Western Gardening Blog

Inspiring western gardeners to grow beautiful flowers with less effort in Colorado, Utah & the intermountain west

The latest flower tips

3 Garden Supplies to Shop for in March (Yep, March!)

I’ve been feeling conflicted about sharing this week’s gardening tip. I firmly believe that you do not need a lot of stuff to be a successful gardener. When I moved into my home, I was fortunate to inherit a few, basic gardening supplies from the previous owner. She...

“Why Should I Plant Flower Pots This Summer?”

If you’re wondering, "Why should I plant flower pots this summer?", here are 8 reasons to dig into this awesome hobby this year. #1: Planting flowers reduces stress and makes you feel better. Studies show that getting out in nature calms us and makes us feel better....

Columbine Flowers: An Early Summer Flower to Attract Hummingbirds

Who else loves Columbine flowers? (I have both my hands up.) You’ll see Columbine flowers growing along alpine hiking trails in the Rocky Mountains… and in western gardens. When I see them on mountain trails, I want to turn into Julie Andrews at the start of The Sound...

Lantana: A Heat-Tolerant Flower for Pots and Summer Gardens

This cutie is known as Lantana. This colorful flower reminds me of a delicious bowl of sherbet. It isn’t a flower you want to eat, though — no matter how yummy it looks. It's actually a little poisonous. Be careful where you plant it if you have wee ones or dogs. The...

Flowerpot Clean-up Tips: What to Do With Your Flowerpots When Your Flowers Are Dead

Friends, the end of the flowerpot season is like the end of a dinner party. You've had an amazing evening of laughter, stories and delicious food. (“Oh my God, that was so good! I need that recipe!”) Your heart feels so full. And then... you walk into your kitchen....

“When Should I Empty My Flowerpots?”

In the fall, one of the questions that often comes up is: "When should I empty my flowerpots?" There are different schools of thought on when to empty your flowerpots, so I'm going to share several options. That way, you can decide which makes the most sense for you....

Where to Buy Native Plants in Colorado

Despite their growing popularity, some native plants can be tricky to find at many garden centers. Here are different places to buy native plants in Colorado. Plant sales at local botanic gardens These events are often held at local botanic gardens in the late spring....

Where to Buy Plants That Are Safe for Bees in Colorado and the West

Did you know that flowers and plants from the garden center often have a pesticide in them that can be toxic to bees? "What, whaaaaaaaat?" That pretty much sums up my reaction when I realized that my last impulse purchase was harmful to bees. If you want to create a...

Find a Botanical Garden Near You in Colorado, Utah & the Intermountain West

Walk among the flowers and feel your stress lift away! Visiting a local botanical garden is a wonderful way to relax in nature and find inspiration for your own garden. Many local botanical gardens feature beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees that grow well in our...

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): How to Tell a Biennial vs Perennial (Short-Lived vs Long-Lived Plant)

Black-eyed Susan (officially, Rudbeckia — Rude-bek-ee-uh) is an easy-to-grow flower that can add big color to your western garden, particularly in the late summer. But often, gardeners plant Black-Eyed Susan... and it doesn't come back If this happens to you, you may...

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): An Easy-to-Grow Flower for Late Summer

Looking for an easy-to-grow flower that gives you big, pretty color in the late summer? I'd like to introduce you to Black-Eyed Susan (officially, Rudbeckia — Rude-bek-ee-uh). It also goes by the name: Gloriosa Daisy. There are MANY reasons to love this flower. In...

“When Trimming Dead Blooms, Should You Pluck Them by Hand or With a Tool?”

Trimming off the dead blooms from your flowers can make them look even prettier. It's like giving them a fresh, new haircut! But when you remove the dead blooms, should you pluck them by hand or with a tool? I got this question and wanted to chat about it here. For...