In the spring of 2012, Cyndee read about Garden-in-a-Box kits offered by the nonprofit Center for ReSource Conservation (CRC) in the Longmont Times-Call At Home section. The gardens are preplanned, leaving no need to decide what and where to plant. The plants are water-wise, perfect for Colorado growing conditions, and come with directions for maintenance. This led Cyndee to believe that this time she could succeed with gardening. She says, “These people want to help us be smart with water and to help us with the details. I was inspired and felt I could do this.”

Cyndee and her husband Steve decided they’d like a raised bed in their front yard. She made an appointment with a consultant and bought a Garden-in-a-box. Steve built the rock wall and prepared the soil. Cyndee says, “The best part was the consultant. She walked me through all of the steps of planting.” The consultant gave Cyndee and Steve specific suggestions, such as loosening roots before planting, watering-in the plants the first time and mulching. “We were pleased to find that with the mulch we had no weeds. With all of the consultant’s knowledge and suggestions it was easy. I couldn’t have done without her. The price was excellent for all I got.” Cyndee also found detailed instructions came with her garden.  When she picked up her starter plants it came with a plant-by-number guide for designing her own landscape.

Cyndee was “very pleased” with the whole process. The gardens have added a lot of aesthetic value to the landscape. She appreciates the ease and water savings of the drip watering system she also purchased through the Center for ReSource Conservation. The plants have thrived, even with the dry summer. She feels more confident about gardening, saying, “It is fun to have it work.” She now looks forward to changes in the back yard. Because of her experience with Garden-in-a-Box she is now confident maintaining a landscape and would happily order another garden.

Her feelings about the yard have changed and rather than it being a headache she avoids, she now looks forward to her time in the yard. She says, “I bought chairs with matching pillows for the front porch. Now I love to sit there and see what the garden does. I like the plants creeping over the edges of rocks and I enjoy watching the bees.” Many Garden-in-a-Box owners comment how the gardens create a habitat that attracts butterflies to their landscape.

The City of Longmont, as well as other Front Range water providers, offer a $25 discount for their residents to purchase Garden-in-a-Box from the CRC.  The added incentive is to persuade more residents to convert their lawn from water dependent turf, to lush landscapes that once established require infrequent watering.

The Garden-in-a-Box starter kits are available through environmental nonprofit the Center for ReSource Conservation (the CRC).  To see the gardens available and learn about discounts, visit gardenstore.conservationcenter.org or
call 303.999.3820 x222.

By Jean Lovell, Center for ReSource Conservation

Boulder-based Markel Homes has released eighteen new lots in gorgeous Lyons Valley Park, located in the quaint, thriving community of Lyons. Billed as the Gateway to the Rockies, Lyons offers a vibrant music and art scene, first-rate schools, all kinds of outdoor activities, and gorgeous scenery. Newly renovated main streets, with sandstone sidewalks and features, seating areas, and sculptures, send a message of pride about the city. The renovation, in fact, won the Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence.

Outdoor recreation deserves top billing

Mountain biking, hiking, camping, fly fishing, climbing, tubing, whitewater kayaking, cross-country skiing – the options are nearly endless and the setting nothing short of stellar. And you’re just 20 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park, a destination for travelers from all over the world. More into relaxing than doing? Not to worry, you’ve got an amazing backdrop for birding and front porch reading.

At just over 2,000 residents, Lyons offers a way of life that locals treasure – and one that’s not likely to change. Natural geography protects the community from becoming the sprawl that has affected other areas in Boulder County. Growth is limited, preserving the coveted self-contained quality that has drawn buyers to the community for years.

Lyons Valley Park

Bordered by open space, spectacular red cliffs and the St. Vrain River, the neighborhood mirrors the same warm and friendly feel that folks love about Lyons. It’s less than a mile walk along the creek to historic downtown or an easy bike ride to restaurants, schools, and shopping. Get a trail run in before work or a hike after at nearby Hall Ranch or Heil Valley Ranch open space. Plan your summer weekends around the Lyons Studio Art Tour and RockyGrass and Folks Fest music festivals, or pack a picnic and enjoy the weekly concerts in Sandstone Park all summer long.

18 lots going fast

At press time, four of the lots in this latest round of building are under contract. Three more are under construction and available for move-in between now and July. Most of the eighteen are situated on property that’s slightly elevated from the core of Lyons Valley Ranch, creating stunning 360-degree views. This latest phase includes a selection of contemporary newwest elevations as well as more traditional styles in both ranch and two-story designs, with prices from the low $400s.  A handful of premium lots that feature unobstructed views of iconic Steamboat Mountain are still available.

Visit Lyons Valley Park in person or online

Approaching Lyons on Route 36, turn left at the “Welcome to Lyons” monument and cross the stone bridge into Lyons Valley Park. Follow the directional signs to the model home. For more information, contact sales manager Marlita Lazo at 303.823.6814, or MarlitaLazo@comcast.net. The sales office is open Friday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday from 12:30 to 5 p.m.. Visit MarkelHomes.com and go to Neighborhoods (Lyons Valley Park) for floor plans and pricing information.

About Markel Homes

Colorado’s premier family-owned and operated homebuilder plans, develops and builds neighborhoods that embody the natural landscape and comfortable lifestyle of the West. Distinctive design, fresh architecture and quality Energy Star^® construction characterize a Markel home. Compelling exteriors and multiple outdoor living areas complement open floor plans, well-designed interiors and beautiful finishes. Markel Homes incorporates durable green technology in the building process and is committed to protecting community assets, values and history.

With knockout views of the mountains, the location is excellent. It’s easy to access Denver or Boulder, and Colorado’s great attractions, ski resorts and national parks.

Twice voted Best Place to Live in America by Money Magazine, Louisville has a small-town, authentic feel, top-rated schools and instant access to all kinds of outdoor activities.

Markel offers an array of attractive floor plans, distinct architectural styles and range of price points at North End.  The spacious town homes boast fine features and offer a low-maintenance lifestyle, plus the chance to purchase a beautiful new home in a wonderful location for an affordable price.

New town homes at North End

These newwest North End town homes are Markel Easy Living homes, featuring low-maintenance and lock-and-leave convenience. They are ideally suited for active Coloradans who would rather bike and ski than mow the lawn and shovel snow. Like all Markel homes, these are built with Markel’s signature quality and design, newwest architecture and first-rate interior finishes.

“These town homes have a cool urban loft feel and a nice sense of style,” says Sales Manager Michele Steward. “They start at $319,900, an excellent price point to live in Louisville. Five of these town homes are built and ready for move-in. They are energy-efficient and roomy, with beautiful details and finishes. One of our recent buyers commented, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do with all this space.’”

Two floor plans are available: the Redstone and the Snowcap, both with model homes that are open daily and ready to tour.

Pricing of homes with the Redstone floor plan starts at $319,900 for interior homes and $349,900 for end units. With 1,466 finished square feet, they have two bedrooms, two and a half baths, an attached two-car 540-square-foot tandem garage, plus a splendid upper deck. The builder has included – as standard – many designer upgrades, like granite or stone countertops and stainless steel appliances, gas ranges sure to please those who love to cook, maple or cherry cabinets, durable hardwood floors, and tiled entry with built-in maple bench and coat hooks.

From the garage and entry, walk up to the main level to an open Great Room and kitchen, oversized windows and 9-foot ceilings. Stroll from the living room through large glass doors to a spacious east-facing deck. On the upper level is the master suite with vaulted ceilings and walk-in closet and attached bath. A second vaulted bedroom, with spacious walk-in closet and full bath, plus handy laundry area, complete the second level.

The Snowcap floor plan features three bedrooms and two and a half baths, an attached two-car garage and unfinished basement, and almost 1,700 finished and approximately 550 unfinished square feet. Enter the large 10-foot-high living, dining and kitchen area, separated by a peninsula for easy entertaining. Besides a spacious and bright master suite, two additional bedrooms with generously sized closets, shared bath, oversized hall linen closet and convenient laundry room complete the second level. For future expansion, the optional basement finish includes a full bath, rec room or fourth bedroom. Enjoy a beautiful outdoor living area on the covered front porch and patio courtyard.

Priced from the low $400s and packed with great builder inclusions, open floor plans, and oversized custom windows, the Snowcap town homes are a North End favorite. Like all homes from Markel, they require little, if any, upgrading.

“We include many of the finishes and features you’re looking for,” Steward says. “Our long list of standard items can cost a fortune with many other builders.”

Commitment to green building

Markel Homes utilizes green-building technology for a healthier home and planet. Every home is professionally tested and certified under Energy Star’s 3.0 program, and HERS (Home Energy Rating Score) rated, plus Blower Door tested.

Sustainable construction practices, resource conservation and renewable energy efforts, combined with the home’s high-performance features, help create a smaller carbon footprint. Thanks to measures that reduce exposure to chemicals, allergens, mold and pests, families can breathe cleaner indoor air and enjoy a more comfortable indoor environment. A longer-lasting and better functioning home requires less maintenance, while less energy and water use means lower utility bills. Simply put, a green home is a sound investment and true value.

Visit North End and tour the model homes

North End’s sales center is located at 2408 Hecla Drive in Louisville. The office is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays from 2 to 6 p.m. Contact Michele Steward at 303.604.9196 or Michele@MarkelHomes.com. For more information, visit MarkelHomes.com

By Judy Finman, At Home

First, you’ll want to consider what vegetation you are providing for. Peas and corn require a lot of water, while vine plants and tomatoes require less. Grouping water dependent plants together allows you to direct the majority of your water to the areas that need it most, while keeping the rest dry.  Shrubs and trees require a lot of water to establish and once established their water requirements vary.  Additionally, shade from your home or tree will reduce the amount of water a plant requires.  There are many attractive perennials that are xeriscape or low water requiring.  These are great options for Colorado’s hot and dry summer conditions.

Next, you’ll want to consider strategies to use water more efficiently. Drip lines and healthy, nutrient-rich soils are two excellent ways to conserve. A drip irrigation system hooks to a hose bib and then water passes through a main line or hose.  Thin tubes drip water (yes a drop at a time) from an emitter.  These emitters are placed near the base of the plant so the water directly reaches the plant’s roots. Drip lines deliver water close to the base of the plant, which allows for deeper penetration and encourages the development of a strong and more extensive root system.  They are easy to install and can reduce your gardening water needs up to 50%.

Growing plants in raised beds containing soil that is enriched with compost is another way to increase efficiency. Soil that contains compost or other organic materials holds significantly more water than the typical arid soils of Colorado. Waste Farmers offers excellent products to increase the amount of organic matter in your soil. For more information on their products visit wastefarmers.com. The addition of straw, newspaper, or plastic mulch to raised beds will retain help water as well. Growing plants in a raised bed also decreases the amount of weeds in the garden, which will draw water away from your vegetables. The Center for ReSource Conservation provides you with all your water conservation needs. They sell drip kits which include 100’ of main line tubing and 50 emitters to directly reach plants.  Drip kits can be purchased online at gardenstore.conservationcenter.org. If you pay the City of Boulder for your water you can purchase the drip kit at half off while supplies last.

The Center for ReSource Conservation is a non-profit organization that implements programs for the Front Range including ReSource (deconstruction/Re-use), Energy, and Water conservation programs. Visit conservationcenter.org or call the CRC for further information at 303.999.3820.

By Alison Layman, Center for ReSource Conservation

By Carol O’Meara
Colorado State
University Extension

After a summer of record breaking heat, a winter of drought, and a spring cold enough to freeze buds off, one thing is certain:  it’s tough to be a tree.  This summer is predicted to be a real scorcher, and if you have any faith left in the weather people, that means crisping leaves and wilting sprouts.  Before temperatures bake us, take time to check your trees for evidence of a hard life.

Evergreens are center stage with a pallet of problems caused by drought, wind, or heat.  Pines are particularly susceptible to drying out from lack of winter water or heat/drought stress, both of which will cause needles to brown back with no rings or banding, and become brittle and dry.

If you didn’t winter water and you were sparing on water last year, your trees might be in for a long hard summer.  Arborists around the metro area are reporting conifers quickly dying from the long-term stress of our harsh conditions; in many cases the plant dies so rapidly that homeowners believe it’s a chemical assault of some kind.  Instead, it’s often because the trees didn’t get enough water.

Deciduous trees are ones to watch for signs of stress in the aftermath of freezing storms.  Tender buds killed and twig dieback are consequences of the chill temperatures, particularly after the snow melted but nights were cold.  Check your tree carefully, and if they suffered this type of damage, care for them lovingly this summer by giving them adequate water, treatment for pests and diseases, and pruning storm damaged limbs.

With such a dry winter behind us, be prepared for mid-summer leaf drop, characterized by trees leafing out normally in spring, then dropping leaves in July for seemingly no reason.  In very dry soils, trees don’t develop enough fine roots to support summer’s lush canopies and their leaves lose water faster than the stunted root system can replace. Leaf tips brown and leaves drop from the tree.

Drought causes other symptoms on trees as well.  Many people notice the odd bright yellow discoloration of trees in our area caused by iron chlorosis.  Although the nutrient iron is contained in our soils, our high pH makes it unavailable to plants and they suffer by being unable to make chlorophyll, which produces the green coloration in leaves.  As a result, we have a landscape of trees that are a flaming lime-yellow in color.

In most cases leaves become pale yellow but veins remain green.  Iron chlorosis can contribute to the death of the tree by reducing the chlorophyll to the extent that leaves develop brown spots between veins and die off, or leaves are stunted and branches die back over winter.  Help can be given to the tree by applications of chelated iron to the soil, or by spraying iron on the leaves every two weeks.  Helping our trees overcome their iron chlorosis is a life-long commitment, one that must be addressed several times each season, year after year.

For those who are not as enthusiastic about tending to their trees for the remainder of their days, choosing trees that are better suited to our climate and soils is a good solution.  There are several fact sheets that list good trees species for our area, such as 7.421, Native Trees for Colorado Landscapes, 7.423 Trees and Shrubs for Mountain Areas, or 7.229, Xeriscaping: Trees and Shrubs, that can be found on our website at ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html#garden.