July 28, 2025
Meeting other gardeners and seeing their gardens is one of the joys of traveling for me. On my recent trip to Colorado, I stopped by Castle Rock, 30 miles south of Denver, and met Ryan Harter, aka @Theexeric Garden. A professional telecom engineer, Ryanside shows off as a garden consultant and designer who specializes in water fire-resistant designs that flower brightly from early spring to autumn.
Ryan and his wife, Allison, live in a suburban cul-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de-de Ryan changed both the front and back yards in just a few years. In fact, the front yard was only in it last year. And look at it now!
Ryan teared the water-disturbing Kentucky bluegrass lawns and created a gap garden, except for the thick rocks on the downhill side. This rocky garden is colorful with low-growth water perennials, arcs around a semicircle of drought-resistant fine fescue.
Fest Kew offers a strip of green in a negative space surrounded by a fantastical agave garden, a garden of several dwarf pine, and an attractive flower garden of hummingbirds and bees.
‘Coral Canyon’ Twinspur
Agave neomexina. Check out the shark’s tooth leaves with long black spines – gorgeous! The yellow flower mat is the “Gold Hill” Golden Esther (Hetero Teca Jones x Virsa “Gold Hill”).
Some intensely bathed in the rocks
Decorative oregano purple flowers cascade across rosy rocks.
The munching red pot baby “snow leopard” chora reflects the rusty tone and the sturdy texture of the stone. “Moonshine” Yaro shines around.
The “Gold Nugget” seperbibs that border the lawn are creeping up along cracks in the edges of the stone.
Ryan calls it a ring of fire and also calls it a zing with colour even in winter.
Cholla Pot and Flowering Perennials
The reddish stones on the gravel toppers increase interest while the chola grows.
Overhead Agave – Blue Star
Or Blooming Onion
Two Cat Mints in Domenique Turnbull’s Unique Raised Hypertofa Pot
Ryan transformed them into containerized gap gardens. Layered like the stegosaurus bone plates, Utah Purple Slate creates a mini mountain range.
Good from all angles
These containers honestly don’t even need plants, the rocks are very pleasant. But there are small succulents that have been rooted down and tucked into gravel-like gaps.
Another small gap container features black stones, like a broken blackboard.
Purple cornflower and front pouch. Allison’s creepy Black Widow Spider Porch Lights are hanging. I’m sure this couple will make Halloween right!
More Semperbib Colony Gap in Stone
Red flower he bullet
Step into the street for a wider view of the Rock Garden. Ryan planted all of this last year using small 2-4-inch plants, similar to his preference. It’s already very colorful.
So isn’t this gorgeous? It’s far better than boring lawns and also feeds pollinators. Colorado’s semi-arid climate requires less water. (Castle Rock averages 19 inches of rainfall per year.)
“Moonshine” Yaro
The steel pillar box also serves as garden art, while hiding a utility pylon. This is a clever solution. Ryan ordered a customization from the Etsy shop manufacturer table.
This is a close-up. Lifted for utility access.
The new rock staircase passed through a narrow foundation bed with a junkie stepper. It has now been replaced by a vast, water-slifted rock garden. Not only are the rocks, but they are also planted with careful, beautiful, and climate-friendly plants.
The rocks in the large river on the right deal with runoff pressure.
Oregano – Very cute
Chocolate Flower Nod Head
Ryan has signed a QR code near the street, allowing curious passersby to access his plant list and social links.
And it’s just a front yard! Pass through the Adja Gate and head to the backyard of Part 2.
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My new book, Gardens in Texas: A vision of resilience from Lone Star State, is coming on October 14th! You can now pre-order on Amazon and other online book sellers. If you read it or want to give it as a holiday gift, consider pre-ordering. (I’m glad I signed a pre-order copy at my book event!) Early ordering makes a huge difference in helping new books get attention. For more information about Texas Gardens, click here – Thank you for your support.
Come and see me on the tour! I will be talking about book events in Texas this fall and next spring, and celebrating the release of Texas Gardens. Join me, learn, inspire, and say hello!
Learn about gardening and design at Garden Sparks! I organize face-to-face talks in Austin several times a year, inspire designers, landscape architects, authors and gardeners to inspire and inspire designers, landscape architects. These are events with limited attendance that sold out quickly, so join our Garden Spark Mealment List and notify us in advance. Simply click on this link and ask them to add it. Find out all about the Season 8 lineup here!
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