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Contact info

Address

High Country Conservation Center 737 Ten Mile Dr Frisco CO 80443 PO Box 4506 Frisco CO 80443

Phone

(970) 668-5703

Email

info@highcountryconservation.org

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Garden in A Box is available to summit county residents

The 2026 Garden In A Box designs are ready to explore — perfect for planning a colorful, low-water yard this year. The Mountain Blooms and Pollinator Peak garden options are ideal for the Colorado mountain climate. A limited number of Summit County residents can get $25 off, so act fast!

The Garden In A Box program makes it easy to turn your yard into a colorful, pollinator-friendly landscape. Offered each spring and summer, these professionally designed, low-water garden kits are tailored for Colorado yards and help replace thirsty turf. Each DIY kit includes perennial plants, a Plant by Number map, and simple care and watering guidance. 

Once established, gardens save an average of 5,000 gallons of water annually across Colorado. Ditch the lawn and plant a more waterwise future!

Order Your Garden Today

To pre-order your garden, visit the Resource Central garden shop today. At checkout, choose “Summit County” as your Water Provider/Municipality to receive $25 off. Garden pick-up will be on June 6th, 1-3pm at the parking lot at CMC Breckenridge (107 Denison Placer Rd, Breckenridge, CO 80443). If you are unable to make the pick-up event, call HC3 to make alternative arrangements at 970-668-5703. 

Why Transform Your Grass?

Most lawns in Summit County contain Kentucky bluegrass which is not native to our high alpine environment. This grass requires twice the amount of water (or more) than native grasses and low-water shrubs, trees, and wildflowers.  

In an effort to conserve our most precious resource, water, HC3 partnered with local landscapers and gardeners. We’ve compiled tips, landscape plans and more to help you replace unused areas of your grass lawn with drought-resistant plants that conserve water, support pollinators, and look beautiful all summer long. 

Follow the steps below and turn your yard into a mountain oasis.  

Plan

Prepare to convert your lawn into a mountain oasis.

Replace

Determine the best way to remove and replace your lawn.

Maintain

Care for your wildflowers and other drought-resistant plants.

Frequently asked questions

Yes! HC3 offers rebates for replacing non-essential grass with low water plants. Rebates require a Water Smart Lawn Assessment and inspection after updates. 

No, native grasses are not considered a lawn. Once native grasses are established, they do not need to be watered.  

Many non-native plants are adapted to Colorado’s climate and can be used in a native landscape as long as moisture, light and soil requirements are similar. This allows more variety for homeowners at altitude while still offering both water conservation and habitat benefits. HC3 is exploring the possibility of another garden design including all native plants.

No, we recommend replacing unused grassy areas of your lawn. Sloped portions of your property or entryways are good candidates for replacement. In the areas where you choose to keep grass, make sure to irrigate efficiently.  

No, low-water landscapes simply mean using native grasses and low-water shrubs, trees, and wildflowers to create a beautiful garden that requires less water and less work to maintain. Living plant matter supports clean air, cool spaces and erosion control. 

Under Colorado state law, HOAs cannot ban low-water landscaping however many require a formal review of landscape plans and changes. While HC3 staff cannot help with HOA board review, we offer pre-designed landscape plans and can present to boards and property managers to answer questions about low-water landscaping. Email info@highcountryconservation.org for more information or connections with local government staff.