Here in northern Utah, rose bushes are some of the most popular flowering plants. After all, they’re beautiful, easy to care for and hardy enough to survive our weather extremes. To keep them healthy and looking great, it’s important to prune your rose bushes the right way.
 
Why Pruning Is Important
 
Pruning your roses doesn’t just improve their appearance; it also promotes large and beautiful blooms! If you don’t remove the dead, diseased and weakened wood from your bush, it will quickly become overgrown and produce small, poor-quality flowers.
 
Know Your Rose
 
If you’re going to become a rose-pruning pro, you need to know what you’re working with. Roses can generally be separated into two types: single blooming plants and repeat blooming plants. The type of rose you have determines how and when to prune.
 
Single blooming plants bloom in the spring and early summer, and the flowers grow on the wood from the previous season. The repeat blooming plants produce flowers constantly throughout the season, and yield flowers from the wood that began growing in the spring.
 
How to Prune
 
Continuously blooming bushes need to be pruned in the spring before any new growth starts. Begin by getting rid of all the dead wood, and then cut the bush back to an even height. Make sure to leave as much healthy wood as you can. The best length to leave the wood is 24 to 36 inches long, but if the winter was particularly harsh, you may have to prune it down farther.
 
Single blooming roses can be pruned after they have started to bloom. Simply remove the dead and diseased wood and any weak stalks. It’s a good rule of thumb not to let the wood stalks grow for more than three seasons before removing them, and make sure not to let them become too crowded.
 
Pruning in the summer will improve the quality of your flowers too. Just remove unwanted growth, weak shoots or any damaged stalks whenever you’re removing spent blossoms.
 
At the end of the growing season, leave the last blooms on the plant until you’re ready to do one final pruning. At that time, remove any overly long or damaged canes. Don’t over-prune in the fall, however, or you will leave the plant susceptible to damage over the winter.
 
A Few Final Tips
 
If you’re making large pruning cuts, use a sealer on the open cut to prevent any borers from getting into the stem and wreaking havoc on your plant. Also, use high-quality tools to make your cuts. Fine-tooth saws, loppers and hand shears are all popular, but most rose enthusiasts prefer having one pair of good stainless steel bypass shears that are used only for roses.
 
If you use your shears on other plant species, be sure to sterilize them before using them on the roses, because rose bushes are susceptible to a variety of diseases.
 
We here at Millcreek Gardens have been providing the finest roses to northern Utah gardeners since 1955. Stop by today and let us help you with selecting, planting and caring for your rose bushes.

When you visit your local garden center, be on the lookout for pet-friendly plants. Veterinary experts suggest printing out a list of safe plants that grow in your region, and taking it with you when you buy outdoor plants. (Take a look at this extensive list from the ASPCA) When in doubt, use your smartphone right from the store to look up a specific plant that catches your eye. As for what to avoid, here are few plants to steer clear of, if you want to keep your fuzzy buddy safe.
 
Flowers provide a stunning centerpiece to any garden. Safe gardening for your pet doesn’t mean you have to forego the blossoms, but do remember that a few will not work. Tiger lilies, day lilies and Easter lilies are extremely toxic to cats, and if they eat just a few leaves or petals, kidney failure can follow.
 
For dogs, any plant from the wolfsbane family (also known as aconitum) is highly toxic, as are oleanders. Other flowering dangers include amaryllises, begonias, cyclamens, gladiolas, hostas, daffodils and morning glories.
 
Because ’tis almost the season, remember that poinsettias also can be harmful to pets. Flowering shrubs can be a problem too. If you’re planting azaleas and lantanas, put them where your pet can’t get to them. These shrubs can cause some gastrointestinal distress to your pooch. Plants like sago palm can also cause a dog to suffer from liver disease that can be fatal.
 
Beyond Plants and Flowers
 
Many dogs enjoy digging in the garden, which can be dangerous if you plant bulbs. If Fido digs up daffodil or tulip bulbs, it can cause vomiting and severe diarrhea.
 
Think also about the products you use for planting and maintenance. If you use fertilizers, supplements or pesticides, be sure to carefully read the labels to see if they are safe for your pet. Many fertilizers can cause irritation to your pet’s stomach, and some are extremely toxic. As for pesticides, always use extreme care around pets and children. Anything that can kill an insect can probably be harmful to pets and humans as well.
 
Keep supplements such as blood meal or bone meal away from your pet too. After all, dogs love bones, so they’re drawn to the smell of these products. If ingested, blood or bone meal can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even pancreatitis, which is potentially fatal.
 
No matter how careful you are, it’s always best to supervise your pets when they are in the garden. This will keep them safe and ensure that your plants stay intact and in the ground, where they belong!
 
Planning a beautiful yard that is safe for your whole family isn’t difficult. At Millcreek Gardens in Salt Lake City, we can help you select the perfect plants, trees and shrubs for your yard or garden, as well as all the garden tools and accessories you need. Stop in and see us this weekend, and ask our friendly associates for help in selecting the perfect pet-safe outdoor plants.

Organic gardening has practically reached cult status in many communities, especially as we learn more about the potential dangers of fertilizers and pesticides. And, as we take an interest in growing our own food, our family’s health and well-being is very much on our minds.
 
If you’re ready to try incorporating some natural strategies into your yard and garden, read on for some helpful hints!
 
How to Use Organic Principles in the Garden
 
When people talk about gardening organically, they usually mean following safety and sustainability principles. This approach offers the health benefits of avoiding pesticides and fertilizers that can be harmful to our health. It also offers many environmental benefits.
 
When used carefully and appropriately, many types of pest management and fertilization products can be safe and effective. Unfortunately, overuse causes chemical runoff that can infiltrate storm sewers and groundwater.
 
When you think of using organic products in the garden, you probably think about simply replacing chemical fertilizer and pest control products with ones that are natural. But truly, it’s much more.
 
At its most elemental, this approach is about creating a micro-environment that encourages beneficial insects and microorganisms while discouraging the unwelcome types. In a perfectly balanced environment of this nature, plants will grow and thrive using the natural resources around them.
 
A Natural Approach to Controlling Pests and Diseases
 
Integrated methods of pest control use natural predators to keep potential threats at bay or under control. You can control mites, aphids and caterpillars with ladybugs, for example. Beneficial nematodes are another powerful natural pest control method.
 
You can control weeds and disease in a similar way. Using mulch in the garden discourages weeds while keeping moisture in the soil. Citrus oil and chamomile tea are both powerful yet natural ways to keep fungus and harmful bacteria from damaging plants.
 
A Better Way to Fertilize Your Garden
 
When you spray or scatter chemical fertilizers, these products typically take a shortcut to increasing the size and yield of your plants. What they don’t provide is any benefit to the soil. In fact, in many cases, they degrade it to the point of killing off critical organic matter. You can boost both your soil’s quality and your plants’ health by choosing an organic method instead.
 
One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve the quality of your soil is to start your own mulch pile. You can reduce the amount of waste you send to the dump, and at the same time, improve the condition of your garden soil. The goals, of course, are to eliminate the need for chemical fertilization and produce beautiful, healthy fruits, vegetables and flowers from your garden.
 
Millcreek Gardens is the Salt Lake City area’s premier garden center. We offer plants, trees, shrubs and gardening supplies of all types, for both indoors and out. If you would like more information about taking a healthier approach in your yard, stop by today and let us help you learn more about organic gardening.

Tree care is high on the to-do list, now that autumn has arrived. As we all get excited about the return of chilly weather and pumpkin-flavored everything, don’t forget about the trees, shrubs and plants in your yard.
 
Now is the time to begin the important maintenance that will carry your trees successfully through the winter months. Read on for some helpful tips to ensure that your trees hang on through the winter and flourish in the spring!
 
Tips for Fertilizing Trees
 
The varying temperature extremes throughout summer and winter leach vitamins and minerals from your soil. You can counteract this loss of nutrients now with a good fertilizer. Slow-release fertilizers feed your trees all year long, even in winter. This will also help your trees avoid disease and insect infestations and handle the stress of extreme temperatures in the winter months.
 
Because different species require different types and amounts of fertilization, be sure to check with your local garden center for guidance.
 
Don’t Forget to Hydrate
 
We all water our lawns and yards during the summer, but often neglect to do so in the fall, believing that cooler temperatures require less hydration. In reality, fall is the best time to provide your trees with some robust hydration.
 
Beware, however, because watering your trees from above ground probably won’t be enough. This year, why not try your hand at a little subsurface hydration, to reach the tree’s roots more effectively. Ask your local garden center about purchasing an injection probe, a device that you sink into soil to dispense water directly to your tree’s roots. This method is highly effective for the plants and it helps you save water, as none is lost to surface evaporation.
 
Well-timed Planting Is Key
 
Speaking of newly planted trees, did you know that fall is actually one of the best times of year to plant a new tree? The temperature has cooled off a bit already, so your new sapling won’t be subjected to the extreme temperatures, drought or sun scorch that comes with late spring and summer planting. These favorable conditions will help newly planted trees build up their root system quickly and better prepare them to go dormant in the winter.
 
Give Your Trees the Proper Tools
 
One of the best things you can do to prepare your landscape for winter is to cable, brace and prune trees before the snow and ice make their appearance. Look for broken or rotting branches as well as any weakened areas that you may need to reinforce. This will allow the plant to better withstand heavy snow and ice.
 
In the Salt Lake City area, Millcreek Gardens has all the trees and plants you need for fall planting, as well as fertilizers, mulch and garden tools to make the job easy and fun. And don’t forget about the free advice! Our experienced team knows northern Utah, and we can answer all your questions about fall planting and tree care.

Patio plant designs can be challenging when your space is tight. For apartment and condo dwellers, outdoor space is scarce and valuable. You want to enjoy the patio space you have, but at the same time, it’s nice to have some design touches to enhance its look and feel. Fortunately, you’re not alone, and designers have heard your plight. Enter the Landscape with Less movement. All around the world, designers and landscape architects are working magic in small outdoor spaces using a minimalistic approach.
 
The Landscape with Less Movement
 
Green plants, flowers and edibles are beautiful to look at, certainly, but they’re more than that. They help improve air quality and provide a natural cooling element to the environment. Also known as landscape ecology, the Landscape with Less movement is simply a way to bring more plants into our lives, even if we have little space or few resources to invest. You can enjoy your own minimalist garden even on the tiniest porch or patio, using found items for planters. Selecting the right mix of plant species, along with appropriate levels of water, fertilizer and care, will give you a garden that thrives all year long.
 
Start by Preparing the Space
 
To maximize your space, start by clearing everything away. Chances are you have some random clutter stored on your patio. Get rid of it. Next, evaluate your color choices. Tiny spaces seem to explode with white walls and floor, plus white is the perfect backdrop for whatever details you want to add. Keep furniture simple. Wire frame or reproduction mid-century hoop chairs are small enough in scale to fit rather than take over. Keep the volume of furniture to a minimum. Two chairs and a small table is plenty. Keep a couple of folding chairs and a pop-up table or topper nearby that you can use for dining al fresco and having friends over. However you set up the patio, dedicate specific areas for your planters.
 
Select Containers and Plants with Purpose
 
The idea with a minimalist patio is to add elements with purpose and intent. Found planters are great, but they must fit in, both in size and scale. If you have created a sleek white space with pops of mid-century color, a rustic wine barrel planter might seem out of place. Scour flea markets, vintage shops and yard sales for the right shape and size, then add your own colors to make it perfect.
 
Wire baskets, turned wood vases, even Lucite wine buckets make perfect planters. Choose a mixture of height, circumference and texture for maximum visual interest. Place some on stands, some on the deck and you can even hang some to expand your potential.
 
Once you’ve identified your containers, select your plant species. Think vertical and select those varieties that grow tall but not too big around — single, non-flowering plants with an architectural feel or tall succulents, dwarf spruce, bamboo, reeds and boxwood are all great choices. If you favor blossoms, choose African or Gerbera daisies for their vibrant color and character. If growing edibles is on your list, consider some of the lettuce varieties, scallions, Glencoe raspberry or tiny alpine strawberries.
 
Before you decide on your plants, stop by Millcreek Gardens in Salt Lake City. Our professional team can recommend the best varietals for your space, and suggest the perfect soil, amendments, fertilizers and other methods to care for your new container garden. With only a little effort and a small investment, you can make a contemporary statement with your own patio plant designs.

Garden paths and walkways are essential in providing balance and aesthetics to your outdoor space. Inviting as well as practical, walkways help delineate the different areas of your yard and garden.

Past trends emphasized complex and highly structured paths using poured concrete and pavers. These projects posed a challenge for do-it-yourselfers, in that they were both expensive and complicated to build. Fortunately, today’s trends buck that overly complex approach. Instead, landscape designers have turned to a more organic approach, using simple and natural materials paired with structured, geometric designs.

 

Explore Geometric Garden Layouts

Traditional yard and garden layouts used meandering paths and soft radius borders to create a peaceful spot for a stroll. With today’s more contemporary approach to architecture and design, however, the traditional approach can feel dated and out of sync.

For a more compatible feel, landscape architects have begun incorporating a more geometric approach, using straight lines and angles. Round pavers and scrolling ornamental iron fences have given way to brick borders and unfinished architectural block walls. Traditional planting schemes involved natural-look groupings and a casual mix of plants. The geometric layout feels well-thought out and intentional, with balanced layouts and manicured shapes.

 

Create a Lush, Green English-Style Garden

The geometric approach, when mixed with the lush planting style of an English garden, creates a contemporary feel that works well with today’s home designs. Crushed limestone makes the perfect path material, especially when combined with crushed slate or recycled rubber mulch in black or gray. For an even more dramatic effect, plant geometric hedges of varying heights for your path borders. Tuck a cozy glider or other seating area in an unexpected spot. Add an oversized architectural vase, gazing ball or bubbling water feature to complete your relaxing escape.

 

Consider Varying Elevations

Neutral colors help soften a geometric layout, offering the best of both worlds. Imagine taking a leisurely hike through the beautiful terrain of northern Utah. Now imagine that hiking trail in your own yard. Landscape designers suggest bringing that feel home by incorporating subtle elevation changes in your yard. This works bests with xeriscaping and high desert perennial plants. Mix ephemeral fountain grasses with yucca, buckwheat and sego lily plants. Use buff-colored crushed granite or small gravel for your paths. Transition between elevations with either gradual slopes or carved steps, depending on the degree of change and the size of the yard.

If you plan to redesign your yard or garden this year, let Millcreek Gardens help you select the prefect plants and accessories. We have the largest and most diverse section of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs you’ll find anywhere in northern Utah. Serving our area since 1955, our helpful, friendly staff can help you make the most of your garden paths.

Gardening supplies and tools in kid-friendly sizes and shapes can encourage your kids to help out with planting and cultivating.

Planning and tending to a family flower or vegetable garden can be exciting for the whole family, including your children, especially if they have their own tools. Working in a garden can seem like play when kids get to use tools with fun designs and bright colors. Cultivate the green thumb in your children by choosing the right supplies to make your family’s gardening experience enjoyable and productive.

Mini Hand Tools for Gardening

Kids have smaller hands than adults and are less dexterous, so they need implements that are sized appropriately. A child-size hand shovel or trowel makes it easier for little hands to dig planting holes, while a short-handled shovel can be helpful for digging larger areas. Kids can use small hand rakes or short-handled hoes to mix in mulch and aerate the soil. Size is the most important factor in choosing gardening tools for kids, but it is also important to look for tools that have solid, cushioned grips, safe edges and interesting designs, to make gardening tasks more fun for kids.

Other Gardening Supplies for Kids

Caring for a flower or vegetable garden requires more than just working with the soil. When tending to plants, kids may need to wear child-size gardening gloves to protect their hands from thorns and to help prevent blisters from forming. A small wheelbarrow, cart or wagon can be fun and useful, as kids can haul plants, weeds, mulch (or their friends!) around the garden.

Kids enjoy watering the garden too, which they can do with a small, lightweight watering can. Using the hose to water the garden is also fun, so choose a playful nozzle that is easy for smaller hands to operate.

Learning to care for flowers and vegetables can be entertaining for children and create a lifelong love of growing plants. Consequently, it’s a good idea to include a kid-friendly and age-appropriate book among your garden supplies.

Storing Kids’ Gardening Supplies

Once you purchase your kids’ tools, give some thought to how they will be stored when not in use. Kid-sized tools require the same care as adult tools, and they will last longer and work better if they are kept clean and dry. Designate a specific place to store garden supplies, so they are less likely to get lost or suffer damage. Some kids’ gardening supplies come in kits along with a storage tote or covered tool container, but you can also find separate containers for keeping tools organized. Teach kids how to take care of their tools, so they can enjoy them season after season.

Whether your family prefers to plant containers of flowers or a large vegetable garden, kids are more likely to want to get involved if they have their own tools and supplies. In Salt Lake City, grab the whole family and drop by Millcreek Gardens this weekend. There you’ll find everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors as a family, including plants, soil supplements and gardening supplies.

Plant flower bulbs now, and your springtime garden will have a spectacular show of color. Fall-planted varieties grow into a beautiful blooming display, and it doesn’t take much time or effort. Bulbs are fast and easy to plant and foolproof enough for gardeners of any skill level. With tons of floral varieties to choose from, bulbs are the ideal choice for brightening up your yard or garden.
 
Why Fall Is Time to Plant
 
Successful bulb gardening requires planting at the right time of year. Spring flowering species, called hardy bulbs, take root during the cold winter. These can be planted once the ground is cool, when soil temperatures have dropped to 60 degrees or below. Generally, the right time to plant is when the evening temperatures average between 40 and 50 degrees. Fall is the only time to plant spring flowering varieties, as they need to go into the ground six weeks before it freezes. In order to bloom in the spring, hardy bulbs need plenty of time to develop a root system before frost sets in.
 
Tips for Planting Fall Flower Bulbs
 
Large, firm specimens produce the most flowers, so avoid purchasing bulbs that are soft, withered or damaged. Most bulb varieties flourish in areas of full sun, so choose a planting site that will get at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, come springtime. It also is important to plant your bulbs at the proper depth. Package directions will typically indicate the necessary depth, but a good rule of thumb is to dig a hole three times the width of the bulb. Plant teardrop-shaped bulbs, such as hyacinth, daffodils and tulips, with the pointy end up. Crocuses and other flat varieties should be planted with the flatter side facing up. It is also a good idea to plant bulbs generously, as not all of them will sprout.
 
Designing a Flower Bulb Garden
 
For the greatest impact, plant flower bulbs in clusters rather than spacing them out singularly along a line. You can plan out the clusters by laying the bulbs on the ground to find an arrangement that pleases you, or get a natural effect by randomly planting groups of bulbs. Try layering different types of flower varieties from top to bottom in the same hole to create a visually appealing doubled effect as the flowers bloom intertwined. You can increase the bloom time of your garden by planting a mix of varieties that flower at different stages of spring.
 
Planting spring flowering bulbs is simple, providing you with a lush, blooming garden all season long. If you would like to learn more about how to plan a gorgeous spring garden, talk to the experts at Millcreek Gardens in Salt Lake City. Their experienced team can help you select the perfect combination of flower bulbs.

Do you know your Utah tree shapes? September is a great month for planting trees in northern Utah, so it’s time to bone up on your tree knowledge. Each distinct shape lends itself to specific locations and growing conditions, and each provides its own benefits. Read on for a brief rundown on different tree shapes and their characteristics. Not only will this assist you in selecting your trees, but you also will be able to confidently identify the trees in and around your area.

Pyramidal

Classic Christmas pine trees often feature the pyramidal shape, but this configuration appears in other tree species as well. Pyramidal trees tend to be wider at the bottom, with a main center trunk and horizontal branches that radiate from the center. The branches may begin near the ground or a little higher up on the trunk, depending on the level of pruning. Examples of this type include tricolor beech, autumn gold ginkgo, skyline honeylocust and the sweetgum tree. Pyramidal trees provide excellent wind-breaking ability as well as highly attractive privacy screens. Many species are fast-growing and low maintenance.

Round

Trees featuring a round foliage structure and central trunk are ideal for providing shade and lowering the temperature of your property during the hot summer months. Norway maples, eastern redbuds, hawthorns and dogwoods are all examples of round trees. Look for the round shape when you want a classic look for your yard.

Columnar

Columnar trees grow quite tall, with a thin profile and upright branches. Columnar species are also ideal as a windbreak or privacy screen, but they require less room than pyramidal varieties. The columnar Norway maple, columnar purple beech, golden rain tree and tulip tree are great examples that thrive in northern Utah.

Layered

Layered trees, also known as umbrella trees, have high branches that spread wide to make them look a bit like an umbrella. The branches are usually high enough to make these excellent shade trees for patios because they are clear underneath. Some layered species feature the same hanging type branches seen in the weeping tree shape. Examples of this tree include the Camperdown elm, catalpa, Salix, mimosa or silk tree.

Vase

Vase-shaped trees feature a central trunk that extends upward in a three-dimensional V-shape, much like a flared vase. These trees are valued for their delicate leaf patterns and graceful appearance. Many vase trees are flowering varieties or feature vibrant, colorful foliage. Most are slow-growing and heat-intolerant, but vase-like trees are ideal for lining paths or defining space in your yard or garden. Examples include the Bloodgood Japanese maple, winter king hawthorn, and the saucer magnolia.

Weeping

The long, rope-like branches of weeping trees arch over gracefully, flowing like a waterfall toward the ground. Weeping trees require a large space for growth, however, and provide little advantage for shade. Examples include the golden chain tree, weeping mulberry and the snow fountain weeping cherry.

Gardening experts recommend researching potential tree varieties prior to making your selection. Consider your goals for the tree and how well the intended location will be able to handle the tree’s future growth patterns. Millcreek Gardens in Salt Lake City is your local tree specialist. Their expert staff can help you determine what species are best suited for your needs and which Utah tree shape will grow and thrive best for you.

Many types of shade trees grow well in Utah, and are native to the Salt Lake Valley. Cottonwoods, alders, aspens and Rocky Mountain maples are all found here naturally. However, if you’re looking for shade trees to plant on your property, you have a few other factors to consider before choosing the trees that are right for you.
 
Consider the Location’s Future
 
First, consider factors that can affect the tree’s future, such as sunshine, shade, wind and utility lines. Trees planted facing south or west, or locations with reflected heat from buildings, must be able to tolerate hotter and drier conditions than trees planted on a north or east face. Utah is no stranger to temperature extremes, so it is important that a tree be able to tolerate them. Also, think about the above- and below-ground space. Will there be enough room for the tree and its roots to reach maturity without interference? Overhead power lines, although they may seem far away today, are one of the leading reasons for tree failure and removal. Planning ahead ensures that you’ll select the ideal tree for the location.
 
Soil Type and Amendments
 
What type of soil do you have? Is it sandy or mostly clay-based? Do you know the pH and salt content? Some trees, like red maples, prefer lower pH soils. Unfortunately, soil types vary in Utah. Some trees do tolerate salty soil well, some tolerate wet conditions and still others prefer well-drained soil. If you don’t know your soil conditions, test kits are available to help you determine what you’re working with. As an alternative, you can have your soil tested at the local university extension.
 
Availability of Water
 
What kind of watering or irrigation will the tree receive? How much, and how often? You must select a tree whose water requirements match the local area, the landscape and nearby plants. Tree roots spread widely across an area, so working it in with the landscape is important to its future survival.
 
The Best Trees for Northern Utah
 
Some shade trees you may want to consider include the acer (maple), alnus (alder), betula (birch), carpinus (hornbeam), celtis (hackberry), fagus (beech), fraxinus (ash), plantanus (sycamore), populas (poplar, cottonwood, aspen), salix (willow), tilia (linden), quercus (oak) and ulmus (elm). Each species offers specific benefits and drawbacks, and which type you choose will ultimately influence its future. For example, cottonwood is naturally present along streams, and requires more water for maximum growth. Alder also needs to be planted in a location with ample water and moist soil conditions. Aspen and Rocky Mountain maples prefer cool, moist conditions and often struggle in the hot and dry valley landscape.
 
The best way to ensure that your tree selection is appropriate is to talk to an expert. The experienced professionals at Millcreek Gardens are native tree experts. Shade trees enhance your property and increase your enjoyment at home. Visit Millcreek Gardens today to determine the best procedure for selecting, planting and caring for your new shade trees.