</p> Trail of Lights on member night . . . As we drove onto Deer Creek Canyon Road, my breath was taken away for a minute. Just imagine seeing the lights all aglow in the depths of a dark field, with the crescent moon glowing over the entire scene. Even viewing the car lights snaking down into the valley was surprising—making for another trail of lights! What an amazing sight.</p> My family had some time to catch up on what was going on in our worlds as we slowly drove into Chatfield. Even at a distance, the huge cottonwood trees shot up into the dark night. As we got closer and more details came into view of the thousand and thousands of colored lights glowing, my anticipation grew. Walking through the winding trail, we ooohed and aaahed like we were watching fireworks. Take your time and enjoy the walk. There is so much to see if you just slow down and look all around you. Tilt your head waaay</em> back and see the LEDs glowing on the huge green and red tree in front of you as you cross the lighted wooden bridge. Go right up to the candy cane trees and see the meticulous winding of lights on each branch and trunk that help create the candy cane glow.</p> </p> I took a lot of pictures and most turned out well, however not having a monopod with me (bring one if you come, or have a very steady hand), I took some amazing shots showing actual trails of light. Not sure how I did that—one of the many wonders of that magical night. Thank you all for helping to create a family night to remember.</p>
</p> It is with great pride that we share the news with you that a research paper published by our own Jenny Neale was recently selected to receive the "PSB Best Paper Award 2008" from the presitgous Plant Species Biology journal. Dr. Neale's research was on the population genetics of a rare sunflower.</p> The full citation is 'Conservation of rare species with island-like distributions: A case study of Lasthenia conjugens (Asteraceae) using population genetic structure and the distribution of rare markers.' Plant Species Biology 23: 97-110 (2008) Considering the thousands of papers from professionals across the globe, this is a real distinction. The awards ceremony will be held in Japan. </p> We are also excited to announce that Dr. Neale will be leading the charge in the establishment of a new of a new conservation genetics program at Denver Botanic Gardens. With the support of an endowment named for Gladys Cheesman Evans, Dr. Neale, Research Associate Michelle DePrenger-Levin and others will use the analysis of DNA to help protect plant species. One of their first projects will be to identify whether a rare native orchid is hiding in a population of more common species near Boulder. </p> This blog post was written by Anna Sher, Ph.D.</em>, adjunct researcher and former director of the Research & Conservation Department at Denver Botanic Gardens.</em></p>
</p> Wonder enlarges the heart. When you wonder, you are drawn out of yourself. ~ John O’Donohue ~ </em> Occasionally, someone will call Denver Botanic Gardens in autumn or winter and ask if there is anything to see at the Gardens during these seasons. My reply always includes an unequivocal yes</em>; the Gardens are full of beauty throughout the year. To experience this magical time, simply walk into the Gardens with your sense of wonder intact. It’s true, currently the Gardens are transforming in other ways; there has been an abundance of caterpillar tracks, excavators, hardhats, and dump trucks convening here. With the arrival of an underground parking lot, an updated irrigation system, a visitor center, and much more, there is a chaos that is the antithesis of a peaceful garden setting. Or is it? The creative process is, in and of itself, a chaotic affair. If you have ever watched The Mystery of Picasso</em>, a film showing the artist as he paints one of his many masterpieces, you observed how he wends his way through a thought process full of twists and turns, one idea giving way to the next. His painting takes energy, concentration, curiosity, and yes, chaos. As all the construction projects progress at DBG, I keep in mind that all that frames the Gardens, including concrete and steel, has had the same legacy; from the chaos arises an even more spectacular setting that will bring years and years of pleasure to so many people. Meanwhile, the gracefulness particular to this season takes shape through a delicate choreography, and nature continues her cyclical, imperfect journey. Recently, I saw a dragonfly clinging to leaves and branches near the Gates Montane Garden, its tattered, iridescent wings prismatic in the sunlight. Elsewhere in the Gardens, the coralberries, pink as Jordan almonds, and the hot tamale-red pomes on the crabapples, remind me of the beads of an African necklace. Sage crushed between my fingertips perfumes the day. A little wonder works wonders. Along with family and friends, may you enjoy the Gardens during these subtler seasons. May you all</em> grow in wondrous ways.</p>
</p> On this Thanksgiving Day as I ponder all the things I am thankful for, one that comes to the forefront is how fortunate I am to work at the Denver Botanic Gardens. With a mission of connecting people with plants</em>, along with my team of talented horticulturists, I have the unique opportunity to reach the lives of others through plants.</p> Humans are innately connected to other living organisms. In his famous book ‘Biophilia’, E.O. Wilson describes biophilia as "the connections that human beings subconsciously seek with the rest of life.” He proposed the possibility that the deep affiliations humans have with nature are rooted in our biology. In today’s rapidly developing urban society and in times of turmoil, the need to connect with nature has become increasingly apparent.</p> I am very fortunate to work with a team of dedicated horticulturists who are very passionate about what they do and create botanical displays that are one of the best in the country. Working alongside our horticulturists is a great group of dedicated volunteers, who are integral for the operations of the Gardens. Volunteers from the Colorado Water Garden Society dedicate countless weekend hours during spring and fall installing and de-installing our aquatic displays. Members of the Herb Guild maintain our Herb Garden. Garden Club of Denver members put in many hours maintaining the Cutting Garden and creating floral displays for our offices and events as well as creating the fabulous winter dried floral decoration in the Romantic Garden. In addition, there are many others who assist in all the other gardens, special events, library, herbarium and education to name a few.</p> So, on this Thanksgiving Day, I extend my appreciation and thanks to all Denver Botanic Gardens staff, volunteers, members, donors, and everyone else involved in making DBG a great place to work and a visitor destination like none other!</p>
During my current visit to Madagascar, I had the enviable opportunity to visit the unique spiny desert ecosystem, located in the south and southwestern part of the country. What amazing diversity! Hot though it may have been, I am sure glad I made the time to visit this unique forest, which is home to many of Madagascar’s endemic species. The landscape is dominated by plants belonging to the family Didieraceae</em>. Noteworthy are the Alluaudia</em> that stand as tall sentinels of the forest. They remind me of the Saguaro cactus of the Sonoran Desert. Of the six species of Alluaudia </em>in Madagascar, I was able to see four. Other interesting plants that I encountered were three species of Pachypodium</em>, one species of Baobab (Adansonia za</em>), two arborescent (tree-form) species of Euphorbia</em>, three species of Kalanchoe</em>, a succulent cucurbit vine and an Aloe</em>, among others. I was fortunate to have the expert local Botanist Franck Rakotonasolo accompany me on my trip, who helped with most of the plant identification. We have a few Madagascan species that are represented in Denver Botanic Gardens' Cactus & Succulent collections, though the opportunity to expand this collection is tremendous.</p>
Is it a coincidence that Walt Whitman named his revolutionary collection of poetry "Leaves of Grass"? Grass is the dominant vegetation in our region, and ornamental grasses have revolutionized horticulture across America in recent decades. If I had to pick a favorite grass, right now I would have to say that Giant Sacaton (Sporobolus wrightii</em>) jostles at the top of my list with Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans</em>) and a dozen or more other contenders. Giant Sacaton is native to the higher reaches of the Chihuahua desert--usually found on outwash mesas and slopes in the mountains where it does get the summer monsoon and about as much precipitation as Denver. Here it thrives in the lightly irrigated xeriscape as well as the utterly dry garden. This picture shows a specimen perched between the Rock Alpine Garden and Plains Garden, but you will find Giant Sacaton in the Watersmart Garden and Wildflower Treasures as well. As the name suggests, it gets quite tall, but a single plant is narrow enough to find a spot in anyone's garden. Plant four or five together and you get a behemoth like the monster in Wildflower Treasures that gleams and shines and explodes with interest and beauty right now and throughout the winter months. Not for the faint of heart! Dan Johnson, our indefatigable Curator of Native Plants (and master of exotic plants as well--don't be fooled by his title!) introduced this plant in the 1990's, about the time that Los Lunas Plant Materials Center in New Mexico released a virtually identical cultivar. Plant Select has championed this most amazing native grass, and I have waited to see some of the endless plantings of 'Karl Foerster' give way to this much more xeric, graceful and beautiful native. Come stroll through York Street or Centennial in the coming weeks and I guarantee that you will be enchanted with these underappreciated and under utilized limpid ladies of linearity (and alliteration!). Power to the grasses!</p>
</p> No, not in pole-vault (with sunflowers) or fencing (with pruning shears) or swimming (among the lilies), but as a part of an international exhibit of botanic gardens called "Homes for plants, Gardens for humans" located at the Science & Technology Park at the Olympic Village, Beijing.</p> This exhibit highlights what over 70 botanic gardens (including ours) are doing to conserve species and resources around the world. Each botanic garden is represented by a large color panel, describing their contributions. Kudos to the staff of the Research, Herbaria & Records Department at Denver Botanic Gardens for giving us so much to talk about on our panel for the exhibit! Check out the Science & Research</a> navigation link to learn more about what we are doing to protect plants of the Rocky Mountain region. </p> </p> </p> This blog post was written by Anna Sher, Ph.D.</em>, adjunct researcher and former director of the Research & Conservation Department at Denver Botanic Gardens.</em></p>
</p> </p> Early this spring around mid-March, the native Plains Garden at Denver Botanic Gardens underwent a simulated version of a vital ecological process of the shortgrass prairie -- FIRE. Fire is important in maintaining the structure and diversity of the shortgrass prairie ecosystem.</p> Since human settlement, fire suppression has lead to the alteration of vegetation composition of the shortgrass prairie and the resulting biotic interactions. The prescribed burn at the Gardens performed under the able supervision of our curator of native plants, Dan Johnson, reminded us of how important these ecological processes are in maintaining the diversity of our native ecosystems.</p> Four months later, the transformation of this garden is just amazing. Bursting in color, many native forbs intermingle with prairie grasses. Currently in bloom are the Lead Plant (Amorpha canescens</em>), Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata</em>), Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja integra</em>), Dwarf Sunflower (Helianthus pumilus</em>), Golden Aster (Chrysopsis villosa</em>), Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera</em>) and Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea</em>). Without any supplemental irrigation this garden replicates what once used to be the Denver and surrounding landscape.</p>
This is a question I get asked quite frequently. To me as a horticulturist and a plant lover, it is a very complex question to answer. It is like asking a mom to choose her favorite child. Each plant has its own unique individuality from its growth habit to flower color, some desirable and others not quite so. Trialing various plants to determine their adaptability to a particular region is what botanic gardens do best. At Denver Botanic Gardens we test plants from various regions of the world and it is this diversity of plant life that makes a visit to the Gardens unique and exciting. As you stroll through the Gardens in the next week or so, here are a few flowers that you can look out for: the stately flowers of the Foxtail Lily (Eremurus </em>spp.) in various pastel colors; the delicate flowers of the horned poppy (Glaucium</em> spp.) in shades of yellow to dark-orange; the diversity of flower forms and colors of Iris hybrids and cultivars; and don’t forget the show-stopping display put on by the Iceplants (Delosperma</em> spp.) With this kind of plant diversity, how is one to discriminate and choose a favorite? While you walk through the Gardens, if you can identify a favorite, please drop me a line and let me know. </p>
</p> Please join me in congratulating my University of Denver graduate student, Maggie Gaddis, on the successful defense of her masters thesis, "Environmental impact of restoration of riparian ecosystems: fitting Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) into the picture." This research was funded by a grant to Denver Botanic Gardens by the Center for Invasive Plant Management to assess the success of restoration projects across the Rocky Mountain region where invasive Russian olive has been removed. </p> In lay-speak: Maggie tromped around Montana, Wyoming and Colorado measuring plants and soil in places where folks were trying to repair riverside ecosystems. This work has important implications for management of our wild spaces. Kudos, Maggie! Here is more information on the conservation research</a> that we do at the Gardens in collaboration with institutions like Universities. </p> This blog post was written by Anna Sher, Ph.D.</em>, adjunct researcher and former director of the Research & Conservation Department at Denver Botanic Gardens.</em></p>
</p> Just an update: I thought it was finishing (first photo above), this green-blossomed liana of a legume shows that it has the long haul in mind. I've discovered that there are several more inflorescences on the jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys</em>) and that you might be able to see it bloom either upstairs or down in the Conservatory. The staff and volunteers at the Information Desk assure me they have people come and ask about the "green flowers" or "every-nine-years vine," so I know people are interested. Just to clarify, it took nine years of growing before it bloomed. Will it bloom next year? We have to wait and see.</p>
</p> We have some exciting news to report from the Kathryn Kalmbach Herbarium and Sam Mitchel Herbarium of Fungi. Each collection has added a type specimen of a species new to science. A type specimen is a specimen selected to serve as a reference point when a plant or fungal species is first named. As a result, these specimens are extremely important to botanists and mycologists who are attempting to determine the correct application of a name.</p> The new fungal specimen is Smithiomyces crocodilinus</em>, only the third known species of this rare genus. The specimen was collected during a 2009 bioblitz at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area by Jack Jones, with Ed Lubow, Marc Donsky, Nora Jones and Rob Hallock, members of the Colorado Mycological Society. The specimen was first mistaken as a member of the genus Amanita</em>. Once examined at our Sam Mitchel Herbarium of Fungi, curator Vera Evenson knew this specimen was different. Through the collaborative efforts of Dr. Bradley Kropp of the Intermountain Herbarium and Utah State University, and Dr. Timothy Baroni, a distinguished professor and fungal geneticist at State University of New York, Cortland, it was determined that this was a new species. This finding is exceptionally unique in that the only other known members of the genus are tropical. While it was documented that the species occurs with Mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus</em>) species, additional work will investigate the ecology of this species. Amazing as it may seem, there are new plants being discovered in Colorado. Native plant enthusiasts Al and Betty Schneider of Cortez, Colorado have been instrumental in finding and naming two new species since 2008. The most recent find is Packera mancosana</em>, a member of the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). Recent botanical exploration of Lone Mesa State Park in the Southwest corner of Colorado has revealed new species. Gardens’ Adjunct Researcher Loraine Yeatts and the Schneiders collected the new species in 2009 and have spent the last two years working to identify and name the new find. For more photos and the full description of the species see Southwest Colorado Wildflowers. Stop by our herbaria to see these new species in person. We are open to the public Mon - Thur 9:00 am-2:00 pm.</p>
