Colorado gardener’s ‘not arizona’ yard redefines water-wise design

A seemingly simple garden in Centennial, Colorado, is challenging conventional notions of landscaping – and the name says it all: ‘Not Arizona.’ It all started with a neighbor’s comment, a frustrated observation about a thirsty lawn being ripped out to embrace a dramatically different approach.

A horticulturalist’s bold shift

John Murgel, a seasoned horticulturist with a background at Denver Botanic Garden and the Denver Zoo, and now a faculty member at Colorado State University Extension, spearheaded this transformation. His expertise – and, frankly, his discerning eye – were key to the project’s success. The initial spark, as the story goes, came from a neighbor noticing the removal of the lawn, uttering the now-iconic phrase: “You know, this isn’t Arizona.”

The result is a thoughtfully designed space prioritizing water conservation, yet brimming with textural interest and subtle nods to its former self. The initial tour began in a shaded rear yard, revealing a repurposed koi pond – a legacy feature now elegantly transformed into a sunny rock garden. The remnants of the pond are cleverly integrated with a sleek metal fish sculpture, a quiet acknowledgement of the past.

However, Murgel’s enthusiasm wasn’t entirely unadulterated. He confessed a slight disappointment with his selection of sumacs – purchased as bare-root whips to keep costs down – which, unfortunately, proved to be male. This meant no berry production, a key consideration for many gardeners. “They’re a beautiful color in the fall,” he admitted, “but it’s a ‘green-brown to dirty yellow’ show, and they sucker like crazy.” Despite these challenges, he perseveres, appreciating their structural contribution and their role as hummingbird havens.

The lower-growing plants presented a carefully curated selection, offering inspiration for downsizing. Acantholimon, a strikingly delicate perennial, shared space with a paleleaf yucca, a familiar favorite. A strategically placed agave, its specific type still under assessment, added a touch of Southwestern flair, complemented by a swirly fish paver and pink paver strips creating a ripple effect along the pathway. Even the pink evening primrose – a simple, yet effective, color coordination – contributed to the overall aesthetic.

Adding a touch of dark humor, a silver cow skull punctuationally interrupted the landscape, lending a distinctly desert-inspired element. Greater sea kale, with its surprisingly robust foliage, demonstrated remarkable resilience in the dry climate. From the patio, an Armenian basketflower offered a vibrant splash of color, while numerous flowering perennials and grasses formed the backbone of the largely unirrigated front yard.

The transformation wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a deliberate response to the local climate. A former lawn, now a tapestry of flowering perennials and grasses – including fleabane, prickly thrift (Acantholimon), and potentially penstemon – thrived with minimal watering. The corner lot was strategically shielded from traffic by a substantial gravel berm and a selection of drought-tolerant shrubs and small trees, with cascading perennials and cacti adorning the house side. Remarkably, Murgel has gone nine years without irrigating this section!

“The sea kale is a new favorite for dry gardens,” he stated emphatically, “thanks to its ruffled silver-blue foliage and delicate white flowers.”

Digging thanks John Murgel for sharing his inspiring vision. For further water-saving garden inspiration, explore Rod Haenni’s ‘Desert Mountain Gardens’ tour.