Images by Chris Council and Emily Chaplin
Every summer, The Little Nell’s gardens come to life with perennials and annuals framing the hotel—from the living wall punctuating the pool courtyard, to the front façade with its hanging baskets, to the pots of lavender on the patio at Ajax Tavern. For more than a decade, Busy Beavers Gardening (BBG), owned by Arabella Beavers-Kaplansky and Jason Beavers, has tended to the landscaping at the Nell, working in tandem with a talented team. Arabella’s experience in English gardening and excellent knowledge of plant varietals complement Jason’s extensive background in business operations, garden installation, and maintenance.
BBG begins preparation throughout the grounds in early May, manages the property all summer, and then puts everything to bed in late September until the next summer season. As part of its process, the company focuses on sustainable gardening practices, using no chemical pesticides to encourage bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to come and feed. The company utilizes the “right plant, right place” technique to create the best-growing habitat, and it always buys local, purchasing flowers and plants grown nearby in Paonia, Colorado.
A highlight is the living wall suspended over the pool, a colorful vertical garden that displays a new theme each year. This summer, the garden features an “Arc of Life” theme with a sunset and vibrant sunray design. This year, you’ll also see an expanded on-site chef’s garden, with herbs such as chives, dill, basil, thyme, and mint for use in the hotel’s food and beverage offerings, as well as edible flowers to decorate plates.
Learn more in person by joining Arabella for her weekly garden tours offered on Fridays at 4 p.m. Garden tours are complimentary and open to the public—no need to be a hotel guest to take part—enabling you to pick up tips on high-altitude gardening and more.