Author Archives: Suzanne Sauls

Green Treasures: Spotlight on Bare Root Trees and Shrubs

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In my view, one of the standout committees within the Laramie County Master Gardeners is the Bare Root Tree & Shrub Committee.  This dedicated team curates a selection of trees and shrubs specifically for the annual Bare Root Tree & Shrub Fundraiser (closing April 20, 2024), emphasizing options that thrive in our local Laramie County climate.  The offerings this year are truly exceptional, and this article will spotlight a couple of choices that have proven successful in our own landscape.  For context, our home sits on a 5-acre lot in the county, surrounded by prairie.  Our location is characterized by frequent high winds and an exposed landscape, which significantly influences the types of trees and shrubs that can thrive here.  The trees and shrubs we have are all ones we personally planted.

Ohio Buckeye Tree at Cheyenne Botanic Gardens; credit: Suzanne S.

Ohio Buckeye, Aesculus glabra

The Ohio Buckeye holds a special place in my heart because it is prolifically grown where my husband and I first crossed paths at The Ohio State University (GO BUCKEYES!).  We were excited to see this species does well in Laramie County (several Ohio Buckeyes are planted at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and the High Plains Arboretum).  Three years ago, we planted one of these magnificent trees alongside five Autumn Splendor Buckeye varieties.  To our delight, the Ohio Buckeye consistently outperforms the Autumn Splendors in fruit (nut) production each year.  We even managed to coax an Ohio Buckeye nut into germination and we’re trying for more this year.  Nestled on a windy southern slope, its deep taproot ensures the tree remains steadfastly anchored, even in blustery conditions.  Once established, it is drought-tolerant.  As an ornamental tree, the Ohio Buckeye tree can reach heights of 30 to 40 feet and spreads just as wide.  It is already budded-up and ready to attract pollinators with its springtime display of white-yellow panicle-shaped flowers.

Globe Peashrub, Caragana frutex ‘Globosa’; credit: Baileys Nursery

Globe Peashrub, Caragana frutex ‘Globosa’

For those exploring permaculture options for their landscape, the Globe Peashrub deserves attention.  This compact, neatly shaped shrub bears a resemblance to boxwood but will perform better in our climate.  Hardy down to Zone 2 (withstanding temperatures as low as – 40˚F to – 50˚F), it thrives on minimal water once established.  We planted three of these cuties on our southwestern sloped orchard, and even though it’s only mid-April, they’re already greening up—nourished solely by Mother Nature.  What drew us to the Globe Peashrub is its remarkable nitrogen-fixing ability, enriching the soil not only for itself but also for the surrounding plants.  And speaking of nitrogen-fixers, we’re going to try a new-to-us tree, the Northern Catalpa tree.

Northern Catalpa, Catalpa speciosa; credit: Baileys Nursery

Northern Catalpa, Catalpa speciosa

While not yet part of our current landscape, the Northern Catalpa is an exciting addition we’ve chosen to acquire through this year’s fundraiser.  My first encounter with this tree was in Fort Collins, Colorado, where it left a lasting impression.  Its appearance is reminiscent of a tropical plant, boasting large, broad, heart-shaped leaves and striking white spring flowers.  As a native North American species, it’s hardy down to Zone 4 (withstanding temperatures from – 20˚F to – 30˚F), with blooms expected May to June.  Once established, the Northern Catalpa demonstrated drought-tolerance and adaptability to various soil types.  Beyond aesthetics, this tree offers an additional benefit: it’s a nitrogen-fixing powerhouse, enriching the soil for our garden and neighboring plants.  Furthermore, we plan to strategically position it to provide shade for western areas of our landscape during the late afternoon sun.

Don’t Miss Out on these amazing trees and shrubs!  Our Bare Root Tree and Shrub Fundraiser closes April 20, 2024.  Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these selections offer resiliency, beauty, and a touch of magic to your landscape.  Visit our website to secure your choices!  Thank you for supporting the Laramie County Master Gardeners.  Together, we cultivate not only gardens but also a thriving community of green enthusiasts.

Additional Resources:

“Choosing flowering trees and shrubs for a Wyoming landscape,” University of Wyoming Barnyards & Backyards Magazine, Fall 2022.

“Landscaping: Recommended Trees for Wyoming,” Karen Panter & Chris Hilgert, UW Extension Publication B-1090R, December 2015.

“Landscaping: Recommended Shrubs for Wyoming,” Karen Panter & Chris Hilgert, UW Extension Publication B-1108R, December 2015.

Be a Hunger Hero

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Last week marked the official start of spring, and as the days grow longer, our thoughts naturally turn to our gardens.  From selecting flower varieties to planning our vegetable harvests, we’re eager to dig our hands into the soil.  But what if our gardens could do more than just nourish our own tables?  What if they could also feed our neighbors in need?    

2024 GALE Campaign Sign, photo credit: S. Sauls

The Grow a Little Extra (GALE) Campaign encourages communities to fight food insecurity by dedicating a portion of their gardens to growing produce for those who need it most. It is a collaborative project between the Wyoming Hunger Initiative and the University of Wyoming Extension’s (UW) Cent$ible Nutrition Program (CNP) and Master Gardener Program–Wyoming Hunger Initiative spearheads the campaign and the University of Wyoming Extension provides expertise in horticulture, nutrition, and local community vitality.

The Power of Home Gardens

Home gardens are more than pretty flowers and juicy tomatoes—they’re transformative.  They turn soil into sustenance and cultivate compassion, resiliency, and community bonds.  During last year’s GALE Campaign, Laramie County gardeners made a significant impact by donating over 1,700 pounds of fresh produce to local food banks.  Individuals and families received a bounty of extra tomatoes, lettuce, and more.  Donations found their way to St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, Ambitious Diversities Purple Pantry, Needs Food Pantry, Veterans’ Rock, True Vine Food Pantry, and the COMEA Shelter.  Additional recipients will be added in 2024, including the Element Food Pantry and the Laramie County Community College (LCCC) fnbo Food Pantry.

Campaign Details

The Grow a Little Extra Campaign runs from March to October (or until your last harvest comes in).  UW Laramie County Extension CNP Educators Jill Person, Tammy Ware, and Kelsi Goldfarb, along with Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Hannah Morneau, provide the heartbeat of the Laramie County portion of the campaign.  They recognize that gardening isn’t just about tending to plants; it’s about tending to our communities. 

They are encouraging gardeners—be they beginners or seasoned pros—to choose to become hunger heroes this year by donating a little extra produce to the local community.  To make it a little easier, the GALE Campaign is providing a limited number of free seeds of six produce varieties suited for our short-growing season.  These seed packets are available for pickup at the UW Laramie County Extension Office. Alongside your donated produce, UW Laramie County Extension CNP Educators provide recipe cards for cooking inspiration. 

The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens will also have a limited number of GALE seeds available and will serve as a donation drop-off location. Isaiah Smith, Horticulture & Operations Supervisor, said, “This is a fantastic program to partner with. Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is always looking for new ways to engage with, and give back to, our community and it really is easy for anyone to ‘grow a little extra’ in their home garden to help out others with food insecurity.”

Six seed packets in a row
2024 GALE Seed Varieties, photo credit: S. Sauls

How to become a Laramie County Hunger Hero

1. Identify extra growing space: Take a fresh look at your garden.  Are there unused corners that could yield more than just marigolds?  Perhaps you have extra pots or containers that would be perfect for growing determinate tomatoes.  Identify these spaces to maximize your produce yield.  This wide-bed gardening article from the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens may also offer new insight into getting more out of your growing space.

2. Select, plant, and care for your crops:  You’re welcome to donate produce of any variety.  Choose your favorite vegetables or use the free seeds offered by the GALE Campaign.  Opt for short-growing season varieties.  For specific growing instructions, refer to the information on your seed packet.     

3. Harvest and Share: When your produce is ready, donation drop-off locations are:

  • UW Laramie County Extension Office — 1400 East College Drive, Suite 406, Cheyenne (their office is located in the Pathfinder Building on the LCCC Campus); drop-off times are Monday – Thursday from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm; or
  • Cheyenne Botanic Gardens — 710 S. Lions Park Drive, Cheyenne; please drop-off donations at the front desk of the Shane Smith Grand Conservatory; drop-off times are Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm; or
  • Element Food Panty — 600 E. Carlson Street, #100C, Cheyenne — please call (307) 200-8840 to coordinate drop-off days and times.  They also have a Facebook page with additional information on their hours.

The produce will be weighed and matched with Laramie County anti-hunger organizations for distribution. If you have a larger donation (more than 5 pounds), contact the UW Laramie County Extension Office CNP Educators at (307) 633-4383; they may arrange pickup from your location.

Tips for Donating Produce

1. Quality matters:  Treat your donations with care.  Harvest in the cool morning or evening to preserve flavor.  Handle produce gently to avoid bruising. 

2. No washing or processing: Please do not wash or process your donations.  Store unwashed veggies in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage. 

3. Prompt Delivery: Deliver produce promptly to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

The Grow a Little Extra campaign is simple yet impactful.  If you have an acre or a windowsill, your garden can make a difference. Please contact the UW Laramie County Extension Office at (307) 633-4383 with questions.  And if you’re a Laramie County Master Gardener, 1 pound of produce equates to 1 hour of volunteer time, so remember to record your produce weight in the UW Extension’s Wyoming Master Gardener Volunteer Reporting database.  Join us and become a hunger hero! 

Author: Suzanne Sauls, Laramie County Master Gardener

Additional Resources:

  • Wyoming Hunger Initiative’s “Grow a Little Extra” Campaign Website
  • UW Laramie County Extension Office: https://wyoextension.org/laramiecounty/, street address: 1400 East College Drive (Suite 406), Cheyenne, WY
  • “Wide-Bed Gardening for Easier Gardening and Higher Yields,” Garden Tips from the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, 2003, available for download from https://www.botanic.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Wide-Bed-Gardening.pdf

Sowing Success: Seed Library of Laramie County Blossoms

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Spring is on the horizon, and the Seed Library of Laramie County invites you to join the Gardening Adventure!  Established in 2017, this collaborative project between the Laramie County Library System and the Laramie County Master Gardeners (LCMG) aims to educate and encourage residents with the joy of growing their own plants.  Whether you’re a budding gardener, a newcomer to our community, or an experienced gardener looking to try new varieties, our seed library has just the seeds you need to thrive.

Woman sitting at a table packaging seeds
Marie M., seed library volunteer, packages one of 120 plant varieties available at the 2024 Seed Library Kick-Off Event

The seed library kick-off event is Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Cottonwood and Willow Rooms on the first floor of the Laramie County Library.  This event is open to the public and you do not need a library card to select and receive up to 12 free seed packets per person.  You must be a Laramie County Resident to participate.  An online order form and seed catalog will be available starting March 23, 2024.  Seeds will continue to be available for checkout on the 3rd Floor at the “Ask Here” Desk from March 24th through September 2024.

The Roots of Our Seed Library

Four seed library volunteers posing next to the seed library packaging drawers
Seed Library Co-Chairs, Elizabeth Thorson and Michelle Bohanan, with volunteers packaging seeds for the 2024 Kick-Off Event

Maggie McKenzie, seed library co-chair, fondly recalls its humble beginnings.  She and several other Master Gardeners were inspired by a LCMG Lecture Series presentation from Penn and Cord Parmenter—seasoned gardeners who conquered the challenges of growing food at 8,000-foot elevations and shared regionally-adapted seeds at their local Seed Lending Library.  The LCMG approached the Laramie County Library about the idea to start a seed library for our community, and after diligent research and visits to neighboring seed libraries, the Seed Library of Laramie County sprouted in 2017. 

Elizabeth Thorson, Manager of Adult Services at the Laramie County Library, recalls the seed library’s modest start—a collection of 27 seed varieties with just enough seed packets to fill 20 shoeboxes.  Fast forward to 2024, and they’re thrilled to offer over 120 varieties and a whopping 11,000 seed packets featuring vegetable, herbs, and flowers!   Providing varieties known to reliably perform well for local gardeners is an important aspect of the program. As Michelle Bohanan, seed library co-chair, eloquently put it, “We want people to succeed, try again, and continue to build their gardening confidence.” 

Seeds from Our Community

Seven Seed Library Volunteers sitting at a conference table packaging seeds
Laramie County Library & Master Gardener Volunteers packaging seeds for the 2024 year

At the core of the program are community volunteers, who drive everything from seed selection to packaging. Thorson commented, “We wouldn’t be able to do all of this without our volunteers…they make the program run.”  Volunteers prioritize seed varieties that flourish within our brief growing season.  While some seeds are purchased through regional companies, the heart of the collection lies in the generous donations from Laramie County Master Gardeners’ own gardens.  Additionally, the seed library expanded their offerings to include seeds harvested from the Laramie County Library’s Urban Wildlife Habitat, including native plant varieties.    

The seed library isn’t just about seeds; it’s about nurturing a sense of possibility.  Thanks to support and funding from the Laramie County Library System and the Laramie County Master Gardeners, the seed library also offers educational events to cultivate gardening knowledge. These events included seed starting workshops, winter sowing tips, and landscaping insights. The Seed Library of Laramie County Website provides additional online resources and recommended planting schedule.  Join us as we sow the seeds of community, growth, and wonder. 

Author: Suzanne Sauls, Laramie County Master Gardener

Additional Resources to Check Out

Snowflakes and Shears: Winter is a Great Time to Prune Your Trees

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Author: Suzanne Sauls, with contributions from Stephen Johnson and Catherine Wissner, all Laramie County Master Gardeners

Stock Photo, Canva

Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a budding gardener, trimming your trees can be a game-changer. Pruning isn’t just about aesthetics (although it does wonders for a plant’s appearance). By snipping away those pesky diseased, damaged, or dying branches, you’re giving your plants a healthy boost. But wait, there’s more! Property protection is a part of the package. When those wild Wyoming winds blow or snow piles up, your pruned trees will stand tall, like the superheroes of your yard. Now, I know what you’re thinking because I’ve been there myself: “What if I mess up?” Pruning can be intimidating, but we’re here to guide you through the snip-and-clip dance. So, grab those pruning tools, put on your gloves, and let’s prune like pros!

Evergreens, Deciduous Trees, and Fruit Trees

Most evergreens need little to no pruning, but you may choose to go ahead and take the loppers to them just to control their size or promote bushier new growth (the University of Colorado Extension Master Gardeners’ GardenNote on evergreen pruning techniques is a good resource to check out for more information on evergreen pruning).[1]  As for deciduous trees, the Wyoming State Forestry Division recommends winter pruning for those susceptible to fire blight, such as the mountain ash or hawthorn.[2] And fruit trees?…the University of Wyoming (UW) has the inside scoop: prune most fruit trees (except sweet cherries) while they’re still dormant. If your fruit tree has a natural spreading habit (like peach, European plum, or tart cherry), prune towards an open center, vase-shaped appearance. But if your fruit tree prefers to stand tall and proud (like apples and pears), consider leaving the central leader in place (one main trunk extending from the base to the top of the tree). In both these styles, don’t forget to scrutinize the lateral branches–prune to ensure even spacing which will help reduce fruit load stress and clear obstacles for more sunshine to reach the tree and fruit. Finally, removing large branches (should not be bigger than the adjacent branches on the same limb) that shade the more productive fruit-bearing limbs may also help.[3]

Now Is the Time

The best time to prune your tree is in Winter or Early Spring because trees are dormant—you’ll have a better view of its structure without its leaves and the tree is less stressed or susceptible to pests and diseases through your pruning cuts.  A mild, dry day is ideal–recommend identifying a 4- to -5-day window where the temperatures are nice enough to get outside. And if temps are above 40 degrees F, take some time to do a little winter watering—your plants will thank you! And FYI, as for recurring pruning, check out the Wyoming State Forestry Division’s nifty tree pruning timeline tucked into their Wyoming Tree Owner’s Manual publication [4]:

  • At Tree Planting: Keep it simple–focus on removing any broken or dead branches, and if eliminate extra leaders. Over-pruning a tree can add stress and who needs that when you’re just getting settled into your new neighborhood?
  • 2 Years Later: Your tree is growing up! Go for a light pruning every year to every-other-year for the first 10 years.
  • After a Decade: Now your tree has swagger–prune once every 1-3 years (for fruit trees), once every 4-7 years (for deciduous shade trees), or as needed (for evergreens).

Tips & Techniques

In general, you should consider the following questions when determining whether or not a branch should be pruned from the tree:

  • Are any branches Damaged, Diseased, or Dead (“the three Ds”)?
  • Are there any downward-growing branches?
  • Are any branches crossing or growing inward to the trunk?
  • Are there any suckers coming up from the roots or low on the trunk?
  • Are there any vertical branches (water sprouts)?
  • Does the tree have more than one central leader?

If any of these questions are answered “Yes,” then that branch will be a good candidate for pruning.  Most trees, when pruned regularly, only require the use of hand pruners (bypass type), but thicker branches may require use of a Lopper (bypass type), hand saw, or pole saw.  When pruning, the best technique is to look for the trunk collar (may also be referred to as the branch collar).  Begin the cut close to, but just outside of the trunk collar, and angle down and away from the trunk to allow the tree to seal over the cut.  Pruning outside of the trunk collar may also encourage new growth from a bud on the stub.  The Wyoming State Forestry Division recommends supporting the branch with one hand while you make the cut to prevent the bark from ripping.  If the branch is too large to support, they recommend using the three-step method illustrated below.[5]

Illustration from Wyoming Tree Owner’s Manual, Wyoming State Forestry Division (2021)

Laramie County Master Gardener Stephen Johnson provides this tip if your property is rabbit-prone: “If an abundance of rabbits exists, leave removed branches on the ground.  This may feed the rabbits through the winter and save the tree from being girdled by them.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It is not all fun and games when pruning trees, especially in chilly weather, so it’s best to take a few precautions:

  • Over-pruning: do not remove more than 25% – 30% of your tree’s live branches at any one time (good news: any dead or damaged branches you remove do not count against this percentage).  Avoid tunnel vision—make some cuts, walk around the tree, make some more cuts, then step back and look at the whole tree from all angles—ensure your cuts result in a balanced look.
  • Using dirty, blunt tools: ensure your pruners and loppers are ready to take on your tree.  Blunt tools may leave jagged wood ends which could become entry points for increased damage.  To avoid spreading diseases between trees, we also recommend sterilizing your tools after each cut.
  • Use care around sharp objects and heights: If you must use a ladder, ask a friend to spot you – ensure the ground is even when you set up your ladder and don’t get overzealous in reaching to make cuts. If in doubt, contact a licensed arborist for help with large or high-risk pruning tasks.  The City of Cheyenne Urban Forestry Division maintains a list of certified arborists on its website (http://www.cheyennetrees.com/arborists.php).

It’s the Small Victories (And Additional Resources)

As we look ahead to the warmth of summer, each cut is an investment, and our trees (and harvests) will thank us for this winter TLC.  It’s the small victories—the branches trimmed just right, the diseased and dead limbs removed, and the promise of new growth in the season to come.  Speaking of victories, the Laramie County Master Gardeners are inching closer to having our very own YouTube channel where we can demonstrate techniques in articles such as this one!  We’ll let you know more in the future, but until then, check out these additional resources on tree pruning:

[1] Colorado Master Gardener GardenNote #617, Pruning Evergreens, May 2023, available for download from https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/617.pdf.

[2][4][5] Wyoming Tree Owner’s Manual, revised and printed by the Wyoming State Forestry Division with permission from USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area, 2021, available for download from https://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files/documents/resources/trees/tree-owners-manual-toprint-edited2021.pdf.

[3] Apple, Pear Trees can survive and thrive in Wyoming, by Chris Hilgert, University of Wyoming Barnyards & Backyards Magazine, Spring 2016, available for download from https://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files/documents/magazine/2016/spring/applepear0416.pdf