Western Mountains and High Plains
National Arbor Day Foundation
Need help with trees? Visit the National Arbor Day Foundation Web site. Find out what kinds of trees will do best in your zone. The tree guide provides tips on tree height, spread, and soil and sun preferences. Now is the time to plant a tree or two!
Favorite or New Plant
Flowering spirea shrubs are among the easiest shrubs to grow, and many are very drought tolerant. The two distinct types of spireas are the bridal wreath type, with clusters of white flowers on arching branches in spring; and the shrubby, lower-growing types, which have pink, red, or white flowers clustered at the ends of upright branches in summer to fall.
One of my favorites is 'Goldflame', which has foliage that emerges yellowish green and transforms to yellow to bronzy orange in late summer and fall. The flowers are crimson. These features provide subtle accents in the landscape.