Peak flowering season:  May through October 

As summer starts winding down, I’m finding myself gazing at the flowers in the gardens around here and realizing they won’t be around to enjoy in a few more months.  Maybe I should really get my color fix by heading to CSU’s Annual Flower Trial Garden while the colors are still vibrant!

Although the garden filled with Annuals (flowers that bloom during just one year) was established to allow for horticultural research and study, anyone who enjoys flowers can enjoy the display.  Some of my favorites — pansies — are planted in the fall to provide color over the winter months.  There is also a Perennial Trial Garden across the street in front of the Center for the Arts.  The gardens are open daily to the public, and are free to visit.

If you’re already planning next year’s garden for your own yard, be sure to read the “trial results” articles on the CSU website.  You’ll learn what works and what doesn’t in our unique Colorado climate.

I do have a confession to make.  I’ve yet to see a garden that rivals the incredible wildflower displays I’ve been seeing this summer while hiking in the San Juans.  Still, the flower season in the high country is short, so I’ll still enjoy our man-made flower gardens as well.