Mulch Appreciated

It’s July in Colorado. That means, that it’s usually dry and hot and, frankly, miserable.

There is not much going on in the gardens this month. It’s too hot to plant anything (well, maybe your token herb container). The weeds aren’t vigorous (but, are still growing). The plants already in the ground are just trying to get through the hottest month of the year (as am I). In order to keep the gardens happy, proper irrigation is a must.

Ideally, one has drip installed, as this is the most efficient means to irrigate the garden beds. Mulch is also an ideal means of keeping the roots moist and the gardens looking complete.

If the gardens have irrigation with pop-ups or are not irrigated at all, it is easy to convert or install a drip zone. Drip irrigation is a small poly pipe that lays on the surface with emitters going to each plant. Typically, perennials get 1 emitter, shrubs get 2 and trees get 3. There is a subsurface irrigation called Netafim®. There are small holes in the tubing every 12”. The idea is that the ground gets soaked, thus keeping the roots moist. While it sounds good in theory, the holes tend to get clogged, requiring the expensive system to be replaced.

If you are thinking about drip irrigation, I highly recommend taking the plunge into the world of sustainable landscaping. After all, proper irrigation technique is one of the seven principles of Xeriscape.

In turf areas, it is important to make sure the irrigation is on during the early morning hours (as required by Denver Water) and that the heads are placed properly. Likewise, make sure that there is very little overhead spray reaching beyond the intended areas (i.e. sidewalks, driveway, streets). Oftentimes, water is wasted when folks attempt to water both the right of way and the grass on the other side of the sidewalk. Please refrain. The sidewalk ends up collecting more of the water than either of the two grass areas.

The other principle in assuring moisture control is mulch. Ahhh, yes. Mulch can make or break your landscape. The ideal mulch is small in size, natural in its color and texture and brings the entire landscape together, completing it.

My preference has a couple names: Mini-pebbles bark mulch or pathway bark mulch. At various times throughout the season, it may be hard to come by. It is a more expensive mulch, but the aesthetic contribution to the landscape is priceless. It’s dark brown, small and enhances the plant material. Colored mulches tend to take away from the garden itself. The dyed mulches are bright, unhealthy for the garden and are not organic. Think: red and golden mulches.

All in all, the garden in July is eager to retain as much moisture as possible. Employing both proper irrigation technique and bark in the beds, the garden is sure to be grateful and perform well.

A native of Park Hill, Marne is a professional horticulturalist and garden designer who cultivates her own plot on Dexter Street, where gardens and two kids grow. She can be reached at marnenorquist@gmail.com.