At Designs by Sundown, our commitment to environmental conservation and the beauty of natural landscapes runs deep. We’ve long embraced pollinator-friendly plants—not just for their vibrant aesthetic, but for their drought tolerance and their vital role in supporting local ecosystems.
For three years our campus was home to more than just stunning gardens—it hosted a pair of thriving beehives and a fluttering community of Monarch butterflies. These tiny guests became a beloved part of our summer internship program, where we shared the joy and responsibility of nurturing nature.
One of the highlights for our interns was learning how to care for beehives and raise Monarch caterpillars. Each summer, we fed our caterpillars fresh milkweed, kept their habitats warm and humid, and watched in awe as they transformed into chrysalises. Every team member was entrusted with a chrysalis to monitor, witnessing the metamorphosis up close.
Release day was always a celebration. We’d gather as the butterflies emerged, take selfies with our respective butterflies before gently placing them on nearby pollinator shrubs throughout our office landscape, then watch as they all took flight. Many interns have shared that this experience was one of the most memorable parts of their time with us.
Pollinators like bees and Monarchs are essential to our environment, yet their populations are in decline. That’s why we encourage our clients to incorporate pollinator-friendly plants into their own landscapes. Favorites like Catmint, Hyssop, and Beebalm not only add brilliant color, but also thrive in Colorado’s dry climate—offering beauty, water savings, and a lifeline to pollinators in need.
