The opening of the Freyer – Newman Center in 2020 provided Denver Botanic Gardens with numerous new spaces such as classrooms, art galleries and library. Another new space is the genetics laboratory. While this space is not readily apparent to the public, it still plays an important part in the Gardens’ core values of sustainability, diversity, relevance and transformation. Here are a few of the genetics lab’s activities and their contributions to those values.</p> Sustainability</h3> The ability of the Gardens to conserve plants will depend on its capacity to study nature and learn the patterns and processes that sustain ecosystems. Measuring genetic diversity is extremely important for understanding these patterns and processes. The new genetics laboratory gives us the ability to sample DNA from plants and fungi, and then use that DNA to explore a variety of questions: </p> “What species of mushroom is this?” “Are these plants closely related to those plants?” “Are there enough members of this species to maintain a viable population in nature?” </p> With a tool like DNA, our capacity to understand nature and make informed and wise decisions on how to protect the environment becomes much greater.</p> Diversity</h3> Growing public interest in familial relationships and social demography has made the field of genetics popular and accessible through companies like Ancestry.com. The genetics lab is being used as an opportunity to give experience in laboratory genetics to diverse groups of students. A shared goal of our department is to mentoring high school students in laboratory genetics so they can understand that science is a field available to them. Providing access to the labs in the Center to students from communities underrepresented in the sciences instills confidence and helps to demystify science.</p> Relevance</h3> The genetics lab gives the Gardens the opportunity to be a relevant contributor to science. One such contribution is a newly developed method for DNA barcoding fungi from natural history collections. This will allow us, and other researchers, to better measure macrofungal diversity (mushrooms and other visible fungi) growing in the Southern Rocky Mountain region. In addition, the labs are being used to explore the genetic diversity of plant populations on the western slope to understand whether these populations are healthy and sustainable by themselves. The genetics lab provides the Research & Conservation Department with the opportunity to perform scientifically relevant research and be an active contributor in our understanding of plants, fungi and nature.</p> Transformation</h3> The Research & Conservation Department has been using the genetics laboratory to train next generation of scientists in how to use genetic information for biodiversity research. Since the opening of the lab in 2020, at least two graduate students enrolled at the University of Colorado Denver have used the lab to generate data for their research. Emily Orr is one of those students and discussed the lab’s genetic projects in her blog post</a> from last year. More recently, Gary Olds finished his master’s degree in developing DNA barcoding methods for fungi as mentioned above. Soon, master’s and Ph.D. students will be using the genetics lab to study questions regarding the systematic diversity of plants in alpine tundra and other mountain habitats, and how communities of fungi are formed in various habitats across North America.</p> The genetics laboratory at the Gardens provides a wealth of opportunities for sustainability, diversity, relevance and transformation and we are only just scratching the surface of this potential.</p>
For many people in the metro area, summer at the Gardens has long been synonymous with the Summer Concert Series. World-class performers entertained throngs of fans in the UMB Bank Amphitheater under summer skies, and the botanical surroundings provided an unmatched setting.</p> Then came the pandemic. </p> In the early days of the crisis, it still seemed that the concert series could proceed as planned. This couldn’t possibly last until summer, right? Soon it became clear, to our venue and to thousands of others across the country, that summer music events would need to radically change. </p> As we brainstormed creative ways to offer music to our visitors during the pandemic summer months, the concept of Evenings al Fresco was born. Rather than a central performance space where crowding was all too certain, we identified five locations around the Gardens where small ensembles could safely perform as visitors strolled by. The response was overwhelmingly positive and served as a huge morale boost for staff and visitors alike as we reeled from the shockwave that had turned the world upside-down.</p> Now, a full two years after the pandemic began, we are thrilled to offer both </em>the Summer Concert Series and Evenings al Fresco so that visitors can choose from two distinct ways to enjoy music at the Gardens. The botanical surroundings for both series are the same, but the experiences for each are quite different. </p>
Believe it or not, March is here, and spring is upon us. And come spring, the most exciting place in Colorado to be is Denver Botanic Gardens! As the days grow longer again and the weather warms, there are newly emerging plants and spring blooming bulbs around every corner at the Gardens. As you make your way through the Gardens be sure to take a few moments (or hours) to meander through Woodland Mosaic, one of our signature shade gardens and event spaces here at York Street.</p> From the moment you enter Woodland Mosaic, you will be spellbound with a sense of tranquility and wonder as you stroll along the brick pathways and wooden decks.</li> You will come across many freshly emerging bulbs such as snowdrops (Galanthus</em> spp.), Siberian squill (Scilla siberica</em>), spring crocus (Crocus vernus</em>), Eastern sowbread (Cyclamen coum</em>), daffodils (Narcissus</em> </strong>cultivars) and checkered lilies (Fritillaria meleagris</em>).</li> You will also bear witness to many of our shade loving perennials emerging such as false forget-me-nots (Brunnera macrophylla</em>), coral bells (Heuchera</em> spp. and cultivars) and already blooming Lenten roses (Helleborus</em> cultivars and hybrids).</li> In addition to the lush understory, you will be able to observe newly developing buds on the extensive tree collection that creates the majestic canopy for this shade garden to thrive. Witness trees including quaking aspens (Populus tremuloides</em>), European white birch (Betula pendula</em>), hawthorn (Crataegus</em> × prunifolia</em>), Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum</em>), Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii</em>), mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia</em> ‘Fastigiata’) and swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor</em>) as they are awakening from a long winter’s slumber.</li> This garden also showcases many ideal evergreen shrubs and trees such as Green Velvet boxwoods (Buxus</em> ‘Green Velvet’), limber pines (Pinus flexilis</em>), and columnar white fir (Abies concolor </em>‘Fastigiata’). </li> </ul> Bring a snack and enjoy the solarium in the garden as well while you're there. The solarium is an iconic Victorian-themed glass house with a fascinating history that serves as a place to lounge, rest and spark a conversation while looking out into the garden and watching wildlife and natural activity. March in Colorado can be a rollercoaster of weather patterns including snow, rain, sleet, sunshine and everything in between. Woodland Mosaic is a perfect place to watch the happenings unfold and will inspire you to create your own shade garden oasis for relaxing, lounging, socializing and contemplating.</p> We are looking forward to your visit and are happy to answer any planting and gardening related questions you may have along the way!</p>
If dried flowers make you think of withered Miss Havisham and her decaying wedding dress, then it’s time to raise your expectations. Today’s dried flowers are nothing like the faded flowers worn by the jilted bride of Charles Dickens’s “Great Expectations.” They’re boldly combined, lushly textured and even colorful.</p> So, what’s changed? The floral industry has embraced dried plants as it’s pivoted to become more sustainable. When locally sourced and kept natural (not bleached or dyed), dried flowers have a smaller carbon footprint than fresh flowers that are flown in from overseas, refrigerated and displayed in non-biodegradable floral foam.</p> This has led to a surge in creativity. Floral artists are pushing the boundaries of display – adding dried flowers to fresh and wiring dried plant material to everything from hair combs to chandeliers. They’re also preserving flowers that were rarely dried before, from peony blooms to Smoke Bush plumes, and combining them in ways that take them beyond ordinary.</p> Consider the brown fronds of dried leatherleaf fern. Alone they may look ho-hum, but when spiraling around the edge of a wreath filled with Honesty seed heads and Chinese Lantern pods, they create energy. Or the fluffy heads of Pampas grass. By themselves, they could pass as feather dusters, but when wired with dried roses and allium seed heads onto chandeliers, they’re positively ethereal. </p>
Health and wellness used to be limited to physical strength and fitness, but our education team has been challenging that mindset and redefining programming in this sphere. The past two years have emphasized how essential caring for our mental health is, and how that can be further supported by moving our bodies to release endorphins. We have also realized in this ever-changing and stressful time how important it is to simply have fun! Inspired by these ideas, we redeveloped our programming to provide health and wellness in a more holistic way.</p> Studies show the positive impact nature has on our physical and mental wellbeing, which puts Denver Botanic Gardens in a unique position as our mission is to “connect people with plants.” We hope the Gardens will be a central component of your 2022 health and wellness journey and that our classes will help awaken your mind, body and spirit through our nature-based programming.</p> Here are six easy ways to create your own wellness adventure:</h4> Be as introspective or social as you like with our yoga, guided meditation walks, hiking and forest bathing programs. </li> Experience every aspect of personal wellness through music, body movement and an outdoor picnic during our summertime program Vinyasa, Violins and Vino.</li> Learn to make your own home remedies, teas and herbal salves and spices in the Herbalism Certificate Program or the shorter Ayurveda series.</li> Engage in the meditative aspects of Bonsai or Ikebana, while learning the principles of design, beauty and balance.Get excited about local produce and learn how to cook unique farmers market or CSA finds while reducing food waste with our virtual chef-led cooking series, Unboxed.</li> Take time to play in the dirt and watch life flourish from seed with our gardening programs designed for every skill level.</li> </ul> We've curated a list of health and wellness classes</a> for you; all you have to do is choose what works for you. As the definition of “wellness” expands, we invite you to reward yourself, try something new, eat something delicious and have fun!</p> This post was written by Sydney Goldade, adult education assistant manager, and Patricia Harvey, adult program coordinator. </em> </p>
The last couple of years have given many of us time for reflection. We have reconsidered where and how we spend our energy and time. For some there has been an opportunity to learn new things, to grow and change. Others have tried to go with the flow and get through each day as it comes. There are no clear agreed upon rules on how to get through difficult times. Perhaps, having grace and patience with each other is a good start. </p> At the Helen Fowler Library</a>, we strive to collect and make available books and other materials that connect all people with plants. This Black History Month, we have curated a list of titles in our collection</a>, for children and adults, that highlight the rich history of African Americans’ connection to the land, food, nature, gardening and agriculture. Unfortunately, much of Black history that has been taught or highlighted tends to focus on the trauma and not always the triumph, but understanding the past is crucial in planting seeds for future change. We hope you visit the library to check out some of these titles, learn something new, and reflect on your own history. </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> Search the library collections online or visit in person. The library is located on the first floor of the Freyer – Newman Center for Science, Art and Education</a>. No appointment or entrance fee is required to visit. Become a Gardens member to check out these and other materials.</p> Adults and Young Adults</h3> “Bird Brother: A Falconer's Journey and the Healing Power of Wildlife” </strong>by Rodney Stotts “Black Faces, White Spaces” </strong>by Carolyn Finney “Black Landscapes Matter”</strong> edited by Walter Hood and Grace Mitchell Tada “Black on Earth: African American Ecoliterary Traditions” </strong>by Kimberly N. Ruffin “Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land”</strong> by Leah Penniman “High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America”</strong> by Jessica B. Harris “In the Shadow of Slavery: Africa’s Botanical Legacy in the Atlantic World”</strong> by Judith A. Carney and Richard Nicholas Rosomoff “Rooted in the Earth: Reclaiming the African American Environmental Heritage” </strong>by Dianne D. Glave “Vegan Soul Kitchen: Fresh, Healthy, and Creative African-American Cuisine”</strong> by Bryant Terry “Working the Roots: Over 400 Years of Traditional African-American Healing” </strong>by Michele E. Lee</p> Children’s Books</h3> “Bring Me Some Apples and I’ll Make You a Pie: A Story About Edna Lewis” </strong>by Robbin Gourley “Circle Unbroken” </strong>by Margot Theis Raven “Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood”</strong> by Tony Hillery “In the Garden with Dr. Carver”</strong> by Susan Grigsby “Layla’s Happiness” </strong>by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie “Lola Plants a Garden”</strong> by Anna McQuinn “My Hair is a Garden” </strong>by Cozbi A. Cabrera </p>
Valentine’s Day is that time of year when that extra fuzzy lovey feeling starts to surround us, particularly for partners. Making time for others in an intentional way doesn’t have to be romantic, though. The growing popularity of “Galentine’s Day” creates the opportunity for girlfriends to connect and enjoy each other’s company while including all the fun festivities of Valentine’s Day. Galentine’s Day originated out of the interest to be able to enjoy the holiday centered around love as a more expansive, inclusive event for anyone – not just for couples. </p> Between busy schedules and COVID-19, it can be a challenge to get together with friends. Take advantage of this friend-centered twist of Valentine’s Day to make time for the visits that you’ve been missing. </p> Our Chatfield Farms private events team</a> has some cute flower-based ideas for your Galentine’s Day event. It can be as elaborate or simple as you like; all you need is to have your besties by your side. </p> (We even have beautiful venues – inside and outside spaces available</a> – for your private event at Chatfield Farms!)</p> </h3> Inspiration for the Perfect Galentine’s Day Party:</h3> </h4> Floral Arrangement DIY Class</h4> Learn about the meanings of different flowers and enjoy the textures of nature during winter (although sometimes here in Colorado it may be 60 degrees in February!). Find your favorite florist or a class online (like our Flower Happy Hour</a>), purchase some flowers and enjoy! </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> Floral Spa Party</h4> Bring your friends out and set up your own spa party! Infuse foot tubs with hot water and sprinkle in some rose petals, soak for 10 minutes, and pat your feet dry. Moisturize with calendula cream for deep hydration and repair. Repeat with your hands and some fresh new hot water. Find inspiration with Grocery Store Herbalism</a>, a fun class you and your gal pals can take together! </p> Make a Galentine’s Day Cocktail</h4> Delight in a classic old fashioned with a floral twist: 1/2 oz simple syrup infused with rose petals* 2 oz whiskey 2 dashes of lavender bitters 1 Bordeaux cherry Orange peel garnish</p> Blend together your ingredients into a glass. Rub the orange peel over the rim of the glass for some added flavor and place the peel in your drink along with the cherry on a toothpick. </p> *To make a rose petal-infused syrup, simply bring ¼ cup water to a boil and add a ¼ cup of sugar along with 1 tablespoon of dried organic rose petals. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and remove from heat. Allow the mixture to cool, strain the rose petals and keep your syrup in a jar stored in the refrigerator until it is ready to use.</p> </picture> </div> </div> </article>
The Depression-era expression “Waste not, want not” hangs in my mother’s pantry, and even though she didn’t grow up during the Great Depression, she was raised with those values and passed them along to me. Sometimes, though, the “Marie Kondo” voice echoes more loudly in my head as I search my fridge for a snack. Look at all this clutter! Occasionally, I completely clear out all those bottles and jars and baggies, crispy spaghetti and half-eaten take-out leftovers and end up throwing it all in the trash or recycling bin. As I feel so good about my clean, empty fridge, the wave of guilt starts creeping in. Could I have tried harder to finish all those leftovers? Could I have coordinated with my partner better so we both don’t buy mustard at the same time? While I love the idea of “sparking joy” there is nothing joyful about wasting all that food – and energy, labor, carbon emissions and single-use plastics. </p> At Chatfield Farms, part of our focus on regenerative agriculture principals is to look at food and plastic waste Like the entire food system in our country, this is a complex issue, however, there are several simple steps we can take to reduce what we consume. </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> </p> Our CSA (Community Supporting Agriculture)</a> staff have created a survey to understand people’s habits and needs around how they buy and consume food. If you fill out this survey</a>, you will be helping us to develop an action plan around waste (within our own CSA program but also on a wider scale). We work with hunger relief/zero food waste organizations such as Denver Food Rescue, SAME Café and, of course, Metro Caring, who all save food from landfills and get it to people in need. </p> We plan to implement more gleaning days on our farm and more ways to educate people on food waste, like our new CSA Cooking Class Series with Chef Edwin Sandavol</a>. This series focuses on how to meal-prep your CSA box with lessons that are emailed to your home, so every last vegetable gets eaten. According to ReFed, a national nonprofit</a> working to end food loss and waste across the U.S. food system, 43% of all food waste happens at home. But what will you decide to tackle? My own goals are to focus on meal planning, smaller portions, sticking to a grocery list, seeking out products like plastic-free detergents, plastic-free self-care products and remembering the values I was raised on: waste not, want not. Because the earth needs our action.</p>
