Water is life, as they say. It is a precious resource, and as some point out, it should be more accurately referred to as source, the source of all life. When we look at it through this lens and pay attention to how we can...
What is living mulch? you might ask. Let’s first address what mulch is. In the ornamental horticulture world, mulch is something that covers the ground and: Visually anchors the landscape to the site Shades and insulates the soil from temperature extremes and fluctuations Prevents competition from weeds Helps seal...
In today's world, where environmental concerns are paramount, there is a growing awareness of the adverse impacts of herbicides and pesticides on ecosystems. However, maintaining a beautiful and healthy landscape doesn't have to rely on chemical interventions. By creating habitat in your home landscape, you...
Creating habitat for pollinators is a wonderful way to support the local ecosystem while simultaneously enhancing your landscape for your own enjoyment. Here are some steps you can take: Plant Native Wildflowers: Choose a diversity of native wildflowers that bloom at different times throughout the year...
MYTH #1 DRY STREAMBEDS BELONG IN A WATERWISE LANDSCAPE FACT: DRY STREAMBEDS ARE NOT WATERWISE Dry streambeds are not considered waterwise because they do not actively conserve or utilize water resources. A dry stream bed typically lacks vegetation or water-holding features, which means it does not efficiently...
If you’ve been reading our newsletter, you know by now that rain gardens are innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for managing stormwater runoff. But did you know that these gardens functionally mimic the work of beavers? Indeed; they effectively spread and slow the flow of...
I know it can be a challenge to figure out exactly what to cover the ground with. The adage tossed around the ecological and horticultural realms that “nature abhors a vacuum” refers to the fact that weeds will fill a void. We don’t want to...
I spent the night camping near Molas Pass. The clouds were amazing. It was golden hour and the sun on the Grenadiers was stunning. There was a curious unformed blob shape of a rainbow. The whole scene was breathtaking. It led me to pondering how...
Living mulch is a great way to work with nature in your landscape to produce more of what you want and less of what you don’t. It benefits you and the nature that we nurture. To begin, let’s set the stage by establishing what mulch is....
You will be happy to know that gardening in keeping with ecological tenants produces a low-maintenance landscape. Knowing when to apply a lighter hand and let nature dictate how your garden beds evolve produces less labor on your part, and less need for external resources...
Drought in our region is the norm, not the exception. With thoughtful planning, it doesn't have to be a calamity. The crux of the planning revolves around fine-tuning your watering. 1. How you water On average we use 5-10 times more water than necessary for a healthy...
Create a wildfire defensible space in your landscape In this year of little rain and too many fires, being fire-wise is as important as ever. Many rural homeowners living in Colorado’s arid environment are particularly vulnerable. Wildfire is a natural phenomenon, but the risk of...
Did you see this article in from 9 February 2022 about bill 1151 Tired of mowing your lawn? Colorado could pay you $2 a square foot to rip it out? As of Earth Day 2022, this bill is still under consideration. Here at Columbine, we think it’s...
Colorado. We love it. Many of us have gone to great lengths to reside here. As gardeners, we have the opportunity to create an aesthetic unique to the southern Rockies and reflect the natural beauty of the place we call home. Colorado has an incredible array...
Enduring the early years of a new landscape can be trying. It may be akin to having a puppy. The puppy sure is cute, and so are all your new plants, but both take a lot of patience to get them to mature into the...
There are so many options for enhancing the look and feel of your winter garden in Colorado beyond evergreen. Think about the added delight provided by form, texture, and movement in what is typically regarded as a flat, motionless time of year. Enter ornamental grasses; one...
Perhaps you’ve heard about the calamity that has befallen the honeybee population in recent years. It really is important. Imagine what our grocery shelves would look like if we didn't have bees! See with your own eyes the striking contrast at FastCompany.com. According to Greenpeace.org,...
Acquire plants from local sources. The local nursery is the best source of plant material for several reasons. Local nurseries will generally not offer plants that would fail in the areas they serve. Knowledgeable staff is readily available to discuss specifics of your site to further...
Hello Columbine Landscapes Community! We’re happy you’re here! This is the second installment of a 2 part series. The first part was released in November, entitled Pollinator-Friendly Lawns. Click here to catch up. Evidenced by the titles the two installments have different foci. I’m thrilled to share...
Drought in our region is the norm, not the exception. With thoughtful planning it doesn't have to be a calamity. Look at how and when you water. On average we use 5-10 times more water than necessary for a healthy landscape. Irrigation must...
We are proud to have been recently featured in the Durango Herald, in an article about our Passive Rainwater Harvesting Landscapes! In March, Eva and Colleen travelled to Tucson, Arizona for an intensive 7-day course about passive rainwater harvesting and how to maximize the ability...
After hardly a winter last year, I am feeling enthusiastic about it this time around. I had to laugh thinking about this the other day. I know some of you will understand and I hope it brings you a smile too. In sharp contrast to my...
Hello and happy fall! It's finally cooling down a bit which makes this is my favorite time of year with cool nights and warm days. And it's a great time for planting! New plants planted in the fall are afforded the opportunity to focus all...
My new friend Kit Strange and I toured the state with plants, gardens and trucks as our focus. Oh yes, I did say trucks. As Kit explained, she is fascinated with anything on wheels and that I witnessed as we crossed the state: semis, old,...
Look at how and when you water. On average we use 5-10 times more water than necessary for a healthy landscape. Irrigation must be fine tuned for the site – talk with your irrigation company now as they turn on your system. Adjust according to...
