BLESSINGS IN BLOOM: A Grateful Gardener

By Kerry Peetz

The garden can be a metaphor for our relationship with God. He is the “master gardener” who helps us through our struggles and lovingly celebrates our triumphs. The same can be said of our ups and downs in the garden; Colorado has experienced years of water deficiency, but recent rains have been a true blessing. All one has to do is look to the mountains or across the prairie to see the rich color of green!

This garden season, let’s revisit the basics and remember that if we keep them in mind our gardens will have a better chance for success.

Soil. Ideally, most landscape and garden soils should contain 4-5% organic matter. At this level, the mineralization (release) of nitrogen from the organic matter will be adequate for most plants without additional fertilizers. An annual soil test is the best measure for the need to add a soil amendment.

Right Plant Right Place. The average lifespan of a plant in Colorado is greatly reduced often due to poor design, placement and planting techniques. Research should be done to determine what needs the plant requires to thrive. Proper sun exposure and irrigation needs are most important.

Water Efficiency. Between 40% and 50% of annual domestic water use in Colorado (about 318 billion gallons a year) is used to water landscaping. According to Colorado Water Center, outdoor residential use in the state is nearly double commercial use. Individual gardeners in the state, working together, can make a substantial difference in water supplies! According to the US EPA, as much as half of residential outdoor water is wasted through evaporation or runoff due to poor irrigation design, installation, operation, and maintenance.

The most efficient time of day to water is late evening and early morning (between 10 p.m. and midnight or 8 and 9 a.m.). It usually is less windy and cooler at this time, resulting in less evaporation and more efficient use of water. Contrary to popular belief, watering at night does not encourage disease development.

Mulch. Depending on the material used, mulch can have many benefits: reducing evaporation from soil surfaces; increasing soil microorganism activity, which in turn, improves soil tilth and helps lessen soil compaction; stabilizing soil moisture; preventing soil compaction; suppressing weeds; moderating soil temperature extremes; controlling erosion; increasing water infiltration; and giving a finished look.

Climate. The climate in Colorado, much more so than in other places, makes gardening challenging. The climate itself is influenced primarily by the range of elevation of between 4,000-12,000 (or more) feet. Our clear atmosphere, normally low humidity, intense sunlight and extreme variations in precipitation and temperature are unique. They provide a challenge and an opportunity to do some interesting and productive gardening. The average annual precipitation in Colorado is about 15 inches, which classifies the area as semi-arid. Eighty percent of our precipitation falls between April 1 and September 30, mostly in heavy downpours. Precipitation can vary greatly from location to location, month to month, and year to year.

By the grace of God, we can eat our healthy grown fruits and vegetables. We can enjoy the beauty and grace of flowers, and we can sit under a shade tree in the heat of the day. How blessed are we!

As we pray in the the Jubilee Prayer, “May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.”