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, …
Recent Posts
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 …
Ask A Gardener – Earwigs
Monday May 21, 2018
Believe it or not, some people actually consider earwigs to be beneficial garden insects. They do feed on a lot of common garden pests such as aphids and mites. And contrary to the old wives’ tale about them crawling into your ear (shudder), they’re harmless to humans. But an out of control population of earwigs can cause a lot of …
Ask A Gardener – Zombie Garden!
Thursday May 10, 2018
What an awesome idea! I consulted with a few of our plant gurus and we all had a great time coming up with this list. Here’s a few of our favorite frightening plants that would be just perfect for a zombie garden! Black Petunias Annual Full Sun Plant genetics are just amazing, aren’t they? Over the years growers and biologists …
Ask A Gardener – Dog Spots in the Lawn
Friday April 27, 2018
Here in Colorado, we do love our doggies, But they can be hard on our lawns, especially when they decide a certain corner of the lawn is now their personal restroom. Dog urine contains excess amounts of nitrogen and salts that can affect your grass. Sometimes this can actually stimulate grass growth, causing little patches of tall green grass. After …
Five Amazing New Annuals from Hardy Boy
Monday April 23, 2018
Earlier this month, we were so happy to have Giovanna Romero from Welby Gardens at all three of our open houses to share with us some of the most exciting new annuals from their brand Hardy Boy Plants. Started with a horse-drawn plow in 1948, Welby’s Gardens has grown into one of the best producers of annuals, perennials, herbs and …