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Transform Your Colorado Property into a Thriving, Sustainable Landscape

Master mountain landscaping through expert-led online courses designed specifically for Colorado's unique climate and terrain challenges. Achieve a beautiful, resilient outdoor space that works with nature, not against it.

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Join over 500 Colorado homeowners and professionals building smarter, greener landscapes.

500+

Students Transformed

20+

Years Expertise

CSU Ext.

Partnered Programs

CNPS

Certified Educators

Comprehensive Online Landscaping Education

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Sustainable Landscaping Courses

Discover eco-friendly design principles, water conservation techniques, and responsible material selection for a healthier planet and a beautiful property.

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Mountain-Style Garden Design

Navigate unique challenges of slopes and alpine environments. Create stunning, resilient gardens that thrive at altitude and complement Colorado's natural beauty.

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Native Plant Selection & Landscaping

Discover Colorado's indigenous flora. Learn to choose and integrate drought-resilient, low-maintenance native plants that flourish in your specific hardiness zone.

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Erosion Control Techniques

Protect your sloped property from runoff and soil loss. Master effective strategies and practical methods specifically adapted for Colorado's varied terrain.

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Virtual Hardscaping Workshops

Learn to integrate patios, walkways, retaining walls, and other structural elements seamlessly into your landscape design. Live, interactive online sessions.

Join Workshop
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Backyard Ecosystem Creation

Design and build vibrant habitats that support local wildlife. Attract pollinators, beneficial insects, and birds, fostering a balanced and thriving outdoor space.

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Specialized Solutions for Colorado's Unique Challenges

Altitude & Terrain

High-Altitude Gardening & Clay Soil Management

Colorado's diverse elevation and challenging clay soils require specialized knowledge. Our courses equip you with techniques for successful planting at 5,000+ feet and effective amendment strategies for Front Range geology, ensuring your plants thrive where others falter.

Explore Mountain Gardening
Lush, thriving garden at high elevation in Colorado, showcasing plants resilient to altitude and rocky soil.

Safety & Resilience

Wildfire-Resistant Landscaping in Boulder County

Protect your home and property with strategic landscaping that minimizes fire risk. Learn about fire-wise plant selection, defensible space concepts, and design principles crucial for areas susceptible to wildfire, ensuring both beauty and safety.

Learn Fire-Wise Design
Fire-resistant landscape design around a home in a forested area, featuring clear zones and carefully selected, low-fuel plants.

Water Conservation & Wildlife

Xeriscaping & Wildlife-Friendly Gardens

Master water-wise techniques that reduce consumption by up to 60%, perfect for Colorado's arid climate. Simultaneously, discover how to create vibrant, biodiverse gardens that coexist harmoniously with Colorado's native fauna, attracting pollinators and beneficial wildlife.

Explore Water-Wise Methods
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Experience Our Teaching Method

Interactive Colorado Native Plant Selector

Input your location's hardiness zone, soil type, and sunlight conditions, and our tool will recommend native plants perfectly suited for your property. Explore vibrant photos and detailed care instructions for each selection. Discover species that thrive, conserve water, and attract local pollinators.

  • Zone 3-7 compatibility data
  • Clay, loam, sand, and rocky soil filters
  • Sun, partial shade, full shade options
Screenshot of an interactive plant selection tool interface, showing a map of Colorado with hardiness zones and plant recommendations.

Virtual Landscape Design Simulator

Visualize your dream landscape before breaking ground. Upload a photo of your property and experiment with different garden layouts, plant arrangements, and hardscaping elements. See instant before-and-after comparisons to perfect your design.

  • Upload your own property photos
  • Drag-and-drop design elements
  • Instantly see before/after transformations
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Free Mini-Course: 'Native Plants for Beginner Gardeners'

Get a taste of our expert instruction with this introductory mini-course. Learn the fundamentals of native plant landscaping, why it's crucial for Colorado, and how to get started with your first resilient garden project. Includes video lessons and downloadable guides.

  • 3 concise video lessons
  • Downloadable native plant starter guide
  • Access to a supportive community forum (limited)
Start Free Mini-Course Now
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Real Transformations from Our Students

Our Proven 5-Step Learning Process

Step 1: Site Assessment

Understand your unique property conditions, including soil composition, sun exposure, water flow, and existing vegetation. Learn to identify challenges and opportunities specific to your Colorado landscape.

Our detailed modules guide you through mapping your property, performing simple soil tests, and observing microclimates to build a comprehensive understanding of your site's unique characteristics. This foundational step ensures your designs are perfectly tailored.

Step 2: Design Planning

Create sustainable solutions for your space that address your goals while harmonizing with the environment. Develop layouts, plant palettes, and hardscaping plans with a focus on efficiency, beauty, and resilience.

From conceptual sketches to detailed blueprints, you'll learn industry-standard design principles, permaculture techniques, and water-wise strategies. Our interactive tools help you visualize and refine your plans just like a professional landscape architect.

Step 3: Plant Selection

Choose resilient native species and appropriate companion plants that will thrive in Colorado's climate with minimal intervention. Focus on biodiversity, drought-tolerance, and suitability for your specific site conditions.

Gain in-depth knowledge of Colorado's native flora, their ecological roles, and how to combine them for year-round interest and habitat creation. Our extensive plant database and selection guides make choosing the right species easy.

Step 4: Implementation

Put your plans into action with hands-on techniques, best practices for installation, and practical guidance. Learn proper planting, irrigation setup, and soil preparation methods from experienced horticulturists.

Our video tutorials and step-by-step guides walk you through every aspect of bringing your design to life, from grading and terracing to planting techniques and setting up efficient drip irrigation systems. Avoid common pitfalls with expert insights.

Step 5: Maintenance & Evolution

Ensure the long-term success and thriving health of your sustainable landscape. Discover seasonal care routines, organic pest management, and strategies for adapting your garden as it matures and evolves.

Learn low-impact maintenance practices that reduce labor and resource use. Our perpetual learning resources and community support help you continually refine your landscape for peak performance and beauty for years to come.
Start Your Transformation

Learn from Colorado's Leading Horticulture Experts

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Dr. Elena Martinez

Botanical research & High-altitude Specialist

With 15 years as a research botanist at the University of Colorado, Dr. Martinez brings scientific rigor to RidgeGrove's curriculum. Her expertise lies in plant adaptation to extreme environments and ecological restoration, particularly relevant for Colorado's mountain regions.

Headshot of James Thunder, a friendly, experienced man with an approachable demeanor, wearing a practical outdoor shirt.

James Thunder

Master Gardener & Community Education

James served as the Boulder County Extension Master Gardener coordinator for a decade, translating complex horticultural science into accessible, practical knowledge for thousands. He specializes in community-based sustainable practices and native plant integration.

Headshot of Maria Gonzalez, a warm, knowledgeable woman with a thoughtful smile, perhaps in a garden setting.

Maria Gonzalez

Certified Permaculture Design & Arid Landscapes

Maria's expertise lies in creating resilient, productive landscapes, especially in arid and challenging environments. As a certified permaculture designer, she brings a holistic approach to water harvesting, soil regeneration, and edible landscape development.

What Our Students Are Saying

"The erosion control course fundamentally changed how I view my sloped property. No more washouts after heavy rains – it actually holds up! I feel so much more secure and confident in managing my land."

Tom B.

Homeowner, Boulder, CO

"I've tried so many plants in our clay soil, always unsuccessfully. RidgeGrove's native plant course finally connected me with species that not only survive but truly thrive here. Our garden has never looked better and requires so little water!"

Lisa M.

Gardener, Westminster, CO

"Our water bill was ridiculous. After the Smart Irrigation course, we cut it in half, and surprisingly, our landscape looks even healthier. The principles are easy to understand and apply. A true investment that pays for itself."

David K.

Property Manager, Fort Collins, CO

"The virtual hardscaping workshops were incredibly detailed and interactive. It felt like having a landscape architect right in my backyard guiding me through creating permeable pathways. High quality, excellent instruction!"

Amanda R.

DIY Enthusiast, Longmont, CO

"As a busy professional, the self-paced format was perfect. I could learn on my schedule, and the expert support was always there when I had questions. RidgeGrove made sustainable landscaping achievable for me."

Carlos V.

Consultant, Denver, CO

Frequently Asked Questions

Our courses are designed to be self-paced, allowing you to learn on your schedule. Most students typically complete a comprehensive course within 4 to 8 weeks, dedicating a few hours per week. However, you have lifetime access, so you can take as much time as you need.

Not at all! Our courses are structured to cater to all skill levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned gardeners looking to specialize in sustainable and mountain-specific techniques. We start with foundational concepts and build your knowledge step-by-step.

Many Colorado properties present unique challenges like steep slopes, rocky soil, or extreme altitude. Our curriculum specifically addresses these regional issues. For personalized guidance, we offer one-on-one consultation calls with our experts as part of your enrollment, or as an add-on service.

Yes, all digital resources, including comprehensive course modules, video lessons, downloadable guides, plant lists, and planning templates, are included in your course fee. Physical plant materials or hardscaping supplies are not included, allowing you to source them locally.

Absolutely! Once you enroll in a course, you gain lifetime access to all course materials and any future updates. This allows you to revisit lessons, refresh your knowledge, and continue learning at your convenience, season after season.

Yes, we offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on all course enrollments. If you're not completely satisfied within 30 days of purchase, simply contact us for a full refund. We are confident in the value and quality of our educational content.

Free Resources to Get You Started

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Colorado Native Plant Database

An extensive, searchable database of native Colorado plants with hardiness zone mapping, light requirements, and water needs.

Download Access Guide
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Seasonal Landscaping Calendar

Your month-by-month guide to gardening tasks, planting times, and maintenance schedules optimized for Front Range communities.

Download Calendar
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Water-Wise Plant Selection Guide

A concise guide featuring top drought-tolerant plants perfect for reducing water consumption while maintaining a beautiful landscape.

Get the Guide

Ready to Cultivate Your Ideal Colorado Landscape?

Join hundreds of Colorado property owners transforming their landscapes with expert knowledge from RidgeGrove. Unlock immediate access to our comprehensive course library and a supportive community.

Limited-Time Offer: Save 25% on Your First Course!

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Risk-free: Enjoy our 30-day money-back guarantee on all enrollments.