r/DenverGardener

The front edge of our yard has been a nightmare since we moved in about 4 years ago. We've been wanting to do something about it for a while, and the drought/water restrictions this year were a good motivator.

We pulled the worst of the grass (and will likely remove more later) and replaced it with boulders and low-water/xeric plants. Mostly native, like mountain mahogany, fernbush, sagebrush, dwarf rabbitbrush, penstemon, pussy toes, manzanita, and a bunch more. Also some non-native guys who are well suited to our climate, like horehound, various sedums, and smokebush.

Everything is holding up pretty well so far. We've only lost a couple of plants (some parts of the bed are very harsh and dry). We're hoping that once everything is established, it will need very little supplemental water.

Did you do any fun projects this summer?

I really love poppies and have been trying to grow one for the last 3 years! I saw some orange poppies growing in an alley and thought, if they can thrive there with little-to-no care, how hard can it be? Turns out, hard (at least for me).

I really want a purple bunch like the picture. Should I plant now or get a starter bush in spring??

I had a small starter plant but I didnt water it enough. The space for my poppy now has irrigation and will get daily water - I also heard this is key.