It’s hard to compete with a grand view of the Rocky Mountains. And why would you? TLC Gardens instead created space-defining, bird-sheltering, pollinator-friendly beds around the Lafayette, Colorado, home of Jim and Laura Strouse, which I toured on Day 2 of the Denver Garden Bloggers Fling (June 2019). A large front deck elevates you enough to enjoy that knock-out view across a pretty mixed border and green farmland. At the corner of the deck, a custom bench and hand-built rock fountain hold your gaze for a moment as you enter or leave the home.

The triangular, vertical shape of the fountain plays off the pointed peaks of the Rockies in the distance.

But that view is happily given center stage. Atop a 2nd-story deck, gazing at the mountains, fellow blogger Barbara Wise and I spontaneously burst into a few bars of “The Hills are Alive” from The Sound of Music. No twirling was involved, however.

Gail of Clay and Limestone was feeling playful as well.

Human movement through the garden is directed via attractive paths, water features, and decks.

Anyone wanting to make their yard more waterwise and wildlife friendly by using native plants that provide food and shelter would do well to follow the example of this garden.

Up next: The artful and bee-friendly garden of Linda Boley. For a look back at the fun-loving garden of Jean Morgan, click here.

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Digging Deeper

Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance; simply click this link and ask to be added. Season 8 kicks off in fall 2024. Stay tuned for more info!

All material © 2024 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.