Aspen’s enchanting blooms: The tradition of hanging flower baskets continues to thrive
Hanging baskets, living walls and planted flowers add color to an already vivid town
Summer in Aspen Snowmass Magazine
Noe DeWitt/Hotel Jerome
Nestled within the breathtaking beauty of the Colorado Rockies, Aspen is renowned for its majestic peaks, world-class skiing, and vibrant cultural scene. However, beyond its snow-capped mountains, a lesser-touted aspect of Aspen’s allure can be found in its enchanting display of hanging baskets and summer flowers.
As the sun warms the valley, Aspen’s streets transform into a floral wonderland. At the heart of this transformation are the iconic hanging baskets that line the streets, adorning lampposts, storefronts, and bridges with cascades of flowers. These baskets, overflowing with petunias, geraniums, and other colorful blossoms, are a beloved tradition in Aspen. They add a touch of charm to the town’s already picturesque scenery.
The tradition of hanging baskets in Aspen dates back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the town experienced a surge in the tourism industry, fueled by skiing. As the town attracted more visitors, locals recognized the importance of enhancing the appeal of the downtown area.
In 1970, the Aspen Chamber Resort Association initiated a program to beautify the streets with hanging flower baskets. It aimed to generate a welcoming and delightful atmosphere for both residents and visitors. Local businesses and residents enthusiastically supported the initiative, donating funds to purchase flowers and materials for the baskets.
Since then, the tradition of hanging baskets has continued to thrive in Aspen. Each spring, volunteers and city workers collaborate to plant and hang hundreds of baskets throughout the downtown area.
Beyond its hanging baskets, Aspen is also home to a diverse array of summer flowers, which adorn parks, gardens, and private residences throughout the town. From delicate wildflowers blooming along hiking trails to elaborate floral displays in public squares, there is no shortage of botanical delights to discover.
Stroll through the John Denver Sanctuary, where native plants thrive alongside meandering streams, or explore the meticulously landscaped grounds of the Aspen Institute. At either location, visitors find a feast for the senses at every turn.
“The cool Aspen night temperatures and glorious sunny days are a perfect recipe for explosive blooms to enjoy all summer long,” says Jillian Kops, head of Mountain Greenery in Basalt.
One of the most iconic floral displays is the Living Wall at The Little Nell, led by landscape designer and head gardener Arabella Beavers-Kaplansky. Vibrant hues of red, pink, purple, and yellow create a striking contrast against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains.
She places the plants, chosen for their color, durability, and ability to attract bees, butterflies, and insects, on a steel frame. The process starts early in the year; she initially lines the frames with moss and then plants seeds, which she often plans around a particular theme or design. By the time she stands it up vertically, the flowers are already in full bloom.
“It’s totally unique to The Little Nell, as it’s the only commercial outdoor living flower wall on display,” she says. “Each year, we create a different design, and the wall structure is created out of 998 plants individually placed by me to create the desired design. The wall system is self-watering and designed to be conservative of water.”
Living walls are not just beautiful; they also support health.
“Indoor living walls can contain plant selections that will literally clean the indoor air pollution that is created by many household items such as paint and carpet,” Kops says.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Aspen’s summer flowers play a vital role in supporting local ecosystems and wildlife. Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds rely on these blooms for nectar and pollen, helping to sustain healthy populations of native species. By nurturing gardens filled with native plants, Aspen residents and businesses contribute to the preservation of biodiversity in the region, supporting the natural splendor of the Rockies.
In a world where time seems to move ever faster, Aspen’s floral displays offer a moment of respite, inviting visitors to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the simple pleasures of life. Whether it’s admiring the intricate patterns of a wildflower or pausing to inhale the sweet fragrance of a rose, the smallest of moments offer a sense of magic. And in Aspen, where the beauty of nature abounds year-round, that magic is never far from reach.
A version of this story appears in the latest Summer in Aspen Snowmass Magazine. To read more magazine stories, go to aspentimes.com/magazines.
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