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| Paradise Divide: Head of the Gunnison Valley |
Gardening above 8,000ft is not for the faint of heart. With a growing season around 3 months, a Zone 2 (maybe 3) classification, a constant threat of frost, and relentless spring winds, there are still indomitable gardeners here who with years of experience have learned what works, and what doesn't in this high altitude mountain town. Anyone who has dug a hole around here undoubtedly finds why it's called 'The Rocky Mountains' and realize it's not the most conducive area for the pleasant pastime of gardening. But with some persistence and know-how, anyone can turn their plot into a thriving garden of foliage and blooms. This blog is an effort to show what can be done with the dirt and weather conditions in this area, and while it may not be the most technical information (I'll try and be as specific as possible with Latin names), it holds years of practical experience of digging and deadheading.
Hey, up here in Canada where I live I'm at 1,096 feet above sea level. Plants do well here in zone 5b: -15f to -10f. I've done some research about Crested Butte and well, your zone 3a: -40f to -35f. Your last frost is July 11 - 20 and first frost is August 11 - 20. That's a short season, wow!! I'm dealing with May 11 last frost and September 29 for first frost. I thought it was short season here. 31 days until spring. Snow drops won't be long now!
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