April 13, 2013:
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – Fairy Gardening
1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Mini Succulent Gardening

May 25, 2013:
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – Fairy Gardening
1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Mini Herb Gardening

June 8, 2013:
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Fairy Gardening
2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: Fairy Gardening Gone Rogue

July 20, 2013:
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Fairy Gardening
1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Outdoor Fairy Gardening

August 17, 2013:
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Fairy Gardening
1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Mini Succulent Gardening

September 21, 2013:
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Fairy Gardening
1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Terrarium Gardening

October 19, 2013:
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Fairy Gardening
1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Festive Fall Gardening

November 23, 2013:
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Fairy Gardening
1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Whimsical Winter Fairy Gardening

December 14, 2013:
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Fairy Gardening
1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Whimsical Winter Fairy Gardening

Fairy Gardening: Make something ordinary extraordinary! With just a few houseplants, a miniature patio set, a pebble stone path and a touch of fairy dust and whimsy, you can have your very own fairy garden! A tranquil forest scene or a secluded garden set up will be sure attract fairies, good luck and other miniature wonders. These indoor gardens are perfect for anyone, young and old, looking for a touch of magic to add to their home.

Terrarium Gardening: Turn a simple glass container into your own self sustained, petite world! Learn how to properly put together a glass terrarium that creates the perfect growing environment for plants and also adds some life to your office desk, the nook in your kitchen or a child’s room. Come and find out why people are so hooked on this whimsical and easy way to grow plants!

Miniature or Theme Gardening: A slight difference in plant and accessory selection can open up a world of endless possibilities in miniature gardening. Most people are familiar with fairy gardening but there are many other options for creating tiny worlds within your own home. Using glass bowls and vases as terrariums can add a touch of class and elegance indoors. You can recreate a miniature version of your own yard or a natural space you admire through miniature perennial gardening that will come back year after year. Lava rock, cacti and succulents make terrific prehistoric paradises through dinosaur gardening! All of these alternatives to fairy gardening will be offered during our normal fairy gardening classes so let your imagination go wild and explore all the potential your “green space for a small place” has.

• Sunday, April 7, 2013 ~ 10 am – 3 pm
• Sunday, April 28, 2013 ~ 10 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, May 1, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, May 8, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, May 15, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, May 22, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, May 29, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, June 5, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, June 12, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, June 19, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, June 26, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, July 3, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, July 10, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, July 17, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, July 24, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Sunday, July 28, 2013 ~ 10 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, July 31, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, August 7, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, August 14, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, August 21, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm
• Wednesday, August 28, 2013 ~ 9 am – 3 pm

Fresh Start boasts a wide variety of locally grown produce, as well as delightful treats from all over the United States. They provide both conventional as well as organic produce. They source food from farms statewide, so if there is something specific you are looking for, please let them know!

Fresh Start will be here on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through summer. They accept cash and credit cards.

For more photographs, check out our photo album on facebook!

I set out to write an article about the benefits of this drenching spring snow, and as I sit here wishing for warmer weather and beautiful spring flowers, I simply can’t bring myself to do it. Sure, all this moisture will do wonders to slake the powerful thirst afflicting our soil, but if you stepped outside into the deep slush on May 1^st you probably figured that out. Plants will explode following this snow, but that’s what happens when you water plants – they grow. You don’t need to be convinced of the importance of moisture in spring, especially in the midst of such an extended dry spell.

Instead, let’s talk about science, about botany, about averages, and common sense. To me, this snow is a perfect reminder about the fantastic ability of plants to adapt to an inconsistent world. Here on the Front Range, our last average frost date is May 15. That means that for all the years we don’t see frost any later than mid-April, there are many other years when a frost strikes well after that golden date. Despite this dramatic variation, plants still manage to thrive. They bloom, they produce seeds, they reproduce, and then, wonder of wonders, they do it again the next year.

You see, plants are incredibly versatile. They adjust to their conditions. In dry climates they might put down deeper roots to seek out limited moisture. If they receive less light than they are accustomed to, they consume less water. There is almost always more than one correct way to treat a pest problem, more than one proper way to nourish growth. On a practical level, there are very few exact answers in horticulture, and this is what makes it beautiful. If variety is the spice of life, Mother Nature brings the flavor. When we garden, we try our best to shape the natural world to meet our practical, aesthetic, emotional, and spiritual needs, and She does her best to surprise us.

If you’re anything like me, you’re ready to say goodbye to snow and hello to spring. You’re ready to plant tomatoes in the ground, hang up a hammock, and stop worrying about whether or not the peach trees will lose their summer crop to a late frost. A little consistency in spring weather would be a welcome comfort. On the other hand, can you imagine if every spring had identical weather? Human nature has some deeply ingrained desire for the thrill of uncertainty, a lust for surprise. So embrace the snow – it’s just a small part of what makes life interesting.

These succulent sedum leaves froze to the point that they can be snapped in half.

Did the recent cold snap leave some of the plants in your landscape looking a little haggard? If you purchased perennial plants that were already showing strong foliage growth or blooms, then the recent temperatures in the teens and single digits most likely left them looking wilted, discolored, or worse.

Don’t despair, though. While many plants took damage to their foliage and flowers, the temperatures just weren’t low enough for long enough to have caused major damage to the roots. Soil provides great insulation for roots – in fact, nearly all perennials, trees, and shrubs will have a higher probability of surviving a cold snap when planted in the ground than they will above the ground in a pot. When cold air is able to circulate around the root ball of a plant left in its pot, the soil temperature in the pot will drop much more rapidly than the in-ground soil temperature. If you haven’t had time to plant your perennials yet, moving them into a garage where temperatures might only drop into the 20′s instead of teens or single digits can improve the odds of survival.

While the foliage and blossoms on this Corsican Violet will not bounce back from frost damage, the plant will produce new foliage and flowers as the weather warms.

Even if your plants spent the last few days outside in their pots, it is highly likely they survived. We grow about 90% of the perennials we sell right here at Fort Collins Nursery, and we grow them in colder-than-normal conditions to ensure they are well acclimated to tolerate cold snaps exactly like the one we just experienced. On top of that, we specialize in hardy plants for northern Colorado and southern Wyoming, which means these plants are selected to be tough!

So what’s a gardener to do when the tops of their plants have been damaged by frost? The first step is to do nothing. That’s right, nothing. Wait for the plants to begin producing new growth. Once new growth has begun, you can asses the amount of top damage incurred. Using a sharp pair of pruners or shears, remove any foliage that is damaged, leaving healthy new growth alone. At most, cut the plants back so only 1″-2″ of foliage remain. The plant will continue to regenerate new growth as the temperatures rise. Be patient, though, as we are not expecting a rapid increase in temperature. You should see regrowth beginning in 2-3 weeks, although if warmer weather comes along, it could happen sooner. Treat your plants as though they were dormant – water them just enough to keep the roots from drying out, and increase watering as more foliage appears.

As always, if you have any major concerns about your plants, call us! All our hardy perennials, trees, and shrubs are guaranteed for 1 year from the date of purchase, and we encourage you to wait for warmer weather to awaken your plants. Don’t pull them out of the ground right away, as it is likely they have survived and have just ducked their heads back down to dodge this dodgy weather.

Restrictions: What are they, and what do they mean?

The City of Fort Collins has declared a Level 1 water restriction. If you do not get your water from the City of Fort Collins, you may or may not be subject to restrictions. However, in such a dry year as this, we strongly encourage everyone to reduce water use. What does that mean for you?

• Watering flowers, trees, shrubs and vegetable gardens will not be restricted, but a hose shut-off nozzle is recommended.
• Lawn watering will be allowed two days per week:
  • Even residential addresses: Thursday and Sunday
  • Odd residential addresses: Wednesday and Saturday
  • Commercial/businesses, multi-family and HOAs: Tuesday and Friday
• Permits are available allowing exceptions to the restrictions for a variety of reasons, including:
  • New seed or sod for lawns: exempt from restrictions for three weeks for sod and four weeks for seed
  • Large properties with more than four acres: limit of one inch per week of water applied per zone
  • Well or raw water: use is not restricted, but signage is recommended; free signs are available

Thriving in spite of drought: What can you do?

Believe it or not, most landscapes are not watered properly when it comes to using the right amount of water. Often, plants are over-watered, causing shallow roots and weaker plants, or water is applied improperly, running off the soil and down the drain before it has time to soak into the ground.

Basic Xeriscape principles can help you reduce your water use and when applied properly, can allow you to have a truly lush and thriving yard, even with water restrictions. A common misconception about xeriscaping is the idea that it simply consists of gravel and cactus. In fact, it is not one specific style of landscaping. It is the comprehensive development of an attractive and healthy landscape that uses water efficiently.

The 7 principles of Xeriscape are:

• Planning and Design
  Whether planning a new landscape or a new flower bed, consider things like the slope of the land, areas of the landscape that are naturally wet or dry, and which plants will grow best in various moisture zones.
  
• Soil Improvements
  Soil should be amended to meet the needs of the plants you choose. Keep in mind that many native plants dislike heavily amended soil, whereas non-native plants may prefer rich well-amended soil.
• Efficient Irrigation
  Choose irrigation systems that reduce evaporation such as drip emitters, low-pressure low-angle  lawn sprinkler, and other low pressure devices. Avoid watering devices that produce lots of mist.
• Plant Zones
  Group plants with similar water, light, and soil needs into areas of your landscape that can meet those requirements. Place higher water-use plants in low-lying areas and areas where access is easy. This will reduce water waste and plants will thrive in their optimal environments.
• Mulches
  Mulch can dramatically reduce evaporation while keeping plant roots cool and reducing weeds.
• Turf Alternatives
  Although Kentucky Bluegrass is a popular lawn, it is also a very thirsty plant. To reduce water use on lawns, reduce the amount of Kentucky Bluegrass by choosing native grasses like Buffalo Grass and Blue Gramma, or choose blends that include turf-type tall and fine fescues.
• Maintenance
  Like traditional landscape, Xeriscapes need to be maintained including weeding, fertilizing, pruning, and pest control. Maintenance will decrease over time.

For more information, including help selecting plants, irrigation, soil amendments, and more, stop in and see us!

Additional online resources:

• City of Fort Collins Utilities: Water Restrictions
• Colorado State University Extension: Water Wise Tips for Colorado Landscapes
• City of Fort Collins: Xeriscape information, including free Xeriscape Designs
• City of Denver: Xeriscape information

I am a vexillophile. I almost can’t believe there is a word to describe my obsession. It all started when a friend from Chicago told me about flags and their popularity in the windy city. She showed me pictures and it was official.

I am in love with flags! And not just any flag, the garden flag.

There are cute ones adorned with frogs in sunglasses sipping lemonade, colorful flip flops, bright cheery birds tweeting “Celebrate the Day!” or a bright motif simply stating “Live Happy!”.

Whichever strikes my fancy I will be buying lots of them, one for each season and more when they fade. Rain boots with ladybugs, popsicles screaming summertime, hummingbirds and dragonflies. Yes, please, I’ll take one of each.

Flags will flutter in the wind and welcome you to my garden. Flags will haunt the neighborhood in October with jack o lanterns and witches. Flags with smiling snowmen will cheer guests in winter when all life is buried under a blanket of snow. Flags will bring Christmas joy with Santa and stockings.

Vexillology is the scientific study of the history, symbolism and usage of flags or, by extension any interest in flags in general, according to Whitney Smith, founder of the Flag Research Center.

And a vexillophile is any person who likes, admires or enjoys flags. Yep, that’s me, and my garden flags will symbolize the carefree nature of my garden as well as be used to catch the eye of any passerby. Who can deny the lure of a fluttering flag, especially a garden flag with a quirky frog princess or wise owl staring back at them?

Ok, I might be taking this flag thing a little too far, but I truly do love them and I would say they are a must for any garden. This is coming from a seasoned vexillologist or someone who studies flags. I have run the gamut on these garden flags; performing studies on their durability, visibility and cuteness.

I personally prefer the appliqué flag style. It really stands out in any garden. It appears to handle moisture better too. But nothing flutters like the suede garden flag so once again I am torn. And I’ll just have to have 1 or 5 of each!

Maybe some of you will join me as a vexillophile and help me make garden flags as popular in Colorado as they are in the windy city.

The fare served at The Rolling Bistro includes breakfast items such as breakfast burritos and sandwiches and will soon include specialty coffee drinks such as espressos, mochas, and more. Lunch items will include sandwiches and salads. The menu will change with the seasons as Chef Peter strives to prepare the freshest seasonal delights possible.

The Rolling Bistro will be open for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week: Monday – Saturday at 9 am and Sundays at 10 am.

Questions? Call The Rolling Bistro at (970) 219-0011

• Growing Pumpkins
• Growing Sunflowers

This page will be updated periodically with more information on how to make sure your giant pumpkin or sunflower is bigger than ever.

More information about the Giant Pumpkin & Sunflower Contest can be found here.