The fruit is strangely lurid. Medlar is a European tree in the Rose Family that somehow exudes an air of strangeness. I have read accounts of how terrible it is to taste fruit before hard frost: we went down to 28F or so last Saturday night...is it time yet to sample this fruit? Am I brave enough? The Medlar is much more popular in Europe--in fact its epithet (germanicus</em>) implies it is a central European native. it is naturalized throughout Europe, but is more likely native to the Balkans and eastern Mediterranean, but has been cultivated for centuries for its exotic fruit. Like the totally unrelated pawpaw of the USA or most species of Persimmon, this fruit must be frosted to be rid of the unpalatable qualities. The question is now--how long after frost? The books are strangely mute on the subject. Of course, even if one never ate the fruit it would be worth growing this wonderful small tree for its beautiful flowers and habit. Good luck finding sources, however (this is not for sale at your local box store, I daresay!). There are mail order sources, and I have a hunch our Propagation gang might get wind of the enormous commercial opportunities of growing this for our blockbuster plant sales (hint hint)... As a rather embarrassed postscript, I must add that although this tree appears to be well established--likely growing in this spot for some time--this was the first year I noticed it. I was thrilled to find it (naturally in our awesome Herb Garden). I wonder how many other Medlars there are in Denver? I think there is a place for one in my home garden. Another post post script: I pointed this tree out to Gary Lincoff--the eminent Mushroom authority from New York City (and all around great botanist/horticulturist and wild forager) on his visit here last spring. Gary was visibly envious of our Medlar: he said that Mespilus</em> does not grow well in New York City or the Eastern Seaboard--apparently succumbing during the protracted spells of night heat and humidity (two things we have in great moderation hereabouts!). Another reason to treasure our strange, wonderful little tree! Find it just inside and west of the east entrance to the Herb Garden...</p>
People ask me all the time "When is the best time to visit Denver Botanic Gardens?" I confess here and now, I find this question annoying. Denver Botanic Gardens is simply gorgeous every minute and every day, and although I have a special love for spring blooming bulbs and wildflowers, I took a stroll around today, nearly the middle of September, and was frankly blown away: my thirty third summer here, and I felt as though I had never been here before. The waterlilies and water gardens have never been so splendiferdelicious (they need new adjectives to describe them...) There are incredible container plantings everywhere, and annuals cunningly tucked among perennials, and combinations of colors that dazzle wherever you look... There are masses of colchicums here and there, and cyclamen are making quite a show in the Rock Alpine Garden...I love the late summer bulbs. We seem to have more and more every year! There is a spectacular planting of scarlet morning glory on the trellises of the Birds and Bees garden worth making the trip for in and of themselves...you may well see some hummingbirds visit these! The native gardens are especially beautiful right now: the fruits of the many cacti on Dryland Mesa are nearly as showy as the flowers in the early part of the season, and there are no end of yellow daisies everywhere (here Zinnia grandiflora</em>) Where but at Denver Botanic Gardens would you see a forest of giant yuccas from Big Bend growing alongside Sunset hyssop and the Oriental sedum ('Indian Chief'), all combined with such artistry--this one has Dan Johnson's fingerprints all over it (Assistant Director of Horticulture and designer extraordinaire)... I have not shown you the Michaelmas daisies blazing through the O'Fallon Perennial Walk, or the Desert Willows covered with flowers everywhere, nor the masses of colors along the promenade in front of the Orangery, nor the sweeps of Muhlenbergia reverchonii</em> sparkling through the Rock Alpine Garden meadow...nor a hundred (or thousand) other dazzling gems of flower, shrub or tree at their lustrous peak of beauty... When is the best time to visit Denver Botanic Gardens? Right now!</p>
Why yes we do, and we have for several decades. The last weekend in August, over fifteen citizen scientists and several mycologists braved the wee hours of the morning and one of the driest summers in Colorado to spend the weekend hunting, cataloging, photographing and identifying macro-fungi for the Rocky Mountain National Park bioblitz. Macro-fungi are those fungi that produce large, showy fruiting bodies, which are more commonly known as mushrooms, chanterelles, and truffles. Of course in the natural world, large is relative term. The team collected puffballs that were a foot across as well as mushrooms with caps less than one-tenth of an inch in diameter. Even in a dry summer, a diverse and colorful array of fungi can be found in Colorado. No doubt whether you have hiked the hills and mountains this summer or lounged in your backyard you have noticed at least a mushroom or two, and have possibly even wondered what these organisms do. Why are they living in your lawn or pushing up through two inches of pine duff? Join us on Wednesday, September 12 at noon in Gates Hall</strong> to have your questions answered at the next installment of Research & Conservation’s lecture series “Re-search the Gardens: Meet our Scientists.” Vera Evenson, curator of the Sam Mitchel Herbarium of Fungi, will present on the vital role of fungi in the life of plants as well as share stories and images of a few of Colorado’s beautiful and fascinating mushrooms. The bi-monthly series presented by our staff scientists and adjunct researchers takes you behind the scenes and out into the field to share the stories of the species with which we work and the amazing areas we visit as we conduct our research. Please join us for this informal seminar series as you’re always bound to learn something new. All talks are free with admission to the Gardens and are presented at noon. Feel free to bring your lunch. Read more about the series.</p>
</p> When members take the time to let us know about their feelings or experiences, those of us in Denver Botanic Gardens' Membership Department pay close attention. Member feedback is one of the most valuable resources we have; it lets us know what what members would like to see more of, what needs improvement, and what we're doing just right. It brightens our day when we receive member feedback full of kind words and positive energy, and it's wonderful to know when someone is getting the very most out their membership. A great example of such feedback was sent to us via email by long-time Gardens member Kate Lawrence. Kate writes:</p> Dear Friends,</blockquote> I'm writing to let you know how we are using our Gardens membership, and to say thanks for the services you provide.</blockquote> A few years ago, my husband and I wanted to convert our front lawn to xeric perennials, but didn't know how to begin. He took a Denver Botanic Gardens class in 2008 called The Waterwise Flower Garden, taught by Lauren Springer Ogden. The class not only provided extensive information but also enthusiasm--he went from looking at the yard project as a chore, to being excited about the possibilities!</blockquote> Fast forward to now: our front lawn is completely gone, replaced by gorgeous xeric flowers (plus we grow veggies in part of the space). We still take the plant list from that class with us whenever we go to garden stores; the list has been highly reliable. Having the xeric flowers not only reduces water use, but makes our yard so much more interesting and colorful. We sometimes see passersby stop on the front sidewalk for several minutes to look at our yard, as it is so unusual on the block.</blockquote> Our annual membership this year completely paid for itself in one day through reciprocal admission savings. Recently we visited Atlanta. Flashing our Gardens membership card got us free admission to the Atlanta History Center ($14.50 X 2 = $29 savings) and the Atlanta Botanical Garden ($18.95 X 2 = $37.90 savings). That total, $66.90, completely covers the Gardens $65 Individual Plus One membership. Also, we enjoy bringing our visiting friends and relatives to the Gardens using the free guest passes. Membership in Denver Botanic Gardens does more than just provide a beautiful place to visit; it educates and enriches us in ways that extend far beyond your garden gates.</blockquote> Sincerely,</blockquote> Kate Lawrence</blockquote> </p> Members who take advantage of the full range of their benefits often find that a membership to Denver Botanic Gardens pays for itself. Most know that they can visit the Gardens for free, but not all are aware that they receive reciprocal admissions benefits at botanic gardens, arboreta and conservatories throughout the nation, as well as discounts on concert tickets and most classes and special event registrations that we offer here. We encourage you to discover all the wonderful places your membership can take you.</p> We would like to express our gratitude to all members who, like Kate, take time out of their busy schedules to let us know how we're doing. Do you have something you would like to share? Please enlighten us, members! Your feedback is helping us grow!</p>
No, Virginia! Those are not flowers,but the seedheads on one of the most remarkable and beautiful shrubs (or is it a tree?) from China. Heptacodium miconioides</em> was discovered by E.H. Wilson in Hubei province in China in 1907, but only introduced to cultivation in 1980 when seed was grown at the Arnold Arboretum, which distributed plants a few years later to members. One of those original plants is featured at the end of this blog. Not only are the seedheads in late autumn spectacular, but the flowers are a lovely, pure white: it blooms much of August and September. If you come close you will smell an indescribable, sweet fragrance that is somehow tropical, rather like the exotic shape of the leaves with their long drip tips. The smell is strongest in the evening and at night--almost overpowering at times (but no one complains!). Here is a particularly floriferous plant I photographed ten years ago in Massachusetts. Here is the oldest specimen at Denver Botanic Gardens, planted in the late 1990's, already almost 20' tall. This is coming into full bloom right now, and should be spectacular much of the next month: do come sniff it! Here is the largest specimen in Colorado (that I know of): Solange Gignac, who worked 23 years at Denver Botanic Gardens, obtained one in 1983 the first year they were distributed--so this is now in its 30th year of growing. It is 30' tall and growing--a magnificent plant I would characterize as a tree. Not only are the flowers and seedheads beautiful, but the bark is appealing all times of year. A mature specimen develops a trunk rather like a Crepe Myrtle--mottled and glistening with time. This seems to have great cold hardiness and thrives in a variety of sites and soils. It needs average irrigation in Colorado (it is not a desert plant), but has such sterling qualities that Plant Select has promoted this as a recommended plant for Colorado Gardens. Solange Gignac passed away a week ago today: I know that every time I admire our wonderful specimens growing in several gardens around DBG (Rock Alpine Garden, Plantasia, Plant Select), I shall think of her, and her love of this plant. It's sweet fragrance will remind me of the years of sweet companionship and friendship, and her great contributions to our community and Helen Fowler Library.</p>
Anyone who has managed to grow "Red birds in a tree" knows that few plants are more attractive to hummingbirds. Scrophularia macrantha</em> is a very local plant endemic largely to a few mountains in central New Mexico. The genus usually goes by the common name "Figwort" and gave its name to the Figwort Family--(Scrophulariaceae), which opens up another can of worms--let's leave that for another blog! But this plant is notable for several reasons: it is unquestionably the queen bee of its genus (Scrophularia </em>is widespread in the old world, where most species are black or brown flowered--charming, I'm sure!). It makes a striking specimen in a border or wild garden--but stand back! It can grow six or more feet tall in gardens. T This monumental specimen is growing on Alameda, in Lakewood's amazing median strips that are filled with choice xeric plants. I nearly had an accident the first time I saw this growing here--such a rare plant, in the middle of a busy street! Lakewood can be proud indeed... Here is a compact form that popped up a few years ago in the Lakewood Showcase garden on Hoyt and Jewel (the "Gardens at Kendrick Lake": if you have not been there, hightail it out there pronto: it is a stunning xeriscape demonstration garden that looks good at all times). I collected a pinch of seed of this twenty years ago exactly this August at about 6000' in Luna County, New Mexico on an expedition with my brother-in-law, Allan Taylor to get seed off the northernmost Arizona Cypress in New Mexico. There was only one plant of the Scrophularia</em>, and it was in seed: I sent a smidge to Kew and shared the rest with a few friends. David Salman of High Country Gardens was the first to successfully grow and market the plant, and he gave it its wonderful common name. In 1998 it received the Green Thumb Award of the mail order nursery association. Ten years later it was promoted by Plant Select, and today nurseries across the world sell this plant, so rare in nature but treasured in gardens. We have been finding hummingbirds in Denver area gardens all summer in recent years (they used to only pass through on the way to the mountains in spring and fall). More intriguingly, their numbers swell enormously in dry years like this year: I sometimes wonder if the vast array of red flowered, hummingbird-pollinated plants in Plant Select (a bevy of Salvia</em>, penstemons galore, Agastache </em>spp. and this Scrophularia</em>) are not providing such a smorgasbord of delights for them that they find lingering down here attractive. I know that when flowers are sparse or absent in the hills, our gardens may be providing a vital food source for these miniature avian gems--a fascinating unintended consequence of our plant exploration. Pretty cool, no?</p>
As our long hot summer begins to cool off, time to roll up your sleeves and get that garden in shape again...but sometimes a bit of inspiration helps...and what can be more inspiring than seeing the handiwork of fellow gardeners? This Saturday the Garden Conservancy is featuring its awesome Open Days program in Denver. Three outstanding (and each very different) gardens will show the enormous variety and beauty that manifests itself (horticulturally) in Colorado. They are open between 10 am and 4 pm. Details are at http://www.gardenconservancy.org/opendays/open-days-schedule/openday/576-denver-open-day. Cost is only $5 per person per garden. Here is a taste of what you will see: Debohun Garden This garden welcomes visitors with a splash of color from high-performing xeric perennials, cold hardy cactus, and shrubs. The garden is styled to attract native birds and natural pollinators. 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, Agapanthus</em>, and even a tropical banana tree! These create conversation with the recently planted gamble oak forest which slowly emerges beside a stately Quercus buckleyi. Later, veggies for eating appear in the garden along shade for outdoor dining. This is a smaller garden, but the winner of Plant Select photo contest! I Just Can't Contain Myself A meandering flagstone pathway surrounded by rock gardens welcomes guests to our 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 my container gardens that provide color and drama throughout the season. It has been called a secret garden. Walker Garden Situated along the Highline Canal, this suburban garden has a quiet country feel. Offset by small meadow and serene pond supporting a thriving wildlife, habitat, plantings have been chosen to attract birds, bees, and assorted wildlife, yet suited to the Colorado climate. This garden is an informal celebration of Mother Nature's color, texture, and intricate design.</p>
July – the month we celebrate America’s independence… and efficient irrigation? While the second occasion may not get as much attention as the first, there are plenty of ways to mark Smart Irrigation Month this July.</p> The Irrigation Association (IA), which represents manufacturers of irrigation products, first declared July to be “Smart Irrigation Month” in 2005 to draw attention to the need to use earth’s most precious resource wisely. July typically sees peak water demand in the United States – driven largely by the need to keep our thirsty landscapes alive. Coloradans head into July feeling already parched by one of the hottest Junes on record. But the message behind Smart Irrigation Month is that you can conserve water and still maintain healthy plants.</p> Denver Botanic Gardens tries to lead by example when it comes to efficient irrigation and appropriate plant selection for this climate – with perhaps our best examples being the Roads Water-Smart Gardenand the Green Roof Garden at our York Street location. But all York Street gardens are managed by a central irrigation control program that utilizes weather data (like temperature, wind, humidity, etc.) and plant-specific settings to ensure that each particular area gets just the right amount of water.</p> </p> </p> Of course, the IA would like you to celebrate Smart Irrigation Month with the purchase of this latest-and-greatest technology for your home. Most irrigation manufacturers do sell “smart” controllers that enable homeowners to manage their landscape water use in the same way larger, public sites do. If you’re feeling lucky, you might even enter to win a smart controller.</p> While it may not give you the same thrill as watching fireworks, you still might find some beauty in efficient irrigation!</p> </p> (image via)</p>
</p> Okay, okay: this stunning new hardy ice plant is not exactly overlooked: it has in fact been a phenomenal seller across the United States and Canada this spring in its maiden launch. But we did run out of it fairly early on during our landmark plant sale a few weekends ago. The Hardy ice plants are of course poster girl plants for Plant Select, the wonderful collaboration between Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado State University, and over 100 wholesale and retail nurseries across North America (and beyond actually!)...</p> </p> The plants promoted by Plant Select that have</em></strong> been neglected a bit in my opinion are the sun daisies. Osteospermum</em> is a large genus practically restricted to southern Africa with dozens of species, most of them very tender. Plant Select introduced a bevy of these over the past decade which have incredible impact in the landscape. Purple Mountain is that unique color of rich purple that is quite rare in gardens. I have seen this thriving in Pueblo and in gardens high in the mountains, so it is very adaptable...although it can be rather captious in some gardens. Read on!</p> </p> You can imagine my delight when I drove by a bank near the gardens and saw this terrific stand of Purple Mountain: SOME landscape designer out there is bold indeed! What a treat to see this plant given star treatment! Thank you indeed...</p> </p> One seems to see 'Lavender Mist' a tad more frequently than the other hardy Osteospermums: it can be very decorative in full bloom, and makes a robust evergreen mat.</p> But I have rarely seen AVALANCHE TM our most recent introduction in large, industrial type plantings or even in home gardens. This is an improvement on its hardy cousins because of its much greater adaptability to various soils. It is less apt to wild in heat or die back if it dries out a little too much. More importantly, it blooms longer and more heavily through the season. This is one of several Plant Select treasures that should become universal plants used in median strips and home garden, and which have been inexplicably neglected. Do visit your local garden center and ask for this, one of the greatest new perennials to come on the market in recent years. Try it! You'll like it!</p>
</p> Things Japanese are not limited to the Japanese Garden: here is a shot of Sakurasoh, the rare Japanese Primula sieboldii</em> which is one of the hardiest and best primroses for Colorado Gardens, blooming in PlantAsia in early May. Sakura is Japanese for cherry blossom--which this primrose is said to resemble. So rich is the native flora of Japan that there are Japanese treasures in almost every garden.</p> Likewise, I am delighted that at least one reader of this blog has submitted Haiku that were inspired by the Gardens and the Kizuna exhibit. These are the ones that have been sent to me thus far by volunteer Diane O'Donnell (who shares both my love of things Japanese and Greek ancestry!)... These are precisely the sort of haiku I hoped might be inspired by Kizuna and our endless, gorgeous Japanese flavored spring!</p> "Haiku for Bamboo" "Standing firm and tall yet so flexible, you bend into Western winds"</p> "Green treasure of the East, we bow to you with thanks. Origato, bamboo"</p> Diane O'Donnell</p> </blockquote>
We awoke at four o’clock to a very light rain and are hopeful that it will not be too much to keep the parrots from descending upon the clay lick this morning. After a short boat ride up river to a sand bar, we hiked to research blinds located a hundred meters or so from the clay lick and settled in to wait for the parrots to arrive. Almost immediately we observe plenty of activity in the tree tops but it seems a bit wet on the clay lick for the birds to descend. Finally, a number of large macaws take the plunge and alight on the bank across the river. There are several theories as to why parrots (and many other animals) regularly visit these clay embankments, but currently it is thought that the clay provides nutrients – especially sodium – that are lacking in most of the vegetation the animals feed on. We were able to observe several species on the clay lick and while it wasn’t exactly the jaw-dropping experience we may have been hoping for, it was still impressive and an opportunity to admire what most people will never have the opportunity to see. Macaw conservation is an important focus of the Tambopata Research Center (TRC) and was one of the organizations initial conservation efforts. Macaws face many threats including habitat destruction for agriculture, selective logging of large trees the birds use for nesting, road construction and illegal collection for the pet trade. Sadly, nearly 85% of young macaws poached from the wild die – another reason to only purchase any pet from a responsible and caring breeder. To compensate for lost nesting sites, the TRC has positioned nesting boxes throughout the area and monitors the macaw parents and chicks that use these nest boxes. Data is collected on adult behavior, chick growth and survival, migration patterns and many other details. While most of the research is conducted on the Scarlet Macaw, methods and results are often useful when working with other macaw species, many of which are severely threatened. Our morning at the clay lick may not have been a five star experience but the opportunity to witness researchers collecting data on macaw chicks more than made up for any disappointment. Another trip highlight was our visit to the medicinal garden of a community shaman named Onorato. Onorato created his gardens to treat low income residents of the area using traditional and natural treatments obtained from plant material obtained from the surrounding jungle. His garden included plants used for the treatment of everything from coughs and fevers to snake bites and cancer. There must be some credibility to these treatments – a German pharmaceutical company has confirmed curative properties and has patented plants from the South American jungles including materials used by Onorato. Our scaled-down group of Peru adventurers had many opportunities to hike and explore the surrounding jungles but we only scratched the surface of all there is to see. I return trip just may be in order. After nearly two weeks of travel, it is time to pack our bags and return to Colorado. Despite plenty of rain, early (and I mean early!!!) wake up calls and plenty of exhausting hikes, the trip has been an amazing experience. I am especially grateful for the adventurous group of trip participants who were eager to dive into every experience and who took any bumps in the road (or river) in stride and lived each moment of the trip to the fullest. Not only have I witnessed many incredible natural wonders, I’ve also met new people and made new friends. It doesn’t get much better than that! </p>
