Author: Kristin Laux

Introducing the Greenverein Garden: A Haven for Nature in Downtown Denver 

| Chapter Updates, Colorado Native Plants, Flower Interest, Garden Tours, Native Landscape Planning & Design

By Lisa Olsen Residents of the North Capitol Hill neighborhood in Denver have noticed a lot of activity at the Denver Turnverein. Founded in 1865, the Denver Turnverein is a member-supported non-profit focused on the educational, social, and physical benefits of dancing. Built in 1920, Denver’s premier dance hall is celebrating its hundredth anniversary this year. […] Continue reading "Introducing the Greenverein Garden: A Haven for Nature in Downtown Denver "

BALANCE…and Soil

| Climate Change, Colorado Native Plants

by Deborah Lebow Aal with help from Jan Midgely and Carla DeMasters This is a particularly odd time to be talking about native plants and gardening. As we continue to grapple with systemic racism in our country, and truly around the world, and the ever-present global pandemic, it’s a hard time to focus on non-human issues. […] Continue reading "BALANCE…and Soil"

Why Do I Need Larval Host Plants in My Yard

| Colorado Native Plants, Native Landscape Planning & Design

by Jenifer Heath Most of us have heard of larval host plants, even if we are not quite sure what it means to be a larval host plant. This brief piece will provide basic information about larval host plants: what they are, why they are important, some examples of native larval host plants in our […] Continue reading "Why Do I Need Larval Host Plants in My Yard"

A Few Book Recommendations for Native Landscaping Advocates

| Advocacy, Climate Change, Colorado Native Plants

Contributed by Tom Swihart and Deborah Lebow Aal It turns out that thinking about landscaping with native plants is akin to thinking about people’s relationship with the natural world. Below are brief descriptions of some books that we find interesting or inspiring. Many of us have more time to read right now, and need some inspiration. […] Continue reading "A Few Book Recommendations for Native Landscaping Advocates"

Climate Change and Landscape Change 

| Climate Change, Colorado Native Plants

By Tom Swihart The picture above was taken on the first day of Spring in Denver. Springtime in the Rockies. Buckle up! The forecast is for even more extreme weather shifts. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA)  Climate Summary for Colorado, we are already experiencing above average annual temperatures, above average numbers of very hot […] Continue reading "Climate Change and Landscape Change "

Let’s Talk Water and Yes, Native Plants Too

| Colorado Native Plants, Native Landscape Planning & Design, Turf Conversion

By Deborah Lebow Aal Ah, yes, water. It IS the weather in Colorado.  We are constantly talking about water. Skiers are obsessed with the snowpack; anglers are obsessed with river flow; farmers talk about the drought that seems to be omni-present. But, is it really a drought if it’s the normal condition? Denver gets an average of about 15 […] Continue reading "Let’s Talk Water and Yes, Native Plants Too"

Can You Get Your Community to Act? Town of Erie Example

| Advocacy, Colorado Native Plants, Native Landscape Planning & Design, Turf Conversion

By Tom Swihart An important goal for the Front Range Chapter of Wild Ones is for members to move their own yard toward native landscaping – and then move their neighbors in the same direction. The example you set can show your neighbors and friends how native landscaping is both possible and desirable. Upgrading yards, […] Continue reading "Can You Get Your Community to Act? Town of Erie Example"

A Call To Action

| Advocacy, Colorado Native Plants, Native Landscape Planning & Design

by Deb Lebow Aal What have you done, or will you do, this month, or this year, to inspire and empower people to plant native plants? Wild Ones was established to… “promote environmentally sound landscaping practices to preserve biodiversity through the preservation, restoration, and establishment of native plant communities.” That is our mission statement. The more […] Continue reading "A Call To Action"