Spring 2024 Edition

Editor’s Corner

“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

38 HarmonsFlowerShop

Spring Wedding Floral Trends

42 GardenExplorer

Thanksgiving Point Gardens

48 UtahDepartmentofAgriculture

The Utah Pollinator Habitat Program

52

ConserveSouthwestUtah

Parade of Gardens Southern Utah

56 Co-OpConnection

Seasonal Gardening Tips

58 MagazineContributors Read About the Content Writers

www.bloomgardens.org

Attract Hummingbirds With Beautiful Western Plants

By Ann Kendall, Plant Select

Caption: Red birds in a tree (Scrophularia macrantha)

Credit: Ann Kendall/Plant Select

Would you like to attract more hummingbirds to your garden, while making your landscape even prettier?

Ring a dinner bell for hummingbirds with the vibrant western plants below! Hummingbirds can drink more than their weight in nectar every day. These regionally native plants are rich in nectar and have deep, tube-shaped flowers ideal for a hummingbird’s long tongue.

Penstemons (sometimes called beardtongue)

Penstemons add a splash of color to late spring and early summer gardens. Typically, penstemons prefer lean, well-drained soils, and they don’t need much water. And just as there’s diversity among birds from towering ostriches to small-but-mighty hummingbirds western penstemons offer great variety as well, growing in desert conditions, up to mountain environments.

Caption:

TOP: SteppeSuns® Sunset Glow penstemon (Penstemon pinifolius ‘P019S').

HALF PINT® pineleaf penstemon (Penstemon pinifolius ‘Compactum').

BOTTOM: RED ROCKS® penstemon (Penstemon x mexicali 'P008S'). Desert penstemon (Penstemon pseudospectabilis).

Credit:

TOP: Emily Goldman and Mike Bone/Plant Select. BOTTOM: Pat Hayward and Bill Adams/Plant Select.

Palmer’s penstemon (Penstemon palmeri), for example, makes an entrance at up to five feet tall. It thrives in high desert gardens, producing fragrant, pale pink flowers and lush, gray-green foliage. Meanwhile, mat-forming penstemons hug the ground. They’ve cleverly adapted to the windy or high elevation settings they call home.

Pineleaf penstemons like SteppeSuns® Sunset Glow (Penstemon pinifolius ‘P019S') and HALF PINT® (Penstemon pinifolius ‘Compactum')—grow eight to 10 inches tall. Their evergreen leaves resemble short pine needles, adding year-round beauty and texture to gardens. Pineleaf penstemons are covered with vibrant, tubular flowers in May and June, like a miniature buffet for hummingbirds. These heat and sun-loving penstemons thrive in park strips and garden borders, and they tend to grow well in higher elevation gardens too.

There are approximately 250 species of penstemons native to North America, and Utah is home to the most in the United States, according to Red Butte Garden. Ask for penstemons at local, independent garden centers.

Red birds in a tree

Red birds in a tree (Scrophularia macrantha) joins the garden party in mid- to late June. As its name suggests, it has charming flowers that resemble a flock of red birds perched on tree branches. This droughttolerant perennial is a hummingbird delight. Hummingbirds visit all season long and often return to it year after year.

Red birds in a tree is a no-fuss perennial once it’s established. It grows well in full sun to part shade, and it doesn’t need much water. It blooms most profusely in late June and July, but it continues to flower into fall.

This western native originates from the mountains of New Mexico, is hardy down to -30 degrees below zero Fahrenheit and typically can be planted up to 8,125 feet in elevation.

Red birds in a tree doesn’t like to sit in wet soils, so avoid planting it near downspouts or in areas with wet winter soils that aren’t quick to drain and dry.

Credit: David Winger/Plant Select

Caption: Red birds in a tree (Scrophularia macrantha)

Hyssops (Agastaches)

When summer days begin to shorten, hyssops beckon to hummingbirds and butterflies alike. These nectar-rich flowers bloom in the latter part of summer and can flower until frost. They offer a beautiful, late-season source of nectar for migrating hummingbirds.

A member of the mint family, hyssops tend to have a mild aroma. Lean in close and you may smell the subtle minty aroma of Sunset hyssop/Licorice Mint hyssop (Agastache rupestris) or the bubble gum aroma of SONORAN SUNSET® hyssop (Agastache cana ‘Sinning’).

Caption: Sunset hyssop/Licorice mint hyssop (Agastache rupestris)

Credit: Dan Johnson/Plant Select

These sun-loving perennials have softly textured, airy foliage. And while these plants may look graceful and lush, they usually resist nibbling rabbits and deer. Generally, it’s best to plant hyssops in hot, sunny locations and well-drained soils up to approximately 6,200 feet in elevation.

With warmer days approaching, add penstemons, red birds in a tree, and hyssops to your spring planting list! And to explore more hummingbird plants, visit: https://plantselect.org/flowers-hummingbirds/

Caption: Sunset hyssop/Licorice mint hyssop (Agastache rupestris)

Credit: High Country Gardens

Progressive Plants

Buddleia: For Versatility and Grace

By Progressive Plants

How would you describe your ideal shrub? Would it be widely adaptable and versatile enough to fit in any size garden? Would it need to be able to tolerate various soil conditions, occasional drought, and even the nasty water from Utah Lake? Would you like a shrub that attracts pollinators in droves, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds?

Believe it or not, that plant actually exists. It’s called Buddleia, better known as Butterfly Bush. Many of you may think you already know what butterfly bushes are, and you may already have your own opinion of them. However, buddleia is so genetically diverse that whatever image you have in your head is just the beginning. They grow in a wide array of sizes, from 12 feet tall and wide, to 2 x 2, and every size in between. Some may be described as gangly while others would be considered neatly compact.

Buddleia davidii BUZZ Hot Raspberry Butterfly Bush

Every variety will load itself down with clusters (panicles) of flowers, but each cultivar has different blooms. Many produce flower panicles that are cone-shaped while others look more cylindrical. Some are narrow while others are plump and full. Some flower panicles are so large they droop over and look almost out of place in comparison to the plant! They’re a truly fascinating shrub.

Whichever cultivar you choose, you’ll love how easy they are to care for. In fact, it’s such a reliable shrub that the National Garden Bureau has selected Buddleia (Butterfly Bush) as the Shrub Of The Year for 2024. The organization selects plants that are easy to grow, widely adaptable, genetically diverse, and versatile. With that criteria, it’s easy to see why they made this selection. Buddleia are some of the most versatile shrubs you can grow in your Utah Landscape, and they are perfectly adapted for our growing conditions.

Buddleia 'Grande Cascade' Butterfly Bush

Most varieties are hardy to zone 5, so they’ll do well in the valleys and bench areas. In fact, you may notice that your buddleia stay green during mild winters. They love areas of full sun, tolerate most soil conditions, but prefer well-draining soil. They tolerate water from any source, including Utah Lake. Just make sure they aren’t sitting in water. Too much water can lead to root rot. In fact, buddleia can handle short seasons of drought easier than they can tolerate soggy roots.

Many cultivars of Buddleia will reproduce from seed, so in some areas of the country they’re considered invasive. However, because Utah has such challenging growing conditions, buddleia are not considered invasive here. Some varieties will reseed themselves, but the seedlings are easily removed in the spring. Plus, there are some new cultivars on the market that are sterile which will not intrude where they aren’t wanted. In our experience, the buddleia we’ve planted in the landscapes we’ve designed have behaved themselves beautifully.

Buddleia 'Itsy Bitsy Blue' Butterfly Bush

Buddleia is a low-maintenance plant that only needs a few simple steps to thrive and attract loads of butterflies and other pollinators.

First, plant them in full sun. Buddleias grow best and produce more flowers in locations that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Next, plant them in well-draining soil. They can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, but if the soil doesn’t drain well enough, it can become waterlogged and cause root rot. If your soil is heavy, amend it with compost to improve drainage.

Regular watering is essential, particularly during dry spells or in hot climates. Water deeply at the base of the plant, allowing the water to reach the root zone. However, be cautious not to overwater.

Buddleia Pugster Amethyst Dwarf Butterfly Bush

To encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering, it helps to fertilize your buddleia. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring, following the package instructions. This will provide the plant with necessary nutrients throughout the growing season.

Prune in late winter or early spring to allow for vigorous growth during the upcoming season. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and aim for an open and airy shape. This will not only enhance the plant's appearance but also improve air circulation, reducing the risk of disease. One quick pruning per year is all it needs.

Lastly, keep an eye out for common pests and diseases that can affect your plant, such as aphids, slugs, earwigs, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Regularly inspect the plant and take appropriate measures to control any infestation or infection.

These simple tips can keep your buddleia plants happy for years to come. They’ll add beauty to your garden and attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects with their stunning blooms from spring through frost.

Buddleia Pugster White Dwarf Butterfly Bush

Capture the Canopy with Living Mulch

By Skylar Christensen

Nature abhors a vacuum. And there’s nowhere she hates it more than in agriculture. Whether on the rangeland, the field, the landscape, or the garden, something is always trying to take over nothing. Leave soil bare and exposed for too long and everyone knows what happens. Farmers understand this and use cover crops and green manures to smother weeds, improve soil structure, and prevent erosion. Most gardeners also recognize this concept and employ a variety of tactics – some methods better than others.

Hardy Ice Plant

One tactic I don’t care much for is the garden bed dotted with a handful of shrubs swimming in a sea of wood mulch. Negative bonus points for patches of exposed weed fabric! Unfortunately, this design seems to be favored by HOAs and businesses around the state. I get that plants take time to grow and fill in, and in the meantime wood mulch will at least provide some basic soil protection. But man does it look… unnatural. Instead of piling on loads of dyed wood product that will shift and let weeds invade anyway, we should be following the example of farmers (and nature) by planting living mulch in our ornamental gardens too.

Sweet Alyssum Royal Carpet

I once had a horticulture professor who taught us to “capture the canopy” in our garden designs. In other words, install plants at a greater density overall and use shorter, spreading plants to fill in open areas around larger plants. When we capture the canopy we make it more difficult for weeds to establish. We also stabilize and enrich the soil, improving water and nutrient infiltration. The visual qualities of a plant-rich garden can’t be ignored either. Beds look lush, multi-dimensional, and natural when there’s no large open areas between plants.

There are numerous plants and groundcovers out there that make excellent living mulch, but here are three favorites I’ve used in my ornamental gardens over the years:

Sweet alyssum, Lobularia maritima, has just about all the qualities I look for in living mulch. It can be planted in large areas cheaply from seed and establishes quickly. It’s a shallow-rooted spreading annual and blooms all season until the first frost. It comes in a range of colors, but the short compact ‘Royal Carpet’ purple variety is my go-to. While the taller white varieties might get a little aggressive, ‘Royal Carpet’ stays short and polite in the garden, growing right up to but not overtaking my young perennials. It also smells like honey, filling the summer air with a sweet scent.

For water-wise garden beds in full sun, it’s tough to beat hardy ice plant, Delosperma cooperi, as a living mulch. This low-growing perennial forms a mat of succulent foliage topped with purple daisy-like flowers. Like alyssum, ice plant will bloom for most of the summer and into fall. Rock gardens are an especially good fit for ice plant where it will spread slowly but steadily for several years. Once established it requires little to no maintenance. Just be sure to plant in full sun and avoid overwatering.

Thyme, Thymus, is another favorite of mine and blurs the line between groundcover and living mulch (if there even is a difference). I use woolly thyme and creeping thyme in both my ornamental beds and around my flagstone pavers. This carpet-like perennial spreads at a very manageable rate of a couple inches every year and blooms every spring with tiny pink and purple flowers. Woolly thyme is exceptionally good for hot, sunny locations where irrigation is limited. As a bonus, thyme releases a pleasant minty aroma when stepped on.

If ornamental qualities are not a factor or if you’ll be using your living mulch as more of a cover crop, some of the most popular choices are:

• White Dutch clover

• Crimson clover

• Buckwheat

• Field pea

• Hairy vetch

• White mustard

• Lacy phacelia

• Strawberry clover

• Forage (tillage) radish

So hold the wood mulch, go ahead and crowd your garden, and capture that canopy! Living mulches offer a better solution for gardeners to protect and care for their soil while looking great at the same time.

Wooly Thyme

Let Us Take the Stress Out of Gardening

In the Intermountain West, we deal with wild weather fluctuations, difficult soil conditions, and irrigation water that is often less than ideal. (Water from Utah Lake can actually kill many of your favorite plants.) But you can still create an idyllic outdoor escape!

Just visit ProgressivePlants.com

We’re Utah’s largest production nursery with more than 100 acres devoted to trees shrubs and perennials that thrive here. We’ve been growing plants in the Salt Lake Valley for decades, so we know what will grow in your backyard.

At Progressive Plants.com You Can:

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

• Use our New Plant Picker Tool to select the perfect plant for your space and conditions

• Create a wait list so we can notify you when plants are ready

• Order plants online for easy pick up or delivery

• Chat directly with a horticulturalist

• Schedule a FREE golf cart tour to explore the farm and be inspired.

• Contact amazing landscape designers

• Sign up for our newsletter

• And more. Check it out today!

Simple DIY Pine Cone Bird Feeder

By Ashley Swansong, PBS Utah Modern Gardener

Are you looking for a fun spring garden activity? These simple pine cone bird feeders are a fun way to spend time outdoors on a balmy day, while also attracting some of Utah’s finest feathered friends to your garden.

During the winter months, Utah's overwintering songbirds have had to work extra hard to find food as their food sources are scarce.

Packed with protein, these pine cone bird feeders are the perfect spring treat and will give our small bird species that extra boost of energy.

“While feeding birds all year is enjoyable for us and beneficial to our birds, it is especially important in the winter, where a source of reliable, high-calorie food and clean, unfrozen water can mean the difference between life and death. Chickadees can eat up to 20 times more calories in the winter than in the summer,” explains Kelli Frame, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited.

Here’s a list of some birds you may see at your feeder: House Finch, House Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Black-capped Chickadee, Mountain Chickadee, ScrubJay, Dark-eyed Junco, Mourning Dove, Spotted Towhee, Downy Woodpecker,

Lesser Goldfinch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, American Goldfinch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow Warbler, Titmouse, Pine Siskin, and Northern Flicker.

“It's not unusual in Utah neighborhoods to see 15-20 different species of feeder birds on any given day,” explains Frame.

Bird species can also vary by location, and some are rarer than others. Refer to birdwatching guides to find species unique to your area. We used the free app Merlin BirdID from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to identify the birds that came to our feeders. The website also offers lots of other birding activities and projects.

“The best way to attract a wide variety of birds to your yard is to offer a wide variety of foods. Peanuts in the shell, shelled peanuts, suet, black oil sunflower, Nyjer, Safflower, hulled sunflower, and spreadable suet all feed different kinds of birds,” says Frame.

You can even be a citizen scientist and participate in bird counting projects like Project FeederWatch.

Frame also advises if you want birds sticking around your yard all year, it’s best to have a wide variety of plants and not to use chemicals.

“Planting a variety of native plants is an important food source to birds, as are the insects that come along with those native plants,” explains Frame. “It's best not to use pesticides in our yards, which can wipe out insects that are an important food source for birds.”

For more information about backyard birding, check out the Nature Centered podcast on Wild Birds Unlimited.

The DIY Pine Cone Bird Feeder!

We made this simple bird feeder using pine cones, ribbon, peanut butter, and bird seed. It’s an easy and fun activity with kids. They also make great gifts to neighbors and friends.

Step 1: Gather your pine cones. It helps to find pine cones that are big, round, and open. We used these large ponderosa pine cones.

Step 2: Tie ribbon or string around the top of the pine cone.

Step 3: A spreadable suet is the ideal sticky medium to hold the seeds, though peanut butter is more accessible and works too. You can use smooth or chunky peanut butter, and while it is preferable to choose a version without added sugar and salt, it is not mandatory. We used smooth, sugarless peanut butter. Sunflower seed butter is a good alternative for those with peanut allergies. Generously cover the pine cone with peanut butter or suet – the more the better.

Step 4: Roll your pine cone feeder in the bird seed. You can really smash a lot of seed onto the cone.

Step 5: Hang your bird feeder and enjoy watching the birds flock to your feeder.

You can also watch our DIY Pine Cone Bird Feeder on the Modern Gardener YouTube Channel.

These Rocky Mountains

By Samuel Wells

It came to me the other day, how much I need these mountains in my life

So many times I had to leave and paid a price Ohio, Maryland, Carolina

Oh sweet Carolina with your flowers in the spring

But there were meetings and sadness and the busy roads

No eyrie walls with rills And so I dropped out got fired ran away

Always to your pines and aspens, and your cottonwoods dancing in dry air

I need your melting snow, your eagles and the ravens’ cry

The lichen-covered rocks to cover me at last and when I die

The penstemons will seed themselves above my grave

Between this heart and sky

Photo by Roman Pohorecki:

Grow Native: Eriogonum umbellatum in variety

By John Stireman Co-editor of the

UNPS newsletter, the Sego Lily

The buckwheat, Eriogonum umbellatum, commonly called sulfur flower, is described in Flora of North America as “a widespread and exceedingly variable species,” listing 41 botanical varieties from shrubs 24 inches tall and 36 inches wide to compact plants a few inches tall. In A Utah Flora, Welsh et al, four wide-spread varieties are listed for the state.

Image 1: Eriogonum umbellatum v. porteri

Depending on the species, the evergreen leaves can be large and covered in short hairs or small and glossy-smooth. The species ranges geographically from British Columbia to California, and east to New Mexico, Colorado, through Wyoming to Montana, growing in drier sites, open to full sunlight, and in soils with good drainage.

The flowers of sulfur flower occur in umbellate clusters and, as the common name implies, the color is more often a soft, sulfur yellow but there are lemonyellow and cream-colored forms among the many varieties. As the flowers age and long-persist on the plant, they often take on attractive reddish tints, some even turning brick red.

Sulfur flower buckwheat is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking native plants beloved by bees, benefiting not only the honeybee but, so much more importantly, native bees as well. The plants flower in late spring when native bees become most active.

Image 2: Eriogonum umbellatum v. porteri Image 3: Eriogonum umbellatum v. umbellatum

In the garden, since the species derives from mountainous or foothill sites, Eriogonum umbellatum grows best in well-drained soil. They will not perform well in lawn-watered conditions, nor in soil made highly organic. And they will languish in shade, sun lovers that they are. The plants are long-lived. If an otherwise healthy plant becomes a little straggly, it may be cut back somewhat in late winter and return in better form. Since variety porteri never grows loosely in good sunlight, pruning should be restricted to any damage that might occur.

The most difficult part of introducing native plants into the garden is finding them for sale. The species, in one form or another, can sometimes be found in local nurseries. If no luck locally, here are some online sources – I am sure there are others:

https://www.highcountrygardens.com/ https://www.anniesannuals.com/

https://www.forestfarm.com/ https://plantsofthewild.com/

Adventurous gardeners might try growing from seed which is not difficult to find online. A simple germination medium of half sifted peat moss and half perlite has worked well for me. Sow the seeds on the surface of the medium and top with a layer of pea gravel. Place the pot in water and allow the soil to moisten from below.

Image 4: Eriogonum umbellatum Alturas

Image 5: Eriogonum umbellatum Alturas

In my long experience growing buckwheat species from seed, it is clear that a cold, moist period is necessary for good germination. This is easy to provide. Seal the pot in a clear plastic bag and find a spot in your refrigerator where it won ’t be disturbed or forgotten for weeks. Check the pot regularly since the seeds can germinate at cold temperatures. If no germination occurs within a month, Remove the pot from the bag, place it in a cool location with moderate light, and keep moist but not over saturated.

The photos which follow were all taken of plants in my rock garden. An online search for Eriogonum umbellatum will turn up many images of the species and its varieties and cultivars.

Image 1. Variety Eriogonum umbellatum v. porteri from higher elevations in Utah and Colorado will grow into low, widening mats. In habitat, it is covered in snow in winter. Although perfectly hardy at lower elevations, winter sun can sometimes ‘burn’ leaves and that is evident in the photo as a small, dead spot. Such damage can be eliminated by situating the plant where it receives some winter shade when the sun is low, perhaps from a taller plant to its south, but full sun during the growing season. In winter, leaves take on a deep maroon coloration.

Image 2. In variety Eriogonum umbellatum v. porteri, the long-persisting flowers darken with reddish tints as they age.

Image 3. A plant of Eriogonum umbellatum v. umbellatum, grown from seed collected above Lake Mary in the Wasatch Mountains. Leaves are larger and the flower stems longer than in variety porteri, bearing multiple umbels.

Image 4. The commercial cultivar, Eriogonum ‘Alturas Red,’ bears green tinted, cream flowers on tall stems and has hairy leaves, appearing gray. Flowers are shown here before there is any sign of their eventual turn to a deep red.

Image 5. Before the buds of ‘Alturas Red’ open, they are attractively red.

Spring Wedding Floral Trends

By Amanda Hammond, Harmons Floral Production Manager and Certified Florist

Spring is the season of new beginnings and budding romance. For couples planning their weddings, Harmons Flower Shop is prepared with a wide selection of seasonal blooms and personalized services to ensure each wedding reflects the unique love story of the couple. The following spring floral trends will elevate any wedding.

Color

While neutrals are always a romantic and safe go-to, spring is the perfect time to utilize fun palettes and color patterns because the season brings a bright eye-opening reminder of how happy color makes us feel. Purple is making its royal walk down the aisle this year, in all its shades and tones. Along with purple, the following color palettes are set to be the go-tos this year:

• Dusty blue, hot pink, and coral

• Light blue and pink

• Blush, gold, and navy

• Sage green, peach, and gray

• White, green (in all its shades and tones), and black

• Coral, yellow, and light gray

• Dusty rose and blue

Flower Types for Every Bride

For spring weddings, peonies and garden roses with the full and ruffled multi-petal bloom will always be a beautiful focal point. However, the more whimsical look and feel of the free “floppy” stems like Ranunculus, Anemone, sweet pea, and tulips are now trending.

For the traditional bride, the classic choice would be roses, and for a modern look, choose tropical flowers like orchids, Anthuriums, ginger, and some defined greens with a larger leaf look. If boho is your style, go for garden roses, peonies, pampas grass, Protea, and dahlias with mixtures of eucalyptus.

Bouquets and Centerpieces

When choosing bouquets for attendants, the current look is turning toward more dainty flowers. Anthuriums, parrot tulips, ginger, and Protea are unique options. For centerpieces, try tiny glass bottles with single floral stems to bring a fun and playful feel to the center of the table. The choice of flower here should reflect and compliment the color palette chosen for the bridal party.

Sustainability

At Harmons Flower Shop, sustainability is one of our top priorities. Our green waste goes to a mulching facility, and we limit the arrangements where floral foam is needed by using vases with water only (as floral foam isn’t very environmentally friendly). Any cardboard used is crushed and recycled. Following wedding festivities, if you have chosen to use vases with water instead of containers with floral foam, the flowers can be deposited in a green waste can or compost.

Suggestions for Couples

When choosing a florist, ask if they deliver and if they will set up the flowers. You’ll also want to find out how well the florist can understand your vision. Have a conversation about what you are wanting and give them time to interpret your ideas. The longer notice given, the better the chances are for the couple to actually get more of the specific flower types they are wanting. It is suggested to give at least three months notice, however, the less particular the couple is about flower types, the less notice needed.

A final thought, choose the flowers and colors you love that show your personality and create the type of moment you want for your special day. Cheers!

Garden Explorer

Thanksgiving Point Gardens

By Ramona Borkman, Magazine Editor

Thanksgiving Point is located in Lehi, Utah and is a must see if you are in the area. The heart of Thanksgiving Point is a magnificent 55-acre park of spectacular themed gardens that debuted the summer of 2000. Each area in the Garden has an individual identity, like rooms in an estate. Visitors will be enchanted by a Rose Garden, Monet Garden, Italian Garden, Secret Garden, Butterfly Garden, vista Garden, Parterre Garden, the Largest Man-Made Waterfall and an outdoor atmosphere. Each spring 300,000 tulips are on display for the annual Tulip Festival. More than 100,000 guests visit the festival each year. My husband and I have visited the Tulip Festival many times, being that it is always scheduled during our wedding anniversary in April.

Thanksgiving Point exists as an expression of gratitude. It is founded on the belief that all things that come of the earth were created for the benefit and the use of man, to please

the eye and gladden the heart, to strengthen the body and enlighten the mind. It promotes enjoyment of nature and invites all to experience beauty and education. The Thanksgiving Point is a non-profit organization. Its primary purpose is to provide a wholesome environment designed to educate and allow a safe haven where families can come and learn together.

The Museum of Natural Curiosity, the Museum of Ancient Life, and Butterfly Biosphere are just some of the exhibits to see during your visit to Thanksgiving Point. Inside the Museum of Natural Curiosity is 400 interactive exhibits, including four main galleries Rainforest, Water Works, Kidopolis, and the Discovery Garden. Exhibits at Thanksgiving Point's Museum of Ancient Life include some of the longest and tallest dinosaurs ever discovered. See more than a thousand butterflies from around the world flitting in the Butterfly Biosphere.

Source: https://www.utah.com/destinations/cities-towns/salt-lake-city/things-

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF),

The Utah Pollinator Habitat Program

To help secure the future of Utah’ s pollinators, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), along with Utah State University, Utah Department of Wildlife Resources, and the Natural Resource Conservation Service of the USDA, has instigated a program to improve pollinator habitat as part of the Utah Pollinator Habitat Program. This program has been made possible with funding from the Utah Legislature since 2021. It was initially set to sunset in 2024, but has been extended to 2026, with hope of continuing beyond that date.

The program has two main goals: 1) to educate the public about pollinators and pollinator habitat and 2) to distribute pollinator-friendly native flowering plants and seeds to enhance or expand habitat for a diversity of pollinators. To achieve these goals, the program accepts applications from Utah residents for ‘pollinator habitat kits’ consisting of about 30 native plants each of either wetland or upland species. The native species chosen for the kits offer pollen and nectar for pollinators across seasons and regions. Applications are assessed for probability of success, potential for outreach (e.g., talking with neighbors, erecting signs with educational content, posting on social media). Applicants can apply for multiple kits based on the size of their property and suitable space. Those receiving grants are required to submit a simple annual report of their project progress for a three-year period following award.

The program is entering its third year. In the first two years (2022 and 2023), a total of 327 recipients created or enhanced pollinator habitats throughout the state of Utah with more than 47,000 native plants awarded. The awardees included homeowners, schools, municipalities, open space programs, and non-profit organizations, amongst others.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit Bit.ly/Utah-Pollinator for more information about the program and to submit an application. The 2024 application period runs from March 1 – April 15. Plants will be distributed in the fall of 2024.

You can read what recipients have shared about the program on the Utah Pollinator Habitat Program Group Page on Facebook (https:// www.facebook.com/groups/397349162477206).

For More Information, Contact:

Mindy Wheeler

(385) 235-1062

MindyWheeler@utah.gov

September 20-22, 2024

Join us for the first annual Parade of Gardens Southern Utah this September. This event aims to build a local water conservation culture by showcasing the incredible efforts of gardeners and homeowners in southwest Utah who are leading the way in water-wise and drought-resistant landscaping.

It’s a celebration of sustainability, creativity, and community spirit an opportunity for you to inspire others by sharing how beautiful, vibrant, and life -giving a water-conscious garden can be, especially in the heart of the desert.

Parade of Gardens Southern Utah is presented by Conserve Southwest Utah, in collaboration with the Washington County Water Conservancy District, as well as multiple local organizations.

Our goal is to:

• Celebrate beautiful, water-smart gardens. We will feature stunning landscapes that save water and protect the Virgin River Watershed.

• Encourage collaboration. We are partnering with conservationists, water experts, landscapers, nurseries, and property owners, because a strong water conservation culture needs all of us.

• Transform “lawn to lush”. We understand that xeriscaping is so much more than cactus and rocks, it is also about turning lawns into flourishing, vibrant spaces capable of supporting thriving desert life.

• Nurture the desert ecosystem. We’ll help create inviting areas around homes and businesses that also protect the local desert environment.

• Embrace inclusivity. We’re working to ensure that everyone has equitable access to resources to create their own sustainable gardens. We want to highlight and share diverse landscape ideas for all budgets.

We want to feature the best water-efficient gardens and landscape projects in the Parade of Gardens Southern Utah, September 20-22, 2024!

Are you a gardener with a passion for bringing things to life in our unique desert climate?

Are you a landscaper that wants your customers to see lasting, beautiful gardens using water-wise practices That You have designed?

Do you pass a xeriscape garden and say, “Wow!”?

Do you have a vegetable garden you would love to showcase?

Have you included pollinator plants in your yard that attract birds, bees, and butterflies?

Visit our website to nominate a garden or to join our email list for future updates: paradeofgardenssouthernutah.com

This event is presented by Conserve Southwest Utah in collaboration with:

Co-Op Connection

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.

For a Monthly Gardening Checklist, go to:

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.

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

Skylar 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.

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

John Stireman Co-editor Sego Lily Newsletter, 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.

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.

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.

Plant Select is the country’s leading brand of plants designed to thrive in the high plains and intermountain region. It’s a non-profit collaboration of Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado State University and the green industry. Plant Select tests and selects resilient, waterwise plants that offer big beauty for less work, so gardeners of all levels can grow smart and stunning gardens using fewer resources and with a more positive environmental impact. Plant Select is a proud partner of Utah State University and Localscapes.

Ann Kendall is a master gardener volunteer, garden writer and photographer. She’s passionate about helping western gardeners achieve beautiful gardens with less effort in our tricky western conditions. Ann has 20+ years of writing experience and is a regular contributor for Plant Select.

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.