Three Private Gardens Open on Aug. 18

DENVER – On Saturday, Aug. 18, three private gardens in the Denver metro area will be open to the public through The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program. The Open Days Program offers gardeners and garden lovers the opportunity to explore some of the finest private gardens in the nation. Each garden is distinct from the others and has been selected specifically because each embodies excellent design, showcases unique plants and garden ornamentation, and is expertly crafted by passionate gardeners.

Brief descriptions of the three gardens include:

Walker Garden: Situated along the Highline Canal, this suburban garden has a quiet country feel. Offset by a small meadow and serene pond supporting a thriving wildlife habitat, plantings have been chosen to attract birds, bees and assorted wildlife, yet are suited to the Colorado climate. It also features a magnificent vegetable garden with rows of scrumptious crops in their full glory. This garden is an informal celebration of Mother Nature's color, texture and intricate design.

I Just Can’t Contain Myself:  A meandering flagstone pathway surrounded by rock gardens welcomes guests to this home. The moss rock boulders and smaller stones create pockets for planting that look wonderfully natural. Sun and shade perennials fill the gardens; sedum, and hens and chicks abound. Wild and carefree is the feel. The tiny backyard once filled with a basketball court is now home to a soothing waterfall, rock gardens, and fabulous container gardens that provide color and drama throughout the season. The garden owner is a three-time recipient of Fine Gardening magazine’s Best Container Design award.

Debohan Garden:  This garden welcomes visitors with a splash of color from high-performing xeric perennials, cold hardy cactus, and shrubs. Plant Select® plants reign supreme in this garden, often trialing garden plants such as manzanitas, azaleas and other treasures for the local nursery, Timberline Gardens. The back garden has four tons of stone "flooring" mixed with over-wintered dahlias, agapanthas, and even a tropical banana tree! This is a smaller garden, but the winner of a Plant Select® photo contest.

The hours for the tours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission to each private garden is $5. Open Days are rain or shine, and no reservations are required. Call 1-888-842-2442, or visit www.opendaysprogram.org for more information. A portion of the proceeds from Open Days will be benefit The Garden Conservancy and Denver Botanic Gardens.

Addresses for properties participating in Denver Open Day:

Walker Garden (LEAD GARDEN – Suggested starting point)
5858 South Highline Circle, Greenwood Village, CO 80121

I Just Can’t Contain Myself
8101 East Dartmouth Avenue, Unit #20, Denver, CO 80231

Debohan Garden
6900 West 55th Place, Arvada 80002