mountain wildflowers

Colorado is the nations favored skiing and snowboarding destination. In forested mountain ecosystems, seasonal snow fall provides a buffer against many of the drought effects seen for ecosystems at lower elevations. Snow pack protects the roots of trees and other plants from the spring freezes. You can get damage in floral development in meadow flowers during years of low snowfall. the seed production of wildflowers are adversely affected if there is low snowfall, resulting in of course less flowers. Climate change is of course a concern.

Low humidity, fluctuating temperatures, a short growing season, poor soil characteristics, watering restrictions (in some cases), wildlife, wildfire, and drying winds make gardening in the mountains a challenge.

Landscaping and planting at Colorado mountain communities is challenging, especially above 7500 feet. Most of these challenges can be overcome with proper site preparation and plant choices. Mother Nature is constantly evolving.