Moving to Boulder Colorado is a lot like moving to the moon, if you’re from most anywhere else in the US.  You think you know what it “should” look like or what you would like it “to look like”,  but when you actually get here you have to adjust your perceptions a bit.  Boulder is located where the great plains end and the Rocky Mountains begin.  Boulder isn’t all plains and isn’t all mountains, but somewhere pleasantly in between – and oh, did I mention the gorgeous foothills?  With 300 days of sunshine, 17-25 inches of rain, an average of 158 inches of snowfall each year and with varying degrees of altitudes between 5000 – 14,000 feet above sea level there is an amazing diversity of plants – which gets me to my title point – what is heck is a “xeriscape”?

I did some research and found that Painted Desert Landscaping describes “xeriscape” as being less lawn area but not just rocks and gravel; landscaping that consists of plants that are well suited to your particular soil considering how much sun exposure your yard gets, how much maintenance you are willing to put into maintaining your yard and what views or screens you would like to build.  Xeros is derived from the Greek word meaning dry and scape comes from the word landscape.  Clever huh?

Being home grown from the East Coast of Virgina, I grew up with lush manicured green lawns and many deciduous shade trees, where I planted the traditional hostas around my patio and brick walkways (they like shade for the most part) and the annual impatience flower (which needs water everyday) without a worry in the world that they would grow and flourish without much maintenance.  What I found out that here in Boulder most soil is very poor in nutrients and can be either quite sandy or possibly clay.   You must add compost and organic matter to the soil here in Boulder to help maintain #1 the water absorption and # 2 the nutrients.   Imagining not having green lush grass to walk on takes some time to get used to, but after educating myself I found that my perception and appreciation of natural beauty increased the longer I’ve been the Boulder area.

So, the alternative to creating the lush green garden here in Boulder (which you can do because most homes are sold with underground yard sprinkler systems) would be to create either a “zeroscape” - which would be just gravel and more rocks and a few wild growing weeds, or talk to a landscaper who really knows the natural varieties of plants that might not need the additional amendments and that can thrive with much less maintenance.  They can help you step through the process of designing a “xeriscape” which is creating a sophisticated and interesting landscape around your house with the natural environment in mind without giving up the beauty.

Did you know that digging up “wild plants” is a No-No here in Boulder?  If you want the “wild” look consider planing native grasses or wildflower fields around your house.  Some natural plants are considered “noxious” and spread like wildfire if you’re not careful, so please consult the Boulder County website before you plant.

Colorado Aspen

If you are reading this blog and it is fall in Boulder, here’s what you need to be thinking about for your yard:

1.  Winter watering is very important especially if your garden faces south or west – because it gets more sun – and even though it gets cold here in the winter, the sun is still very bright and sometimes very warm.

2.  Evaluate and plan for spring on how you would like to enhance or renovate your garden or landscaping next spring.  Do some research on plants varieties that can improve your landscape while conserving water.

3.  Clean existing beds and remove dead annuals to reduce habitat for overwintering pests but leave the perennials that provide food for the birds.  If in doubt, don’t cut back.

4.  Plant spring flowering bulbs and divide and transplant the old ones.

5.  Clean out leaves and other debris.

6.  October is a great month to aerate and fertilize your yard.

7.  Don’t forget to clean, sharpen and oil your garden tools for next spring.

If you are thinking aboutcomposting to create your own organic matter for your garden be prepared for visitors like raccoons, foxes and possibly mountain lions or bears.  Mule deer are everywhere, but they are not going to root through your compost.

Don’t forget about the birds!  Planting a natural garden will also attract the local birds.  For more information about the local birds that live in Boulder Colorado check out theWild Bird Center of Boulder.

My mom always said to me, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”.  So my advice today is :”when in Boulder, do as the Boulderites do”,  which means be more conservative with your water and try to think about landscaping in a more ecological natural way.  If you remember where you are that will be easy.   Happy Plantings!