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

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