So many very special experiences!
We were delighted with the turnout for our May Day festivities and sales, and loved seeing and helping old friends and new, first-time customers and loyal Harlequin’s supporters. The live music and gentle weather kept us all smiling and we so appreciate everyone’s cheerful patience in the check-out line. The Mothers’ Day weekend was equally exciting and heartwarming, and it was preceded by a rare and thrilling display of the Northern Lights on Friday night. We hope many of you were able to see it!
Walks on foothills trails this week reveal the earliest Penstemons (Beardtongues) in our area – the xeric, and showy Sidebells Penstemon (Penstemon secundiflorus). Penstemons are emblematic of the American West and exciting to see in the wild. They are packed with nectar and pollen and should be in every water-wise Colorado pollinator garden! Though reputed to be short-lived, we’ve found that deadheading about half (or more) of the spent flower stalks keeps them alive much longer. They also self-sow generously. Our friend Mike Kintgen, Senior Curator at Denver Botanic Gardens presents an excellent Penstemon Primer here.