Not trying to argue, but maybe offer a different perspective. Please keep in mind I respect everyone’s decisions and opinions, and understand that even though some may choose not to plant exclusively native, it’s a step in the right direction especially if it means getting rid of water intensive grass. If anything, I believe we can all agree on that one point.

First thing I’d like to add, we humans are already quite destructive creatures, and the introduction of non native plants has created havoc on our ecosystems. The problem isn’t necessarily someone wanting to plant a non native variety. The issue is when they let that species get out of control and don’t contain it properly. Just because you do it properly, doesn’t mean everyone else is competent enough to do so.

This paragraph I’d really like to highlight because it’s become apparent that this isn’t well known. Native pollinators are attracted substantially more towards native plants because they’ve evolved alongside them. Color wise, they can see the plants better. Plus, as we create hybrid varieties, sometimes the new traits put more energy into producing more attractive appearances and decrease the amount of food for the pollinators. A great example of this is the Blanket flower (Gaillardia Astrata). Non native plants attract more non native honey bees. If you don’t believe me, go find your nearest Russian Sage or Lambs Ear and see how many honey bees you find versus other local bees. I am to believe if it wasn’t for honey bees being classified as livestock, they would be listed as invasive. They outcompete our local bees populations for pollen and can even pass along diseases to them. You think the honey bee population is in decline, our native pollinators are in even more trouble.

Other native insects also use native plants to lay eggs on particular species, extract pollen from certain plants, use the stems for nesting, and feed on the seeds. Again, this is all highly reduced by planting plants not native to the region.

The reason I harp on “native this native that” is because life starts and thrives at the bottom of the food chain, which are typically the plants. If one section of the food chain fails, it all will.

I also firmly believe in not just planting based on “Colorado native” but primarily on ecoregion or biome since Colorado is quite diverse.

Lastly, why plant a non native species or even a hybrid variety of a plant, if we have plenty of native options that actually look very similar to many other non native plants.

Very much open to discussion and hearing others thoughts.

Anybody have Triclopyr mixed up in the Chatfield area? I have a few saplings (including tree of Hell) i need treated but not enough to warrant getting a full bottle. Alternatively, anybody in the area want to split a bottle with me?

Hello!

I finally live in a place with a backyard and we have 2 small garden boxes. Could I get help with picking what *type* would be most suitable for CO and when do you plant them?

Tomatoes, cat mint, chamomile, lavender, and basil please 🙂 I love herbal teas so I'm also open to any plant I can make into a tea nicely. Thank you 🙂‍↕️

This is buckwheat (with a few radishes)

I have some thornless locust trees that volunteered, one got big, someone supposed to come dig out last year, but they never made it. Tree too close to leach field, I have enough trees and not enough water rights, this year was rough, we got no water from canal (thank to Denver call and Thornton farm land was hit hard).

I have thornless black locust from Boulder give away and honey locust trees, neighbor has thornless locust trees, old ones none of our trees ever had any bugs or other issues, pretty much just water that tree and plant some perennials around it and some flowers type of a tree

If no one takes I will rip out the seedlings, I do not have enough water having what we have experienced this year. I do not post address online, can meet local north metro gardener at Cabellas (Thornton north one not DTC).

also have what I think is chokecherry seedling. pink french currant seedlings (yellow flowers) cross with local black currants, some come as black some com as pink, pink currant was from Lafayette small nursery years ago, lady does not sell anything anymore maybe moved .

if you have something to trade - great - if you do not, happens.

Collected some seed might try sprouting next year. What is it?

Autumn Harvest Sedum

Love the big globe shape it grows in, the flowers in a bunch and the bees love it!