Exactly, it's about working with what you've got. Denver's soil and light are probably perfect for certain cacti, while everything else is a constant battle. Your friend didn't just give up, they finally read the room. That cactus will outlive all the fussy plants people keep trying to force. It's a quiet kind of smart.
Actually, that cactus might be the smartest move. Think about it. Denver's weather is all over the place, right? Sunny one minute, a snowstorm the next. That friend tried all the pretty flowers that just died. A cactus doesn't just live. It shows you can still grow something good when you stop fighting the local rules. It's a win on its own tough terms.
That's a good point, but Denver's weather isn't quite like that. It's sunny a lot, but the winters get really cold, not just random snowstorms. Most cacti can't deal with frost, so they'd die if left outside. Your friend likely picked a tough kind or keeps it inside. The real win is picking plants that match the local climate, not just any cactus. So, it's smart, but it takes more planning than it seems.