Welcome to the June Garden Report!
Summer is in the air, and things are heating up in the gardens. Average daily temperatures are in the 90’s for June, July and August in Winslow, but we’re hoping for an active monsoon season to ramp up as temperatures increase. The Gardens crew is starting extra early in the morning to get everything watered and beat the heat. Other tasks include: pruning, dead heading, planting crops, weed pulling and suppression, sweeping, mowing and so much more! Make sure to say hello and feel free to ask questions or chat with: Kalup, Jason, Jeremy, Chris, Greg, or Char!
While working in the gardens, I get some frequently asked questions and thought I’d share them with you! If you’re ever wandering the gardens and can’t find someone to answer your questions, please feel free to leave an email address at the front desk and I’ll get back to you.
North Entry Garden
What is that sweet smell?
While walking towards the Hotel Entrance, the sweet smell of Chocolate Flower is intoxicating. This yellow flower is in the Asteraceae family, is drought tolerant, thrives in poor soil and attracts pollinators. Other fragrant blooms in this area include: rosemary, China Rose, Tea Rose, Catmint and Potentilla.
Pollinator Garden
What type of trees grow in this area?
The trees surrounding this garden and lining the parking area are called Arizona Ash, or Fraxinus velutina. This variety is perfect for Winslow, it’s fast growing, loves the heat, and has beautiful yellow leaves in the Fall. They also offer shade for this protected space.
Ankh, Peace Pole and Wild Rose Garden
What are the little red “berries” on the rose bushes?
These little red orbs are called Rose Hips and form after the rose finishes flowering. They are full of seeds and too prickly to eat raw, but are full of Vitamin C and can be used in jam, jelly, tea, and syrup.
Is it okay to take some seeds home with me?
Please leave the seeds for the birds and the bees! We mostly plant perennials so that they’ll reseed and volunteer throughout the garden. There are many species of birds that rely on these seeds as a food source. The gift shop sells Hollyhock seeds if you’d like to take some home.
Milpa/West Crop Area
What is the black paper used for? Why is it covering one side of the area?
This is a form of weed barrier. The Bind Weed, Silver Leafed Nighshade, and Kochia have infested this area. We don’t use herbicide, and can’t keep up with digging them out, the barrier will deprive and smother them. Fall will be time to remove the barrier, add compost, fertilize and plant a cover crop.
The North side of this garden has been seeded with Hopi Amaranth, Sunflowers, White Clover, Corn and beans.
North Strip
Which plants on the property are native to the area and Winslow?
My favorites include: Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa), Rubber Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa), Salt Brush (Atriplex canesens), Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), and Blanket Flower (Gaillardia).
Summer Projects
- Increase irrigation times and supplemental watering. Repair and redo of system coming in the near future.
- Weed and seed (hollyhocks) Downtown lawn area.
- Rolling out weed barrier to cover the East side to smother Camel Thorn.
- Add more tree watering bags.
- Stay cool!