Las Cruces Greenhouse Garden Sale

Color Your World Nurseries in Las Cruces, NM are having a clearance item sale.

Starting on Saturday January 31st and ending on February 7th 2009. All 5 gallon crape myrtles will be discounted to 50% off. All Malaysian pottery will be 40% off.

We are receiving new shipment of trees and shrubs on a weekly basis. These plants and trees come from Monrovia, Nakase and V & P wholesale nurseries. Fruit trees that are available now are pecan, apple, plum, cherry, apricot, peach and prunes. We also have large shade and ornamental trees such as the Modes, Raywood, Bonita and Berrinda Ash trees. These trees are drought tolerant and very easy to care for.

Also, arriving weekly are pansies, violas, kale, cabbage and other ornamental cool weather bedding plants. Color Your World with our plants. Available at both Guzman's Garden Centers in Las Cruces, NM.

540 N. Telshor (575) 521 0496 and 655 University (575) 523 1520.

Paul and Gary Guzman

Mesquite trees for the southwest

Drought tolerant trees for the southwest.

Some of not the best type of trees to plant for the hot southwestern deserts are mesquite trees. Two that do particuarily well are the Honey Mesquite and the Chilean Mesquite.

The Honey mesquite: (Prosopis glandulosa), grows to about 20ft tall and wide. It does have large thorns but once it gets to it's maximum height it will not have thorns on the main trunk. It only needs the occassional rain water the desert southwest provides. It is very hardy and the root system is not invasive. If you decide to remove this tree be sure to take out the entire root system as any roots left will shoot out and produce another Shrub or Tree. Only water during it's first year and be sure to remove any watering system after the first year to prevent root rot.

The Chilean Mesquite: (Prosopis chilensis), is larger about 35ft. tall and wide much darger bark and just as drought tolerant. It will require lots of pruning to shape when first planted. Chilean mesquite trees produce numerous crossed branches and grows quite fast. Foliage on this magnificient tree tend to stay on even during colder seasons. Most varieties do not have thorns. Water requirements are almost identical to the Honey Mesquite.

Color Your Nurseries will usually carry these trees during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Be sure to drop by Guzman's gardening centers to see these trees.

Paul Guzman

Spring season is a good time to plant trees and shrubs.

Spring time is just around the corner.

The winters in the southwest are short...and spring pops up alot sooner than it does in other parts of country. Starting in late February and early March the night time temperatures start to warm up. This makes it an ideal time to plant just about anything.

Be careful when planting frost tender plants during the March gardening season, be prepared to cover them in event of a late frost.

In the Las Cruces area or lower elevations of the southwest we usually get a cold snap followed by some pretty warm days during the month of March. Try using "Wall-o-waters" for your tomato plants to help protect them from temps down to 15 degrees f.

Some flowering shrubs, trees, and vines you may want to consider are wisteria, Idaho locust, rhaphiolepsis, carolina jessamine, cross-vine, roses, flowering cherry, crape myrtle, texas sage, trumpet vine to name a few.

Warm weather grasses or lawns should start coming out of dormancy I highly recommend apply 16-8-8 fertilizer at the first sign of green grass in your lawn.

Be sure to visit guzmansgreenhouse.com for more gardening information

Paul and Gary Guzman

Growing peppers for the southwest.

There are many types of peppers that can be grown in the southwest. Here is a list and recommendation of peppers and chili peppers for the Southwestern region of the U.S.

The botanical name for peppers is (Capsicum sp.) and they come in all shapes,colors and sizes.

Did you know that the more water you give your peppers the more hot they will taste. And cooler temperatures will actually decrease the pungency of chili peppers.

One of the most popular is the Jalapeno. This pepper can grow to about 3" long and about 1.5" wide. They are ready when the dark green flesh starts to turn a reddish color. They are of course highly pungent. It is really hard to tell which one will be hotter the next one. The jalapeno can be canned, pickeled. The tam Jalapeno is what most wholesalers use for their salsa's.

The long green chili are also very popular through out the southwest. The Anaheim Chili, is a classic Favorite with Unbeatable Mild Heat! 8-inch peppers are well protected by foliage throughout their growth.

The New Mexico Chili is another all time favorite. There are several varieties that you can grow or purchase. The NuMex varieties are usually mild to medium. The Sandia and Espanola peppers are much hotter.

Here are some tips on growing these awesome chili peppers.

1. Chili peppers are warm weather seasonal crop and require the same conditions as growing tomatoes.

2. Fertilizing should be at about 1lb per 100sq ft. You should use a fertilizer with a high content of phosphorous an analysis of 0-30-0 is excellent. However you should check with your local county extension agency to collect soil samples for a better analysis of fertilizer for your soil.

3. Chili peppers like well drained loamy sandy soil with a pH of about 7.0 or somewhere close. It is best if you use good compost to improve soil and water retention qualities.

4. Keep a good eye on your peppers. Pests such as the flea beetles, thrips, leafhoppers and horn-worms will damage your crop. Diseases can become a big problem. Nematodes, Verticillium wilt, root rot can reduce or damage all of your plants.

If you encounter any of these problems call you county Extension agency for some good advice. Or come by and visit Color Your World Nurseries for some expert chili pepper gardening advice.

Paul

Here are more tips on growing chili peppers

What makes pecan trees grow

What makes pecan trees grow
What do pecan trees need for good vigorous growth and heavy yields of nuts? I can answer that with one word, zinc. Zinc controls the size of the rosette in pecan trees. Most tree fertilizers have this soil ingredient. But it is rarely over .05%

Purchase pecan tree fertilizer with a high content of nitrogen and at least 3% zinc. This should be done in early spring, summer and fall. Do not fertilize in winter.

Remember pecan trees need ample chill hours to produce a good crop. A good rule of thumb is to count the number of hours between November 1st and February 15th that are between 32degrees f. and 45degrees F. These hours are cumulative and not continuous. In the Las Cruces, NM area we normally have over 1,000 chill hours.

Here are some varieties that do well in the southwest.

Western Schley - This pecan tree will do best in the arid desert southwest. It is a self pollinator and produces heavy fruit at an early age. It likes arid climates and is also excellent for southern California deserts and higher altitudes. It does well in the colder Texas Panhandle region. It usually ripens in late October and early November.

Burkett - This pecan tree is a medium to large round soft shell nut. It is rich, distinctive flavored kernel. It is a large tree and ripens in late September and through early November. Likes arid climates.

Cheyenne - Is a medium soft shell with an excellent flavor. It produces fruit early in the season - Mid September. Can pollinate other pecan varities. It like southern humid and arid climates including eastd and west regions. It is a semi self fertile.
Mahan - A very large soft shell kernel. This pecan bears heavy at an early age, and is also a good shade tree. It prefers arid warm winter climates. Ripes in Mid November.

Mohawk - Very large soft shell also a heavy bearer when young. It does very well in the Southwest and Southeast regions. It It is a very attractive tree also excellent for the large backyard. Ripens in Late October, early November.

Hardy Pecan - The Hardy Pecan tree, Carya Illinoinensis, is a beautiful, majestic tree that grows to a height of 70 to 100 feet with a spread of 40 to 75 feet. It has low wide spreading branches. The tree provides a bounty of sweet edible fruits and lots of summer shade after reaching maturity. Hardy Pecan trees have moderate water requirements and has a moderate tolerance to salt and alkali soils. This deciduous, hardy, shade tree is ideal for lawns because it does not shed its leaves until late fall and it is practically immune to the attack of insects. It begins to bear nuts in 12-15 years

Don't forget to visit our gardening retail stores located in Las Cruces, NM.

Paul Guzman

What to plant for spring color

Spring flowering plants

I know is it a little early to start thinking of spring but this is one question I get almost on a daily basis. What type of flowers do I plant for spring?

Here are some general descriptions of spring perennials that will do well in the southwest. Remember you should fertilize once in the spring, summer and fall. If your plants are not blooming there could be a lack of phosphorus in your soil. Use Carl Pool BR 61 9-58-8 24 oz to boost your blooms during the peak season. If your nursery does not have this product just ask them for a good substitute.

Ajuga Plants - Purplish-brownish in color grown for their foliage easy to grow and propagate. Can be used as ground cover.
Black Eyed Susan - Usually yellow daisy like blooms with large black center they do better in full sun.
Coral Bells - Fantastic foliage color in spring and fall. Flowers bloom in late spring.
Coreopsis - Beautiful yellow, red and pink blooms that will last from last spring till fall. They do not like moist soil let dry before watering again.
Daylily Plants - Daylillies are easy plants to grow from deep dark red to light pink blooms. Cut down during the cold season and they will pop right up in spring
Columbine - Easy to go grow perennial usually multi colored but some species are gold in color.
Penstemon - Long limbs with beautiful small like petal blooms. Full sun and good drainage will work best.

What to plant in spring time

Rose of Sharon - Large purple, white, pink blooms from late spring until late fall in the southwest. Can be trimmed into a small tree.
Salvia - Long spiky like blooms that shoot straight up beautiful reds, purple, violet blue and even white.
Thyme Plants - Evergreen shrub with blue violet bloom all season long. Drought tolerant once established easy low maintenance plant.
Yarrow - A good ground cover plant usually with yellow cloud like blooms. Some species come in red easy to propagate. Plant in full sun but can tolerate some shade.

There are many more colorful plants to choose from. Be sure to visit your local nursery and ask them what type of color perennials would do best in your area.

Color your world nurseries will have these type of plants during the spring season.

Bonsai's At Color Your World Nurseries

Bonsai's at Color Your World Nurseries Las Cruces, NM.

Bonsai trees are actually plants that are in a tray. The soil is packed and small rocks placed on top. They need more care and attention than regular indoor decor plants. They are heavily pruned to give it that dwarf look. Bonsai's are done mostly by making the trunks and branches through pruning and wiring. Almost anyone can learn how to do this with a few hours of basic instruction from a teacher or by reading books. You can eventually become a professional bonsai maker.

Fertilizing bonsai should only be done about half strength of the usual fertilizers. You should also keep an eye on watering your bonsai...you should water more frequently during the hot summer months.

Guzman's Greenhouse Gardening Blog: Growing vegetables in a Greenhouse

Guzman's Greenhouse Gardening Blog: Growing vegetables in a Greenhouse

Cut Christmas Trees at Color Your World Nurseries

Christmas Trees in Las Cruces, NM

Just arrived at both locations our cut Christmas Trees, Douglas and Noble fir's are at both Color Your World Locations. Get the best selection by coming by early this Month. We give our cut trees a fresh cut and place them in water for that longer lasting fresh trees. We also have red, pink and white poinsettia's these are great for indoor Christmas decorations.

Live Christmas trees are another option for those who do not want a throw away Christmas Tree. We have the large evergreen pinon or eldarica (afghan) pine trees for planting after using them as an indoor Christmas tree.

How to care for your yucca's

Most Yuccas are drought tolerant. Many landscapers will install a drip system to these type of plants. However you should remove the drip system after 2 years of growth. They are quite often over watered. Remember if you have your yucca plant in a container they will require additional watering during the hot summer months.

They thrive in sandy soils and lots of full hot sun. Do not fertilize yuccas normally you should plant and leave alone. Most are very low maintenance. Prune or remove dead or dying leaves to encourage new growth. This should be done during late fall if you live in the southwest USA. Earlier if you live elsewhere. Yucca's do not like fertilizers and many will look bad or die if you apply regular shrub or tree fertilizers. They like sandy soil without any type of soil admendents. Water consistently for the first 2-3 weeks then about once or twice will work. Once it gets extablished it only needs occassional watering twice per month should do.

If your yucca is in a container of pot it will need more water. About once or twice per week while it is in the container.

Below are some excellent drought tolerant yuccas
Variegated means multi colored leaves on fronds. The have Ivory white blooms. Forms dramatic clumps with age. Use to create contrasting textures as a garden accent or container plant. Of course they like full sun and very little water. Forms clumps 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, flower spikes to 6 feet tall.



VARIEGATED YUCCA Yucca filamentosa 'Variegata'. This Great southwestern type yucca, it is an evergreen perennial. Huge head of white blooms on 3- to 5-foot stalks. An excellent accent plant and can be used around pools. The leaves of the frond are not sharp actually very soft. Moderate grower, trunk-like stems to 6 to 8 feet tall and wide.



BLUE BEAKED YUCCA Yucca rostrata
It has very sharp blue green leaves. It does great in a large container great for your patios. Blooms in spring with white flowers that are awesome. Use as a bold architectural element in the garden. Great desert landscaping type of decor. Like sandy type soil and full sun. Very slow growing yucca up to 6 to 15 ft. tall and 8 ft. wide.



ADAMS NEEDLE Yucca filamentosa
Very low maintenance and drought resistant landscaping yucca Develops a dense rosette of 2 foot dark green leaves with a distinctive blue cast. Flowers in summer with grand spires of snow white bells that are fragrant, particularly at night when moth pollinated. Unique architectural form makes a dramatic addition to desert and Mediterranean compositions. One of the faster growing yuccas up to 3 feet tall, 5 feet in bloom, 4 feet wide.



BANANA SPLIT SOFT LEAF YUCCA Yucca recurvifolia
Bright green leaves with yellow inner blades. Does great around pools and patios. Each blade of this clumping rosette bears a golden center and gray-green edges. It will eventually develop a large trunk. Huge spikes up to 4 feet tall that are long lasting. Does great in the great desert southwest likes full sun and very drought tolerant. Use as single focal point in containers or with other drought tolerant plants in the landscape. Evergreen can grow up to 6ft. tall
There are numerous yucca varieties but above are some of the more common types that are good for backyard landscaping.

Visit Yucca photos for some excellent photos of the yuccas mentioned here.

Magnolia Care for the Southwest

Magnolia Care for the Southwest:

Contrary to popular belief you can grow a Magnolia tree in the southwest. Usually in elevations below 5,000 feet above sea level. This tree should be on a drip system if at all possible. It should also be planted with plenty of organic matter such as Back to Earth Compost or peat moss.

If your tree is on a drip system it is recommended to occasionally flood the entire root zone to leach away any soil salts that may build up over time. This will minimize or eliminate marginal leaf tip burn.

If the leaves develop a sunburned appearance in the summer it may need additional watering. If the lower leaves drop prematurely and the outer leaves look a whitish yellow then it may be receiving too much water.

I have excellent results with this particular tree when I feed it with Gro More 20-20-20 water soluble fertilizer. If you can’t find this, any other water soluble fertilizer will do. Start feeding in spring when new growth appears then stop feeding at the end of October. If you find that your fertilizer is not keeping your tree a healthy green color then try using an acidifier such as Ironite or Organic Iron Chelate. Remember to use this in addition to your fertilizer.

You will need to water at least 3 times per week during the hot summer months. Irrigate at least twice per week during the spring and fall months. Water 3 to 4 times per month during the winter months. This is after the first year of establishment. You will need to water more often when newly planted.

If you have trouble getting your magnolia to bloom try using a water soluble fertilizer with high middle number such as Br-61, 9-58-8 or Super Bloom,12-55-6. These plant foods are designed to get just about anything to bloom.

By Gary Guzman
Guzman’s Garden Centers
575-521-0496

Ash trees for the Southwest

Ash Trees for the Las Cruces, NM Area (Southwest). There are many Ash trees that do extremely well in Las Cruces. The Arizona, Modesto, Bonita, Berrinda and Raywood ash trees are attrative ash trees that will thrive in drought conditions after they are established. The foliage on the Raywood Ash will turn a deep dark reddish color during fall. The Other ash trees mentioned have a golden yellow foliage fall color.

Color Your World Nurseries have most of these trees available throughout the fall months. Fall time is the best time to plant any type of tree or shrub. Our nurseries are having a 20% off everything in stock sale starting on 10/13/08 and ending on 10/18/08 so come by to get the best selection today. By the way our Malaysian pots are still 40% off until 10/18/08.

Paul and Gary Guzman

Big Fall Planting At Color Your World Nurseries in Las Cruces, NM

Add from Las Cruces Sun News.
Fall Planting sale at Color Your World Nurseries.
All outdoor trees, shrubs and vines are 25% off.

Visit Our Nurseries located in Las Cruces, NM
540 N. Telshore and 655 University. The staff are well versed on Southwestern Gardening informatin.

Call us at: 575 526 1491 or 523 1520.

Sale Ends on Friday October 3, 2008

Sale at Color Your World Nurseries

Big sale at Color Your World Nurseries. Fall time is the best time to plant trees, shrubs and coloring flowers. Call today for information (575) 523 1520 or 521 0496

Gardening during the month of August

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.
For more southwestern August gardening information visit:
August Gardening Tips

Easy to use gardeners handbook.

I manage a medium retail gardening store and here are a few questions that I consistently get all the time.

How can I start my own flowering or vegetable garden?
Where and what flowers should I use to design my garden for maxium interest?
What are the latest gardening techniques?
Why aren't my flowers blooming?
What is the best way to make compost?
Should I use perennials or annuals?
How do I get rid of weeds in my garden?
And hundreds of other gardening questions that are too numerous to list right here.

These questions are sometimes easily answerd. Lots of times I get questions that are complicated and requires that I do some online/offline research.

The Gardeners Handbook is a powerful gardening ebook that easily answers hundreds of questions you might have!

No one person, book, magazine, or website has all the answers to a "gorgeous flowering or vegetable garden"...but Daniel Murray's garden handbook sure comes close. He has an easy down to earth layman's style reading ebook.

Whether you are a novice gardener or a full time pro the Gardeners Handbook will solve your brown thumb worries. Recommended by Paul Guzman - "Color Your World Greenhouse" Gardening Pro. More Gardeners Handbook Information Here

Oleanders for summer color

Scientific Name: Nerium oleander
Full Sun - USDA Zones 8-10.
Hardy Red Oleander. This desert landscape shrub has beautiful red blooms all summer long. Likes warmer temperatures may be stressed in colder climates. Grows up to 20ft tall.

Oleanders provide red, pink or white color all summer long. If you live in the lower eleveations of the south or southwest they will thrive all year long.

There is also the dwarf oleander that will not grow more than 5ft tall. Ask for them at you local nursery.

Color your world nurseries have lots of Oleanders to chose from. Come by today and see yourself.

Planting Fruit Trees

Planting fruit trees can actually be planted anytime of the year. If you plant in mid summer you must provide extra watering due to the extreme southwestern heat. If you plant in mid winter...Well just plant and water the first week or so.

Most fruit bearing trees need zinc for a good crop. When purchasing fertilizer for fruit trees make sure they the product has at least 5% zinc.

Color your world nurseries have their fruit trees at 50% off. If you live in the Las Cruces surrounding community be sure to stop by and see our apple, peach and cherry trees.

Or you can purchase fruit trees online by clicking here:
Fruit Trees

Thanks from Paul and Gary Guzman

July Gardening in the Southwest

Tips to keep your garden or landscape looking the best during the hot July Month.

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 July 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 phenomenal
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.

Article by Gary Guzman: All Rights Reserved.

Increasing Website Traffic Today

Increasing Website Traffic Today: "The most important words on the Internet today are quot;Increasing website traffic quot;!"

Hydroponics what is it?

Hydroponics allows us to grow the plants, fruits and vegetables of our choice--even in limited space--without using any soil. It's an amazing way to produce perfect specimens and offers TONS of advantages that traditional gardening can't come close to touching!

For more information just visit:
http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com/hydroponic-gardening.htm

Growing vegetables in a Greenhouse

Step by step guide to making your ultimate greenhouse package. Earn a full time income from home working in your own greenhouse.

Detailed Drawings and Photos on how to build your Ultimate Greenhouse. This is the cheapest greenhouse you can make for the size. Save a lot of MoneyGet your own ultimate greenhouse package web site and make money as an affiliate and eat fresh fruits and vegetables for a healthy lifestyle.

Gardening Tips from our NewslettersOn ways to get more from your greenhouse. Pay a lot less for your fruits and vegetables. Create Steams of Residual Income as an affiliate.Eat healthier because you know what you are growing. Free Updates for Life, Unlimited 24/7 Email Support.

Work at home part time, and earn a full time income...man this is the part time gardeners dream job.Recommended by the folks at Color Your World Greenhouses. "Earn a full time living using the fruits and vegetables you grow inside your own greenhouse".

Growing Vegetables in a Greenhouse

No rain in Southwestern New Mexico

It's been a long time since I've seen rain round these parts. I've almost forgotton what clouds look like. What does rain look like? These are some of the comments I get from folks who visit Color Your World gardening stores.

Yup...seems like an eternitity since we've had rain. It's been pretty hot and dry and these conditions can cause several bad gardening problems. I'll name a few.

Spider Mites....yes these small insects love dry hot conditions and they love cypresses, junipers, pines and other similar trees and shrubs.
Signs of spider mites are brownish web like webs around your tree or shrub.
Use a good miticide control to rid yourself of these insects. Be sure to spray the whole plant.
I like to use a systemic miticide...as this will work from the root system up in to the tree. Be sure read the label instructions.

Rabbits have been invading residential areas due to no rain. Deer, rabbits and other rodents do not have any natural vegetation. And like almost any living animal it will seek food until it finds some. These critters will eat anything including the bark of smaller younger trees.

Try "Critter Ridder" repellent to repel these animal from your garden, vegetables, plants and or trees. It does work if applied according to the instructions.


Get these at your local retail gardening center.

Or visit http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com/deer-rabbit-repellent.htm for more animal repellent products.

Thanks Paul Guzman

Gardening in the month of May

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 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.

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.

Planting during this month is still successfull. 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 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.

Malasian pottery 30% off.

Wow...30% off our Malasian pottery at both locations. In Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Come by soon for the best selection of malasian pottery.

Paul Guzman

New plants, trees, shrubs at Color Your World Nurseries

Great looking new plants, trees and shrubs at Color Your World Nurseries.

Beautiful looking crape myrtles such as the Dynamite red, Tonto, Catawba, Zuni, Tuscarora and many more to chose from.

We also have new Apricot and the Fuji apple fruit trees. Bedding plants arriving every Tuesday and Thrusday at both Guzman's Locations. Come early for the best selection.
Gary and Paul Guzman

When is the last frost?

When is the last frost in the Southwest? I get this question almost on a daily basis at our University retail gardening store.

I could get the answer from the local TV, Radio or online weather information services. But as you know they can sometimes be unreliable.

However the best answer comes from nature itself. Mesquite trees and shrubs. Look closely at these great looking drought tolerant shrubs. If you see small buds and or foliage you can bet the cold frosty mornings are no longer a problem for this season.

Paul Guzman

Mesquite tree photo
http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com/desert-trees/southwest-trees.htm

Sod and lawn tips for spring and summer

When laying down sod wait at least 2-3 weeks before fertilizing. Water is essential for a spectacular green lawn.
You should fertilize your sod/lawn once in the spring, once in the summer and once just before winter.
If you have fescue grass fertilize once or twice more during the winter months.
Use a good all purpose lawn fertilizer, analysis of about 16-8-8 will work great or try Lawn Fertilizer You can also purchase Helena's 16-8-8 at any Guzman's Garden Center Nursery.
Weeds! Those awful weeds that seem to always popup in your lawn right around early spring. Use Fertilome "Weed-Out Plus". This Kills Dandelions, Clover, Crabgrass, Nutsedge, Chickweed, Spurge and many other Lawn Weeds. Ask for it at your friendly local nursery. It really does work!
Remember that Bermuda sod or grass will go into dormancy during the winter months. It likes FULL SUN. Therefore less water and maintenance. It will not grow underneath a large tree that provides lots of shade.
Bermuda sod, zoysia and buffalo grasses do well in the southwestern areas. So does tall fescue but it needs more watering and maintenance. Buffalo grass is available in seed form only.

Vegetable plants are here at Guzman's Nurseries

Vegetable and bedding plants are arriving on a weekly basis at Guzman's Gardening Nurseries. We will usually get a shipment of new plants on Tuesday and Thursdays if you are in the area be sure to vist. Our operating hours have been extended we now close at 6:00pm MST. At Both the Telshor and University Locations. Lots of tomatoes, chili, herbs and many more.

Bedding Plants such as daisies, Black eyed-susan, geraniums,

petunias, beautiful snapdragons, and or course lots of pansies.

Thanks From Gary and Paul Guzman

Guzman's Greenhouse Color Your World Nurseries

New arrivials at Guzman's Greenhouse and Color Your World Nursery.

We have new arrival of plants, trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and gardening items arriving at Color Your World Nurseries on a weekly basis.

New arrvials include, Sago palms, Lemon citrus shrub, Prince of whales junipers, Concord grapes, Mexican elders, Purple Leaf Plum, Desert Spoon, Red bird of paradise. Many more trees, shrubs and flowering plants at both locations.

Come by and see them today.
Paul and Gary Guzman

When is the last frost in Las Cruces.

When is the last frost in Las Cruces?

Is spring really here? Well is sure looks like it here in southern New Mexico. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous. Most trees, shrubs, and plants are already sprouting new growth. The purple leaf plum tree are displaying bright colorful pink blooms. The fruit trees are also budding and leafing out.

Vegetable and herb plants are now arriving at many local southwest nurseries.

Lantana, red bird of paradise, and crape myrtles are typically late bloomers. They usually won't bloom until late spring or early summer. Just be patient with them.

My only concern is that we do not get a late frost. This actually happens almost every year and a light frost might develop in mid or late March.

Keep you eye on the weather in Las Cruces. If you have some of these plants in pots bring them in. If not protect them with some type of "thermal Blanket" usually sold at greenhouses or garden nurseries. You can also use a product called "Wall of Water" for your tomato plants. The product is round type plastic sort of like organ pipes filled with water. This keeps tomato plants from freezing.

Time for spring watering.

We usually have earlier spring season the the rest of the U.S. Now is the time to check water timers, bubblers, drip hoses and all gardening equipment.

Sharpen all garden tools, check your mower for gas leaks. Rake out old foliage and debris from the winter season.

Fertilize only stuff that has leafed out. It usually is around early March. You can cut back roses now. Wait until the last frost before trimming oleanders.

Got questions post them here.
Paul and Gary Guzman

Las Cruces, NM beautiful weather.

The weather here in Las Cruces, NM is beautiful. The high on 2/11/08 is supposed to hit 75 degrees f. Weather.com says should be like this for the 10 days or so.

I love living in Las Cruces. If you are in the area be sure to visit Color Your World Guzman's garden Centers. Just come by to say hi or look at our selections of trees, shrubs, plants, flowers and gardening furniture.

Thanks from Paul and Gary Guzman

Spring is around the corner

Spring is right around the corner.

Here is a list of perenneial and annual plants to provide your home or landscape with great color during spring.

First Perennials.
Ajuga Plants - Purplish/brownish in color grown for their foliage easy to grow and propagate. Can be used as ground cover.
Black Eyed Susan - Usually yellow daisy like blooms with large black center they do better in full sun.
Coral Bells - Fantastic foliage color in spring and fall. Flowers bloom in late spring.
Coreopsis - Beautiful yellow, red and pink blooms that will last from last spring till fall. They do not like moist soil let dry before watering again.
Daylily Plants - Daylillies are easy plants to grow from deep dark red to light pink blooms. Cut down during the cold season and they will pop right up in spring
Columbine - Easy to go grow perennial usually multi colored but some species are gold in color.
Penstemon - Long limbs with beautiful small like petal blooms. Full sun and good drainage will work best.
Rose of Sharon - Large purple, white, pink blooms from late spring until late fall in the southwest. Can be trimmed into a small tree.
Salvia - Long spiky like blooms that shoot straight up beautiful reds, purple, violet blue and even white.
Thyme Plants - Evergreen shrub with blue violet bloom all season long. Drought tolerant once established easy low maintenance plant.
Yarrow - A good ground cover plant usually with yellow cloud like blooms. Some species come in red easy to propagate. Plant in full sun but can tolerate some shade.

Now Annuals

Pansies - Wide species with numerous colors. Good in containers and will survive light frost and snow. They start to droop during hot summer months.
Impatients - Bright colored blooms from reds to whites. They do well in shady areas, including hot summer months.
Gazania - Beautiful multi colored blooms
Cosmos - Beautiful yellow, red and pink blooms that will last from last spring till fall.
California Poppy - These Poppies do best in cooler tempertures. They come in yellow, white, scarlet, red, bright orange. They do well in spring and fall months.
Petunia - Excellent in hanging baskets or containers they like to be watered and fertilized often.
Daisy - Easy care annual usually yellow with dark middle. Plant them in full sun for good growth.
Viola - These plants are actually pansies. Numerous multi colored blooms but with smaller petals.
Coleus - Several species to choose from. They like shade and are grown for their foliage rather than blooms.
Geraniums - Perfect for flower beds, containers, and hanging baskets. They do not like temperatures below 30% farenheight. Fertilize this plant at least once per month during spring thru fall season.

Don't forget to ask for some of these spring plants at your local nursery.
If you live in the Las Cruces area be sure to visit Guzman's Garden Centers.
Spring Gardening Color
http://www.guzmansgreenhouse.com

Fruit trees at Color Your World Nurseries.

Color Your World Nurseries at Las Cruces, NM. Hundreds of fruit trees have arrived at Guzman's garden centers. Both stores one on Telshor, and University have these fruit trees. They are still in the dormant stages but now is an excellent time to plant fruit trees. Come by and see what we have.

Paul Guzman

Roses at Color Your World Nurseries

Thousands of Jackson and Perkins roses have arrived at Color Your World Nurseries.
The bulk of them are at Guzman's Greenhouse 655 University Avenue, Las Cruces, NM.

Many are also at the 540 N. Telshor location. Come soon to see a plethora of roses.
Shrub, Tree, Hybrid tea and ground cover type of roses. Almost every color imaginable.

Paul and Gary Guzman

Cold weather garden tips

Cold Weather gardening tips for the southwest

Water once or twice this month, yes even plants that are dormant.

Use dormant oil on plants, and trees that lose their leaves during winter.

Intead of raking up all the fallen leaves, try incorporating them back into your soil or start up a compost pile. (compost maker is available)

Prune all dormant plants now, keep in mind the best rule of thumb for pruning is to have a reason for every cut you make!

Prune roses now thru early February (stop buy for a pruning lesson).

Fertilize your fescue, blugrass, or ryegrass lawn if it not looking as green as is should. Use 16-8-8 with iron, zinc and sulphur now.

Our roses should be ready to plant by mid January so hurry for best selection. We carry Jackson & Perkins roses.

Do not cut back oleander just yet. It is best to wait until late March.

Plant fruit and shade trees now to help establish roots before our hot dry winds begin.

Don't forget now is the time to plant pansies, snapdragon, viola, calendula, primrose, and perennials. These items will begin to arrive weekly at your local nurseries.

Thanks from Gary and Paul Guzman

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

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.

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.

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

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

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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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!

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

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.

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

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.

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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

Modesto ash tree

The Modesto Ash Tree.
guzmansgreenhouse.com

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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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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

Guzman's Greenhouse Gardening Blog: Beautiful Garden Southwestern Color

Guzman's Greenhouse Gardening Blog: Beautiful Garden Southwestern Color

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

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