Regardless of whether or not the original synagogue ever had a garden or planting beds (and likely did not), today as a museum, the landscaping in the front drastically improves the curb appeal! Likewise, the plantings help coincide with other beautification plantings throughout Leadville, especially along Harrison Avenue. The general philosophy about the garden was not to replicate what could have been in a garden in the late 1800s, but rather to beautify the bare dirt areas around the front of the building by today's means.
By necessity, all the weeds needed removal and the compacted dirt broken up and garden soil mixed in. This was done to all of the areas before the first planting. Next, a few stategically placed rocks added some hardscape elements, particularly along the one side of the largest planting area since the grade slopes. For the first year, a mix of annuals and perennials bought from a home center provided instant color and foliage. The perennials would come back each year while new annuals would be planted every year. Starting in 2015, the small plot by the hydrant was planted. The hydrant itself was fully exposed to the bolts and small rocks filled the area to keep it that way. All of the plants had to be watered with a garden hose manually until established.