Growing Native Plants in Boulder

Why are native plants important?

Native plants have evolved and adapted with their climate. For this reason, plants that are native to Colorado are built to thrive through our cold winters, droughts, and other harsh conditions. Native plants also provide key resources for the native animals that they have been in relationship with for thousands of years, making them foundational to a healthy ecosystem.

What’s happened to them?

Native plants are often displaced, especially in urban environments, through human development and expansion. For decades they have been removed and replaced with asphalt, concrete, or turf grass/lawns. Global exchange has also brought new invasive plant species to Colorado which can take over and weaken ecosystem function.

Why should we plant them?

There are so many reasons to plant native plants! They are beautiful, low maintenance, and durable. They’ll return every year once introduced, and provide natural habitat where our pollinators can feed and nest, and the songbirds can find food for their young. There is no need to use fertilizers or pesticides to grow them, and they require little water. Their long, penetrating roots help draw water down into the ground, creating absorbent landscapes in case of heavy rains.

Interested?

Take a look at these resources and the list of our community partners who can help you get started and/or dig deeper with native plants!

Native Plant Resources

  • "Coloradoscaping" with Native Plants Toolkit

    This toolkit by Wild Ones Front Range guides anyone interested in transforming some of their outdoor spaces into “Coloradoscapes” with native plants.

    Visit Site

  • Instructions for Sowing Your Own Native Seeds

    Learn how to create little outdoor reusable “greenhouses'' to germinate or sprout seeds outside, utilizing only our natural weather cycles and some water! An inexpensive and beginner-friendly method.

    Learn More

  • Low-Water Native Plants for Colorado Foothills

    This guide built by the Colorado Native Plant Society for gardening in the Front Range includes lists of plant species, design layouts, and tons of tips.

    View Guide

  • Gardening in Boulder with Native Plants

    A City of Boulder site which includes a guide with care instructions for 100 native plants as well as tips for sourcing native plants and plants to avoid.

    Visit Site

 Check Out These Community Partners

Featured
Rocky Flora Landscapes
Rocky Flora Landscapes

Inspired by Colorado's landscape, Rocky Flora’s mission is to integrate nature seamlessly into our designs and constructions, creating inviting spaces that transform your garden, expanding your home.

The Colorado Native Seed Company

The Colorado Native Seed Company grows and sells native grass and flower seeds.

Wild Ones - Front Range Chapter
Wild Ones - Front Range Chapter

Wild Ones Front Range hopes to support everyone who wants to add more native plants to their part of the Front Range, from a handful to a yard full. They have an extensive library of native seeds and often host plant/seed exchanges and workshops.

MASA Seed Foundation
MASA Seed Foundation

MASA Seed Foundation focuses directly on growing and adapting Farm and Garden Seeds for local and national distribution. Their Mission/vision entails securing a Front Range Seed Bank of tried and true, rigorously selected heirloom and traditional food plant varieties that are adaptable to climate shifts and front range soils.

Growing Gardens
Growing Gardens

For the last 25 years, Growing Gardens has brought regenerative agriculture education and food/seed/plant donations to Boulder County residents.

Resource Central
Resource Central

Resource Central is an award-winning non-profit dedicated to helping people save water, conserve energy, and reduce waste. Their “Garden in a Box” program and lawn removal services are transforming yards in the Boulder area.

Harlequin’s Gardens
Harlequin’s Gardens

Harlequin’s Gardens is a small family business owned by Mikl Brawner and Eve Reshetnik Brawner that specializes in Colorado-adapted plants: hardy own-root roses, xeriscape plants, natives, perennials, shrubs, herbs, rock garden plants, fruit and trees.