Backyard BIOdiversity
Boulder, CO
This home garden included ground-level design as well as an award-winning green roof (see Rooftop Pollinator Garden). This design turned storm water runoff on a site prone to flooding in heavy rains into an opportunity for natural water features. We worked with the landscape contractors to devise several ways for water to drain: dry wells planted with wetland and moisture-loving plants; swales that guide water away from the house; natural steel channels with blue stone cobble for water runoff. The process led us to deeper collaborations with other consultants and allowed us to consider how water runoff could add beauty to the site and benefit the landscape. A large ground-level patio, as well as a second floor patio with views of the foothills, use stone to support drainage and add natural beauty. Being native plant enthusiasts, our clients wanted to create habitat for pollinators. We worked closely with them to identify perennials, shrubs, grasses and trees that not only thrive in the Front Range ecosystem but also attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.
