Western Mountains and High Plains
January, 2011
Regional Report
Favorite or New Plant
Parry's Agave
If you live in an area where winters are mild and prefer a dry land garden, Parry's Agave (Agave parryi) is a wonderful addition. The blue-green, succulent foliage is tightly whorled, creating a spiny, artichoke-like rosette. Plants will produce offsets readily, forming clumps over time. When individuals come of age, they bolt and send up a handsome, branched flower stalk.
Clever Gardening Technique
Avoid "Cold Pocket" Locations
When determining where to plant fruit trees, don't choose a site at the bottom of a slope or hill. Cold air tends to settle at the bottom of a slope, forming a cold pocket where trees in bloom may be damaged by late spring frosts and early fall frosts.
