UTE TRAIL  GREENHOUSE  

5555 Ute Hwy (Hwy 66) Longmont CO 80503   303-823-6315    www.utetrail.com

Dear Friends: Thank you to all those faithful gardeners who visited us this summer in spite of the road construction on HWY 66.  We knew it would affect business but we had no idea how it would affect us so severely.  What a tough summer.  Needless to say we have lots of items on sale.  For the 4 days of Labor Day Weekend, all pottery and plants will be 50 % off.   If you can't plant an item yourself or it is too large for your vehicle, do not let this deter you from making a purchase: we have a crew that can do it for you.   Remember that old saying "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is today."  I have been taking my own advice (especially since my old cottonwood had to be removed) and trying some different trees and shrubs. In this newsletter, you will find some of my personal observations/ and recommendations.  I have also been planting to attract birds, bees, and butterflies.  Recently, I returned to my house in Longmont mid-afternoon to find 2 hummingbirds on my Agastache.  This was the first time I have observed these fascinating creatures in my yard, proof positive that this plant variety is truly a magnet for hummers.  My assortment of grasses has finally matured and I love the movement it provides the yard as well as the interesting seed heads.  With all the varieties I am testing, each walk in the garden brings a new surprise, mostly good.  Hopefully you will be able to come to the Friday Garden Party which starts at 2 p.m. and if not, we are open Sat-Mon. from 9 to 5.  Then we will revert back to our regular hours until planting season is over.  I am so looking forward to our entertainers, Gypsy Mandolin.  I am sorry to be so late with your newsletter, my left hand is in a cast and it is really slowing me down.  I was also going to write about Sambucus Black Lace and Lavender Twist Redbud but I flat just ran out of time and mobility.  Go to www.utetrail.com for the current way to enter the greenhouse, the road construction is always moving around. Mary

 

Twisty Baby Black Locust Picture 

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Lacy Lady'

Two years ago, I planted this tree on the south side of my house.  The following spring, when it budded out, a late frost killed all the top growth.  Since I had selected it for its contorted branches, I decided it would never recover and was going to rip it out.  I got busy elsewhere forgot about it.  It started leafing out so I left it alone to see what it would do.  I am so glad that I did.  It is a beautiful weeping tree.  It is exactly as described:  "What makes the tree especially appealing is the tightly growing leaf clusters that hang down, very much like wisteria blooms. Because black locusts produce new terminal growth all summer long, until leaf fall in autumn, the growing tips are always a fresh apple green color; the leaflets curl up, showing a grayish underside, and the mature leaves a deep, bluish green. The lovely multi-tone effect thus created lasts the entire summer. In winter, the twisted branches have great character as well."  This tree is a great specimen for a small yard or container growing. 8-10' H/12-15'W

FALL IS FOR PLANTING

Plant new Trees, Shrubs, Perennials and spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils. Depending on your climate, you can do this anywhere from September to November. A good rule of thumb is that if the soil can be worked, things can be planted. As always, watering deeply is essential to remove air pockets around roots; avoid the fertilizer this time of year, although adding miccorhizhal supplements, either purchased (See our Age Old Organic OTSR) or homemade (compost or compost tea), is a great way to assist your roots in getting started.

 

WINTERIZING YOUR GARDEN

Getting your garden ready for winter (and next spring)

Clean out current beds

Evaluate your current beds and set goals for next year
Plant  Bulbs and Divide or move existing Perennial
Remove Tree and Shrub Debris
Mulching

Lawns

Vegetable Gardens
Clean and Store Garden Tools
Watering

CLICK HERE FOR FULL COPY OF WINTERIZING THE GARDEN

Blue Satin Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus 'Marina' 

 

One of the most personally satisfying plantings I have done is planting this shrub outside my front door.  It starts blooming mid-summer and continues through the fall.  Every morning when I leave the house, I am greeted with a new load of blooms.  What a way to begin the day.  My Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory has now reached over and interwoven throughout the shrub making it even more spectacular.  Single or double flowering, no matter what the color or if grown as a shrub or trained as a tree, this is a wonderful addition to the late flowering garden.

MAPLE 'BURGUNDY BELLE'

 

Burgundy Belle® Red Maple is quickly becoming a favorite in the landscaping business. The thick leaves make this Red Maple a great choice for harsher climates as well as mild sheltered locations. Matures tree develops into a compact, oval-rounded crown, extremely uniform in outline. Summer foliage is medium to dark green with a very brilliant orange red turning to burgundy in mid to late October. Makes a great tree for lawn or street use.  A hybrid red maple from northeast Kansas, Selected for its ability to withstand harsh winter temperatures and for excellent drought and heat tolerance.  The picture is what I am looking forward to in my yard someday.

We had the opportunity to obtain some 2010 HEUCHERA, ECHINACEA & SEDUMS prior to them being sold through catalog sales.  We have received most of them already. and the sale price does apply 

Click here for the description to go with the pictures.