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Colorado weather plays havoc with planting

Rob Proctor has some tips on how to start planting bulbs for your summer garden.

It seems like I'm a month behind in the garden. We all are. Late snows, hail and rain have stymied our efforts to plant vegetables and flowers.

Chilly, wet soil and low nighttime temperatures have prevented us from planting hot season vegetables and flowers. It will take sunshine and higher temperatures in general for planting conditions to improve. 

I'm just now finishing hauling tropical bulbs and tubers out of the basement. Cannas, dahlias, gladiolus, pineapple lilies and calla lilies have been dormant all winter but have begun to sprout. They are anxious to grow.

Despite setbacks, there are some real jewels in the garden to appreciate. Bearded iris, Siberian iris and Spanish bluebells are putting on a fine show. The golden chain tree (Laburnum) is a spectacular flowering tree. It's thin and graceful with lovely yellow pendant flowers similar to wisteria. Don't confuse this tree with the summer-blooming golden rain tree (Koelreuteria); they're entirely different. 

If you're planting containers on your patio, the cool, humid weather will help the plants settle in. Hold off a few more days before planting heat-lovers such as begonias, impatiens, coleus and salvias. 

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