I often see queries from people new to the area wanting to know what grows here.
If you are new to the area, and even if you’re not, you can learn a lot about what grows here by visiting a public garden. There are several in the area including Hudson Gardens, Denver Botanical Gardens and the Arboretum.
I recently visited Hudson Gardens with its numerous specimens of trees and shrubs as well as a vegetable garden, perennial gardens specific to native plants, herbs, and flowers. You can observe how plants are grouped in the landscape and get inspiration on how to do this yourself. Admission is free!
A couple of cautions:
- Growing conditions at Hudson Gardens or any other garden will likely be different from where you live. The plants are cared for by trained professionals and I doubt they are ever neglected.
- The gardens are located in an urban area and don’t have to deal with much wildlife.
Any public garden is an inspiring and pleasant way to spend a morning or afternoon.