Western Mountains and High Plains
July, 2012
Regional Report
Favorite or New Plant
Blue Mist Spirea
Summer blooming shrubs are in short supply in many gardens. That's why I like blue mist spirea (Caryopteris clandonensis), an eye-catching shrub that starts blooming in mid to late summer and continues into early fall. It has delicate blue flowers that are a favorite of honeybees and other pollinating insects.
Clever Gardening Technique
Plant Shield for Spot Spraying
Spot spraying can control some difficult perennial weeds. Make a plant shield to protect desirable plants from drift when you spot-spray weeds. Cut the bottom off an empty, plastic gallon milk jug. Place the jug over the offending weed and spray the weed with weed killer from the top opening. This will confine the spray to the weed and prevent weed killer from getting on desirable plants.
