Broomfield's Beautiful Blooms

Brought to you by Brittany

By Melissa Ruzicka

Each summer, Broomfield comes alive with bursts of color—flower beds that pop, planters that spill over with blooms, and city spaces that feel vibrant and welcoming. Behind the beauty is a year-round effort led by Brittany Jensen, Park Operations Foreman and Horticulturist for the City and County of Broomfield.

Brittany’s journey into horticulture started nearly three decades ago when she took a seasonal job with Broomfield’s parks department during college. “I started the summer of ’95 while I was in college studying sociology,” she said. “I kept coming back every summer because I loved the work and the people.” After graduation, she transitioned into a permanent role and has since grown into a leadership position that combines creativity, science, and community service.

Today, she leads the team responsible for planting and maintaining Broomfield’s annual flower displays—from colorful beds around city buildings to the massive planters that brighten downtown corners. While the displays are most visible in the summer months, the planning begins much earlier. Flowers are ordered as early as October, greenhouse growing starts in March, and city crews prepare beds in April for planting in May.

Brittany’s passion goes beyond just planting—she thrives on collaboration and creativity. While she loves getting her hands in the dirt, one of her favorite parts of the job is inspiring and guiding her team. “I love flower planting,” she said, “but I also really enjoy leading and adding fire to others’ passion.” Throughout the year, she collects ideas from her crew—flowers they’ve seen, colors they love, combinations they want to try. When it’s time to place the citywide flower order each fall, it all comes together. “It’s like giving them a big box of crayons and letting them play.”

This year’s displays include an exciting reintroduction of ornamental banana plants, which Brittany is especially excited about. She’s also looking forward to the beds at Broomfield Commons, which she says are already “glowing” and will serve as a colorful backdrop to the City’s Fourth of July festivities.

Caring for the flowers is no small feat, especially in Colorado’s unpredictable climate. The team is constantly monitoring for moisture, adjusting watering schedules, and battling pests like the Japanese beetle—a persistent threat.

Despite the challenges, the work is clearly rewarding. Community members frequently stop to ask about specific blooms or to say thank you. While there’s no single fan-favorite location, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. “People are just grateful,” Brittany said.

Brittany’s love for her work is clear in every flower bed and planter across the city. She speaks with deep pride about the creativity and dedication of her team, often crediting them for the beauty residents enjoy each day. Their passion and hard work shine through in every bloom, and Broomfield is lucky to have such a committed crew bringing color and joy to the community.

As summer unfolds and the city continues to bloom, it’s easy to admire the results. But thanks to Brittany Jensen and her devoted team, we’re reminded that behind every vibrant planter is not just a flower—but a purpose, a plan, and a whole lot of passion.