Pocket-sized garden blooms with vibrant color and fragrance

On the Denver Open Days Tour in June, a diminutive yet vibrant garden caught my eye. Nestled in a small property, this gem of a garden was the brainchild of Marilyn Raff, a longtime gardener and rock garden aficionado who downsized in her 70s. Her love for color and fragrance is evident throughout.

Rock garden adds rugged charm

A narrow gravel path winds through a sea of wildflowers and grasses, leading to a bermed rock garden. The textured stones and elevation change add a welcome ruggedness to the space, punctuated by the silvery foliage of yucca and the delicate blooms of Mexican tulip poppy, white prickly poppy, and horned poppy.

Color bursts from a scalloped-edged birdbath, where giant fleece flower and a crimson rose share the spotlight. In a hypertufa planter, lavender phlomis and a broken-plate garden accessory, reminiscent of a good-luck horseshoe, add whimsy and interest.

One final glance at the garden goddess that greets visitors sets the tone for the beauty within. This pocket-sized paradise is a testament to the power of gardening to bring joy and connection to even the smallest of outdoor spaces.