Though cholla spines are sharp as can be, their appearance of glowing in the sun makes them a star in a garden. Here, in the Fort Collins, CO home of designer Lauren Springer Ogden, a petite form of cholla (Cylindropuntia whipplei 'Snow Leopard') absolutely glows—as if they have auras—at dusk. Adding to the scene are the bright, ephemeral blooms of orange California poppies and pink Salvia greggii 'Wild Thing'. A handful of yucca, including Y. thompsoniana, miniature Y. harrimaniae, and a hybrid yucca in back, add year-round structure with their sword-like leaves. Design: Lauren Spring Ogden, Plant Driven Design, Fort Collins, CO; plantdrivendesign.com.