Western Mountains and High Plains
April, 2012
Regional Report
National News - From NGA Editors
A Titanic Flower
The titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum) is one of the most spectacular plants around. This native of Indonesian rain forests grows from a corm that weighs over 200 pounds. Its flower is composed...
Rhododendron of the Year
Rhododendrons and azaleas (both members of the genus Rhododendron ) have some of the loveliest blooms around, so it's not surprising that these shrubs are popular plants across the country. But...
Put Your Garden on the Map
Gardeners are usually bird lovers as well as plant enthusiasts. Now you can combine both these interests in a citizen science project that's designed to give you a deeper understanding of the...
The Strange Case of Barberry, Ticks, and Earthworms
We've all probably heard about the problems caused by invasive plant species crowding out native vegetation and altering the ecosystem. But new research has shown that at least one invasive...
In the Garden
The Life of Honeybees
Springtime in the Rockies has been a roller coaster. In my last report I noted that the apricot trees where in full bloom, but the cold weather returned last week, and a killing frost dampened my thoughts for a bountiful fruit crop. Welcome to spring....
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Resources
Books
Pollinators The relationship between plants and the animals they depend on for reproduction, including bees,...
Clever Gardening Technique
Attract Beneficial Pollinators Be sure to plant alyssum, zinnias, lupines, cosmos, bachelor buttons, black-eyed Susans and...
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Regional Reminders
- Water Properly
- Be Prepared to Protect Plants
- Support Floppy Peonies
- Use Row Covers
- Plant Slow Germinators in Rows
