Earth Day is almost here. This is a great day to celebrate our planet and show our appreciation for all it provides us with by implementing more sustainable practices to our daily lives and routines. At Denver Botanic Gardens, sustainability is a top priority and is one of our core values as a public institution. </p> We welcome you to join us on Thursday, April 21, for our monthly SCFD Free Day and an Earth Day celebration event</a> where you will not only see beautiful gardens and spring-blooming bulbs, trees and plants, but also a variety of hands-on educational demonstrations:</p> sustainable gardening techniques & practices that you can take home and apply to your garden and landscape</li> learn about composting and soil amendment techniques</li> all-natural insect and pest management practices </li> beneficial pollinators found in Colorado</li> </ul> There will be fun activities such as:</p> flower-matching games</li> learning carts </li> DIY insect hotel tutorials</li> engaging tours that show how the Gardens helps keep our environment green</li> </ul> The new Gold LEED-certified Freyer –Newman Center building will also be open, and the Sturm Family Auditorium will show Earth Day-related films and documentaries</a> that are great for the whole family. </p> Come to Denver Botanic Gardens on Thursday, April 21, to be part of our Earth Day celebration event and be inspired to continue making our community more environmentally friendly and sustainable! See the full schedule of activities</a>. </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article>
Conservation of rare species involves knowing where they are found and how many individuals are in a population. If a species can only survive in certain habitats, then any changes to that habitat can drive a species to extinction. Similarly, as the population size decreases, chance events can have an increasing impact. </p> A rare cactus found only in western Colorado has recently been recommended for delisting from the Endangered Species Act because we know more about its natural history now than we did at the time of listing. We have a clearer understanding of how much genetic diversity is present within and among populations (enough to propose naming a new species). We know more about how survival, growth and reproductive rates drive population size (pretty stable). Lastly, and maybe most importantly to this decision, we have better estimates of the number of individuals in each population (many more than previously documented). Estimates of the minimum cactus abundance provide a snapshot of the current status and show that population sizes are large enough to persist through random fluctuations in germination and reproduction. </p>
Enjoy spring at the Gardens! Take advantage of this season to see new growth and notice the small things in life that bring so much joy. Colorful tulips popping up, birds singing and new plants sprouting from their frosty beds encapsulates spring. </p> </p>
Denver Botanic Gardens is all about sustainability. We implement sustainable practices like regenerative agriculture at Chatfield Farms</a>, we sustain rare books in our Helen Fowler Library</a> for the enjoyment of future generations, outfit flat-roofed buildings with solar panels to preserve the energy of the sun and navigate the challenges of water conservation (see recent blog post, The Start of Something Big</a>). Sustainability is embedded in everything we do!</p> This principle can be applied to your support of the Gardens. When you make a gift to the Gardens, you play an essential part in providing support for core programs including horticulture, education, research and conservation. Your gift today sustains the Gardens and supports the many ways we serve our communities. You love supporting the organizations you care about during your life. Now your support can continue beyond your lifespan. </p> When you include a gift to Denver Botanic Gardens in your will, you invest in your legacy. Your planned gift emphasizes the importance you place on connecting people with plants and conserving this habit for future generations.</p> Including a provision for the Gardens in your will is not difficult or cumbersome. In fact, you are almost there! Without leaving the Gardens’ website, navigate to FreeWill</a> to create your own living will. FreeWill is a no-cost will creation tool that anyone can use to create a living will. All estate plans made using FreeWill are 100% legal and specifically tailored to your jurisdiction.</p> We love to celebrate our amazing champions and friends, so if you have already included Denver Botanic Gardens in your will, or have plans to do so, please let us know! By including the Gardens in your estate plans, you are invited to join our Perennial Friends Society</a>, a legacy society made up of individuals who have made a commitment to the Gardens’ future with a bequest or other estate plan arrangement. Members of the Perennial Friends Society enjoy:</p> Annual recognition events including a hosted picnic at a summer concert and the holiday luncheon hosted by the Gardens’ board of trustees</li> Special tours and lectures specific to research and travel by Gardens’ scientific staff, annual outdoor art exhibitions and specific gardens and programming throughout all of Denver Botanic Gardens</li> Recognition in the annual report and other publications (with permission) </li> </ul> Curious about planting your legacy? Please contact the Development Department at development@botanicgardens.org</a> or 720-865-3517.</p> </p> This information is not intended as legal or financial planning advice. An attorney specializing in estate and charitable gift planning is essential to advise you about the best charitable estate planning strategies. It is also important to include your accountant in your discussions.</p>
The digital age gave us a new dimension that infiltrates nearly all aspects of our existence. But, as we navigate this decade, the bearing that nature holds on our everyday lives has reestablished itself as inescapably relevant. Atmospheric carbon pollution is altering every landscape, bringing fires, floods and mass displacement. A virus leap-frogged animal hosts into our global population, upending society faster than any of us could have previously considered possible. </p> This narrative of doom tends to drown out the good when discussing our relationship with nature. Biodiversity is a source of healing and solace to so many. I hung a feeder outside my window to attract the company of chickadees and sparrows. Friends have adopted more house plants than they have room for. A forest hike near a creek or digging a garden has never felt so revitalizing. No matter how much we thought the digital realm had come to dominate our routines, community and economy, nature prevails as the ultimate force. Nevertheless, over the last half century ecologists and biologists have been uniting these domains, creating digital tools to garner understanding of life on Earth, delivering us to this moment when the fundamental unit of discovery, data, has become undeniably relevant to each of us. </p>
Architectural plants provide a visual structure and framework as well as a year-round presence in the garden. Plants don’t have to be woody to lend structure to the garden; perennials, grasses, evergreens and shrubs offer not only visually engaging elements but also provide habitat for pollinators and animals in all seasons. Let us explore the Gardens to see examples of architectural plants. </p> </p> Yucca rostrata</strong></em> </a></h3> As you approach the Crossroads Garden</strong>, you cannot miss this specimen. A striking plant that gives a strong sense of place, Yucca rostrata</em>, or beaked yucca, provides a structural integrity that remains throughout the season and only becomes more outstanding over time. It takes years to establish a “trunk” but is well worth the wait. Yuccas grow in many parts of the U.S. but are often identified as a “western” plant seen in drylands and deserts. Almost all yuccas bloom prolifically in spring offering the bonus of showy flowers held high above their foliage. Yuccas require well-drained soil and full sun. </p> Picea glauca</em> ‘Pendula’</strong></a></h3> Flanking either side of the Roads Water-Smart Garden </strong>entrance in the raised planters, Picea glauca</em> ‘Pendula’, weeping white spruce, immediately communicates elegance and grace. Narrow and upright, this is a great choice for small spaces or as a specimen plant in the garden. Provide plenty of sun and moderate water. Available through Plant Select®</a>. </p> Juniperus scopulorum</em> ‘Woodward’</strong></a></h3> Columnar Woodward juniper creates a distinctive framework along the walk next to the UMB Bank Amphitheater</strong> and Roads Water-Smart Garden</strong>. This plant resembles the columnar Italian cypress, making it an elegant choice for entrances and corridors. Junipers are tough plants that withstand just about any growing conditions. Best in full sun and once established require little to no maintenance. Woodward juniper is a Plant Select specimen that works great as a screen in tight spaces. </p> Agave parryi</strong></em></a></h3> Another “western” plant which provides character and structure is Parry’s agave. This coarse-textured evergreen is incredibly tough, requiring full sun and very little water. These are slow growers, but they live up to 30 years. They bloom at the end of their life cycle – a sight which cannot be missed. The flower stalk can be up to 12 feet high above the rosette. But don’t worry, before they flower, agaves produce vegetative offshoots, also known as “pups,” which can be easily transplanted and propagated to become mature plants. </p> Ornamental Grasses: Schizachyrium scoparium</em></a>, Sorghastrum nutans</em></a> and Calamagrostis brachytricha</em></a></strong></h3> Many ornamental grasses perform extremely well in our steppe climate. The Ornamental Grasses Garden </em>showcases these versatile, low-maintenance plants. When left up in the winter, not only do grasses provide structure but also movement and color. There are many to choose from, including little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium</em>, which turns bronze to burgundy in fall. If you want a unique grass in your garden, try Sorghastrum nutans</em>, Indian grass. Its similar size and upright habit make it a great alternative to feather reed grass (Calamagrostis</em> × acutiflora</em> 'Karl Foerster'). Even shady gardens can utilize ornamental grasses. Korean feather reed grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha</em>) is a Plant Select selection that is drought and (part) shade tolerant! </p> Perennials: Stonecrop (Sedum spectabile</em>)</a>, yarrow (Achillea)</a>, Jerusalem sage (Phlomis russeliana</em>)</a>, globe thistle (Echinops ritro</em>)</a></strong></h3> Flowers and seed heads, though their color has faded, create texture, winter interest and habitat for plants and pollinators! A walk through the Romantic Gardens </strong>offers several examples of perennial winter interest. Around the circular water feature, look for sedum and yarrow, classic winter perennials in the garden. Caryopteris</em> × clandonensis</em> 'Worcester Gold', also known as bluebeard, is only half hardy in our climate but it must be mentioned as it provides great winter interest and is an incredibly tough and beautiful flowering plant. </p> Enter the Fragrance Garden</strong> and along the curved walkway, look for dried flowers stacked vertically on stems. These are Jerusalem sage, or Phlomis russeliana</em>, and holds blooms and stalks well throughout the winter. Turning left at the gazebo next to the benches in El Pomar</strong>, look for rounded seed heads on globe thistle (Echinops ritro</em>). All have unique flower heads that stand tall and remind one of what is to come in spring.</p>
The next several months will be the start of something big; actually, several big somethings. The first comes in April when the beloved O’Fallon Perennial Walk is planted anew. Under the guidance of horticultural wizard Bridget Blomquist, a better story will be told about these perseverant plants that captivate visitors, revealed in waving tableaus that promise nine months of color. </p> Then, this summer we tackle two major sustainability projects at York Street. First, every flat roof on our buildings will sport solar panels. These, combined with all-renewable electricity, will create a campus that is net zero except for natural gas-fueled boilers to heat critical buildings, such as the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory. The second project is the next phase in saving water. The Japanese Garden stream will be relined, and in coming years, we will reseal waterways and ponds throughout the Gardens. </p>
It’s no secret that organic food is trendy. But why? Consumers believe that organic is better for the environment and better for their health. In some cases, this is true, in others, not so much. Buying lettuce from your local grower will almost always have a lower carbon footprint than buying certified organic lettuce in the supermarket. But while you’d need to talk to (and trust!) your local farmer to find out if they used synthetic chemicals to grow your lettuce, that little green label—USDA Organic—assures you that the grocery store spinach was grown without these harmful chemicals. </p> This is not to say that certified organic food is “better” than locally grown food. In fact, often times locally grown food IS organically grown, it just isn’t certified. However, organic certification enables farmers to have a competitive marketing advantage and provides consumers with guarantees on how their food was produced. For these reasons, I believe that regenerative agriculture should have an established definition as well. </p>
Sitting among the blooms, hearing the hum of bees and songs of 240 species of birds—welcome to Chatfield Farms, nestled between the foothills and Chatfield Reservoir, a nature lover’s oasis just south of Denver. </p> Chatfield Farms</a> offers 700 beautiful acres space for adults, families and businesses looking for a quick escape from the city. Imagine enjoying a high tea with 10 friends under the pergola in the Lavender Garden or creating a beautiful event space with tents and lounge furniture. The possibilities are nearly endless. Below are ideas and tips for planning an outdoor wedding or event to make it fun, successful and unique. Outdoor Enhancements </strong> Transforming your event space is all about visualizing possibilities. High-peaked tents create a dramatic space for a gala, dance floor or reception. Adding small lounge areas can create a special place for VIP, elderly guests or girlfriends; imagine a velvet couch and chairs with a heater and rug under glowing string lights. Our team can suggest rental companies that can provide tents and furniture to enhance your event. At Chatfield Farms we work with AllWell Rents</a> and Butler Rents</a>. </p>
Experience four glorious days of art, culture and cuisine: Mexico City and beyond.</p> For most travelers, Mexico City is not on their bucket list. Typically, people choose Cancun before anything else. I mean, I get it. White sand, clear water, a waiter who makes sure the drinks are full. What’s not to love? I too would have picked Cancun over Mexico City any day. That is until I visited Mexico City for the very first time back in 2019—and then it all changed. </p> First impression: What a mess. The airport was chaotic, no rhyme or reason to anything. So many people, so dysfunctional, I had no clue how to navigate anything—and that’s coming from someone who is fluent in Spanish. I remember asking myself, “Where am I, what have I done?” It wasn’t until I left the airport that I started to see the beauty. </p> Knowing very little about this city, I started with the two things most comfortable for me: food and art. At panaderías </em>(bakeries), lines wrapped around the block for good reason. Here, I discovered delicacies and flavors unknown to me, like pambazos</em>, a Mexican bread soaked in a special sauce, fried until hot and crisp, then stuffed with homemade chorizo. </p> Palacio de Bellas Artes, a piece of art itself, is an ornate Art Nouveau and Art Deco building completed in the 1930s, boasting enormous paintings by famed Mexican muralists Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, Jose Clemente Orozco and David Alfar Siqueiros. </p> Together, the incredible cuisine and rich art scene opened the doors of my imagination and ignited my vision to curate this unique vacation for others.</p> Here are the top three reasons you should join me this July:</strong></h4> It’s a Time Capsule:</strong> You will find many things to do and see in Mexico City that will transport you to another era. This city is one of the few destinations where you can discover pre-Hispanic ruins, colonial buildings, French-style buildings and the latest architectural trends all in one place.</li> Folk Art:</strong> Take a piece of Mexican tradition home by buying one of the many products made by passionate artists where beauty, imagination and cultural heritage converge. How about decorating the house with a Talavera vase made in Puebla? Or the laborious and colorful fabrics of Chiapas or the black Oaxacan clay? Bring home an alebrije </em>(spirit animals) or a unique work of art created by the magical hands of the Huicholes. Best of all, you’ll have the opportunity to attend a workshop in the home of two of the region’s most talented folk artists, who will guide us in crafting our own alebrijes</em>. </li> Mexican Cuisine is a Rainbow: </strong>Yes, tacos are adored by thousands, but there’s a whole lot more than just tacos in Mexico. The country is enormous and so is the variety of food. Different regions have different kinds of cuisine, for example, pozole, mole, chiles en nogada, etc. Mexico is enjoyable and delicious, whether you are in a mega-recognized restaurant or a market stall. It’s no wonder that in 2010, Mexican gastronomy became part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. </li> </ol> Denver Botanic Gardens and Reef to Rockies bring you an unforgettable experience traveling through Mexico City, Puebla and Oaxaca. </p>
