When I relocated from the verdant East to the dry Colorado Front Range, I traded my tractor for a townhouse—and an HOA. We hear many stories about HOAs that do not welcome anything but turf grass and regimented landscape designs, but this was not the case in my new community. When I decided to show up at a Board meeting one night, I learned that an overgrown, weed-choked area around our entranceway was a cause of concern. I offered to transform the area if the board would approve a small budget and give their consent to using native plants in the new design. My proposal solved a problem for them was accepted.
As luck would have it, my next-door neighbor, Molly, had just launched a new business, The New Western Garden, and was eager to help plant natives in our community. We quickly made plans for preparing the site and choosing plants. Although still new to the state, thanks to my field trips with the Colorado Native Plant Society, I had a good foundation in native flora, and before long, we were gathering the plants we needed.
We both saw this project as a perfect opportunity to engage with our neighbors, and we made opportunities to explain the benefits of using native plants. We also encouraged their participation in the new garden’s planting and maintenance. We were thrilled when nearly thirty people came to help with the installment. We had sent out an email invitation, but the good turn-out was mostly due to Molly’s personal one-on-one conversations as she walked around the neighborhood. The personal touch just can’t be beat!
Planting day was fun for young and old!
We had help from strong arms, gentle hands, and flexible bodies as we jockeyed for space with treading on plants.
We made a catalog of all the plants we used and gave a copy to each participant. Many of us are so familiar with the benefits of native plants, but there are also many peple who still have no idea of their importance.
We made sure to include many pollinator-attracting plants. Here an Aphrodite fritillary feeds on Monarda fistulosa, wild bergamont.
The new planting shown about a month after installing, even before the blooming began, it was a big improvement.
Berlanderia lyrata, chocolate flower for long season bloom and fragrance!
So for once at least, a success story. If you are looking for more guidance on dealing with HOAs and city regulations, Benjamin Vogt, author of the indispensible Prairie Up, has excellent advice in this column. Although we are facing today a multitude of challenges to our ecosystems and their biodiversity, there is also a wave of awareness empowering people to take action as they see the tangible results their individual efforts can achieve. So ride the wave! Be brave, show up, and let’s get growing!
All photos by author
Sue Dingwell