COLORADO GARDENING-Your worst nightmare or merely a challenge?

     If you are new to the state, you probably wonder how you can ever get anything to grow here, especially if you were from a state where you stuck a plant in the ground and it grew.  We have extremes in temperature, sometimes within a 24 hour time frame.  We are classified as a semi-arid growing area with an average elevation of 6800 feet.  Our rain comes infrequently if at all, sometimes all at once, and sometimes even in the form of hail.  Heavy snows can occur after trees have leafed out in the spring or before they have lost their leaves in the autumn, causing severe breakage to limbs.  Our soil is either clay or sandy.  It is too alkaline.  The sunlight is intense.  You can't rely on what the weather map says is our last and first frost days.  And the drying winds can be ferocious not only in strength but also in the damage they cause. 

   Our customer base covers the eastern plains to the mountains, each with its own set of growing challenges.  While many may be tempted not to garden in Colorado there are some positive notes; the intense sun brings out the true color of flowers, especially roses.  The absence of humidity allows for less disease and insect problems.  Vegetable gardening especially cool-season vegetables is extremely successful.  And most importantly in my opinion, is the presence of Colorado State University which has one of the finer schools of horticulture in the county.  The information they provide on their web site and through their extension offices for Colorado gardeners is enormous.  Also a compelling presence is the Denver Botanic Gardens which offers not only a place to view growing plants but offers many classes of interest to the gardener.  Together, the Gardens and C.S.U. introduce new plants already tested for Colorado through their program call Plant Select.  Even the term xeriscape which is now nationally recognized was coined in Denver.  By definition it  refers to landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation. It is promoted in areas that do not have easily accessible supplies of fresh water, and is gaining acceptance in other areas as climate patterns shift.  Last of all, Colorado is full of garden clubs, plant societies, and expert gardeners who wish nothing more than to share their experiences and success stories with you.

Garden Clubs of Colorado

Plant Societies in Colorado

The Science of Planting Trees-CSU

Selecting and Planting Roses-CSU

Xeriscape Principles - Colorado WaterWise

USDA plant hardiness zones - CSU

Colorado Mountain Gardening Basics - CSU  

Gardening with Mountain Wildlife - CSU-Gilpin Extension

Preventing Deer Damage - CSU 

Deer Resistant Plants (with altitude notation)

Fall Planting - Planttalk Colorado

Hail Damage - Planttalk Colorado

Identify and Control Noninfectious Diseases of Trees

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