The study of the relationship between certain biological events (like leaf emergence) and climatic conditions is a science called phenology. Learn about Project Budburst at www.budburst.org, if you would like to help track climate change by observing the timing of spring foliage and flowers.

May and June is the “High Season” for flowering plants of all kinds—wildflowers, trees, tulips and lilies, shrubs, peonies, irises and oriental poppies. Make repeat visits to nearby public gardens like Ft. Collins Gardens on Spring Creek, CSU’s Plant Environmental Research Center (PERC) on Lake Street, Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, the Denver Botanic Gardens, Hudson Gardens in Denver or the Betty Ford Alpine Garden in Vail. Take notes on the plants and landscape ideas you like and can use in your own garden

Most herbs need little water or fertilizer. They also thrive in widely varying pH levels—great for our alkaline soils. Rosemary (Rosmarius officinalis) and oregano (Oregano vulgare) are adapted to pH levels between 4.5 and 8.7; mint (Mentha spicata) from 4.5-7.5.

Houseplants grown in clay pots may be sunk in a partially shady part of the garden for the summer. Place a piece of window screening in the bottom of the pot or put a nylon stocking around the outside to keep insect pests from entering the drainage hole.

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

Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.

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This page updated:  August 5, 2008