CASTLE ROCK —On a foot-by-foot basis, there may not be a property in Douglas County with a more diverse array of edible plant life than the suburban lot where Andy and Kimberly Hough live in Castle Rock.
Walking along the side of the Hough’s Founders Park home, there are potted pepper and tomato plants, strawberries, vines of wine grapes, even several shrubs of lesser-known Asian sea berries.
And that’s not including the backyard, with its fruit trees, bushes, vegetables and herbs and a handful of egg-laying chickens.
During a recent tour of the yard, the word “oasis” was mentioned.
“That is what we’re trying to create here,” Andy Hough said.
Some Douglas County officials are hoping the Hough family’s passion rubs off on others.
Andy and Kimberly Hough were by the as the county’s Backyard Conservationists of the Year for their efforts to improve the soil and grow food on their residential lot.
The district — a special district funded in part by the county commissioners that has roots dating to the Dust Bowl — for years has recognized landowners who embrace innovation and best practices on their properties with Landowner of the Year awards.
“Our mission is to promote projects through education to further the long-term, sustainable use of natural resources, balancing the needs of agriculture and urban growth,” district administrator Pam Brewster said, noting the district organizes seminars on topics including fire mitigation and soil health each year as well as an annual conservation camp for kids.
Brewster said Landowner of the Year awards typically go to people who own properties that are 5 acres or larger. The Backyard Conservationist award is new this year, Brewster said, and in a state that is expected to see in coming decades, it’s something she expects her district will be promoting for years to come.
“We want to encourage people,” she said. “Because if (the Houghs) can do it, anybody can do it. Even in an urban setting, almost anyone has a little piece of land they can work with. Take out some of the things that are just using up water and put in something that is going to produce fruit.”
Andy Hough said he and his family have been growing fruits and veggies around their home for 20 years, the last eight on their 0.18-acre lot in Founders Park. Hough is an environmental resources coordinator for Douglas County and oversees the county’s on the .
“It’s a huge honor,” he said of the award. “I’m very pleased to be able to showcase the opportunities that everyone on the Front Range can use.”
Hough and his family improved the soil in the yard with the help of a worm-powered vermicompost bin, feeding in biodegradable waste and letting earthworms turn it into a nutrient-rich mix. He said he invests in some different seed types each year, but with a yard capable of producing 70 pounds of tomatoes each year and gallons of various syrups and jams, the investment more than pays for itself, especially when feeding a family of six kids, three of whom live at home.
“We save a lot of money doing this. I can’t tell you how much, but it can be substantial,” said Hough, who is also an avid canner. “We’re eating better-tasting food, and, for the more expensive stuff, more of it.”
David Weaver was at the conservation district meeting where the Houghs were recognized. He called a short video presentation about the family’s efforts “fascinating.”
“I’m thinking, ‘What can I grow in that 10-foot-by-4-foot spot on the side of my house?’ ” Weaver said. “It’s an amazing story. We could all be doing like Andy is doing. Now, it’s about ‘How do we pass that to our children in the future?’ “
Joe Rubino: 303-954-2953, jrubino@denverpost.com or @RubinoJC
