If you've noticed fewer birds and bees in the backyard than you used to see, a good way to encourage them to come back is to put in a garden of plants that attract them: Pollinators go where the food is. Brad Kuhn's Finding Nectar Nursery makes it easy, because he only grows the pollinator-friendly plants that encourage cooperation among species; the bees, birds and butterflies eat heartily, then fly off to scatter pollen and seeds elsewhere. It's nature's way, and beautiful to look at, too.

Open since 1987, Nick's is a longtime staple that's much more than just a place to pick up plants, soil and shovels (though it has plenty of those, and much more to offer). In the fall, it's where families flock for freshly roasted green chiles and to pick out pumpkins for Halloween. It even has its own haunted house! In the spring and summer, there's a plentiful selection of fresh produce, and you can often catch live music when you visit. Then, come winter, it's all about Christmas trees and fresh wreaths. This is a store where shopping is more than an errand; it's an experience.

Both indoor and outdoor plant lovers will need to pinch themselves upon entering Plant Garage, because it's simply a dream come true. Fill up on beginner and advanced care indoor plants as well as succulents at this spot, which also carries a wide variety of mulch and soil and even offers landscaping services. If you ever have an issue with a plant, snap a picture and send it to Plant Garage's Instagram (@plantgarage_denver) and you'll receive tips on how to revive it — or just take it to the store for advice. Fair warning: Any time you go in, you're sure to leave with a new plant.

Kim Zimmerman founded this sustainability-focused floral design house and urban micro-farm in 2018. From special-occasion bouquets to weddings to its plant subscription service, Rowdy Poppy excels at making eye-catching creations with a modern, avant-garde aesthetic. While we love Rowdy Poppy's visual appeal, what really makes it stand out is Zimmerman's commitment to using both farmed and foraged local flora whenever possible and her drive to reimagine how the flower industry operates. Whether you're treating yourself or someone else, flowers from this online spot are a sure way to brighten any day.

Onetime science teacher Tiffany Norton found her interests in chemistry and crafting merge when she decided to reproduce the homemade cleaning products and herbal remedies her German grandmother once used. Inspired, Norton put science and old-fashioned wisdom to work, creating a line of sustainable, earth-friendly lotions, soaps, body-care products, cleaning solutions and more, and selling them under the moniker of Juniperseed Mercantile. Since that modest start, the business has expanded to include a brick-and-mortar shop and separate workshop venue where visitors can see her staff at work mixing potions. Juniperseed's products are 100 percent handmade, mostly vegan and/or organic, and bottled using refillable, recyclable containers.

Much as it's a great place to live, Colorado is also a prime place to die. Nearly every burial option is available in this state, including natural organic reduction, also known as body composting. When Colorado  legalized the practice two years ago, the Natural Funeral was ready to go with in-state body composting and a staff that knows how to truly honor a life. Dust to dust.

While adaptive equipment does exist in some playgrounds, it's usually limited to a few handicapped-accessible swings. But LuBird's Light Playground at Stanley Marketplace is for everyone, with spinners, treehouses and swings that accommodate wheelchairs; rolling slides; musical sensory play equipment, and smooth, easy-to-maneuver surfacing. Under its all-inclusive policy, children of all abilities are welcome to mingle, which is good for everyone, and a lesson in learning how to get along with friends who are different. It's just the kind of fun the Stanley stands by.

Arkins Court is dead, long live Arkins Promenade! Built atop repurposed telephone poles, this new, elevated walkway designed by Tres Birds rises just north of the RiNo ArtPark along the South Platte for a bird's-eye view of industrial-zone nature. At its highest point, the promenade soars to 28 feet high as it zigs and zags for 400 feet on the former roadway, providing elevated webbing to climb. On the ground level, relax at picnic tables or on porch swings and recycled milk-jug benches. Welcome to the new urban jungle.

No matter how much you want to get fit, a public gym is not a fun place to do it, particularly when you happen to be non-binary — but that's just the type of fitness seeker that Vibe Gym serves. Leave your body shame at the door and come inside, try a class or two, meet with a personal trainer, sign up for wellness services, or simply walk in during open gym hours and use the equipment. Vibe even offers child care, which is free with a membership or day pass. Finally, a place just for you.

Since 1983, Way of the Crane has been empowering people to feel safe and in control. The self-defense classes, which range from beginner to personalized and in-depth instruction, focus not only on the physical skills it takes to protect yourself, but also the mental strength needed to keep calm and take charge of even dangerous situations. Students will leave with more confidence not just in their self-defense abilities, but in the rest of their lives, too.