top of page
Notes from The Happy Gardener
Thoughts, tips, and tales from a gardener who digs deep—literally and figuratively.


November in the Garden: Planning, Plotting, and Planting for Year-Round Beauty
November might feel like the end of the gardening season—but for those in the know, it's actually the beginning of something new. It’s a time for reflection, imagination, and preparation. The nurseries are quiet, the rush is over, and now you have room to think. Tagawa and Pine Lane Nursery are peaceful this time of year. It’s the perfect moment to start dreaming—what do you want to replace? What new plants are on your wish list? Who can you talk to about next year’s plans? T
hello042730
22 hours ago3 min read


Royal Raindrops Crabapple: The Year-Round Showstopper Your Landscape Deserves
Some plants shine for a moment. The Royal Raindrops Crabapple shines all year. From brilliant spring blossoms to winter berries that feed the birds, this compact, resilient tree brings color, structure, and seasonal interest to any Colorado landscape. Here’s why it’s a favorite of The Happy Gardener.
John Fichter
Oct 152 min read


Sleeping, Creeping, Leaping: What to Expect in a New Colorado Garden
Some time ago, I was browsing the perennials at Tagawa Gardens, and one of the helpful salespeople asked me, “Have you heard about the...
hello042730
Sep 82 min read


Fall Isn’t the End - It’s the Beginning: Planting in the Off-Season
It’s August. School is starting again, and summer already feels like it came and went in a blink. When school lets out in May, it feels...
hello042730
Aug 132 min read


It’s never too late to start something new
As we journey through life, it's important to remember that it's never too late to start something new. Just as we can plant a new flower...
John Fichter
Oct 31, 20232 min read
bottom of page