Rocky Mountain gardening is complicated. Even the greenest of high country thumbs are faced with wild and wide-ranging weather conditions, high-altitude sun, heavy clay soil and a host of creatures and critters ranging from voles to elk treating their garden like a snack bar.

But the benefits far outweigh the challenges, says professional gardening coach Lindsay Graves. Gardening gives us a chance to slow down and enjoy nature, connect with delicious organic food and savor the fruits of our mindful labor, she believes.

Graves — who owns Fourth Street Farms — has partnered with certified arborist and preventive tree care specialist Nick Close and Shawn Bruckman, Colorado State University master gardener, U.S. Composting Council certified compost operations manager and soil health specialist, to launch a new nursery venture called Wiggle Worm Gardens.

Situated in the greenhouse space behind City Market in Eagle (previously operated by Knapp Ranch), Wiggle Worm Gardens celebrated its grand opening on April 28, 2024. The new garden center focuses on edible, waterwise, native, pollinator, medicinal and permaculturefriendly plants (think salad greens, peppers, yarrow, calendula and peashrub).

What does this mean for area gardeners? Access to top-quality seed varieties from High Desert Seed, outstanding soil blends from Paonia Soil, perennials from Oasis Nursery, fresh Colorado fruit and more flowers and veggies from Eagle County and Western Slope producers.

The one-stop garden destination works to support sustainable Rocky Mountain region gardens and landscapes, produces vermicastings (worm compost) and delivers a full calendar of educational workshops and demos to help foster healthy land use.

Find Wiggle Worm Gardens at 295 Rule Rd. in Eagle, CO. Check the events calendar at wigglewormgardens.com for community gatherings that include family-friendly open mic and art nights, worm composting workshops and classes on vegetable garden planning and water bath canning.

Originally published in the Summer 2024 issue of Spoke+Blossom.

Wiggle Worm Gardens: Helping To Grow Your Green Thumb