LCMG Blog

  • USDA Plant Hardiness Zones–What do the Zones Mean, and What Information do they Leave Out?

    USDA Plant Hardiness Zones–What do the Zones Mean, and What Information do they Leave Out?

    The USDA plant zones are based solely on mean average low temperature.  What is left out is very important.  The average low temperature is important to know.  This information makes sure you are buying a plant that can take the cold, but … Continue reading →


  • Green Treasures: Spotlight on Bare Root Trees and Shrubs

    Green Treasures: Spotlight on Bare Root Trees and Shrubs

    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 & … Continue reading →


  • Two Hardy, Tough Trees to Plant

    Two Hardy, Tough Trees to Plant

    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 … Continue reading →


  • Be a Hunger Hero

    Be a Hunger Hero

    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 … Continue reading →


  • Native Plant Profile – Ratibida columnifera

    Native Plant Profile – Ratibida columnifera

    Thanks to our LCMG Native Plants Committee for this month’s native plant profile on the Mexican Hat, Ratibida columnifera. The LCMG Native Plants Committee is a team of volunteers interested in learning more about native plants while sharing that information … Continue reading →


  • Sowing Success: Seed Library of Laramie County Blossoms

    Sowing Success: Seed Library of Laramie County Blossoms

    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 … Continue reading →


  • Clover Lawns in Wyoming

    Clover Lawns in Wyoming

    Author: Clavel Guzman, Laramie County Master Gardener Trainee Clover lawns are slowly growing in popularity due to their low maintenance habit, as well as their ability to be lush and green compared to normal grass lawns. However, is it a … Continue reading →


  • No, It’s Not Too Early 

    No, It’s Not Too Early 

    Author: Catherine Wissner, retired University of Wyoming Laramie County Extension Horticulturist and Laramie County Master Gardener This in-between season of seed catalogs, but not being able to go out to garden, is a great opportunity to plan your vegetable and/or … Continue reading →


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

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

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


  • Native Plant Profile – Winterfat

    Native Plant Profile – Winterfat

    Today’s Native Plant Profile is brought to you by the Laramie County Master Gardeners (LCMG) Native Plants Committee, Co-chairs: Ken K. and Laura M. For more information, check out the USDA Native Plant Guide on Winterfat located online here: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/idpmcpg1i1464.pdf … Continue reading →


  • A Beautiful Houseplant That Likes to Play Dead

    A Beautiful Houseplant That Likes to Play Dead

    Written by Catherine Wissner, retired University of Wyoming Laramie County Extension Horticulturist and Laramie County Master Gardener.  A beautiful flowering holiday house plant that starts to show up after Christmas for Valentine’s Day is the Cyclamen. With its very attractive, … Continue reading →


  • Buy Orchids for Valentine’s Day!

    Buy Orchids for Valentine’s Day!

    — Author: Kim Parker, Laramie County Advanced Master Gardener 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 … Continue reading →


  • PLANT PROFILES

    PLANT PROFILES

    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 … Continue reading →


  • Extreme Weather and Trees

    Extreme Weather and Trees

    Extreme Weather and Trees 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 … Continue reading →


  • Houseplant Appreciation Day – January 10, 2024

    Houseplant Appreciation Day – January 10, 2024

    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 … Continue reading →


  • Christmas Cactus Care Recommendations

    Christmas Cactus Care Recommendations

    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 … Continue reading →


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