Spring 2023 Edition

Photo by Alesia Kozik: https://www.pexels.com/photo/letter-tiles-near-flowers-6652421/

Editor’s Corner “Bloom Gardens Magazine is a unique regional gardening magazine advocating organic & sustainable practices.”

Unique gardening challenges we experience in Utah Utah’s has a unique climate with extreme high/low temperatures, alkaline soil, and frequent drought. Considering it’s the second driest and fourth fastest growing state in the U.S. presents additional challenges of pollution, water shortages, and depleted soil.

Did you know that environmental illnesses could be prevented? Only 0.7% of farms are organic vs. traditional farms. Over 82,000 chemicals are allowed on the market without safety testing, and we use them in our daily lives.

I have seen firsthand the damaging effects this chemically filled world has on all of us. On September 24, 2013, my husband, Kevin was diagnosed with YoungOnset Parkinson’s disease (age 47), caused from his exposure to pesticides during his work career.

What’s the solution?

This is where Bloom Gardens journey begins. Our goal is to create an educational venue, which teaches how to garden & landscape without harmful pesticides, create sustainable gardens, and to help improve the environment within our communities.

What is meant by sustainable gardening?

Sustainable gardening combines organic gardening practices with resource conservation. Generally, sustainable gardening is forward-thinking, it values ecosystem support over aesthetics, makes as little negative impact on the earth as possible, and works with nature instead of against it.

Ramona Borkman Magazine Editor

www.bloomgardens.org 03

Table of

Contents 03

Editor’s Corner

06

Magazine Contributors

12

Co-Op Connection

18

Landscape Solutions

The Story Behind Bloom Gardens

Read About the Content Writers

Bulbs—Their Short Colorful Life

Simple Steps to Sustaiability

24

Diversify with Seed

32

Garden Club Highlights

Alternative Lawns: Rebellion Coming to a Neighborhood Near You

A Brief History of the Utah Associated Garden Clubs

38

Going Native

42

Nursery Notes

48

My Flower Shop

50

Garden Talk

52

House Plants 101

Grow Native—Asclepias tuberosa

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Floral Bouquet this Mother’s Day

Observation: A Powerful Tool for Successful Landscapes

Beautiful Orchids in the Home

54

Trees Are Good

56

Garden Explorer

Tree Selection and Placement

A Trip to Butchart Gardens

www.bloomgardens.org

To Amend Your Soil or Not to Amend Your Soil? It’s a Tricky Question

Magazine Contributors Progressive Plants Localscapes was developed by a team of horticulturists, landscape designers, maintenance pros, irrigation experts and members of the water industry. The goal was simple: create a landscaping approach that takes all the complex and confusing science behind landscape design and simplify it to create landscapes that thrive in Utah. The result was five basic pattern pieces that are easy to understand and apply.

Cynthia Bee works to translate the technical nature of water conservation into publicfriendly messaging as the Outreach Coordinator for the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Utah State University.

Cynthia is one of the developers of the Localscapes method and has spent the last decade teaching thousands of Utah homeowners how to create landscapes that fit, rather than fight, our challenging climate.

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is the largest production nursery in Utah, providing plant material for professional landscapers, developers, and homeowners throughout the Intermountain West. Each year they grow hundreds of thousands of trees, shrubs, and perennials right here in the Salt Lake Valley, and have loads of plants available for purchase year-round. They are also wellconnected with growers throughout the Western United States, so they can provide almost anything you need for your outdoor projects. With more than 35 years of growing experience, they know what will grow in your area and how to ensure its success.

The Intermountain region can be a challenging place to grow a beautiful landscape with its extreme temperatures, tough soil conditions, and limited water supply. In fact, irrigation water from Utah Lake is loaded with dissolved solids that will actually kill many of your favorite plants. Even so, with the right plants and just a little knowledge, you can have an outstanding outdoor escape no matter where you live in this region.

At Progressive Plants you’ll find both— thousands of plants perfectly suited for your yard and, a staff filled with experienced horticulturalists eager to share their knowledge with you! Learn more at Progressiveplants.com

With more than 120 faculty located in more than 30 offices scattered throughout the state, USU Extension has never been more prepared to provide unbiased research and educational resources and programs to meet the needs of Utahns. Our most important goal is to help improve the lives of individuals and families in every corner of our great state.

The Utah Associated Garden Clubs, Inc. are part of the National Garden Clubs, Inc., sharing its mission to provide education, resources, and networking opportunities for our members, and to promote the love of gardening, floral design, and civic and environmental responsibility. We currently have 10 member clubs in the state of Utah, with 285 individual members.

Skylar Christensen is a seed specialist and brand manager at the Lehi-based seed company, Nature’s Seed (www.naturesseed.com). With an educational background in agricultural communications and plant science from Utah State University, he’s spent most of his life involved in landscaping, lawncare, and the seed industry.

He lives in Saratoga Springs with his wife Sarah and daughter Isla.

When he’s not pushing the limits of his HOA or disregarding plant hardiness zones, he can be found snowboarding and exploring the mountains of the Wasatch Front.

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Magazine Contributors Amanda Hammond began her floral career at a small local shop in 1998. In 2005, she joined the Harmons Floral Shop team and took advantage of ways to progress in the floral industry.

Her mentor and trainer, Alma Filipovic, sought ways to educate and sought unique ways to educate and train associates, and with her help and the support of Harmons, Hammond became one of few Certified Floral Designers in Utah, now fulfilling her role as Harmons Floral Production Manager.

Hammond has competed and placed in competitions with Utah Floral Association, including Art in Bloom and Designer of the Year.

Hammond and Harmons are working to rebuild the floral industry network in Utah along with other extremely talented floral designers and shop owners, reigniting the passion among the Utah Floral Industry.

International Society of Arboriculture, a professional green industry organization whose mission is to promote the professional practice of arboriculture and create a worldwide awareness of the benefits of trees. ISA certifies arborists, providing the public with a source for recognizing skilled tree care professionals.

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Kim began her professional career helping her neighbors, who came into a local nursery where she worked and who were looking for yard solutions. She helped them plan their landscape for function, purpose, and easy maintenance. Over the years since then, Kim has taught clients what she has learned in all areas of yard care while she also learned from them about the many detailed issues that can pop up in a landscape. Kim also earned her Master's in Horticulture and taught plant classes through the University of Utah for 6 years. Today we have grown to a full scale landscape design team offering a variety of services to meet your needs. We are focused on helping customers turn their garden into a personal paradise that they'll want to visit year round.

Liz Braithwaite started her career with an extensive education that included studying horticulture, landscape architecture, instruction, and permaculture. After recently graduating, she decided that her passion primarily relied with helping others create ecological landscapes that were functional and beautiful. She started Responsive Gardens that offers design and education service to fulfill this goal.

The Utah Native Plant Society was formed in late 1978 specifically out of a growing concern for imperiled rare plant species. Some of those original ideals and concerns were expressed in Goals and Objectives of the Utah Native Plant Society presented by Stanley Welsh, one of the co-founders of the organization, in September of 1978. (Co-founder and long time former board member Dick Hildreth was honored by us with a lifetime service and achievement award in March, 2005, see UNPS recognizes co-founder Dick Hildreth. See also UNPS recognizes Duane Atwood with Lifetime Achievement Award in March, 2008).

At its core UNPS is a conservation and educational organization with programs and committees focused around the protection of Utah rare native plants, Utah native plant conservation including anything that threatens the well-being of Utah native plant species and communities (not the least of which relates to invasive species), the use of Utah native plants for landscaping and restoration and research relating to Utah native plant species. www.unps.org

Kevin Borkman has worked in the green industry for over 40 years, beginning at the age of 12, by mowing neighbor’s lawns. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture and a Master of Public Administration degree from Brigham Young University. Some of Kevin’s career highlights include: Grounds Manager at the Oakland, California Temple and Sports Field Supervisor at Brigham Young University. Kevin loves plants and enjoys offering free gardening advice to his family and friends.

Ramona Borkman has developed a passion for gardening as she has spent time and effort caring for her own garden. Flowers are her true love, but she also enjoys growing vegetables and fruit organically to improve she and her family’s health.

Ramona desires to inspire others to grow nutritious food for better health and self-sufficiency. She has earned her Master Gardener certification and continues to educate herself as she learns through trial and error, so she can share that knowledge with others.

She has also earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Brigham Young University.

Cathy King, co-editor Sego Lily President, UNPS

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Photo by Polina Kovaleva: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cups-of-milk-and-coffee-besides-scrabble-letter-tiles-6954756/

Co-Op Connection

Bulbs Their Short Colorful Life Since flowering bulbs are only

By Dennis Hinkamp, Extension Publication Specialist

active for a short time, it is especially important to provide them with nutrients and the essential care, he says. The green

12

Bulbs are prodigies, flowing early

leaves are not as pretty as the

and brilliantly and then just

flowers, but they are critical to the

hanging around looking green the

bulb’s flower and health for the

rest of the year. Many people love

coming year. The leaves generate

the colors brought by spring bulbs,

the energy that is stored in the

but have a lot of questions about

bulbs so they can survive through-

caring for the foliage once the

out the year and have enough

flowers are just a memory.

strength to bloom again.

“I love spring-type bulbs because

If the leaves are cut back right after

they are one of those low-

the flowers die, the plant does not

maintenance plants, but there are a

get a chance to generate the energy

few things that must be done to

needed to enlarge the bulb and

help them stay healthy and

prepare for another year,

maintain large beautiful blooms

Goodspeed explains. Repeatedly

year after year,” says Jerry

removing the leaves too quickly will

Goodspeed, Utah State University

shorten the life of the bulb to only

Extension horticulturist.

two to three years.

Don't cut the foliage back until at

One trick a friend taught me was to

least two-thirds of the leaves have

write the color in permanent

died.

marker on the leaves. Then, when

“If they are going to be moved, wait until the foliage has died back

it is time to dig the bulbs, simply read the leaves.

before digging them,” he says. “You

”Ideal conditions for bulb storage

may want to keep track of their

are a cool, dry, dark place, such as a

colors if they are going to be

room in the basement, Goodspeed

moved. It can be hard to remember

says. They require little, if any,

which color was where at that point

care while they are in storage.

since the blooms are long gone.

13

Co-Op Connection If the bulbs are going to be left in the same location from year to year, be certain to give them some fertilizer while the leaves are green.

This helps them make and store

energy for the coming year.

Have you ever wanted to know how to naturalize an area with bulbs?

Naturalizing is creating an area where the bulbs are planted in an informal, random pattern, he says.

The bulbs planted in this area should increase from year to year.

It must also have good drainage.

Locate a naturalized site in an area that can remain undisturbed while the bulbs are growing. Wet, water-

be planted, but be sure to use variety by mixing colors, sizes and spacing.

logged soil reduces bulb growth

“The best bulbs for naturalizing are

faster than anything.“

daffodils or narcissus, crocus,

Plant the bulbs randomly. Be sure to stay away from rows and patterns,” Goodspeed suggests.

Mother Nature is not known for symmetry when it comes to bulbs and flowers. It's fun to just throw

14

Large groups of similar colors can

hyacinths, muscari (which can spread too much), and fritillaria.

Some tulips can also be used, but many of the newer varieties are wimpy and die out after a few years of neglect.”

them out into the area, then plant

For more information, contact your

them where they landed.

local USU County Extension office.

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Landscape Solutions

Simple Steps to Sustainability

By Kim Eden, Eden’s Garden Design Some years ago I set out to win a battle raging in my yard. My plants did not fully leaf out, some died, while others only partially

18

bloomed. And I was going to make

My plants began to recover and

them all thrive. In early spring

grow more fully. I had less weeds

with cold weather and just enough

to pull and the area required so

moisture to make the flower bed

much less work. I was so happy

mud, I bundled up in my work

with my results that I considered

clothes determined to prove to my

the problem solved. I had won!

yard who was the boss! Little did I

That is until I began to notice some

know, I should have hired the boss.

problems remained. My plants

My first plan of attack was pruning

were still covered in bugs and they

back the plants so they would grow

still turned yellow with iron

in more fully and leaf out well. But

chlorosis.

that didn’t work. Next, I sprayed

But, I was not to be deterred. Even

for bugs and added extra fertilizer,

though I solved the watering issues

which worked! But sadly, only for a

I had still not achieved a thriving

short time. I lost numerous plants

landscape. So, I looked into a

and many others began to decline.

maintenance company and realized

In desperation, I swapped my spray

they would just spray and fertilize –

irrigation system to drip lines and

basically the same thing I tried.

the improvement was immediate.

(Lame!)

After a little more research and knowledge from experts I learned that the fertilizer we are using adds too much extra salt into our already salty soils. This was a huge realization for me. Too much salt

will cause nutrient leaching in my plants and thus the decline in healthy thriving plants. As a side note, fertilizer also runs off the lawns and deposited into our lakes and water sources causing algae bloom and other nasties. The short

term benefit of the fertilizer did not outweigh the problems it caused.

Praying Mantis

There had to be a better solution than fertilizer and bug spray.

Something that is more sustainable and not so harmful to the environment and ecosystem.

In spraying my bugs, I learned that

So I decided to hire the real pros –

they returned quickly with new

bugs. Experts often quote that 99%

immunities to the sprays. Darn

of all bugs are beneficial and only

super bugs! This happened even

1% of them are harmful. We just

when I started to use more organic

often don’t see the beneficial ones

and household products to spray

and focus on the ones we term

them.

pests. I decided to experiment by releasing bugs that prey on the pests in my landscape. The response was amazing. Within two weeks my plants were pest free and remained healthy the entire season.

I wanted the beneficial insects to help me every year so I knew I needed to create a habitat in my

Green Lacewing

yard. A home sweet home for bugs.

19

Landscape Solutions But there are other options available such as Yum Yum, which appears to be compost but has broken down the nutrients into easily digestible food source for your plants. Any liquid fertilizer,

especially from the ocean has less Parasitic wasp on aphids

salt and is easier for plants to absorb. I avoid adding too much

I planted their favorite plants full of

fertilizer because I know it can

nectar, I placed a few areas of fresh

easily runoff into our lake. In the

water source, I added a thick layer

end, the annual application of

of compost in the beds and finally I

compost to my beds has made the

created spaces for them to nest and

greatest impact as a fertilizer.

reproduce. The only major adjustment I had to make was to leave my perennials, ornamental grasses and pollinator plants untouched for the winter so they

So, I finally won the war. My plants are healthy, green and vibrant and the best part is that it even takes less work than before.

had places to hibernate, eat, and

hide for the winter. I now do my yard clean up and pruning back in the spring after the bugs are awake and ready to be the defenders of my plants. But, I still needed to solve my fertilizer issues, so I turned to compost tea. I cut up my comfrey and stinging nettle to make my own fertilizer in the form of a liquid tea.

Ladybug Larvae on aphids

20

For your reference, the top performing beneficial insects in my yard have been: Green Lacewing, Praying Mantis, Parasitic Wasp and Ladybug Larvae (from the Lady Bug family)

The top options for low maintenance, long bloom, and pollinating or high nectar perennials that my beneficial insects love are: Agastache (any kind), Bee Balm, Echinacea, Red Hot Poker, Catmint, Lavender, Lamb’s Ears, and any herb - sage, rosemary, oregano, thyme, fennel, etc.

Agastache Sunset

Agastache Blue Fortuna

Red Hot Poker

21

Landscape Solutions

Lavender

Echinacea

Thyme

Bee Balm

Article Summary: Step 1. Switch to drip watering system Step 2. Use compost and small amounts of liquid fertilizers Step 3. Plant nectar plants and add water sources Step 4. Release beneficial insects in yard

Step 5. Prune back only in late winter early spring

Oregano

Rosemary

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Garden Sage

Catmint

Lambs Ears

Fennel

Diversify with Seed

Alternative Lawns: Rebellion Coming to a Neighborhood Near You

By Skylar Christensen, Nature’s Seed To some, they’re a source of pride and joy. To others, they’re a wasteful example of mankind’s will to subdue nature. But to most, they’re simply a familiar landscaping approach with

TWCA Bluegrass

practical applications. Lawns, love ‘em or hate ‘em, have played an integral role in the American landscape from the very beginning.

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Do You Pass on Grass?

Understandably so considering our

Which brings us to one of the

British heritage, where an

biggest debates in landscaping

expansive green lawn stretching out

today. In a time when water and

from the manor was considered a

resources are being stretched like

status symbol for hundreds of

never before, does the Great

years. But while settlers to the New

American lawn still have a place?

World may have brought their

Should it have a place? I believe

landscaping ideals with them, they

the answer is yes to both questions,

weren’t able to bring the moist,

but not quite in the traditional

temperate climate of the British

sense. Like my music preferences

Isles which allowed those lawns to

in the 90s, we need to take a more

thrive almost effortlessly.

alternative approach.

The Proper Role of Lawn

Tradition!

First, it’s important to understand

Traditionally, Kentucky bluegrass

the proper role of lawn in the

has been the groundcover of choice

landscape. The Utah-based

for the northern half the United

Localscapes program does an

States thanks to its dark green

excellent job defining the proper

color, soft velvety texture, and

role of lawn and establishing

unparalleled traffic tolerance. In

standards for its use. Localscapes

the southern portion of the country

promotes a design concept known

warm-season turfgrasses such as

as “central open shape”. The

bermudagrass, centipede grass, and

central open shape creates the focal

St. Augustine are the main players.

point of the landscape. Visually, it

For decades this tradition has

provides a rest for the eyes and

remained unchanged and

helps a yard appear organized and

unchallenged, a one-size-fits-all

well maintained. Beyond the visual

approach to residential lawns. In

aspects of the central open shape,

climates where these turfgrasses

there are practical reasons for

are ill-suited we alter our property

having one. It’s where the action is!

to make them work, often with

In other words, it’s the place in

extensive irrigation systems, soil

your yard that will see the most

amendments, and other inputs.

traffic. Whether it’s from children scampering, dogs fetching, a game of cornhole, or even a backyard wedding, the central open shape is the stage for all kinds of recreation.

While the central open shape isn’t required to be lawn, it makes sense

whatever groundcover used balances durability with softness.

Thyme Groundcover 25

Diversify with Seed

British Manor

Changing Attitudes

TWCA Certified Bluegrass

But the times they are a-changin’,

Our first stop brings us to a familiar

and America is on the verge of an

looking patch of grass. At first

alternative lawn revolution.

glance there’s nothing alternative

Drought has plagued the West for

about it. It appears to be good ol’

over 20 years now with no end in

Kentucky bluegrass. That’s because

sight. Fertilizer costs are

it is! However, this bluegrass has a

skyrocketing, and homeowners are

secret. This is TWCA (Turfgrass

becoming more aware of the

Water Conservation Alliance)

environmental and financial impact

certified bluegrass which has been

of their traditional lawns. Wherever

bred to use up to 40% less water

you are in your lawn philosophy,

than traditional bluegrass varieties.

whatever side of the debate you

If you’re not quite ready to move on

find yourself, I say there’s a way to

from bluegrass or you have a

have your cake and eat it too. Take

situation that requires maximum

a walk with me as we explore these

traffic tolerance, this is the

alternative groundcovers, starting

alternative for you.

with the most subtle and moving towards the more radical.

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Fescue to the Rescue

Buffalograss

Next we have another patch of

As we continue down the path, we

grass. Still nothing too out of the

again find more grass however it’s

ordinary about it. Slightly finer in

starting to look noticeably different.

texture, maybe not as dark green as

This is buffalograss, a warm-season

what you’re used to seeing. This is

native. Unlike cool-season species,

fine fescue, and it makes a great

buffalograss thrives during the

introduction to alternative lawns.

hottest times of the year. It loves heat

You might call this a gateway

and remains green with as little as 1/4

groundcover – it was for me! Fine

to 1/2 inch of water a week, around

fescue is water-wise and has low

75% less than traditional lawns. Just

input requirements but can

keep in mind it will go dormant early

struggle with heavy traffic. Also

in the fall and remain dormant late

note the term “fine fescue” refers to

into the spring. Other drawbacks

four specific grasses: creeping red

include reduced traffic tolerance, a

fescue, hard fescue, sheep fescue,

lighter green color, and unsightly

and Chewings fescue. Hard and

seed heads if left unmowed.

sheep are considered the most

Buffalograss has also suffered from

water efficient of the bunch.

supply shortages recently, making the seed difficult to find and expensive.

Sheep Fescue

27

Diversify with Seed Native Cool-Season Grasses Now we find ourselves on the very edge of grass groundcovers, where the known fades into experimental.

Grass & Clover Lawn

This territory is dominated by the

do offer some unique benefits. Up

cool-season native grasses. It

first is the popular white Dutch

includes Idaho fescue, streambank

clover and its smaller-leaved

wheatgrass, western wheatgrass,

version, Microclover. While clover

San Diego bentgrass, and a few

by itself doesn’t offer anything

others. These grasses have

exceptional in the way of water

exceptional drought and heat

savings, the real benefit is when it’s

tolerance, and as natives require

mixed with grass. Together, grass

little if any additional inputs. Much

and clover form a lawn that’s more

respect if your alternative lawn

resilient than either plant by itself.

journey leads you here – you

What’s more, as a legume clover

rebel.

fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere

Clover

and feeds it back to the surrounding grass, reducing the

The grasses have disappeared, and

need for inputs and increasing

in their place a variety of short

overall vigor. It’s also resistant to

growing broadleaf plants have

dog urine, making it a great

taken over. While broadleaf plants

addition to a lawn shared with your

don’t have the same traffic

furrier family members.

tolerance as grasses, they

Yarrow Further down the path we find a thick evergreen mat of fine,

feathery foliage known as yarrow.

Once established, yarrow lawns

San Diego Bent Grass 28

require no irrigation or additional inputs.

However, you will need to keep it mowed at around two inches to prevent the base of the plants from becoming woody. Yarrow lawns are still quite rare but worth experimenting with in small areas.

The Road Less Travelled There will always be some discomfort when deviating from tradition, but stepping out into the unknown can be exhilarating at the same time. Sure there’ll be

Other Broadleaf

challenges. You’ll have to delay the

Groundcovers

instant gratification of a cookie

Beyond yarrow, our path ends in an assortment of low, spreading groundcovers of various colors, textures, and growth habits.

Thymes, sedums, and wildflowers

expand outward like a patchwork quilt stretched across the landscape. The possibilities are near endless, only limited by your climate and imagination. Those that find themselves at this point

cutter sod lawn. You might have to deal with an ignorant neighbor, HOA, or even spouse. There may be new gardening skills to acquire or irrigation techniques to learn.

You could fail your first attempt.

But as Thomas Paine, one of my favorite rebels, once said: the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. Have fun, good luck, and happy rebellion!

on the alternative lawn path have

little need for traffic tolerance and are instead motivated by a desire to live and let live – ditching their lawnmowers altogether and 801-999-0842 creating an oasis for pollinators,

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wildlife, and themselves.

Yarrow

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Garden Club Highlights

A Brief History of the Utah Associated Garden Clubs

By Geoff Ellis, UAGC Past President

Gardening has a long history in the state of Utah. One of the first things the pioneers did when they arrived in the summer of 1847 was to plant potatoes and other garden crops. By the 1900’s, both vegetable and flower gardens were widely grown, and a number of local garden clubs were established.

In the fall of 1932, Grant Bowen, the landscape architect for the State

32

Rose Show, 2022

Capitol grounds and president of

the Utah Associated Garden Clubs

the Salt Lake Flower Garden Club,

(UAGC) were established as part of

began the process of organizing the

the National Council of Garden

garden clubs into a statewide

Clubs, Inc. (now known as the

organization, and in January 1934,

National Garden Clubs).

Arbor Day in Ogden, 1934

33

Garden Club Highlights The purpose of the UAGC was not only to encourage flower shows and education but also to coordinate the interests of the various garden clubs in order to gain public

support for causes such as “Conservation and protection of our native wild flowers, trees, and birds; the encouragement of civic plantings; the restriction of billboards or any unsightly

Bonsai Show Specimen

features; the planting of trees and

Throughout the Depression years

care of roadsides . . .” and “To help

and World War II, the UAGC

make Utah the State Beautiful.” By

continued to hold annual meetings,

1936 the UAGC had 17 member

Arbor Day tree plantings, and

clubs and was publishing a monthly

various flower shows. One

magazine called The

remarkable event took place in

Inter-Mountain Gardener.

Fillmore, Utah on October 30, 1944, when a Japanese-American woman, Mrs. Tawa, joined with her neighbor, Mrs. Huntsman, to display the chrysanthemums that they had grown that year. Mrs. Huntsman had lost her son in the war, and hostilities with Japan were still ongoing, yet any negative sentiments toward the Japanese

Garden Tour Highlight

34

were overcome by the friendship to be found in garden clubs.

By the 1950’s, membership in the

Towards the end of the 20th

UAGC had grown to 62 local garden

century, membership in clubs of all

clubs all across the state of Utah. It

kinds began to decline in the U.S.,

was the heyday for garden clubs in

and there are now only ten garden

the U.S., and Mrs. Hazel Bullough,

clubs affiliated with the UAGC.

the UAGC President, began to

This situation led to the mistaken

promote the idea of constructing a

idea that all of the garden club

permanent Garden Center.

members were dead or dying, and

Through her tireless lobbying,

that the Garden Center was a

financial support was secured from

vacant, abandoned building. In

the UAGC, Salt Lake City, and Salt

2020, Sugar House Park

Lake County, and a site was

entertained a proposal to convert

selected in the northeast corner of

the building into a restaurant or

Sugar House Park. On September

café, but it was defeated by federal

20, 1964, the Garden Center was

regulations and a lack of funding.

officially dedicated, and it has been

In the meantime, membership in

used for local club meetings and

the UAGC has held steady at

statewide flower shows ever since.

approximately 300 persons, and we are very much alive and kicking!

One of our clubs, the Utah Rose Society, even increased its membership by 121% during the pandemic, adapting to conditions by holding Zoom meetings and outdoor garden tours, while the Park City Garden Club currently has a waiting list for membership.

Garden Tour Highlight

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Garden Club Highlights Most of our clubs, however, are open to new members and welcome visitors. There are clubs for specific interests such as bonsai, dahlias, iris, orchids, and roses, as well as clubs with a geographic focus such as Cottonwood and Brigham City.

The UAGC has also been involved with the Blue Star Memorial program, honoring America’s veterans, and we participate in a nationwide Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl poster contest for 1st through

Modern Rose Arrangement

5th graders. The Neighborhood Garden Club has partnered with

The Garden Center will host several

Howard R. Driggs Elementary

flower shows open to the public this

School in Holladay for many years

year, and it can also be rented for

to implement a successful

special events. In this internet age,

children’s gardening program.

a lot of gardening information can be found online, but it’s still not the

same as being there in person.

Belonging to a garden club gives you the opportunity to find out what really grows in your town, to celebrate or commiserate with other gardeners, and to make new friends. You can find out more

about us at utahagc.org.

Garden Tour Highlight

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Going Native

Grow Native Asclepias tuberosa

By Cathy King, co-editor Sego Lily President, UNPS

It’s a brilliantly orange flowered plant native to Utah that can grow

Photo of Monarch butterfly on Asclepias tuberosaa by Janet Davis at the https://www.thepaintboxgarden.com/

as much as 40” high in the most hospitable conditions, but probably

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shorter in a dryer, xeric garden bed.

Asclepias tuberosa is second to A.

If you are looking for that bright

speciosus when attracting the

punch of color that not only bees

Monarch butterfly and the two

love but is also attractive to

combined are even better. If you

Monarch butterflies, consider

can obtain seed, just direct sow in

adding Asclepias tuberosa,

the fall. But well developed plants

commonly known as butterfly

are available at local nurseries or

weed, to your xeric perennial

can be ordered online and can be

border. It flowers in early to mid-

planted out in the spring or fall.

June and quite often has a second

This spring is a perfect time to add

flush of flowers in late summer.

it to your garden.

Garden photo of Asclepias tuberosa, butterfly weed, by Cathy King.

Photo of Monarch butterfly on sunflower by Andrey Zarkikh

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It Pays to Save

“Lavender – the Color and Scent of Relaxation, Youthfulness, Creativity, Imagination, Optimism”

Ph

ot

Know What’s Below Before You Dig! Blue Stakes of Utah 811 is issuing a safety reminder to Utah Residence.

“Call 811 Before You DIG” this not only applies to the professional contractor but to all homeowners.

Anyone who wants to put a shovel, or any other kind of digging equipment in the ground is required by law to Call 811 or contact bluestakes.org to “Submit a Ticket” to have the underground utility lines located and marked with paint and/or flags. This is for everyone’s safety. It’s a FREE service and remember, It’s the LAW!

Protecting the underground facilities that we all rely on every day is a shared responsibility.

Please do your part and remember to contact Blue Stakes at least two full business days before beginning your digging project. Check out our website for more information https://www.bluestakes.org and to download our APP and Excavators’ Guidebook.

Nursery Notes

To Amend Your Soil or Not to Amend Your Soil?

It’s a Tricky Question

By Progressive Plants

Planting season is finally upon us.

but is this really the best practice

It’s time to update your landscape

for your trees and shrubs?

with trees, shrubs, and perennials.

Professional landscaping crews

When you’re planting, it’s best to

don’t do that. In fact, in some

dig your hole twice as wide as your

situations, this practice can actually

root ball or pot, and only as deep as

harm your plants.

the top of the root ball or the top of the soil in the nursery pot. That’s

fairly common knowledge. But what are you putting in that hole when you fill it back up?

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A Happy Place for Weeds Amending your soil will encourage the growth of weeds and other unwanted plants. These plants will

Almost anywhere you look, you’ll

compete with your trees, shrubs and

find people encouraging you to

perennials for nutrients and water,

amend the soil in your planting

making it more difficult for them to

hole with organic matter or other

thrive. But that’s far from the worst

additives in order to improve the

problem you can create by altering

structure and fertility of the soil,

the soil around your root ball.

Weeds in the garden

Disrupting Your Natural Soil

The better solution is to plant

Structure

things that can handle your soil

One of the main reasons not to

from day one.

amend your soil in your planting

Water Damage

hole is that it can disrupt the natural soil structure. Trees and shrubs that thrive here in Utah are adapted to our specific soil conditions. Adding organic matter or other amendments can change the pH levels and nutrient content of the soil, making it difficult for the roots to establish themselves. This leads to poor growth. In fact, some plants may even die because their soil was amended.

Adding organic matter or other additives to your soil as you backfill

often leads to over-watering.

Amended soil typically holds more moisture than native soil, which can cause the roots of your trees and shrubs to become waterlogged.

This can lead to root rot, which can ultimately kill the plant. It’s

especially problematic if you’re planting in heavy clay soil. The water you give your tree will drain through your amended soil, but

Eventually, any tree or shrub you

when it reaches the native clay it

plant will send roots far beyond

will slow down, filling your original

your original planting hole. If the

hole like a soup bowl. Your tree

plant can’t handle native soil,

will sit in that soup until the water

you’ll need to amend it deeper and

finally drains, soaking the roots for

wider than is physically possible.

far too long.

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Nursery Notes Recognizing Water Damage It takes a while for your plants to tell you they've had too much water. As their roots become damaged and waterlogged, the

leaves will begin to turn yellow and fall off. Sometimes the leaves will dry out and fall off without

Wilted sunflower

changing colors. Even worse, the

The best way to tell the difference

signs of too much water look nearly

between too much water and not

identical to the signs of inadequate

enough water is to watch your

water. Usually, homeowners see

plants. If they begin to wilt within

these symptoms and think their

a day or two, chances are good that

plant needs more water, when in

it needs more water. If the signs of

reality, it needs less—much less.

stress—limp, wilting, yellowing

Whenever you see signs of stress in

leaves, etc.—happen over several

your plants, feel the soil before you

days or weeks, the issue is most

add water. If it still feels damp,

likely too much water. Having too

chances are, the problem is too

much water around your plants is

much water, rather than not

much more difficult to remedy than

enough.

having too little. We recommend that you hand water all of your new plants, watching them closely for heat stress, for the first three weeks or so. Then connect them to your drip system and continue to watch them until you’re confident they’re receiving the water they need for Drip Irrigation

44

your location and soil conditions.

Top dressing with mulch

The Better Solution Instead of amending the soil in your

world. Many plants that are annuals

planting hole, we recommend that

in Utah would be perennials in other

you plant your trees and shrubs in

climates. These plants often require

the native soil. This will help the

moist, well structured soil that holds

roots to establish themselves more

water and drains easily.

quickly and allow the tree or shrub to adapt to the local climate. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t top dress your soil with mulch and fertilizer.

Proper watering with drip irrigation, mulching, and fertilizing will help your plants to thrive.

Annuals typically don’t grow extensive root systems in just one season, so their roots won't extend

far beyond the area that you amend.

Because amended soil holds water longer than our native soil, the annual plants in your planter beds

Annuals and Vegetables

will feel more at home in amended

One significant exception to this rule

soil. Just remember, annuals are the

is annuals (and vegetables)—plants

exception. The native and adapted

that thrive for a season and die in the

trees, shrubs, and perennials that

fall and winter. These plants are

thrive in Utah’s landscapes will grow

often native to other regions of the

much better in our native soil.

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Nursery Notes

Buddleia Pugster, Amethyst content in the garden with drip irrigation and a thick layer of mulch.

Garden design final look...for now.

Gardens are always changing.

If you have questions about best practices when planting, contact your local nursery or the Utah State agricultural extension service. You can also call, text or email Progressive Plants. Our team of plant experts is always eager to share their knowledge with you. You can find us at Progressiveplants.com.

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801-999-0842 www.utahquarrydirect.com

My Flower Shop

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Floral Bouquet this Mother’s Day

By Amanda Hammond, Harmons Floral Production Manager and Certified Florist Wish you had a florist friend who could help you pick the perfect flowers or arrange a stunning floral bouquet for Mother’s Day or any day? Harmons’ certified florists are

•

bouquet. Think lilies, roses,

here sharing tips and tricks to help

carnations, mums, or irises.

you select and extend the life of your flowers.

•

gladiolus, larkspur, or

their likes and dislikes. What

Delphinium.

colors are their favorite? Are they a

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Give height and width to an arrangement by adding Liatris,

1. When gifting a bouquet, know

texture person? Are they a short-

Choose a focal flower for the

•

Add flowers with multiple

term adorer or do they enjoy caring

blooms that add color and

for plants? Some things to keep in

fullness like Alstroemeria, daisy

mind:

mums, or spray roses.

•

•

Fill spaces and add texture with

3. To best care for your

fillers. Baby’s breath, heather,

arrangement, give your flowers a

and Hypericum are all stems

fresh cut. Before placing them in

with smaller accent blooms. Or,

lukewarm water, cut the stems at

go green with Eucalyptus, salal,

least one inch on a diagonal angle.

or leather fern.

Replace the water frequently and

For a finishing touch, consider

consistently and add flower food.

including bows, butterflies, or

Knowing the kind of lighting each

other decorative picks.

flower requires is also very helpful

2. Pick the right vase; choose one

to extend the life of your bouquet.

that will allow your flowers to breathe. Think about height. You

can get creative by using unique items like mugs, cups, or watering cans.

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Garden Talk

Observation: A Powerful Tool for Successful Landscapes

By Liz Braithwaite, Responsive Gardens One of the most powerful tools that you can use to create successful landscapes and gardens is

You might notice places where

observation. Each yard is a bit

people frequently walk, which

different, and observation helps

could use a path. You could also

you to notice those differences and

notice places you are drawn to like

respond accordingly. Spend some

a shady corner with good views, or

time noticing things at different

a hide-a-way the children like to

times of day and across the season.

play in.

There are three main categories to

pay attention to: people, microclimates, and vegetation.

1) People

2) Microclimates The general climate includes things like rainfall and temperature and doesn’t change across the

Observe the people that go through

landscape. But there are pockets in

and next to your yard. This

the landscape where unique

includes things like the paths you

conditions occur called

walk, the places children play, and

microclimates.

anytime neighbors, friends, or others interact with your landscape.

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The children frequently used this area of the yard. They loved interacting with the hill and tree. We added a slide, sandbox, and access for tree climbing. Because the sandbox was in a sunny location, a trellis provides shade as well as a fun enclosed location.

To identify microclimates, notice

Each plant tends to thrive in

how the sun moves across the

different conditions, and even

landscapes. The sun changes angles

weeds will give you insight into

in different seasons, so pay attention

what will grow well in your garden.

year-round. Look for where the

Noticing plant health can show

snow melts in the winter, and

problems that will perpetuate, like

shadow patterns in the summer.

problems with fertility and soil

Also notice wind patterns, protected

health. A bit of digging can also

areas, and places that are hot or

help understand what’s going on.

cool. Microclimates can also include

Look for changes in soil

dry slopes or wet areas that are slow

composition and structure and

to drain.

even how easy it is to dig.

This area of the yard was sunny and dry. The soil was rocky, but semi-fertile. It made a perfect place for raised vegetable beds surrounded by fruit trees and chickens.

3) Vegetation Vegetation will give you insight into plant health, and also into the soil.

Notice when plants are struggling or thriving and what kind of plants they are.

In this area, many plants didn’t grow well. It was relatively wet but was low in fertility.

Instead of lawn, I planted a meadow of clover and flowers with raspberries in the background.

Good observation will lead to insights that can help you be successful in your garden. You will have insight on what direction to go, and make decisions that respond to the unique circumstances of your yard.

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House Plants 101

Beautiful Orchids in the Home

By Ramona Borkman, Magazine Editor Photo by TU HAN-WEI: https://www.pexels.com/photo/ purple-orchid-flowers-in-bloom-9526406/

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Who doesn’t love a beautiful

Since many orchids, in nature,

orchid? Even in the cold dark days

grow on trees and not in soil, the

of winter, orchids can be displayed

best orchid mixes contain special

and appreciated in our homes for

medias that promote healthy

weeks if not months, and if you

drainage and good airflow. The

understand the basic requirements

best media for an orchid is the one

orchids need, you can enjoy their

that best matches the type of orchid

beauty for many years. They’re

and the conditions in which it is

incredibly elegant, make great gifts,

growing. The conditions on a sun

and can enhance the beauty of any

porch in Florida are different from

space. Fundamental to successful

a heated home in Ohio yet orchids,

orchid care is understanding the

with proper care, can thrive in

requirements of the orchid for

both. Orchids require special

support, light, food, humidity,

fertilizer designed for orchids to

water, air movement, and

grow really well. They do not

temperature.

require very much fertilizer, but

most orchid growers recommend fertilizing weekly.

Achieving a good balance of humidity and air movement is one of the goals of successful orchid care. Orchids do not like ‘wet feet’ but they do like humidity.

When grown inside a home, orchids are often placed on humidity trays. These trays allow water to collect in the base while the plant is suspended above the water. The orchid benefits from the evaporation of the water. Orchids can also be gathered close together to help raise the humidity among the plants.

This is a balancing act because orchids like air movement and not too much moisture.

Orchids have very widely varying light needs and understanding the

appropriate amount of light for the type of orchid is essential to their care. It is often inadequate light that inhibits orchid blooming.

The key to orchid watering is to not overwater.

Orchids want the right amount of water, not too much and not too little.

When an orchid is watered liberally, allowing the water to pour from the bottom of the pot until the plant and media are completely saturated, you will have the greatest success with your orchids.

Reference repotme.com “Orchid Care: 10 Easy Steps”

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Garden Explorer

A Trip to Butchart Gardens

By Ramona Borkman, Magazine Editor It all began with one woman’s vision and passion. Coming from Ontario, husband and wife, Robert and Jennie Butchart moved to Vancouver Island to build a cement plant on a rich limestone deposit at Tod Inlet. As cement production exhausted the limestone deposits, Jennie envisioned landscaping a sunken garden in its place and began transferring topsoil by horse and cart. Little by little, the quarry blossomed in today’s Sunken Garden. The result of her vision is The Gardens, which are still family run to this day.

Butchart Gardens is truly a feast for the senses. I would strongly recommend putting it on your bucket list of gardens to tour.

Experiencing such a garden with so much color, texture, form, and design was inspiring and

overflowing with lush greens and colorful blooms. It is one of my most favorite gardens I’ve ever

Butchart Gardens is located in

toured. Plan on spending the entire

Brentwood Bay, British Columbia,

day, as there is so much to see. In

Canada, located near Victoria on

fact there are 55 acres of gardens.

Vancouver Island. The gardens

We visited Butchart Gardens in

receive over a million visitors each

mid-June when the weather was

year and has been designated a

mild and many of the ornamentals

National Historic site of Canada.

were in bloom.

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