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If you garden at high altitude it helps to pick plants known for cold-hardiness, drought tolerance, and the ability to handle intense sun and shorter growing seasons. Here are good freeze-resistant, high-altitude plant recommendations that do well in gardens and landscapes like ours. Penstemon (Beardtongue) Many penstemon species are native to mountainous areas, tolerate poor, rocky soil, and thrive in full sun with well-drained conditions — ideal for high-altitude gardens. Colorado Columbine This wildflower is native to the Rockies, tolerates cold and…

This carpenter is working to save bees, one beautifully crafted hive at a time. Bees are the original hive architects – master builders whose intricate hexagonal wax comb showcases both beauty and engineering brilliance. Each cell is crafted to maximize strength and storage while using the least amount of materials—a perfect balance of efficiency and precision. Working together as a seamless team, bees create complex structures that house their young, store food, and maintain the colony’s survival. Their architectural achievements remind…

Mushrooms in the lawn are not a problem (and your grass will benefit from the healthy soil they create) Mushrooms popping up in your landscape can actually be a good thing because they’re a sign of healthy, active soil full of organic matter and beneficial microorganisms. Mushrooms grow from underground fungal networks (mycelium) that thrive in moist, organic-rich soil. They often pop up when conditions are damp and warm — after rain, heavy watering, or in shaded, poorly drained areas. …

The sensory garden is a natural space that engages the senses and explores the link between creativity and nature. The Denver Art Museum’s Sensory Garden, nestled on the terrace beneath the Martin (Gio Ponti) building, invites visitors into a living, multi‑sensory installation composed of three distinct planting “fields” — water, wood, and sky. A sensory garden is an accessible outdoor space for visitors of all ages and abilities to engage with and enjoy plants that evoke the five senses. Each…

A beautifully fragrant upright rose that produces an abundance of very full cup-shaped rose-pink flowers all summer. The Gertrude Jekyll rose is a beloved English shrub rose bred by David Austin in 1986, named after the famed British garden designer Gertrude Jekyll. It is renowned for its large, deeply cupped blooms in a rich, glowing pink and a strong, classic old rose fragrance — often considered one of the finest scents among English roses. This rose grows vigorously and can…

Creating a sense of seclusion in your outdoor space doesn’t have to require building tall fences. Creating a sense of seclusion in your outdoor space doesn’t require building tall fences alone — thoughtful landscape design can provide natural, beautiful privacy. Start by assessing your yard’s sightlines: notice where neighbors’ windows, roads, or nearby buildings intrude on your sense of retreat. Use layers of planting to block these views gradually and naturally. Evergreen trees and tall shrubs are classic living screens,…

Snowdrops are low-maintenance perennial bulbs that produce tiny white bell-shaped flowers. They are a good choice for early Spring blooms and can be used for beds, borders, and mass plantings.  Snowdrops (also called Galanthus) are among the earliest spring bloomers, often pushing through the last patches of snow to signal the end of winter. With their delicate, nodding white flowers and slender green leaves, they create a striking contrast against the still-dormant landscape. Their ability to bloom in late winter makes…

Autumn Crocus is a beautiful fall-blooming bulb that sends up delicate, crocus-like flowers long after most summer blooms have faded. This small bulb (actually a corm) barely reaches 6 inches high, but the color carries across the garden in September and October where we live. Autumn Crocus is the easiest of the late-blooming crocus to perennialize, it multiplies readily. Plant in variously sized groups for a more natural look. Zones 4-8. Despite its name, it isn’t a true crocus but a…

You can usually expect a frost on any given day in October. Our first frost is typically around late September or early October, with a 50% chance occurring by September 27th, according to data for The Pinery area, Franktown, and Elizabeth.  Factors Influencing Frost Dates Elevation and Microclimates .Our elevation and terrain can lead to microclimates that differ slightly from larger nearby areas like Denver.  “First Frost” vs. “First Freeze” A “first frost” can occur when temperatures are slightly above…

Rainwater collection in Colorado – the why, the how, and the (updated) law. DIY Rainwater Collection System PDF This information is from a presentation by Board member Dennis Volz at a Black Forest Garden Club meeting in the Spring of 2025. If you have questions about information provided in the PDF and want to contact Dennis to learn more, please email blackforestgardenclub@gmail.com and we’ll connect you with Dennis.…