Western Gardening Blog

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

The latest flower tips

Infographic: Key Differences Between Annuals and Perennials

As you learn how to garden, it's helpful to understand: "What's an annual vs a perennial?" Why? Because most flowers in your western garden will be one or the other. Here are key differences between annuals and perennials, so these types of flowers make more sense....

Jack O’Planters: How to Use a Pumpkin as a Planter

Looking for a fun fall project that will make your front porch look GOOD? Use a pumpkin as a planter. You'll create a cute autumn flowerpot that has your neighbors saying, "Wow!" I created pumpkin planters with a friend last fall. This project is quick and easy....

Popular Spring Flowers for Western Gardens… You Plant in the Fall

It may seem like a strange time to chat about spring flowers... ... when we have pumpkins and Halloween decorations appearing in stores. But if you're interested in growing spring flowers... Autumn is the ideal time to plant spring bulbs in most parts of the West. For...

“How Do I Know If Gardening Products Are Really Organic?”

A friend asked me: "How do you know if gardening products are really organic?" Maybe you've wondered the same thing. Certified organic garden products have a special seal on their packaging. You can see what the seals look like below. When you see one of these seals,...

What to Do BEFORE You Empty Your Flowerpots

It would be awesome to be named "The Perfect Gardener" after a summer of growing flowers — complete with dancing squirrels and a pitch-perfect choir of cicadas. But alas, most of us weren't born with a spade in one hand and a geranium in the other. So, the next best...

“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...

Get a Prettier Winter Garden (in the Spring)

I originally published this article in March 2022. Enjoy! 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...

6 Popular Ornamental Grasses for a Prettier Winter Garden

Put your hand up if want a pretty winter garden! Ornamental grasses can make your winter garden look good. They add visual interest to your winter landscape (aka, "winter interest"), and they're easy to grow. But how are you supposed to know which grasses to pick? A...

How to Choose Fall Flowers That Last Longer: 3 Simple Tips

When you're strolling through the garden center or dashing into the grocery store and all those pretty flowers are smiling up at you, it's hard not to choose the showiest flowers you see. "Well, helloooooo there." But if you'd like your fall flowers to last longer,...