Boulder Backyard Spring flower, you may have noticed, are a favorite of mine. Color combinations that are “designed” to attract the specific needed pollinators also work for me as an artist. Have you ever looked at a flower and thought “what a terrible color combination?” Bet not! I have not.

Here are solid suggestions for the  Ten Best Things to Plant in Boulder.  They are selected for low maintenance, low water need, pollinator-friendly and beautiful!

In the Boulder Valley the landscape is as diverse as it is breathtaking. In our high mountain desert-like environment, home gardening takes on a special significance. From the majestic peaks of the Rockies to the lush valleys dotted with vibrant wildflowers, the beauty of nature is all around us. But amid this natural splendor, there’s something uniquely fulfilling about cultivating our own patches of greenery. Here are the top ten plants to consider for your Boulder garden, along with a deeper look at why home gardening matters now more than ever.

Here’s a list of ten perennial plants, meaning they come back every year with a little care. They are chosen for low maintenance, low watering needs, ability to pollinate, and I like them.

1. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)**: This hardy perennial not only adds a touch of elegance with its silvery foliage and delicate purple-blue flowers but also attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to the local ecosystem.a bee that is sitting on a flower2. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)**: With its striking purple blooms and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, purple coneflower is a must-have for any Boulder garden.

3. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)**: Vibrant, daisy-like flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow make blanket flower a visual delight while providing food for pollinators and requiring minimal maintenance.yellow sunflower with ladybug on top4. Liatris (Liatris spicata)**: This tall perennial produces spikes of purple or white flowers that not only add vertical interest to the garden but also attract bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.

5. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)**: With its tubular flowers in various shades, penstemon is a favorite of hummingbirds and other pollinators, thriving in Boulder’s climate with little care.6. Bee Balm (Monarda)**: Fragrant flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple make bee balm irresistible to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting pollinator health in your garden.

7. Sedum (Sedum spp.)**: These succulent plants offer year-round interest with their diverse shapes and colors while attracting late-season pollinators with their blooms.

8. Salvia (Salvia spp.)**: Long-lasting flowers in hues of blue, purple, pink, and red make salvias a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enriching the biodiversity of your garden.9. Catmint (Nepeta)**: Aromatic foliage and lavender-blue flowers make catmint a pollinator favorite, while its low maintenance nature makes it perfect for Boulder gardens.

10. Yarrow (Achillea)**: Feathery foliage and clusters of flowers in yellow, pink, and white make yarrow a versatile choice that attracts a myriad of pollinators and can even replace traditional lawn grass.

Why Home Gardening is Important!

Why does home gardening matter? In a world facing environmental challenges, cultivating our own gardens allows us to connect with nature on a personal level while supporting local ecosystems. By planting pollinator-friendly species and creating habitats for wildlife, we play a vital role in preserving biodiversity and promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, gardening provides a source of joy, relaxation, and pride, offering respite from the stresses of daily life and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

So, as you embark on your gardening journey in Boulder, consider the impact you can make by selecting plants that not only beautify your surroundings but also contribute to the health and vitality of our planet. Let’s sow the seeds of change, one garden at a time.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Leonard Frieling
  • Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
  • Former Judge
  • Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
  • First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
  • Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
  • Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
  • NORML Distinguished Counsel Circle
  • Life Member, NORML Legal Committee
  • Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
  • Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML
  • Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
  • Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
  • Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
  • LEAP Speaker, multi-published author, University lectures Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels.
  • http://www.Lfrieling.com
See More Articles From Leonard Frieling