Container Gardening - Not just for Annual Flowers

Container Gardening - Materials & Preparation is Critical!

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

Concrete and patios should not limit the garden potential you have at your homeor business. In these concrete porches, paver patios, and other open space you can have beautiful color and even produce vegetables. Installing tomato plants along with marigolds will brighten up the grey and give you delicious mile high city ripened tomatoes for those summer salads.



Container gardens do take more maintenance, yet the reward is worthwhile. If you choose to have a container garden, make sure toco use a large pot and the correct media (potting soil such as Miracle Grow can be used, but is not ideal). We use a special composition of media which specially for the needs of Colorado. If you are using Miracle Grow or a similar potting mix, adding peat moss and vermiculite helps by increasing water holding capacity for the media.

A few things to remember:

The media in pots dry out much quicker than soil in the ground. Pots should be watered daily and in some situations multiple times per day if in direct sunlight. Drip irrigation should be on a separate irrigation drip valve which is used to support only annual flowers and vegetables. Drip irrigation should only be regarded as a fail-safe and hand watering deeply should not be neglected in any circumstance.


Installing high grade media (soil) you ensure good root establishment and a higher ability to retain water. Media for container gardens should be replaced and fresh & clean media should be used one year to the next to prevent disease. This is similar to how farmers rotate crop to reduce pest populations.

Ensure you have a large enough clay pot, container or plastic liner. This has many positive affects survive the heat and drying effect of direct sunlight. An added trick to help to protect expensive clay pots is the added use of a liner. A liner is a plastic pot, or insert, to allow reduced pressure and corrosion of the container. Each type of flower and vegatable has differing rooting structures and rooting depths. Having a deep liner or pot helps maximize growth and flowering.


To maintain healthy plants, the contents of a containers with flowers or vegatables should be checked daily for correct moisture if it is not irrigated. In the case of flowers, dead/dying flowers and seed pods should be removed to increase and rejuvenate bloom. Vegatables, such as tomatoes, produce their fruit (in this scenario, tomatoes) from flowers. These flowers can be thinned to increase size of each tomato or to help establish the plant in the beginning. Research the type of plant you are going to plant in your Denver container garden or have A Better Garden Maintenance help you with your gardening needs.


Contact us today if you would like to have a beautiful variety of flowers to accent your Denver business or Greenwood Village residence.

Garden Cleanup is Here- Schedule now to get prompt service

Spring Garden Cleanup is Here- Schedule now to get prompt service

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

Already the grass is starting to show a little green through the yellow straw. The garden is bursting with the first buds of spring. Color is sinking back into the world around us. Tulips and hyacinth will be emerging and giving the hope of color and warmer weather. Daffodils will be shining brightly in the midst of the garden. In May, the Tall Bearded Iris will be blooming. All this is possible by making sure the garden has been cleaned, planted and maintained properly.

Many landscapes are built through a lifetime of labor. Even when landscape construction happens there is something else that is an afterthought. A touch the designer didn't think was desired can be added by a small construction crew or by gardeners. The amending, planting bulbs & perennials, trimming back bushes properly, mowing the lawn at the right height (most home lawns require to be cut at 2 1/2" - 3"). Hand weeding, restoring mulch, and watering properly all lend to having a well groomed yard or commercial property. All processes of leaf & garden cleanup(spring cleanup, fall cleanup), regular mowing at a proper height(cutting no less than 1/3 of the grass blade at any one time), lawn core aeration (spring & fall), fertilizing (slow release granular 3-4 times per year), proper watering methods (deep, less frequently instead of shallow, frequently) all lend to a synergism allowing your lawn, garden, retail business or office park to look its best.

Garden Celebrations – Utilize Your Home Gardens to Celebrate Life

Garden Celebrations – Utilize Your Home Gardens to Celebrate Life

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

There are so many people with lovely gardens in their estate which are not utilized and celebrated. Gardens are meant to be shown to allow others to see the beauty offered to you in your own yard. Spruce up that lovely garden at your estate and allow someone to have a wedding at your place. I have been to a wedding where a friend allowed them to use his sprawling 2 acre estate to say their vows. The natural setting allowed the area to be transformed into a chapel under scattered skies.

A customer who lives in Cherry Hills Village throws an annual 4th of July celebration. The 5 acre estate, complete with apple orchard, is serviced once a year. We come in and assist the gardener, who is already on staff, to complete the preparations by weeding and pruning as necessary. She is always excited that every year we are able to assist her in throwing a wonderful party in her lawn and garden areas.

As always there are other ideas to spruce up parties. Ask a local artist or two to display their work for your guests to peruse. Sean Powell and Austin Parkhill are two up and coming artists with different painting styles. Also, remember to plan ahead for the maintenance your garden is going to require. If you want to have flowers for spring color at your gathering, make sure you consult us to have them installed and maintained for a wonderful display. This should be an enjoyable experience and we hope to help make it that way.

A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC is here to listen to your needs and provide solutions to fit you budget. Call us at (303) 433 – 3750 to set up a Garden Maintenance Contract which fits your needs today.

Spring Leaf & Garden Cleanup - Yard Restoration and Renovation

Spring Leaf & Garden Cleanup - Yard Restoration and Renovation

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

The snow is melting and the garden areas are being exposed. Now, before the buds break on the shrubs and trees, it is time to remove the leaves and debris from the garden. The leaves being left in the garden can cause issues with pests and disease. It is a great thing to remove the potential hassle and it makes the lawn & garden look great.

Here is an example, the garden below was not cleaned up for two (2) landscaping & gardening seasons.
"Accumulation of leaves & debris in the garden can cause disease and pest issues"

The important things to remember for a spring garden clean-up;

1. Cut back perennials to the "basal growth." Basal growth is the new soft shoots coming out of the base of the plants in your Denver garden. You should not have any dead plant material left on the garden perenials unless it is the shoot leading to the fresh groth.


2. Remove any overgrown sections. Gardening is about what you want to see; if you do not appreciate how the garden looks it needs to be pruned to make it look nice.


3. Large shrubs should be trimmed as needed by their species. Some shrubs such as Dogwoods are thinned to allow new colored wood. Lilacs need to be pruned after flowering in the spring. Some shrubs need to be pruned for a gradual renewal also known as sheering. Some shrubs might need to be fully rejuvenated. Schedule a gardener to come out and perform this service if you are unsure.


4. Rose bushes need to have the winter dieback and rose hips pruned out. Sometimes thinning cuts and new trellising/posting are needed to support bushes.


5. Broken Branches should be cleaned up to provide a proper & clean cut for the plant to heal.


6. Weeds should be pulled by hand or sprayed chemically to reduce issues throughout the season.


7. Leaves & garden debris should be removed with a wire rake first and then a blower should be used to give a clean garden area.


8. Top Dressing of all organic mulch beds should only be done as needed (mulch should not be deeper than 4 inches)

Below is the same picture after the garden had a spring garden cleanup was performed.

Reclaiming a garden is not only possible but a reality when we help you have A Better Garden.

CONTACT US TODAY TO SCHEDULE A SPRING CLEANUP.

(303) 433 - 3750

Mulch - Mulching and it's Effects

Mulch - Mulching and it's Effects

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

Mulch can be divided into two categories; Inorganic and organic mulch. Rocks, or rubber chips would be consider to be inorganic mulch. Bark chips, western shredded cedar, Idaho Shredded Cedar, Metro Mulch (colored recycled chips) and any other form of mulch which biodegrades would be considered organic mulch. Both sources have a positive effect on plants & soil.



Mulches allow water to be dispersed or more has a dampening effect. Rainfall or any water causes compaction as it hits open ground. Mulch allows a cushion and protects the soil structure from compaction or crusting. Both organic and inorganic mulch allows water to be retained in the soil and heat to be moderated. This will reduce the amount of water which needs to be supplemented.



Not only do mulches affect water and soil temperature, but they have a direct effect on your garden. Mulches cover up and help prevent germination of weed seeds. It also allows for easier weeding as the increased water retention makes it easier to get the whole root structure.



The choice of which mulch you utilize is up to you. You need to decide whether you want to see white rocks, dark shredded cedar, large bark chips or even a brightly colored red mulch. The benefits of inorganic mulch is it does not decompose. This means you will not have to top dress, unless you just want to add some fresh color. But at the same time, if the mulch does not decompose, organic matter is not added to the soil profile.



Organic mulch is lost throughout the season from decompostion. This is a great benefit to any garden as organic matter increases the water retention capacity of the soil. With natural mulch, the garden will need to be topdressed regularly to ensure the benefits are being received. Be careful, the addition of more than about 4 inches of mulch can actually cause disease, absorb the water, and even not allow air to the roots.



Just remember, we provide all gardening and mulching services. Contact us today and we can get a gardener out to provide cleanup, pruning, weeding or mulching services. We hope this help you have A Better Garden.

Annual Flowers - Spring Color

Annual Flowers - Spring Color

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

When people hear Spring Color, they think everything from flowering fruit trees, spring bulbs and the flowers people plant after the last spring frost(around mother's day in Denver). The first two, fruit trees and spring bulbs, need to be planned and planted way before spring. Flowering trees can be added while they are blooming and usually do well. Yet today, we will talk about the immediate effect of Annual Flowers.



Annual flowers are the best idea to add constant color to your property. They accent not only you garden, but the crisply cut grass as well. Yet, not all annual flowers are the same. The reason they are called annuals is, for the most part, they need to be newly planted every year. I say mainly because such flowers as snapdragons, dianthus, and even some petunias may overwinter and be growing come spring time. Some even re-seed throughout their growing season. As an annual, the only goal they have is to make more seeds to further their germplasm. Either way it is important to choose the right annuals for the location, cost, and texture.



There are lots of spring annuals to choose from to give your commercial or residential garden a burst of color. Some are better in a container garden, while others look amazing in large displays on the ground. Below are some geraniums which look amazing when well maintained (deadheading & ground aerated by hand).







Some annual flowers, such as petunias, are by far the cheapest, quickest spreading and most vibrant display of color for which you can ask. The brillant display comes with a heavy price, a lot of flower maintenance. All these petunia flowers produce seed pods, after being germinated by bees, wasps or other insects, which need to be removed. It is important to note that the whole seed pod needs to be removed, not just the dead petals & sepals. When these seed pods are removed, known as deadheading, the plant then attempts to produce more seeds. This is done by first producing more flowers for you to enjoy.



Remember, some annual flowers are specifically grown in shade or sun. Some are available because people like the unique texture they bring. The more exotic flowers should generally only be planted into flower container gardens as other flowers will highlight the complexity and uniqueness. Before planning out your annual flowers consider the height, shape, color, and other characteristics which will affect your spring color planting.



A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC just wishes to remind everyone we both install and maintain annual flowers. Please contact us for more information.

Dormant Pruning - Cutting back to save you trouble.

Dormant Pruning - Cutting back to save you trouble.

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

It is expected to be a high of 51 degrees today and a high of 56 degrees tomorrow in the wonderful city of Denver. With those temperatures and an expected snow on Sunday, these might be the best days to get a little work done in your lawn & garden. As always in this weather it might be a good idea to supplement the water for all the plants in your garden with your hose. (**Rembember to always disconnect your garden water hose from the water spiggot. Possible freeze damage could occur.)



More importantly, now is a great time to perform any necessary dormant pruning. Look for branches in trees which are rubbing against each other. When branches in these trees rub together, over time they present an area on the tree prone to infections. By performing a spot check in your yard and taking the necessary action. I mean either pruning the trees yourself of contacting a professional to take care your gardening needs for you. Much can be saved in the way of time, money or both when later you will need the tree removed due to disease. The other items you should be checking for is both broken branches and sap.



A lot of times you will not see any borer holes or any other symptoms of disease, but there will still be sap coming from a tree. Sometimes what people believe is sap is really an excrement from an insect such as an aphid. This resinous substance is actually known as "honeydew" (This will be discussed at a later blog). Sap though is a 'flare' or 'red flag' from the plant to let you know something is wrong. If you are unsure what you are looking at, consult your local tree expert. A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC only will prune what is approximately within 15 feet of the ground or to where our tools will reach. We recommend Davey Tree Care for large trees, ask for Derek Fox and tell him Jonathan sent you.



Remember, a little extra effort now can save you a load of time and money down the road. Let us know if we can help you have A Better Garden.

Randy Penns Iris Garden - Directions to the Iris Garden

Randy Penns Iris Garden - Directions to the Iris Garden

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

It is still a little early since Iris will be in bloom come May-June. I will be having a blog up here to hopefully give dates of bloom for varieties at Randy Penn's Iris Garden. Check out http://www.abtrgarden.com/iris_garden.html come May and it should be running.

If you need directions, the Iris Garden is in Englewood, CO:

Approximate address, if mapquesting, is
4110 S Huron Ct, Englewood, CO 80110-4529

General Directions to Randy Penn's Iris Garden:

Coming from the North (Downtown Denver & Arvada Area):

If you are coming north from Denver, the easiest way to take is Santa Fe Blvd/Hwy-85. From I-25 in Denver take Santa Fe South to Oxford Ave in Englewood. Go East on Oxford Ave. into Englewood. The Iris Garden is located on the South side of Oxford at Huron Ct.. This is about halfway between Broadway and Santa Fe in Englewood.

Coming from the South (Littleton and Highlands Ranch Area):

If you are coming South from Littleton, the easiest way to take is Santa Fe Blvd / Hwy-85. From C-470 in Highlands Ranch take Santa Fe North to Oxford Ave in Englewood. Go East on Oxford Ave. into Englewood. The Iris Garden is located on the South side of Oxford at Huron Ct.. This is about halfway between Broadway and Santa Fe in Englewood.

Coming from the East (East Denver and Centennial):

If you are coming East from East Denver the easiest way to take is Hampden Ave / Hwy-285. From Hampden Ave / Hwy-285, take Santa Fe South to Oxford Ave in Englewood. Go East on Oxford Ave. into Englewood. The Iris Garden is located on the South side of Oxford at Huron Ct.. This is about halfway between Broadway and Santa Fe in Englewood.

Coming from the West (Morrison, Golden, Lakewood, etc):

If you are coming West from Lakewood or Morrison, the easiest way to take is Hampden Ave / Hwy-285. From Hampden Ave / Hwy-285, take Santa Fe South to Oxford Ave in Englewood. Go East on Oxford Ave. into Englewood. The Iris Garden is located on the South side of Oxford at Huron Ct.. This is about halfway between Broadway and Santa Fe in Englewood.

Winter Watering

Winter Watering

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

The Denver area is considered to be a semi arid climate. Essentially this makes our front range community a desert. Infrequent rainfall and snowfall do not put much moisture in our soil. This is especially true with moisture from a snow event. Even with a 3 inch snowfall, we only receive around a quarter inch of precipitation. We almost never receive enough rain or snowfall to support the true need of the plants in our yards. This moisture needs to be supplemented.

The addition of water during the winter months is a critical addition to the health of all plants (pansies, perennials, shrubs and trees). These plants do not shut down over the winter as it appears. The lack of moisture can cause dehydration of the branches and stems. When this happens in trees, it cause either winter die back or weakens the cells in the branches. This is a process called "cavitation." Essentially the cavities of the xylem, with which the plants pull up water, are destroyed and no water can pass through. This not only affects the physiology of the plant, but also the structural integrity. Winter Watering, done in the correct fashion, can help deter these effects.

Winter watering should only be performed when the air temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Watering should only be performed during daylight hours to reduce the possibility of creating ice. Use of a watering wand with shut-off on the handle is recommended. During the winter a garden should be watered as much as necessary and as the weather permits.

Thank you for reading. Please visit us on the web at http://www.abtrgarden.com/ .

We hope these tips will help you have A Better Garden.