Beyond Xeriscaping: Why Larkspur Landscaping Embraces Colorado's Natural Beauty
The landscaping world is evolving, and we at Larkspur Landscaping are excited about Denver Water's recent shift from "xeriscaping" to "ColoradoScaping." This change isn't just about semantics – it represents a deeper understanding of what sustainable landscaping in Colorado should look like.
As reported by Westword this December, Denver Water is rebranding their water-conscious landscaping approach to better reflect its true nature. While they actually invented the term "xeriscaping" back in 1981, they found that many people misinterpreted it as "zero-scaping," imagining barren rock gardens devoid of life. The reality couldn't be further from the truth.
What we love about the new "ColoradoScaping" concept is how it aligns perfectly with our mission at Larkspur. As Bea Stratton, Denver Water's landscape transformation program manager, points out, these landscapes should be "textural, colorful environments" that create biodiversity, improve soil health, and attract pollinators. This is exactly what we've been advocating for years.
The benefits are compelling:
Water savings of 50% or more compared to traditional Kentucky Bluegrass lawns
Enhanced support for native pollinators and wildlife
Reduced soil erosion
Natural cooling of our urban environment
Lower maintenance costs for homeowners
What's particularly exciting is the financial support available for this transition. Denver Water is offering up to $750 for turf removal projects that implement ColoradoScaping principles, making sustainable landscaping more accessible to everyone.
At Larkspur, we're proud to be part of this movement toward more sustainable, Colorado-appropriate landscaping. We've always believed that our gardens should reflect and support our local ecosystem while remaining beautiful and functional. Whether you're looking to completely transform your yard or start with a smaller section, we're here to help create a landscape that's both water-wise and wonderful.
Want to learn more about transforming your yard into a ColoradoScape? Reach out to us at Larkspur Landscaping, where we're passionate about piecing back together the planet, one garden at a time.
