Growing Waterwise Plants in Boulder

What are waterwise plants?

Waterwise plants are species that are naturally adapted to thrive with less water once established. In Boulder, choosing waterwise plants helps us create landscapes that are beautiful, biodiverse, and better prepared for a changing climate. These plants can support pollinators and other wildlife with less supplemental irrigation, helping to conserve limited water resources.

Not sure what to plant? Harlequin's waterwise plant lists are a great place to start.

These lists highlight plants suited to water-conscious landscapes and can help you find species that fit your garden's conditions, from sunny and dry spaces to areas with more moisture.

Check out this native pollinator garden tour from Harlequin’s Gardens

Join Mikl for a tour of Harlequin’s Native Pollinator Garden, a thriving landscape that has been growing for 25 years! Originally watered 5-7 times per year, this garden has been transitioned to a once/week water schedule in recent years. This garden demonstrates how well-established, waterwise plants can foster a robust ecosystem with significantly less supplemental water than non-waterwise plants.

In this video, explore native and waterwise plants in action, see how they create habitat and food for pollinators throughout the garden, and learn how different plants support pollinators in diverse ways.

Want to discover new plants to add to your garden while increasing its value for pollinators? This video offers an inspiring look at what’s possible in a waterwise garden, showcasing plants that support pollinators in a variety of ways, from providing nectar, pollen, and forage throughout the year, to creating habitat and serving as host plants. Explore how a diverse, thriving community of plants can foster a rich community of insects and pollinators while using less water in Boulder’s semi-arid climate.