Do you love impatiens, but don’t have much shade? Look for new hybrids called SunPatiens developed by Japanese breeders. They grow 15-20” tall in full sun; although with Colorado’s intense sunlight they will do better with afternoon shade. SunPatiens are available in bright orange, hot pink, red and white.

To make a small sloped area appear larger, use pavers and wide steps to create a terrace. Using light colored stone and wood will also brighten the area and make it seem larger. Check the mature height and width of plants you plan to use in your landscape—select compact shrubs and columnar trees for small spaces.

It’s time to fertilize! Roses need an all-purpose fertilizer like 8-10-8 or 15-15-15. Fertilize in the spring and again in mid-July, during or after the second bloom. Don’t forget daffodils and tulips. Apply ¼ pound of nitrogen per 100 square feet before the foliage disappears. The bulbs are growing and storing energy for next year’s flowering.

Be safe in the garden. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from liquid splashes while mixing pesticides or herbicides, and to prevent injury from rocks and twigs when mowing or using other power equipment. Wear a helmet when you do overhead tasks, like pruning trees ands shrubs. Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts and thorns. And don’t forget ear plugs or ear muffs when you are using power tools.

Take cuttings from your houseplants during the spring and summer when the plants are actively growing.

The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.

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This page updated:  May 9, 2007