Category: All Posts
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Unirrigated Gardening in the Western USA: 8 Plants That Thrive on Rain
There is a common misconception about xeriscaping that I’m asked about often. The reality is that most “drought tolerant” plant lists quietly assume some level of supplemental irrigation. Xeriscaping was originally founded on the idea that traditional lawns in the West require excessive water, and that replacing them with lower water plants could significantly reduce…
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The Easter Daisy, aka Townsend’s Daisy
I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we eagerly anticipate the first perennials to bloom in the garden each spring. Finding these early blooming flowers is not only an exciting adventure but also a long awaited reward as we look forward to seeing them bloom again the following year. However, since most of…
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Sheep Fescue as a Lawn Alternative
My Experience After a Season with Sheep Fescue Thus far, Sheep Fescue has been a great alternative to traditional grass if you live without kids or dogs. Let me state this upfront for those who prefer the TL;DR version: if you have kids or a dog, Fine Fescue isn’t what you’re looking for. Move on…
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Why Weed Barrier Fabric Shouldn’t Be Used
We all hate weeds and the chore that comes with maintaining them, but did you know that weed fabric is doing you more harm than good? It can cause some serious impacts on your plant’s health and the environment. I know I already sound like another one of those Internet hippies, but hear me out…
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The Official State Cactus of Colorado
Introduction: Colorado’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes are home to a variety of resilient plant species that have adapted to the state’s unique climate and conditions. Among these hardy inhabitants is the Claret Cup Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus), a stunning succulent that graces the high desert regions of Colorado with its vibrant blooms and distinctive appearance. In…
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Introduction and A Dedication to Cancer
Let me reintroduce myself. My name is Ryan for all of you that do not know. On Instagram I go by “rhart303“. This is for my name and actual love of the Denver area. rhart303 is broke down as this, “rhart” for Ryan Harter my full name. The 303 is for the area code. ‘rhart303’…
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The Gold Nugget of Winter Color
Do you want winter color in the garden? Here is a little secret. Look at succulents. This little Sempervivum “Gold Nugget” is literally just that, a golden nugget of the garden for winter. This little fella puts on a show from frost to late Spring. Or until the temperatures allow it to suffice in the…
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Winter Garden Color in Colorful Colorado
Do winter blues got you caught up? Here are my favorite plants for winter color in USDA 5. I will keep this post short and sweet. Just like how we want winter to be. Your best bet at winter interest is a cold hardy succulent that will turn colors with the temperature. One of my…
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10 Reasons to Plant a Xeric Garden
Having a lush green lawn is becoming a thing of the past in the western part of the United States. Not only is it not environmentally practical, its time consuming, resource intensive, boring, very expensive, and sometimes a real pain in the rear. Here I will list out my top 10 reasons why going xeric…
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The Granita Ice Plant Series
As you probably already know, I have a LOVE for Ice Plants! They were one of the first plants I fell in love with when I started my renewed adult passion for gardening. When I first saw them blooming in early June, I was just shocked at how full the blooms were. The only thing…