Gardening in the Rocky Mountain
region creates its own special challenges and opportunities. Long, hot
summer days with little or no rain and exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays
can leave plants scorched and permanently damaged. Early fall and late
spring snowstorms may catch trees with leaves still on the branches or only
half off. Sunny winter days with temperatures in the 50s can cause sap to
flow to the sunny side of tree trunks, while quick freezes by sundown may
freeze the liquid and kill unconditioned plants.
Experienced native gardeners
of the Rocky Mountain region have learned to take these often difficult
weather occurrences in stride, and now you can too. Huddleston and Hussey
have set the ground rules for dealing with such troublesome matters as soil
conditions, temperature changes, strong sun, and lack of water, providing
the gardener, homeowner, landscaper, and builder with plant choices that
suit their landscaping needs. Grow Native is a frank discussion of the
hardiest of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers suitable for landscaping in the
rough, and at times unforgiving, Rocky Mountain climate.
Grow Native