Rocky Mountain Native Pre-Planned Pocket Garden

Petite yet plentiful, rugged and ready...

The Rocky Mountain Native Pre-Planned Pocket Garden brings expert design and regional authenticity to small-space planting. Created by award-winning plantswoman Lauren Springer, this garden reflects decades of experience in water-wise, sustainable gardening. It’s inspired by The Rocky Mountain Native Plant Primer from Timber Press, coauthored by Springer and Bryan Fischer, a well known horticulturist, plant breeder, and the Curator of Plant Collections at the Gardens on Spring Creek, whose work focuses on selecting and designing with high-performing native plants. Together, their expertise shapes a practical, ready-to-plant solution for supporting biodiversity at home.

Designed for full sun and well-drained soils, this mix of native grasses and perennials thrives with minimal water once established. The planting delivers continual seasonal interest, beginning with spring blooms from penstemon and sulfur buckwheat, followed by summer color from butterfly weed and evening primrose, and finishing with fall highlights from hummingbird trumpet and deer grass. Even in winter, the structure of seedheads and evergreen foliage provides visual interest. Each species contributes to a healthier ecosystem by attracting pollinators and supporting beneficial insects throughout their life cycles.

Low-maintenance and thoughtfully composed, this garden is easy to care for with simple seasonal upkeep. Cut back grasses and old growth in early spring, selectively deadhead spring bloomers, and allow later-season plants to stand for continued interest and habitat value. The result is a durable, climate-adapted planting that balances beauty with ecological purpose—well-suited for both new and experienced gardeners.

*Plants are subject to change due to availability. Any substitutions will feature plants with similar attributes suitable to the garden design.

The Rocky Mountain Native Pre-Planned Pocket Garden was designed to be 5' x 5', includes 8 plants, instructions, and a planting map: