Color Up Front: A High-Elevation Perennial Border in Colorado

Drifts of pastel blue, pink, and lavender blossoms greet visitors to this garden near Vail, Colorado, at 8,100 feet (Sunset zone 1a). The palette includes 153 perennials. Pictured in late July: Campanula persicifolia 'China Blue', hot pink Geranium 'Patricia', deep violet Delphinium 'Black Knight', and three Dianthus (dark pink 'First Love', crimson 'Flashing Lights', reddish 'Zing Rose'). Swordlike iris leaves at front right provide bold green contrast.

Horticulturist Sean Moody credits the garden's success to its northeast-facing microclimate: aspen stands shelter from harsh winds and cast dappled light. Snow cover through much of winter reduces kill. Each spring, beds are top-dressed with 1 inch of cotton burr compost to add organic matter and retain moisture.

Design: Land Designs by Ellison.