Growing Hibiscus in Colorado? You Bet...Authors In Bloom Blog Hop

PRIZE INFO BELOW FOR AUTHORS IN BLOOM BLOG HOP

APRIL 7-16

TISTA RAY won my $20 Amazon Gift Card. 

The hop's grand prize winner is Savannah Miller 
and
Mary Preston won the secondary $25 gift card.

Colorado is tricky for gardeners, I can't tell you how many times I've shed tears over the perfect spring blooms or fall color or summer veggies, when I wake up to snow.  

Fall, Winter and Summer.  
Yes, we've had snow July 4th.

But as with most things in life, hope springs and I think for gardeners and writers alike, we keep trying.

I'm attempting  to create a lush, almost tropical look.  So when I found a cold hardy hibiscus, I thought I'd give them a try.  This bloom was year #2. The first year wasn't as good or as big. The plant is almost 6' tall by the time it blooms.  AND you have to cut it to the ground in the fall.  It emerges late, but grows extremely fast.  

I got my two at Lowe's. Turn of the Century Hibiscus.  Hibiscus moscheutos "Turn of the Century."  At the time I bought them they were $14.00 a piece.  

I'm hooked.  

My Gardening Tip:  Mulch and mulch more. I can't believe what a difference it makes.  In the fall we used shredded leaves which protect from the cold and then when I weed, them composted leaves get turned under.

And I use bark topper for the spring.  Smaller shreds, the big stuff, just gets old and tired looking.  And the smaller pieces compost faster.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

For 10 days, you have a chance to win a grand prize from the hop creator Dianne, of an e-reader along with a gift card to fill it!!

BUT in order to be eligible, you need to visit each author and leave a comment. Dianne is also giving away a second prize of a $25 gift cert for your ereader!! You have plenty of time to visit the sites, do a few every day and enjoy them.

I'm also giving away a $20 Amazon Gift card if you comment, and double chances for you if you sign up for my mailing list (on the side bar.) It's easy and I don't flood your mail boxes. That's a promise.

So COMMENT and leave contact info for a chance at prizes here, and most of the blogs you'll be visiting, as well as the Grand Prize.

Happy Gardening and Happy Reading.

Welcome Spring
~ L.A.