Category Archives: AllPlants

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.

Two Hardy, Tough Trees to Plant

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A tree that was on the brink of disappearing is now making an amazing comeback.  These are the American Elms, Ulmus americana, they are the quintessential shade tree that keeps streets and homes cool in the summer.  Their tall, graceful limbs and open habit were nearly lost. 

St. Croix (TM) American Elm, Ulmus americana ‘St Croix,’ Photo Credit: Baileys Nursery, 2024

In the late 1990’s researchers found numerous species of American Elms that survived the great die off from the 60’s-80’s.  A die off caused by a fungus (Ophiostoma ulmi and Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) that is carried by a tiny European Elm Bark Beetle, (Scolytus multistriatus).  A beetle that lays eggs just under the bark and inoculates the tree with the fungus, which eventually kills the tree.  

However, several American Elms scattered across the northern U.S., not only survived but thrived with good resistance to the fungus.  A lot more University level research went into propagating and testing these survivor Elms for the nursery trade. 

Why plant American Elms?  To start, they tolerate a wide variety of soils and growing conditions, can deal with drought, wind, minus 40 degrees and take average water. They can get big, up to 60 to 75 feet depending on location and conditions, so plan their placement carefully.  They are long lived and fast growing up to 3 feet per year. Most have an open spreading vase shape canopy.  Dark green leaves in the summer and golden colored leaves in the fall.   More plant nurseries are carrying them. Some varieties to choose from: St Croix, Prairie Expedition, Cathedral, Accolade and Princeton, to name a few of the new American Elms.    

Prairie Expedition Elm, Ulmus americana ‘Lewis & Clark’, photo credit: Baileys Nursery, 2024

A smaller tree to consider is the Prairie Gold (tm/r) Aspen, Populus tremuloides, ‘NE ARB”. This prairie native is disease resistant, fast growing and tolerates a variety of soil types.  It was found near Columbus, Nebraska, by Allen Wilke. This Aspen will get 30 feet tall but only 15 feet wide, is fast growing, but long lived. It will survive minus 40 winters and takes average water.  The leaves are dark green in the summer and brilliant yellow gold in the fall.  

Prairie Gold (R) Aspen, Populus tremuloides ‘NE Arb,’ Photo credit: Baileys Nursery 2024

Most Aspens sold at nurseries are wild harvested from the mountains.  Where the soil is cool and moist with a short growing season. It is very hard to duplicate those growing conditions on the prairie. Wild harvested Aspens are short lived and prone to numerous diseases. Make sure to get a nursery grown Prairie Gold (tm/r) Aspen suited to lower elevations. 

You can find these trees, and many others suited for Laramie County, by browsing our LCMG Bare Root Tree & Shrub Fundraiser. The pre-sale is open until April 20, 2024.

Written by Catherine Wissner, retired University of Wyoming Laramie County Extension Horticulturist and Laramie County Master Gardener.

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

Buy Orchids for Valentine’s Day!

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— Author: Kim Parker, Laramie County Advanced Master Gardener

Catleya Orchid, Photo Credit: Kim Parker

On Valentine’s Day, think about giving a live plant with long-lasting blooms instead of cut flowers!  Orchids are the second most popular flower and represent love, beauty, and refinement.  They come in a dizzying array of colors and sizes. Orchids do well in our homes or offices and the flowers can last for several weeks or even months! Here are some easy tips to keep your orchids alive and reblooming for many years to come!

Bring home a healthy plant!
The best thing you can do to ensure a long-lived orchid is to bring home a healthy plant. Do the orchids all look healthy, or are there a lot of sick and dying ones in the display?  For a healthy plant, look for:

  • Leaves that are firm and plump and not wilted, wrinkly, or floppy.  Avoid plants with missing or broken leaves or leaves with brown or black spots.
  • Roots that are firm and plump – bright white or silvery if dry and grass green if wet.  Growing tips will be pointy and grass green or slightly purple and are a sign of a healthy plant.
  • The flowers closest to the plant will open first and should be open all the way, not wilting, falling off, or missing.  Purchase an orchid with at least 3 unopened buds on the end of the flower spike, so that you know it will continue to bloom for a long time.
  • Bugs are good at hiding, so if you see some with just a glance, go to a different store!  Look into the leaf crevices for any crawling insects like scale, mealy bugs (white cottony bugs), thrips, or aphids.  We’ll talk more about those in another blog!  Fungus gnats are not serious pests and can be controlled by watering correctly.
Phal Display, Photo credit: Kim Parker

Water only when they need it!
Orchids are tropical plants and should never be “watered” with ice cubes!  Most orchids are epiphytes, which means they do not grow in soil, but on tree branches or rocks, allowing their roots to drain completely.  Water your orchids when the medium begins to dry, about every 3 to 7 days.  Hold under tepid water for 30 seconds and let drain completely.  Remove from the decorative pot before watering if there are no drainage holes.  The fastest way to kill your orchid is to allow the roots to sit in water! 

Find the right light!
Orchids are particular about how much light they need.  Most grow well in bright, indirect light, or under fluorescent lights like African violets or Christmas cactus. Avoid direct sun from south or west windows.   If the tag does not tell you how much light they need, check out the American Orchid Society culture sheet for your type of orchid.

Stay tuned for our next orchid article (coming May 2024) covering the most popular, widely-available orchid!  Phalaenopsis, or “Moth” orchids, have big, beautiful flowers that last up to 6 months! For a bonus, they are the easiest to grow, too!

PLANT PROFILES

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Blanket Flower, Gaillardia aristata

Plant Profile provided by the LCMG Native Plant Committee

(Co-chairs: Ken K. and Laura M.)

Native perennial, short-lived (about 2-3 years)

Height: 24-36 inches; spread: 12-24 inches

Flowers in early summer until killing frost

Hardiness Zone 3

Full sun

Soil – poor; well-drained; pH not an issue – very tolerant

Water: water well initially for good root establishment; then it is very drought tolerant

Propagation from seeds; or dividing the roots & planting the roots in a new site

Deadheading (removing old flowers) prevents seed formation and additional flowering

Medicinal uses: a tea prepared from the powdered root is used for gastroenteritis; chewed root powder is applied to skin disorders

Extreme Weather and Trees

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Extreme Weather and Trees

Written By

Catherine Wissner

Laramie County Master Gardener and Retired University of Wyoming Laramie County Extension Horticulturist

Saturday, January 13, 2024, the temperature registered minus 20 degrees…add wind and it’s dangerous to be outside. So how does -20 degrees plus wind impact plants? A number of factors play into plant hardiness and surviving Wyoming winters.

The most important is planting USDA Zone 4 and Zone 3 Hardy Trees and Shrubs which are better equipped to survive Wyoming Wind and Arctic Cold Fronts. Wind, regardless of temperature, can dry out and kill tender twigs and less hardy branches. Zone 5 plants will only survive with good protection from those winds — maybe. An article1 published in April 2021 in the University of Wyoming AgNews by Caleb Carter and Hudson Hill, provides additional information as to why the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (which recently listed Laramie County as Zone 5a-5b) has its limitations when choosing plants for landscaping and gardening.

Tree roots are active year-round, always looking for a drink of water. In early October, it’s important to give trees and shrubs a good deep drink of water (no fertilizer). You’ll want your trees to go into winter well hydrated. If possible, give your trees and shrubs a drink when the winter weather warms above 45 degrees F. Watering goes a long way for tree survival by keeping tender twigs more hydrated and better able to withstand extreme weather and drying winds.

For additional information on the effects of severe freezes on trees, please check out this article2 by Laurie Stepanek, published February 16, 2023, in the UW AgNews.

  1. “Use this tool to guide garden and landscape choices – but understand its limitations,” Caleb Carter and Hudson Hill, posted April 7, 2021, https://uwagnews.com/2021/04/07/use-this-tool-to-guide-garden-and-landscape-choices-but-understand-its-limitations/ ↩︎
  2. “Understanding the Effects of Untimely Severe Freezes on Trees,” Laurie Stepanek, posted February 16, 2023, https://uwagnews.com/2023/02/16/severe-freezes/ ↩︎

Houseplant Appreciation Day – January 10, 2024

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Written By Marla Smith, Laramie County Master Gardener

What is Houseplant Appreciation Day?

Houseplant Appreciation Day is an annual event celebrated on January 10th, dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the beauty and benefits of houseplants. It’s a day to honor these green companions that bring life and vibrancy to our indoor spaces. Whether you have a small collection or a jungle-like oasis, Houseplant Appreciation Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate and care for your leafy friends.

How to choose the right houseplant for your home

My journey into indoor gardening began in high school when my sister gave me a cutting from her Swedish Ivy plant.  With a successful start, I added Wandering Jews, Spider Plants, and Burro’s Tail succulents to my collection.  Enjoying the beauty of houseplants sparked a gardening passion which I then took outdoors.  It is safe to say that I have garden year-round for year all the while never leaving Wyoming! 

Selecting the right houseplant for your home can be a delightful experience. However, it’s important to consider a few factors to ensure the plant thrives in its new environment. First, assess the lighting conditions in your home. Some plants thrive in bright, indirect light, while others prefer low light conditions. Understanding the lighting requirements of a plant will help you find the perfect spot for it in your home.

Next, consider the level of care and maintenance you are willing to provide. Some houseplants are more demanding than others, requiring regular watering, pruning, and fertilizing. If you’re a beginner or have a busy lifestyle, opt for low-maintenance plants that can withstand occasional neglect. Succulents, snake plants, and ZZ plants are great choices for those who want to dip their toes into the world of houseplants.

Additionally, consider the available space in your home. If you have limited floor space, consider plants that can be placed on shelves or hung from the ceiling. On the other hand, if you have ample floor space, larger plants like monstera or fiddle leaf figs can make a bold statement. Consider the overall aesthetic of your home and choose plants that complement your existing decor.

Houseplant resources and communities

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts, there are numerous resources and communities available at your fingertips. Here are a few to explore:

  1. Online Plant Care Guides: Many websites offer comprehensive plant care guides that provide detailed information on specific plant varieties. These guides typically include information on light requirements, watering needs, and common issues to watch out for.
  2. Social Media Plant Communities: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are home to thriving plant communities. Join groups dedicated to houseplants, follow plant influencers, and participate in discussions to share knowledge and learn from others.
  3. Local Plant Nurseries: Visit our local plant shops to connect with experts and fellow plant lovers. They can provide valuable advice and help you source unique plants for your collection.
  4. Botanical Gardens: Explore Cheyenne’s botanical garden and travel to those in Colorado.  Attend workshops or classes dedicated to houseplants. 

Houseplant Appreciation Day 2024 is a day to celebrate the beauty and benefits of houseplants. So, grab your watering can, put on your gardening gloves, and join us as we celebrate Houseplant Appreciation Day!

Marla Smith

Christmas Cactus Care Recommendations

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Christmas Cactus with pink blooms
Photo Credit: C. Wissner

Christmas Cactus Care Recommendations

Written By

Catherine Wissner

Laramie County Master Gardener and Retired University of Wyoming Laramie County Extension Horticulturist

So, you brought home a Christmas Cactus, and it didn’t have care instructions… 

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera sp.) despite the common name they actually aren’t and need more water than you think.   Not a true cactus, but they are a succulent, native to tropical rainforests, where they soak up the high humidity, filtered sunlight, and warm temperatures.  I have several large Christmas cacti in my house, their favorite location is the east window.   The location is cool, around 65 to 70 degrees and no drafts.  They are near the bathroom, so they get extra humidity. My oldest, I inherited from my mother, who received it back in 1983. It starts to bloom early November and goes well into December.

They like their soil to be evenly moist, I check the top third of the soil and water accordingly.  Typically, if they dry out and stay dry, they will drop flower buds, remember they are a tropical plant. 

When you bring one home, give it a good drink of water.  Let the water drain out, keep it out of drafts or excess heat.

Feed with a low nitrogen house plant fertilizer from August through February.  Nitrogen should be no more than 5%. Too much causes rapid growth and few flowers. The second number, Phosphorus, and the third number, Potassium, should be 10% or less. Phosphorus helps the plant flower.  You can find out what your house plant fertilizer has on the label.

There are three different types of Christmas cactus.  The most common one sold is the Thanksgiving cactus.  This one blooms the earliest and continues to bloom for a couple months.  Christmas cactus will start blooming early winter and go through January, their leaves are slightly different. There is also an Easter cactus, which blooms late winter into early spring.   

Aster, Prof Kippenburg

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Dwarf Blue Fall Aster, another survivor of the Sept 9, snow and cold, this daisy like blue Aster has a yellow center and purple – blue petals. Grows up to 24 inches and as wide, easy care with medium water requirements. It can form a thick clump and can be used as a colorful fall blooming border.  A fall blooming sun lover attracting native bees, butterflies and honey bees it can also be used as a cut flower.

Aster, Pink Bouquet Dwarf

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Pink Bouquet Dwarf Aster, just now blooming and survivor of the Sept 9, snow and cold. This dwarf Aster only grows to 15 inches with a 24 inch spread, hardy to 8,500 feet and has a medium water requirement.  This sun lover blooms from September to mid fall, makes a nice cut flower and is loved by native bees and butterflies.