Fall 2023 Edition

I’M SO GLAD I LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE THERE ARE OCTOBERS.

“Bloom Gardens Magazine is a unique regional gardening magazine advocating organic & sustainable practices.”

Unique gardening challenges we experience in Utah

Utah’s has a unique climate with extreme high/low temperatures, alkaline soil, and frequent drought. Considering it’s the second driest and fourth fastest growing state in the U.S. presents additional challenges of pollution, water shortages, and depleted soil.

Did you know that environmental illnesses could be prevented? Only 0.7% of farms are organic vs. traditional farms. Over 82,000 chemicals are allowed on the market without safety testing, and we use them in our daily lives.

I have seen firsthand the damaging effects this chemically filled world has on all of us. On September 24, 2013, my husband, Kevin was diagnosed with YoungOnset Parkinson’s disease (age 47), caused from his exposure to pesticides during his work career.

What’s the solution?

This is where Bloom Gardens journey begins. Our goal is to create an educational venue, which teaches how to garden & landscape without harmful pesticides, create sustainable gardens, and to help improve the environment within our communities.

What is meant by sustainable gardening?

Sustainable gardening combines organic gardening practices with resource conservation. Generally, sustainable gardening is forward-thinking, it values ecosystem support over aesthetics, makes as little negative impact on the earth as possible, and works with nature instead of against it.

Ramona Borkman Magazine Editor

Nature’s Seed

My

Fall

Gardening Hack: Native Perennial Grasses

By Skylar Christensen, Nature’s Seed Blue grama, Bouteloua gracilis

As the bright summer blooms fade into the warm tapestry of autumn, you might be noticing your landscape looking a little rough around the edges. Maybe the heat was too much in some areas. Maybe it looks a little drab now without the vibrant colors enjoyed earlier in the year. Maybe you just stopped caring around mid-August. No judgment. Luckily this is the time of year my favorite fall gardening hack takes over. By planting a wide variety of native perennial grasses, you can set your garden beds on autopilot and draw attention away from the more tired areas of your landscape.

There are many to choose from here in Utah, but my go-to native perennial grasses have always been the warm-season types such as blue grama, switchgrass, and little bluestem. The warm-season grasses have a special adaptation, a distinct way of performing photosynthesis, which allow them to thrive during the hottest, driest times of the year. This makes them resistant to heat waves, droughts, and my own neglect. They grow steadily and patiently in the background all year, letting the flashier spring and summer blooming plants do their thing.

Come late summer and early fall the grasses begin putting on a show of their own; illuminating the garden with a warm glow of rusty reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows. Seed heads sway gently in the cool autumn breeze, their intricate detail complementing the softer texture of the grass blades below. Now is the time to take a break and let the grasses do the heavy lifting. They don’t need any trimming, pruning, or deadheading. In fact, you can forget about them until next year. Leaving your ornamental grasses untouched is an excellent way to add visual interest to the winter garden. It also benefits hibernating pollinators and other wildlife. A quick trim down to the ground is recommended in the late winter or early spring.

Blue grama, Bouteloua gracilis, has always been one of my favorite native perennial grasses. You might recognize it by its unusual eyebrow-like seed heads. I like to plant this short-growing bunchgrass along garden paths where these eyebrows can spill over the edge. Blue grama is extremely heat and drought tolerant, and in its native Utah range can be found in areas receiving as little as eight inches of precipitation a year. For those brave enough to try, blue grama can also be used as an alternative lawn grass if planted at a high enough seeding rate (around 3 lbs. /1000 sq. ft.). Keep in mind it is a warm-season grass, so it will take longer to green up in the spring and will go dormant quicker in the fall than our more traditionally used cool-season turfgrasses.

Native Perennial Grasses

Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum, may only be native to the southern half of Utah, but it performs just fine up north too. This is one species you really need to pay close attention to what variety you’ re planting. Some varieties stay around three feet tall, others get 4-6 feet tall, and some can even reach 10 feet tall. This also means it’ s exceptionally versatile in the landscape. Plant the tall varieties in the rear of your garden beds for a quick burst of height each year, or group some together as a focal point. The red and purple seed heads are a standout in the fall garden, and their lacy feather-like texture adds movement with the slightest breeze.

Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum,

Little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, is also native to southern Utah even though it’s primarily associated with the Great Plains region. This outstanding ornamental grass has everything I look for in a landscape plant. It doesn’t need to be watered except for an occasional deep soak during the hottest parts of summer. It doesn’t require any maintenance apart from being cut to the ground in the late winter. It provides year-round visual interest, transitioning from its blue-green spring and summer color to its reddish-bronze hue in the fall. And unlike some ornamental grasses, little bluestem is rigid enough to withstand snowfall without bending or collapsing.

Is your gardening oomph running a little low this time of year? Give this fall gardening hack a try. Or maybe your zeal is as strong as ever, that’s fine too. Native perennial grasses have much to offer gardeners of all energy levels. For me they’ve become the backbone of my landscape. They add structure, act as filler, and when I need them the most they throw the garden on their back and carry it across the finish line.

Little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium

Photo by Matthew Montrone: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-red-petaled-flowers-1334445/

Create Your Dream Yard with Confidence

You have questions. We have answers, and loads of amazing plants as well!

Fall is an ideal time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials, but knowing which plants will work best in your yard can be tricky. After just a few minutes with us, however, you’ll have a much better understanding of what will grow best in your area, how your water source will affect your plants, and which plants will best deliver the look and feel you want for your yard.

At Progressive Plants.com You Can:

• Browse our online catalog by category: waterwise, deer resistant, conifers, etc.

• Order plants online for easy pick up or delivery

• Chat directly with a horticulturalist

• Schedule a FREE tour on a golf cart.

• Contact amazing landscape designers

• Sign up for our newsletter

Progressive Plants

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Host, Cynthia Stringham in Ogden Bay Produce vegetable and flower garden

Conservation Garden Park

Conserving Smartly: Why Plants Matter

By Florence Smith and Megan Hill, Plant Curators, Conservation Garden Park

Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District

Here at Conservation Garden Park, we are often asked, “If you are trying to reduce water usage, why is it important to include plants in your landscape? Doesn’t that just require more water?” In short, the answer is yes. Plants do require more water than rock or concrete, but with the switch from overhead spray to drip irrigation, the reduction of lawn, and the incorporation of native, or adapted, waterwise plants, we will see mass amounts of water being saved without going to an extreme.

Plants do require water, but it is vital to include them in our landscapes. Plants provide numerous benefits and without them our entire environment would change. Through using waterwise practices and waterwise plants, we can conserve water while still being able to enjoy the benefits plants provide. Listed below are several reasons why plants are crucial to us.

The Urban Heat Island Effect

As cities lose natural spaces and trees, they begin to experience something called the "Urban Heat Island Effect", in which urban areas heat up significantly more than surrounding areas. Buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more so than greenery and natural landscapes (source).

The EPA says that heat islands increase energy costs from air conditioning, contribute to air pollution, and cause heat-related illnesses and mortality (source). They are bad for our communities in terms of economics, wellbeing, and health.

Plants cool the area around them by moving moisture through the air (through evapotranspiration), shading surfaces, and deflecting solar radiation. Conventional roofing materials can reach as high as 60°F warmer than the air on a warm day. Incorporating plants into urban and residential landscapes reduces temperatures, saves energy and money on cooling expenses, and improves outdoor comfort during heat extremes.

Water Filtration

Surface area covered by buildings and pavement also changes patterns in water runoff and absorption. Impermeable surfaces (like asphalt, roofing, and concrete) shed stormwater, directing it into storm drains and the ground. Flooding results when the ground is not permeable enough to absorb all the water. Plant roots break up compacted soil and create space for the water to absorb properly, reducing the chances of flooding.

As water moves across the ground it picks up contaminants such as road salts, car pollution, pesticides, and fertilizers. Plant roots can filter out those contaminants as the water travels through the soil, making for cleaner groundwater. Urban plants play a vital role in keeping our water system clean.

Beautification, Popularity, and City Ordinances

Beautifying our streets is a major priority for most cities and homeowners. Having plants in our neighborhoods and urban environments helps to boost mood, improve well-being, and reduce stress. It also helps to improve curb appeal and property values. Studies have shown that street trees may even reduce crime by 12%!

Soil Stabilization

Without plants and trees to help us stabilize our soils, erosion occurs, which can lead to both environmental and structural damage. Different plants, such as ground cover, native grasses, and shrubs have different benefits including soil surface protection, soil stabilization, and buffering against flowing water. Plants with lots of spreading fibrous roots can anchor through the soil and help to hold the soil in place below the top layers, protecting against erosion and aiding on slopes. Plants with a lot of leaves help to break the impact of raindrops before they hit the ground, thus helping to prevent soil runoff. Plants can also help slow down the water as it moves across the soil surface. The plants become obstacles that the water must move around, decreasing the speed of movement. Slowing down the water movement can also help keep the soil in place and prevent it from washing away. These benefits are even more prominent in more densely planted areas.

Ensuring soil stability is critical for ensuring long-term soil health and preventing water and wind erosion. When it comes to erosion control, planting areas can be customized with plants that help with specific erosion issues.

Wildlife Habitat

Native and adapted non-native plant species provide habitat for various native creatures, including pollinators, insects, arachnids, birds, rabbits, and more! Plants provide food, protection, and places to raise young, which are all vital to maintaining a healthy community and ecosystem. Rather than removing non-native and high-water use plants and replacing them with hardscape, replace them with native, or adapted, waterwise plants to encourage a healthy habitat. Once you have used sustainable practices to revamp your landscape, and have included resources like food, water, cover, and places to raise young, you can even register it as a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation (NWF Certification)!

For all the reasons listed above and many more, plants matter. Adding plants to our landscapes and cities makes them more livable and enjoyable now, while also allowing us to invest in their future health.

Xeriscaping

Save Water & Money

How much water can I save? And how much can I save? So how much water are we really saving here? Is it worth an entire remodel of your yard? Well, depending on the extent of how much of your land is xeriscaped, this practice can reduce water use up to 50-75%, saving not only water but money too. Xeriscaping can also be customized to fit a variety of design styles and preferences, from minimalist and modern to lush and tropical. By working with a professional xeriscaping company, you can design a beautiful and sustainable landscape that meets your specific needs and aesthetic

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Progressive Plants

Designing Your Landscape to Reflect Nature

By Progressive Plants

The natural world around us is loaded with beauty. Without any effort from mortal hands, nature simply works. It catches our attention with light, shadow, texture, color, shape, form, and contrast. The artistic compositions of Mother Nature change with the seasons, of course, but the images also change immensely as we move through the landscape. Where we stand can make all the difference.

Nature teases us with one stunning vista while concealing another masterful composition just out of view. That’s why we hike, ride mountain bikes, or take long drives through the country. That intrigue drives us to explore the trail to see what’s around the next bend. We want to take in as much of Mother Nature’s art as we can.

Nature’s artistic touch inspires and informs our own efforts to create beauty. Since its earliest conception, the driving force behind art has been to express thoughts and feelings, or to simply grab our attention, by mimicking the beauty of nature. Artists have attempted this through photo-realistic paintings, detailed sculptures, or even loose patches of color carefully placed to create contrast, composition, or visual interest.

This famous painting, Water Lilies and Japanese Bridge, by Claude Monet, is a prime example of art imitating the beauty of nature. This image is especially unique because the garden depicted here, Giverny Gardens, was Monet's own creation, and he often said that the garden itself was his greatest work of art.

(Image courtesy of www.claude-monet.com.)

The actual Giverny Gardens, also by Claude Monet.

Designing Your Landscape to Reflect Nature

Art is essential in each of our lives because it circumvents the limitations of language. Through music, sculpture, dance, painting, and other art media, including landscaping, we can express thoughts, feelings, emotions, and ideas that are beyond words. We’ re sure you ’ve had moments when you were overcome with emotion simply by experiencing art whether it was an especially moving piece of music, a lyrical dance, or even a thought-provoking painting.

The same natural elements artists strive to replicate in their work will make your own landscape pop with life and beauty. As you design your landscape, think in terms of artistic composition. How will you create balance? How will you implement shape and form? Where will you create contrast between highlights and shadows? What about color? Do you want to pop contrasting complementary colors beside each other such as yellow and purple, orange and blue, red and green? Or, would you rather create a grow bed filled with analogous colors; colors that are beside each other on the color wheel yellows, oranges, reds and browns, or greens, blues, and purples? Like Monet, you can create a landscape that inspires you an outdoor space that’s loaded with life and energy. There’s a lot to consider when you’re designing your landscape, but if you start with contrast and layering, you’ll win the biggest part of the battle.

Contrast

As you consider contrast in your landscape, think of the contrast between complementary colors, light and dark, large and small, columnar and broad, and compact and loose. Placing complementary elements near each other will make both plants pop, and incorporating varying textures in your yard will help your plants stand out against each other as they catch the light and your attention. Remember, also, that flowers are usually short-lived compared to foliage. If you can find these elements in the foliage of your plants, your landscape will have longer-lasting appeal.

Designing Your Landscape to Reflect Nature

Layering

Layering is simply placing plants of various heights in such a manner that they can all be seen and enjoyed. The landscape here at Progressive Plants, beautifully incorporates shape, form, and balance, but those elements are a pleasant byproduct of contrast and layering. You could take any portion of this landscape and find a balanced composition, but that balance is the natural result of layering. The layers support each other, create patches of color, and add weight to various areas of the landscape. The shape and form you see in this landscape is simply the result of contrasting elements setting each other apart. If you keep these two elements in mind, you can see how designing the ideal landscape becomes easier.

Intrigue

Intrigue is what motivates people to explore your yard, and it’s best created by teasing and concealing. You can create intrigue by designing your own winding pathways with plants that obscure your view and invite you to discover what’ s around the bend. You can also appeal to your inner child by creating spaces that feel secluded and engulfed in living things places where your younger self would hide away.

All of these elements come into play as you design your landscape. The more artistic elements you incorporate into your yard, the more it will feel like an escape to nature a place to rest, rejuvenate, and heal, as you slip away from the clutter of everyday life.

Creating an outdoor escape can be complicated. There certainly are challenging elements such as selecting plants, designing your sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, and learning how to care for the plants in your garden. Don’t let that discourage you. The benefits far outweigh the challenges. If you have questions, we ’re here to help. You can chat with us at www.Progressiveplants.com. For a more personalized solution, simply connect with one of the designers on our website. They are among the best in the industry, and they’re eager to turn your yard into a masterpiece.

Utah Native Plant Society

Grow Native–Epilobium canum ssp. garrettii (synonym Zauschneria garrettii)

By Cathy King, Co-editor Sego Lily President, UNPS

Chances are you already know Epilobium canum ssp. garrettii (synonym Zauschneria garrettii) and there is a good reason for it. Not only is it a Utah native plant with showy orange flowers that blooms for a long period well into the late summer months, but it is also an excellent water-wise selection for your garden.

Epilobium canum ssp. garrettii growing in a typical dry landscape in Kamloops, BC, Canada. Photo by Jay Akerley

Known by the common name fire chalice or hummingbird plant, this is a low-growing long-lived perennial about 8-12” tall that can serve as a ground cover once established in the garden as it slowly increases in size by sending out rhizomes. Offered in a wide variety of selections and cultivars, the color can vary in shades of orange to scarlet reds. As the late, great David Salman from High Country Gardens put it “this colorful group of herbaceous perennials are a requirement for any self-respecting western garden.” Zauschneria garrettii

‘Orange Carpet’ is a David Salman selection that he introduced through High Country Gardens in 1996. It is a 2001 Plant Select winner as well. Plant it on a hill or sloping location where the brilliant flowers can cascade over rocks or raised beds. It is hardy to Zone 3 and blooms best in a sunny location. Although it is a water-wise plant, moderate water will encourage more flowers.

Mass planting of fire chalice at the Sandy City public park Sego Lily Gardens.

According to Stephen Love from the University of Idaho, fire chalice grows naturally in almost all the states in the West except for Washington, Montana and Colorado. Its natural “habitat is typically open, steep, dry and rocky, and is accompanied by sagebrush, mountain scrub, grasses, and other small wildflowers.”

You will find it in all of our public gardens in Utah. And you should be able to find it for sale pretty easily in most Utah retail nurseries when you go shopping for plants. You might run across another subspecies in a nursery, E. canum ssp. canum, which is the California variety of the species and listed for Zone 8 and above.

Sources:

Garrett's fire chalice, Epilobium canum ssp. garrettii (syn. Zauschneria garrettii), Evening Primrose family (Onagraceae) in its native habitat. Elbow Fork in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. Photo by Andrey Zharkikh

Native Plants for the Landscape Utah State University “Firechalice in the Landscape” Stephen Love, University of Idaho

https://cwelwnp.usu.edu/westernnativeplants/plantlist_view.php?

id=52&name=zauschneriagarrettiiepilobiumcanum

Plant Select, Orange Carpet, hummingbird trumpet

https://plantselect.org/plant/epilobium-canum-subsp-garrettii-pwwg01s-zauschneriagarrettii-pwwg01s/

David Salman, High Country Gardens, Zauschneria Orange Carpet. https://www.highcountrygardens.com/content/gardening/pour-on-the-orange-plantingzauschneria-for-hummingbirds

Garvan Woodland Gardens

By Ramona Borkman, Magazine Editor

Founded by Verna Cook Garvan, Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210 -acre site, recognized as Arkansas’ premier botanical garden. It is located near Hot Springs National Park, one of the oldest parks in the nation. Though the garden site was purchased in the 1920s, Garvan began to develop it as a show garden in 1956. Within a span of 40 years, the garden became charming with an impressive collection of plants and flowers such as camellias, magnolias, azaleas, and roses of antique varieties. Presently, it is home to hundreds of natural and exotic plants. In 1983, Garvan donated the land under a trust agreement to the University of Arkansas School of Architecture, and she maintained control of the property until her death in 1993. It now functions as an independent department of the U of A School of Architecture.

In April 2002, the garden was opened to the general public, thereby fulfilling Garvan’s dream to utilize it for educational purposes and serve the people of Arkansas. Garvan Woodland Gardens is noted for its floral landscapes, freeflowing streams and waterfalls, as well as breathtaking architectural structures in a natural woodland setting.

Reference: https://www.u-shistory.com/pages/h2525.html

A Guide to Fall Flowers

By Amanda Hammond, Harmons Floral Production Manager and Certified Florist

With summer in the rearview and autumn right around the corner, it is time to welcome the fiery reds, burnt oranges, deep purples and golden yellows of fall flowers. Amanda Hammond, Harmons Floral Production Manager and Certified Florist, answered frequently asked questions about fall flowers, sharing insights about what blooms to expect, how to care for them and how to create stunning arrangements that capture the essence of the season.

Floral Stars of the Season

Q. What are the best fall flowers to decorate with and how can these flowers be incorporated into seasonal home decor?

A. Personally, I love foliage. There are so many varieties, textures and tones. Foliage is also longer-lasting than most cut flowers. For variation in color, you can choose tinted varieties like Eucalyptus, Grevillea, Safari Sunset and Cotinus. Mums, however, are a great fall flower that come in many colors and are still found blooming in our climate into November if the weather cooperates.

Tablescapes are very popular for fall decor and are quite easy to put together. Using trailing greenery and sporadic vase placement, incorporating single stem items such as Ranunculus, Mums, Sunflowers and Alstroemeria along with fall accents like Cattails, Wheat and Yarrow can complete a beautiful fall tablescape.

Photo by Tara Winstead: https://www.pexels.com/photo/banquet-table-with-elegant-flowers-and-dishware-6479596/

Q. Are there any specific fall flower arrangements or color combinations you would recommend for the season?

A. Giving a florist the opportunity to design and create is your best bet. Asking for a designer’s choice in fall colors and flowers allows the designer to pick from the seasonal best available in the cooler. As things are new and changing with every flower delivery, leaving this option open is less limiting and gives the designer the ability to do what they do best.

Q. Are there any specific fall flowers that have symbolic meanings or cultural significance?

A.Yes! Typically, Mums are seasonal to fall. However, Marigolds are very popular flowers for the fall season as Dia De Las Muertos is celebrated October 31st to November 2nd. Marigolds are used to guide the spirits to their altars or graves using their bright colors and pungent scent. They also represent the frailty of life. The specific breed of Marigold most commonly used is the Cempasúchil, or the flower of the dead. We will be offering Marigold plants and cut stems in Harmons stores during this time.

Q. Are there any fall flowers that can thrive indoors as potted plants throughout the season?

A. Many flowers thrive indoors. Coleus, Mums, Antherium, Bromeliad, Orchids, Cyclamen, Holiday cactus, Kalanchoe and Polka dot plants are just a few of them.

Photo by Eva Bronzini: https://www.pexels.com/photo/bouquet-of-flowers-on-table-in-room-5501100/

Q. How can fall flowers be integrated into seasonal events, such as Thanksgiving or Halloween gatherings?

A. Pumpkin arrangements are fun. Hollow out a pumpkin, put a plastic liner or some cellophane to keep the water from the shell of the pumpkin, then cut and add floral foam. (Oasis is a foam meant to retain moisture and hold the flower arrangement in place.) Insert desired fall flowers and foliage using the pumpkin as your container. Cornucopias are also a fun way to bring out fall as you can use the same floral foam and create a design with various produce and mixed fall flowers and foliage.

Fall Flower Caretaking

Q. Which fall flowers are low-maintenance and ideal for beginners in flower care?

A. Mums are one of the easiest fall flowers for beginners. Other good choices are Carnations and Alstroemeria. Filler flowers that also tend to be longer-lasting are Statice, Safflower and Thistle.

Q. What is the ideal water temperature for cut flowers?

A. When changing out the water after freshly cutting the stems, filling the container back up with a lower temperature water is best. Ideally the cooler the better, however not under 40° Fahrenheit.

Q. Should I add any flower food or preservatives to the water?

A. Our designs at Harmons are made with a flower preservative in the water, however when you change out the water you lose this. The flower shops have food packets and they are happy to give you a few extra for water changing days.

Q. What are the key tips for extending the lifespan of fall flowers once cut and arranged?

A. Cut flowers continue to drink through their whole life. To prolong that life, a fresh cut is needed daily. As cut flowers try to heal themselves, the stem base creates a natural scab, lessening the ability for the flower to drink. This is why a fresh cut is needed upon changing out the water. Keeping the flowers away from heat will also prolong life.

Q. Are there any flowers that should be kept separate from others due to their ethylene production?

A. Most commonly, Daffodils have a sap that can be harmful to other flowers. This is one best kept separate from other flowers, however a fresh cut and keeping them in their own vase or bucket overnight is long enough to rid the flower of this sap and they can be incorporated into a mix with other flowers at this point.

Q. What are some ways to revive wilted or drooping flowers?

A. Hydrangeas love water. Soaking the actual blooms in water, shaking off and recutting the stem will perk them right back up. As always, a fresh cut to the stems, fresh water and keeping them in a cooler place should help. Some flowers last longer than others. If you have one droopy flower that can be taken out of the arrangement, the water and space can be used by the happier, longer-lasting flowers.

Q. What are the most common mistakes people make when caring for cut flowers?

A. Not changing out the water frequently enough and not recutting the stems.

Ordering from Harmons Flower Shop

Q. How can I order flowers from Harmons?

A. Deliveries are made from our central production location in West Valley. There are many ways for people to contact us. On the Harmons website, select “Flower Shop” and make your arrangement selection. This option is most commonly used for deliveries.

If you are looking for something more specific, making a same day order, or would like to place a larger custom order, call us at 801-957-8477. This way, you can speak to someone onsite who can better accommodate special requests.

Q. How far in advance should I order fall flowers to ensure availability for my desired date?

A. When ordering any specialty items, the more notice the better. However, we always have flowers on hand if a specific item isn’t necessary.

Q. Why should I get flowers from Harmons?

A. We order directly from the farms, which gives us the ability to order a wider variety and guarantees cut-to-truck without holding. Our design team is very experienced, talented beyond measure and capable of meeting requests from small bouquets to large events like weddings, funerals, banquets, etc.

Q. What are the fall offerings at Harmons Floral Shop?

A. Look in store for the following fall offerings:

Fall Plants: We are excited to carry Caladiums, Brain Celosia, Autumn Poinsettias, Marigolds, Hybrid Lilies, Pele Mums and Decorative Pepper plants in store.

Fun Fall Cut Flowers: Hypericum, Crespedia, fall leaves, Wheat and Cattails along with the everyday staples like Carnations, Lilies, Sunflowers, Alstroemeria, Mixed Foliage bouquets and so much more.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/orange-and-red-flowers-in-clear-glass-vase-5706545/

Utah Associated Garden Clubs

The Coffee Effect, Beneficial or Not?

By Geoff Ellis, Past President, Utah Associated Garden Clubs

Common garden folklore has it that coffee grounds are a good fertilizer, especially for plants such as azaleas and blueberries that need acid soil. But are coffee grounds really beneficial for our garden plants? Caffeine is a poison, which the coffee plant produces to prevent its seed from being eaten by insects and other pests (it is actually lethal to humans in excessive amounts, but you would have to drink about 30 cups of coffee in one sitting to consume a fatal dose something that no one, to my knowledge, has ever done).

(A) Radishes grown in the spring

I decided to test the effects of coffee grounds on plant growth, using “Champion” radishes and “Pot and Patio Blend” lettuce, both chosen for their ease of growth and short time to harvest. For each test, I filled three pots with an identical soil mix in which 20 seeds per pot would be sown and the seedlings later thinned to the best 10 plants. For the first two radish tests, one pot received no coffee, one had a cup of coffee grounds sprinkled on top, and one had a cup of coffee grounds mixed into the soil.

The radishes grown in the spring (A) all grew very poorly, with many weeds showing up, but there was no difference between pots. The radishes grown in the fall (B) did much better, but there was a dramatic difference in growth. Germination was equal in all three pots, but the seedlings in the “mixed-in” pot soon became stunted in comparison to the “no coffee” and “coffee on top” pots, and they never caught up. The other two pots produced edible radishes, while the “mixed-in” pot produced nothing but seedling-sized runts.

(B) Radishes grown in the fall

The Coffee Effect

(C) Lettuce after 9 weeks

The lettuce test (C) also produced dramatic results, but in a different way: seedlings in the “no coffee” and “mixed in” pots grew equally well, but germination in the “coffee on top” pot was greatly reduced, and the few plants that did grow never filled the pot with an abundance of leafy greens like the other two pots.

I wondered if the freshness of the coffee grounds might have something to do with the variety of these results, so I did two more radish tests: one with fresh coffee grounds, old coffee grounds, and none (D); the other with twice-brewed coffee grounds (which should have had more of the caffeine leached out), once-brewed coffee grounds, and none (E). I was hoping to see some dramatic results again, but in both of these trials there was no significant difference between pots.

What can I conclude? The coffee grounds did not produce noticeably better growth in any of these tests, and they produced significantly worse growth in two of the tests, so I can’t recommend them as a super fertilizer, at least not for radishes or lettuce. Someday if the Garden Clubs acquire a large budget and ample growing space, it would be interesting to do a more extensive experiment, including acid-loving plants. In the meantime, I would suggest putting your coffee grounds on the compost pile to break down, but not putting them on your young plants.

(D) Radishes with fresh coffee grounds, old coffee grounds and none

(E) Radishes with twice-brewed coffee grounds, once-brewed and none

Seasonal Gardening Tips

Spring Summer

• Consider taking soil samples to determine fertilizer needs.

• Plant seeds of cool-season vegetables as soon as garden soil is workable.

• Add organic matter to the garden.

• Consider backyard composting.

• Plant bare-root trees and shrubs. Keep the exposed roots moist until planted.

• Fertilize spring-flowering bulbs.

• Plant cold-hardy pansies and primrose.

• Apply horticulture oils at bud break (delayed dormant) in fruit trees to control overwintering insect pests.

• Protect fruit blossoms and tender garden plants from late critical freezing temperatures.

• Wait to prune roses until buds begin to swell to avoid late-frost damage to new growth.

• Plant warm-season vegetables and annual flowers once the threat of the last frost has passed.

• Plant summer-blooming bulbs including gladiola, begonia, dahlia, and canna.

• Consider drip irrigation in the garden to conserve water.

• Consider planting sweet corn in the garden every other week (until early July) to extend the harvest.

• Prune spring flowering shrubs (those that bloom before June) after they have bloomed to encourage new flower buds for next season.

• Deadhead (cut off) spent blossoms of perennial and annual flowers.

• Thin the fruit of apples, peaches, and apricots to approximately one fruit every 5-6 inches.

• Start enjoying the tomato harvest.

• Harvest summer squash and zucchini when they are still small and tender.

• Deep water established trees and shrubs about once per month during the heat of summer.

• .Consider planting cover crops to provide "green manure" to the garden.

• Collect and store seeds from your garden.

https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/monthly

Fall Winter

• Deadhead (cut off) spent blossoms of perennial and annual flowers.

• Deep water established trees and shrubs about once per month during the heat of summer.

• Plant garlic cloves from mid-October through early November.

• Remove vegetable plants from the garden once harvest is complete to reduce overwintering sites for insect pests.

• Protect tomatoes from early frost by covering the plants.

• Plant spring blooming bulbs through early November.

• Plant trees and shrubs in the fall to enhance root establishment.

• Mow grass to a height of 1-to-1½ inches at the end of the season to minimize disease problems.

• Cut back ornamental grasses in snow prone areas.

• Blow out irrigation systems.

• If natural precipitation is sparse and ground is not frozen, water evergreen trees and shrubs to ensure they are well hydrated heading into winter.

• Try your hand at forcing amaryllis to bloom indoors for the holidays.

• Peruse garden/seed catalogs for new vegetable varieties to try in the garden.

• Plan and design the vegetable garden. Rotate vegetable families to reduce disease buildup.

• Consider growing herbs and/or microgreens indoors to add fresh greens to your diet.

• If storing bulbs, check their condition to ensure they are firm.

• Perform routine maintenance on small engine garden equipment.

• Try starting vegetables indoors from seed.

• Prune grapes and fruit trees in late February to early March.

• Fertilize fruit trees trees at least 6 weeks before they bloom.

Magazine Contributors

Localscapes was developed by a team of horticulturists, landscape designers, maintenance pros, irrigation experts and members of the water industry. The goal was simple: create a landscaping approach that takes all the complex and confusing science behind landscape design and simplify it to create landscapes that thrive in Utah. The result was five basic pattern pieces that are easy to understand and apply.

Cynthia Bee works to translate the technical nature of water conservation into publicfriendly messaging as the Outreach Coordinator for the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Utah State University. Cynthia is one of the developers of the Localscapes method and has spent the last decade teaching thousands of Utah homeowners how to create landscapes that fit, rather than fight, our challenging climate.

PBS Utah's Modern Gardener is a YouTube channel that celebrates and supports the people, organizations, and communities committed to educating and enlightening Utahns about gardening and landscaping in our unique region.

Modern Gardener host, Cynthia Stringham, brings years of gardening experience to the show. As a master gardener and gardening social influencer, she loves sharing gardening tips and information and learning how others garden. She values the garden journey and understands the diversity in gardening techniques. Join us on Modern Gardener YouTube Channel, Instagram, and Facebook to find inspiration and learn more about gardening in Utah.

The Utah Associated Garden Clubs, Inc. are part of the National Garden Clubs, Inc., sharing its mission to provide education, resources, and networking opportunities for our members, and to promote the love of gardening, floral design, and civic and environmental responsibility. We currently have 10 member clubs in the state of Utah, with 285 individual members.

Progressive Plants

is the largest production nursery in Utah, providing plant material for professional landscapers, developers, and homeowners throughout the Intermountain West. Each year they grow hundreds of thousands of trees, shrubs, and perennials right here in the Salt Lake Valley, and have loads of plants available for purchase year-round. They are also wellconnected with growers throughout the Western United States, so they can provide almost anything you need for your outdoor projects. With more than 35 years of growing experience, they know what will grow in your area and how to ensure its success.

The Intermountain region can be a challenging place to grow a beautiful landscape with its extreme temperatures, tough soil conditions, and limited water supply. In fact, irrigation water from Utah Lake is loaded with dissolved solids that will actually kill many of your favorite plants. Even so, with the right plants and just a little knowledge, you can have an outstanding outdoor escape no matter where you live in this region. At Progressive Plants you’ll find both thousands of plants perfectly suited for your yard and, a staff filled with experienced horticulturalists eager to share their knowledge with you! Learn more at Progressiveplants.com

Christensen is a seed specialist and brand manager at the Lehi-based seed company, Nature’s Seed

(www.naturesseed.com). With an educational background in agricultural communications and plant science from Utah State University, he’s spent most of his life involved in landscaping, lawncare, and the seed industry. He lives in Saratoga Springs with his wife Sarah and daughter Isla. When he’s not pushing the limits of his HOA or disregarding plant hardiness zones, he can be found snowboarding and exploring the mountains of the Wasatch Front.

Skylar

Magazine Contributors

Amanda Hammond began her floral career at a small local shop in 1998. In 2005, she joined the Harmons Floral Shop team and took advantage of ways to progress in the floral industry.

Her mentor and trainer, Alma Filipovic, sought ways to educate and sought unique ways to educate and train associates, and with her help and the support of Harmons, Hammond became one of few Certified Floral Designers in Utah, now fulfilling her role as Harmons Floral Production Manager.

Hammond has competed and placed in competitions with Utah Floral Association, including Art in Bloom and Designer of the Year.

Hammond and Harmons are working to rebuild the floral industry network in Utah along with other extremely talented floral designers and shop owners, reigniting the passion among the Utah Floral Industry.

The Utah Native Plant Society was formed in late 1978 specifically out of a growing concern for imperiled rare plant species. Some of those original ideals and concerns were expressed in Goals and Objectives of the Utah Native Plant Society presented by Stanley Welsh, one of the co-founders of the organization, in September of 1978. (Co-founder and long time former board member Dick Hildreth was honored by us with a lifetime service and achievement award in March, 2005, see UNPS recognizes co-founder Dick Hildreth. See also UNPS recognizes Duane Atwood with Lifetime Achievement Award in March, 2008).

At its core UNPS is a conservation and educational organization with programs and committees focused around the protection of Utah rare native plants, Utah native plant conservation including anything that threatens the well-being of Utah native plant species and communities (not the least of which relates to invasive species), the use of Utah native plants for landscaping and restoration and research relating to Utah native plant species. www.unps.org

Cathy King, co-editor Sego Lily President, UNPS

Kevin Borkman has worked in the green industry for over 40 years, beginning at the age of 12, by mowing neighbor’s lawns. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture and a Master of Public Administration degree from Brigham Young University. Some of Kevin’s career highlights include: Grounds Manager at the Oakland, California Temple and Sports Field Supervisor at Brigham Young University. Kevin loves plants and enjoys offering free gardening advice to his family and friends.

With more than 120 faculty located in more than 30 offices scattered throughout the state, USU Extension has never been more prepared to provide unbiased research and educational resources and programs to meet the needs of Utahns. Our most important goal is to help improve the lives of individuals and families in every corner of our great state.

Ramona Borkman has developed a passion for gardening as she has spent time and effort caring for her own garden. Flowers are her true love, but she also enjoys growing vegetables and fruit organically to improve she and her family’s health. Ramona desires to inspire others to grow nutritious food for better health and self-sufficiency. She has earned her Master Gardener certification and continues to educate herself as she learns through trial and error, so she can share that knowledge with others. She has also earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Brigham Young University.

Know What’s Below Before You Dig!

Blue Stakes of Utah 811 is issuing a safety reminder to Utah Residence.

“Call 811 Before You DIG” this not only applies to the professional contractor but to all homeowners.

Anyone who wants to put a shovel, or any other kind of digging equipment in the ground is required by law to Call 811 or contact bluestakes.org to

“Submit a Ticket” to have the underground utility lines located and marked with paint and/or flags. This is for everyone’s safety. It’s a FREE service and remember, It’s the LAW!

Protecting the underground facilities that we all rely on every day is a shared responsibility.

Please do your part and remember to contact Blue Stakes at least two full business days before beginning your digging project. Check out our website for more information

https://www.bluestakes.org and to download our APP and Excavators’ Guidebook.