You know I love a guest interview to break up the monotony of relentless financial topics. This month, I’m thrilled to feature Devon DeLong of Landscape Connection. Devon has some quick tips for perking up your garden with plants that thrive in Colorado.
Kristi: Is it true that you can’t plant in Colorado before Mother’s Day? Are there any exceptions to this rule for people impatient for color in their yards?
Devon: You can plant perennials, shrubs, trees, and cool season annuals/vegetables before Mother’s Day. It is suggested to wait till after our frost free date to plant annuals and warm season vegetables. Our frost free date is typically at the end of May.
I recommend planting annuals and warm season vegetables no earlier than Memorial Day unless you can bring them inside. We can get frost or very cold temps through the month of May.
Kristi: What are your two favorite perennials that do well in Denver in sunny spots? Two favorites for Denver gardens in the shade?
Devon: Two perennials I am loving right now for sun are Penstemon varieties for early to mid-summer blooms and Hyssop varieties for late summer blooms.
Penstemon
Hyssop
Two perennials I am loving right now for shade are Hellebore varieties (early flowers and cool foliage for the season) and Anemone varieties (some bloom in spring and some bloom in late summer and they are deer resistant!)
Hellebore
Hollandia Poppy Anemone
Kristi: What is the one mistake you see repeatedly in Colorado landscapes that you wish people would just stop?
Devon: XERISCAPE!!! Most people mispronounce, misspell, and misunderstand the concept of a xeric yard. I love to educate and show clients how to have a xeric landscape that can be beautiful and sustainable.
Thank you, Devon, for keeping us from costly and frustrating garden mistakes!
Devon DeLong is a Colorado native who studied Landscape Horticulture and Design at Colorado State University. Devon has worked at Landscape Connection, Inc., a residential landscape design and construction company, for 17 years. Devon enjoys the outdoors, playing with her children and traveling to new places. landscapeconnection.net
