During the spring of 2020, my husband and I re-worked part of our yard with new garden beds. (Any other weekend warriors out there?) I wanted to include drought-tolerant red flowers that would grow well in Colorado’s poor soils and hot, dry climate. And that’s when I...
Gardening for Pollinators
Gorgeous Waterwise Perennials for Colorado Gardens
Think low-water gardens have to look dull, desert-like, or weedy? Nope! Waterwise landscapes can be lush, vibrant, and pollinator friendly. Plus, they’re often a lot less work. If you’re looking for ways to save water and get more blooms for your buck, here are a...
Why Bees and Butterflies Are Like Puppies and Kittens
I originally published this article in 2022. Enjoy! Have you ever gotten a puppy or kitten? Chances are, you did a few things to get your home ready: Bought special food... Stocked up on toys... Rolled up rugs... Shut bathroom doors, so Buddy (or Mittens) didn’t turn...
Where to Buy Native Plants in Colorado
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....
“How Do I Attract Bees and Butterflies to My Garden?”
10 tips to create a pollinator garden in Colorado, Utah and similar states Do you want to attract bees and butterflies to your garden? Me too! These wonderful pollinators need just a few, basic survival elements: Food (from nectar-rich flowers) Water sources Cover...
Columbine Flowers: An Early Summer Flower to Attract Hummingbirds
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...
Where to Buy Plants That Are Safe for Bees in Colorado and the West
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...
What NOT to Do in Your Western Garden in February
The sun is shining its warm rays. Birds are singing. And Costco has started assembling its spring pergola displays. Spring is starting to feel like it's within reach, even if it's still a ways off. It’s enough to make you want to skip through the aisles of Costco. (Go...
“How Do I Know If Gardening Products Are Really Organic?”
A friend asked me: "How do you know if gardening products are really organic?" Maybe you've wondered the same thing. Certified organic garden products have a special seal on their packaging. You can see what the seals look like below. When you see one of these seals,...








