Ask a Gardener – Slugs

Wednesday June 29, 2016

What do you recommend for slug infestation in my flower garden? Dog-safe and bird friendly. I have been baiting with beer for a year and catch many but they are causing damage and out of control. I’ve heard Sluggo or possibly used coffee grounds? HELP! – Autumn Ug! Slugs! The warm temperatures and afternoon showers of summer are perfect conditions …

Ask a Gardener – Watering Tomatoes

Monday June 20, 2016

This is my first year planting tomatoes. I share a space for planting with two people. One says water a lot, the other says don’t water too much. Which is correct? – Connie Well, the wonk-y master gardener answer to your question is: “Tomatoes require one to two inches of water per week.” But the more practical answer is: “It …

Deadhead, man…

Friday June 10, 2016

When you hear the word “deadhead,” you may think of your crazy Uncle Ernie who still tie-dyes his socks, but “deadhead” has a special meaning to gardeners. To “deadhead” is to remove the wilted, dead blossoms from annuals and perennials. This helps the plant bloom more and for a longer time. The whole purpose of flowers in nature is to …

Tomatoes: A to Z

Tuesday May 31, 2016

Amend the Soil – Amending the soil with organic material should always be the first step when planting tomatoes. Before you plant, amend your beds with at least one inch of Colorado’s Choice B.O.S.S. or other organic compost. This will help improve the physical structure of your soil and also introduce beneficial organic material. and organisms. Blossom End Rot – …

Ask a Gardener – Nightcrawlers and Earthworms

Tuesday May 24, 2016

What can be done about nightcrawlers as my lawn has gotten so lumpy? – Pat This is one of those rare “too much of a good thing” occasions in gardening. Of course we all know that earthworms and nightcralwers are beneficial, but too many can dig large mounds of soil, leaving the lawn uneven and lumpy. The trick is to …

HGTV Home Plant Collection

Thursday May 19, 2016

Earlier this month, we were so pleased to have Sarah from HGTV and Thom from Botany Lane at each of our stores to talk about the HGTV Home Plant Collection. “HGTV is known for innovative, on-trend styling,” says Sarah. In fact, they go around the world to discover beautiful new flowers and design trends to bring home to your garden. …

Ask a Gardener – Tulips

Wednesday May 18, 2016

Do tulips have to die completely back before leaves can be pulled off? If they are pulled off too early, will they bloom next year? – Monica In general, it is recommended to let tulips die back all the way before you pull off the leaves. As long as the leaves are green they are still photosynthesizing light and providing …

Ask a Gardener – Hops

Thursday May 12, 2016

Do hops grow well in Denver? Do you sell them? – Kathy We’re so hoppy you asked! With the increasing interest in home brewing, growing hops has become more and more popular, but even a teetotaler can appreciate their beautiful leaves and distinct fragrance. Hops grow as a vine, so you’ll need some kind of support system, like a fence, …

Wine and New Flowers, What Could Be Better?

Friday April 15, 2016

Thanks to everyone who came out to our April Wine Tasting Open Houses this week! We had a great turnout at all three events. We want to give a special thanks to Elizabeth and Applejack Wine and Spirits for providing the libations. Also a big thanks to Wendy from F.A.C.E.S., who talked about the Flowers for Families program, and Giovanna …

Don’t ‘Concern’ Yourself With Weeds

Monday April 11, 2016

Penicillin. Teflon. The Slinky. Some of the science’s greatest achievements have been discovered completely on accident. In 1986, that’s just what happened to Dr. Nick Christians of Iowa State University.   Christians and his team were conducting an experiment to study the effects of a fungus called Pythium on golf course grass. Fungi need to be delivered via some medium …