A garden for small explorers 

This project is nestled in the foothills of Golden, Colorado, where the yard was once covered with river rock and weeds. As the family renovated their home, they were also looking to connect more deeply with the landscape, wanting something softer, greener. With a young child in the mix, the space needed to be as playful as it was pollinator-friendly.

We began with what was already there. A few tough Russian sages and ornamental grasses had survived, and we salvaged them as anchors for a new planting scheme. We kept the best of what was there, but reworked the palette and planting strategy to bring in softness, color, and movement. A pollinator garden now fills the yard with a textured, meadowy mix that evolves through the seasons: penstemon and lavender in spring, bluestem and switchgrass catching the late summer light.

In the center of the front yard, we carved out a simple patch of lawn — not too big, just enough for cartwheels, bare feet, and a picnic blanket. A stepping stone loop winds through the grasses, creating a miniature trail system for running, hiding, circling, exploring.  A kid-sized maze, if you let your imagination take over.

Because the home backs up to the foothills and deer are regular visitors, we prioritized resilient, low-maintenance species that could withstand a bit of browsing and still thrive. A pair of old apple trees mark the edge of the yard, so we added a hawthorn to complement them, inviting birds, pollinators, and a bit of seasonal drama. The design reflects a resilient landscape ethic, one that values durability, water-wise planting, and long-term ecological health. 

What was once barren and rocky is now alive. A home for bees, birds, and the barefoot joy of a backyard that finally feels like it belongs.

• Location (City, State): Golden, CO 

• Year: 2022

• Services provided: Landscape Architecture

• Client: Residential