Notes from the Editor: Spring 2014

Funny how the time passes.

    Last fall, we were all reeling from the flood. Then winter came and went, with many of us spending those months fixing our basements and repairing our homes. Now spring is here, my favorite season in Colorado.

    But after last year’s flood, I feel a little uneasy about this spring. Spotting my first crocus is always a delight, and getting in the garden is always a shock, given the amount of work required to get things up and growing again.

    My garden will be particularly time-­consuming, since I literally abandoned it after the flood destroyed our basement. Now the house is restored, but the process has left me a little unsettled about spring and its ensuing runoff.

    So many people were affected by the flood, with many still trying to get their lives back to normal. For those of us wrestling with flood issues, I think we all harbor a little paranoia about the future after going through such a life-altering event.

    But the best way to combat that is to live by the old Boy Scout motto: “Be prepared!” I know we’ve done a lot to mitigate future water events at our home, with much more still remaining.

    As many of us continue to work on flood-related hassles, we’ve prepared stories in this issue to help you, too. You’ll find articles relevant to the flood, including how to landscape to prevent future damage, how berms can help channel floodwater and rain (and make gardens more interesting!), how Lyons is coping after the flood (they could use some help from you!), and how the flood will mean more work for us in the garden this spring (oy!).

    We’ve also got tips on how to recover losses when wrangling with your insurer. And, if you still need work to help your property recover from the flood, please look over our Resource Directory  and Advertiser Index to help you find a professional who can get that job—or any other—done right for you.

    This issue is just as dedicated to helping homeowners move forward, with stories on solar energy, raised beds for growing vegetables, how to grow showstopping clematises, and a chart on when to plant and harvest so you don’t have to remember dates.  Just clip and tape it to your refrigerator door.

    These pages cover plain fun, too, like how to grow flowers in rain boots, hats, desk drawers, purses and other crazy containers.

    And you’ve got to admire our feature home. Anna Marie and Joe Robb’s historic bungalow went through several incarnations after being the sole cabin in its now suburban west-­Boulder neighborhood.

    The Robbs took on a handful when they bought that house. But with dedication, hard work and the help of their son, David Robb, they’ve turned their home into a peaceful retreat overflowing with good times and warm family memories. We thank the Robbs for letting us share their home with you.

    As always, please let me know of any stories you’d like to see in these pages. We love your input into this magazine, which is created exclusively for Boulder County residents!

    Enjoy the rejuvenation of spring, be thankful for a roof over your head, and in the words of Thad Johnson of Yatahai Gardens, “Get to weeding!” (Read “Parting Waters” to find out why.)