Uncovering the Treasures of the Mountain West

As I strolled through the Yampa River Botanic Park in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, I couldn’t help but feel like I had stumbled upon a true hidden gem. This magnificent garden, nestled in the heart of the Mountain West, was a feast for the senses – a riot of colors, textures, and fascinating plant life that left me in awe.

It all started with the Crevice Garden, a stunning creation built in 2014 using fieldstone from Wyoming. Nestled among the rugged rocks, I discovered a diverse array of alpine plants that seemed to thrive in the heat-trapping pockets formed by the strategically placed stones. Adjacent to this gem was the Members Rock Garden, one of the oldest and largest gardens in the park, also situated on a sun-drenched slope. These thoughtfully designed gardens sparked my imagination, leaving me eager to explore more of the hidden treasures this enchanting space had to offer.

As I meandered through the lush wetlands, watching an osprey glide gracefully in and out of its nest, I was struck by the sheer diversity of the plant life. Conifers and high-country natives stood tall, creating a tapestry of greens, while the September Charm Garden burst forth with a mesmerizing display of upright sedums, asters, and goldenrods. The rich autumnal hues of this garden, even on a rather gloomy day, were a testament to the resilience and beauty of these often-overlooked gems.

Embracing the Unexpected

One of the things I love most about public gardens is their ability to surprise and delight. The Yampa River Botanic Park was no exception, and as I explored its winding paths, I found myself constantly discovering new delights. From the serene wetlands to the meticulously curated rock gardens, each corner of this oasis held a treasure waiting to be unearthed.

As a long-time leader of the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins, Colorado, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a passionate team to curate and maintain a stunning public garden. But the Yampa River Botanic Park reminded me that there’s always more to discover, even in our own backyards. The variety of themed gardens, each with its own unique charm, was a testament to the power of creativity and vision.

Rethinking Our Landscapes

One of the most valuable lessons I took away from my visit to the Yampa River Botanic Park was the importance of thinking outside the box when it comes to our own garden designs. As I stood admiring the Crevice Garden, I couldn’t help but imagine how a similar approach could breathe new life into a troublesome berm in my own landscape.

The strategic use of rocks to create planting pockets that hold water and heat was a revelation. I found myself mentally rearranging the plants in my garden, experimenting with new combinations and placements that could mimic the success of the Yampa River Botanic Park’s stunning creations. It’s a testament to the power of inspiration and the way a well-designed public garden can spark our own creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Uncovering the Hidden Gems

As I continued my exploration of the Yampa River Botanic Park, I couldn’t help but wonder how many other hidden gems were waiting to be discovered in gardens and landscapes across the Mountain West. This region, known for its rugged beauty and resilient plant life, is a treasure trove of possibilities for the discerning gardener.

Take, for example, the stunning Siberian irises that I’ve come to love. These tough, reliable plants thrive in the Mountain West, filling the bloom gap between late spring and midsummer with their vibrant colors and graceful forms. Or consider the upright sedums, asters, and goldenrods that dazzled me in the September Charm Garden – these resilient perennials can bring a burst of autumnal splendor to any landscape.

As the CEO of the American Public Gardens Association, I’ve had the privilege of exploring gardens across the country, and I can say with certainty that the Yampa River Botanic Park is a true gem. But I also know that there are countless other hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, each with the potential to inspire and delight.

Cultivating a Passion for the Unexpected

As I reflect on my experience at the Yampa River Botanic Park, I can’t help but feel a renewed sense of excitement and curiosity about the world of gardening. It’s a reminder that even the most familiar landscapes can hold unexpected delights, and that by stepping outside of our comfort zones, we can unlock a whole new world of horticultural wonder.

Whether it’s experimenting with rock gardening, incorporating more native and resilient plants into our designs, or simply taking the time to explore the hidden gems in our own communities, the possibilities are endless. And who knows, perhaps your next great garden discovery is just around the corner, waiting to be uncovered and shared with the world.

So, if you’re looking to create a stunning garden that’s truly one-of-a-kind, I encourage you to start by exploring the hidden gems of the Mountain West. Today’s Gardens is here to help you every step of the way, offering expert guidance and design inspiration to help you bring your vision to life. After all, the true beauty of gardening lies in the unexpected – so why not embrace the thrill of the hunt and uncover your own horticultural treasures?