Can we return to Colorado's original landscape before settlers came and built thriving cities with green spaces filled with water-hungry herbs, trees, shrubs and flowers that mirror the cities they left behind in the eastern states?
When western city centers became cities, green spaces were created where people could meet and enjoy the life and culture of the time. Homeowners, businesses and communities have reflected these elements by creating their own green spaces.
Unfortunately, people before us could not have foreseen how scarce our water resources would become as the population grew, which, in turn, would seriously affect the preservation of the urban environment they created. Of course, our ancestors didn't see fit to take gardening any more seriously, using plants already adapted to Colorado's semi-arid climate.
Oh I wish.
Opportunities for major overhauls are rare, but improvements, adjustments, and future changes in planting, landscaping, and watering habits are available and becoming a reality. A renewed, water-efficient landscape is a trend that will continue along the Front Range and throughout Colorado.
Before the arrival of the settlers, the territory of the capital and its surroundings were low meadows with poplars growing along the banks of the rivers. It may look dull and colorless, but there was a natural beauty associated with the changing hues and shades throughout the season. From the high plains to the lowlands and mountain landscapes, there was a diverse range of local plants, perfectly suited to the needs and life cycles of all creatures, great and small.
Selection of native and similar plants
As you continue to plant from spring to fall, consider choosing ornamental perennials, trees, grasses and shrubs that have adapted to the Colorado environment, having grown here for hundreds of years or more. Native to Colorado, these plants survive and reproduce on their own without our help. True native species have already adapted to our soil types, low rainfall, high altitudes, cold and often dry winters, and plant pests and diseases.
A short list of Colorado native plants includes glorious spurge (Asclepias speciosa); Wild yellow Echinacea (Ratibida Columnifera); Denver Golden Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha); cherry apple tree (Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa); golden currant (Ribes aureum); Colorado four o'clock (Mirabilis rotundifolia); Rocky Mountain Fire Star (Liatris ligulistylis); blue sage (Salvia azurea var. grandiflora); Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii); and bluegrass (Bouteloua gracilis). (See the resources below for a more detailed list of plants, design ideas and planting tips for the best soil conditions and natives.)
There are other regional plants that grow very well in Colorado and thrive in the western United States or elsewhere in North America; They are simply called Westerners or North Americans. plants such as dwarf leader plant (Amorpha nana); Engelmann's daisy (Engelmania peristenia); dwarf cedar pine (Pinus edulis, dwarf selection); Echinacea Tennessee (Echinacea tennesseensis); and Cheyenne mocking orange (Philadelphus lewisii "PWY01S") is an example.
Another collection to consider is native plants that have been crossed or bred with native traits that improve certain plant qualities, such as longer bloom periods, leaf and flower size or color. Many gardeners refer to them as native or hybrid plants. Examples of this include the commercial "summer wine" made from nine types of corn (Physocarpus opulifolius) and all the different types of hyssop (Agastache), purple strawberry (Echinacea) and coral green (Heuchera).
Another group to consider is often referred to as "adapted plants" because they thrive in soil and rain conditions. They add beauty and durability to many landscapes. These include popular plants such as iris, ice plant, hyssop, aster and stonecrop.
How do you choose which group to sit in?
From planting only true Colorado natives to western natives, natives or adapted plants, decide where you are on the spectrum. You can mix plants if they have the same growing conditions: soil, sunlight, type of watering or not (once the plants are well established).
Not all native plants are drought tolerant or need full sun. So do your homework or consult a knowledgeable landscape designer who specializes in these plants and can tailor them to your garden and preferences.
If your landscape or budget doesn't allow you to grow native plants and their relatives, consider adding a few plants to a suitable location. Or try adding a container or two so you can enjoy and observe the rich life of native bees, butterflies and birds that are attracted to these plants. And remember that digging up wild plants is an absolute taboo. Stay away from weeds and read the fine print on wildlife seed mixes that may contain highly invasive non-native species.
Availability at local nurseries and online resources varies; Many sell out very quickly, so shop early to get the best selection. Take a look around: As demand grows, more and more garden centers offer a wide variety of native plants.
SOuRCES
Creating Your Own Pollinator Garden in Denver: gowestgardener.com/blog/native-garden-colorado/
Colorado Native Plant Society: conps.org/
Colorado State University Native Plants Extension: cmg.extension.colostate.edu/gardening-resources/online-garden-publications/native-plants/
Native Plants of Fort Collins: fcgov.com/naturalareas/pdf/nativeplants2013.pdf?1548444497.
Colorado Native Gardening: youtube.com/watch?v=P8hEulqxnxw
Gardening with Native Plants: bouldercolorado.gov/services/gardening-native-plants.
Native Shrub Plants for Colorado Gardens: Front Range and Foothills: extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/native/FrontRangeSm.pdf
Colorado Noxious Weeds: ag.colorado.gov/conservation/noxious-weeds/species-id
Plant Select: plantselect.org
"Pretty Hardy Plants": plantselect.org/pre-order-our-new-book
Waterscape Design: plantselect.org/design/downloadable-designs
Wildlife, native plants, natural landscapes: wildones.org
Betty Cahill talks and writes about gardening in Colorado. Visit http://gardenpunchlist.blogspot.com/ for more gardening tips.
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