Shortgrass Prairie with Wildflowers

About

At an altitude of 6,200 feet, this garden is actually a tiny segment (5 acres) of the shortgrass prairie that once characterized the high plains of metro Denver before urban development. Since 2019, the owner has been working to restore the land by pulling and mowing weeds to make room for native grasses and wildflowers. Grasses include blue grama (Colorado’s state grass), buffalograss, sideoats grama, June prairie grass, and purple three-awn. Among the wildflowers are Indian paintbrush, starlilies, lupine, gayfeather, fleabane, and ‘“cowboy delight” that bloom either late spring (May, June) or late summer (August, September). Although our annual rainfall here is around 14 inches, native grasses tend to have deep, complex root systems and can tolerate drought. They are also excellent at sequestering carbon, a big plus in today's climate. To support water conservation, the owner does not irrigate the native grasses or forbs, and does not have a sprinkler or drip system.

This garden’s estimated size is 5 acres.

2025 Open Day:  Saturday, May 24

Hours:10-12, 12-2, 2-4