As April showers give way to green, lush forested foothills, we can start planning our own garden beds and planters. While Colorado’s growing season for home gardeners is certainly short, there’s no scarcity when it comes to sourcing pretty florals, fragrant herbs, and hearty vegetables from local nurseries. Boulder’s aspiring horticulturists should check out the following local nurseries for this season’s gardening needs.
Harlequin’s Gardens
This family-run Boulder nursery has been committed to sustainable gardening practices since its inception. Harlequin’s Gardens specializes in plants native to Colorado, organic vegetables, xeriscaping, beekeeping supplies, and more. The group behind this well-loved nursery wants to empower home gardeners to be kind to the soil while implementing water-conscious practices, like planting Colorado-hardy perennials or opting for drought-tolerant plants that can withstand our state’s dry seasons. Regardless of your gardening needs, the experts at Harlequin’s can help you plant beautiful, eco-conscious garden beds.
Creekside Tree Nursery
For larger landscaping needs, Creekside Tree Nursery is the place to go. This Boulder tree farm markets itself as selling trees, not sticks, meaning its vast collection of arbors are ready to go in the ground and slated for success. As one of the only suppliers of large caliphered share, evergreen, and ornamental trees, Creekside is a popular option among homeowners seeking an entire yard revamp. Choose from gorgeous green shrubs, fruit trees, and pines. Your yard will look like a Colorado postcard in no time with selections from Creekside Tree Nursery.
Stutz & Copeland Florist & Greenhouse
This local greenhouse and florist is often voted as one of Boulder’s best nurseries. Its garden center is packed with annuals, perennials, house plants, and outdoor plants. Vegetable starts, herbs, trees, and more also pack the greenhouse. Stutz & Copeland gets busy around graduation time and during wedding season because its floral arrangements are unlike any other.
Long’s Gardens
Since 1905, Long’s Gardens has been supplying bearded Irises to Boulder County’s residents. As the business has grown, horticulturists journey from near and far to dig up their very own stunning flowers to transplant in gardens at home. This third generation nursery sits in the heart of downtown Boulder, providing residents with a little bit of an escape from the hustle and bustle. Stop by to experience some of our city’s history and pick up flowers that are sure to brighten any garden bed or container.
Terracotta
Delightful indoor plants line the shelves of Terracotta and simply beg for a place in our homes. For those desiring to wade into the home gardening waters, test your prowess with a few simple indoor plants. The experts at Terracotta set each patron up for success with ample instructions, the correct pot, and healthy greenery so that your home can look as bright and cheery as the great outdoors.
The rule of thumb in Colorado is to hold off on planting until after Mother’s Day, which means it’s officially time to secure your spring and summer selections. Spend the weekend visiting a few of Boulder’s locally owned and operated nurseries, chat with knowledgeable employees or fellow gardening enthusiasts, then start planting.