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OUTDOORS  HIGH
POINTS--In the eyes of global rock gardeners, Colorado’s alpine
and subalpine wilderness areas define our most extravagant and spectacular
gardens. It’s no surprise that rock gardeners in Colorado have inspired
gardeners elsewhere. And many enthusiasts of rock gardens travel to our state
simply to see our alpine gardens. Most make an effort to visit at least four
sites: Trailridge in Rocky Mountain National Park and Summit Lake on Mount Evans
are prime destinations for alpine plants. Guanella Pass and Boreas Pass must be
included for subalpine natural rock gardens, too.
Photo: alpine forget-me-not in RMNP.
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GARDEN
 HEIRLOOM VEGGIES--Like
most home gardeners, I was first introduced to heirloom vegetables through
tomatoes. The Amish Brandywine couldn’t be beat, I
was told, and my pulse quickened at the thought of plump, misshapen beauties all
summer long. I’ve grown a number of heirloom tomatoes and found
some of
them fickle. But I've found heirloom tomatoes that thrive in
my garden given the soil, summer temperatures and dates to maturity. Starting
with tomatoes opened the world of heirloom vegetables for me and
introduced the history that comes with them.
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GARDEN
 TOWARD A
NEW GARDEN: WHEN VEGGIES MIX WITH FLOWERS--Vegetable beds traditionally come in rows for a practical
reason. This timeless design is intended to weed and harvest as efficiently as
possible. But as suburban plots shrink so do wide open spaces for vegetable
gardens. That’s when it makes sense to look at vegetables in a different
light—as ornamental plants as well as practical food producers. We plan
flowerbeds to buffer a sidewalk, surround a building or line a path. Those
places may be the sunniest or best drained. Why not locate vegetables where
they will be happy, even if it’s among the bearded iris or roses.
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ESCAPES
 RUGGED
BEAUTY: COMANCHE GRASSLANDS--After miles of flat grasslands, the Comanche National Grasslands suddenly
give way to the deep interior of a grand canyon--unexpected and breathtaking.
Comanche is a piñon-juniper forest with broad canyons carved by the numerous
drainages feeding the Purgatoire River. You'll often see a forest of cholla
cacti sprinkled among the junipers and piñon pines. Spring wildflowers carpet
the grasslands. And in the fall, sunflowers and feathery grass spikes
bend and sway. The
grasslands are a bird-watchers' paradise. Lark buntings clothed in black and
white feathers, like a tiny tuxedo, look unsuitably formal for grasslands. At
Comanche they perch atop the cholla cactus and dart within for protection. The
spiny limbs never appear to bother them.
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GARDEN
 10
WAYS TO FEED YOURSELF AND OTHERS -As the economy declines and food lines at community food banks swell, it’s
time for home gardeners to swing into action. We’ve babied heirloom tomatoes
and tender eggplants, swooned at delicate melons and crisp lettuces. Our weekend
hobby has been invigorating and a good physical workout. But now it’s time to
get serious. We can feed ourselves, our families, neighbors and strangers. It’s
up to us to help fill food banks, enlist neighbors in our gardens and apply our
knowledge, enthusiasm and experience. Here are 10 ways to get
started.
Expand your garden and the concept of a garden. Perhaps the area you dedicate
to growing vegetables and fruits is tiny in comparison to your appetite. Turn the
front yard into a vegetable garden. If that’s more than you can imagine,
consider tucking trim and delicate plants like peppers or eggplants into annual
or perennial beds.
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 GOING
PESTICIDE
FREE -We are advised to stop to smell the roses occasionally. But along with the perfume comes a whiff of
pesticide. Most of us want to get away from pesticides and herbicides. Is
it possible? Where do we start? It begins with a change of heart. The reluctance to bring out the pest-killing sprays
takes hold when a gardener
embraces the philosophy of a naturalist. And with that comes the abolition of poisons.
It’s good for wildlife to be pesticide free; it’s good for gardeners,
too. We have labored for years with toxins we do not understand or use wisely.
There’s much to be gained by avoiding poisons and little to be lost. We do
have to think differently by understanding the way nature intends plants to grow and
flourish.
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 GROWING ON A TIGHT BUDGET -Now that we’ve entered a new historical era of tighter bank regulations,
stringent loan requirements and credit card crunches, gardening comes to the
rescue. What many of us once considered a harmless hobby takes on an urgency:
abandoned urban lots converted to vegetable gardens, rooftop food gardens and
community gardens. "We once grew organic food for flavor and health,"
one longtime gardener said, "now we’ll be growing to feed others."
If you need to feed your family or your neighborhood, it’s time to find ways
to garden on a tight budget. In lush times or lean times, gardening doesn’t
have to break the bank.
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PHOTO SHOWS  WILDERNESS
GARDENS OF COLORADO--is one of four photo shows
for
clubs, societies, gatherings. "100 Years of Colorado Antiques and
Historic Homes" is perfect for those who want the personal stories
behind 1890's homes and interiors. "Secret Gardens of Colorado"
will amaze you with the remarkable retreats in our backyards.
"Colorado 12 Months of the Year" will challenge you to travel
our state and "Wilderness Gardens of Colorado" is filled with
special microclimates in our region.
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PHOTO PURCHASES
 GARDENS,
HOMES, WILDERNESS--If your company or organization would like to
purchase photos specializing in nature, gardens, historic and new homes,
interiors, antiques, travel and food, look through the gallery. All are book quality, digital and
Colorado-based. Nearly every season, every corner of Colorado is available.
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FREELANCE WRITING  COLORADO,
THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION AND SOUTHWEST --If your
publication specializes in the Rocky Mountain, Southwest or Colorado and covers off-the-beaten-track travel adventures, nature, spa destinations,
homes, gardens, events, trends, cooking, collecting and profiles of
interesting people, let us know.
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