NEDERLAND — As you wander through the streets of downtown Nederland this week, taking your morning walk or running some quick errands, you may notice some pops of color here and there. Taking a moment to stop and “smell the roses” will give you the opportunity to soak in the beauty of the summer flowers that adorn our street corners. 

But these pots of perennials, annuals, and other decorative vegetation don’t just appear spontaneously every year; they are, in fact, lovingly prepared, planted, and cared for by professionals who dedicate their labor to the beautification of our town. 

With the Highway 119 roundabout being one of the central entrances to Nederland, flowers truly help to create an inviting allure.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

Perhaps you’ve seen Master Gardener Judy Evans toiling away, carting her water truck from pot to planter to tend to the natural accoutrements that brightens our days.

And though she has quite a lot to tend to—roughly seven flower beds, 16 pots, and 20 containers located throughout downtown—she’ll always wave and share her brilliant smile with those who greet her as they pass by. 

Despite a rough winter for gardening, Duran Hobby Acres has been working hard to supply Evans with the medium for her art, giving her a palette of petunias and a variety of verbenas, along with some impatiens, snapdragons, African marigolds, and annual vincas, presenting a kaleidoscope of purples, deep maroons, oranges, yellows, and pinks. 

Both Evans and Duran Hobby Acres were hired in 2022 by the Nederland Downtown Development Authority (NDDA) to strengthen the organization’s Beautification Project, an endeavor which came out of the formation of the Authority’s 2017 Master Plan and was started by local horticulturist Elizabeth Allen. 

In 2020 and 2021, the NDDA sourced the flowers from Denver and hired Mike Reichert to plant and maintain the 23 planters and four garden beds that existed at that time around town. After Reichert retired from the position, the NDDA began their search for a new vendor and a new master gardener. 

Right from the start, Evans began improving the process and expanding the scope of the project. After her first year of being hired, with her guidance the Beautification Project has been expanded to areas around the roundabout, the Peace Garden, Visitors Center, Town Hall, Peak Wine and Spirits, and the entrance to Lakeview Drive. 

Evans also helped to source a new and improved water truck, and provided the data which led to the replacement of 10 of the NDDA’s planters with new, state-of-the-art pots by EarthPlanter.

Is there a more welcoming sight than the pinks and purples of Colorado perennials and annuals?

Photo by Christopher Kelley

Also, the NDDA ensured the addition of new flower beds for the covered bridge when the organization spearheaded updated construction for the bridge in 2022/2023, further bolstering their beautification efforts.

Due to Evans’ diligence and care for the mission at hand, the project didn’t have any upfront improvement costs for 2026, meaning that a majority of her budget can be used to order even more perennials, to spread even more color and beauty around town. 

A huge thank you to the NDDA, to Duran Hobby Acres, and to Judy Evans for her tireless efforts at making Nederland truly shine during the summer.