The eggs simply taste better compared to ones that are factory-farmed, according to Paul Fleischer, who runs the business with his wife, Chelsie. The eggs are more flavorful, the yolks are a deeper yellow, and many who have made the switch to pasture-raised notice the fluffier texture of the eggs when they’re cooked.

“There’s also some sort of inherently positive feeling that you get from supporting a local farmer or even raising them on your own,” Fleischer said.

Egg lovers may have extra motivation to shop local these days. Over the past few years, a deadly strain of bird flu has disrupted the commercial U.S. egg supply, sending prices soaring — at one point by as much as 49% in a year. In addition, the cage-free egg law and general inflation contributed to the hike. While grocery stores imposed limits on the number of eggs customers could buy, shelves went bare, and some restaurants tacked on surcharges for egg-based dishes.

Prices have recently eased. A dozen Grade A large eggs averaged $5.12 in April, down from $6.23 in March, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Still, that’s significantly higher than the $1.63 average in May 2022.

In the meantime, interest in local eggs — and local food, in general — has grown. Sometimes, Fleischer said, that means shopping at a nearby farmers market. Other times, it means setting up a coop just steps from your kitchen.

“I feel like there’s a big movement and interest in people wanting to go back to the land and provide for themselves,” he said.

To help meet that demand, Fleischer, a former teacher, has been leading “Backyard Chicken Keeping 101” classes, which frequently sell out as interest continues to trend upward. The class covers chicken basics, and everything from coop preparation to food, supplements and treats, choosing the right bird, and compliance with your local municipalities.

It’s tricky to pin down exact numbers on backyard chicken keeping, but here’s a surprising stat: About 11 million U.S. households have backyard chickens, and 8 million consider them pets, according to the latest figures from the American Pet Products Association. That’s a big jump from 2018, when just 5.8 million households had chickens in their yards.

While many people are raising hens to collect their eggs — and maybe generously sharing with friends and neighbors — farm-fresh options are also available at local farmers markets and roadside stands. In Colorado, small-scale flock owners can sell up to 250 dozen eggs per month, as long as they meet the state’s handling and labeling requirements, per the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. No license is needed if you’re selling eggs directly to the end consumer. But if you’re hoping to stock a restaurant or grocery store, you’ll need an egg producer and dealer license.

After the pandemic, Lakewood resident Elaine Harper and her family decided to get more self-sufficient, starting by expanding their garden. She took one of Fleischer’s chicken classes in May 2023, and by the following February, their backyard had four chickens. Another two joined that summer.

Her family collects between four to six eggs a day, which is enough for their breakfast sandwiches on sourdough, pancakes, baked goods (she swears the eggs make the best brownies) and more. Beyond her family of four, Harper is able to share the bounty with her neighbors and parents, too.

“You could blindfold test me and I’d know which is which,” Harper says of her home-laid eggs versus store-bought.

Since the egg shortage, Harper said several people in her circles have been curious about keeping backyard chickens, and she’s happy to pass along what she’s learned and show her urban setup.

In addition to the steady egg supply, the chickens, she said, have brought extra joy to her household. Though some may look alike, her family knows them by their personalities.

“They have an egg song they sing before they lay eggs, and some sing louder than others. We’ll be like, ‘Oh, that’s Pickle.’”

The Fleischer Family Farm stand runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays until November at 2005 S. Zephyr Court, Lakewood; fleischerfamilyfarm.com

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If you’ve ever spent a morning weaving through market crowds, you know the scene: upbeat, a little frenetic, and full of delicious seasonal surprises. But behind the bushels of greens, stacks of sourdough, and sizzling breakfast sandwiches are deeper personal stories of heritage, the harvest season hustle and friendships that you might otherwise miss out on during the market rush.

This summer, in sync with farmers market season, we’re spotlighting two standout vendors you just might meet while browsing: a fourth-generation Japanese-American (Yonsei) farmer growing Asian produce to sell at the City Park Farmers Market, and three college friends running a farm-to-food-truck operation at the Longmont Farmers Market.

Minoru Farms

While studying art in college, one principle stayed with Jade Sato: “You don’t control the medium; the medium controls you.”

That mindset now carries over to her work at Minoru Farm in Brighton, where Sato, who is Japanese-American, grows Asian vegetables on a 4-acre plot using low-till and organic methods. Farming requires precision, sure, but Sato also brings an artist’s sensibility to the process, letting her creative roots influence how she tends to her crops.

“In working with nature, and the farm and weather, I have a predisposition to not try to control everything,” she said. She leans into the wild beauty of the process by celebrating nature’s palette: purple basil, white bittermelon, and a whole rainbow of carrots.

Sato was among the first farmers to join the City Park Farmers Market when it launched in 2021. Now in her fifth season, her stall brims with everything from kale, Swiss chard, and Gailaan (a Chinese broccoli) to garlic varieties from across Asia, as well as peppers, summer squash and tomatoes. She’s always experimenting, too, recreating tropical conditions to grow things like ginger.

One of her farmers market favorites is a moon-shaped Korean melon that arrives in late August and tastes like a mini honeydew. “When you put them in the freezer, you’ll get a nice sorbet consistency.”

Sato started Minoru Farm in January 2020 with just a handful of CSA members. She named the farm after her late paternal grandfather, George Minoru Sato, a second-generation Japanese-American farmer. Her family history traces back to rice farmers in Japan who immigrated to America in the early 20th century to continue farming. Her grandfather, along with other family members, was imprisoned during World War II in the Japanese internment camps, losing the family farm in the process.

While the family never recovered that land, they eventually moved to Colorado and opened Sato’s Flowers, a nursery that offered seasonal plants and transitioned to Christmas trees and poinsettias in the winter. Jade worked there as a kid, potting mixed flower arrangements and helping ring up customers. Those early experiences helped spark her interest in working with soil.

Today, farming helps her feel connected to her ancestors and allows her to nourish others with produce that makes them feel at home.

“It feels familiar and very natural,” she says. “It feels like what I’m supposed to be doing.”

In addition to growing for the City Park Farmers Market, Sato also supplies produce to Yuan Wonton, run by award-winning Chef Penelope Wong. She offers both summer and winter CSA programs, with enrollment deadlines on Sept. 1 for the winter season and Jan. 1 for the summer. Those interested in the CSA can email her at minorufarmcsa@gmail.com.

Visit Minoru Farms at City Park Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays at City Park Esplanade in Denver. The farmers market runs through Oct. 26. cityparkfarmersmarket.com

Schlop Stop

You’re no stranger to farm-to-table meals. But at the Longmont Farmers Market, you’ll discover a fresh take on the garden-to-plate movement: Schlop Stop, a farm-to-food-truck concept run by three longtime friends. Their chili-pepper-red truck rolls into the market each Saturday, slinging seasonal dishes made from the produce they grow on their own Longmont farm.

Shaun Burns, Jake Downey and Mike Myrbeck met while attending the University of Hartford in Connecticut and moved out to Boulder together in 2016 as young 20-somethings. “We’re like a family of friends,” Downey said.

Each of them eventually ventured into their own career paths. A few years ago, though, they decided to combine their complementary skill sets: Burns’ gardening background, honed at Esoterra Culinary Garden (a favorite of top Front Range chefs); Downey’s food truck experience; and Myrbeck’s business savvy, sharpened in the outdoor industry.

Together, they connected with private landowners interested in restoring a farm property and got to work transforming a plot of arid soil into what’s now a thriving half-acre market garden called Sunburns Farms.

Their culinary garden now supplies the produce for the Schlop Stop food truck, which serves up everything from breakfast sandwiches to smashburgers every Saturday at the Longmont Farmers Market. Considering that produce in the U.S. travels an average of 1,500 miles to reach your plate, it’s notable that Schlop Stop’s ingredients travel just a few miles across town, cutting down the carbon footprint and delivering ultra-fresh (and super tasty) vegetables.

The Schlop Stop menu changes weekly based on what’s in season, giving market shoppers a preview of and inspiration for what they can cook at home.

“We’re cooking what you can go to the stands and buy,” Downey said. “You wouldn’t think to put carrots in an omelet, and then it turns out to be the best veggie omelet you’ve ever had. We’re always trying to be creative.”

They also source from other market vendors and local purveyors, like eggs from Bluebird Sky Farmstead and meat from Grama Grass & Livestock.

Schlop Stop has built a loyal following of farmers market regulars curious to see what’s new on the menu each week.

One beloved staple that usually appears later in the summer is the “farmafel,” as Downey likes to call it. The Sunburns Farms team grows chickpeas (a true labor of love), along with parsley, cilantro, garlic and onions to create the Lebanese dish that Downey learned to make from friends back East.

Another crowd favorite is the Farm Plate, which features a protein like fried chicken thighs, potatoes from the farm (often whipped into something like goat cheese mashed potatoes) and a generous helping of in-season vegetables, roasted with olive oil and herbs. Portions are big; that’s where the “schlop” name originated.

In addition to growing for Schlop Stop, the team also sells produce to Yellow Barn Farm in Longmont, which has farm shares available that allow for market access, and at the Nederland Farmers Market. In addition to veggies, Sunburns Farm grows everything from arugula flowers and lavender to Tangerine Gem Marigold “that tastes almost like a Cutie, with the flowers exploding with citrus when you bite into them,” Downey said.

These types of edible flowers and garnishes are the same kinds you might find Michelin-starred using to garnish dishes with tweezers, which makes it a fun way to level up your own weeknight schlop cooking.

Visit Schlop Stop from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays at the Longmont Farmers Market, located at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road in Longmont. The market runs through Nov. 15. bcfm.org/markets/longmont-farmers-market

Farmers markets to visit

Here are five of the largest farmers markets across the Front Range. For the complete list, go to denverpost.com.

Boulder Farmers Market

Open: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Nov. 22.

Things to know: Run by the Boulder County Farmers Market, this beloved Saturday market showcases truly local vendors ranging from farmers cultivating multi-generational fruit orchards to ranchers practicing regenerative agriculture. The market, which has been running for nearly four decades, has become a go-to spot for many Front Range chefs, who source fresh produce from favorites like Aspen Moon, Black Cat, and Toohey & Sons Organic for seasonal dishes plated at their restaurants. No pets are allowed at this farmers market.

Features: Weekly live music, kids’ crafts; first-taste-of-the-season product samplings; community gatherings. On the second Saturday of every month, local artisans join the market and sell jewelry, body care products, clothing and more.

Location: Near Central Park, on 13th Street between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder; bcfm.org

City Park Farmers Market

Open: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 25.

Things to know: In its fifth season, City Park Farmers Market features more than 100 local vendors. Last year, the market added vendors selling staples like cheese and chicken while continuing to build variety in categories like produce and baked goods, making it easier to shop for a full week’s worth of groceries all in one place. Grab a bite to eat for breakfast and a cup of coffee and stroll through the stalls while listening to live music.

Features: The market hosts monthly demonstrations from Denver’s top chefs. The 2025 lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but keep an eye out for the schedule on its website. There’s plenty of parking available in the East High School lot. SNAP, WIC and Double Up Food Bucks accepted.

Location: The market is located near City Park, at City Park Esplanade, the quarter-mile promenade beginning at 2551 East Colfax Ave., running between Columbine Street and East 17th Avenue; cityparkfarmersmarket.com.

South Pearl Street Farmers Market

Open: Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Nov. 9.

Things to know: The community-focused group Jarman and Co Events manages this busy market, providing not just produce, but an experience as well. Check out the online calendar of musical guests. The market is open rain, snow or shine, and on all holidays. It closes only for extreme weather conditions.

Features: Fresh produce, meat, cheese, wine, prepared foods and more. Seats available for eating; dozens of vendors; multiple entrances.

Location: South Pearl Street between East Iowa and East Arkansas avenues; southpearlstreet.com/farmers-market.

Urban Market at Union Station

Open: July 5-6; July 19-20; July 26-27; Aug. 9-10; Aug. 16-17; Oct. 11-12; Oct. 18-19; Oct. 25-26, from noon to 6 p.m.

Things to know: Shop from local vendors and enjoy a meal at one of Union Station’s 10 restaurants.

Features: Expect to find a Colorado makers market as well as fresh produce and food in the heart of downtown, set to the soundtrack of live music.

Location: Denver’s Union Station, at 17th Avenue and Wynkoop Street; denverunionstation.com.

Highlands Square Farmers Market

Open: Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 12.

Things to know: Jarman and Co Events manages this Highlands Square market that draws hundreds of vendors selling everything from plump tomatoes to fresh-cut flowers and loaves of sourdough and flaky puff pastries. Check out the online calendar of musical guests.

Features: Colorado-grown produce, local meat, fresh flowers, baked goods, prepared food and live music. Swing by the market bar for a delicious concoction.

Location: At 32nd Avenue between Julian and Mead streets; highlandssquarefarmersmarket.com.

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If you are convinced to start Coloradoscaping, here’s a brief road map for beginning your journey.

Consider your starting point

If you’re like most Front Range gardeners, you’re starting with something you don’t love, maybe a weed patch or an annual flower garden that you’re tired of maintaining or a swath of Kentucky bluegrass you’d like to replace. If you want to go DIY, start with a manageable piece. Choose a corner or strip to start with and begin by removing what is there so you have a clean slate to work with.

There are several methods for removing existing weeds or turfgrass; each has its pros and cons.

1. “Solarize” the plants to be removed by covering them with clear plastic during several months of the growing season, essentially creating a mini-greenhouse that heats and kills the existing plants.
2. Smother the grass or weeds with cardboard or newspaper topped by a layer of mulch. Both methods leave the existing dead turf in place, which can help keep weeds at bay in the future.
3. Use herbicides such as glyphosate (aka Round-up) to kill the existing plants. We don’t recommend this for several reasons but some gardeners choose to go this route.
4. Use a sod cutter to physically remove the existing grass, which you’ll then have to haul offsite to dispose of.

The Wild Ones online toolkit has a detailed description of these methods and their pros and cons, at frontrange.wildones.org.

Choose a design

Once you’ve got your clean slate, consider what you want from your design: Native prairie? A colorful pollinator garden? A backdrop of native shrubs? Although new gardeners often find coming up with a design intimidating, there are existing templates to work from. One great source is the Low Water Native Plants for Colorado Gardens series, including one for the Front Range and Foothills.

Developed by several Colorado native plant organizations, there are several template designs. You can also order a native “Garden in a Box” online from organizations like Resource Central, where you receive the plants and a design delivered to your door. (Be sure to select one of its native garden options.) And the Wild Ones website has a fabulous design for a residential property developed by Kenton Seth, a longtime native plant landscape designer in Colorado.

If you’ve got beginner’s panic and want to seek help from a professional, there are landscape designers who focus on designing with (and optionally installing) native plants to suit your needs. We recommend asking neighbors in your community who have installed Coloradoscapes for recommendations. While Wild Ones does not endorse particular landscapers, we do have several Wild Ones members who focus on designing native plant landscapes: Danna Liebert of Grounded Growth Landscape Design, Eryn Joy Murphy of Restorative Landscape Design, Caleb Gruber of All Being Ecosapes and Aaron Michael of Earth Love Gardens, to name just a few.

Wild Ones also can offer advice on how to select the right landscaper that highlights some additional designers, also on the website.

Purchasing plants

Finding native plants can be a challenge as many retail nurseries in Colorado stock limited native plants at best. Luckily, two regional native plant pioneers are there to help: Harlequin’s Gardens in Boulder and the High Plains Environmental Center in Loveland. Harlequin’s has an onsite nursery with quite a few native species, and HPEC is a non-profit online native plant nursery with in-person pick-up. New to the cause is the Finding Nectar nursery in Arvada. All have good selections of healthy native plants. For a nursery closer to home, call ahead and ask what native plants they stock before making the trip, and ask if their plants are pesticide-free.

Planting your Coloradoscape

Native plants are best planted in early spring — think April — or fall when temperatures are cooler. Have a plan for how you will protect your new landscape with mulch to help maintain moisture and desirable soil temperature. Wild Ones offers a short guide to planting, mulching and maintaining your new plants including a planting video.

Keep in mind that your new Coloradoscape may take a few seasons to look its best. The first couple of seasons the plants are building the robust root systems that allow them to sequester carbon for climate resilience and to thrive in our arid conditions. Building nature in your backyard takes time but, with patience, will bring you an abundance of garden beauty, pollinators and birds.

Ayn Schmit is a freelance writer and member of the Wild Ones Front Range Chapter, a nonprofit organization.

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My pansies are pitiful, the lavender is languishing and the salvia is suffering.

And that lovely vine? Vanquished.

But it’s only July, so there’s plenty of time left in Colorado’s growing season to purchase more plants to kill.

Unless, of course, you go to a reputable garden center like Echter’s, where staff can give you advice on what is hardy enough to survive your ministrations.

And then read the care instructions.

On Mother’s Day, my partner and I braved a huge crowd at the Arvada nursery, picking up a couple of flats of annuals for pots; some crazy-gorgeous coleus (the varieties were out of this world); a trumpet vine (I paid a little extra for the 2-year warranty on that one); a couple of ornamental grasses; and a stunning helleborus that quickly fried under the intense sun I left it under instead of reading the care instructions (“shade,” it said; ugh). I’m so sorry, sweet helleborus.

Echter’s, a family-owned business in Arvada founded in 1959 by brothers Bob and Jim Echter, boasts that it carries more than 2,500 varieties of flowers each year, sold over its 70,000 square feet of display area, as well as vegetables, trees, shrubs and houseplants. It’s currently owned by Dave Echter (Bob’s son) and his wife, Anne, and is managed by their son, Jeff.

Of course, as a small operation, Echter’s can’t charge the low prices that big-box stores can. Can you find less costly chrysanthemum or more affordable alyssum? Sure. But this place has plants in varieties that I’ve never seen in decades of gardening in Colorado. It’s enough to restore hope to any despondent gardener. (That amazing yellow begonia hanging basket I passed up on Mother’s Day still haunts me.)

Look at it this way: You will end up saving money by getting advice from the knowledgeable staff at Echter’s, so your plants will last longer and you won’t need to replace them so often.

Gracyn (Gracy) Staples, head grower of the nursery and perennials at Echter’s, sympathized when I lamented about how much I’ve failed over the years.

“It’s a long learning curve,” she said before offering expert advice on what Coloradans can do mid-summer to perk up their gardens.

At this point, it’s OK to purchase new annuals for pots and planters, she said, but it’s too late to put them in the ground. (Those pansies that are in the compost pile? “They really are quick to die off, so don’t feel too bad,” she assured me.)

Staples showed me around the grounds, pointing out some of the plants that would do well in our climate through the fall: cranesbill (a shade perennial); plumbago (perfect near pine trees since it needs acidity and can withstand Colorado’s afternoon heat); coreopsis (a sun-loving perennial in gorgeous colors); penstemon (a variety of native plant that attracts pollinators and is drought-tolerant, with showy blooms); coleus and lobelia (Staples’ go-tos for shade); bittens (bright and hardy); and the brilliant puffs of dahlias. (In Colorado, they are annuals that need sunny locations and well-drained soil, but tubers can be dug up and stored indoors over the winter to survive.)

Echter’s also has a wide variety of easy-to-grow calibrachoa, another appropriate mid-summer replacement. It’s a sun-loving plant that I buy in a huge basket each spring and that lasts all summer, despite my best efforts to harm it. Next to them were dozens of baskets of impatiens (shade-loving annuals) in riotous colors.

I pulled up a photo on my phone of a vibrant ground cover that had caught my eye on the 11th tee box at Wellshire Golf Course. “Ice plants are phenomenal,” Staples said. “You can plant them in full sun and they are drought-tolerant — and there are lots of different colors.” (I bought those same colors, fuchsia and orange, for my garden.)

Is it too late to get more veggie plants to replace some that may have just not tried hard enough and given up through lack of effort through absolutely no fault of yours? “Stay away from leafy greens right now,” Staples said, “but we have larger plants (like tomatoes) that already are producing veggies that would work.”

What about outdoor plants that you can grow indoors over the winter, to bloom again in the spring? “Geraniums,” Staples recommended, “or citrus trees. But be sure to feed them the correct fertilizer.”

Really, I’ve made hundreds of mistakes over the years, putting plants in places they don’t belong, planting too soon in too much sun, not fertilizing, not amending the soil, overwatering and, oh, the tragedy of a mower haircut. My ground is hostile to hostas. Hydrangeas — which I have long lusted after since I’m from New England, where they are prolific — don’t stand a chance; poppies poop out; bulbs seldom bring up their lovely blooms; clematis refuse to climb; and our state flower, Columbine, quit on me every time (even though a neighbor two houses down has dozens of them).

And I won’t even go into what I’ve managed to slaughter in my vegetable and herb garden. (A recent Facebook meme was directed at people like me, gardeners who spend $300 on plants in an attempt to save $1.47 at the grocery store.) Honestly, I apologize to plants for any hardship they may suffer at my hands every time I walk out of a garden center.

Still, I remain ever hopeful that my love affair with plants and flowers will burgeon again in the spring, and that the garden gods will look favorably upon those perennials that I planted so lovingly this season.

Yes, I made sure to ask Staples for advice, and hopefully put the plants I purchased on this recent trip in the right places, and in the right soil.

And then I prayed over them after planting. (It can’t hurt, right?)

Echter’s Nursery & Garden Center, 5150 Garrison St., Arvada. Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday (but hours change according to the season, so check the website before heading over); 303-424-7979; echters.com. (Echter’s is having a summer sale through July 10. So buy a new rose bush to baby, or an ornamental grass to groom, or a fruit tree to fawn over.)

The emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that’s killed millions of trees across the United States, was discovered in several trees in the Congress Park neighborhood on June 17, city Parks and Recreation officials said Thursday.

City officials confirmed the wood-boring beetle’s presence with Colorado State University entomology experts and Denver’s forestry office.

“We’re grateful that our Office of the City Forester has been preparing for this inevitable discovery, yet this is not a low-stakes battle,” Parks and Recreation Executive Director Jolon Clark said in a statement.

Emerald ash borer beetles were first discovered in Michigan in 2002 and have since killed millions of ash trees nationwide. They are widely considered the most destructive tree insect ever introduced to North America, according to the Colorado State Forest Service.

In Colorado, emerald ash borers were first found in Boulder in 2013 and later spread throughout the state, including into Broomfield, Fort Collins, Littleton, Carbondale and — last year — Lakewood.

The small-but-destructive green pests invade both healthy and stressed ash trees, killing them as soon as two years after the infestation starts. They pose a significant threat to Colorado’s urban forests, 15% of which are ash trees, state officials said.

Denver has been preparing for the arrival of the emerald ash borer since 2016 through public education, replacing small ash trees on city land and rigorous treatment of historic ash trees on city property, officials said.

So far, city foresters have removed more than 1,000 ash trees, treated 6,000 ash trees in parks and parkways, and planted 1,500 trees per year to make up for the loss to Denver’s tree canopy.

Treating ash trees for emerald ash borers is effective 95% of the time when done correctly, according to the city.

Foresters and city staff are “in this for the long haul,” city forester Luke Killoran said in a statement.

“We simply can’t stress enough how important it is for Denver residents to take action when it comes to identifying, treating and/or replacing their ash trees as soon as possible,” he said.

Denverites can learn more about the city’s public awareness campaign, “Be a Smart Ash,” and apply for a free replacement tree online.

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Whether it’s a modest balcony, a pocket-size patio or a tiny backyard, small outdoor spaces have big potential. With a few smart design choices and some creative flair, even the most limited square footage can become a welcoming and rejuvenating retreat.

The very constraints of a small area can inspire more thoughtful — and impactful — design decisions.

Here’s how to make the most of your petite patio, balcony or urban garden and turn it into a space that wows.

Think vertically: Make use of walls and railings

When floor space is at a premium, the only way to go is up. Vertical gardening is a game-changer for small spaces. Hanging planters, wall-mounted herb gardens and tiered plant stands help you layer in greenery without sacrificing room for seating or movement.

And it will help with privacy as well.

“If you’re squished up against your neighbor in an urban setting, strategically placed containers with vining plants can form a green privacy wall,” said House Beautiful editor Kate McGregor. “You could also try trellis panels or fencing, to ensure you don’t feel like you’re always on display when you’re outside.”

Vining plants with attractive flowers include black-eyed Susan vine, mandevilla, sweet pea, star jasmine and trumpet honeysuckle. If you’ve got actual ground to work with, on a small outdoor patio for instance, consider something heftier, like climbing hydrangea or shrub rose.

Trellises, rail planters and vines create the illusion of a taller, larger space, as they draw your eye upward.

Mini gardens and container plants

Containers allow you to grow herbs, flowers or a few veggies just about anywhere. Go minimalist with a couple of sleek planter boxes, or add visual interest with some artsy pots in different materials and sizes.

Layering plant heights —from low succulents to tall grasses or small trees — adds depth and makes the area feel lush and vibrant.

Low-maintenance options like lavender, rosemary and ornamental grasses can add greenery with minimal upkeep. Grasses can look pretty in a breeze, and anything with a scent is worth planting.

Ahh, al fresco

Put a sturdy bin or basket near your patio or balcony entryway to stash yoga mats and small weights. You’ll have a handy 24-7 meditation or workout space, right outside the door.

Fill a planter with zesty citrusy-scented lantana, soothing lavender or night-blooming moonflower to add a mood maker.

Fold it, stack it, store it

When space is tight, think flexible, lightweight and dual-purpose furniture. Foldable bistro tables and chairs can be tucked away when not in use, while storage benches offer a place to sit and stash outdoor cushions, garden tools or a cozy throw blanket for chilly evenings.

Stackable stools or nesting tables can be pulled out when you’re entertaining and tucked away when you want more open space.

Look for all-weather and multi-functional pieces.

Cozy lighting, big ambiance

Lighting can completely transform an outdoor area, especially in the evening. A string of simple battery-operated fairy lights, a solar-powered lantern or LED candles add warmth and a festive vibe, without needing an outlet.

For extra impact, combine lighting types — overhead string lights with a couple of lanterns at ground level can make a space feel layered and create a cozy atmosphere.

Rugs, textiles and texture

Bring the comfort of indoors out by adding textiles. All-weather rugs come in dozens of patterns and textures. Use peel-and-stick tiles, if you’re permitted. Either will define a living area and help bring in whatever décor style you’re going for. Cushions and throws come in loads of colorful, weather-resistant fabrics, adding homey softness to the space.

Style with personality

Just because a space is small doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Treat your outdoor nook like any other room in your home by infusing it with personal style. Use outdoor-safe mirrors to reflect light and make the area feel larger. Hang weatherproof artwork or decorative panels to add a creative focal point.

Accent with items that reflect your taste — whether that’s a boho lantern, a modern metal sculpture or even a vintage watering can repurposed as décor. A consistent color scheme can tie it all together, whether you go for calming neutrals or punchy brights.

Shade and shelter

Free-standing umbrellas, or more space-saving, free-standing retractable awnings, are renter-friendly options that require no installation.

Besides protecting you from the elements, these items also help define your outdoor space, making it feel more private and purposeful.

So whether you’re sipping your morning coffee on a city balcony or hosting a few friends on a tiny patio, it’s not about how much space you have — it’s about what you do with it.

New York-based writer Kim Cook covers design and decor topics regularly for The AP. Follow her on Instagram at @kimcookhome.

For more AP Lifestyles stories, go to https://apnews.com/lifestyle

“We have national parks and land conservancies, but they’re isolated and relatively small,” Tallamy said. “The solution is to start practicing conservation outside of parks and preserves.”

Most wildlife species need ample space to thrive, and homegrown national parks allow local landowners to collaborate to expand breeding grounds while preserving ecosystems.

Maybe a native garden the size of a smallish Chipotle parking lot won’t leave you as awestruck as a trek through Rocky Mountain National Park. But after a month of touring Front Range native demonstration gardens, I found plenty to love.

Pocket habitats

These habitat pockets are alive in every sense of the word, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching hungry birds hunt caterpillars to feed their nestlings. Since native plants attract butterflies, I plan to return to my favorite gardens later in the season to see monarchs and other winged insects perform their tiny acrobatics between colorful, Colorado blooms.

After a brutal winter, watching diverse species return in full force is nothing short of magical.

“Diverse ecosystems start with native plants,” said Karim Gharbi, horticulture specialist at the Denver County CSU Extension.

CSU Extension, a network of experts focused on issues such as agriculture and natural resources, offers growers expertise on planting, pest control, and more through its gardening programs.

Some gardeners prefer an old English aesthetic – i.e., perfectly manicured turf lawns with trimmed shrubs and colorful blooms. “It might look pretty, but it won’t provide habitat for the caterpillars our local songbirds need,” Gharbi said.

There has recently been a surge of interest in native landscapes, and master gardener Danna Liebert, who owns Grounded Growth Landscape Design, thinks this is great news.

“Planting native species,” she said, “Is one of the easiest ways to support local wildlife and reduce the need for excessive water and chemicals.

Through her service as a Wild Ones Front Range board member, Liebert helps advance the volunteer-run nonprofit’s mission of promoting “Coloradoscapes,” an idea that expands on the xeriscape trend by considering native plants.

While many native gardeners learn toward a “naturalistic style,” as Liebert puts it, you need only visit a few demonstration gardens to see that local flora is merely a palette.

“You can use them in any style that appeals to you,” Liebert notes.

Case in point: The Gardens of Versailles in France inspired Centennial Gardens, 1101 Little Raven St. This five-acre Denver area tract features a mix of elegantly arranged native and water-wise species, some unlike anything else in town. Think formal garden design, but with a delightful Colorado twist.

“What we need,” Tallamy told me, “Are model landscapes that are beautiful and ecologically functional at the same time.”

A mile above sea level, you can find places on a self-guided native garden tour that might be just what you need to breathe new life into your home landscape.

Front Range beauties

Liebert admits being biased but recommends starting in Englewood, at Depot Prairie Park, 601 W. Dartmouth Ave., a colorful, modestly sized public plot she helped design and plant in 2020 with Kenton Seth, owner of Paintbrush Gardens, and a team of volunteers.

The project replaced non-native turfgrass with primarily native plants, reducing water use by 70 percent in the first year alone. This cute space teems with wildlife today, and the bug hotel, created by 5th graders at Bishop Elementary, is a nice touch. Don’t miss the crevice garden on either side of the steps.

It’s a short, 2-mile walk or ride to Harvard Gulch Park, where Denver Master Gardeners maintain three demonstration patches, including the Children’s Home Memorial Garden planted directly in front of the CSU Extension building, 888 E. Iliff Ave.

Since its installation in 2013, I’ve hurried past this garden dozens of times. Next time you’re in the area, take a closer look.

In 2022, a volunteer group completely revamped the landscape, focusing on native plantings. Every June, Jefferson County CSU Extension runs its “Purge Your Spurge” event here, offering free plants to folks who bring in an invasive weed called Myrtle Spurge.

Continuing north, Liebert points me to a “public pocket park” a few blocks east of Washington Park. At Summer Home Garden, 651 S. Vine St., you’ll discover a lush, colorful habitat overflowing with native and xeric plants, flaunting a truly extraordinary crevice garden.

Once a weedy patch of Kentucky bluegrass, The Gardens at Kendrick Lake Park, 9351 W. Jewel Ave., will get you pumped about native plants.

This vibrant tract features a variety of Colorado and regionally native trees, shrubs, and perennials. While the plot isn’t entirely native focused, Liebert said it’s a good example of a low-water option with native and Plant Select plants, the latter of which are resilient species inspired by the Rocky Mountain region.

Plant Select varietals grow alongside natives at Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., and 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road. Both locations maintain native gardens, and the organization’s collection includes over 700 species known to occur naturally in Colorado and the West.

On Chatfield State Park’s far end is Denver Audubon Society’s Kingery Nature Center, 11280 Waterton Road. This important birding area claims a “Habitat Hero” native demonstration garden.

You’ll find five distinct native and xeric areas spread out just past the on-site nature center, including a fabulous hummingbird garden. The organization’s extensive landscape provides habitat for various resident and migratory birds–woodpeckers, waxwings, nuthatches, warblers, buntings, and tanagers, to name just a few.

These gardens peak in mid-to-late June, so plan accordingly.

In Douglas County, look for an array of local plant varietals thriving in a demonstration garden near the parking lot servicing Hidden Mesa Open Space, 3217 North 83.

Native flowers ring the historic cabin. Bonus: Enjoy 4.7 miles of natural surface trails taking hikers through a meadow and along a rocky outcrop after viewing the garden.

Continue south, and you’ll eventually reach the Colorado Springs Utilities Garden, 2855 Mesa Road. This large, xeric-focused, water-saving expanse has five do-it-yourself landscape displays.

Don’t miss the on-site Conservation & Environmental Center, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering interactive water efficiency displays, tours, classes, and additional programming.

Liebert points to this location with one caveat: The plants are drought-tolerant but not necessarily native.

“Keep in mind that native plants have specific benefits beyond drought tolerance,” she said, adding, “Gardeners are always complaining about Colorado’s ‘terrible soil,’ but native plants grow well here, and you won’t have to amend your soil or use fertilizer.”

From Denver, head north, stopping first at the Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St.

The National Wildlife Federation named the charismatic 25,000-square-foot demonstration garden surrounding the nature center a Certified Wildlife Habitat. Each zone showcases native and regionally appropriate plants that provide food and nesting space for wildlife.

Continue north to Lyons to visit Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens, 100 4th Ave. I stumbled upon this botanical gem shortly after it opened in 2021, and I’ve been back a few times to learn about low-water gardening.

Winding paths lead guests through demonstration gardens divided into Colorado’s five key ecosystems. The colors and smells of dwarf wild indigo, prairie verbena, golden smoke, firewheel, and purple aster, among other flora, are easy to love. The gardens offer public classes throughout the year; check online for details.

Mrs. Walsh’s Garden, off West Elkhorn Avenue, across from Performance Park in Estes Park, is another botanical sanctuary I randomly encountered when my normal Estes Park running route was blocked due to moose.

The garden is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk, and landscapers cultivate various plants native to Estes Park and the surrounding region.

Fort Collins has The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., a 12-acre botanical oasis showcasing plant material based on theme and elevation. Gardeners focus on underused and attractive species with high wildlife value. If you’re into viewing unusual natives, don’t miss the site’s egg-shaped Undaunted Garden.

Nix Native Plant Garden, 1745 Hoffman Mill Road, is another Fort Collins site that proves native plants can easily rival the attractiveness of non-native alternatives. Plants are labeled either “Fort Collins Native” or “Colorado Native” for easy reference, and collections include a “Hidden Habitats” garden, prairie bouquets, and a fabulous rock garden.

Thirty miles southeast, in Greeley, don’t miss the Houston Gardens, 515 23rd Ave., where a natural surface trail runs through a peaceful 4.3-acre courtyard featuring Colorado ecosystems.

The water features (ponds and a flowing creek) are a nice touch for anyone looking to unwind in a lush, natural setting. Educational workshops on topics such as soil health, native planting, and xeriscaping are offered for urban gardeners.

From Colorado’s high country to the Western Slope

Founded in 1985 by the Vail Alpine Garden Foundation, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, 522 S. Frontage Road, is a scenic place where 3,000 species of high-altitude plants grow in four distinct zones.

More than a visual delight, this garden is a guardian of fragile mountain landscapes. Don’t miss informational panels and rotating exhibits at the Education Center, on the far end of the gardens, and take time to gawk at the crevice garden, too, with alpine plants that tumble over rocks like a floral waterfall, thriving, somehow, in the most severe conditions.

You won’t regret the drive to Three Ladies Park, 31 Butte Ave., where Crested Butte Botanic Gardens members have installed an educational native display garden designed to inform visitors about the fragile ecosystem at 9,000 feet. The garden is still in its planning phase, so there’s no large-scale botanical garden to visit.

Nestled in the Yampa Valley in Steamboat Springs, native flora blooms at the Yampa River Botanic Park, 1000 Pamela Lane.

Follow the site’s main path past 60 individual gardens with different themes. While native plantings appear in every garden in some capacity, a few patches are focused strictly on local species. This wonderful garden is open seasonally, from dawn until dusk, between early May and the first heavy snow.

Planted within yards of each other inside the Mesa County Fairgrounds, at the CSU Extension Tri-River Area office, 2775 U.S. 50, the Chinle Cactus & Succulent Society Demonstration Garden, and the Clifford Duncan Ute Learning Garden are Grand Junction beauties.

The cactus garden will flower in late spring and early summer. The Ute Learning Garden, meanwhile, offers guests insight into the various plants that sustained Ute life. Visit the organization’s website to schedule a free guided tour with a docent.

Plant your own

Once you’ve scoped out a few gardens, you might want to head to a local nursery to pick up a few native varieties for your homegrown national park.

“One of the big harbingers to progress in this arena is the fact that native plants aren’t widely available in commercial nurseries,” said  Maggie Gaddis, executive director of the Colorado Native Plant Society, which publishes a free list of low-water native plants on its website.

For those who’d like to experiment with native plants at home, there’s the Utah-based High Country Gardens, 801-769-0300, an online-only sustainable garden store that ships plants to Coloradans.

Try Bookcliff Gardens Nursery & Landscape, 755 26 Road in Grand Junction for a brick-and-mortar option. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you want to geek out, CSU Extension’s Native Plant Master classes and courses are always an option.

“What can one person do?” Tallamy wondered aloud. He quickly answered his question: “My message is that one person can do a lot, and it doesn’t take long for nature to respond.”

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Food is the love language in my family.

Daughter having trouble at vet school? Bring her up a spaghetti pie. Neighbor going through a medical emergency? Drop off some lentil stew. Annual family reunion coming up? Sisters, let’s work on that daily menu planning for 20 of us (or more).

And make extra. Because at our gatherings, we would never, ever risk running out of food.

And today, on Mother’s Day, it’s a good time for us to remember where it all started.

Sharing an apple

My mom, née Emilie Fonfara, was born at home in a small Western Massachusetts town in 1924, in time to be saddled with strong memories of what it was like to live as a poor child of immigrant parents during the Great Depression.

She told us stories of the family of seven — she had four brothers — taking turns bathing in a wooden tub with water heated by an open fire. Then they would sit around, covered in blankets, telling stories and sharing one apple or orange, whatever the family could afford.

Her father, a barrel-maker, had a hard time earning enough money to support the large family. At the age of 14, my mom dropped out of school so she could serve as the translator for her mother, who spoke only Polish, and to help care for her hardscrabble brothers, some of whom got jobs with the Works Progress Administration established by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to help the country recover.

From a young age, Mom had a knack for designing and sewing her own clothes, finding cheap fabric or reusing castoffs. She would model her dresses and gowns at Catholic church functions and parties at the Elks Club. Soon, word spread, and she was able to make a few extra dollars by selling her creations to help support her family. She would spend her days sewing and helping her mother cook: rosol (chicken soup), potato dumplings, pierogis, cornbread, whatever food was cheap enough to fill stomachs.

Her first paying job was at Chicopee Undergarment, a slip factory that manufactured military clothing during World War II and where she honed her sewing skills.

At 21, she met Joe Yucka — a handsome Polish boy back from fighting in World War II’s Pacific theater as a Marine — at a football game in their small town. In October 1948, they were married; she created her white velvet wedding gown. For their honeymoon, the couple took a train to the Big Apple so Mom could buy the gowns and accessories to start a shop, Emilie’s Bridal. When dining out at a restaurant there, a waiter asked if she’d like a cocktail. “Yes,” she replied. “Fruit.” (I can still hear her laugh when telling that story.)

But that naive, first-generation Polish-American girl soon became a force to be reckoned with. In an era when few women started their own businesses, Mom charged ahead, tough as nails and determined.

Running a business

My childhood is filled with memories of Mom working 10 to 12 hours a day, then coming home to the house that my father built, a wedding gown spread across her lap for hand-sewing appliques, beads and sequins. She would brag that she made the time to feed her family, too, but my sisters and I remember her calling Dad, a firefighter, to give him instructions on how to make pork chops and potatoes in the pressure cooker, or chicken soup, or ground beef patties with mushroom soup, or asking him to pick up fish and chips from Schermerhorn’s market.

But around the holidays, Mom took over the kitchen, spending long hours making turkeys and hams, casseroles, golombkis, ham rollups (with pickles in the middle), sheet pans of apple pie (using fruit from our own trees), and trading with friends for their babka and borscht. She would take Easter baskets down to the Polish-Catholic church to be blessed, loaded with kielbasa, colored eggs and bread, and butter shaped in the form of a lamb, filling a small canning jar with holy water on the way out. And oh, the lavish Christmas buffets she would prepare so we could all gather around the tables when friends would stop by to celebrate.

And in 1975, after her first grandchild was born, “Mom” took on the moniker “Babci” — grandmother in Polish.

My sisters and I have dozens of Mom’s recipes in her handwriting, but when we compare them, they seldom match. We always thought she kept the real recipes to herself so she could one-up us all.

After I moved to Colorado in 1990, Mom would come out every year to be sure I didn’t starve (as if). She worried that I couldn’t find the food products that we enjoyed back home, so she would cart Blue Seal kielbasa, daisy ham, veal loaf and farmer’s cheese along with her. (I recall an extra-heavy, food-laden suitcase coming down the baggage chute at the old Stapleton airport, dogs in nearby crates howling over the scent of its contents.)

With Mom in charge, we would have pierogi parties, inviting friends to join in the assembly line to make balls of the filling (made the day before), roll out the dough, cut, stuff, pinch, seal, boil, butter, bag and freeze. (If you know, you know.) And we never could make just a few. Our record: 48 dozen pierogis. In one long day.

It’s a tradition my sisters and I have continued with our own children and grandchildren, and we brag after every marathon about how many we managed to make and the different variations we tried. (This year, in addition to the traditional potato and cheese, it was pulled pork and green chile for us here in Colorado.)

The dance ends

Right up until her late 70s, Mom was indefatigable, still kicking up her heels at weekly polka dances and taking bus trips with her girlfriends to Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut. She became fixated on her favorite treats, among them chocolate chip cookies from Trader Joe’s and Magnum Ice Cream Bars from Stop&Shop, which she would buy in bulk and hoard. (After she died, we found a 2-pound box of Enstrom almond toffee that I’d sent her from Colorado hidden under her favorite lounge chair so my sister Jay, her watchful caretaker, wouldn’t find it.)

Mom stopped traveling in her early 80s, around the same time she gave up socializing. After major heart surgery at 85, her appetite and energy level waned. She stopped reading the romance novels she so adored, had no desire to cook, and lost interest in sewing or making the little decorated jars of candied nuts she had enjoyed passing out to friends.

Her hearing was bad, but she wouldn’t wear hearing aids. When she couldn’t understand what we were saying to her, she would just blow a kiss and mouth “I love you.”

In the fall of 2013, I flew out to visit and persuaded her to help me make Polish golombkis (also spelled golabkis or golumpkis, and pronounced “go-wump-kees) together. I can still see her arthritic hands rolling and wrapping the cabbage leaves around the mixture of meat and rice. She tired easily that day, but oh, the smiles, and the memories, and the taste of those delicacies.

The following April, after a fall at a rehab center, Mom was hospitalized and became confused, even delusional. To soothe her, my nephew Patrick, an ER nurse, put his iPhone right next to her ear, playing the polka music that she loved. And for a few minutes, she was back, snapping her fingers and shaking her shoulders, delighting us with that whooping laugh.

She died a few days later, just short of Mother’s Day and what would have been her 90th birthday, leaving us with a freezer full of pierogies and Magnum bars.

Mom, thanks for showing us what could be achieved with hard work and determination (OK, stubbornness), and for creating those family traditions that help us express our love for our families and friends through food.

Love you more.

Emilie Yucka’s Golombkis (Cabbage Rolls)

Makes a huge batch. Note: My friend TJ and I recently made these with cauliflower rice instead of white rice to make the recipe more Keto-friendly, and they were delicious. They also freeze well. Dobre jedzenie (good eating)!

Ingredients

• 3 large heads green cabbage
• 2 pounds ground chuck or beef, 80/20 or 88/12
• 2 pounds ground turkey
• 2 pounds ground pork
• 1/4 pound salt pork or pork belly, finely diced
• 2 cups white rice, cooked
• 1 box rice pilaf mix (Near East or other brand)
• 2 or 3 large onions, diced
• 1 pound fresh mushrooms or 2 small cans, chopped
• 2 or 3 eggs, beaten
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
• 1 cup ketchup, plus more for serving
• 3 10.75-ounce cans tomato soup, divided
• 1 24-ounce jar spaghetti sauce

Directions

For the cabbage leaves:

1. Core cabbage heads and rinse. Peel off two outer leaves of each and set them aside. Boil cabbage in a large pot of water for 30 minutes or so to soften the leaves. As they wilt and become translucent, peel away and lift out the leaves with padded tongs and place on cookie sheets to drain. If the spines are thick, trim horizontally with a sharp knife.

For the filling:

1. Use the same pan for steps 1-4. Fry all the meat until brown. Drain and set aside in large bowl. Leave a small amount of fat in pan.

2. Fry the diced salt pork or pork belly until crunchy. Drain and add to bowl of meat, leaving a small amount of fat in pan.

3. Fry diced onions until clear and starting to brown. Drain and add to bowl. Leave a small amount of fat in pan.

4. Fry the mushrooms until liquid dissipates. Add to bowl.

5. Cook box of rice pilaf according to directions. Add 2 cups of cooked white rice and mix together. Add to meat mixture.

6. Add 2 or 3 eggs and ketchup, plus 1 can of tomato soup, and work into the mixture.

7. Add salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste. Mix well.

To make the golombkis:

1. Mix 2 cans of tomato soup with 1 large jar of spaghetti sauce. (You can always make more if needed.) Line a large baking pan with some of the set-aside, uncooked leaves, then top with small amount of the sauce mixture.

2. Fill cabbage leaves with meat and rice mixture, one at a time, starting with the largest leaves. Fold sides of leaves, one by one, into center, then turn over, folded side on bottom, and place on top of sauce in baking pan. Continue layering until bottom of pan is filled. Top with sauce mixture. Repeat the layers, adding sauce to finish. Top with any leftover cabbage leaves.

3. Cover with lid or foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 90 minutes to 2 hours (depending on number of layers). Discard burned layers on top.

4. Serve with more sauce or just ketchup.

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If you enjoy a tasty, refreshing summer cocktail or mocktail, why not grow your own?

No, you’re not likely to grow the spirits — although they do come from plants (vodka from potatoes, tequila from agave and so on). But you can grow other ingredients that make those spirits delicious.

Tips for growing mint and other flavorful herbs

Mint is the easiest herb to grow. It’s so easy it may take over your garden if you aren’t careful, so plant it in a pot and keep the pot away from the soil. Place the pot in full sun and water it regularly. In a few short weeks, you’ll be able to pluck its leaves to liven up your lemonade or mint julep.

If you want to get creative, experiment with a few different varieties. My favorite is spearmint, but peppermint is classic. Chocolate mint, pineapple mint and apple mint each have their charms, named for the scents and flavors they impart. There’s even a specialty variety called Cuban mint, an authentic choice for mojitos.

Basil, too, is available in several cocktail-worthy varieties. Genovese, the Italian variety often paired with tomatoes, works equally well in beverages, as do lemon and cinnamon varieties. Plant them in full sun and provide water, but account for your climate and take care not to over- or underwater them. Remove flower stalks, if they appear, to prevent the leaves from turning bitter.

Lemon verbena smells heavenly and pairs as well with a gin and tonic as it does with sparkling water. Most herbs don’t usually require supplemental nutrients, but lemon verbena benefits from monthly applications of organic liquid fertilizer. Water plants when the soil begins to dry out; overwatering may lead to root rot.

When I have guests, I often muddle sage leaves with 1 ounce each of vodka and ginger liquor, then add to a glass with 4 ounces of ginger beer, and pineapple and lime juices to taste. It’s as simple as can be — and just as impressive.

For the most concentrated flavor, harvest herbs in mid-morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. In my garden, that means around 10 a.m. Place them, stem side down, in a glass of water indoors, out of direct sunlight, until happy hour.

Strawberries, cucumbers and heat

Don’t forget the strawberries (bonus: The plants come back every year in horticultural zones 4-9) and cucumbers, both mandatory components of a proper British Pimm’s cup, one of my favorite summertime cocktails.

I make mine by packing a highball glass with thinly shaved cucumber, sliced strawberries, mint and a couple of sliced mandarin rounds, then topping it with 1 1/2 ounces of Pimm’s No. 1 liquor and 4 ounces of lemonade or lemon-lime soda.

And if you like your drinks spicy, muddle a red-ripe slice of jalapeno with lime juice and pour a shot of tequila over it, then add your choice of mixer. Or drink it straight. I’m not judging you. I’m just the garden lady.

Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice.

For more AP gardening stories, go to https://apnews.com/hub/gardening.

Now that spring has officially sprung, and the first produce hauls are coming in, it’s time to grab your favorite canvas tote or woven basket and shop local.

Along the Front Range, farmers market enthusiasts have plenty of options, from pioneers like the Saturday Boulder Farmers Market to smaller micro markets and brand-new ones, like the downtown farmers market starting May 4 in Lafayette.

In addition to local farm-fresh produce, you can expect to find tasty baked goods, local honey, fresh-cut flowers and more. But farmers markets are more than just a place to stock up on groceries and fill your fruit bowls; they’re also vibrant community hubs that often double as lively street fairs, complete with live music, entertainment and kid-friendly activities.

Ahead, a guide to the 2025 farmers market season in the Denver metro area and beyond so that you can start planning your shopping trips. Who knows? You might even decide to try a new market every week of the summer.

(Listed in order of opening date.)

Boulder Farmers Market (Saturdays)

Open: Started April 5, runs Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Nov. 22.

Things to know: Run by the Boulder County Farmers Market, this beloved Saturday market showcases truly local vendors ranging from farmers cultivating multi-generational fruit orchards to ranchers practicing regenerative agriculture. The market, which has been running for nearly four decades, has become a go-to spot for many Front Range chefs, who source fresh produce from favorites like Aspen Moon, Black Cat, and Toohey & Sons Organic for seasonal dishes plated at their restaurants. No pets are allowed at this farmers market.

Features: Weekly live music, kids’ crafts; first-taste-of-the-season product samplings; community gatherings. On the second Saturday of every month, local artisans join the market and sell jewelry, body care products, clothing and more.

Location: Near Central Park, on 13th Street between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder; bcfm.org

Longmont Farmers Market

Open: Started April 5, runs Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 15.

Things to know: Run by Boulder County Farmers Market, the Longmont event is a local institution featuring more than 100 local producers and artisans. Keep an eye out for monthly artisan markets on fourth Saturdays. No pets are allowed.

Features: Plenty of parking; live music; kids’ crafts and play space.

Location: Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont; bcfm.org

Southwest Plaza Farmers Market

Open: Starting May 3 on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or sellout, through Oct. 25.

Things to know: The oldest market in Denver. Metro Denver Farmers’ Market has been running markets for 40 years and accepts SNAP and EBT cards. This modestly sized market mixes farmers with local food makers and crafts vendors. Drop by early through April 27 for a spring merchant market (artisans and vendors only; no farmers).

Features: More than 30 vendors weekly, including a handful of local farms (Mazzotti Farms and Greenhouses, Mumms Farms and more).

Location: The southeast parking lot at Wadsworth Boulevard and West Bowles Avenue, Littleton; denverfarmersmarket.com

Cherry Creek Fresh Market

Open: Starting May 3 on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Oct. 11.

Things to know: Run by Colorado Fresh Markets, this is a popular, contemporary fresh food event located in the heart of Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood. The market is open rain, snow or shine, and on all holidays. Free parking; get your ticket validated at the market. Well-behaved pets are welcome.

Features: Dozens of vendors selling everything from Colorado produce, including local cherries, to fresh flowers, houseplants, organic wagyu, artisan pastries, vegan and gluten-free products and pet treats. Also, look for the pop-up boutiques and fashion trucks, live music and food trucks.

Location: The east side of Cherry Creek Shopping Center, along South Steele Street near Macy’s; coloradofreshmarkets.com.

City Park Farmers Market

Open: Starting May 3 on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 25.

Things to know: In its fifth season, City Park Farmers Market features more than 100 local vendors. Last year, the market added vendors selling staples like cheese and chicken while continuing to build variety in categories like produce and baked goods, making it easier to shop for a full week’s worth of groceries all in one place. Grab a bite to eat for breakfast and a cup of coffee and stroll through the stalls while listening to live music.

Features: The market hosts monthly demonstrations from Denver’s top chefs. The 2025 lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but keep an eye out for the schedule on its website. There’s plenty of parking available in the East High School lot. SNAP, WIC and Double Up Food Bucks accepted.

Location: The market is located near City Park, at City Park Esplanade, the quarter-mile promenade beginning at 2551 East Colfax Ave., running between Columbine Street and East 17th Avenue; cityparkfarmersmarket.com.

Highlands Ranch Farmers’ Market

Open: Starting May 4 on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or sellout, through Oct. 27.

Things to know: The oldest market in Denver. Metro Denver Farmers’ Market has been running markets for 40 years and accepts SNAP and EBT cards. This modestly sized market mixes farmers with local food makers and crafts vendors.

Features: More than 30 vendors weekly.

Location: Highlands Ranch Town Center, 9288 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch; denverfarmersmarket.com.

South Pearl Street Farmers Market

Open: Starting May 4, Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Nov. 9.

Things to know: The community-focused group Jarman and Co Events manages this busy market, providing not just produce, but an experience as well. Check out the online calendar of musical guests. The market is open rain, snow or shine, and on all holidays. It closes only for extreme weather conditions.

Features: Fresh produce, meat, cheese, wine, prepared foods and more. Seats available for eating; dozens of vendors; multiple entrances.

Location: South Pearl Street between East Iowa and East Arkansas avenues; southpearlstreet.com/farmers-market.

Lafayette Farmers Market

Open: Sundays, May 4 through Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Things to know: This brand-new farmers market comes from the Wanberg family, who own and run the City Park Farmers Market in Denver.

Features: The growers-only market features more than 60 farmers, ranchers and food producers, including many based in and around Lafayette.

Location: Public Road between Cleveland and Geneseo streets. LafayetteFM.com

Boulder Farmers Market (Wednesdays)

Open: Starting May 7 on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., through Oct. 8.

Things to know: Run by Boulder County Farmers Market, this is the pared-down version of the Saturday market. But there are still plenty of local farms and ranches offering fresh groceries to keep your kitchen stocked. No pets allowed.

Features: Weekly live music; new producer features; a food court and pop-up beer garden serving local brews.

Location: Near Central Park, on 13th Street between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder; bcfm.org

Louisville Farmers Market

Open: Starting May 10 on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 11.

Things to know: This dog-friendly market is run by Real Farmers Market, and features a diverse line-up of vendors selling locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, artisan breads, honey, coffee, baked goods, fresh salsas, pastas, natural body care, cheese and more.

Features: Check the vendor schedule online to make sure your favorite producers are there the week you’re visiting. SNAP and Double Up benefits accepted.

Location: 824 Front St., Louisville; realfarmersmarketco.com.

University Hills Farmers Market

Open: Starting May 10 on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., until Oct. 25.

Things to know: Small market in the University Hills neighborhood anchored by stands from Palizzi Farm in Brighton and Forte Fruits in Palisade.  There’s plenty of free parking available. The market, now in its eighth year, moved to a new location this year at Colorado Boulevard and Amherst Avenue, about two blocks from the previous location.

Features: Local produce, handmade goods, food trucks, prepared food, jewelry and more.

Location: Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd.; uhplaza.com.

Southlands Farmers Market

Open: Starting May 10 on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through the end of September.

Things to know: Run by The LOCAL Colorado, a multifaceted marketplace on a mission to connect Coloradans by making space for communities to engage with local producers and businesses.

Features: Expect a mixture of seasonal produce, locally made home and body products and art from Colorado creatives.

Location: Town Square in Southlands Shopping Center, E-470 and Smoky Hill Road, Aurora; thelocalcolorado.com.

Parker Farmers Market

Open: Starting May 11 on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through October.

Things to know: Run by The LOCAL Colorado, a multifaceted marketplace on a mission to connect Coloradans by making space for communities to engage with local producers and businesses.

Features: You’ll find more than 100 vendors at this bustling market in historic downtown Parker. Come for local produce, meats and dairy, food trucks, artwork, home and body products and much more.

Location: 19565 Mainstreet, Parker; thelocalcolorado.com.

Erie Farmers Market

Open: Starting May 15 on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m., through Sep. 18. No market on Thursday, July 3.

Things to know: This dog-friendly market is run by Real Farmers Market, and has plenty of room for the kids to run around. The market features a diverse line-up of vendors selling locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, artisan breads, honey, cheese, coffee, and baked goods, among other specialty items.

Features: Colorado-grown organic and pesticide-free vegetables, and orchard keepers bring organic and conventional fruit from Palisade. Expect a mixture of Colorado farms, handicrafts and ready-to-eat foods, and look for natural body care and on-site massage. SNAP and Double Up benefits accepted.

Location: Briggs Street between Wells and Moffatt streets, Erie. realfarmersmarketco.com.

Highlands Square Farmers Market

Open: Starting May 18 on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 12.

Things to know: Jarman and Co Events manages this Highlands Square market that draws hundreds of vendors selling everything from plump tomatoes to fresh-cut flowers and loaves of sourdough and flaky puff pastries. Check out the online calendar of musical guests.

Features: Colorado-grown produce, local meat, fresh flowers, baked goods, prepared food and live music. Swing by the market bar for a delicious concoction.

Location: At 32nd Avenue between Julian and Mead streets; highlandssquarefarmersmarket.com.

Festival Park Farmers Market

Open: Starting May 25 on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Oct. 12.

Things to know: Located in downtown Castle Rock; run by The LOCAL Colorado, a multifaceted marketplace on a mission to connect Coloradans by making space for communities to engage with local producers and businesses.

Features: Expect a mixture of local produce, meats and artisan products.

Location: Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock; thelocalcolorado.com.

Downtown Littleton Farmers Market

Open: Starting May 25, runs Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sept. 28.

Things to know: The Downtown Littleton Farmers Market is run by LittletonQ+, a local nonprofit that brings inclusive and diverse events to Littleton including Big Pride Littleton. The market is set up to accept SNAP benefits.

Features: About 30 vendors each week, plus live music on select dates.

Location: Off Main and Nevada streets in downtown Littleton; littletonq.com

Evergreen Farmers Market

Open: Starting May 27 on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., until Sept. 23.

Things to know: Run by Jump Ahead Events, the market relocated to Center For The Arts this year.

Features: Shop for produce, tamales, pasta, seafood, hummus, tabouli, bread and other baked goods, in addition to women’s clothing, health and wellness items, and CBD products. Lifestyle products and services offered, along with freshly cooked food.

Location: Center for the Arts, 31880 Rocky Village Drive, Evergreen; farmersmarketscolorado.com.

Golden Farmers Market

Open: Starting May 31 on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 4.

Things to know: Established in 2002, the Golden Farmers Market is a cherished community event managed by the Golden Chamber of Commerce. At this busy, sizable market shoppers can expect live entertainment and products from plenty of local artisans.

Features: Local vegetables, produce, fresh bread and pastries, prepared foods and local art. SNAP and Double Up benefits are accepted, and there’s a special booth on the north side of the market to help people out.

Location: Golden Library’s west parking lot, 10th and Illinois streets, Golden; goldenfarmersmarket.org.

Urban Market at Union Station

Open: Ten summer and fall weekends from noon to 6 p.m. The dates are: May 31 and June 1; June 7 and 8; July 5 and 6; July 19 and 20; July 26 and 27; Aug. 9 and 10; Aug. 16 and 17; Oct. 11 and 12; Oct. 18 and 19; Oct. 25 and 26.

Things to know: Shop from local vendors and enjoy a meal at one of Union Station’s 10 restaurants.

Features: Expect to find a Colorado makers market as well as fresh produce and food in the heart of downtown, set to the soundtrack of live music.

Location: Denver’s Union Station, at 17th Avenue and Wynkoop Street; denverunionstation.com.

Westminster Farmers Market

Open: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., May 31 through Sept. 27.

Things to know: All local products including fruits and vegetables, dairy and protein, baked goods and drinks, as well as ready-to-eat items for breakfast and lunch, health and body products, home decor and pet supplies.

Location: 5255 W. 98th Ave., Westminster (the northwest corner of 98th and Sheridan Boulevard).

Rebel Marketplace

Open: Every first and third Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 1 through Oct. 18. However, there’s also a special opening day on May 10.

Things to know: This small but mighty market is put together by urban farmer James Grevious, and is entirely neighborhood-run, making it a true community market. Many of the goods you’ll find at Rebel Marketplace come from nearby urban farms and local creators.

Features: Hyper-local produce, handicrafts, prepared foods and baked goods. SNAP and Double Up benefits accepted.

Location: The marketplace has two locations in 2025:

• Del Mar Park (at Peoria Street and East Sixth Avenue, Aurora): May 10; June 21; July 19; Aug. 16; Sept. 20; Oct. 4; and Oct. 18
• Aurora Mall (14200 E Alameda Ave. Aurora: June 7; July 5; Aug. 2; Sept. 6

rebelmarketplace.com

Arvada Farmers Market

Open: Starting June 1 on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., through Sept. 28. Returns on Saturdays in December for a winter market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Things to know: A fun, moderately-sized market with a wide variety of specialty items. Parking can be tricky, but it’s worth it, especially at the end of summer when Western Slope peaches are available.

Features: Produce, honey, fresh bread and pastries, dairy, pickled products, house plants, and artisan products including soaps, jewelry, and bath and body products. Enjoy prepared foods such as tamales, burritos and pierogi. You can walk around with libations in Olde Town Arvada.

Location: Olde Town Square, 5702 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada; arvadafarmersmarket.com.

People + Produce at Belleview Station

Open: Starting June 1 on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 12.

Things to know: The only farmers market in Denver Tech Center, the People + Produce series brings in 50 farms and artisans.

Features: A place where the South Denver community can shop for local produce, meat, fish, baked goods, dog treats and more. Enjoy a beer garden, live music, local performers, food and fashion trucks.

Location: Belleview Station, at the corner of Interstate 25 and East Belleview Avenue, DTC; belleviewstation.com/events/people-produce

The Orchard Farmers Market

Open: Starting June 1 on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Sept. 28.

Things to know: This moderately sized market will add new vendors for the 2025 season. Guest parking is available near the market, but shoppers should save the spots closest to Macy’s for department store shoppers.

Features: Delivers a variety of the season’s best produce, including microgreens. Look for dairy, baked goods, honey, local art and more.

Orchard Town Center, 14535 Delaware St., near the Macy’s parking lot, Westminster; orchardfarmersmarket.com

Green Valley Ranch Farmers Market

Open: Starting June 4 on Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 27.

Things to know: A well-run market in far northeast Denver highlighting hyper-local producers. The market celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2025.

Features: Look for a variety of products, including organic and locally-grown micro-greens, baked goods, European pastries, quiches, dairy products, honey, jams, jellies, hand-popped kettle corn, tea, coffee, handmade crafts, jewelry, and more. Free live music and family-friendly activities.

Location: On the south edge of Town Center Park, 4890 Argonne St.; gvrfarmersmarket.com

Aspen Grove Farmers Market in Littleton

Starting June 6 on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sept. 26. No farmers market on July 4.

Things to know: It’s rare to find a Friday market! This one at Aspen Grove in Littleton includes stalls with locally grown produce, baked goods, handcrafted items and more.

Features: Expect an intimate shopping experience with around 15 vendors.

Location: Aspen Grove, 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton; aspengrovefarmersmarket.com

Lakewood Farmers Market

Open: Starting June 14 on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or sellout, through Oct. 4.

Things to know: Metro Denver Farmers’ Market has been running markets for 40 years, and this is one of its smaller ones. Accepts SNAP and EBT cards.

Features: Expect an intimate shopping experience with around 15 vendors offering produce, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, clothing and art.

Location: Mile Hi Church, 9077 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood; denverfarmersmarket.com

Castle Rock Farmers Market

Open: Starting June 14 on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon until Oct. 4.

Things to know: This venture has been going strong for more than 30 years with the aim of strengthening the local food supply while bolstering a vibrant community of producers and shoppers. The market is set up in the upper parking lot.

Features: Lots of vegetables from farms and micro-farms; fresh fruit, including Palisade peaches; mushrooms; baked goods; local meat from Snow Creek Ranch Steaks, among others. There’s even emu oil from Emusement Acres.

Location: Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock; originalcastlerockfarmersmarket.com

Central Park Farmers Market

Open: Starting June 22 on Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Oct. 12.

Things to know: Jarman and Co Events manages this neighborhood market. Check out the online calendar of musical guests.

Features: Dozens of vendors selling farm produce, beverages, baked goods, prepared foods and more. Live music or a live DJ every day the market runs.

Location: Founders Green at Central Park, on Syracuse Street and 29th Avenue; centralparkfarmersmarket.com

NOTE: Information on the Glendale Farmers Market was not available as of press time. Go to glendalefarmersmarket.com for updates.

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