Have you noticed... ... that some of your plants are overachievers in the spring—eager to emerge from the ground in all their leafy glory? Meanwhile, other plants don't seem to be doing much AT ALL. As plant lovers, it’s natural for us to look at the latter and...
Flower Garden Basics
When’s the Best Time to Plant Perennials in the Spring in Colorado & Similar States?
Spring can be one of the best times to plant perennials — the flowers that come back. "Cool temps are ideal for planting perennials..." wrote David Salman, respected western plantsman of Waterwise Gardening LLC, in 2022. "Perennials thrive in cool weather, putting...
“Should I Buy Big or Small Flower Pots?”
If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing as a new gardener... I would say it's worth finding pretty flower pots. They're like a good pair of shoes or a nice piece of jewelry. They can really elevate the look of your container garden. But how do you choose?...
“Hardening” Flowers: How to Get Flowers Ready to Plant Outside
You’re at the store this spring, and colorful flowers catch your eye. It’s natural to want to drive straight home and plant them. Bring on the curb appeal! But hold up... Before you plant your flowers, it's a good idea to help them adjust to outdoor conditions first....
What Plant Hardiness Zone Is Colorado?
Colorado has 5 plant hardiness zones: 7, 6, 5, 4 and 3. If you're new to plant hardiness zones, they tell you whether your flower plants are likely to survive the coldest winter temperatures that are expected in your area and come back next year. (For the full scoop...
How Frosts and Freezes Affect Your Flowers
When I was first learning how to garden... I used to think that 32 degrees was the temperature I needed to keep an eye on for my flower plants. 32 degrees is when water freezes, so that must be the point when my flowers will freeze too, right? But over time, I've...
6 Ways to Protect Your Flowers From Frosts and Freezes
You know you've entered the "joys of western gardening club" when... It feels like summer one day... and the next day you're bracing yourself for frosts, freezes and snow. (I'm not crying. I have something in my eye.) If you'd like your summer annuals — your...
What Is a Plant Hardiness Zone? (And How to Find YOUR Zone)
When you buy a flower plant... You may notice a strange phrase on the plant tag that says: "Hardiness zones" or "Zones." If you're wondering, "What is a plant hardiness zone? What does that mean?", you're in the right place. At its most basic, a plant hardiness zone...
3 Misconceptions About When to Buy and Plant Flowers That Can Lead to Dead Plants (Ack!)
So, you’re dashing into Costco, and what grabs your eye? Colorful, happy flowers just waiting for you to give them a new home, like a litter of fluffy puppies. Eeek! You can’t help but walk over and take a closer look. After a long, drab winter, the flowers look so...








