any good plant nursery in COS? (Monument: sale, homes, buying)

[willc86]

Hey guys....long story short...my soil sucks every plant I have used died from home depot.

so any good nursing homes for plants that actually knows about plants?

[dr.frog]

Try Rick's, across from King Sooper's on Uintah at 19th. They stock a lot of plants that are native to Colorado, or that at least do well in this climate. The big-box stores like HD sell a lot of plants that don't tolerate drought or that need more acidic soil than we have here or that are just not uniformly hardy here. I also find that the big-box stores often carry plants that have grown too big for their pots -- I'm sure these big bushy plants look great on the racks, but when you bring them home to plant them they're all root-bound and you have to be careful to unwind the roots or loosen/cut the root ball, or they will die.

I would also say.... if your soil sucks, you can't just dig a hole, drop in your plant, and expect it to thrive. You need to work in a lot of compost or other soil amendment before you get to the point of digging the planting hole. I normally use this stuff called "sheep and peat" that is a good choice for both heavy clay or loose sandy soil.

BTW, this being fall planting season, I've had good luck with bulbs here. Daffodils, crocuses, dutch irises, etc. They're very easy to plant and need basically no care, and they make your garden look nice during that long period in the spring when the snow has melted but it's too early to set out annuals or perennials because it still might snow some more!

[willc86]

thanks so much!! i will try those recommendations!

[otowi]

Harding's off of Powers, Spencer's on Tejon or off 85/87, Good Earth on Chestnut, Summerland Gardens on Cheyenne..... and I have had good results buying my plants at the Horticultural Society's spring sale at Monument Valley Park each year, heard the same about the plant sale at the zoo each spring as well....

[Vision67]

The big box stores bring in trees and plants from places like Texas where the seedlings are grown easily and cheaply.

Unfortunately, those plants have not adapted to the Colorado climate. One winter here usually kills them.

[JohnCurtisEstes]

Originally Posted by willc86

Hey guys....long story short...my soil sucks every plant I have used died from home depot.

so any good nursing homes for plants that actually knows about plants?

Hopefully within a year you have saved your receipts and gotten refunds from HD/Lowes- they have a 1 yr plant guarantee.


Most of the ones I have bought from those places actually have turned out very well, few have died and I am in Briargate where we have 100% sand for soil. Roses do very well (!).


I always use potting mix/top soil when I plant and in the winter you MUST water monthly. I just planted some new shrubs this last week since fall is one of the best times to plant here.

[TCHP]

I agree with talking to some of the local stores for details about making plants thrive in your locale. Closer to your residence they are, the better. But the places mentioned above do know enough to help.