“Anyone who thinks gardening begins in the spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year; for gardening begins in January with the dream” Josephine Nuese
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
www.bloomgardens.org 3
Table of
Contents 03
Editor’s Corner
08
Utah Water Savers
20
Progressive Plant
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Utah State University Extension
The Story Behind Bloom Gardens
Planning Early for Spring Projects
Creating Your Own Winter Wonderland
Do You Have Tips For Buying Seeds?
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Utah Native Plant Society
34
Conserve Southwest Utah
Grow Native: Cercocarpus ledifolius
PARADE OF GARDENS SOUTHERN UTAH
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Modern Gardener
40
Garden Explorer
46
Utah Associated Garden Clubs
50
Indoor Plants
52
Co-Op Connection
54
Magazine Contributors
Gift Wrapping with Foraged and Living Plants
Dragons Sow Seeds of Learning in Holladay
‘Pink Princess’ Philodendron
Seasonal Gardening Tips
Read About the Content Writers
www.bloomgardens.org
Desert Botanical Garden
Utah Water Savers Planning Early for Spring Projects By Madeline Sueltz, Utah Water Savers
The days are shorter, the nights are longer and the temperatures have officially
dipped below freezing. Winter has arrived! For many garden enthusiasts the arrival of this season comes with the melancholy feeling of putting your tools back into the garden shed for the last time this year. While this seasonal change can often seem dreary to those who thrive off of being in their landscapes it can also provide an excellent opportunity to get the jump on next year’s projects! At Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District’s Conservation Garden Park we use the winter to do just that! Here are a few simple steps to help you utilize
cold-season downtime so you’ll be ready to act on your plans as soon as the weather warms next spring.
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Start with a Plan One of the most important, and often overlooked, steps in creating your ideal yard is to start with a plan. Taking the time to draw out your own landscape design plan can seem daunting, but with The Localscapes Design Workshop (and a cup of hot cocoa) you will be amazed what you can do yourself. This workshop will walk you step-by-step through the Localscape landscape design process, developed specifically for Utah landscapes. You will learn how to apply the 5 basic elements of a Localscape; the central open shape, gathering areas, activity zones, paths, and planting beds, to your own landscape. In addition, this course will teach you the basics of planting bed design and why seasonal interest is important in your landscape.
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Everyone finds the idea of drawing a physical plan intimidating. The good news is that you don’t have to be an artist to create a plan that’s drawn to scale and contains the information you need to estimate materials and costs. The Design Workshop walks you through the sketching process and provides access to free tools to help you accomplish the task. More than 50% of Utah’s population can participate in the landscape incentive programs offered through Utah Water Savers and one of the requirements of participation is a basic, drawn to scale, sketch plan. When you consider receiving up to $2 per square foot in a cash-back incentive for completing the installation of the plan, the creation process is definitely worthwhile. If you plan to hire a professional designer or contractor to plan and/ or install your landscape, now is the time to engage a provider. Waitlists for professional services can be months long.
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Localscapes Highlights
Before
After
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Planning for winter interest:
Winter can often seem like a drab time for us garden enthusiasts. Trees have shed their leaves and most perennial plants have entered dormancy. Still, with Evergreen trees, bright berries and very few leaves the winter can also be a great time to explore adding some seasonal interest into your yard. Just because flowers have stopped blooming does not mean that your landscape needs to be dull! Simple tricks like waiting to cut ornamental grasses down until the spring will
add visual interest to your landscape and provide shelter and food for overwintering bird populations. Providing a habitat for winter wildlife in your yard is just one more way that you can interact with your landscape all season long. Who knows? Maybe bird watching will become your new thing! Take a look around you and see what sparks your interest this winter. Are you seeing a lack of winter interest in your yard but not sure about how to fix it? Visit Conservation Garden Park for some ex-
ceptional examples. All plants are labeled and cross-referenced in their online plant database, so you can get all the information you need to make decisions.
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Localscapes Highlights
Before
After 13
Get paid to improve your landscape:
Another way to get the jump on your upcoming landscape plans is to explore what landscape incentives are available in your area! Visit: UtahWaterSavers.com and create an account to see what’s available. Most programs will require before photos of your landscape, a landscape design sketch plan, and a free, online course to ensure you create a landscape that succeeds over the long-term in order to be eligible for incentives. What a better time than winter to check these requirements off your to-do list? With the New Year fast approaching be sure to check Utah Water Savers for the most up to date information on incentives in your area. If applying for incentive programs, submit your application as early in the season as possible. Once the weather begins to warm, spring rush ensues and the wait time for program participation dramatically increases. A signed participation agreement is required before work begins in order for a project to be eligible so don’t procrastinate on this
step!
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Localscapes Highlights
Before
After
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Photo by Tabitha Mort: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-ride-on-tractor-during-sunset-693857/
Your Dream Garden Awaits Winter truly is the most wonderful time of the year! While you’re huddled in for the season, we’re scrambling in our greenhouses prepping thousands of plants for next spring. We feel like elves preparing the perfect gifts for your spring wish list! We’re open year-round, so you can slip over to our website and discover the best plants for your space whenever you’d like. If you have questions we’re always just a click or call away.
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
10252 South Bacchus Hwy Copperton, UT 84006 801.565.7333
We’re already prepping plants for your spring garden. Visit ProgressivePlants.com, click Login, and create your account today.
Host, Cynthia Stringham in Ogden Bay Produce vegetable and flower garden
PBS Utah's Modern Gardener brings you informative and inspiring videos about gardening and landscaping in Utah’s unique region.
youtube.com/moderngardener SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL!
Progressive Plants Creating Your Own Winter Wonderland By Progressive Plants
There’s a popular song we sing at this time of year that celebrates the joy of being outside in nature. It mentions the sound of sleigh bells in the distance, snow glistening in the lane, the arrival of a new bird, and a meadow with a snowman. It’s a song about the simple joys of going for a walk in a winter
wonderland. Although, in most parts of the country, it’s been generations since anyone has hitched a horse to a sleigh, we can relate to this song. We are inspired by the beauty of nature draped in a blanket of snow and frost glistening on tree branches. Some plants just seem to be made for winter. With just a little planning, you can create a winter wonderland of your own. As you’re designing your grow beds for the coming year, be sure to include plants that offer winter interest.
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At ProgressivePlants.com, you’ll find an entire section of our catalog dedicated to plants with winter interest. You may be surprised at how many options are available. There are so many choices, in fact, that we couldn’t begin to mention them all in this article, but we’ll share a small sampling of them with you today.
Dogwoods: Red Twig and Yellow Twig Dogwood bushes are definitely one of the plants that were made for winter. They look great all year long, but their bare, colorful branches contrasting against white snow is truly a sight to behold. You can find dogwoods in varying sizes, so
you’re sure to find one that matches your taste.
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Snowberry Bushes The Common Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), or the Pinky Promise Dwarf Snowberry (Symphoricarpos doorenbosii 'Kolmpica'), add visual interest during winter with their beautiful berries on bare branches. Their fruits are persistent so they provide fruit for hungry birds during the colder months. It’s almost as though the shrub decorates itself with birds and small, pearl-like ornaments.
Manzanita Arctostaphylos, also known as Kinnikinnick, Bearberry, or Manzanita, is a really fun plant to grow in your landscape. They prefer slopes, well-draining soil, and they don’t need a lot of water. They’re grown for their evergreen leaves and cinnamon-colored exfoliating bark. Once established, they’ll be a low-maintenance, eye-catching addition to your yard. On top of all that, their small fruits and blossoms are edible.
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Miscanthus Flame Grass There are several wonderful ornamental grasses that you can plant in your yard to create visual interest in the winter. Among these wonderful grasses are Maiden Grasses. There are several varieties of Maiden Grass, but only one Flame Grass. Honestly, it’s hard to find grass quite like Flame Grass. This beauty is by far the most reliable of all the Maiden grasses for coppery-red, orange, and gold
fall color. These rich, warm tones create a striking contrast against the surrounding greenery of your yard, infusing it with a sense of warmth and energy. If you don’t cut it back in the fall, it will make a stunning addition to your winter landscape!
Paperbark Maple You’ll love how the Paperbark Maple stands out in your winter landscape. The
deep, cinnamon-brown underside of its exfoliating bark makes a beautiful statement against the whites and grays of winter. It’s a fantastic addition to your yard at any time of year, but it’s especially eye-catching when everything else has gone to rest.
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Red Barron Crabapple Crabapples may be the best ornamental tree that you can plant in your yard. There are several wonderful varieties with varying growth habits, bloom colors, and leaf colors. They’ll check almost all of the boxes on your list for focal point trees. Most crabapples are fruit-bearing, but today’s crabapple trees aren’t like our grandparents’. Nowadays, the fruit you’ll see on most cultivars is persistent, which means it won’t fall off all at once in the fall—leaving a difficult mess to clean up. Instead, the fruit will stay on the tree throughout winter, providing easily accessible food for birds. Red Barron offers stunningly red leaves in the fall that are only outdone by the brightness of its fruit. That fruit will hang on the tree like bright red holiday ornaments. In fact, we’ve seen Red Barron Crab Apples still hanging on the branches in the spring as new leaves were starting to
sprout.
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Boxwoods Boxwoods are delightful, flat-leaved, evergreen shrubs that grow in a variety of shapes and sizes. Because they’re evergreen, they offer great winter interest as they contrast against the white snow and gray skies. Remember to water your boxwoods very well before your ground freezes to avoid root desiccation. Evergreen plants are not dormant during the winter. They continue to respire, so if you have a cold, dry, windy day, their leaves can dry out and turn yellow or brown. If you water well before the ground freezes and give them some water
during the winter (if there is no snow at their base), they will thrive in your landscape for years.
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Conifer Trees and Shrubs: Because evergreen trees and shrubs retain their foliage throughout the year, they provide color and structure to your winter landscape. Examples of evergreen trees that do well in Utah include: Juniper trees and shrubs, spruce trees, pine trees, fir trees, and cedars. The best choices for your yard will be the ones that fit in your space. Some varieties can get quite large.
However, because there are so many evergreen trees and shrubs in a variety of shapes and sizes, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect specimens for your yard. Like all evergreens, your conifer trees and shrubs will respire during the winter months, so you’ll want to water them well before the ground freezes, and give them water at least monthly if you have a winter with very little snow.
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Frozen ground doesn’t absorb a lot of water, so the most critical time to water is in late fall. Trees that go into the hard freeze of winter with water in and around their roots will be much better off than those that go into the cold season dry. When you visit ProgressivePlants.com, you’ll see an entire section of our
online catalog devoted to conifers. You may be surprised by the variety of trees and shrubs that are available to you. It won’t take long to fall in love with more wonderful trees than you’ll have room for in your landscape. With just a little planning, you can be walking in a winter wonderland just outside your door.
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Utah State University Extension Do You Have Tips For Buying Seeds? Jerry Goodspeed* answers:
The arrival of seed catalogs in the mail and seed packets in garden centers gives us hope that spring is on its way. Now is a good time to start making plans for flower and vegetable gardens. •
When buying seeds, be certain to get the varieties known to perform well in your area. USU Extension publishes a list of recommended varieties for different locations. (Contact your local County Extension office.) These varieties are tested for growth, flavor, pest resistance and hardiness. Your local nursery can also give you tips on what grows best in your area.
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•
Most seeds are grown in specific locations in the world, then brokered to seed
companies. For example, a large majority of sweet corn seeds are grown in southwest Idaho. The seeds are then sold to companies who package them and send them to retailers. Although the name of the seed company is different on the package, the seeds often come from the same location. •
Be cautious when ordering seeds through the mail. Occasionally companies will advertise a rare variety and substitute a common variety in its place. This can be an expensive way to buy a variety you could have purchased at your
local nursery. If you do purchase seeds through a catalog, be sure it is reputable. •
Since most people tend to over-buy vegetable seeds, keep in mind that they can be stored for next year and still produce viable plants. Place seeds in the original package in an airtight container such as a plastic bowl, a glass jar or a can. Be sure they are sealed tightly. Place tissue or paper towels in the container with powdered milk to absorb any excess moisture. Keep the
container in a cool, dry place. *Jerry Goodspeed is Utah State University Extension Horticulturist
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Utah Native Plant Society Grow Native: Cercocarpus ledifolius Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany By Cathy King, Co-editor Sego Lily President, UNPS
Cercocarpus ledifolius grows naturally in the Wasatch Canyons. It is widespread in the American West from Washington to California, west to Wyoming, Arizona and New Mexico. Photo by Tony Frates.
Every garden, including a native garden, needs trees and shrubs to give structure and definition. Cercocarpus ledifolius, commonly known as curl-leaf mountain mahogany, fits the description of either tree or shrub growing from typically 3 to 15 feet tall, like a shrub, but can get as tall as 35 feet, like a tree. And it is a handsome addition to your native garden that really represents the flora of the West.
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The common name “mahogany” is misleading because it is actually a member of the rose family, the common name comes from its very hard, mahogany colored wood. And yes, it does grow in the mountains of Utah. You have likely seen it along the ridgelines where it is often browsed by deer and gives it the distinctive appearance of a tree from the savannas of Africa. The narrow dark green, leathery leaves are evergreen and curl inwards a little, particularly in the heat and dryness of the summer months but not in an unattractive way. The dark green contrasts nicely with the silvery color of the bark of the tree. If you might happen to accidentally scrape the bark, the mahogany color of the wood below is revealed.
Cercocarpus ledifolius in the garden of Bill and Cathy King
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At its younger stage, curl-leaf mountain mahogany will typically have numerous trunks which gives its shrubby appearance. If you want to develop more of a tree, select the strongest trunks and remove the rest, limbing the branches up to
allow it to develop into the shape of a tree. The flowers that appear in the spring are rather insignificant with small white petals and prominent yellow stamens but the seeds are especially attractive, covering the tree in curly
The curious twisting, feathered tail of a Cercocarpus ledifolius seed. Photo by Craig Odegard.
seedheads that have a clever corkscrew shape that are designed to drill themselves into the ground wherever they might land after being carried off by the wind. Mountain mahogany doesn’t cause a problem with self-sowing, though, as any unwanted seedlings are easily removed. It has the distinct advantage of being a drought tolerant, or xeric, shrub/ tree. Of course, it must be watered well the first year or two to get it established as is true of all plants.
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Insignificant flowers of Cercocarpus ledifolius are easily recognized as a member of the rose family.
I highly recommend curl-leaf mountain mahogany. It is a personal favorite and many people ask about it as they walk by my garden. It should be available at most local nurseries or from online sources.
Tiny leaves of mountain mahogany. Photo by Andrey Zharkikh.
The distinctive silhouette of a mountain mahogany on the slopes of Deaf Smith Canyon, Utah. Photo Andrey Zharkikh.
Sources: Meyer “et al.”, 2009 Landscaping on the New Frontier: Waterwise Design for the Intermountain West, available online at unps.org. https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/ cercocarpus_ledifolius.shtml https://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/shrubs-and-trees/curl-leaf-mountainmahogany https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/tree/cerled/ all.html#INTRODUCTORY
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PARADE OF GARDENS SOUTHERN UTAH presented by Conserve Southwest Utah September 19, 20, and 21, 2024
Join us for the Parade of Gardens Southern Utah, a showcase of local gardens revealing the beauty and endless possibilities of water-wise landscapes as we strive to build a water conservation culture! Presented by local non-profit Conserve Southwest Utah in collaboration with the Washington County Water Conservancy District, Parade of Gardens Southern Utah is a unique opportunity to demonstrate the connection between watershed resilience and desert livability.
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Our goal is to: •
Celebrate beautiful, water-smart gardens. We will feature stunning landscapes that save water and protect the Virgin River Watershed.
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Encourage collaboration. We are partnering with conservationists, water experts, landscapers, nurseries, and property owners, because a strong water conservation culture needs all of us.
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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.
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Nurture the desert ecosystem. We’ll help create inviting areas around homes and businesses that also protect the local desert environment.
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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.
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CALLING ALL LANDSCAPE ENTHUSIASTS! We want to feature the best water-efficient gardens and landscape projects at the Parade of Gardens Southern Utah in September 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 have lasting, beautiful
gardens using water-wise practices? Do you pass a xeriscape garden and say, “Wow!”? Visit our website to nominate a garden or to join our email list for future updates: https://paradeofgardenssouthernutah.com/
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Garden Explorer Desert Botanical Garden By Ramona Borkman, Magazine Editor With thousands of plants, five walking trails, art displays, and a gourmet farm-to-table restaurant, Desert Botanical Garden is one of the best places to visit during your vacation to Phoenix, Arizona. The garden focuses on living plants of the Sonoran desert, which includes the Southwestern U.S. Although plant life and conservation are the
primary focus of these gardens, all visitors can appreciate the giant cacti, colorful wildflowers, and unique succulents displayed throughout the gardens.
My husband and I went several
When you visit the gardens, you
years ago during a trip to visit his
can enjoy specialized tours, special
uncle. We chose to go in January
events, seasonal exhibits, concerts,
because we longed for a reason to
family activities, Gertrude's
get out of the cold and snowy Utah
restaurant, Patio Café and the
weather. The weather was pleasant
Garden's gift and plant shop. Other
and mild and allowed us the
displays in the garden include
opportunity to do many outdoor
rotating art pieces and an open-air
activities. In fact, visiting Desert
butterfly exhibit with thousands of
Botanical Garden in the winter and
colorful Southwestern insects.
early spring are probably some of the best times to visit.
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Utah Associated Garden Clubs Dragons Sow Seeds of Learning in Holladay By Geoff Ellis, Past President of the Utah Associated Garden Clubs
For almost a decade, the students at Howard R. Driggs Elementary in Holladay, Utah have had the opportunity to learn hands-on what nature is about and where our food comes from. The Driggs Dragons Junior Garden Club was the brainchild of Connie MacKay, a retired teacher and former president of the Utah Associated Garden Clubs. She has a passion for gardening and loves working with children. Inspired by materials from the
National Garden Clubs, she tried to start a children’s gardening program at an elementary school on the west side of the valley.
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When that attempt didn’t turn out as well as hoped, Connie approached her
friend Alison Jueschke at Driggs Elementary. Miss Jueschke teaches third grade there and is known for beautifying her classroom and other areas of the school with her carefully tended houseplants. With the support of the principal, she and Connie established an after-school gardening club open to children in grades 3-5. The club meets once a month and is limited to 25 students, which allows them to do an intensive program in which each student can participate fully. The gardening program began in the courtyard at Driggs, where the students pulled weeds and planted snapdragons, black-eyed Susans, spring bulbs, and pumpkins. A highlight of the program was when National Garden Club President Sandy Robinson came to visit in the spring of 2017. A special reception was prepared for her, with tea and cookies. Ms. Robinson was absolutely charming and thoroughly enjoyed meeting the students, to whom she read excerpts of “The Frightened Frog,” a book written to introduce children to environmental concerns.
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Unfortunately, the courtyard garden was destroyed when the school was remodeled a few years ago. The Driggs Dragon gardeners have persevered, however, and now plant and harvest eight grow boxes at the nearby Refugee Garden in Holladay. They have been supported by donations of material and time by the PTA, the Neighborhood Garden Club, Red Butte Garden, and Millcreek Gardens. In addition to the garden club, the entire school has been invited to plant something in the garden boxes. Timing is a challenge for gardening with students. The school year is almost the opposite of the growing season. In November the junior gardeners learn about dried seeds and autumn leaves. In December they make Christmas wreaths from evergreen boughs. January and February bring birdseed feeders and plant cuttings, then in March and April the children learn about birds and amphibians. Finally, May brings a difficult but important lesson in planning for the future, as they plant the seeds for crops that they will not see until they come back to school at the next grade level in fall. Harvest is the most exciting time of the year! The children are delighted to explore the garden and discover pumpkins, tomatoes, sunflower seeds, and beans in their pods. Students exclaim things like, “Look, there’s an apple!” as they discover familiar foods that they had previously seen only
on grocery store shelves. The gardening program helps teach them about science, art, history, and ecological life cycles. “The seed is to get people involved and caring about the garden,” says Miss Jueschke. “It makes them better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Kids need to see something growing.”
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Indoor Plants ‘Pink Princess’ Philodendron By Kevin Borkman, Horticulturist
Botanical Names: Philodendron erubescens 'Pink Princess' Pink Princess is an extremely rare and stunning vine that has true pink variegation on some leaves, and you never know what the next unfurling leaf has in store!
Light: Prefers medium to bright indirect sunlight but can live in lower light conditions.
Water: Water the soil thoroughly when the soil is almost completely dry Soil: Nutrient-rich, light, and slightly porous soil is vital for growing magnificent Philodendron Pink Princess.
Temperature: Between 65-80°F. Humidity: Benefit from higher humidity but will do fine in average household air.
Fertilizer: This plant benefits significantly from regular fertilizing. Growth Rate: Once established, is known for being a fast-growing plant, and it grows up to 5-8’ feet tall with a 10-inch width as a houseplant. *Philodendron are toxic to pets,
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Co-Op Connection
Seasonal Gardening Tips Spring
Summer
•
Consider taking soil samples to determine fertilizer needs.
•
Consider drip irrigation in the garden to conserve water.
•
Plant seeds of cool-season vegetables as soon as garden soil is workable.
•
•
Add organic matter to the garden.
Consider planting sweet corn in the garden every other week (until early July) to extend the harvest.
•
Consider backyard composting.
•
•
Plant bare-root trees and shrubs. Keep the exposed roots moist until planted.
Prune spring flowering shrubs (those that bloom before June) after they have bloomed to encourage new flower buds for next season.
•
Fertilize spring-flowering bulbs.
•
•
Plant cold-hardy pansies and primrose.
Deadhead (cut off) spent blossoms of perennial and annual flowers.
•
Apply horticulture oils at bud break (delayed dormant) in fruit trees to control overwintering insect pests.
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Thin the fruit of apples, peaches, and apricots to approximately one fruit every 5-6 inches.
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Protect fruit blossoms and tender garden plants from late critical freezing temperatures.
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Start enjoying the tomato harvest.
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Harvest summer squash and zucchini when they are still small and tender.
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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.
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Collect and store seeds from your garden.
•
Wait to prune roses until buds begin to swell to avoid late-frost damage to new growth.
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Plant warm-season vegetables and annual flowers once the threat of the last frost has passed.
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Plant summer-blooming bulbs including gladiola, begonia, dahlia, and canna.
For a Monthly Gardening Checklist, go to: https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/monthly-tips
Fall
•
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.
If natural precipitation is sparse and ground is not frozen, water evergreen trees and shrubs to ensure they are well hydrated heading into winter.
•
Plant garlic cloves from mid-October through early November.
Try your hand at forcing amaryllis to bloom indoors for the holidays.
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Peruse garden/seed catalogs for new vegetable varieties to try in the garden.
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Plan and design the vegetable garden. Rotate vegetable families to reduce disease buildup.
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Consider growing herbs and/or microgreens indoors to add fresh greens to your diet.
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If storing bulbs, check their condition to ensure they are firm.
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Perform routine maintenance on small engine garden equipment.
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Try starting vegetables indoors from seed.
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Prune grapes and fruit trees in late February to early March.
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Fertilize fruit trees trees at least 6 weeks before they bloom.
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.
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Plant spring blooming bulbs through early November.
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Plant trees and shrubs in the fall to enhance root establishment.
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Mow grass to a height of 1-to-1½ inches at the end of the season to minimize disease problems.
•
•
Winter
Cut back ornamental grasses in snow prone areas. Blow out irrigation systems.
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.
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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.
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Magazine Contributors
industry.
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
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
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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.
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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.
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