Prune established roses, removing all dead or diseased stems. Prune the roses back to live wood (green or white color inside the stem) to stimulate new growth. Use clear nail polish or white glue to coat the cut end of the stem to keep cane borers from attacking the roses.

Buffalo and blue gramma grass can thrive on 11-14” inches of water annually. These short-grass prairie natives are warm season grasses, turning blue-green during summer months. Seed these grasses in late spring, and water as necessary to establish a dense turf. Throughout the year, you can reduce irrigation until no supplemental irrigation is necessary.

Sprouting lilies, hosta and peonies can be killed by late spring frosts. Keep buckets, nursery pots or floating row covers handy if the temperatures are predicted to fall below freezing. Don’t forget to remove them as soon as the temperatures moderate.

At higher elevations, you can start annuals indoors for outdoor planting in June. Try cosmos, clarkia, Iceland poppy, lobelia, nasturtium, pansy and viola, petunia, snapdragon, painted tongue (Salpiglosis) and sweet William (Dianthus) for wonderful summer color and beautiful bouquets.

Set annuals among fading tulips and daffodils to cover up wilting foliage. The annuals can also help you remember where you have bulbs planted, if you want to add more bulbs to your flower beds in the fall.

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

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This page updated:  August 4, 2008