Wyoming Gardens

During the winter in Wyoming, finding shade is not our biggest problem, but come July and August it likely will be.

Now is a good time to determine if your yard and house would benefit from some well-placed shade trees that you could get into the ground this spring. Cottonwood trees do well in our region, but most people hate the seed production. If you're interested in a cottonwood tree, consider getting a hybrid cottonwood that doesn't produce seed, like the Highland cottonwood tree.

A new variety of box elder on the market is called the Sensation box elder -- but it doesn't attract box elder bugs! Since the box elder is a maple, expect beautiful autumn foliage in oranges and reds.
Another tree to consider is the western catalpa. This is a very stately tree with large heart-shaped leaves. In early summer, orchid-like flowers emerge and give off a wonderful, sweet fragrance. 

 

There are many more good choices for shade trees, so talk to the experts at your local nursery or your county Extension agent and get their recommendations. But it's hard to go wrong with the Highland cottonwood, the Sensation box elder or the western catalpa.