Guide to transforming your yard with Colorado’s native plants

Meet the native plant experts

I visited the High Plains Environmental Center in Loveland, Colorado, where Jim Tolstrup and Stephen Hornbeck shared their expertise on native plants. Jim highlighted the importance of creating habitats that support wildlife in our everyday spaces, while Stephen explained how even small gardens can make a big difference for local ecosystems. Their insights inspired me to transform more of my yard with native species.

The rest of this article will guide you through the steps to create a vibrant, sustainable garden using native plants, perfect for Colorado’s front range.

Why use native plants?

Native plants are naturally adapted to Colorado’s climates, soils, and environmental conditions. By choosing native plants, you’re working with nature rather than against it. They require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides, making them ideal for sustainable landscaping. Additionally, native plants provide crucial habitat and food for local wildlife, including birds, bees, and butterflies.

What are the benefits of native plants?

• Water conservation: Native plants are accustomed to Colorado’s dry conditions and require less water than non-native species. This is crucial in a state where water is a precious resource.
• Biodiversity: Landscaping with native plants helps maintain biodiversity, providing food and shelter for wildlife, which is increasingly important as urbanization reduces natural habitats.
• Low maintenance: Once established, native plants require minimal care. They are resilient to local pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

Getting started

It is easy to become quickly overwhelmed with new landscaping. Jim and Stephen counseled that this shouldn’t be a big ordeal. Take a little step: Pick out a small section of your yard or garden and add some native plants, building slowly.

Understand your landscape

Colorado’s Front Range encompasses a variety of climates and soil types. From the plains to the foothills, the conditions can vary greatly. Before you start planting, it’s important to understand the specific conditions of your yard:

• Soil type: Colorado soils can range from well-drained and rocky to heavy clay. Native plants generally thrive in unamended soils, but knowing your soil type will help you choose the best plants.
• Sun and shade: Observe the sun and shade patterns in your yard. Some native plants prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.
• Water availability: Plan your garden layout based on water availability. Group plants with similar water needs together.

What are the best grasses for Colorado’s front range?

Grasses are an essential component of a native garden. They provide structure, texture, and year-round interest. Here are some excellent choices for Colorado’s front range:

• Indian rice grass: This versatile grass is drought-tolerant and provides food for birds. 
• Side-oats grama: Known for its distinctive seed heads, this grass supports birds and butterflies.
  
• Blue grama: A common grass on the plains, it’s excellent for erosion control and bird habitat.
• Little bluestem: With its striking blue foliage, this grass adds color and supports a variety of wildlife.

What are good Colorado native perennial plants?

These plants should be the heart of your garden, providing color, fragrance, and habitat for pollinators. These plants come back year after year, saving you the work of replanting.

• Common yarrow: This tough plant has pretty white or light pink clusters of flowers and soft, feathery leaves. It’s great for bringing bees and butterflies to your yard, as are all the perennials in this list and doesn’t need much water to thrive.
• Blue mist penstemon: With its striking blue flowers, this low-growing plant is perfect for sunny spots, a favorite of hummingbirds.
• Prairie coneflower: Recognizable by its drooping petals and tall central cone, this flower comes in yellow or red. It’s another magnet for bees and butterflies
• Black-eyed susan: A garden favorite with bright yellow petals and a dark center. It’s easy to grow and drought-friendly, and pollinators love it.

What are native Colorado trees to plant?

Trees are the backbone of any landscape, providing shade, structure, and habitat for a variety of species, including humans. Native trees are especially important in Colorado, as they are well adapted to the climate and provide essential resources for local wildlife.

• Rocky mountain maple: This small tree has red-tinted twigs and lush green leaves. It’s perfect for some shade and attracts wildlife.
• Rocky mountain juniper: An evergreen with blue-green needles and small bluish berries that birds love. And it’s a great shelter for wildlife in your yard.
• Piñyon pine: A pine tree that thrives in dry, rocky areas. It produces pine nuts and offers great shelter for birds and small animals.

What are the best Colorado native shrubs to plant?

Like trees they provide important shelter and food for birds and other wildlife, making them a key element in creating a thriving habitat

• Serviceberry: This shrub produces berries that birds love in the summer, and in the fall, it has brilliant red leaves.
• Golden currant: A hardy shrub with fragrant yellow flowers and edible berries.
• Western wild rose: Known for its pink flowers and sweet scent, also a great plant for natural hedges. 

Planting your native garden

1. Preparation

Prepare your garden bed by removing weeds and existing grass. Loosen the soil, but avoid digging too deep to prevent dormant weed seeds from coming to the surface. If you need to improve drainage, consider creating a small berm or amending the soil with pea gravel.

2. Planting

• Seed or transplants: You can plant native grasses from seed or transplants. For seeds, broadcast them in late fall or early spring. For transplants, wait until after the last frost.
• Spacing: Plant your grasses according to their mature size. This will ensure they have enough space to thrive and reduce the need for future thinning.

3. Watering

Newly planted natives need regular watering until they are established, typically the first growing season. After that, many can survive on natural rainfall. Place higher water-need plants near downspouts or in low-lying areas to take advantage of natural water collection.

Maintaining your native garden

• Weeding: Regular weeding is crucial, especially in the first few years. A thick planting can act as a living mulch, reducing weed growth.
• Watering: While native plants are drought-tolerant, occasional deep watering during extended dry periods can help them thrive.
• Mulching: Use organic mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the soil.
• Avoid Pesticides: Native plants attract beneficial insects and pollinators. Pesticides can harm these important species.

Enhancing wildlife habitat

Native plants attract and support local wildlife. To maximize habitat benefits:

Provide shelter: Over winter, leave some garden debris, such as leaf litter and dead stalks, to provide habitat for insects and birds.
Create a water source: A shallow bird bath with stones can provide a safe drinking spot for insects and birds.

Design tips

• Color and texture: Combine plants with different colors and textures for visual interest. Native grasses paired with flowering perennials can create a stunning effect.
• Seasonal interest: Choose plants that bloom at different times to ensure your garden is colorful throughout the year.
• Group planting: Plant in groups to create blocks of color and structure that are more attractive to pollinators.

Conclusion

Incorporating native plants into your yard is a rewarding way to create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that supports local wildlife and conserves water. By understanding your landscape and choosing the right plants, you can create a thriving ecosystem right in your own backyard. Thanks to Jim Tolstrup and Stephen Hornbeck at High Plains Environmental Center in Loveland, Colorado, for inspiration and guidance in creating this article.

References

Low-Water Native Plants for Colorado Gardens: Front Range & Foothills

SUBURBITAT: A guide to restoring nature where we live, work, and play, by Jim Tolstrup