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The Dirt

Starting your Perennials NOW

Seed Starting by Sandy Swegel It’s Time. Even here in snowy Colorado, it’s time. Even if some weird polar vortex has kept you housebound and you’ve lost track of what day it is…it’s time. Time for starting your perennials. Spring really is on its way.  One of the interesting aspects of a culturally liberal place […]

Best Supporting Actor – Dark Opal Basil

The Star of the Garden by Sandy Swegel Some plants are meant to be the star of the garden.  Dahlias, for example.  You can see them from across the yard and they elicit gasps of delight at their beauty.  While stars do make the garden, they only really dazzle when surrounded by a strong supporting […]

Start Your 4th of July Party Now

Celebrate with Firecracker Penstemon By: Sandy Swegel Get your Fireworks and start your 4th of July party now.  One of my favorite things about perennials is that you plant them once and they bloom year after year.  Their appearance every year becomes one of the sweet rituals of the garden.  Bright red Firecracker Penstemon is […]