The mountains of Summit County called me 12 years ago. An uninspired college dropout, I determined the cost-to-benefit ratio of living in Boulder and trekking up I-70 multiple times weekly to snowboard made no sense. The opportunity to leave one life on the Front Range and create another in Summit County presented itself … and I gladly took it without regret then or now.Why? Being able to walk to the slopes and find fresh snow, constant sunshine, an endless selection of like-minded friends, perfect summer weather, and never-ending social events. The list of Summit County benefits could go on, but it was not until I unexpectedly fell in love with Horticulture six years after moving up the hill that I knew I had found my passion and place in life. I combined my devotion to Summit County and my fondness for Horticulture to launch a new and thrilling career.I was ecstatic to be constantly surrounded by growth right outside my door: Hiking in the Aspens and Spruces with friends and dogs, seeing homes and businesses tending houseplants year-round, exploring the fields continually filled with wildflowers.
I earned my Associates Degree in Horticulture. The course load covered several areas of the industry including plant identification, landscape design, greenhouse management, landscape construction, and several other business-specific courses for the industry. My friends laughed when I told them my class schedule: Rock and Water Garden Class, Herbaceous Perennials, Woody Landscape Plants.
I started Mountain Roots Garden Care in 2011 with not much more than a few shovels and hand tools, a Ford Ranger (I call her Iris) I had bought from my roommate for $500, some cheap business cards, and a small article in the Summit Daily News Bizline section. The support and relationships I have received from my wonderful clients over the last four years is quite humbling, and I am looking forward to the future of Mountain Roots Garden Care as well as the launch of Rocky Mountain Dirt, a blog written specifically from the perspective of a Summit County gardener.
Monthly, I will cover topics specific to the timing of our unique growing environment in the Rockies. Regardless of the level of your expertise or size of your garden, I am inviting you to stay connected with me through Rocky Mountain Dirt, and Mountain Roots Garden Care Facebook page. As the snow sadly begins to melt, spring bulbs and Perennials begin to awaken, and the seasons are changing: Spring is on the way and I can help you get ready.
For the month of April I encourage everyone to think about a realistic garden plan for the season that fits your life. This could be anything from a new houseplant, a colorful flowerpot to brighten your patio, a raised bed planted with greens and herbs to supplement your family’s vegetable intake, or a new rock garden with flowers. Start collecting, cleaning, and prepping your containers and tools for the season. Scout your patios, decks, and yards for sunny locations and allow yourself to be inspired.
Send me your questions and/or advice on any topic anytime. One of the things I love about Horticulture is the constant change and the endless amount of tips and information that can be shared. The steady release of new plants, growing techniques, and spread of community gardens creates a spark in me. One area of my personal growth in Horticulture is through other blogs and articles, which I will be sharing on the Mountain Roots Garden Care  Facebook page as another resource for you.   For now, I will continue to enjoy the snow and take a few more runs, reassuring me that falling for “the summit” and doing the things I love everyday is always the right choice.
Stay tuned throughout the season as we discuss the benefits of:- Container gardening and buying local soil and compost- Spring garden preparation tips and seeds
– Annual and perennial planting timing, purchasing, and selection
– Maintenance, feeding, special care, and dealing with pests
– Harvesting, dividing of plants, and transplanting
– DIY wedding and event bouquets and arrangements
– Winterizing your garden
– Houseplant care
– Staying healthy over winter