A GUIDE TO GARDENING IN STEAMBOAT

If you’ve ever tried to dig a hole in Colorado, you understand pretty quickly how the Rocky Mountains earned its name. If you’re from another part of the country and love to garden, get ready: a whole different set of rules apply here.

Take it from Emma Friedland, Lead Horticulturist for the Yampa River Botanic Park, whose job it is to manage the horticulture team who maintains all the gardens. Part of her job description, in addition to keeping out weeds, making compost into viable soil, and pairing plants for the most successful growing season, is to showcase Colorado’s native plants. “I was born and raised in Colorado, so I’ve been gardening here all my life,” she says. “I always tell people who are new to Colorado that native plants are the best to start.”

C olorado’s soil is notoriously challenging, as is the dry, hot, high altitude sun. There are other things to consider that might not occur in the more humid, verdant parts of the country, like the need to conserve water and to create your own soils, ideally from compost.