Friday, December 21, 2007

Pine Trees


Pine Tree

Pine Trees for the southwest. These trees are hardy in the lower elevations of the southwest. Be sure to click here for pine tree photos. And a complete description and zone requirements.
Hey just because the southwest is a desert area does not mean evergreen pine trees will survive the heat. With proper water and care they will thrive.

This means you can have that ponderosa forest like landscape right in your own back or front yard.
Afghan Pine (Pinus eldarica) Also called the Desert pine, Mondell pine or the Eldarica pine. This pine tree grows to 70-80' tall and about 30' wide. Very drought tolerant once established. There is quite a bit of maintenance involved. Pine needles and cones will drop almost year round but it does provide good shade and screen from the neighbors.
The Ponderosa, and Mugho, pines will also do well here in the Southwest. Color Your world nurseries will usually have this type of pine trees.
The Austrian Pine is another great southwestern favorite. Must smaller and a less maintenance great for blocking your neighbors ugly shed, dog house, or maybe your neighbors body parts!
If you happen to be in the Las Cruces Area be sure to visit Color Your World Nurseries.
Paul Guzman

Friday, December 14, 2007

Drought Plants for the southwest

Ok I know winter is not the time to discuss drought plants.

But actually it is the best time...why because when early summer time comes around you will know what type of plants/shrubs to plant for the summer heat.

Ok here we go below are some plants and trees that are very drought tolerant.

Desert Willow - Beautiful purple flowers all summer long. Shrub has mutiple trunks. Low water once established.

Ocotillo - Tall slender branches very low water usage, bright orange or red blooms in early summer.

Creosote - Low Water, yellow blooms start in Feburary, tolerates heat.
Chinaberry - Fast growing tree, yellowish balls in fall, good shade tree, moderate watering.

Pinon - Thrives in the desert mountains. Low Water evergreen. 15 ft tall and wide.

Bird of Paradise - 2 varieties Red or Yellow Flowers, low water once established. 6ft tall and wide. Full sun.

Verbena - Good ground cover, several flowering colors, low water once established.

Eldarica Pine - Evergreen tree, Desert pine or Mondell pine. Fast grower thrives in desert heat.

Live Oak - Evergreen tree, moderate water good ornamental tree.

Mexican Sage - 4ft tall 2 ft wide. Purple-pink and white flowers until first frost.

Lantana - 3ft tall and wide. Varieties have colors of red, blue, purple and yellow. Will flower during summer. Good ground cover.

Texas Ranger Sage - Silvery colored leaves, low water purple flowers in late summer early fall. Makes good hedge shrub, 6ft tall and wide.

Green Cloud Sage - Dark green leaves, little water nice purple flowers in late summer. Makes good hedge shrub.

Pink Rockrose - Evergreen. Likes poor dry soil, low water 3' tall 8' wide.

Centennial - 4ft tall 5 ft wide, evergreen, resists rootrot, violet custers like the wisteria.

Apache Plume - White like rose flower, 8ft tall 5 ft wide, produces feathery purple fruits.

Yellow Elder - 5ft tall and wide sometimes called Tecoma stans. Bright yellow flowers in June
and through Early December.

Butterfly Bush - 8ft tall 6ft wide. Deciduous, purple flower spikes.

Mescal Bean - 15ft tall and wide. Evergreen with vilolet like cluster of wisteria like flowers.

Russian Sage - 3-4 ft tall with summer long blooms, purple like flowering spikes.

Damianita - Petite evergreen shrub yellow blooms from spring to fall. Loves full sun. Low Water
Green Palo Verde - Deciduous Tree, 20 ft tall green trunk with thorns, Good ornamental tree
Blue Palo Verde - Deciduous Tree, 40 ft tall bluegreen trunk with thorns, Good ornamental tree.
Barrell Cactus - Bright orange flower at top of plant, roots are not deep. Rigged hooked spines or needles.

Honey Mesquite - 45ft tall and wide, mutiple trunks. Yellowish orange blooms and thorny branches. Moderate water, produces bean like pods.

Mexican Fan Palm - 45ft tall and 20ft wide. Low water once established.

Red Tip Yucca - 4ft tall and 4ft wide. This very low water shrub is evergreen with pink to rose red, bell-like flower cluster on 4-6' spike.

Italian Cypress - Beautiful narrow columnar evergreen. 40' ft high and 3-4'ft width.

Desert Honeysuckle - Clusters of orange or red tubular flowers in the spring. 3'ft tall and wide. Low water.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Christmas tree care

Cut Christmas Trees: Are trees that are usually grown and farmed for retail at Nurseries.
Try your best to locate a nursery with Christmas trees that are stored in water. This type of tree will last much longer that those that are stacked or have wooden flats for upright support. Always ask for a fresh cut after purchasing one. This will make it absorb water when displayed at home...which will help in freshness throughout the holiday season.

The Noble Fir is a deep green in color. You can easily make boughs out of this tree. Good strong branches for those ornaments that you and your family will enjoy decorating.

The Fraser Fir has a deep dark green color. It has soft needles, long lasting fragrance, and strong branches for heavy type ornament.
The Douglas Fir is thick in density and is more of a traditional type of tree. Branches and overall weight is much lighter. Usually less expensive than the Noble Trees.

Scotch Pine Tree - Is one of the most common xmas trees it has dark green needles. It holds needles for up to four weeks. It has a strong forest type aroma.

Live Christmas trees : You can enjoy them indoors then plant them outdoors. You should purchase live Christmas trees at your local nursery. Be sure to water often and use ice on top of container to help with temperature changes. Be sure to plant asap after the Holidays....the sooner the better.

Visit: http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com/new-mexico-christmas-trees.htm for photos of these trees.

Eldrica Pine Live Tree - This is a good live tree and an excellent choice for that large living area. Once the holidays are over plant it outdoors in full sun. Grows fast and is drought tolerant once established. About 50ft tall and 10ft wide.

Pinon tree - This is an excellent southwestern Christmas tree. The pinon does not get large about 15' in height and width. Use it for an indoor live tree then plant outdoors for a beautiful drought tolerant ornamental tree.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Las Cruces Christmas Trees

Our cut Christmas trees have arrived...Yes. We have them at both locations.
655 University and 540 Telshor Las Cruces, NM.

These trees come from the cool state of Oregan where the state tree is the Douglas fir pine tree. They are cut and stored in water within hours of arrival at our retail stores. This will ensure long lasting fresh looking trees througout the Holidays.

Noble fir Christmas trees - The Noble Fir is a deep green in color. You can easily make boughs out of this tree. Good strong branches for those ornaments that you and your family will enjoy decorating. We have them in several sizes starting at:5-6'6-7'7-8'8-9'10-11'

Fraser fir Christmas tres - The Fraser Fir has a deep dark green color. Fraser fir has soft needles, long lasting fragrance, and strong branches for heavy type ornaments. We have them in several sizes starting at:6-7'7-8'8-9'

Douglas fir Christmas trees - The Doublas Fir is thick in density and is more of a traditional tree. Branches and overall weight of tree is much lighter. Usually less expensive than the Noble Trees. We have them in one size only:6-8'

Come early to get the best selection.

Paul Guzman

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Las Cruces, NM beautiful weather.

I love Las Cruces, NM. The weather is gorgeous. Temperatures are in the high 70's and mid 40's at night time. Where else can you enjoy this type of weather.

Visit "Color Your World Nurseries" located in Las Cruces, NM. We have thousands of tree, plants, shrubs and the houseplants to suit anyones needs. Or call us at (575) 5231520 or 5210496.

Paul Guzman

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Making money with google's adsense program

The easiest way to make money with your website or blog is with adsense. Yea…just add the adsense code and whala you make money! Ok… I can hear someone say “But how do make real money” Not the 5, 10, 20 dollars per day that most adsense user make.

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Monday, October 15, 2007

Discover fall color in the southwest

Fall Colors for Southern New Mexico, East Texas and most of the southwest.
I have already seen Raywood ash trees begin to change slightly, getting ready to bring on it's vivid purple/burgandy show. Certain crape myrtles are beginning to show signs of yellows and oranges in some of their leaves. Most aren't aware that crapes too, give off a wonderful display of color, if properly fed during the summer months.

Other trees to be on the look out for are Red Oaks, Sweet Gum ( yes, they do grow here too, we have one in our parking lot at Color Your World!), Chinese pistache, Modesto, Bonita, Berrinda ash, Gingko Biloba, Bradford pear,and Bald Cypress to name a few.
Some other plants that have fall color are Nandina (there is an array of sizes, shape and leaf textures to choose from), sumac, euonymus alata (burning bush), Boston Ivy,and Virginia Creeper.

Flowering plants that look especially beautiful during this time of year, though not necessarily "fall colors" are Mexican sage, lantana, garden mums, marigolds, cannas, salvia greggii (cherry sage), mexican primrose, mealycup sage, and roses, which seem to have more fragrance during this time of year, or maybe it is just my imagination. You decide for your self.
Don't forget there is a long list of grasses which now begin their contribution to fall interest. There is a pampas grass that does not get too large called 'Ivory Feathers' that is already showing off.

Yakushima, maiden, miscanthus, fountain grass, purple fountain grass, and all various forms of these grasses are now making their debut. Muhlenbergia 'Regal Mist' the one with the "see thru" purplish flower head is just about to erupt it's color all over town. This one looks striking when the sunlight shows through it.

Last but certainly not least are pansies, snapdragon, dianthus, and stock. These will give you color even when it snows. Pansies in particular can take brief periods of below 10 degrees f. and still give off color when temperatures climb back up.

If you plant pansies now you should still have color up until next may! Amazing huh! One thing I have noticed over the years is that pansies planted in the ground typically do better than the ones in pots. If you have them it pots it is best to give the some protection against the extreme cold to avoid winter damage. Also when planting pansies it is best to use a good potting mix that is porous and lightweight. We carry a soil from fertilome called Ultimate Mix which works perfectly.

Everything mentioned above can be planted right now. So get out and enjoy what is probably the best time to be outdoors. Fall!

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

20% Off Trees, Shrubs, Vines and Grasses

Starting on September 28, 2007 Color Your World Nurseries will have a "Fall is for planting Sale" With all trees, shrubs, vines and grasses at 20% off

The fall sale will last until the end of October. Soooo...Come by before all the good stuff goes.

Paul and Gary Guzman

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

More plants, shrubs and flowers at Guzman's Greenhouse

New arrivals at both Guzman's Greenhouse and Color Your World Nurseries.

1. Vitex
2. Alberta Spruce
4. Autrain Pine
5. Purple Leaf Plum
6. Euonymus Gold
7. Mums lot of them...Numerous colors.
8. Roses from Monrovia pink and red.
9. Beautiful blooming Clematis.
10. Blue spruce.
11. Burning bush
12. Black Hills Spruce
13. Hoops Blue Spruce
14. Green Tower Boxwood
15. Many more great looking trees and shrubs from Monrovia.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

New plants and trees at Color Your World Nurseries

New arrivals at Color Your World Nurseries.

Chitlapa trees, mock orange, red balboa trumpet vine, pomergranate tree, glossy abelia, vitex trees, and many more new plants and trees direct from Monrovia Wholesale Nursery.

The plants and trees look very good and are ready for planting now.
Be sure to visit our retail nursery stores .

Paul and Gary Guzman

If you need something in particular please let us know at our contact webpage.
http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com/contact.htm

Friday, August 31, 2007

Designing your own website. Making your website successful.

Designing your website. The best advice I can give anyone that is attempting to make it on-line is this. Develop a website about what you already know.

read more | digg story

Thursday, August 30, 2007

The best time to plant trees and Shrubs - September

Now is the best time to plant trees and shrubs.

Lawn watering should be reduced by frequency and time. This will help avoid lawn fungus or premature yellowing. Shrubs and trees will be the same as above. This does not include newley planted items. So please enjoy the much needed moisture. Hopefully this will translate into more snow for our area?

September mornings are great aren't they? It is now beginning to be the best time to plant trees and shrubs. It is a great time because the above ground temperatures are dropping and the below ground temps are still warm.

This helps plants get a jump on next spring because the roots still develope in the warm soil while the tops slow down in growth. Also, there are less winds and typically more moisture during this time of year, which of course reduces stress on newly planted shrubs and trees. You should be able to plant just about anything, including pansies, (which will last thru next May) mums, winter veggies (starts), most trees and shrubs.

There are a few exceptions: Palm trees might be better planted in the spring and summer, in order to get a good root establishment before the winter sets in. (for the southern part of New Mexico)

Oleanders may experience some winter kill if planted too late in the season, especially the 1 gallon size. The larger sizes seem to suffer the least winter kill. This is usually for the the first winter, after that they will have even less winter or no winter kill as they age. Using a winterizer fertilizer with plenty of potash will help increase winter hardiness just about all shrubs and trees.

It is recommended for valuable plants that may suffer from winter damage. Use this product before October 30th. Don't forget to use compost, peat moss, or soil builder and root stimulator on all plantings, and make sure plants have adequate water.

Article by Gary Guzman

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Friday, August 24, 2007

Watering Your Trees

After purchasing trees or shrubs at our retail nursery store a few customers will come and ask why did it die? My usual response is: Jeez... did you water it? Nine time out of ten times they did not water according to our instructions.

I will ask them how many times did you water? The average customers will say.. oh about once or twice per week. Once or twice per week is insufficient watering for a newly planted tree or shrub. You will need to water everyday day for at least 30 days....Do not skip a day! This inclues spring, summer and fall seasons. During winter you can water the first 2 weeks everyday then once or twice during the months of December, January, February then up the water usage about every other day.

Make sure the water drains well. In mid summer you should water twice a day no matter where you live. Here are some responses I get from folks who did NOT water
"I thought you said once per week for 30 days."
"We went on vacation and when we came back it died."
"I thought the watering system 2-3 times per week would suffice."
"I did water everyday for 30 days. (then why are the leaves wilted and root ball dry?)

Drought tolerant trees and shrubs need water those first 30 days. The one exception are the cactus family type of plants. They need water once or twice after planting, then leave them alone.

Their could be other reasons but these are usually the exception and not the rule.Fungus - Usually from over watering, will rarely kill the tree.Disease - Most retail nurseries will not sell diseased trees, plants or shrubs.Insects - Possible but their would be evidence of insect damage.Below are some suggestions to ensure survival of your tree of shrub.

More Tree Shrub Care at: http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com/whats-wrong-with-trees.htm

1. Check your drip system make sure water is actually dripping out of the drip line. If it is make surethe dripper is directly over the top of the root ball.

2. If possible up the drip watering system everyday for 30 days about 20 minutes per day.

3. If the system is too complicated get a landscaping professional to adjust the timers.

4. Do it by hand...Yes get out there and water your plants everyday for the...first 30 days. If you can't do it yourself pay someone to do it.

5. If you do not have a hose available use a bucket about 4-5 gallons per day.Water is essential for root growth, once they start growing the tree or shrub will have an almost 100%chance of survival. After all we all wanta happy customer, nursery manager and above all great looking trees and shrubs so you can enjoy your outdoor landscaping home.

Use a good root stimulator for root growth. You do not need to fertilze at this time wait until the 30 day period is over.

Remember to join our southwestern gardening newsletter for more free gardening information at: http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com/newsletter.htm

Got Questions ask us at: http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com/contact.htm

Thanks from Paul and Gary Guzman

Monday, August 20, 2007

Shade trees to lower electrical costs

The heat in southwestern New Mexico has been relentless. Folks are looking for good ways to cool down. Laying down underneath the refrigerated air conditioner sipping on a cold drink is one way to do it. However with the recent electric rate hike many people are re-thinking their "Cool Down Methods".

One good long term method to keep cooler is to provide shade to that portion of your home that needs it. Shade trees are inexpensive and with proper positioning of the tree can actually lower that electrical bill way down.

Following are some excellent trees that can do the job.

Chinese Pistache: Does extremely well in the southwest it is usually pest free and very drought tolerant. This shade tree is a great choice for many southwestern landscapers. It turns a rich red color during the fall and provides great shade. it has an umbrella-like canopy and can grow up to 50ft tall. The young Chinese Pistache looks somewhat gangly and out of place, but when it reaches maturity it is beautiful shade tree.

Weeping Willow Tree(Salix babylonica) Extremely fast growing tree. This is the tree to purchase if you need fast now. Long narrow type leaves that droop down which gives it that "weeping effect". It is deciduous and will turn a goldish yellow in the fall.

Live Oak Tree Does extremely well in the southwest it provides plenty of shade and can be trimmed to almost any shape. This shade tree is a great choice for many southwestern landscapers. It is a evergreen tree and sheds old foliage falls during the fall and provides great shade. it has an umbrella-like canopy and is one of the fastest growing oak trees in the world. Oh by the way this tree is evergreen. There are many more great shade trees for the southwest.

Modesto Ash Tree(Fraxinus velutina) Moderate to fast growing tree. It is deciduous and the leaves turn a bright golden yellow in the fall. They can grow about 50ft tall and 50-60ft wide. Excellent shade tree for medium sized backyard.
Visit http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com/shade-trees.htm for more information.

Thanks from Paul Guzman

Monday, August 13, 2007

New Arrivals at Guzman's Greenhouse

New crape myrtles and plants at Guzman's Greenhouse and Color Your World Nursiers. Located in Las Cruces New Mexico.



It's been very hot in the southern part of New Mexico temperatures at around 96 degrees fahrenheit. Very hot and dry indeed.



We have a new shipment of beautiful crape myrtles, small 5 gallon dynamite, tonto and other various varieties and sizes.

Monday, August 06, 2007

August gardening in the southwest or Dog Days of Summer

Well these truly are the "dog days of summer". It is still hot some days really humid and every now and then not a bad day at all.

Here are a few tips to keep your garden and a few specific problems from getting away from you during the month of August gardening. Your lawn, again usually three things or any combination of them may be the culprit(s) for making your lawn or patches of your lawn turn brown.

Check water first. It may be that your sprinkler is just not applying enough water to certain areas of your lawn. Remember if you can see your footprints in the lawn after you walk on it then it is time to get water on it asap. If the patchy brown areas of your lawn feel slightly "warmer" than the green areas of your lawn it usually means that particular area is not receiving enough moisture. It is best to core holes in this area, which will help deliver water right to the roots. The second item you may want to check will be for grubs.

There will be no mistaking these creatures. They are usually about the size of your thumb, creamy white with a brown head. They will feed on the grass roots to store up for winter and "hibernate" and emerge next year as adults.
These adults are the May and June beetles your see flying around at dusk in early summer. There are granular and liquid insecticides as well a natural beneficial nematodes to help control these critters.

The third item to check for will be a fungus. If you look closely at the blades of grass that are just around the edge of a dry patch you may notice lines or markings on each individual blade(s) of grass. If you have already checked for water or grubworms and are sure these two are not the problems this could be whats making your lawn turn brown.

There are also granualar and liquid fungicides available to help with this situation.
If you have any flowering trees or shrubs such as roses, crape myrtle, vitex, bird of paradise, oleander, among others it is very important to remove the "spent blossoms" as they appear. This action will help keep your flowering plants blooming up until frost. If this is not done the plants will spend a lot of energy into forming seeds at the expense of new blossoms.
Remember this usuallly works on just about any flowering plant. If your plants are looking a little pale in color you may want to incorporate some iron into your soil. Plants and lawns can lose some of their deep green color this time of year due to so much watering.
The soil may get leached out of it's nutrients by August so it is important to replace these minerals with chelated iron or Ironite. This not only puts a deep green back into the foliage but also makes flowers more vibrant.

If it has been more thant 5 to 6 weeks since you last fertilized your lawn then it is time to keep your lawn green. For the southwest area 16-8-8 fertilizer with iron, sulphur and zinc is recommended. This may be used on a fescue, rye or bermuda lawn, as well as trees and shrubs.

If you have any questions concerning "August Garden Tips" please contact us at 505-523-1520 or 521-0496 you can always click here to send us an email.

This article "August Gardening Tips" is free to use as long as the following is attached: - Author Gary Guzman
Free gardening information at http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Fertilizing tip

Greener, healthier, longer blooming plants.

Nitrogen- Is the first number on the product and referred to by the symbol N. This is a naturally occurring element in our air. It is needed by plants to produce green healthy growth. A higher number on the bag means MORE nitrogen. If your plant, shrub or tree is turning a yellowish color, it probably needs nitrogen.

Phosphate- The second number and referred to by the symbol P. Plants need phosphate to stimulate healthy root development for flowering and to help in the prevention of disease and stress. The phosphate process combines phosphate rock with sulphur and produces phosphoric solution. Phosphate helps in root stimulation and flowering of plants. When planting flowering trees, or shrubs be sure to use a fertilizer with a HIGH phosphate number. If you are having problems making your plants bloom then be sure to purchase a fertilizer with a high phosphate content. Remember phosphate and phosphorus are bascially the same.

Potash- Or sometimes referred to as potassium. This is usually the last number and is referred to by the symbol K. This contains minerals and potassium which are mined from naturally occurring ORE bodies. All plants need this nutrient, potash regulates water balance, enzyme activity, starch and protein synthesis and nitrogen uptake.

Why do your plants need these nutrients? Because in your area these nutrients may be missing from your soil and the are needed for continuous healthy growth.
If you live in the lower elevations of the southwest, your soil is probably missing the above minerals needed for growing plants, trees, or shrubs.

A good all purpose fertilizer will usually have numbers with 16-8-8 printed across the product. This type of fertilizer no matter what brand name will have all the nutrients needed for a healthly plant.

Compost is the material resulting from composting, which is the natural process of decomposition of organic waste that yields manure or compost, which is very rich in nutrients. Also called humus, and is a soil conditioner and a very good fertilizer.

A word of caution on buying fertilizer. Do NOT confuse lawn fertilizer with plant and tree fertilizer.

The biggest tip of all...be sure that you read the instructions on each and every bag.

Article by Paul Guzman

Monday, July 02, 2007

Gardening tips for July

July temperatures in southern New Mexico and western Texas are dry and hot. Please keep an eye on your watering systems. Make sure dripper and emitters and sprinkler heads are all working properly, before you go on vacation. Try not to rely on neighbors to water for you

The most common problem is usually the lawn. How much water does one need for their lawn? This is the most challenging question to answer. For cool season grasses such a fescue, rye, and bluegrass it's about 3" of water evenly distributed per week

For warm season grasses such a bermuda or hybrid bermuda is about 2" to 2 1/2" per week. This is during the hottest time of the year, usually June,July, and August. Your lawn will typically need less during the cooler months of the year, so please water responsibly. Just remember it is not how long you leave you watering system on but how much water you acutally apply to your lawn.

If you begin to notice "spots" on your lawn chances are it is suffering from dehydration. The easiest way to detect this is if your walk through your lawn and look back and noticed exactly where you were walking, then that is your sign that your lawn needs a drink of water.

If you begin to notice brown patches in your lawn and have ruled out a watering deficiency, you may want to examine the soil that is just under and check for grub worms. If you have grubs, you will NOT mistake them for anything else!

These guys are as big as your thumb and feed vigorously on grass roots. We have several products to help eliminate these "critter" such as BENEFICIAL NEMATODES, 24-hour grub killer and season long grub killer from Bayer.

If you have ruled out grubs and water as culprits for your brown patches, then the next thing to look out for is fungus. Sometimes the easiest way is to examine the individual blades of grass right next to the brown patch.

The grass stems may have unusual markings on them which may be compared to the "wrinkles or folds" on your finger. We carry both liquid and grannular fungicides to help combat this disease.

The heat can really take a toll on just about all non-native plants. Make sure you fertilze regularly. Most plant really are not picky about what you feed them just as long as you feed them something. Plants are like people that cannot just live on water alone, especially in our nutrient lacking soil.

If you find that even after using fertilzer regularly still does not "green-up" your plants, they may be lacking a secondary nutrient such as iron, sulphur, zinc or other micro nutrient. Products such as IRONITE, GROW-MORE CHELATED IRON, or FERTILOME SOIL ACIDIFIER can help return plants to their green lush look again.

Keep in mind that these products are to be used in conjunction with a regular fertilzing program and should not be substituted for fertilize. MEDICAP IRON IMPLANTS have proven to help severly chlorotic plants/trees where soil applications are not practical. Other issues to watch for are insects.

Spider mites thrive in the dry summer heat and can breed at phenominal rates. Spider mites often attack junipers, cypress, roses among a list of other plants. Sometimes an occasional "hosing off" with a strong stream of plain water can keep mites at bay without killing any beneficial insects in the proccess. These insects are very small (about the size of a speck of dust) and usually spin small webbing.

If you find that water is not working for you there are an number of insecticides available to rid your plants of these pests. Products such as ORHTO BUG-B-GON, GREENLIGHT NEEM OIL, SCHULTZ INSECT SPRAY, HIGH YIELD KELTHANE among other products will eradicate these mites.

Post by Gary Guzman

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Hate Your Neighbors

I hate looking at my neighbors junk! What can I plant that will block my view? Those comments are frequently asked almost on a daily basis.



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Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Can't stand my neighbors

I hate looking at my neighbors junk! What can I plant that will block my view? Those comments are frequently asked almost on a daily basis working at Guzman's Greenhouse.

Folks hate to look at dirty trash cans, old junk cars, dog houses, junked out sheds and a slew of other unslightly items that your neighbor may have piling up in their yard. Following are some great shrubs/trees that will grow quickly and help eliminate that unsightly view.

Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum' (L. texanum) or commonly known as Waxlef Privet. This shrub will grow very fast and is an evergreen. They have small white blooms during spring. The can grow up to 10' tall and almost 6' wide. They can tolerate heat and will do well in shady areas. Cold hardiness is 0 to 10 F. These are not drought tolerant plants and they like to be watered reguarly. This is an excellent hedge plant and can block that view in no time. 1 ga. containers will take about 3-5 years to do the job. Very little maintenance.

Golden Bamboo or Phyllostachys aurea. This type of bamboo grows very fast and has dense branches of dark green foliage on stiff cane like limbs or trunks. Can grow up to 10' tall, they are evergeen in the southwest. They spread by underground runners. This bamboo is ideal if you have a large space that needs covering quickly. However caution needs to be taken because they can get invasive. There are other varities but this is one of the more common ones and most nurseries should have them. Some maintenance during the peak summer months. Oh by the way no blooms whatsoever.

Afghan Pines or Eldrica Pinus. This type of evergeen pine tree is also called a Mondell pine and a desert pine. They grow very fast if watered frequently during it's first 2-3 years after planting. They grow to about 80' tall and about 5-6' wide. Do not trim the bottom limbs if you need additional lower blockage. These pine trees are very drought tolerant once established. They do require quite a bit of maintenance as they will drop numerous pine cones and pine needles. Plant them about 7-10' apart for a good evergeen hedge. These trees will get large but will do the job rather quickly.


Oleanders or Nerium oleander. These shrubs are an exellent border privacy type plant. The red variety can grow up to 20' tall and about 10'ft wide. They are a profilic growing type of shrub. They can take lots of water or very little water. They bloom all summer long and provide excellent hedge privacy. However they do not like temperatures lower than 20 degrees f. They do get stressed out during the cold southwestern winters. However they are very hardy and can be trimmed back during the winter months and they will bounce back even stronger than the year before.

You can also use Arizona cypress, thuja arborvitae, and pyracantha. Ask for them at your local nursery or visit our garden centers located in Las Cruces, NM.

At Color Your World Garden centers we will almost always have these type of plants during the spring, summer and fall months.


Remember if your neighbor has recently started to plant the plants mentioned in this article you might want to take a look at whats in your backyard!

Thanks from Paul and Gary Guzman

Monday, May 14, 2007

Beautiful Garden Southwestern Color

At Color Your World and Guzman's Greenhouse nurseries I get this question all the time...........What type of flowers, shrubs, and or trees will give me color throughout the hot summer season?

Well I'm gonna tell you what works right here and now.

Oleanders - Yes these shrubs will bloom all summer long. They come in red, pink, salmon pink, white and their is also a dwarf variety. The dwarf oleander is called the "little red oleander" and you should ask for it at you local nursery. These hot season flowering shrubs once established are drought tolerant and can also take lots of water.

Lantana - These plants come in numerous colors. The creeping yellow lantana is very hardy in the southwest. The new gold is upright and also does well in a desert environment, however they do get much taller. The multi colored orange, red type of lantanas do require more attention but provide excellent darker richer color. Excellent prennial but does need to be trimmed down during the winter season.

Red Bird of Paradise - Spectacular red orange blooms during mid summer. They need full sun and are drought tolerant once established. They need to be cut back during the winter season.
Read more about the care of Lantana and redbird of paradise here.
http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com/lantana-plants.htm

Verbena - These are very easy care type of a plant. They will bloom from spring till fall here in the southwest. Try deadheading the expired blooms for more southwestern color. Their are lots of varieties purple, dark purple, pink and even dark red. Verbena will come back year after year by re-seeding itself. Be sure to plant in full sun.

Coreopsis - The coreopsis plant provides gorgeous dark yellow color all summer long. They will go dormant during the southwestern winter season but will come back with a more lucious larger plant. Just cut back during the winter season for a more vibrant plant during the summer season.

The Chitalpa Tree - This tree is a cross between a desert willow and a catalpa tree. They have white or light pink blooms all summer long. Not a very large tree about 20ft. tall with lots of filtered light and drought tolerant once established.

The Texas sage - Numerous varieties all require little water once established. Beautiful profuse purple blooms during mid summer and into early fall. The sage will thrive in almost any type of soil. There is also a dwarf variety called the "compacta sage" stays about 3ft. tall and 4ft. wide.

There you have it some great southwestern colorful plants. Color Your World Nurseries will usually have these type of plants available during the hot summer months. If you are not from this area be sure to ask for them as your local nursery.

Be sure to let us know about your southwestern gardening color by posting your comments here.
Thanks from Gary and Paul Guzman

Friday, May 11, 2007

Hot weather Gardening tips

Hot weather Gardening tips

  • May gardening in Southwestern New Mexico & west Texas can be hot, dry and/or windy. Take precautions to make sure all watering systems are working at their best.
    Use Cypress or Euclayptus mulch to help keep roots insulated from the HOT sun. This helps keep moisture in the root zone as well as the keeping weeds down to a minimum.

  • Hot weather gardening tips. Lantana, red bird of paradise, Oleander, and other winter damaged plants may be emerging at this time. Do NOT remove them permaturely. These plants will emerge if watered occasionally during winter.

  • Crape Myrtle will begin to show flower buds at this time and will need regular watering when flowers begin to develop. They like fertilzing and resist “leaf burn” if given a soil acidifying product such as Ironite in conjuction with a regular fertilizer. Remove faded flower tips reguarly.


  • Hot weather gardening tips in the southwest.

  • The Vitex, oleander, crape myrtle, roses, bird of paradise, texas sage, butterfuly bush, red yucca and most “xeriscaping” plants will thrive when planted during this month. Be sure to water thoroughly when first planted.
    Trees will also fall into this category. Just follow the directions as noted above. All ash, mesquite, desert willow (timeless beauty is a new variety), Chitalpa, Palo Verde, Live Oak, Chinese
    Pitache, and many more. Call us at 505 523 1520 for availabilty.

  • Be sure to fertilize your lawn, shrubs, tress, and bedding plants regulary to take advantage of your watering schedule. Overwatering will NOT help “Green up” plants. Overwatering can lead to chlorotic plants or excessive yellowing or Root Rot.

  • Fertilizing reguarly in the month of May as needed takes advantage of water your are applying. It also keeps blooming plants blooming longer and resists insect and or diseases.
    Fertilize Mexican Elders during this time of the year. This will help before it goes into the summer dormancy.

  • Use a good all purpose fetilizer such as 16-8-8 with iron and sulphur. It can also be used on other trees, shrubs and lawns.
    Article by: Gary Guzman
  • Thursday, January 04, 2007

    10 Great tips for a successful website

    Below are some helpful tips that have made my website successful. You do not have to read or follow the advice just be sure to bookmark this website. Why? Because these are the basic steps you will need to succeed with your online marketing efforts.

    Not only designing them but also the ability to generate traffic via internet marketing techniques that have made guzmansgreenhouse.com one of the top websites in this southwestern Internet Community.

    Below are 10 top tips to help make your website successful.

    1. Make and develop your own website. Do NOT copy or get websites that have absolutley no value. Always write and create good content for your website visitors.

    2. Find your niche. What do you do for a living? What are your interests, your hobbies, your love. Do you like sports? What about working and tinkering with cars/trucks. Do you like skateboarding, gardening, are you a wizard at math, electronics, computers, etc....etc.....

    3. Once you have that in mind start writing it down. Yes... take a pen and put it on paper. You will probably have tons of content for your website. This is what people want, and more importantly what "google" and the rest of the search engines are craving for.

    4. Find a good webhosting company. Do your best to learn HTML Once you have a good working knowledge of that start with CSS, PHP, and others. The main one is HTML.

    5. Find a good graphics program. The two best are Paint shop Pro and Adobe photoshop. PSP is alot cheaper.

    6. S.E's love good simple HTML & CSS content. Once you have that start putting your adsense or affiliate links in place.

    7. You have probably heard this before but I will say it again. do NOT slap on a bunch of banners, and unrelated links on your page. Stay away from link farms, black hat search optimization tricks and anyone that says "make thousands/millions in 2 months " IT WON'T HAPPEN".

    8. Read everything positive! Yes read and acquire the knowledge that will help you get what you want.

    9. Here are 2 words that helped me with my successful site: Persistence and Determination.

    10. Visit and participate in forums, blogs and websites that have valuable information concerning your niche. And most important of all build your mail list. The bigger your list the better.

    Thanks Paul Guzman