by Harry
Love
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Master Gardener
Larimer County
Q: As a newcomer to Colorado, how can I learn
more about plant selection and gardening practices?
A: Gardening in Colorado can be a real challenge, whether you are a newcomer
or long-time resident. Growing trees, flowers, turf grass and vegetables in
our high desert climate can be a life-long learning experience. The key is to
select the right plants for your location and for the various micro-climate
environments that occur in your landscape. Adding organic material to our high-clay
content soils will help get critical nutrients to the plants. Proper irrigation
techniques ensure your plants receive the water they need without wasting this
precious resource. Help for a newcomer or an experienced gardener is just a
phone call or mouse-click away. Contact your county Cooperative Extension Office
or go to http://www.ext.colostate.edu/menugard.html for fact sheets containing
the latest information on Colorado gardening. The Larimer County Extension Office
also has a packet titled, “Gardening in Colorado” for sale for $5.
It contains several Fact Sheets, help with plant selection and other information
for beginning gardeners. Please call 970/498-6000 for more information.
Q: The bark of my elm trees is black. What could be the problem?
A: Patches of black on the bark of many elm trees is caused by a fungus called
“sooty mold.” The fungus is a superficial organism that gets its
nutrition from the “honeydew” produced by the European elm scale.
Although the crusty, black deposits on the trunk and branch bark are not deadly,
widespread mold on the leaf surfaces can interfere with photosynthesis and adversely
affect the health of the tree. Control of honeydew-producing insects on large
trees is usually not practical. However, smaller host plants may be sprayed
with horticultural oils before leaves emerge, or can be sprayed with water to
remove honeydew when insects are feeding on the leaves.
Q: I’ve heard that groundcovers are a good alternative to turf
grass to save water and prevent weeds. What do I need to know to before I decide
to plant them in my home landscape?
A: Groundcovers may be a good choice in areas that are not practical for turf
grass or areas that may be subject to soil erosion. Before selecting and planting
groundcovers, consider these factors:
• How tall would you like the plant to be and how much area do you want
to cover? Although they can grow thickly and choke out weeds, be aware that
some groundcovers can become quite invasive.
• Does the plant need to withstand foot traffic? If so, consider varieties
of thyme or Scotch moss. Install walkways before planting groundcovers.
• Do you want fall or winter color? Succulents like Yellow Ice Plant will
turn to a glowing raspberry shade in the colder months.
• Are flowers or a certain color important to your landscape theme?
• How much time are you wiling to spend controlling weeds and preparing
the soil before planting? No ground cover is maintenance-free, but the right
plant in the right place can be an excellent alternative to the turf grass requirements
of watering and mowing.
Detailed information, including a selection guide, is available from the Larimer
County Cooperative Extension Office; Fact
Sheet #7.400 -Ground Cover Plants.
Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.
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