Western Gardening Blog

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

The latest flower tips

Get a Prettier Winter Garden (in the Spring)

Spring flowers are starting to pop from the ground like eager party guests who want to be the first to arrive... even as Mama Nature sends us a few more snowstorms in Colorado. (Good times.) As we ride the weather roller coaster between winter and spring, it’s a good...

“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....

VIDEO: What Are the Best Flowers to Grow in Containers for Showy Color?

You want to add a big splash of color to your front porch or back deck this summer (“heyyy, neighbors!”), but you’re just getting the hang of flower gardening. You may find yourself with a lot of questions swirling around your brain. This is normal! In this week’s...

“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...

3 Popular Spring Gardening Questions (for Colorado & the West)

We’ve entered that time of the year in Colorado and the intermountain west when we tend to bounce between seasons, like animated 5-year-olds jumping around wildly in an inflatable bounce house. Winter! Spring! Winter! Summer! Spring! Ack, winter! Given that we don’t...

Where to Learn About Waterwise Plants for Colorado, Utah & Similar Western States

Looking for waterwise plants? You don't have to plant cacti or turn your yard into a desert! There are lots of beautiful, low water plants for Colorado, Utah, Idaho and the semi-arid West. They just may not be the flowers and shrubs you know from other regions of the...

Pansies: A Colorful Flower for Your Spring Flowerpots in Colorado

Are you feeling adventurous this spring? Want to add a splash of color to your flowerpots? Get to know pansies — a type of viola! These early spring flowers can add a BIG pop of color to your Colorado garden, especially if you're ready to kiss winter goodbye. You may...

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...

Garden Lingo Bingo: Understanding Annuals vs Perennials

As you start to learn more about gardening, you'll likely find yourself playing a game of, "garden lingo bingo." And you will definitely see the garden terms, "annual" and perennial," somewhere on your bingo card. In this week's tip, you'll get the scoop on: What's an...

What NOT to Do in Your Western Garden in February

Our perma-piles of snow are finally melting in Colorado. The sun is shining its warm rays. Birds are singing. And Costco has started assembling its spring pergola displays. Spring is starting to feel like it's within reach, even if it's still a ways off. It’s enough...

“How Do I Make My Garden Look Good in the Winter?” … A Simple Place to Start!

You may be in the heart of winter, but that doesn’t mean your garden has to look boring! Chances are, when you’re out walking your dog or getting a little fresh air, you’ve noticed a neighbor’s home that catches your eye. You know the one. It’s the house or apartment...

Will Wind Chill Kill My Plants?

- 20 degrees below zero... -50 degrees below zero... -70 degrees below zero ... Yikes. Every few years, we see some big wind chill numbers across parts of the Rocky Mountain region and high plains during winter, including in Colorado and Wyoming. With these arctic...