As Colorado continues to confront longterm drought, warming summers, and the rising costs of outdoor water use, more homeowners are looking for practical ways to conserve water without compromising curb appeal. One of the most successful and accessible solutions come from Boulder-based nonprofit Resource Central, whose Garden In A Box program has helped tens of thousands of residents transform their yards into vibrant, low-water landscapes. [
Launched more than two decades ago, Garden in A Box was designed to remove the guesswork, research, and frustration that typically comes with starting a water wise garden. Instead, the program offers professionally curated kits filled with perennial plants selected specifically for Colorado’s climate, simple plant-by-number maps, and detailed care guides that make the process easy even for brand new gardeners. [resourcecentral.org]
Turning Lawns into Water Savings
Traditional turf grass remains one of the biggest drains on outdoor water supplies. As summer heat intensifies, lawns demand frequent watering to stay green—an increasingly unsustainable practice for both the environment and household budgets. Resource Central estimates that homeowners who replace even a small patch of grass with a Garden in A Box can save an average of 5,000 gallons of water every year.
The reason is simple: the plants included in each kit are chosen for their drought tolerant qualities and hardiness in Colorado’s semiarid climate. These aren’t delicate ornamentals requiring constant attention; they are resilient perennials designed to thrive with minimal irrigation once established. “These gardens don’t just save water, they attract pollinators, reduce maintenance, and add beautiful color to your yard,” says Rachel Staats, Marketing Director at Resource Central. [cbsnews.com]
A HassleFree Way to Start Xeriscaping
For many homeowners, shifting from turf to xeriscape-style landscaping can feel intimidating. Garden In A Box eliminates that barrier through ready-to-plant kits that provide everything needed for success. Each garden includes quart-sized plants, a comprehensive printed guide, watering recommendations, seasonal maintenance information, and professional plant-by-number design maps that show exactly where each plant should go. [resourcecentral.org]
The process is designed to be straightforward:
• Measure your space
• Select a garden tailored to your sun exposure
• Preorder during the spring or summer sales window
• Pick up your kit at a designated local event
• Plant, mulch, and convert irrigation to drip or microspray
Once planted, the gardens begin reducing water use after the first year, providing longterm savings in addition to visual appeal. [resourcecentral.org]
Plan to reserve your Garden in a Box
Kits routinely sell out each season, with many residents joining the program’s “Interest List” months in advance to secure early access to new designs.
The kits cater to a wide range of yard conditions, offering options for full sun, adaptable spaces, and part shade environments. Each collection is professionally designed to maximize biodiversity and visual harmony, meaning homeowners don’t have to figure out plant compatibility or spacing on their own.
Beyond the kits themselves, Resource Central also supports gardeners through free online seminars covering xeriscape design, pollinator-friendly planting, lawn removal strategies, and ongoing seasonal maintenance. This educational component has made the program not just a product, but a full gateway into sustainable landscaping. [resourcecentral.org]
Why Now Is the Time to Plant a New Perspective
Coloradans are increasingly recognizing that lush, beautiful yards don’t require overspending on water. With climate pressures intensifying and outdoor irrigation accounting for much of summer water consumption, programs like Garden In A Box offer a win-win: lower bills, less maintenance, greater biodiversity, and landscapes that stay colorful from spring through fall.
For those eager to reduce their environmental impact while beautifying their property, Garden In A Box remains one of the easiest and most affordable ways to start. Kits for the upcoming season are available for viewing now, with sales opening each spring and summer. Residents interested in transforming their yard and saving thousands of gallons of water annually can explore offerings at ResourceCentral.org/Gardens
