Gardening Through Drought: What Works This Spring in Colorado

Denver Botanic Gardens shows how to cultivate a beautiful landscape with water-wise plants during dry conditions.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, impressionistic photograph depicting a blurred, dreamlike scene of vibrant green leaves and colorful flowers, conveying the lush, verdant beauty of a Colorado garden in bloom despite limited water resources.The Denver Botanic Gardens showcases how to cultivate a thriving, water-wise landscape even during severe drought conditions.Denver Today

As Colorado faces ongoing drought and outdoor watering restrictions, the Denver Botanic Gardens is demonstrating that a lush, vibrant garden is still possible with the right plant choices. Experts advise homeowners to focus on drought-adapted species, avoid major landscape changes that require heavy watering, and let lawns go dormant rather than forcing them to stay green.

Why it matters

With climate change driving more frequent and severe droughts, learning to garden effectively with limited water is crucial for Colorado residents. The Denver Botanic Gardens is providing valuable guidance on sustainable landscaping that can inspire homeowners to rethink their spring planting plans.

The details

The Denver Botanic Gardens is showcasing a quarter of its grounds that receive no irrigation at all, yet are still thriving with vibrant foliage. Curator Panayoti Kelaidis recommends planting cacti and other water-efficient species, as well as choosing drought-adapted plants that can roll with the punches of dry conditions. Officials in Golden are also advising against major landscape changes that require heavy watering, and instead suggesting homeowners let their lawns go dormant temporarily.

  • Spring 2026 is in full bloom at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
  • Colorado is currently facing ongoing drought conditions and outdoor watering restrictions.

The players

Panayoti Kelaidis

Senior curator at the Denver Botanic Gardens who is providing guidance on water-wise gardening during the drought.

Denver Botanic Gardens

A public botanical garden in Denver that is demonstrating how to cultivate a beautiful landscape with minimal water usage.

Golden, Colorado

A city near Denver that is encouraging residents to let their lawns go dormant rather than forcing them to stay green during the drought.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you don't water bluegrass, you will kill Japanese beetles. They only grow and live if they have green grass.”

— Panayoti Kelaidis, Senior Curator

The takeaway

As Colorado faces the realities of long-term drought, the Denver Botanic Gardens is proving that with the right plant choices, homeowners can still cultivate beautiful, water-wise gardens that thrive even in dry conditions. By embracing drought-adapted species and letting lawns go dormant, residents can do their part to conserve precious water resources while maintaining lush, vibrant outdoor spaces.