New to Colorado Gardening

New to Colorado? New to gardening? Learn the tricks to help your plants thrive in our unique climate with our own Mark Phelan!

Gardening in Colorado: Start Smart, Grow Strong

New to Colorado? New to gardening? Or just tired of feeling like our climate is winning?

This class is the perfect place to begin.

Join Phelan Gardens’ own Mark Phelan as he walks you through the realities and rewards of gardening along the Front Range. Colorado’s growing conditions can be dramatic: intense sun, drying winds, sudden temperature swings, hail, heavy clay soils, and unpredictable precipitation. But with the right knowledge and plant choices, you can build a resilient, thriving landscape.

In this class, you’ll learn:

• How to “guard your garden” against temperature extremes and weather surprises
• Strategies to save your salvia, protect your prickly pear, and revere your roses
• Soil-building fundamentals for our heavy, alkaline clay
• What plant characteristics signal success in Colorado’s climate
• The importance of deep watering and smart irrigation practices
• How to choose plants that can handle altitude, wind, and sun intensity
• Why native and regionally adapted plants offer benefits far beyond beauty, including pollinator support, water savings, and long-term durability.

We’ll focus on practical, real-world solutions you can apply immediately, whether you’re planting a new yard, refreshing a few beds, or simply trying to keep things alive through our next weather swing.

Colorado gardening isn’t impossible. It’s just different.
Learn the rules of the game and grow with confidence.