Companion Planting is the art of planting different plants together to their mutual benefit. You can use companion planting to intensify the flavor of vegetables, enrich the soil, attract beneficial insects and repel pests. One of the most famous examples of this kind of cooperative planting is the Native American tradition of The Three Sisters The Three Sisters Native Americans …
Recent Posts
Happy First Day of Spring!
Monday March 20, 2017
Today is the Vernal Equinox, the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere. The word equinox comes from the Latin words meaning “equal night.” Today, the sun will pass vertically above the Equator, giving us a nearly equal length day and night all over the globe. Chichen Itza on the vernal equinoxChichen Itza on the vernal equinox Ancient Traditions The …
Diagnosing Common Houseplant Problems
Thursday March 2, 2017
Like all plants, houseplants are susceptible to certain stresses and problems. The good news is that since your houseplants grow in a much more controlled area, it’s easier to tweak their environmental conditions until they are just right. The following chart can help you zero in on some of the most common houseplant problems by looking at the foliage, flowers …
Growing Succulents and Cacti
Wednesday February 22, 2017
Growing succulents is one of the most popular trends in gardening right now – and it’s easy to see why. Not only do these unusual plants grow in a kaleidoscope of shapes and colors, they are almost completely fool proof! With just a few easy steps, you can grow beautiful succulents and cacti just about anywhere. What is a Succulent …
Creating a Pebble Tray
Tuesday February 14, 2017
So, you’ve watered, fed and pruned your houseplants with loving care, and they still look like they’re struggling? An often-overlooked aspect of indoor gardening is humidity. Most houseplants are native to a wet, tropical climate and they need moisture in the atmosphere to really thrive. This is a challenge for us Mile High gardeners, because Denver has one of the …
7 Garden Design Tips from O’Toole’s Early Spring Garden Show
Thursday February 9, 2017
We’d like to give a great big “Thank You!” to everyone who made our Early Spring Garden Show such a success! All of the gardens were spectacular and gave us a little bit of spring fever to go along with this spring-like weather. If you missed out on the show, or would just like a little review, here are the …
Choosing the Right Light for Your Houseplants
Tuesday February 7, 2017
When choosing a houseplant, one of the most important things to consider is proper lighting. Lighting in the house can sometimes be tricky to determine, but here are some things you should keep in mind. Direct vs. Indirect Light Direct light is when the rays of the sun hit the plant directly. Indirect light is anytime the light rays are …
Top Six Health Benefits of Houseplants
Wednesday February 1, 2017
Houseplants are more than just pretty decorations. Study after study has shown that living with plants provides real, measurable health benefits. Houseplants can improve your health, lift your mood and even make you more productive. With a houseful of plants around you, you’ll be able to…
Poinsettias: Flowers of the Season
Friday December 9, 2016
Poinsettias are the quintessential Christmas flower. Though they are famous for they brilliant reds (almost 80% of commercially grown poinsettias are red), they also come in beautiful yellows, whites and pinks as well as variegated varieties. History & Lore Poinsettias, or more scientifically Euphorbia pulcherrima, are native to Mexico and can be found growing wild in tropical forests down the …
Ask a Gardener – Winterizing Clay Pots
Wednesday November 9, 2016
Yes, clay pots can crack during the winter. As water freezes, it expands causing fissures and cracks in your pots. It’s the same thing that causes potholes to form in the road. Though it can happen to just about any material, the most susceptible pots are those made of terra cotta and clay. In fact, the very thing that makes …