BUY IT
Waterlily is a true “Denver’s Delight”
“Denver’s Delight” a waterlily found about 15 years ago in a lake near Sheridan and Interstate 70, is being sold exclusively by Lilypons Water Gardens, a Maryland mail-order company that specializes in water plants. Joe Tomocik, water gardens curator at Denver Botanic Gardens, found the lily and grew it at the gardens. The next step in getting the lily on the market was to send it to a Florida nursery where it was propagated in large numbers, then handed over to Lilypons, said Richard Koogle, the company’s operations director. This early spring bloomer is featured on the company’s spring catalog and boasts flowers ranging from white to pink to fuschia. Cost is $54. For information, visit www.lilypons.com or call 800-999-5459.
TIP
Plants deer
won’t eat
In mountain areas where deer roam free, gardeners often complain the creatures are using their yards as a buffet. There are many ways to deter deer, unless they are really hungry (when they will eat about anything). Generally, deer won’t eat plants that have sticky or hairy leaves, thick, leathery foliage, medicinal uses, or a minty or lemony fragrance. The more accustomed they are to people, the more chance they will eat your ornamentals. For an extensive list of plants that deer do not especially like, visit
www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/wildlife/deer.htm.
READ IT
Expert tips for beginners
Rob Proctor knows Colorado gardening. The author, photographer, lecturer and landscape designer has worked magic not only in his own Denver garden, but many others. The Denver Botanic Gardens’ artistic director has written more than a dozen books, and now he has one geared toward the beginner. Proctor said his first garden “was poorly planned, badly designed, chock-full of mistakes – and absolutely wonderful.” In his new book, “How to Get Started in Rocky Mountain Gardening” (Cool Springs Press, $19.99), he explores various gardens, tools and plants, each beautifully illustrated with his photographs. You could spend years visiting gardens, reading a variety of books and magazines and testing the vagaries of climate and soil. Or you can simply read Proctor’s book and get started.
Have a gardening tip to share with others?
Send it to GROW, c/o Cynthia Pasquale, The Denver Post, 1560 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202, or
cpasquale@denverpost.com. Include name address and telephone number. If we use your tip, we’ll send you a gardening book as a thank-you.
