by Ann at Go West Gardener | Updated: Apr 24, 2025 | Gardening Tips and Tricks
Have you ever had trouble finding the flowers you want at the store?
You aren’t alone!
Figuring out which flowers to plant and tracking them down in a garden center can get overwhelming quickly. And if even if you don’t feel overwhelmed, it can be frustrating to want a certain plant and not be able to find it.
So, if this sounds like you, please know, this is normal.
In this tip, let’s chat about how to make it easier to find the flowers you want.
What can you do if you have ideas for flowers, but you can’t find them at your garden center?
First, I’ll say that some western plants ARE hard to find.
Often, though, it can be a matter of where you’re looking for them.
The big box stores are convenient for buying flowers, no question.
But they tend to have a limited selection of flowers. Plus, they often carry plants that are better suited for other regions of the country.
Yep, let me say that again: A lot of their selection isn’t a great fit for gardens in the semi-arid, tricky soils West.
So instead, my suggestion is to look up local, independent garden centers in your area.
These are local stores that only sell plants, flowers, gardening tools and related products.
If you’ve only shopped at the big box stores for your flowers and you don’t know where to find local, independent garden center, no worries!
Search for:
“Garden center in [your town or metro area]”
“Plant nursery in [your town or metro area]”
You can call these local garden centers on the phone to ask if they have certain flowers OR you can visit in person.
These local stores are more likely to have a wider selection of flower plants that grow better in our region.
Fair warning, because these garden centers usually have a lot of plants, they can be a little intimidating on your first visit.
(Just being honest with you.)
But every time you go, you’ll get more comfortable.
And the great news is, they typically have knowledgeable staff members who can help you.
It’s 100% okay to ask questions.
When you arrive at your garden center, ask if they carry the flower you’re looking for. If they don’t have it, feel free to ask:
“Can you recommend a similar flower?”
Share what you’re trying to do.
For example, let them know if you want to attract butterflies … or if you’d like plants that deer are less likely to eat.
If the person you’re talking to doesn’t know the answer, ask if there’s someone available who may know the answer.
(There’s always a wise and scrappy gardener tucked away somewhere.)
To better help you, they may ask you a little about your garden.
Don’t worry! You don’t have to be a master gardener to have a conversation with them. They just want to help.
You may want to snap a few photos of your garden or yard on your phone before you go to the store. This makes it easier for them to picture your space and your existing flowers.
Okay, so that’s option one.
But it’s possible you may not find what you want locally because not every store carries every plant.
In that case, you have a second option.
There are online plant and seed companies too… like Zappos for flower plants.
You may be able to buy the flower plant you want online, and they’ll send it to you.
Some get shoes in the mail, others get flower plants… 🙂
Want a few examples of online garden stores?
- High Country Gardens is an example of an online garden store that specializes in flower plants for the intermountain west.
- Botanical Interests is an example of a seed company that offers many western flower seeds. They’re based in Colorado. Depending on the flower (or veggie) you want to grow, you may plant seeds in the spring, in the fall or even during the winter.
Often times, these online retailers have unusual flowers that are tricky to find in stores.
Another option: You can choose a “pre-planned garden.”
Would you like to create a beautiful, western-friendly garden WITHOUT having to figure out which flowers work best and find them in a store?
If yes, you may want to check out pre-planned flowers gardens.
They’re an awesome way to create a beautiful flower garden without all the research and hunting for plants.
And bonus, many of these flower gardens don’t need a lot of water.
Related topics that may interest you:
by Ann at Go West Gardener | Updated: Mar 7, 2025 | Gardening Tips and Tricks, Western Container Gardening With Flowers
I’ve been feeling conflicted about sharing this week’s gardening tip.
I firmly believe that you do not need a lot of stuff to be a successful gardener.
When I moved into my home, I was fortunate to inherit a few, basic gardening supplies from the previous owner. She was downsizing to a townhouse and was ready to say goodbye to her small collection of shears and shovels. I still happily use most of her tools and supplies today.
But every now and then, I’ll reach a point during the gardening season when I think:
“It sure would be nice to have…” a cute (but affordable) flowerpot, hail netting, etc.
What I’ve discovered is:
Some garden supplies can be surprisingly hard to find when you need them during the garden season.
Others are time-sensitive.
So, in this week’s tip, I want to share a few items that are helpful to track down NOW, rather than waiting until summer.
Do you prefer to find used garden supplies rather than new ones? Awesome! I’ve included “reuse” ideas too.
Packets of flower seeds
If you’ve played with the idea of planting flower seeds this year, now’s a good time to shop for them. For just a few bucks, you can grow really pretty flowers in your garden from a packet of seeds. And there are many flower seeds that you can spread directly in the ground — like the colorful Cosmos flowers below.
No fancy growing equipment needed!
What’s the catch?
Your timing matters. Your flowers are more likely to bloom when you want them to bloom — like in July and August instead of October! — when you follow the recommended timing for planting your seeds.
Often times, these seeds need to be planted 2 to 4 weeks before your “average last frost date.”
What’s an “average last frost date?” What does that mean? It means this is the point when there’s now less than 50% of a chance of getting a frost. You can search online to find the average last frost date for your area.
In Denver, our average last frost date is in early May. If we need to plant 2 to 4 weeks before this date, it’s best to plant these seeds in early- to mid-April.
Other seeds need to be planted even earlier.
You can find flower seed packets at local, independent garden centers. You also can buy seeds directly from seed companies like Botanical Interests. They’re a Colorado company. (This is not an affiliate link. I’m just sharing it for your convenience.)
Look at the back of the seed packets — or read the online descriptions — to find out when you should plant your seeds for the best results.
Affordable flowerpots
I’ve come to appreciate that flowerpots are like a nice pair of shoes or a stylish piece of jewelry. They can really elevate the look of a container garden.
They also can be surprisingly expensive.
If you’d like pretty flowerpots without the shock-inducing price, now’s a great time to look for flowerpots at stores like HomeGoods (TJ Maxx) and even Costco.
If you prefer to re-use rather than buying new:
- Look for used flowerpots on Next Door, OfferUp and Craig’s List.
- Check out estate sales. They’re another good place to find outdoor treasures like flowerpots and garden tools.
Pro tip! When choosing a flowerpot, look for pots that have hole(s) in the bottom. A flowerpot without a hole is like a bathtub without a drain. You’ll save yourself extra steps later when you buy a pot that already has a hole in it.
Hail netting
I know this is a weird one for March. But while we’ve been shoveling snow, scrappy gardeners have been proactively searching the Internet or visiting local garden centers for supplies like hail netting (also called, “anti-hail netting”).
This is one of those items that when we roll into thunderstorm season, the demand is so high, it’s usually sold out.
Translation: When you need it, you can’t get it.
By the way, there are plenty of things you can use in your home to protect your flowers from hail. I have a friend who uses shower curtain liners to help protect her flowers from hail. You can get creative.
So please know, you do not need to buy hail netting.
With that said, now’s the time to look for hail netting if a hailstorm trashed your flowers last year and you want to up your hail protection game. Sometimes, you can find hail netting at your local, independent garden centers. You also can find it online from garden supply companies and Amazon.
Related topics that may interest you:
by Ann at Go West Gardener | Updated: Mar 27, 2024 | Flower Garden Basics, Western Container Gardening With Flowers
If you’re wondering, “Why should I plant flower pots this summer?”, here are 8 reasons to dig into this awesome hobby this year.
#1: Planting flowers reduces stress and makes you feel better.
Studies show that getting out in nature calms us and makes us feel better. DRAMATICALLY better. It actually has an effect on our brains. When we’re out in nature, our brains produce fewer stress hormones, and our positive emotions skyrocket. (Source: Health Magazine, “The Happiness Handbook,” March 2020.)
I love the idea that we’re not only creating beauty on our back decks, but we’re creating it in our brains too, don’t you?
#2: Flower pots are a great way to try gardening to see if you like it.
Flower pots give you a chance to try gardening without a huge commitment. Before you turn into a weekend warrior and dig up your front yard with grand plans of a Martha Stewart Living landscape, start with growing flowers in pots. They’re a great way to try flower gardening to see if you enjoy it. If you reach the end of the summer and it wasn’t your thing, no harm, no foul.
#3: Helloooooo, curb appeal! Flower pots are an easy way to make your outdoor spaces look GOOD.
You put so much care into the inside of your home. Why not put a little love into your front porch or back deck too? Planting flower pots can make your outdoor space as welcoming as your family room. You’ll LOVE stepping outside into your own beautiful escape.
#4: You can get big results in just one summer.
Planting an in-ground garden takes time, effort and investment. It can take perennials (the flowers that come back every year) up to 3 years to reach their full size — and even longer for shrubs and trees!
But growing flowers in pots? You can go from baby flowers to gorgeous, overflowing pots that have your neighbors saying “wow” in just one summer.
#5: Planting flower pots helps you get in touch with nature.
“I didn’t realize how out of touch with nature I was.”
It’s something I hear over and over again from budding gardeners when they reflect on what surprised them most about flower gardening. Growing flowers is therapeutic. There’s something grounding about putting your hands in the dirt and reconnecting with the earth.
#6: You want your quality time at home to be fun.
After a loooooong winter, it’s nice to spend time outside with something fun to do, right? This summer is the perfect time to try planting flowers or expanding your flower skills.
#7: It’s a fun activity to involve your loved ones and friends.
You may think of container gardening as a solo hobby. But I’m always amazed at all the fun ways to involve your honey, your kiddos or even your neighbors — from shopping for flowers, to caring for your flowers, to having neighbors stop and chat about your pretty creations. Growing flowers is a way to bring people together. Flowers are a magnet for connecting.
#8: It’s personally rewarding.
“I didn’t expect to enjoy growing flowers as much as I did. It was extremely fulfilling.”
This is another thing I consistently hear from flower lovers I work with! When your flowers look good, YOU feel good. You’ve brought this beautiful creation to life. Your effort has been worth it. And you’ll discover talents you never knew you had. It can be incredibly rewarding.
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by Ann at Go West Gardener | Updated: May 9, 2024 | Best Flowers for Colorado, Utah & Similar States, Gardening for Pollinators, In-ground garden
Who else loves Columbine flowers?
(I have both my hands up.)
You’ll see Columbine flowers growing along alpine hiking trails in the Rocky Mountains… and in western gardens.
When I see them on mountain trails, I want to turn into Julie Andrews at the start of The Sound of Music, twirling around with my arms in the air, singing about the hills being alive. They make me giddy every time I see them.
Columbine flowers are perennials. This means they come back every year.
If you’re like me, you may think of Rocky Mountain Columbines first. They’re the bluish-purple and white flowers you’ll often see on mountain trails (like the ones pictured above). Rocky Mountain Columbines grow well in moist mountain meadows.
But you can find Columbine flowers in different types and colors.
There’s even a type of Columbine that can handle our hot, semi-arid summers at lower elevations in the intermountain west. (Scroll down for the scoop!)
Typically, Columbine flowers bloom in May and June at our lower elevations in states like Colorado.
And at our higher elevations, these flowers usually bloom in June and July.
Columbines are a WONDERFUL hummingbird magnet.
If you ever get a chance to visit the Betty Ford Alpine Garden in Vail, Colorado during the summer, make a beeline to the Columbine flowers.
If they’re in bloom, you’ll often be able to watch the hummingbirds blissfully zip from flower to flower.
It’s heavenly.
Tip: If you want to plant flowers that attract hummingbirds to your garden, add Columbines to your list.
Happy plants tend to live longer, so let’s chat about how to keep your Columbines happy.
The big thing is planting your Columbines in the right place in your garden.
Our summers can get really hot in our lower elevations in western states like Colorado and Utah. If you live someplace hot, your Columbines will likely prefer spots in your garden that have “partial shade” or “shade.” (A helpful guideline is 4 hours or less of sunlight. Avoid planting them in afternoon sunlight, which can be too hot.)
For example, you may want to plant them in the shade of a leafy tree.
They also like it when your dirt (which we’ll call “soil”) is moist and drains well.
To help keep your soil moist, it helps to put a layer of “mulch” (like wood chips or mini-bark) on top. You can find mulch at your local garden center.
But there IS a type of Columbine that can handle sunnier spots…
And it’s a much better fit for our gardens in the hot, semi-arid parts of the intermountain west!
If you’re looking for a Columbine flower that grows well in sunshine, ask at the garden center about Denver Gold® Columbine.
This plant’s official botanical name is: Aquilegia chrysantha ‘Denver Gold’.
Denver Gold® is a showy, yellow Columbine that flourishes in sunny locations.
It grows well in our tricky western soils up to elevations of about 9,000 feet.
In the photo above, you’ll see Denver Gold® Columbines (the tall, yellow flowers) planted next to purple flowers known as bearded irises.
Isn’t this a pretty combo?
Denver Gold® Columbines give you beautiful yellow flowers in May and June in our lower elevations. And if you trim off the dead blooms, you may get more flowers later in the summer as well.
It’s native to the canyon lands in the Southwest.
In the photo above, Denver Gold® Columbines (the yellow flowers) are planted alongside a bluish-purple flower known as Salvia (Salvia sylvestris ‘May Night’).
Another showy combo!
If you live in another region of the country…
Ask at your local garden center whether Columbines will grow well where you live.
Related tips that may interest you:
by Ann at Go West Gardener | Updated: Jun 20, 2025 | Best Flowers for Colorado, Utah & Similar States, In-ground garden, Waterwise Gardening in the Intermountain West, Western Container Gardening With Flowers
This cutie is known as Lantana.
This colorful flower reminds me of a delicious bowl of sherbet.
It isn’t a flower you want to eat, though — no matter how yummy it looks.
It’s actually a little poisonous. Be careful where you plant it if you have wee ones or dogs.
The butterflies and hummingbirds love Lantana, though!
Lantana is an “annual” in western states like Colorado and Wyoming.
This means it blooms all summer, but it doesn’t return next year.
Add this flower to your flowerpots or in the ground for a BIG pop of color.
Here’s why to add this colorful beauty to your summer garden…
- Lantana can take the heat, so it’s a good flower to try in your garden hot spots.
- It’s easy going. Lantana grows well in sunny locations, as well as partly shady spots.
- You’ll find it in many colors, from vibrant oranges and electric pinks, to calming yellows and purples.
- It tolerates drought, which is good in our semi-arid climate.
- Lantana attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Yay!
- This plant is deer resistant, so it isn’t the first choice of deer for munching.
Do you live in another region of the country?
If you live outside the Rocky Mountain region (like in the Southeast or Southwest), ask at your local garden center whether Lantana can be grown where you live.
There are some places where it isn’t allowed.
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by Ann at Go West Gardener | Updated: Sep 12, 2025 | Gardening Tips and Tricks, Western Container Gardening With Flowers
Friends, the end of the flowerpot season is like the end of a dinner party.
You’ve had an amazing evening of laughter, stories and delicious food. (“Oh my God, that was so good! I need that recipe!”) Your heart feels so full.
And then… you walk into your kitchen.
Sweet Mother of Lassie.
Your counters are lined with dirty dishes, empty wine glasses and serving utensils you didn’t even know you owned. You have caked-on pots and pans tucked into the stove, the refrigerator and other secret hidey-holes.
And ugh, your dishwasher only holds so much!!
I always have a similar feeling after a season of gardening.
After a summer of pretty flowers, there’s some flowerpot clean-up to do. And let’s be real, the clean-up isn’t going to be the highlight of your season.
“Wait, whaaat??? I need to clean my pots?”
Rest easy, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do!
But a little clean-up can make a BIG difference for your flowers next season.
I didn’t used to clean my flowerpots, but I have become a believer after experiencing some issues. For example, salt residue can build up on the inside of your pots. It can create problems for your young plants next season. (Headaches, hassles and struggling plants!)
With just a little cleaning, you eliminate those issues.
Here’s what to do with your flowerpots when your flowers are dead.
First, here are supplies for cleaning your pots that are helpful to have handy.
1) Empty out the dead flowers, roots, and used potting soil.
I suggest you set up a garbage bag and a compost bag. Compost bags are often available in the fall at local hardware stores.
- The trash bag is for dead plants that looked diseased. Throw away any plants that looked diseased at the end of the growing season, as well as all the potting soil from that flowerpot. (No judgment! These things happen.)
- The compost bag is for dead flowers and roots that were healthy. They can get turned into “compost.” Compost is an awesome material we can add back into our garden soils to improve their quality. Pull the dead plants out of your flowerpots. Add all of your dead plants that were healthy at the end of the season to the compost bag. (You also can create your own compost pile, but that’s a topic for another time.)
Click here for options for what to do with old potting soil >>
2) Clean your flowerpots.
When your flowers are dead and you’ve emptied everything out of your pots:
- Brush off any lingering dirt and white residue from the inside (and bottom) of your pots. I use a soft bristle brush from the hardware store. Avoid brushes that are too stiff because they can scratch your pots. If you can’t get the white residue off with a brush… You can try using a plastic puddy knife to scrape and get under the tough spots. It works pretty well, particularly on residue at the bottom of your pots. You also can try soaking your flowerpots in a mixture of vinegar and water. (If you’re wondering what the white residue on your flowerpots is, scroll down for quick explanation.)
- Rinse your flowerpot with water. I like to set the hose nozzle on the “jet” setting. It typically does a good job removing dirt.
- Remove any roots that have grown into the holes at the bottom of your pot. You want to make sure the holes are free of any debris for the next growing season, so water can drain freely from your pots.
- Repeat these steps for each pot.
“What IS that white stuff on my pots?”
Many of us have hard water. That white residue is likely a build-up of calcium and salts from watering and fertilizing.
It won’t be great for your plants’ roots next season.
I’ve found it’s easier to get the white residue off when it’s fresh in the fall, rather than waiting until the spring.
It’s kind of like the pan you cook lasagna in. That cheese residue will be much easier to get off before it fully hardens. Clean the residue while it’s still fresh, if you can.
But no worries if you decide to wait until spring!
3) Store your empty flowerpots for the winter.
To help keep your pots clean and protect them from cracking or breaking:
- Store your empty flowerpots out of the elements, if possible. Ideally, you’d store them someplace that stays above freezing temps, like an attached garage. That way, pots that are vulnerable to freeze damage and breaking (like terracotta pots and ceramic pots) are less likely to crack and break. But if that isn’t an option, store your pots in a shed or on a covered porch.
- If you leave your pots outside, you may want to turn your pots upside down or cover them to keep them clean and keep moisture out.
You may be wondering: “Do I have to protect my flowerpots?”
Nope, you don’t have to, and your flowerpots may be fine!
But just understand, freeze damage can happen, depending on your winter.
See the photo below of one of my neighbor’s flowerpots for an example. I have a bunch of cracked terracotta pots from one of my first winters in Colorado. Oops.
Most years, I stop here and call it good.
And if you’ve made it this far, awesome! You’re well on your way to getting next season’s flowers off to a great start.
But it’s worth noting…
The steps above haven’t sterilized our flowerpots.
You may be thinking: “Ummmm, there’s more??? Why do I need to sterilize my flowerpots?”
Plant diseases can carry over from year to year — and not just in the soil, but also on the pot itself. This means a disease you had this last season could ruin next season’s flowers.
So, it’s a good idea to sterilize your flowerpots if:
- You had (or suspected you had) diseased plants.
- You’ve purchased used pots. It’s best to clean them before you use them.
- You want to grow flowers from seeds in your flowerpots. Seedlings need an environment that’s as clean as a bottle for a newborn baby.
If any of these apply to you and you’re willing to go a step further, here are tips to sterilize your flowerpots.
Do you have to empty and clean your flowerpots?
Nope, it’s gardening. You can do what you want!
But cleaning up your pots when your flowers are dead can:
- Get your plants off to a healthy start in the spring.
- Give you fewer chores at the start of next season. (Yesssss!)
- Help your pots look good and last longer.
You’re cleaning up after this year’s flower party, so you’re ready for an amazing season next year.
Related topics that may interest you:
by Ann at Go West Gardener | Updated: Sep 12, 2025 | Gardening Tips and Tricks, Western Container Gardening With Flowers
In the fall, one of the questions that often comes up is:
“When should I empty my flowerpots?”
There are different schools of thought on when to empty your flowerpots, so I’m going to share several options. That way, you can decide which makes the most sense for you.
#1) Empty your flowerpots when you’re ready.
I have a neighbor who has a gorgeous container garden every summer. Typically, she reaches a point in the early fall when she decides:
“I’ve had enough.”
She’s over it. Her flowers still look good, but she’s ready to be done with watering and deadheading. She wants to empty her flowerpots while the weather is still nice.
You may feel guilty about pulling your flowers out early. Heck, you may feel guilty about pulling your flowers out anytime!
But chances are, you’ve planted “annuals” in your flowerpots. True annuals go through their life cycle within 1 year.
So, it’s 100% okay to empty your flowerpots if:
- You reach a point where you’ve had enough OR
- You want to do your fall chores before it gets too cold
Your flowers are nearing the end of their life cycle, and the killing freezes ARE coming… You may just be beating Mother Nature to them.
#2) Empty your pots when your flowers stop looking good due to frosts and freezes.
(This is what I do.)
The majority of the flowers in your containers can’t survive freezing temperatures. This means there’s a point when the flowers in your containers will get nipped by cold temperatures and die.
So, how will you know if your flowers have frozen and are dying?
If your flowers have been nipped by a frost or a freeze:
- Your flowers will often change colors. You may see them turn brown, black, gray or a yellowish cream.
- They may go limp.
- They may shrivel and dry up.
- Sometimes, they’ll get mushy.
They’ll no longer look right, and it’s their way of telling you:
“Hey, it’s time to dig me out of your flowerpot!”
If you have frosts or freezes in your forecast and you don’t want your flowers to get nipped, check out 6 ways to protect your flowers from frost and freezing.
#3) Empty your pots BEFORE you start getting consistent freezes and/or snow.
So, let’s say you’re having a busy fall. Your plants have frozen and died, but you haven’t had time to empty your flowerpots yet. You may want to think about emptying your flowerpots BEFORE you start getting consistent freezes or snow.
Here’s why:
There are some types of flowerpots — like terracotta pots, ceramic pots and even concrete flowerpots — that can chip, crack or crumble over the winter.
Check out the photo below for an example of what flowerpot freeze damage can look like.
#4) Dig out your flowers if you want to put something else in your flowerpots.
If you don’t mind leaving your flowerpots out, you can turn them into decorative planters during other parts of the year — especially if they’re in a spot that’s protected from the elements.
For example, you could:
- Replace your summer flowers with fall flowers, like the mums in the photo below
- Put pumpkins, gourds or decorative branches in your flowerpots in the fall
- Spruce up your containers with evergreen bows or other festive adornments in December
- Fill them with flowers in the spring that like chillier weather (like the pansies pictured earlier on this page)
There’s no rule that says you can only use your flowerpots during the summer!
If this sounds like too much work, then of course, you don’t have to do it.
Just know you have options!
Related topics that may interest you:
by Ann at Go West Gardener | Updated: Jan 28, 2026 | Best Flowers for Colorado, Utah & Similar States, Gardening for Pollinators
Despite their growing popularity, some native plants can be tricky to find at many garden centers. Here are different places to buy native plants in Colorado.
Plant sales at local botanic gardens
These events are often held at local botanic gardens in the late spring. I’ve had good luck finding native plants that have been difficult to source in garden centers and plant nurseries. Not every botanic garden offers plant sales, but many do.
Native plant sales and swaps with local non-profits
There are a variety of non-profits in Colorado that offer native plant sales, seed swaps and native plant swaps. If you’re new to a seed or plant swap, think of it like a cookie exchange. You bring plants or seeds to share, and you return home with new additions for your own garden. Often times, you don’t even have to take plants or seeds to share. (Though, it’s appreciated if you do!)
Here are just a few examples:
Local, independent garden centers
There are local, independent garden centers that carry native plants and/or seeds. The Rocky Mountain Audubon Society has compiled a list of some standout garden centers in Colorado for native plants (as well as native plant seed companies). On your next visit to your favorite independent garden center, ask about their selection of native plants.
Tip: Native plants often don’t look as showy at the garden center as other flower plants. Don’t let that deter you! Plant Select has put together a quick video with a few helpful buying tips for native plants.
Native seed companies
Native seed companies can be a good place to look for native plants, especially native grasses and plants you can’t find elsewhere. Seeds also can be a cost-effective way to buy plants.
Online retailers
You can find online retailers that sell native plants—for example, High Country Gardens, Prairie Moon Nursery and Prairie Nursery. Worth noting, online retailers are located across the country, and they sell plants to people in different regions. With that in mind, look for plants that are native to our region of the country. And be sure to read the description of the plants to make sure they fit our growing conditions.
Here’s just one reason why: Many plants that are native to places like the upper Midwest and East Coast need a lot more water than we get in Colorado and the semi-arid West.
Gardens in a Box from Resource Central
Resource Central is a Front Range non-profit that offers Gardens in a Box—pre-planned flower gardens that are well adapted for Colorado. The majority of their plants are native plants. Gardens in a Box go on sale mid-winter and mid-summer for pick up in the late spring and early fall.
Related topics that my interest you:
by Ann at Go West Gardener | Updated: Jan 28, 2026 | Gardening for Pollinators, Gardening Tips and Tricks
Did you know that flowers and plants from the garden center often have a pesticide in them that can be toxic to bees?
“What, whaaaaaaaat?”
That pretty much sums up my reaction when I realized that my last impulse purchase was harmful to bees.
If you want to create a pollinator garden, here are helpful things to know about the commonly-used pesticides known as “neonicotinoids.” You’ll also find tips on where to buy plants that are safe for bees in Colorado and similar western states.
I first learned about neonicotinoids and “bee-safe” plants at the 2021 Colorado Pollinator Virtual Summit. This annual event is open to the public and is typically offered in the fall.
Many plants sold at garden centers have been treated with neonicotinoids (or “neonics,” for short).
Neonicotinoids are a “systemic insecticide”—a type of pesticide.
This means plants absorb the chemical into all of their plant tissues to kill insects. Even their nectar and petals!
Many growers use neonics early in a plant’s life cycle to help control pests.
It’s very common.
Unfortunately, these insecticides can stay in your plants for a long time. (Sometimes years!)
The chemicals can be passed along to bees when they land on or feed from that plant.
Neonics can lead to a range of problems in bees—like weakness, disorientation and impairment… and even death.
Yikes.
For example, studies have found that bees that have been exposed to neonicotinoids have a:
Social bees—like honey bees and bumble bees—also have reduced social activity and a reduced ability to regulate their nest temperature.
So, how do you know whether a plant is neonicotinoid free or not?
Well, this is where things get tricky.
It isn’t easy to tell.
For now, a good place to start is to learning where to buy plants that are safe for bees.
If you live in the Front Range of Colorado…
There’s a local website that keeps a list of where to buy neonicotinoid-free plants (source: Sustainable Neighborhood Network).
The garden centers, plant nurseries and growers on this list have self reported that their plants are neonicotinoid free.
I learned about this resource through the Colorado Pollinators Virtual Summit. I’m sharing it in good faith, but please understand there is no guarantee of its accuracy.
As you’ll see noted on the nursery list, it’s always a good idea to double check with a store manager to make sure this information is accurate.
If you want to buy plants that are safe for bees online…
Check out High Country Gardens.
High Country Gardens has self reported that all of their perennials and wildflower seeds are neonicotinoid free.
Originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico, this online retailer carries many western plants.
If you live someplace else and want to buy local…
Skip the big box stores.
Instead, “you may be more likely to find organic plants at small local nurseries, native plant nurseries or at a farmers market,” says the Xerces Society, a science-based conservation organization, in their Buying Bee-Safe Plants Guide.
You also can call or visit your local, independent garden center and speak with a manager.
For tips on what to ask and how to have a conversation, please refer to the Buying Bee-Safe Plants Guide above.
Just be aware that the store managers may not know whether their growers use pesticides, like neonicotinoids.
Another option on where to find plants that are safe for bees…
Consider growing your plants from seeds.
When you buy seeds, look for the USDA Certified Organic label on your seed package.
That way, you’ll know the seeds meet federal organic standards. In other words, the seeds shouldn’t have been treated with neonicotinoids.
More about the annual Colorado Pollinator Summit
Attending the Colorado Pollinator Virtual Summit was an eye-opening experience for me.
I learned A LOT.
The summit included speakers and partners from organizations like the Butterfly Pavilion, Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado State University (CSU) Extension, Denver Audubon Society, Colorado Pollinators Network and more.
This annual event is open to the public. If you’d like to attend the next Colorado Pollinator Summit, make a note on your calendar for the early fall, so you can search for the upcoming event and get tickets.
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