High Altitude English Garden

Any gardener in Colorado will tell you that growing at our altitudes is very challenging. In Denver, we sit at an elevation of 5,280 feet, hence the Mile High City. Geographically, we are described as a high desert, as in not much water.

However, I have a friend who has defied the odds and created a stunning mountain sanctuary at 8,400 feet, up in the high foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Her name is Clare, and she grew up in the lush English countryside at sea level. There, she roamed amongst the farms and lush forests; climbed enormous beech trees and basked beside quiet ponds.

Many years ago, she and her husband, Jason found their house up a winding canyon road and put down roots.

The entire property clings to the side of a steep piece of earth of rounded hills and valleys, initially created by ancient glaciers. Each addition to the property must be gently carved into the side of the slope. This includes a 2-horse barn, 3 beehives, a flower garden, a chicken coop, an herb and botanical garden and a greenhouse stuffed with vegetables.

In late August, when I entered the garden, I gasped – the abundance of color and texture, in such a small space – took my breath. Luckily, I had my camera.

As honeybees hummed from flower to flower, carrying on the ancient ritual of pollination, I basked in the sun, and felt the cool, gentle mountain breeze.

As autumn nudges summer aside, please enjoy Clare’s gift as I have done.