Native Gardening Book Club

Native Gardening Book Club: Inspiring Reads for the Rocky Mountains

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Native Gardening Book Club: Inspiring Reads for the Rocky Mountains

Introduction

Native gardening isn’t just a trend—it’s a meaningful way to support biodiversity, conserve water, and create a thriving ecosystem in your own backyard. Here in the Rocky Mountains, where challenging climates and unique conditions shape our landscapes, native plants are the heroes that make it all possible. They’re adapted to our soils, attract local pollinators, and help foster resilient habitats.

Meet Cora

Cora, co-owner of Wiggle Worm Gardens, has been a professional landscaper in the Eagle Valley for over twenty years and has spent much of that time focusing on incorporating the native plants of our area in local gardens and landscape designs. Her deep knowledge of the Rocky Mountain ecosystem and love for connecting with fellow gardeners have made her an integral part of our community.

To get to know her better, we asked Cora about her gardening journey and what fuels her dedication to native plants:

Q. What inspired you to focus on native plants in your gardening and professional life?

A. I spend a good amount of my spare time hiking around our sagebrush and pinion juniper ecosystems and the subtle beauty and amazing diversity of the plants here has always astounded me. Native plants are so resilient as well as beautiful so using them in gardens just seemed incredibly logical. Why fight our arid climate in our home landscapes when we can work with it? besides the logic and practicality of it, there's something inexplicably joyful and grounding about being miles out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but nature, and seeing a species that I have growing just a few feet from my front door.

Q. Can you share a memorable success story from your own garden using native plants?

A. Just one? There have been so many wonderful surprises working with native plants. . When I built my first crevice garden at home, I was still fighting within myself the mindset that had been instilled in me that plants need black rich soil full of organic matter and frequent irrigation. But I did what went against everything I'd been taught in the landscaping industry and just mixed sand and gravel into the native soil on site. I planted a variety of native plants but the one that really stood out was Stemless Evening Primrose (Oenothera caespitosa). It grew so quickly I couldn't believe it. It was huge and blooming within just a couple months. The four-inch white flowers on this plant are real showstoppers. And then the next year it became a host for several sphynx/hummingbird moth catapillars (aka the dreaded horn worm...) I think that was the plant that really showed me just how well native plants do in nutrient poor soil and with very little water, as well as how vital they are to sustaining a resilient ecosystem.

Q. How do you see native gardening as a way to connect with the community and support the environment?

A. So much of the culture here is focused around enjoying our beautiful wild spaces. All that beauty is rooted (ha ha) in the plants that make up the backbone of our ecosystems. Why not bring that beauty into our everyday lives and increase our connection to our environment by planting those same plants around our homes? Being able to have these plants and share them with one another can really deepen our community connection to and understanding of the area we live in and its ecosystems.

Q. What advice would you give to someone new to gardening in the Rocky Mountains?

A. 1. Take the time to get to know your outdoor space before you commit to any big changes or plantings. We live in a climate that is full of extremes and knowing how those extremes are playing out around your garden is really important. Go stand where you're planning on putting any plants for ten or fifteen minutes at different parts of the day. You'll find that a spot you were in at 7am will feel vastly different at 2pm. Making sure that you plant species that can take all the conditions the space will throw at them will really increase your success in the garden.

2. Don't fight the arid local climate by planting things that do well in humid parts of the country/world. So much time and energy go into irrigation and soil amending when we try to make our landscapes look like the east coast or England.

3. Learn to love rocks, we are in the Rocky Mountains after all. Whether you do a full-on rock garden or just incorporate a few large boulders, rocks can really help increase your plant palette by creating microclimates within the landscape.

4. Don't get discouraged if something you try doesn't work. I've killed thousands of plants throughout my career. Plants can be tricky little buggers and even if you think you have given them everything they could possibly want they might just up and die on you anyway. It's ok. Try something else. It might die too. Try again. Gardening, especially here, is a process of continuous leaning, which is what makes it so interesting and so much fun.

Q. Which native plant species have become your personal favorites and why?

A. There are so many it's going to be REALLY hard to pick just a few, but I'll try.

• Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata) is a great native that is a favorite of hummingbirds. It's a biennial so it doesn't live very long but it does re-seed readily in the garden which means I don't have to plant it myself, which is always a huge plus for me.

• Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) is that beautiful sunflower like yellow flower you see blooming throughout our sagebrush ecosystems from mid-spring through early summer. It's a tricky one to get going in gardens and I'm still trying to work out what it needs to get it to thrive in landscapes. I think it's one of my favorites simply because it is so prevalent and cheerful.

• Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa) is so ubiquitous its often overlooked both when folks are hiking around as well as for a landscape plant. But seeing the bright yellow flowers of this shrub covered in native bee species in late summer to early fall is always a delight and makes it one of my favorite plants in my garden. Plus, it is very long lived and can take just about any tough conditions you can throw at it.

• Penstemons (Beardtongues) are a big genus and we have many wonderful Penstemon species that are native to Eagle County. They're also amazing garden plants and are already widely used and available for gardeners. Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus) is adaptable to lots of tough conditions and can be grown throughout the valley from Gypsum to Vail. Osterhout's Penstemon (Penstemon osterhoutii) is a beautiful plant that grows amongst sagebrush. It's not commonly available in garden centers but I finally got one to germinate in my garden and I'll be working on trying to grow these and other harder to find penstemons from seed at Wiggle Worm so folks can try them out in their own gardens.

• Mountain Ball Cactus (Pediocactus simpsonii) is one of two cactus species native to Eagle County. These little guys are adaptable, tough and really cute. They're one of the first plants to bloom in the spring in my garden making them a great food source for all the native bees that are just waking up. They can be tough to find in garden centers but not impossible. If you want to see some really nice specimens in a public garden take a trip up to the Yampa Botanic Gardens in Steamboat springs.

This winter, we’re diving into the world of native gardening with a curated selection of books that inspire, educate, and celebrate this sustainable approach. Whether you’re new to the concept or a seasoned gardener, these reads are sure to deepen your connection to the land and your gardening goals.

Let’s explore three incredible books that highlight the power of native plants—and get ready to join us for a lively discussion at our Book Club Meeting during the Mid Winter Celebration!

Book 1: Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy

Summary:

Douglas Tallamy’s groundbreaking book, Bringing Nature Home, emphasizes the importance of native plants in restoring ecological balance. He explains how our yards can become vital refuges for insects, birds, and other wildlife when planted with species that naturally thrive in our region. With practical advice and inspiring examples, Tallamy demonstrates that even small changes in our landscapes can have a big impact.

Words from Cora:

"This author is considered by a lot of people to be the 'father' of the native plant gardening movement in the United States. This book really is a must-read for anyone interested in the ethos and scientific reasons for gardening with native plants."

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you incorporate more native plants into your current garden design?

2. What surprised you most about the relationship between native plants and local wildlife?

3. Which ideas from the book feel most actionable for your garden this spring?

4. How can you share what you’ve learned with your community to inspire change?

Get the Book

Support local by buying Bringing Nature Home at The Bookworm of Edwards: Buy Here

Book 2: Growing Native Plants of the Rocky Mountain Region by Robert Dorn

Summary:

Robert Dorn’s Growing Native Plants of the Rocky Mountain Region is a practical guide designed for gardeners in our unique climate. It provides an excellent overview of the basics of native plant gardening, along with an extensive list of native plants and their specific requirements. Dorn’s book is a go-to resource for understanding which species will thrive in our mountain landscapes and how to care for them effectively.

Words from Cora:

"I reference this book constantly. It's just about the best native plant gardening book you'll find for our area at the moment."

Reflection Questions:

1. Which native plants from Dorn’s list are most appealing for your garden?

2. How can you use this book to plan your garden for year-round interest?

3. What are some challenges you anticipate with native plant care, and how does Dorn address them?

4. How could this book help you create a more sustainable and low-maintenance garden?

Get the Book

Support local when you buy Growing Native Plants of the Rocky Mountain Region at The Bookworm of Edwards: Buy Here

Book 3: The Flora of Colorado by Jennifer Ackerfield

Summary:

Jennifer Ackerfield’s The Flora of Colorado is a comprehensive guide to every plant species found in Colorado. While not specifically a gardening book, it’s an essential reference for identifying native plants and understanding the incredible diversity of our state’s flora. Ackerfield’s work is a vital tool for gardeners looking to ensure they’re incorporating true natives into their landscapes and for anyone curious about the plants growing in Eagle County and beyond.

Words from Cora:

"This isn't about gardening per se, but it is a complete list of every known plant species in Colorado. It's another one I reference all the time to figure out which species are native to Eagle County. It's also the one I use when I'm trying to ID a plant out in the wild. It's on the expensive side but if you're serious about knowing what plants are native to Eagle County or really getting into species identification this book is a must have."

Reflection Questions:

1. How can this book help you identify plants already growing in your area?

2. What insights did you gain about Colorado’s plant diversity?

3. How might understanding native species inform your gardening choices?

4. How could you use this book as a resource for designing a truly local garden?

Get the Book

You can get The Flora of Colorado at CSU Bookstore: Buy Here

Conclusion and Call to Action

These books are more than just guides—they’re invitations to see your garden as a force for good. By embracing native plants, you can create a landscape that supports wildlife, conserves resources, and reflects the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on these inspiring reads! Join us at our Book Club Meeting during the Mid Winter Celebration to share your reflections, connect with fellow gardeners, and discover new ideas for your native garden. No garden is required—just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!

CTA: [Sign Up for the Book Club Meeting Today!]