In general you think of yourself as savvy gardener, you utilize homemade compost, companion planting and the square foot gardening approach. But have you ever considered the role of pH in your gardening endeavors? Consider that pH plays the single most influential role underground to the health and vigor of your garden. […]
Funny how the time passes. Last fall, we were all reeling from the flood. Then winter came and went, with many of us spending those months fixing our basements and repairing our homes. Now spring is here, my favorite season in Colorado. But after last year’s flood, I feel a little uneasy about […]
The water has retreated. The basements have dried. For many homeowners, the catastrophic flooding of September 2013 is becoming a distant memory. But chances are, your landscape hasn’t forgotten. By Lisa Marshall “When you get nearly a year’s worth of moisture in a week, there are bound to be lingering effects,” says Thad Johnson, owner […]
Berms do more than screen noises. They make a garden interesting. By Panayoti Kelaidis Almost a quarter-century ago, the great garden designer Harland Hand was wandering around our new garden in east Denver. We told him we intended to install some rock-garden beds in the backyard. He gazed at us intently and said, “They’d better […]
Raised beds let you grow a LOT in less space. by David Wann photos courtesy David Wann Raised beds are a common sight in local yards, as more and more people discover the joys, savings and benefits of growing their own vegetables. These local gardeners join millions worldwide who use raised beds, a technique practiced in […]
Whether you pronounce it CLEM-a-tis or cle-MAT-is, these pretty plants climb and shine. By Mary Lynn Bruny During a garden tour years ago, I found myself in the magical backyard of an elderly lady. “Oh, my!” I gushed to her, “Your clematis vines are wonderful!” She looked at me with disdain and said icily, “It’s […]
Think outside the pot when it comes to planting flower displays. Anything from hats and drawers to colanders and pails can become a container. Here are 10 “pots” to consider. By Mary Leigh Howell photos courtesy www.digdropdone.com This growing season, swap out pedestrian flowerpots for more fanciful fare. Flowers don’t care about their container, as […]
Agriculture program takes high schoolers out of the traditional classroom and into the greenhouse. By Heather Riffel Ridge Austin McDougal was in a rut. As a high school junior, he wasn’t sure where his future was headed. “I was struggling with the lack of connection between what I was learning in class and life after […]
Going solar is easier than ever due to dropping costs and different financing options, rebates and credits. Here’s a look at the current state of solar. By Lisa Truesdale Thinking about going solar? Then you probably already know Colorado is an ideal location for it. Our 300-plus days of sunshine are a source of pride […]
After the flood, many homeowners discovered that recouping losses from their insurance was frustrating and often futile. Their experiences may help you with future claims. By Kate Jonuska In an ideal world, a successful resolution to a disaster would be when what was damaged is either repaired or replaced by the homeowner’s duly paid, rightly […]
Lyons is resolved to open for business after the devastating September flood. By Debra Melani On the night of Sept. 11, 2013, Jay Hodge assessed his options as the incessant rain continued. The river abutting his Rock n River Resort, a few miles above Lyons in the North St. Vrain canyon, was rising. Every half […]
How to keep floodwater and heavy rain at bay. By Maria Martin Dry creeks are very effective at channeling damaging water away from homes. (Photo by Wild By Design) When discussing the flood that devastated so many areas in Boulder County last September, Scott Deemer says hindsight wouldn’t have helped in a lot of cases. […]
A treat is the surest way to a pet’s heart. But with tainted treats and poisoning scares, consider making healthy treats from scratch with these recipes. By Ruthanne Johnson Beagles are known for their love—scratch that, obsession—with food. And Kerry Karamian’s dogs are no different. Adoptees from the Longmont Humane Society, Joey Bagel and Addie […]
We need to prepare not only ourselves, but also our homes for cold weather By Meagan Vitek Dust off the skis, dig out the coats, layer on clothing and stock up on tea. When brisk winds blow, we need to prepare not only ourselves, but also our homes for cold weather. Jack Frost is here! […]
For Joe and Colleen Bammann, the eleventh remodel may be the charm. By Karen Mitchell Over the years, the DIY couple has remodeled several previous homes. With no prior construction skills, the Bammanns started off merely painting but quickly graduated to installing skylights, kitchen counters, cabinets, flooring and landscapes, and even designing and constructing rooms. […]
Despite severe weather during the 2013 growing season, some plants performed like champs. We asked local gardeners and experts to share their summer favorites with us so you can plan to plant some in spring. By Mary Lynn Bruny You have to be tough to be a plant in Colorado, and this past growing season […]
Gardening is great, but it can be a pain if you don’t do it right. These tips can help you reap the rewards without the aches and pains. By Maria Martin There’s nothing more soothing than getting outside to tend a garden. The cheerful birdsong, the sweet scents, the blooms and the soil all add […]
This home’s legacy is in keeping with its patchwork history. By Lisa Marshall From the cozy third-floor workshop of Peter and Lynne Troup’s Mapleton Hill home, it’s easy to imagine what life might have been like for its original owner, Emma Louise Clark. Perhaps the widowed dressmaker surrounded herself with fabrics and patterns here, stitching […]
When floodwaters ravaged many houses here in September, Neil and Cathy Borman weren’t home. Their neighborhood was particularly hard hit, and the Bormans’ home by Wonderland Lake could have been yet another casualty. By Lisa Truesdale The problematic front yard had a badly leaning, 7-foot-tall retaining wall made of old railroad ties. The wall ran […]
The local horse community contributes to the flavor and face of Boulder County. By Karen Mitchell When Sheila Ranegar heard about a horse that was for sale, her first instinct was to say no. Sheila, who owns the Nederland Equestrian School, passed on the offer as this particular animal wasn’t suitable for her young riding […]
