Anyone who has ever moved to Colorado from more humid climates knows the frustration of trying to garden in this state.  Between searing hot days, bone-dry weather and soil that can be hard as a brick, plants are lucky to set down roots, let alone thrive once they get a foothold. There are many more choices than you might think. Recently, Better Homes and Gardens offered a list of no-fail plants to grow in the kind of clay soil that proliferates in Colorado.

This summer, consider planting:

Black-eyed Susan: These bright yellow daisy-like flowers with bold black centers make for lively borders in your flower garden. Consider Rudbeckia “Goldstrum,” a common variety that will spread nicely.

Russian Sage: This plant’s brilliant lavender flower spikes make a wonderful background for other plants and, better still, attract butterflies. In addition, Russian Sage is drought tolerant repels deer and is easy to grow.

Daylillies: Named for the fact that its trumpet-shaped flowers bloom for only one day, daylilies come in an exciting variety of colors and heights. Some types bloom more than once during the summer, and they are tougher than they look. Once you plant them, they will reward you by spreading throughout your flowerbeds without little, if any coaxing.

Ironweed: The name says it all: This purple flower can handle anything, from drought to inhospitable soil to intense heat and other impediments. The plant also attracts butterflies as an added benefit.

Coneflower: Another daisy-like flower, with petals that drop downward, coneflowers come in many colors, resist pests and diseases and make for wonderful cutting flowers. It’s a prairie native, so it will be right at home in your backyard, despite the climate challenges.

The trick is not in fighting the elements, but in finding plants that flourish under such conditions.

Enjoy your home this summer.

Check out more home and decor tips.

Brought to you by RE/Max of Cherry Creek agents.

 .

.

.

Source:  http://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/perennials/perennials-with-drought-tolerance/

If you’re like many, you’re just getting over the pain of filing taxes —and realizing that you could have saved money, had you only been aware of possible deductions and collected the right documentation. One thing is certain: next year will be the same, if you don’t start planning now.

Owning a home can offer significant tax breaks for those who take the time to know the rules and apply them. Before April rolls around again — and it always comes sooner than you think — take note of these possibilities, as reported by FoxBusiness.com, and begin filing your documentation now:

Points: If you paid points to obtain your home mortgage, these fees can be deducted, as long as they were incurred purchasing, rather than refinancing the home. (Deductions of points incurred refinancing a home must be made over the life of the mortgage.)

Property taxes: Homeowners can deduct state and local property taxes, as long as they are based on the assessed value. (If the money is being held in escrow to pay property taxes, homeowners can’t claim the deduction until the money is taken out and paid.)

Selling costs: If you sell your home this year, you may be able to  reduce your income tax by the amount of your selling costs, which will be deducted from your gain on the sale. Such costs may include: home repairs, broker’s fees, advertising expenses, title insurance. (Note that repairs are allowed only if they were made within 90 days of the sale and with the goal of improving the home’s marketability.)

Home office: If you operate your small business from home, you may be able to deduct a percentage of costs such as home insurance, repairs, phone service and so on. The office must be used exclusively as a principal place of business or as a place to meet with customers or patients.

Home improvement loan interest: Homeowners who have taken out loans to improve their homes may be eligible to deduct the interest on the loans. The improvements must fall under the category of “capital improvements,” meaning they “increase your home’s value, adapt it to new uses or extend its life.” (For example, new carpeting doesn’t qualify, while adding a room would.)

These tips are brought to you by your RE/Max of Cherry Creek agent. 

For more homeowner advice, check out our blog.

.

.

.

.

.