Gardening with Native Plants

Spring is coming, and as you begin planning your yard and garden, consider the benefits of using native plants.  Native plant species are a good choice because they are adapted to Colorado’s climate and soil, so can be easy to grow here in Colorado.  Native plants are also good for water conservation, as they are adapted to growing in Colorado’s arid climate.  Finally, native plants attract local pollinators (bees, birds, butterflies), which are essential to plant reproduction.

Our library offers a number of resources that you may find helpful if you choose to grow native plants, including

• Colorado Native Tree Guide
• Handbook of Colorado Native Grasses 
• Native Grasses for Colorado Landscapes
• Native Herbaceous Perennials for Colorado Landscapes 
• Native Plant Revegetation Guide for Colorado 
• Native Plants Reference List 
• Native Shrubs for Colorado Landscapes 
• Native Trees for Colorado Landscapes

Also, for information on pollinators, see

• Attracting Butterflies to the Garden
• Bees of Colorado 
• Pollination of Tree Fruits 
• Summer’s Hummers