In today's fast-paced digital world, developing an appreciation for nature and gardening in our kids can be difficult, but it's not impossible! Teaching your kids how to propagate succulents can be an excellent way to connect them with the environment, engage them with their surroundings, and foster their green thumbs. In this blog, we'll explore the best succulents for starting your kids out with plant propagation. Not only will it inspire a lifelong love for gardening, but it's also a great way to score some free plants!

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Is It Easy to Propagate Succulents in Utah?

The short answer is: yes! You can easily propagate most succulent varieties using various simple methods, including leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, offsets, and division. Succulents are incredibly hardy plants that are known for their ability to store water in their fleshy leaves, allowing them to survive in arid conditions, withstand neglect, and easily grow back from a fragment or cutting. With the right care and conditions, succulent cuttings will quickly develop roots and new growth, making their propagation a rewarding and enjoyable experience. 

The Best Succulents for Propagation
If you're ready to start teaching your kids about the amazing world of succulent propagation, you'll want to pick up some of these top picks!

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
With its soothing gel and fun, spiky appearance, Aloe vera is an excellent choice for introducing children to succulent propagation, and many kids naturally gravitate toward it. The plant's thick, fleshy leaves store water, meaning the occasional missed watering won't hurt it too badly. Aloe vera pups, or offshoots, grow at the base of the parent plant and can be propagated by gently separating them from the rest. This division process teaches kids about the basics of propagation and allows them to witness the birth of a new plant from an existing one in real-time.

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plants are considered lucky in certain cultures, making them extra special for kids! These hardy succulents have thick, glossy leaves that resemble small, rounded coins, and their easy-care nature and straightforward propagation process make them an excellent option for little green thumbs. Jade plants are best propagated using the stem cutting method, where your kids snip a healthy stem from the parent plant and place it directly in moist soil until it roots and develops into a new plant.

Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)
The rosette-shaped leaves and vibrant colors of echeverias fascinate children, making them another succulent perfect for little hands to propagate. The best way to propagate echeverias is to carefully remove a few leaves from the parent plant and place them on well-draining soil until they root and develop into new plants, a hands-on approach that allows kids to witness the magic of plant growth up close.

Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
Haworthia succulents are small, charming succulents with striking patterns and textures on their leaves. They are well-suited for indoor spaces and make great additions to your kids' bedrooms or study areas. The propagation of Haworthias are similar to that of Echeverias and involves placing cut leaves on top of suitable soil until new plantlets emerge.

Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedums, also known as stonecrops, absolutely captivate young children thanks to their wide variety of shapes and sizes. These hardy succulents can be propagated through both stem and leaf cuttings, providing your kids with different propagation methods to explore and learn from.

Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum)
Burro's Tail is a unique trailing succulent that resembles a lush green waterfall when fully grown. Its plump, hanging stems fascinate children and look like something from another world! Propagating Burro's Tail involves taking stem cuttings and allowing them to callus before planting them in well-draining soil. The joy of seeing these cuttings develop into full-fledged plants is sure to leave a lasting impression on your kids!

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)
The Christmas cactus is a delightful holiday plant that blooms with vibrant flowers during the festive season. Propagating this succulent is an exciting learning experience for children that doubles as an engaging homegrown holiday activity! Like jade plants, the best way to propagate Christmas cacti is by using stem cuttings, making it a simple yet incredibly hands-on process for your kids.

School may not be in session quite yet, but that doesn't mean your kids can't learn something new! Succulent propagation teaches your children about the science behind plant growth and instills within them the virtues of responsibility, patience, and wonder for the natural world. So, if you're ready to start propagating succulents with your kids, visit us at Millcreek Gardens to shop our superb succulent selection today!

In the arid climate of Salt Lake City, traditional gardening can be a challenging and water-intensive endeavor. Lucky for us, there's an alternative that's as stunning as it is sustainable: xeriscaping! Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that conserves water and promotes the use of drought-resistant plants, making it an ideal choice for Utah residents looking to create a stunning garden while also being environmentally conscious. To help you get started with this water-wise gardening approach, we'll explore some of xeriscaping's main principles, ideas, benefits, and essentials to show you can achieve an eco-friendly landscape that's also lush, beautiful, and diverse. 

Understanding Xeriscaping
"Xeriscaping" comes from the Greek word "xeros," meaning dry. The concept was first introduced in Denver, Colorado, during the 1970s and has gained popularity in arid regions ever since. The main goal of xeriscaping is to minimize water usage through strategic plant selection, soil improvement, and appropriate irrigation methods. By doing so, xeriscaping not only conserves water but also reduces maintenance needs, ultimately providing a more sustainable and cost-effective landscaping solution for your outdoor spaces.

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Xeriscaping in the Garden-drought tolerant garden

What are the Benefits of Xeriscaping My Salt Lake City Garden?
Here are just a few of the main benefits you’ll get to enjoy with xeriscaping: 

-Water Conservation

Utah's semi-arid climate and limited water resources make water conservation a top priority for Salt Lake City homeowners. A xeriscape design can significantly reduce water consumption by up to 70-80% compared to traditional lawns and gardens, reducing the strain put on local water supplies during the summer and taking a sizable chunk out of your next water bill!

- Low Maintenance

Between all the weeding, watering, and mowing, upkeeping traditional gardens requires quite a bit of time and effort. On the other hand, Xeriscapes use drought-resistant plants that don't need much in the way of maintenance once they're established, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your beautiful landscape and less on upkeep.

- Financial Savings

The reduced water usage and lower maintenance needs of a xeriscape design combine to save you money. As your water bills lower and your lawn care expenses diminish, you'll be able to sit back and watch your initial xeriscaping investment start to quite literally pay for itself. 

- Wildlife Habitat

A xeriscaped garden creates a welcoming habitat for local wildlife and important pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and birds. Because xeriscaping places such a large emphasis on choosing native plants, xeriscaped spaces provide these beneficial creatures with abundant shelter and food sources, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region.

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Xeriscaping in the Garden-yarrow flowers

Getting Started with Xeriscaping
If you're ready to start exploring xeriscaping and all the benefits that come with it, here's how to get started: 

- Evaluate Your Landscape
Before diving straight into xeriscaping your yard, take a moment to assess your garden's layout. Note any areas that receive different amounts of sunlight and shade, and consider your garden's soil type, drainage, and existing plant species. This evaluation will help you choose the best plants and irrigation methods for your unique landscape.

- Choose Native and Drought-Resistant Plants
Selecting plants that are well-adapted to your area's climate is crucial for a successful xeriscape. Choose native plants and other drought-resistant species, as these will be more accustomed to your region's weather conditions and require less water to thrive. Some popular choices for Salt Lake City xeriscapes include:

-Utah Serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis)
-Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)
-Western Sundancer Daisy - (Hymenoxys)
-Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma)
-Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)

- Soil Improvement
Enhancing your soil's structure and fertility is vital for the health of your Xeriscape, so incorporate organic matter like compost into your soil to improve water retention and drainage. Additionally, add mulch around the base of your plants to help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Xeriscaping in the Garden-drip irrigation

Efficient Irrigation
Proper irrigation is essential for the survival and growth of your xeriscape garden. Drip irrigation systems, soaker hoses, or smart controllers are all effective methods that minimize water waste by delivering water directly to your plants' root zones. Avoid overhead watering if possible, as it can lead to unnecessary evaporation and water runoff.

Exploring different xeriscape ideas is a rewarding and sustainable way to create a beautiful landscape while conserving water and supporting your local environment. By simply embracing native and drought-resistant plants and implementing efficient irrigation, you can easily transform your garden into a landscape that is both aesthetically pleasing and contributes to the broader goals of water conservation and eco-consciousness. 

So, roll up your sleeves and create a xeriscaped paradise of your very own this year as a testament to your commitment to a greener and more eco-friendly future. If you get stuck along the way, we'll be right here with the expert advice, tools, and materials you'll need to get back on track! 

Many of us gardeners have enjoyed some successes in the veggie patch this summer and look forward to continuing those successes come harvest time. However, this introduces a whole new host of challenges, as understanding when to harvest your favorite crops is crucial for ensuring maximum flavor and nutritional value. In this blog, we'll explore the optimal harvest periods for some of our most popular crops, along with essential tips on picking and handling your homegrown produce.

What Is the Best Time to Harvest Vegetables in Utah?

Ultimately, the best time to harvest your homegrown veggies will depend on multiple factors, including climate and crop type. These simple tips will help take out the guesswork so you can harvest the right way! 

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Peppers
Peppers are a staple crop in many daily dishes thanks to their vibrant colors and distinct flavors. For Salt Lake City gardeners, the ideal time to pick peppers typically falls between late summer and early fall, but the exact timing will depend on the variety you're cultivating. Regardless, it's best to wait for your peppers to reach their mature color—whether that be green, yellow, orange, or red—before harvesting. When you harvest your peppers, avoid pulling or tugging on them, as this can damage the plant. Instead, use sharp garden shears or a knife to carefully cut the peppers from the plant, leaving only a short stem attached. Finally, handle your harvested peppers carefully to prevent bruising or cuts that can lead to spoilage.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes are undoubtedly one of the most beloved crops in home gardens nationwide. In Utah, the prime time for tomato picking is between late summer and early fall. It's best to wait until your tomatoes are fully ripened on the vine before picking, as this ensures optimal texture and flavor. You'll know they're ready for harvest when they have a rich, vibrant color and yield slightly to gentle pressure when touched. To harvest tomato crops, hold the tomato firmly and twist it gently until it detaches from the stem. If you encounter any green or unripe tomatoes, you can let them ripen indoors by placing them in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple.

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Lettuce
Lettuce is a cool-season crop that thrives in the milder temperatures of spring and fall, so the best time to pick it is right before the first hard frost. Lettuce is ready for harvest when the leaves are full-sized, just before they elongate and develop a bitter taste. When harvesting lettuce crops, use a clean, sharp knife to cut the leaves just above the soil level, taking care not to damage neighboring plants. For a continuous harvest, take only the outer leaves and leave the inner ones to keep growing.

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Squash
Squash varieties, including zucchini and yellow squash, are warm-weather crops that flourish in Utah's hot summer months. The ideal time to harvest squash is when they reach a manageable size and are still tender. For zucchini and other summer squashes, this typically occurs when they are around 6-8 inches long. When picking your squash crops, use a sharp knife to cut the fruit from the stem, leaving a short portion attached. Harvest your plants regularly to encourage them to produce more fruit throughout the growing season.

Cucumbers
Cucumbers, another popular warm-weather crop, thrive in the summer heat, and the best time to pick them is when they are firm, evenly colored, and have reached their mature size. Avoid letting them grow too large, as overripe cucumbers can be bitter and less flavorful. When harvesting cucumbers, use a pair of garden shears or a knife to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving only a small stem attached. Gently handle your freshly-harvested cucumber crops to avoid bruising, as they can quickly deteriorate once damaged.

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Harvesters Guide to Picking Veggies-harvesting corn

Corn
Corn is a classic summer crop that adds a delightfully sweet crunch to any dinner table and is typically ready for harvest in late summer, between July and August. The key to determining your corn's ripeness is to observe its ears; ripe corn will have green, snugly-wrapped husks and dry, brown silks. Once ripe, the easiest way to harvest your corn crops is to firmly hold the ear and twist it downward until it detaches from the stalk. We recommend eating homegrown corn within a few hours after it's been harvested for the freshest taste; however, you can also store it in the refrigerator to preserve its flavor and sweetness.

These tips and guidelines will help you ensure a bountiful and rewarding harvest year after year; however, remember that successfully harvesting crops isn't just about picking the right time! It's also important to know how to properly handle and store your freshly-grown produce to prolong its freshness. Luckily, we at Millcreek Gardens are here to help you out every step of the way, so roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and embark on a journey of taste and sustainability right in your own Salt Lake City backyard. Happy harvesting!

It's no secret that garden pollinators are crucial to Utah's ecosystem. By facilitating plant reproduction, they ensure the production of fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Despite their importance, however, most pollinators—especially bees and butterflies—are currently facing numerous threats to their existence, including habitat loss and the effects of pesticide use. Thankfully, there is a lot we gardeners can do to help! 

How Can I Make My Salt Lake City Garden More Pollinator-Friendly?

There are many things you can do to make your garden more pollinator-friendly this summer. By implementing these simple practices, you can support the well-being and survival of these essential insects and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment:

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Welcoming Pollinators to Your Garden-native flowers

Choose Native Plants 

Native plants are well-adapted to our local climates and provide abundant food sources for pollinators. When designing your garden, prioritize native flowering plants such as the Rocky Mountain bee plant, butterfly weed, and purple coneflower. These plants offer nectar and pollen essential for the survival of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Try also to select a variety of native plants with different bloom times to ensure a consistent food supply throughout the growing season. 

If you can't get your hands on any native Utah plants, don't worry! There is an abundance of other flowering perennials and annuals you can choose from to attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden. Here are some of our favorites: 

-Salvia
-Trumpet Creeper
-Hot pokers
-Penstemon
-Heuchera
-Russian Sage
-Lavender
-Hyssop
-Spirea
-Sunflowers

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Welcoming Pollinators to Your Garden-bee shelters

Create Shelter and Nesting Sites 

Pollinators require safe spaces to rest, hide, and lay their eggs, so incorporate diverse elements into your garden that offer shelter and nesting opportunities. Planting dense shrubs, such as serviceberries or wild roses, provides protective cover for pollinators, while leaving patches of bare ground or creating small mounds of soil can attract ground-nesting bees. You can also install bee houses or nesting boxes to accommodate solitary bee species, which are other fantastic pollinators.

Minimize or Eliminate Pesticide Use

Pesticides can devastate pollinators visiting your garden, harming their health and disrupting their natural behavior, so opt for natural pest control methods like companion planting, crop rotation, and even manual pest removal instead of relying on chemical pesticides. There are also many beneficial insect varieties, like ladybugs and lacewings, that you can attract to your garden to keep pest populations in check. If you must use pesticides for out-of-control problems, choose organic and bee-friendly options, and apply them in the evening when pollinators are less active.

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Provide a Water Source 

Of all our local pollinators' needs, access to a safe, clean water source is perhaps the most essential. To help with this, install a shallow water source in your garden, such as a birdbath or shallow dish, and add in a few pebbles, stones, and twigs for landing spots. Ensure that the water source is regularly replenished and kept clean to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.

You can also attract hummingbirds by keeping a hummingbird feeder in your garden for a quick energy boost. Only use water and white sugar in your feeders at a ratio of 4 cups water to 1 cup sugar, and clean them out regularly to avoid a buildup of harmful bacteria. We recommend cleaning your feeders at least once a week and even more frequently in hotter weather. 

Adopt Sustainable Gardening Practices

Adopting sustainable gardening practices benefits both the environment and pollinators alike! Mulching your garden beds, for instance, helps them retain moisture, reduces weed growth, and improves soil health, while using compost instead of synthetic fertilizers enriches your soil by providing essential nutrients without chemically disrupting your local ecosystem. Consider also collecting and using rainwater to irrigate your garden to reduce your water consumption. Additionally, regularly weeding and removing invasive plant species can prevent the spread of unwanted plants that may outcompete the native species our local bees and butterflies have grown to love.

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Welcoming Pollinators to Your Garden-adding mulch

These simple steps will help you transform your landscape into a welcoming oasis for garden pollinators. Your efforts will provide vital resources for these essential insects and contribute to your local ecosystem's health and biodiversity. Remember that even small changes can make a significant impact and that, together, we can ensure a thriving environment for pollinators now and in future generations. For more information on how to make your garden more pollinator-friendly, or to get started with plants and supplies, stop by our Garden Center and chat with us today!

Butterflies are captivating creatures that play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our local ecosystems, and attracting these enchanting insects to your garden is a must for preserving local biodiversity and promoting your gorgeous blooms. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to turn your Utah garden into a butterfly haven. By providing the right conditions, food sources, and shelter, you can invite a variety of butterfly species to grace your outdoor space with their vibrant colors and graceful flights. Here are some of our favorite tips and tricks for attracting butterflies to your garden this summer!

How To Attract Butterflies to Your Utah Garden

Here are the best ways to attract butterflies to your Utah garden oasis:

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake-City-Utah-Butterfly Gardens-take home butterfly kit

Use Millcreek Gardens' Take-Home Butterfly Kits
We at Millcreek Gardens are here to help you see the magic of butterflies up close and personal in your backyard this summer. Our Riverbottom butterfly kits let you watch the entire butterfly maturation process happen up close and personal, making them perfect for engaging your kids in nature. When you take home one of our butterfly kits—which includes a cup of caterpillars and organic plant-based food—you can watch them eat, make their chrysalises, and emerge as beautiful butterflies, ready to take on your new garden!

Build Them a Proper Habitat
Once your new butterflies are reborn, you need to make sure they stay close to home! Butterflies are attracted to habitats that combine sun, shelter, water, and food, so make sure your garden ticks all four of those boxes. Start by selecting a sunny location for your garden, as butterflies are ectothermic and rely on the sun's warmth for energy. Next, incorporate various types of butterfly-attracting plants to serve as nectar sources. Suitable perennial nectar plants include Bee Balm, Butterfly Weed, Milkweed, Purple Coneflower, and Yarrow.

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Plant Host Plants
In addition to nectar plants, host plants are also essential for butterfly reproduction, as they provide butterflies a place to lay their eggs and serve as a food source for caterpillars. So, to fill your garden with tons of butterflies this year, research and plant the preferred host plants of the butterfly species you aim to attract. For instance, the Monarch butterfly relies on Milkweed as its host plant, so planting this in the garden will keep these beauties fluttering around all season. It's also a great idea to incorporate a variety of host plants into your garden to attract multiple species and extend the butterfly life cycle of your area.

Avoid Pesticides and Other Chemicals 
Chemical-based pesticides, such as insecticides and herbicides, can have long-lasting negative effects on butterflies and other beneficial insects, so avoid using them in your garden whenever you can to attract more butterflies to your space. Instead, opt for natural pest control methods for your plant collection, such as companion planting, introducing beneficial insects, and manually removing pests when necessary.

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake-City-Utah-Butterfly Gardens-butterfly water sources

Provide Water Sources 
Like all living creatures, butterflies need water to survive, so installing a few safe, fresh water sources in your garden is a surefire way to attract more butterflies to your landscape. Create shallow puddles near your butterfly-attracting plants or place a birdbath somewhere in your garden, ensuring the water is easily accessible for butterflies. Add a few stones or pebbles to provide perching spots and prevent drowning, and remember to keep the water source clean and replenish it regularly.

Understand Native Butterflies 
Before embarking on your butterfly-attracting journey, you must first familiarize yourself with your area's native butterfly species, because understanding their preferences, host plants, and nectar sources will help you tailor your garden to their needs. Research local resources or consult with local gardening experts to gain insights into the specific butterflies you can expect to attract. Common butterflies in the Salt Lake City area include the Western Tiger Swallowtail, Painted Lady, Monarch, and Checkered White. 

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Native butterflies

Creating a butterfly-friendly garden is an incredibly rewarding experience, and choosing the right plants to attract them is a key step. By understanding your local butterfly species, providing them with native host plants and water sources, and avoiding harmful chemicals, you can support these beautiful creatures, contributing to the conservation of butterflies and the overall health of your local ecosystem. Get ready to enjoy the enchanting presence of butterflies in your backyard with our Riverbottom butterfly kits and a healthy handful of butterfly-attracting plants, all available at Millcreek Gardens!

With the heat of July gearing up, you might be wishing you had more shade in your Salt Lake City garden. The good news is that it's never too late to plant trees for shade, and many varieties only take a few short years to flourish. Choosing the right trees for your space is important, though, so we’ve chosen our favorites for Utah to get you started!

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Pacific Maple tree

Pacific Maple
The Pacific Sunset Maple makes an excellent shade tree for Utah landscapes, maintaining its round shape consistently and adapting well to both heat and drought. Its dark green foliage and upward growth habit keep this tree looking attractive all spring and summer before putting on its fall color show of yellow, orange, and even red. When planting this slow-growing variety in your garden, make sure to leave enough space for its mature height of 30 feet tall and 25 feet wide, and allow it to bask in full sun if possible.

Main Street Maple
Sometimes known as the Shantung Maple, this “no-brainer” shade tree could be the perfect fit for your Utah landscape this year and is commonly considered one of the best. With its beautiful color-changing habit, starting off maroon in the spring, turning green during the summer, and then exploding into shades of reds, oranges, yellows, and purples in the fall, this is a shade tree worth waiting for! This slower-growing tree reaches 30’ at maturity, and can be expected to live for up to 70 years!

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Bigtooth Maple 
An excellent shade-tolerant choice, the Bigtooth maple is a perennial native to Utah, and is also shade-tolerant, meaning you can plant it anywhere! Being drought-tolerant and capable of handling urban pollution makes this a very adaptable tree, but its rather tall canopy (about 7’ from the ground) means it should be planted clear of power lines. 

Hybrid Norway Maple
A dense, deciduous tree with a lovely oval shape, this maple prefers full sunlight and can be planted just about anywhere in a garden with its small mature size of 35’, but should also be kept clear of power lines.

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-The Best Shade Trees-english oak tree

English Oak
You’ll want to clear the way for this shade tree and its stately size and stature. Growing faster than most other elm varieties, the mature height is 60’ and similar in width. This is the perfect shade tree if you’ve got the room, and promises a long and loyal stay in your garden—up to 300 years!

Frontier Elm
One of our favorites here at Millcreek Gardens, the Frontier elm is particularly resistant to diseases and insect attacks, as well as being a quick-grower. Its smaller size makes it the best choice for creating shade in any area, and can be used wonderfully in garden settings for shade, as well as in urban settings.

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Eastern Redbud 
A redbud tree in bloom can be a memorable occasion, displaying small magenta buds that burst into pretty pink flowers before the leaves appear. Reaching a mature height of about 30’, this is one of the best ornamental shade trees we hope you’ll try in Salt Lake City. The Eastern redbud also looks stunning planted in groups together for a showy and colorful spring show! Fun fact: did you know that Redbud blossoms are edible!?

Japanese Zelkova
This tough, deciduous tree is another top pick for residential shade planting and also one of the prettiest! Native to Asia, the Zelkova is fairly drought-tolerant once established and is primarily chosen for its beautiful cascading growth pattern and vibrant coppery shades in the fall.

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-The Best Shade Trees-the tulip tree

Tulip Tree
This large-growing tree is an exciting ornamental shade tree we love here in Utah, and is the tallest native hardwood tree in North America. Growing upwards of 100’, this isn’t the tree to plant if you’re cramped for space. With yellow tulip-shaped flowers in the spring, dazzling green leaves in the summer, and foliage that turns bright gold in the fall—this is certainly one of the most magnificent shade trees you might find in our area, and one to add to your list if you have the space to let it grow uninhibited!

If you’re ready to start selecting some of the best shade trees for Utah, look no further! Here at Millcreek Gardens we’ve got the advice you need to keep your landscape cool for years to come and would love to be a part of your next tree planting adventure!

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Growing Sunflowers-Large sunflower blooms

No flower shines brighter than a sunflower, and as much as they inspired artists like Van Gogh and Monet, sunflowers remain one of the most iconic representations of summer wildflowers to this day. Not only are they easy to grow, they are usually the largest, boldest addition you can make to a garden, with some varieties—like the Mammoth— towering up to 12 feet tall!

Beyond their summer beauty, sunflowers are great flowers to grow for wildlife and humans, and they have been cultivated and used as a food source since 1000 BC. Ready to plant a few of your own? Here is everything you need to know about sunflower care in your Utah garden this year!

How Do You Take Care of a Sunflower Plant in Utah?

While sunflower care is not hard, it helps to know how to give these titans the best start in life for a long and dazzling summer show. Sunflowers are very adaptable plants, being pest resistant, heat tolerant, and grow very fast. Here are some tips for a happy Helianthus to keep them growing strong! 

Soil
Sunflowers are very large seed-producing plants, so they need some good, fertile soil to make the most of their summer in your garden. Utah has the perfect sandy, well-draining soil to keep sunflowers in tip-top shape, but add some good organic matter like leaf mold or compost for extra nutrients. The ideal soil for growing sunflowers is slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0-6.8.

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Growing Sunflowers-watering sunflower crop

Water
While many annuals relish in a steady water supply over hot summer days, sunflowers, in particular, will need more than others to keep up their rapid growth and size. Taller varieties should never be allowed to dry out and may not recover from a prolonged dry spell, so check flowers daily and water every day during long, hot weather conditions.

Sun
True to their name, these bright beauties need full sunlight to grow their best, so be sure to plant them where they can receive 6-8 hours of direct sun each day. Young sunflowers follow the movement of the sun, starting in the east and stopping in the west before returning back again, but when a flower reaches maturity, they will stay fixed on the east for the rest of their lives. This heavy sun exposure is beneficial on many levels and helps to attract bees who naturally prefer to pollinate warmer blossoms. 

Space
Many varieties of sunflowers get really big, which is a large part of their appeal for many people. The ideal scenario for large varieties of sunflowers like Mammoth and Earthwalker is to plant them from seed in the garden and allow them to grow undisturbed from spring through summer; this ensures the roots have plenty of room to stretch out their long tap roots without disturbance; many varieties of these titan sunflowers don't survive later transplants once flowering has begun. 

If you're growing sunflowers in pots, give them plenty of room for their taproot to sustain their height and try to plant either from seed or when still a young seedling. Smaller sunflower varieties, such as Italian White, Sensation Flame, and Sunfill Green, are best for containers. 

Stability
Because of the impressive height of many sunflowers, part of their care should include staking to prevent breakage caused by wind or other disturbances. Many gardeners choose to plant giant sunflowers in front of a fence where it is easy to anchor stems, but if your sunflower is growing in a container or as a stand-alone, use a bamboo cane for added support.

Food
It is generally recommended not to feed sunflowers too much, but right before flowering, you can apply some tomato feed to the plant for extra nutrients for new blooms. 

Growing sunflowers in Salt Lake City is a rewarding gardening experience. With the proper care and attention, you can have beautiful, sun-loving blooms that you can enjoy all summer long, and watch the wildlife savor the seeds in the fall. If you need more advice on the best sunflower care in Utah, come see us today. We have plenty of varieties available, including multifloral starts for Utah's favorite roadside sunflowers. 

Roses are classic garden flowers that have stood the test of time and are very rewarding to grow. Over the years, rosarians have developed several best practices for producing beautiful roses from your rose bush. From planting and maintaining ideal soil conditions to fertilizing, pruning, and hydrating your roses—there's a lot to know! But don't let that intimidate you. Roses are no more difficult to care for than most flowering shrubs, especially with this fool-proof care guide. Here are the top rose care secrets from the professionals, including the best season to plant and how to prune your roses when the growing season ends.

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-How to Grow Roses-planting a rose

Planting Your Roses 

It's best to plant roses during the spring or the fall months, after the first frost or before it has appeared. You will want to dig a hole according to the size of your root ball and two inches shallower. To prepare your plant for pot removal, gently loosen the root ball and be careful not to damage its roots. Fill your planting hole with high-quality soil, the root ball, and any nutrients or organic matter you're planting with it to enrich your roses. Apply mulch over the roots to aid in the moisture retention of your soil and protect your plant. 

Now that your rose is planted, how much water does it need? Don't worry; we've got you covered on that, too!

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-How to Grow Roses-watering a rose

Watering Your Rose Bush 

Your soil should be kept evenly moist throughout your rose bush's growing season. The frequency of watering your shrub will depend on the climate you are living in as well as the soil type you are using, but for the first couple of months after planting, you'll want to give the plant a deep watering two to three times per week with your garden hose. In their first season, the shrubs are fairly drought-tolerant, but sandier soils or gardens that are hot, dry, or windy may require more frequent watering.

Soil Preparation

Like most flowers, your roses love nutrient-rich, moist soil with proper drainage. In terms of soil varieties, they are very resilient and can thrive in most soil conditions. Because these flowers are so loved, most brands even make rose-specific soil to help your plants thrive! The pH of rose soil should be at or near the level of typical garden soil, which is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0). You can check your soil's pH with a simple and inexpensive soil testing kit. Make sure to add plenty of light and airy organic matter, such as compost, to your soil! These flowers aren't picky, but they do like to breathe. 

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-How to Grow Roses-fertilizing a rose

Fertilizer Requirements 

Periodically fertilizing your roses will encourage showy, beautiful flowers and abundant growth. For more vigorous blooms, feed your roses an organic fertilizer mix. Liquid fertilizer is recommended for most roses after the first bloom, while repeat-blooming roses need regular feeding every 2-3 weeks until late summer. Some rosarians will even add Epsom salt or coffee grounds to their fertilizer to turn up the intensity! Coffee grounds help to keep rose pests at bay, and the added magnesium from the Epsom salt creates a lusher, more intense color in your blooms.

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-How to Grow Roses-pruning a rose

Pruning Your Rose Bush 

Pruning your rose bush is essential for keeping it not only beautiful but healthy as well. A regular pruning routine will keep your shrub blooming all summer long! What more could you ask for than a chance to enjoy these delicious blooms a little while longer? Plants without pruning are more susceptible to poor circulation as a result of crowded conditions and not enough space to grow. Remove all remaining leaves and dead foliage at the beginning of the spring season, cut back continually throughout the summer, and give it a tidy in the fall. Starting with dead leaves, trim back all weak growth until you make your way through the center of your rose bush. Protect freshly cut canes from rot and rose borers by sealing the wounds and immediately disposing of the clippings. 

Following these best practices, you will have vibrantly colored large blooming roses before you know it! With thousands of cultivars that boast all the colors of the rainbow, there surely isn't a shortage of beauty in this flower family. 

Some of our favorite rose varieties include: 

-Knock Out
-Cabbage Rose
-Grandiflora Rose
-Bourbon Rose
-Golden Celebration
-Lady Banks Rose


There's no shortage of gorgeous rose options to try in your garden, and caring for them is easy with our trusty guide. For more tips on how to keep gorgeous roses blooming all summer long, visit us at Millcreek Gardens in Salt Lake City, UT, today!

 

The arrival of summer brings an end to our indoor hibernations, and after a long winter, we’re all ready for some sunshine, warmth, and relaxation in the garden, including your houseplants! Not only do houseplants love basking in the sunshine alongside you, but they’re also sure to add some life to your front yard, patio, or back garden! Here’s how to give your loyal houseplants a safe and well-deserved outdoor summer vacation this year.

Benefits of Taking Houseplants Outside for the Summer

You might be wondering why you would want to disturb your houseplants by moving them around, but the great outdoors actually provide your indoor beauties with a ton of helpful benefits! These include:

– Increased humidity
– Increased light during high-growth periods
– Increased airflow
– Exposure to fresh rainwater

All of these things can give your plant a healthy boost in growth before they eventually return to winter dormancy and can often trigger better flowering, larger leaves, and brighter colors. Nature knows how to care for plants better than anyone, after all! 

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Bring Your Indoor Plants Outside for a Summer Vacation-houseplants on patio
How to Safely Bring Your Houseplants Outside for the Utah Summers

Before you start hauling your greens out on your patio, it’s important to know if your houseplants can tolerate the summer sun. Not all plants are created equal when it comes to light and temperature preferences, so make sure to follow these steps for a smooth transition: 

Assess Your Houseplants’ Tolerance

Although plants like cacti and succulents were made for the searing hot and low water conditions of deserts, some of your other favorite houseplants come from warm, tropical climates, where they’re used to relaxing under lush forest canopies with soothing, perfectly controlled humidity. This means that certain houseplant varieties don’t enjoy being thrust out into the open to be scorched by the hot sun, especially if they’ve adapted to lounging in the indirect sun or low light of your Utah home, and will need to be placed in more shaded or secluded areas of your outdoor space to avoid scorching. On the other hand, there are other houseplants that absolutely adore soaking up the sun’s rays! These include:

– Succulents and cacti
– Dracaena
– Jade plants
– Crotons
– Rubber plants

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Bring Your Indoor Plants Outside for a Summer Vacation-umbrella tree plant
Take it Slow

When bringing your houseplants outside for the summer, start by giving them short intervals in a shady location, gradually increasing the time they spend in your garden. As long as overnight temperatures stay above 50ºF, you should be able to fully transition them outdoors in about 1-2 weeks. If you have sun-loving plants like succulents and other cacti, gradually expose them to direct sun but watch for signs of burning leaves. 

Kickstart Summer Growth

So long as you manage them properly, you can expect your houseplants to undergo incredible growth spurts during their time outdoors! Give them a dose of fertilizer shortly after you move them outside to kickstart their seasonal growth and encourage new root production. 

Mind the Watering

When bringing your houseplants outside, remember that the open air, hotter daytime temperatures, and direct sun will dry out their soil much faster, meaning your watering schedule will need some tweaking. Even succulents in full sun will need near-daily watering when temperatures rise. To give your plants the best shot at success outdoors, water them deeply to ensure their roots soak up enough water, and add mulch around their bases to help with water retention. If rain is in the forecast, let them bask in it! Plants love nothing better than rainwater. 

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Bring Your Indoor Plants Outside for a Summer Vacation-philodendron birkin
Watch the Weather

Your houseplants are still your babies, so remember to keep a watchful eye on sudden shifts in weather that could upset or damage your tender tropicals. Tend to your houseplants with the same care you would any of your outdoor plants in the garden and protect them from high winds, heavy rains, or severe heat exposure, moving them back inside if weather conditions get too nasty.

Don’t Overextend the Vacation

When the weather starts to chill back down, it’s time to re-adjust your houseplants to indoor life, as even the slightest touch of frost can prove deadly! Follow the same process you used for moving them outside, and make sure to check them for any pests they may have picked up during their holidays.

As much as we all love being surrounded by our houseplants in our homes, a few months of vacation will do wonders for their long-term growth. If you’re bringing your houseplants outside into your Salt Lake City garden this year, following this guide will ensure a successful transition and healthy, happy summer for everyone!

Perennials make the gardening world go round. They form the backbone of abundant borders and seasonal containers and do us the added benefit of returning year after year with little prodding. If you're wondering how to make the most of your perennial favorites, we've got some expert tips and tricks sure to help you get your bloomers looking good all season long. 

The Best Perennial Plant Combinations for Utah

There's no denying the visual impact of a perfectly sculpted perennial border flowering from spring to fall in a profusion of stunning colors. If you want to maximize your perennial garden's aesthetic and ensure it gets the attention it deserves, try these expert plant combination and design ideas: 

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Perennial Garden Design-purple and orange flowers

Use Contrast

One of our favorite ways to make our perennials pop is to play around with whatever makes them different. Perennials come in so many shapes, sizes, colors, and textures that it's always an adventure in creativity to pair them up. For instance, try combining spiky plants like lupines or veronica with rounder flowers like coneflowers and perennial daisies, or arrange plants with large, lush foliage alongside flowers with tall, elegant stems, like crocosmia. Remember to play around with color in the garden, too, and look for pairings that complement each other well and create a sense of harmony.

Fill Space 

A great way to create superstar perennial combinations is to group them together according to light requirements, watering needs, and soil preferences. While many perennials appreciate a day full of sunshine, there are many varieties—like hostas and astilbes—that also thrive in low-light space, making it easy for you to use up every inch of soil space available. Making use of some solid perennial groundcovers is another must, and vigorous growers like creeping jenny, creeping phlox, creeping juniper, and blue star creeper do a great job of filling in empty spaces between taller blooms and keeping the soil covered. 

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Perennial Garden Design-roses and lavender

Mind Your Shrubs

Don't forget the importance of combining your delicate perennial flowers with denser shrub varieties, like roses and hydrangeas. Roses, in particular, look incredible when planted alongside salvias and other tall, slender blooms that compliment the lush, delicate cottage-style flowers.

Size Matters

Some of the best perennials shine like beacons, towering above your landscape and stealing the attention in your garden. However, it's important not to forget about the little guys amidst these impressively tall showstoppers! When designing your border or containers, don't let your towering titans block out your smaller blooms; instead, try combining plants with varying heights for a more dynamic look. Think butterfly bush, foxgloves, delphiniums, lupines, larkspur, and ornamental grasses for tall varieties sure to attract local pollinators, and surround these big bloomers with low-growing perennial plants to add depth and visual interest year-round. We love dianthus, sedum, lambs ear, and anything with the word "dwarf" in the flower title! Mix it up even more by using combinations of flowering and foliage cultivars for some extra special garden interactions. 

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Perennial Garden Design-Clematis

Let Them Climb!

Every garden needs a climber to offset those creeping varieties on the ground. Adding a trellis or fence to train a climbing perennial plant like clematis or English ivy adds diversity to your landscape and gives your garden that classic cottage look!  

Keep The Blooms Going

Another thing we love about perennials is that they don't all show up to the party at once, meaning you can keep your garden colorful year-round by combining flowers that bloom at different times. Daffodils, tulips, and crocus, for instance, first appear in spring and pave the way for early summer and midsummer blooms. On the other hand, some perennials—like sweet alyssum and red salvia—like cooler temperatures and will bloom into the fall. Pair these cooler bloomers with trees that turn color, such as the Japanese maple, for a stunning pre-winter show. Finally, keep plants with tall seed heads, like coneflowers, for visual interest and as a food source for the birds over winter. 

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Perennial Garden Design-hosta and daylily

The trial-and-error process of finding the best perennial plant combinations in Utah is an incredibly rewarding gardening experience. With so many cultivars to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect combination for your unique landscape and personal style! Come visit us today at Millcreek Gardens in Salt Lake City, UT, for more expert design advice or to browse our incredible perennial selection!