The recent rain in Colorado was certainly a relief, but we still have a long way to go before we are out of the red zone. So before we get back to our rain dances, it might behoove us to explore some strategies for making a little rain go a long way.

With water conservation being a top priority here at Lifescape, we are loving the idea of decorative rain catchers, barrels and other containers and chains for collecting rainwater. And what we especially like about these is how they add aesthetic value to landscapes, as well. But these aren’t …

Whether it’s a small courtyard or an outdoor living room, any landscape can benefit from a little extra definition. Creating a border not only draws attention to the space, but also adds extra emphasis, texture, and in some cases, creates a cozier, more intimate space for relaxing and entertaining.

While lots of homeowners opt for brick or other forms of hardscaping to border and define their landscapes, using plants can create an excellent effect. The Houzz ideabook “Define Your Garden Softly With Planted Borders” explains: “Plants have the edge in several ways, including being cost effective, providing year-round interest in …

When it comes to planning or updating the landscaping on your property, the possibilities on what to do with the land can be overwhelmingly endless. You have to decide: do you want trees, shrubs, or flowers? Do you prefer perennials or annuals? How much time do you want to spend taking care of the landscaped property?

One way to pare down your choices is to look to sources of inspiration. An excellent resource that can act as your “idea book” is the Denver Botanic Gardens. Either browsing at photos online or visiting the garden grounds itself offers a wealth of …

Have you ever proudly planted a garden that you lovingly watered, weeded and sunned, only to have the once-promising harvest not grow beyond the sprouted stage? What could have gone wrong? Perhaps it was the soil. Poor soil conditions can influence the success of your garden, which would have benefited from a test to make sure the topsoil was a stable environment for plants to flourish.

Every geographic region in the world has a different type of topsoil comprised of varying minerals and organic matter. Colorado’s climate, geography and geology do not produce the most nutrient-rich soil in all the …

The natural landscape of Colorado can prove to be a challenge when developing a landscape design. The slopes of various degrees and gentle hills call for meticulous planning in order to create a design that wows. But rather than grade the slopes and hills down, we’re often able to use these to our advantage by creating gorgeous terraced gardens that create a “Wow” factor.

Terracing your landscape offers several benefits, both practical and aesthetic. For instance, the Houzz ideabook “Step Up Your Garden Game with Terraced Plantings” notes that terracing is one of the best ways to deal with natural …