Author: Debra Stinton Othitis

A large percentage of landscape waste comes from grass clippings, tree leaves and other gardening debris. Tree leaves make up half of that waste. Those fallen leaves are a valuable natural resource and should be managed and used rather than bagged and placed at curbside to be picked up and hauled to local landfills. Leaves…

The purpose of a flower is reproduction. In general, once a flower has been pollinated, blooms and dies, it forms seeds for the next generation. If you want to have beautiful flowers in your garden or containers right through to the first frost, however, you should interrupt this natural process by deadheading your flowering plants.…

Since its inception in 2011, the popular Colorado Springs Garden Tour has showcased gardens throughout the city in neighborhoods such as Patty Jewett, the West Side, the Old North End, University Park, Village 7, Old Farm and the Broadmoor area. This year’s tour — “Westward Hoe, Taming the Wild West Garden,” from 9 a.m. to…

When one thinks of using herbs, it is usually for medicinal or culinary purposes. But whether you have a large garden area or just a few planter boxes and a hodgepodge of pots, you also can enjoy the garden bounty in refreshing, flavorsome summertime beverages. Here are some herbs to consider: Basil — Part of…

Pesticides sometimes are necessary to treat damaging insects and weeds in your garden. Improper usage of these products can create problems, though. Pests can become resistant to the poison, and pollinators and other beneficial insects can be destroyed. Pesticide contact and or ingestion can be unhealthy for people and pets, too. Before buying a pesticide,…

Here are a few June gardening tasks and projects you can do to keep your lawn and garden looking its best for the rest of this season. General maintenance • Check all containers daily, watering when necessary; they can dry out quickly. Protect hanging containers from high winds. • Mulch 2 to 3 inches to…

Clematis are almost the perfect vine. They’re easy and rewarding to grow and have showy blooms and great variety. All they need is sunlight, a little extra water and a trellis to twine. The challenge is knowing when and how to prune them. For pruning, they are grouped into three categories: 1. These clematis flower…

May is a volatile month, so watch the weather forecast for your location and elevation. Although the city’s average last frost date (32 degrees) is May 10-15, it’s not unusual to have a hard freeze (28 degrees) in late May. General maintenance • Clean and sharpen garden tools. • Change oil in your lawnmower, sharpen…

Gardening in Colorado can be challenging. Our high elevation, intense sunlight, low humidity, rapid and extreme weather changes can frustrate the best of gardeners. These challenges are compounded by our poor soils, which restrict root growth (poor aeration), limiting plants’ ability to replenish water loss brought about by the low humidity and wind. Adding water…