When people imagine waterwise gardens, they often picture small plants, muted colors, or sparse designs. Sunset & Sage challenges that assumption head-on.
Designed by Eva Montane of Columbine Landscapes for this year’s collection, this garden is bold, textural, and unapologetically dramatic, proving that low-water landscapes can be visually striking and refreshingly easy to care for.
“I generally go for drama in my garden designs,” Eva says. “I like to create dynamism through contrasts in foliage color, plant form, size and shape, flower type and color.” That philosophy is evident throughout Sunset & Sage, where every plant is chosen not just to survive in Colorado’s climate, but to stand out as a unique individual.
Moving Beyond the ‘Green Blur’
One of the most meaningful influences behind Sunset & Sage came from Eva’s time studying botany.
“I had a botany professor who told us his job was to move us beyond the green blur—the experience of all vegetation blending together into one general green mass,” she recalls. “Being mindful of contrast in the selection and arrangement of plants ensures that each species stands out as the unique individual it is.”
That idea is woven into the heart of Sunset & Sage. The low, mounding form of evening primrose—with its broad emerald leaves—creates a sharp contrast against the silvery, feathery, upright foliage of fringed sage. These intentional juxtapositions invite closer observation and make the garden feel layered, engaging, and alive.
A Garden That Keeps Performing
Sunset & Sage isn’t just about looks. It was designed to perform well with minimal effort, a priority Eva takes seriously.
“I am often shocked by plants that are widely dubbed ‘low-maintenance,’ when my experience says otherwise,” she explains. “My criteria is that a garden should not require more than one maintenance visit per year to keep it looking its best.”
To meet that standard, every plant in this five-species palette was selected for durability, deer resistance, and long seasons of interest. Many produce attractive seedheads that remain part of the show well into fall and winter—meaning less deadheading, fewer interventions, and more time simply enjoying the garden.
“These plants are better off not being deadheaded until the following spring,” Eva notes. “That makes it a truly low-maintenance garden.”
Designed for Mountains and Prairie
Another strength of Sunset & Sage is its adaptability. Eva selected plants she’s seen succeed again and again across the state.
“These plants do well in a variety of Colorado conditions, from mountain zone 4 to lower-elevation prairie,” she says. “I’ve seen them perform well in many situations and find them resilient and relatively easy to grow—within the scope of gardening in the Rockies.”
That flexibility makes Sunset & Sage a great option for homeowners navigating common challenges like variable soils, temperature swings, and elevation differences.
Season-Long Beauty and Habitat Value
From early spring to late fall, Sunset & Sage delivers continuous interest. Early blooms like pasque flower give way to mid-season color and texture, followed by late-season hummingbird mint that keeps the show going well into fall.
But the garden’s value doesn’t end when blooming does.
“Gardens that are left standing through fall and winter create habitat and food for pollinators,” Eva says. “The larger the plants, the more structure is available for these important critters.”
By leaving plants in place through the colder months, Sunset & Sage supports wildlife while maintaining visual interest—a win for gardeners and ecosystems alike.
A Garden That Invites Curiosity
What excites Eva most is how the garden unfolds over time.
“I’m excited for gardeners to experience the sense of anticipation and discovery—the next color, texture, or shape that reveals itself as each season unfolds,” she says. “I think people will be delighted by how much enjoyment they get from this garden at any point in the growing season.”
With just five carefully chosen species, Sunset & Sage proves that a smaller palette can still offer richness, surprise, and depth.
Bold, Easy, and Unmistakably Waterwise
Sunset & Sage is a reminder that waterwise landscapes don’t have to fade into the background. They can be expressive, resilient, and deeply rewarding—without demanding constant attention.
For gardeners looking to replace lawn with something bold, beautiful, and built for Colorado, Sunset & Sage delivers drama where it matters most. Learn more about Garden In A Box and if you are hoping to order Sunset & Sage, join our Garden In A Box Interest List to get notified first when our store opens so you get first choice on gardens!
