Busting the Myths!

Why Autumn is a great season for planting.

Myths about planting in the fall:

• “All the leaves are falling off so I won’t know if the tree is still alive.”
• “If the tree is going dormant, I should wait and plant in the spring.”
• “I’d rather see the shape of the tree with all the leaves before I plant it.”
• “It’s too cold to plant.”
• “My system is turned off for the winter, but I guess water from snow is enough.”

These are a few myths we want to bust about planting trees and shrubs this time of year.  They aren’t true!  Fall is one of the BEST times of year to get those beauties in the ground. We are going to share the nitty gritty of why with you right here, right now.

Myth #1 - I don't know if the tree is alive.

The leaves, yes, will be falling off deciduous trees and shrubs over the next month or two.  But your plant is still alive.  In fact, Trees and Shrubs do 80% of their rooting in the fall!  80%!!!  All that energy that had been going into keeping those leaves green and strong is now being directed into the root systems.

Planting new items in the fall, with proper watering techniques, ensures that you are giving the best possible focus on establishing those new plants faster. And because the plants are focused on rooting they will have stronger and deeper roots. Come spring, the leaves will be back – better, stronger and faster for having given the roots some focused time to proliferate.

Myth #2 – If the tree is going dormant, I should wait and plant in the spring.

While you can plant any time of year, and spring is a great time to do so, we highly recommend planting in the fall.  New plants focus their energy into the root system rather than the leaves. This means they will establish themselves more quickly in the fall.  There are some key advantages to planting in each season, in spring the variety and size options tend to be greater, though we do bring in truckloads of fresh product specifically for fall planting.

Why do we do this?  Well, we love our customers.  We love having a huge selection year-round for our beloved customers.  And, we LOVE helping give these beautiful plants the best possible start to their new life in your yard (and as we mentioned they do 80% of their rooting in the fall, so…..it’s a win-win-win, major, jumbo, love-fest for us all).

Myth #3 – I won't know the shape of the plant.

The shape of the tree with or without the leaves on it is going to change, drastically so, over the next few years.  No matter what size tree you buy now, the canopy will develop, branch out and expand.  The full-grown, mature shape of a tree (or shrub) will always be how the tree will grow, but the tree you buy today will not be the same in a year – it will literally branch out.

We find that choosing the tree without leaves better allows you to select a tree with strong structure and balanced branching. This bare bones beauty will only be enhanced when the leaves come on in spring.  And, the faster it establishes a strong, healthy root system, the faster it will grow those leaves. (we are noticing a theme here now, aren’t we?  Spring=flowers, Fall=rooting powers)

Myth #4 – It’s too cold to plant.

Is it though?  Unless the ground is frozen and you can’t dig a hole, you can still plant a tree or shrub.  If you are able to dig up the soil, those roots will be able to grow into the soil.  And, maybe this is TMI, but I sure do prefer all that sweaty work when the temps are lower. Actually, I have my brothers do it for me because they are the best….but, even still, cooler weather makes them happier to help.

There really isn’t a reason to let the cooler weather stop you from planting. Unless, that is, you just do not like being outside if it dips below 60 degrees.  In which case, we raise our cup of hot cocoa to you. We will be here in the summer when you are ready to be outdoors again.

Myth #5 – You don't need to water in winter.

Winter watering is a concern.  Many people think that snow melt is enough to water trees and shrubs, but it really isn’t.  That soft, fluffy snow melts down into very little water and does not reach those roots.  Unless we have another winter like 2022/2023, you will need to have a plan for winter watering.

It’s important to remember that the ground does not stay frozen all the time, it thaws and refreezes throughout the season. When it thaws, those little roots are active and searching for a water source.  Even trees you planted in early spring of this year will still need winter watering - a little snow melt won’t do the trick.

Turning your sprinklers on in winter isn’t necessary, in fact it is detrimental. However, getting some deep soaking into those roots at least once a month is imperative. If you don’t want to hook up your hose in winter, there is a great trick that Rod Glover recommends: dump a few tumblerfuls of ice around the root zone – this way, when it does thaw enough to melt, the ice will water the tree at the exact right time.  And, most folks have ice makers that keep those glossy cubes coming all day, so it takes barely any time or effort.

SO, there you have it.  Myth-busting complete.  Combine this with Ryan's video on water saving techniques, pop in some gorgeous fall blooming perennials, and you have the powerful formula for true fall gardening success.

And, as always, we are here to help with any questions you may have.

See you soon!

 

Other useful links and resources:

How Planting Trees Affects Air Quality

It’s Planting Time: Start Seeding Indoors!

As homeowners strive to conserve water and create environmentally friendly outdoor spaces, the popularity of drought-tolerant landscaping ideas continues to rise. While the use of water-wise plants is a step in the right direction, it is important to be aware of common mistakes that can hinder the effectiveness of these efforts.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the biggest mistakes people make when incorporating drought-tolerant plants into their landscapes and provide valuable insights for creating an aesthetically pleasing yet water-efficient outdoor environment.

3 Common Mistakes To Avoid

1. Relying Solely on Drought-Tolerant Plants

When it comes to creating a water-efficient landscape, simply planting drought-tolerant plants is not enough. Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that by replacing their existing plants with drought-tolerant varieties, they will automatically save water.

However, this approach fails to address the issue of outdated watering and irrigation systems. It is important to reevaluate your watering practices alongside plant selection. Even if you have a cactus or other drought-tolerant plants in your garden, it won't thrive if you continue to water them with spray sprinklers.  

Additionally, there are a lot of options for plant material that will do extremely well in drought-tolerant landscapes. In fact, the majority of plants we carry, though not all, but most can be installed in these landscapes with success - as long as the irrigation systems are set up correctly. Following recommended establishment protocols will help set the roots systems up for long term success.

Consider the role of watering systems in maintaining a truly water-efficient landscape. If you continue using a spray sprinkler that waters indiscriminately, including areas with rocks or non-targeted plants, even the presence of drought-tolerant plants won't make a significant difference. To conserve water effectively, it is important to ensure that your irrigation system is tailored to the specific needs of your drought-tolerant landscape.

2. Neglecting Irrigation Design

Having the right irrigation system is essential for maximizing water efficiency in a drought-tolerant landscape. Unfortunately, many people overlook this aspect and end up wasting water. For example, if you have drought-tolerant plants surrounded by rocks and a sprinkler system that sprays over the top, you're not targeting the water where it's needed,which is the roots of the plants. This not only wastes water but also undermines the purpose of creating a water-efficient landscape.

Targeted watering is key to ensuring the plants receive the right amount of water while minimizing wastage. Consider alternatives like drip irrigation or smart sprinkler systems that deliver water directly to the roots, reduce evaporation and ensure efficient water usage.

3. Sacrificing Aesthetics for Water Efficiency

Photo Credit: Localscapes

One misconception about drought-tolerant landscapes is that they must resemble unattractive "zero-scaping" with rocks and a few plants.However, a water-efficient landscape can be visually appealing and incorporate a diverse range of plant types.

Xeriscaping is an approach to landscaping that uses drought-tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce yard trimmings. By carefully selecting plants that thrive in dry environments and incorporating efficient irrigation systems, you can create a lush and vibrant garden that stands out in your neighborhood while still conserving water.

Integrating perennials, trees, shrubs, and even a well-maintained lawn can create a visually stunning drought-tolerant landscape. 

Learn how to spot and treat lawn fungus here.

By selecting plants with varying heights, textures, and colors, you can create an engaging and vibrant outdoor space. With thoughtful planning and design, your water-efficient landscape can rival the attractiveness of conventional yards.

Glover Nursery’s Landscape Design Service

Designing a drought-tolerant landscape that is both water-smart and beautiful can be a complex task. Fortunately, we have experienced landscape designers who can help! Engaging the services of professionals ensures that your outdoor space is carefully planned and executed to maximize water conservation while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

If you're unsure about where to start or need expert guidance in creating a drought-tolerant landscape, our experienced landscape designers are here to assist you. Our team understands the importance of both water conservation and aesthetic appeal. We can help you design a landscape that not only saves water but also enhances the beauty of your outdoor space.

Our landscape design service focuses on personalized solutions tailored to your preferences and the specific requirements of your property. We have successfully transformed numerous landscapes into water-efficient havens that are as visually stunning as any yard on the street. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance in creating a drought-tolerant landscape that is both breathtaking and sustainable.

Learn more about our Landscape Consultation & Design Services here.

Let us help you transform your yard into a gorgeous space that’ll contribute to a more eco-friendly future.

Don’t forget to join the Glover Nursery Facebook Group! It’s dedicated to provide valuable insights on gardening, including monthly tips for your garden, expert advice on plant care, and more. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Trees provide shade. Shade brings down the temperature of your yard. A landscape with more shade greatly reduces the amount of water you will need because plants within the shade of the tree don’t need as much water as those in the sun. Shady and sheltered areas dry out more slowly. 

A perfectly manicured, green, grassy lawn has been established as an ideal but the truth is, grass & turf are an expensive, time-consuming, high-maintenance ground cover. And they require a lot of water!

Once established, most trees will require much less water than a grassy lawn. Instead of running a sprinkler every day, trees will only require watering once a week or even every few weeks. 

Conifers are great waterwise trees. Not only do they provide beautiful, year-round foliage, but they don’t require frequent watering once they are established. 

Best practices for watering trees:

1. Roots spread out laterally 360° around the tree. They tend to stay closer to the surface because they need oxygen. When watering an established tree, make sure that you water all the way around the tree and out as far as the canopy reaches. 
2. Don’t forget that trees need water in the winter, too! Typically, established trees will need a deep soak once a month from November-March. One of the major issues over the winter months with tree owners is the effects of Winter Drought Stress as people forget to water during those months. 
3. Make sure you select the right tree and plant it in the best area. 

Do Your Research First

No two trees or shrubs are created equal. We live in a desert, and many of our trees are shipped in and are used to different climates and weather conditions. Will you and your yard be able to care for the tree in the way it will need?

One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to tree planting is that the right tree is planted in the wrong place because it was:

1. Planted too close to a structure, sidewalk, or driveway.
2. Not planted in soil that is conducive to it thriving. 
3. It’s not accessible to the amount of water that it will need.

When it comes to planting trees, planting depth is paramount. If it's too deep all the proper watering in the world won’t help the tree establish itself.  

For waterwise landscapes, you must select the right tree for your yard and know the best place to plant it. 

Every yard is unique so there isn’t a one size fits all option. The experts here at Glover Nursery are always happy to help you on your waterwise landscape journey.

Other useful links and resources:

Do I need a Landscape Design?

Top 7 Waterwise Perennials for Summer

The Very Real Benefits of Gardening Therapy

As a family business that has been serving the Salt Lake valley for over 130 years, one of the things we are constantly evaluating is what we can do to help our community.

Not only do we want to provide the best products and service for your gardening needs, but also give you all the information you need to succeed and your garden to thrive.  Why?  Well, one thing we know, which has been forefront in our minds over the last few years, is the very real therapeutic benefit of gardening.

The phrase “Garden Therapy” is one that’s been used for decades for a variety of reasons. Often it was a bit tongue-in-cheek when we bought a few more perennials than we told our spouse we would. However, these past few years has made the THERAPY of gardening a very real part of our daily lives. We now all know from personal experience the benefits of garden therapy.

There are untold benefits from gardening for our mental health. From digging in the dirt, caring for plants, watching them grow, harvesting our own food or maybe even creating beautiful bouquets to enjoy around the house.

Entire programs have been built around the physical and psychological benefits of working in a garden. There are some truly interesting studies being done in the field of horticultural therapy. This article from Psychology today hits the nail on the head. And just this year this article came out exploring research that shows gardening may help reduce cancer risk AND boost mental health.

Though we are not trained therapists, we are trained gardening experts. Within the overall theme of “gardening therapy” are dozens upon dozens of reasons that we’ve found create a sense of peace and wellbeing.

We did a poll recently in our Glover Gardening Group on Facebook to see what people found to be the most beneficial aspects of gardening. Here are the top 4 answers from you our gardening community.

1. Gardening is Your Personal Oasis

Be it English style or traditional Japanese Zen, your garden reflects your own tastes and preferences. Whether you grow at home or in a community garden, your garden is your own. This makes it much more enjoyable to spend time outside in the yard. If you’re new to gardening, we highly recommend working with a landscape designer to give some expert guidance and avoid costly mistakes. Garden design is personal but a landscape architect will work with you to create your dream landscape.

2. Gardening Is Beautiful

From early spring blooms like Crocus or Pansies to late fall blooms like Coneflower or Mums, there is something that will bring color and texture to your garden all season long. Flowers bring a sense of joy with their blossoming. There are other benefits to be had as well – tinctures, cooking, aromatic satchels, or just a bright bouquet on the dining table.

3. Gardening Allows You to Grow Your Own Food

During a regular year it is nice to pick your own tomato or gift a neighbor with some of the extra zucchini you’ve grown by hand. There is something deeply comforting in growing your own veggies, herbs and fruits.

It’s a fun experience, but also a deeply satisfying one. When your first harvest is ready and you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor (pun intended) you will not regret the time spent in your garden.  Come and visit Glover Nursery to see what veggies and herbs are available and ready to plant now.

4. Gardening is a Good Workout

I don't know about you but 30 minutes of gardening sounds like a whole lot more fun than 30 minutes at the gym. There is always exercise in the garden. Being in the garden, digging, pulling weeds, and planting all are great forms of exercise. You'll be working different muscle groups and burning some calories. No, it’s not the same as a Crossfit session, but it’s better than nothing!

A study in the Preventative Medicine Journal reported the results of a meta-analysis of research examining the effects of gardening, including horticultural therapy, on health. They found substantive evidence to suggest that gardening can "improve physical, psychological, and social health, which can, from a long-term perspective, alleviate and prevent various health issues facing today's society."

If gardening is something that appeals to you, we are here to help. No matter your experience level, whether you are a novice who has no idea where to get started or an expert that would love something new to bring to your experience, there's the perfect gardening task for you.

We will keep you updated on everything we have coming in this spring to make this gardening season, the best yet!

We look forward to seeing or speaking with you soon. Happy Therapy!

 

Other useful links and resources:

June is Perennial Gardening Month

Gardening It's All in the Family

The heat is here and it reminds us how lucky we are to have beautiful, waterwise perennials in our garden. With the increasing population here in Utah, conserving water is definitely a top priority.

There are many great resources in Utah for guidance on water conservation while gardening.  We've shared many of these programs with you over the years: Utah Department of Water Resources, Conservation Garden Park, USU Extension Services, Red Butte Conservation Garden and Localscapes are all programs or resources we love.  They all have Utah specific guidance with truly beautiful results.

Glover Nursery’s own landscape department participates in the Localscape design program.  If you have done a Localscape design, you might have even worked with one of our experts to create your own waterwise oasis!

Our Top 7 Waterwise Perennials

These make our top 7 for a number of reasons: beauty, aromatic, quick to establish, pollinators love them, season round interest, and of course, water-wise.  We were going to just do 5, but it was impossible to narrow the list down that far.

1. Lavender -

   Commonly used for aromatherapy, Lavender is also an amazing plant for attracting pollinators.  The purple flower wands bloom prolifically. The flowers create a lovely compliment to their grayish-green leaves and stems. Lavender loves the full sun and, once they are established, can tolerate a great deal of heat and drought.

2. Upright Sedum – 

   Distinctive, fleshy foliage combined with bright flowers, Sedum is a great, waterwise addition to your garden design. They do better with more sun, tolerate low water well, and add a bright pop of color later in the season.  The texture and color of the leaves prior to flowering add some visual interest and contrast in the mix.

3. Agastache (Hummingbird Mint) –
   

   These aromatic, showy, long blooming plants may as well be called “Hummingbirds love me”.  They attract those elusive birds the second they start blooming.  There are many varieties of Agastache available, some of them with very distinct black licorice smelling flowers in bright reds, yellows, purples, oranges and pinks.
   

4. Echinacea Coneflower –
   

   This waterwise flower is a classic for a reason, Echinacea (aka Coneflower) makes top 5 lists frequently.  The blooms are beautiful, they are easy to grow, available in all sorts of colors (we have 28 varieties of Coneflower right here at Glover’s!).  Plus, it is well known for it’s healing medicinal properties – an effective immune system booster, very welcome these days!

5. Coreopsis – A repeat bloomer is a great addition to any area needing summer color.  The bright flowers pop all season long and, added bonus, in addition to being water-wise, is extremely low maintenance. Blooms come in a wide variety of colors make this an easy choice for any color scheme.
6. Yucca – Rosettes of evergreen, tough, sword-like leaves are extremely popular in desert areas for a reason, these are water-wise superstars.  The come in a variety of colors and sizes and make a unique accent piece, especially when they bloom.  During their bloom season, though it is shorter than the others on this list, the spectacluare sight of the tall stalks with bunches of white or cream flowers seem to hover above the leaves. 
7. Helianthemum – This waterwise flower is also commonly known as Rock Rose or Sun Rose. This is a great ground cover style perennial that resembles a flower carpet in mid to late summer.  When this flowers, it is a show stopper. Deer resistant, disease-resistant, easy to prune, beautiful foliage when it isn’t blooming and truly breathtaking blossoms when it does, added to that list it is also a water-wise perennial…it is clear to see why we couldn’t leave this off the list.   

One other plant category to consider are perennial grasses – while it is ‘grass’, they are not the lawn.  Perennial grasses are waterwise and they add striking visual interest with nice contrast that compliments the blooming perennials listed above. 

Of course, there are loads more waterwise plants to choose from than just these 7 (ok, 8) that will work for your project.  Still, we hope this gives you a good starting point for your new park strip. 

If you're interested in learning more about waterwise solutions for your garden check out the “Flip Your Strip” rebate program. This wonderful program gives an easy way to start moving toward a waterwise yard. You can check out the guidelines and qualifications here.  If you are eligible, you even get money for swapping out your lawn for some truly beautiful perennials.

While they do have a few fantastic examples of how you could design your park strip, the design options are limitless.   

And, as always, if you have any questions, we are here to help.   Come on down and see us at 9275 South 1300 West.

Happy Gardening!

Other useful links and resources:

5 Things To Do In Your Summer Garden

Top 5 Summertime Favorites

Ahh, Spring.  Though it is a few weeks away, we can feel it coming and are eager to be back in the garden!  In anticipation of the season, here are a few things you can do to prep your yard for a great start to growing:

• Prep your tools! It is so much easier to get gardening chores done with sharp and clean tools.
  • Sharp blades and spades give cleaner cuts that will allow for faster healing around any needed trims.
  • Disinfect anything that might have residue of disease or fungus from last year – cleaning your tools will prevent spreading the disease again this season.
• Clean up the leftovers. We all do our best to get the leaves and spent perennials up and off the lawn and garden beds before the snow fell, but sometimes the snow catches us and those items stay frozen under the snow all winter.  While the ground is frozen, it isn’t a big deal, but once the thaws start, it is important to get that debris off the ground.
  • Decomposing leaves create spots where fungus and mold can thrive.  It’s easier to clean them up early than to spend the months ahead fighting the effects. Toss them into the compost bin to break them down in a manner that won't create problems for your lawn or garden.
• Trim your deciduous trees, shrubs and roses as directed below.  Evergreens should be trimmed after they have flushed out with new growth, which is later in the spring. There are timings which are better for each type of plant, however, if there are any injured areas, go ahead and prune anytime to prevent further damage or potential disease.
  • Deciduous Trees and Shrubs can be pruned in January / February while the plants are fully dormant.
  • Fruit Trees should be trimmed in February / March to encourage vigorous spring growth and better fruit yield.
  • Roses should be pruned when the first buds start to swell, which can be March or April, depending on winter weather.  Part of the reason you should wait is to see if there has been any significant winter dieback (which will only show when buds start swelling on living canes). Another reason is directional pruning. Identifying bud angles can help you avoid poor structure within the rose shrub.
• Seeds, glorious seeds! Part of the fun we have this time of year is starting our seeds for the season.  Vegetables, flowers, herbs….a plethora of options and such a fun project while we wait for the last of the winter doldrums to fade away.  Read our blog on seeding advice, and come pick up those fabulous little seed packets today.  We are fully stocked and ready to help you get that garden growing.
• Systemics are key. As the ground thaws, those roots will start reaching out to absorb nutrients in the soil to send up to the branches.  As such, it is an incredible time to put down any systemic products (things you pour into the soil) so those roots can grab onto the product and shoot it up the plant.  3 of our favorites to use this time of year:
  • Monterey Once a Year Insect Control; can be applied as long as the ground is not frozen, or overly saturated, at the time of application.  This product controls a wide range of insects including several types of borers.  It offers control over an entire season.
  • Monterey Garden Phos; can be applied as a soil drench, foliar spray or basal bark drench.  Covers a large number of diseases including Fireblight, Verticillium Wilt and Root Rots.  Can be applied several times a year.
  • Bioadvanced All-in-One Rose & Flower Care; contains fertilizer, systemic insecticide and systemic fungicide.  Apply in March at the first sign of bud growth and every 6 weeks after for 3-4 applications a year.  This product can be used on flowers and shrubs as well as roses.

And, as always, we are here for you.  Stop by or give us a call, we look forward to seeing you soon.

 

Other useful links and resources:

Glover Nursery on Good Day Utah: Early Spring Edition

Get Ready for Spring: March Gardening Tips

Are you considering planting in the heat?

A lot of people think that you can't plant in the summer/early fall. We have a lot of people ask us is it safe to plant in the heat? Can I still plant? The answer is yes you can! And, you can be very successful. As Ryan Glover likes to say, "if you can dig, you can plant." If you like to dig in the late summer/early fall then why not add some instant shade?

All of the plants and trees we have in the nursery are ready to plant. If you're looking to add a few more trees and shrubs to your yard for some cooling shade, now is a great time to do it. You will want to keep in mind Ryan's 5 tips for planting in the heat.

Ryan's Quick Tips for Planting in the Heat

1. Dig the hole as deep as the rootball, no deeper.  But 1.5x as wide.
2. When backfilling the hole after placing the tree (or shrub) use 80% soil to 20% mulch.
3. Use the hose to settle the soil and saturate the root ball when you first plant.
4. Hand water with your hose on a slow for 15 to 20 minutes 3x's a week in the heat. (drip systems and sprinkler systems do not tend to saturate the root ball properly)

Learn more about watering techniques here....Remember slow, deep watering is best to give your new plants a great start.

 

Other useful links and resources:

Garden Plant Helleborus: The First Blooms of Spring

Planting a Tree 101

Don’t Water More, Water Smart

Glover Nursery's Top 5 Water Saving Tips to Reduce Water Waste

Summer is here and that means so is the heat. We get a lot of people wanting to reduce wasted water, which is awesome. We have five easy water saving tips for you. Don't be nervous about depriving your much-loved plants and potentially causing them harm. Our top 5 tips to help save water will have both your water bill and your plants happy.

There are many small adjustments that add up to significant progress for water conservation. Some big tasks like installing a drip system may be more of a long-term goal project. However, there are also many small things you can do today to make a large difference in saving water.

Helping our water supply while saving money on your water bill…that's the goal. AND, extra bonus, you'll be giving your plants the best possible support. Many of these recommendations are actually the best thing for your plants.  That’s like winning the plant lottery and water lottery at the same time! Here are our top 5 ways to help you save water.

1. Water Early

Water your lawn early in the morning, between 4-7am.  When we water lawns in the middle of the day, the majority of that water goes straight into the air and evaporates before it ever hits your lawn. Many sprinkler heads turn water into tiny drops and those tiny drops evaporate fast in the heat.

When you water before the air is hot more of the water will actually reach the lawn, and therefore the roots, where the water is needed. The result, less time is needed to water and therefore less water is used (and wasted).  For more lawn specific ideas, check our last blog post, Summer Lawn Tips.

2. Check Your Sprinkler System

Your sprinkler system can be adjusted to work smarter. You can make quick changes to your sprinkler system like correct where the heads spray, adjust clocks throughout the year as seasons change and make sure none of the lines are broken. These quick changes will save hundreds of gallons of water in one season. The simple things can really add up! Monitoring your sprinkler system is the simplest way to start.

    Some quick questions to ask yourself:

• What season is it?

  • Less water is needed in spring and fall.

• Is it Raining?

  • If it’s raining, turn off the system entirely.
  • Rain sensors are available at local stores. They can be hooked up to your system to make this even easier.

• Did you split the cycle?

  • Avoid unnecessary water runoff by splitting a cycle. This trick allows water to absorb deeper into the soil.
  • If your system is set to run a 40-minute cycle, do 20 minutes, wait for 10, run another 20 minutes.
  • This simple adjustment can eliminate the need for an entire cycle once a week.

A great resource for other sprinkler related recommendations to reduce water waste can be found at scienTurfic Sod.

3. Water Low

Water at the base of your trees, shrubs, and perennials to save water.  Spraying the leaves and trunks can actually cause damage in the heat. Plus, it doesn’t solve the problem of the water reaching the roots where it is needed.

New Plants

It is extremely important to deep soak new plants during their establishment phase.  To deep soak new plants, turn your hose to a very slow trickle. Place the hose about 4-6” from the base of the stem or trunk of your new plant. The length of watering time needed depends on the size of the root ball. For smaller 1-5 gallon size plants, 10-15 minutes twice a week should be sufficient. For larger trees and shrubs, we recommend 10 minutes per inch caliper on the tree (i.e. a large 4” caliper tree requires 40 minutes of soaking).

Established Plants

Established plants are plants that have been in your landscape for a year or more. Two years or more for larger trees. We recommend installing a drip system or micro-emitter. The benefit of these systems is there is zero water waste. All of the water is put directly into the soil where it is needed. These systems emit water at such a slow rate that the water absorbs deeper and deeper into the soil. Achieving our ultimate goal, getting the water to those grounding roots.

    By watering your plants directly at the roots you will:

• Put the water exactly where it is needed.
• Help to establish deeper, stronger roots.
• Waste very little, if any, water as it is going directly to the area needed.

4 . Don’t water wet soil.

This might seem obvious, but if your soil is still wet from previous watering it likely can wait another day or two. This includes rain-storms. The recommended way to check if your soil is wet is what my grampa called “the finger test”.  It is a very simple water saving test. Stick your finger in the soil up to your second knuckle. If you feel moisture, no need to water. This simple check will save you hundreds of gallons of water waste.

5 . Know your soil type.

Clay soil holds more water, sandy soil dries faster. If you have more clay base, you do not need to water as often. Clay base soils do need to be watered deeper.

Sandy soil needs less watering at any given time. But it will need slightly more frequent watering. Knowing your soil type will save you water, time, money and hassle. And, your plants will thrive when you combine proper watering technique with the appropriate soil type.

There are loads more ways you can reduce, or even eliminate, water waste.  looking for even more ideas to help save water? There are wonderful local resources available. Check out some of the following.

• Utah Division of Water Resources
• Conservation Garden Park
• Red Butte Gardens
• Or, you can check out this fun link by HGTV

If you have any great tips that you don’t see, let us know!  There are probably loads of great water-saving inventions out there we haven’t seen yet and would love to share.  After all, when it comes to reducing water waste, we are all in it together.

 

Other useful links and resources:

How Trees Can Help With a Waterwise Landscape

Watering 101: How to Water Your New Plants

Hummingbird Season is Upon Us!

We love these jewels of the sky! These beautiful birds arrive in Utah in late April/mid-May and stay through September. It's best to prepare your habitat before hummingbirds arrive. However, it's not too late to attract these fascinating birds to your yard.

Many migratory hummingbirds, the breeding natives, arrive in Utah sometime in April or early May. It varies year to year depending on changing environmental factors. Like many wild animals, the male of the species is much more flashy than the female. They normally have colorful throats and tails and sometimes will whistle as they fly. 

The best way to attract these jewels of the sky is to provide the necessities for their perfect habitat. The more of these you can provide in your own backyard the better chance you will have of daily hummingbird visitors. We've put together 5 guiding principles to make the perfect Hummingbird Habitat in your Utah yard.

Nectar

When you bring up hummingbirds most people think immediately of red sugar water. But, that's not the only way to attract hummingbirds. A hummingbird feeder is a great way to supplement native sources of nectar in your yard. However, using native and non-native plants is the best source for these active birds.

Thoughtful plantings of native nectar sources can provide an uninterrupted food source throughout their stay. Because hummingbirds are well adapted to native plants they are the best way to invite hummingbirds to your yard. Native plants also make your yard a perfect nesting spot year after year.

Consider adding the following fantastic sources of nectar to your landscape.

Native Nectar Sources

• Aquilegia formosa                      
• Aquilegia chrysantha                
• Aquilegia scopulorum    
• Asclepias tuberosa
• Campsis radicans 
• Chilopsis linearis
• Heuchera parvifolia  
• Ipomopsis aggregate
• Lobelia cardinalis
• Lonicera involucrate 
• Monarda fistulosa
• Penstemon barbatus
• Penstemon cyanthus
• Penstemon eatoni
• Penstemon palmeri
• Penstemon pseudospectabilis
• Penstemon strictus
• Ribes aureum
• Symphoricarpos albus
• Zauschneria garretii
• Zauschneria latifolia

Excellent non-native Nectar Sources

• Agastache
• Crocosmia
• Hesperaloe
• Hibiscus
• Hosta
• Kniphofia
• Lonicera japonica
• Lychnis chalcedonica
• Phlox
• Salvia

Hummingbird Feeder Solution

We have the best Hummingbird Feeder Recipe. Again, we want to make sure and point out that a hummingbird feeder should be used as a second source of food for these busy little birds.

Supplemental feeders should be filled with a solution of four parts water to one part white sugar. Feeders can ferment if left too long. Keep your feeder fresh by cleaning them well and replacing sugar water before it begins to ferment.

Sometimes hummingbirds become territorial of a feeder. To avoid this behavior feeders should hang at a distance from each other or out of sight from one another.

Water

Shallow water attracts hummingbirds. Traditional birdbaths tend to be too deep for these tiny birds. As a solution, you can fill your birdbath part way with pebbles and rocks to make them more suitable. We have a variety of birdbaths available at the nursery and filler too! 

Hummingbirds also like moving / natural bird baths. They will bathe in sprinklers, misters and water droplets that have collected on large leaves. Planting Cannas and Hostas in your yard will create a natural birdbath for hummingbirds.

Perching Sites, Nesting Sites and Nesting Materials

Hummingbirds will create their home in a place with natural materials readily available. Providing perching sites, nesting sites and nesting material is a great way to encourage hummingbirds to take up residence in your yard. And keep them from using your yard as just a pass through.

Trees, shrubs and vines offer protection from predators. These are also the perfect place to build a nest. Preferable nesting materials include moss, lichens, and fur. Pappus from seeds such as dandelions, thistle, aster and asclepias cotton also make great nesting materials. Surprisingly, spider webs are an especially important nest component. 

Organic Gardening Practices

Nature is it's own best exterminating system. Spiders and insects are a protein-packed meal for hummingbirds. We knew we loved these busy little birds!

Hummingbirds also use spider webs for nest building. Keeping an organic garden will allow nature to work at it's best. A well-balanced backyard ecosystem is essential for providing sources of protein. 

For more information on hummingbirds visit

www.worldofhummingbirds.com

www.hummingbirds.net

www.hummingbirdsociety.org

www.extension.usu.edu

 

Other useful links and resources:

Create a Backyard Wildlife Habitat

Your To-Do List: April Gardening Tips

Passing the love of gardening on to the next generation.

My 3-year old niece came tearing into gramma’s house the other day screaming, with delight, “My plants are growing, Gramma!  My plants are growing!!”.  She was so excited she could barely contain herself. She kept running around the house in circles, absolutely over the moon that “her” plants had grown.

It was one of those moments that, as a 5th generation member of a family whose business it is to help gardens thrive, made we wonder...how do we get kids to have this kind of love for gardening at such a young age?  What was it that made my little niece want to jump back out into the dirt with her colorful shovel and help gramma grow her tomatoes?

We did a bit of polling among our gardening experts. Drumroll Please! It seems like there are a few ways to get the entire family gardening, and actually enjoying it, together!

Top 4 Ways to Get Your Kids to Love Gardening

Involve the kids in the planning.

Whether you are laying out an entirely new landscape design, planting a veggie garden or just refreshing a flower bed with a few annuals, let the kids be involved.  If they get to select the tree you take home, or even just one small annual, they feel important. That feeling of ownership will have them more invested in the success of that plant.  Plus, with their creative minds, they may pick a color or texture you would never have thought of. Sometimes a new perspective can make the landscape stand out even more beautifully.

Give them their own kid-size plot.

Let your kids plot out a bit of dirt to take care of themselves.  Even if they are too little to properly plant something, they can help in small ways. Suggest they pick up little sticks or debris (leaves, etc.) that may have fallen in the garden.  If they are a little older, and with a bit of direction, they can help with weeding, cutting flowers for indoor décor and harvesting when the time has come. Then, of course, for the eldest, there is the all-important mowing of the lawn.

Kids will love being part of the process from start to finish. They might even be more excited about eating the veggies they have taken such good care of throughout the season.

Kid-Size Gardening Tools

Little hands need little tools. Gardening tools that fit their hands and are easy to use will make your kids excited to get dirty. There are some really cute gardening toys out there that are light-weight, durable and actually work!  Kids can truly help with digging without yielding an overly heavy shovel designed for big hands.

We love and use Melissa & Doug for our little gardeners, they make great, long-lasting products.  We even started carrying them, available now in our main store.  However, there are others available on the market that will work and make it fun. We've seen good sets at local drug stores and Target.

Everyone Loves a Challenge

Make the project a good challenge for their age, but not so overwhelming they end up unable to finish.  While this is different for every family and every child, you'll know your child's skill level best.

Of course, there are some givens, a 3-year old won’t be able to mow the lawn and a 14-year old will likely get very bored picking up sticks.  Find a project that challenges them enough to make them feel successful.

The Family That Gardens Together...

Grows together! Enjoy the side effects of spending time with your family in the garden. You will have given your kids something to be proud of while exposing them to nature, taught them where their food comes from and instilled in them a sense of accomplishment and pride. And, maybe just shortened your personal chore list a bit in the process.

Nest step? Use that extra time to cuddle up and watch a movie together before a rest-filled bedtime. Because, as we all know, physical activity helps promote deeper sleep and better rest.

Give them the gift of gardening and build their love of gardening right alongside yours.

We hope this short list triggers some ideas. We'd love to know how you get your kids involved in the garden in a fun and easy way.

As always, if you have any questions, we are here to help.

Monday - Saturday 8am-6:45pm

Sunday 10am-5pm.

Happy Gardening!

 

Other useful links and resources:

Gardening Therapy

Creative Gardening Pairings from Monrovia