by Kathi
Taylor & Lee Stewart
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Agent, Horticulture
Larimer County
Q: My garden needs fall pizzazz, where do I start?
A: Take a trip to the Denver Botanic Garden in the late fall. Make notes and with that information evaluate your home garden. Stroll around and observe. Note plants that are still blooming, have attractive seed heads or gorgeous autumn color. Determine where height, structure and movement would create a more pleasurable environment to enjoy sunny fall days and cool evenings. Shrubs and trees can be planted in late fall and roots establish well with the cooler weather. Be sure to winter water new transplants.
Q: Should all perennials be cut back in the fall?
A: Perennials with attractive seed heads adds winter interest to the garden and attracts birds—why cut them back? The Agastache family, lavender, perennial salvia and other drought tolerant perennials are less winter hardy when cut back in the fall. Perennial grasses create beautiful movement and color in the low winter sun. Cut grasses back in spring or late winter. Remove any plant material that is diseased and do not compost it.
Q: What mulch should be applied to perennial beds?
A: Shredded leaves are great mulch for shade beds. Sprinkle the leaves with a bit of low-nitrogen fertilizer, add peat or compost and water in. Shredded bark will deplete nitrogen in the soil; if used, add nitrogen. Gravel mulch works well in dry beds, especially in full sun. When mulching, two to three inches of material is recommended.
Q: What determines the term “ground cover” and where can I use them in the garden?
A: Ground covers are low-growing plants, usually less than 12 inches high and spread easily. You can use ground covers in areas to prevent soil erosion, where grass isn’t practical or as a design element. Evergreen ground covers require little care. Ground covers producing flowers and fruit require more maintenance to keep them attractive. These plants should be dense enough to inhibit weed growth. For more information, refer to Colorado State University Fact Sheet #7.400 “Ground Cover Plants” by visiting ext.colostate.edu.
Q: May I reuse potting soil from my containers filled with annuals this year for next year’s plantings?
A: It’s best never to reuse potting soil from the previous season’s containers, as the container may contain diseases and other organisms.
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