radishes, cucumbers and cabbages
   
• Hot peppers can discourage insect pests
   
• Marigolds promote growth keep insects away.
   
• Radishes attract leaf miners away from spinach.
   
• Nectar from dwarf zinnias lures ladybugs and other predators can help to protect cauliflower from cabbageworms
   
• Dill protects all members of the cabbage family by attracting wasps that kill cabbageworms
   
• Rosemary protects cabbage, beans and carrots
   
   

More Companion Planting Info:
Old Farmer's Almanac Companion Plant Chart
National Sustainable Agriculture Companion Planting Basics
Cornell University Companion Plants
 

 Drought Tolerant Annuals
A lot of people have been asking us for low water alternatives for hanging baskets, patio pots and window boxes.  Fortunately, there are plenty of gorgeous flowers that do well and even thrive with less water.  Here's a list of some beautiful annuals that are heat and drought tolerant

Bacopa
Zinnia
Dianthus
Cosmos
Dusty Miller
Lantana
Verbena
Calibrachoa Superbells
Lobelia
Osteospermum
Sweet Potato Vine
Marigold
Portulaca

Check out our Water Wise Plant List for some great drought tolerant perennials, shrubs, grasses, vines and trees. 

Dandelion Control

Grampa's Weeder

The Grampa approved weeding method.  You can pull out dandelions by the root without even bending down  Watch Grampa show the whippersnappers how it's done!

Bayer All in One
Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer
O'Toole's Exclusive!
One of the most effective weed killers on the market, Bayer All in One kills over 200 common lawn weeds like dandelions plus annual grass weeds like crabgrass, all without hurting your lawn. We have a 1.3 gallon ready to spray container that also comes with a battery sprayer and a free refill.  And now, with our May coupon, you can get it for $9.99 plus a $3 mail in rebate from Bayer! 






Green Light Wipe Out Broadleaf Weed Killer
Controls the most common broadleaf lawn weeds, including dandelions, clover and thistle.  Already a bargain at $3.99, check out our May Coupon and Buy One Get One FREE!

Arvada Farmer's Market

Coming in June!

 Last summer we welcomed the Arvada Farmer's Market to our Westminster store each Thursday until fall.  It was such a success that we are going to be hosting a farmer's market at all three of our locations this year, featuring locally grown organic produce, delicious breads, jams, jellies, barbecue sauce, snacks, cookies and even wine.  It's a great way to support our local farmers and artisans, so come on by and check it out!