Roamin’ the Range February 2019

by Libby James

Bare ground, leafless trees, a chill in the air. Winter has been around for a while. Very soon, spring will arrive and with it, at least for some, the return of an urge to dig in the dirt. Gardeners have to be an optimistic lot. They plant and pamper, water and fertilize, in hopes of raising exotic flowers, and tasty vegetables. It is not too early to plan a garden and think about starting seeds indoors in preparation for planting time.

You may want to spend some time browsing through seed catalogs before venturing out to local garden centers. Here’s a random selection: Abundant Life Seed Foundation, Bountiful Gardens, The Cook’s Garden, W. Atlee Burpee Co., Seeds of Change, Edible Landscaping.

Below is a selection of local garden centers ready with seeds, seedlings, plants, trees, shrubs and advice for long-time gardeners and for those getting ready to dig into the dirt for the first time. Those without a garden plot can satisfy the gardening urge by learning how to grow flowers and veggies in pots.

 Fort Collins Nursery, 2121 E. Mulberry St. — www.Fortcollinsnursery.com (970) 482-1984 has been around since 1932 and offers a complete line of gardening products. They are offering two workshops on Saturday, February 9, one on Small Conifers at 1 p.m. and another on The Wonders of the Spring Garden at 1 p.m. They encourage taking a look at your garden this month to see where textures and shapes can add interest and shelter for songbirds and small wildlife.

The Plantorium, 2933 WCR 54G (970) 632-2267 [email protected] in Fort Collins, re-opens for the season in mid-March. They carry a complete line of perennials in large and small pots, shrubs, bird baths, fountains and decorative concretes. They grow what they sell, including an assortment of roses from climbers to tea roses, veggies, and flowers. They also have a selection of planters and hanging baskets.

Bath Garden Center and Nursery, 2000 E. Prospect Rd, Fort Collins (970) 484-5022. A boutique garden shop featuring a large selection of organic and natural gardening products, home décor, gifts, clothing, and lotions.

Gulley Greenhouse and Garden Center, 6069 S. Shields St., Fort Collins (970) 223-4769. Family-owned business. Local plant growers for more than 40 years specializing in annual plants, hardy perennials, herbs, roses, hanging baskets, and trees. They offer classes: Feb. 2 Mistletoe Cactus Mount, Feb. 9 Valentine Airplant Wreath, Feb. 16, Woodland Kokedama, Feb. 23, Succulent Tray Garden.

Fossil Creek Nursery, 7029 S. College Ave., Fort Collins (970) 226-4924 www.fossilcreeknursery.com In addition to a full line of trees, shrubs, annuals perennials, bedding plants, groundcovers, veggies and herbs, this nursery has a home consultation service to asses your landscaping needs and identify pest and soil problems. They deliver and install what they sell. Through Alpine Gardens, they offer a landscape design service. It’s worth a visit to see their 15-acre operation.

Creekside Garden Center and Nursery, 1224 N. Shields St., Fort Collins (970) 482 0667, have trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetable seeds, fertilizers, roses, bedding plants, mulch. They welcome newcomers to gardening.

Windsor Gardener, 6461 Hwy 392, Windsor, (970) 686-9771. Small and charming shop outside Windsor that carries seeds, plants, gardening supplies, wind chimes, statues, fairies, spinners, and wall art. Stop into High Hops Brewery next door.

Loveland Garden Center, 1801 S. Lincoln, (970) 669-3577. Find perennials, annuals, food crops, indoor foliage, décor, fertilizers and help with pest management here.