The title of “World’s Hottest Pepper” is always contested. Pepper heat can be a bit subjective and inconsistent. And it seems as soon as everyone agrees on a champion, a new hybrid emerges claiming insanely scorching heat. But one pepper has managed to hold off all comers for the past few years – The Carolina Reaper.The Carolina Reaper Along the …
Recent Posts
Six Unique Fall Bulbs You Should Try!
Thursday October 4, 2018
During fall bulb season, our shop is a lot like an ice cream parlor. Of course, we have everyone’s favorite flavors like grape hyacinths, bearded irisand tulips. These are the “Cookie Dough” of bulbs – always a treat! But every now and then, you might feel like a “Butter Pecan,” or heck, even a “Pistachio” for your fall garden. If …
2018 Tomato and Pepper Trial Results… sort of.
Tuesday September 18, 2018
Earlier this month, at our Littleton location, we celebrated our annual Tomato Festival. The Tomato Festival is usually when our resident veggie guru, Leo Ortiz, presents the results of our tomato and pepper trials. Each year in our community gardens, Leo grows one of every variety of tomato and pepper that we carry at O’Toole’s to see first-hand what works …
Five Reasons Fall Planting is the Best!
Wednesday September 12, 2018
We all know what it feels like when spring is full to bursting in those halcyon days of April and May. What better time could there be to plant your garden? But wise gardeners know to be patient. The fall is just as good, if not better, than the spring for planting perennials, trees and shrubs. Here’s five reasons why! …
Ask A Gardener – Aphids
Monday September 10, 2018
Aphids are probably the most common garden pest in the whole world. There are over 4.000 different species of aphids spread out across every continent except Antarctica. Here in Colorado, according to the CSU Extension Office, “few plants grown (here) do not support at least one aphid.” Symptoms and Signs Aphids can be extremely varied in appearance (coming in green, …
Cut Flower Garden
Monday August 20, 2018
A bright bouquet of roses or a perfectly arranged centerpiece can completely transform a room. But don’t just settle for flowers on fancy occasions. Planting a cut flower garden is a great way to enjoy fresh cut flowers all season long! But cut flower gardening is a little bit different than growing a regular flower bed. So, here are a …
2018 OToole’s Garden Giveaway Contest Winners
Tuesday August 7, 2018
We want to give a great big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who participated in our very first O’Toole’s Garden Giveaway contest this year. We were bowled over by the response – over 200 submissions! Last week, we convened our panel of judges to decide on the winners. With so many incredible entries, it was hard to pick just a handful …
Ask A Gardener – Pumpkin Flowers
Wednesday July 11, 2018
A lot of people get nervous when they see tons of flowers on their pumpkin vines and no fruit, but rest assured you are right on schedule. Right around mid-summer, pumpkins will usually start to flower in large numbers. But this is only half of the pumpkin-making process. These early bloomers are just the pollen-producing male flowers. Male flowers tend …
Butterfly Bush
Monday July 9, 2018
Butterfly bush is one of the most versatile shrubs in the garden. Sometimes called "Summer Lilac," They’re fast growing, drought tolerant and provide beautiful color all summer long. The taller varieties make great background plantings, accent plants or even informal hedges, while the shorter varieties can fit right into your perennial beds. Their bright sprays of purple, white or pink …
"Thriller," "Filler," "Spiller!"
Monday June 11, 2018
Patio pots brimming with colorful annuals are the perfect summer accent for any patio, porch or backyard. But there’s more to planting great pots than throwing together a bunch of flowers. Here’s a great design scheme that’s used by professional planters and amateurs alike – and all you need to remember are three words – "Thriller," "Filler" and "Spille!" Preparing …