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Greetings!
Once upon a long ago time, in another life, I learned to sew. Now in those days, it was considered really "cool" to know how to make your own clothes. I won't put a year on this at the risk of dating myself, but suffice it to say that the world was enamored with all the new "stuff" that was available, like home sewing machines and everyone was anxious to own one. At that time, you could purchase a pattern for 25 cents, make it a bunch of times from equally as inexpensive yard goods, and have yourself a whole new wardrobe for say, about $5.00.
I was the victim of an overzealous mother, a kindly neighbor, and a local 4-H club. By the time I got to junior high, I pretty much knew what I was doing but I remember my first home ec teacher telling me that I was "too dumb to learn how to sew." With that she bent over to pick up a pin and ripped the whole side of her dress out. But that's another story.
The point was that I quickly learned that patterns weren't always easy to follow. Directions, even with illustrations, didn't always look the way the actual fabric in my lap in pieces did. Dresses didn't always turn out as you imagined them in your mind, and to never buy a Vogue pattern unless you were a glutton for punishment! I also learned that I like to have things "right" the first time around.
Gardening, for many, is like my learning to sew experiences.You don't want to become frustrated by chosing the wrong plants for the wrong place, only to have them die. Ttoo much time, thought, and effort goes into your garden to have it be unsuccessful. So this month I'm going to give you my three best "goof proof" plants from each department that will perform well throughout the summer, usually no matter what your soil or location. Why not try one for yourself? |
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 Goof Proof Your Summer!
Although gardening can be a challenge in this part of the world, there are plants that will not only survive, but thrive in our high, dry climate. Here are three of my favorite annuals, perennials, trees or shrubs for you to try this year, along with a few tips to help you to be successful with each!
Petunias- Are the king of the Colorado garden, although some folks avoid them in favor of things like marigolds. Bright and blooming they'll last all summer in a vibrant show. The trick with petunias is that they are heavy feeders and need to be fertilized regularly to keep them looking good. Follow package directions, but generally every 7-14 days for best growth. Pinch to keep from becoming leggy. Petunia trivia- Cascade petunias were named for the Cascade Mountains. The name has nothing to do with their growth habit. Any petunia, if not pinched should "cascade."
Cosmos- A beautiful, feathery, graceful annual. They grow well in most places here from Cortez to Telluride. The tip for cosmos is to be sure and plant them in a place where you won't mind having them come back again and again- they re-seed freely. So although they aren't a perennial, you may see them again. Fertilize them well also.
Calibrachoa- Some folks call these miniature petunias, although they aren't. They haven't been around too many years, but have quickly gained popularity for their versatility. They do well in our cool climate, so if you live at high altitude, these are for you. Fertilize well and they'll put on quite a show. They'll take some frost and bloom well into fall.
 Russian Sage- Is almost totally "goof proof" here. Plant in a bed or by itself, but it looks best clumped for a display of color. They bloom throughout the summer and are somewhat drought tolerant once established. Versatile in a variety of zones, this one is almost impossible to goof.
Shasta Daisies- Are an old favorite, but still beautiful and a reliable performer. Plant in sunny areas. Drought tolerant once established. Becky is particularly well suited to our area. My reason for liking this one? It's deer resistant!
Daylilies- Give a burst of color to the garden. Stella d' Oro are usually the yellow ones that are so abundant, but there are many other good varieties too. Stella blooms from May to July. Many daylilies will re-bloom throughout the season. New varieties each year make daylilies interesting. Very adapable for a wide range of planting zones and conditions. And best of all- also deer resistant!
Ash Leaf Spirea- Easy to grow and tolerant of many types of soil, spireas fit well into many landscapes. Spreads quickly and is a good plant for soil retention. Creamy white flowers make this an attractive addition to any yard.
 Apache Plume- Native to the Southwestern US, it's hard to go wrong with this shrub. Does well in poor, native soil, without too many nutrients. Do not overwater, especially once they become established. A good, deep watering once a month will keep them going. Has pretty, feathery purple blooms.
Autumn Purple Ash- Grows relatively fast, and finishes with a nice, rounded form. Middle of the road as far as water requirements, but provides heavy shade and has a beautiful purple color in the fall. |
What's Growing On at Four Seasons?
June is the time when plants come to life and shine! Annuals are starting to really show some color and bloom. Perennials are bright and vibrant and shrubs like roses are sweet and fragrant. Here's what's looking great right now:
Dahlias- in pots or packs, they're bright and blooming. Large, gallon sized pots, full of blooms are ready to pop right into a pot for instant color on a porch or patio.
Delphiniums and Foxgloves - are tall and stately. The delphiniums are especially colorful right now. Foxgloves are just beginning to come into blooms, but look great.
Potentilla and Roses- were a little late blooming this year, but are lovely now. |
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So after all of that, what happened with my sewing experiences? Well, about ten years ago I ditched the Montgomery Ward sewing machine my parents had bought me for a new Bernina and now I enjoy making quilts when the time permits. Vic was the victim of a sewing mom too, and he still shudders when I talk about going fabic shopping. I think he spent half of his childhood waiting for his mom while she was in fabric stores- and that was in the days before cell phones and Nintendo were around to keep small fry occupied.
Don't forget that Father's Day is this Sunday, June 20th. I'm lucky enough to have my Dad with us, still going strong at 87 years young. He even survived my "learning to sew" days!
Finally, let us help you "goof proof" your summer and fill it with fabulous color. Happy Father's Day to all the great Dads out there!
 Gail Vanik
Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery
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Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery, Inc.
26650 Road P
Dolores, CO 81323
(970) 565-8274
Open Monday ~ Saturday 9am - 6 pm
Locally owned, locally grown
"Where it's fun to color your world!"
 Click here to follow Gail in the Garden on blogspot
A Today's Garden Center Magazine Revolutionary 100 Garden Center 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
And winner of the Western Region 2009
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