Growing Bromeliads by Donna Duffy

Photo courtesy recycledh2o.net

The bromeliad is a member of a large plant family native to the warmer climates of America. Bromeliads grow in trees, attach themselves to rocks, and live on the forest floor. They vary in size from one inch to 35-feet high. In Colorado, they are easy-to-grow flowering houseplants. Planttalk Colorado offers the following tips for growing Bromeliads successfully.

Merry Christmas!

Norfolk Island Pine as a Holiday Tree by Donna Duffy

Photo courtesy thedirtdiaries.com

You may be seeing Norfolk Island pines in the garden centers and big box stores, marketed as an alternative to a typical Christmas tree. Planttalk Colorado offers the following tips for keeping your Norfolk Island pine alive and healthy during the holiday season and beyond.

Providing for Birds in the Winter by Donna Duffy

Black-capped Chickadee, photo courtesy birds gallery.net

Many different kinds of birds make their home along the Front Range of Colorado, and it doesn't take much cost or effort to attract and feed them. Joe Julian, CSU Horticulture, offers the following tips for winter feeding of birds in Colorado.

Poinsettias Bring Holiday Color and Cheer By Joyce D’Agostino

Photo CSU Co-Hort

Outside of the Christmas tree, there are few other plants that are recognized as part of the holiday season than the bright Poinsettias.

These cheerful plants originated with the Aztecs in Mexico and are now loved worldwide for bringing bright color to the dark days of winter.  At one time, only the red and some pink colors were primarily available but now due to extensive experimentation and breeding, you can find poinsettias in many sizes and colors.  Their botanical name is Euphorbia pulcherrima.a p

What is often called the petals are actually “bracts” which are actually leaves with a bright pigment.  The true flowers on the poinsettias are found in the center of the bracts. 

Caring for Your Christmas Tree by Donna Duffy

Photo courtesy nj.com

What’s your vision of a perfect Christmas tree? Some would say it needs to be full and symmetrical. Others look for well-spaced limbs strong enough to support lots of lights and ornaments. Some like natural trees, others like artificial trees. Me? I tend to gravitate toward the “Charlie Brown” trees hiding at the edges of the lot. Regardless of your preference, caring for your tree properly will keep it healthy and fresh for the longest possible time after purchase.