Climate

The high plains, the beginning of the desert West, often act as a crucible for those who inhabit them. Like Jacob’s angel, the region requires that you wrestle with it before it bestows a blessing.
- Kathleen Norris

The Denver area - in particular those areas east of I-25 - is a High Prairie Desert. We average only about 13" of rainfall a year, and much of that coming in the form of winter snow.

Snow can be expected any time from September through May, and I have even seen the occasional early June wet rainy type snow fall in the high plains. To make matters worse, the early and late snow that falls is generally heavy and wet, so gardeners who are shy with pruning shears will be treated to the vicious pruning style of Mother Nature.

Our soil is generally very poor, which combined with low rainfall creates the requirement that a gardener improve the soil and irrigate. The degree to which the soil is improved will reduce the amount of irrigation required.

In addition, the desiccating prairie winds - winter and summer - will destroy most plants that are adapted to a woodland climate rather than a prairie climate.

For the gardener willing to find the beauty and grace that paints the broad prairie full of grasses and prairie flowers, there is great reward to be found in our gardens. For the gardener intent on recreating a woodland style garden from the Midwest or the Southeast, I recommend that you learn to enjoy heartbreak...