September is a great time to take a walk through the flowers in Lainie’s Cutting Garden. By this time in late summer the plants are in full bloom and at their peak for harvesting. This garden was designed with ease of cutting in mind with annuals planted in the center beds and perennials and shrubs bordering the entire garden. </p> As you approach Lainie’s Cutting Garden you will notice that the center beds are laid out in concentric circles creating an almost labyrinth-like path through the garden. Enter the garden through the south entrance across from Oak Grove and give the flowers a quick scan. The garden is small in comparison, but it is packed full of beautiful colors, shapes and textures creating a lush living arrangement. Each of the center beds are designed and planted with a color theme in mind and as you walk from east to north to west the colors progress through each pigment of the rainbow.</p> As you take a right around the circle the first plant you will notice stands high above the rest, Leonotis nepetifolia</strong></em>, or lion’s ear</strong>. Lion’s ear features perfect ball-shaped structures that adorn the tall main stem with small orange flowers protruding out of each ball. This flower is perfect for using in fresh or dried flower arrangements. Come back this winter and you will be able to see it on display in the Romantic Gardens’ dried arrangements.</li> Another plant that shares the orange palette of the garden is Amaranthus cruentus</strong></em> ‘Hot Biscuits’</strong>. This cultivar of amaranth is a bit different than most of the red and pink varieties. Hot Biscuits features bronze-colored plumes that bloom throughout the summer and into fall.</li> As you continue walking you will see a very interesting ball-type dahlia, Dahlia</strong></em> ‘Double Jill’</strong>. Double Jill gets its name from the many colors that it features on each flower. No one flower is ever the same with different combinations of white, orange and yellow. Dahlias make great cut flowers, and the ball types seem to attract less Japanese beetles!</li> As you make your way around the pink section of the rainbow you may notice a familiar smell in the air that is Ocimum basilicum </strong></em>‘Cardinal’</strong>. Cardinal basil is in its full expression this time of year showing off its dark pink blooms and lush foliage. Basil makes a fantastic filler for flower arrangements and with flowers and fragrance you can’t go wrong.</li> Finally, you make your way to the end of the rainbow where purple is the featured color. The standouts in this section are Eustoma grandiflorum</strong></em> ‘Can Can Purple’ </strong>and Eustoma grandiflorum </strong></em>MARIACHI® Lavender</strong>, also known as lisianthus. The flowers on lisianthus often remind people of roses with their soft petals and double flower heads. They can be a bit top heavy, so we plant them tight and provide a lot of support as they grow. These flowers add a lot of drama to fresh arrangements, and they will hold up for weeks.</li> </ul> This is just a handful of the many flowers that are on display in Lainie’s Cutting Garden. Come back again and again to discover something new; the garden is always changing. </p> Gallery photos by Angie Andrade</em></p>
When in Rome, do as the Romans do; when on a field expedition in Colorado, do as the local flora do! Colorado is home to an impressive diversity of geographies and environments, from prairie to shrubland to alpine tundra. It’s a botanist’s paradise to conduct fieldwork in these environments, but these varied conditions make expeditions both adventurous and challenging. As a seasonal botany assistant in the Research & Conservation Department, I’ve learned to adapt to our environments by paying attention to the locals.</p> In the sun-soaked eastern plains, heat and drought are concerns for human researchers and leafy subjects alike. Artemisia frigida</em>, or fringed sagebrush, has learned to make the most of the fleeting water. They grow taproots as deep as five feet underground when water is abundant but can alternatively grow branching roots near the surface when water is fleeting. Thanks to its adaptability, fringed sage has become a ubiquitous plant across the plains. For humans living and working in this arid environment (including Denver), we can learn from the sagebrush as well. Since humans don’t have roots, it’s wise to drink up when you’re near a source of water and be sure to pack enough water for the day ahead. Bonus points for added electrolytes! </p>
Diversity in the Arts (DITA) is an internship program for college students committed to improving diversity, equity and inclusion within the art industry. As a graphic design major at the University of Northern Colorado with a passion for digital media art, this internship seemed like a great opportunity to look ahead and learn about potential careers related to my skills and interests.</p> As an Asian American, I understand the importance of inclusivity in a place that sees so many visitors from different backgrounds. Embracing diversity not only fosters a sense of belonging for all individuals but also enhances the overall experiences for everyone involved.</p> Throughout the summer I worked closely with Volunteer Coordinator Maureen Igoe to co-manage the Summer Teen Volunteer Program. With 88 teenagers enrolled, I spent a good portion of my time curating educational and impactful volunteer shifts for teens. In addition, I trained and set up volunteers for Evenings al Fresco, Summer Concert Series, Lavender Festival and everyday volunteer activities at the Gardens. Working in this small team dynamic has improved my leadership and communication skills.</p> My graphic design skills came in handy with a few projects. For example, I helped design a Rocky Mountain columbine flower label for a teen volunteer project involving seeds. I also created graphics for a science-communication game for teen volunteers to facilitate with visitors, including a perfume bottle, lotion bottle, chocolate cake and a medicine bottle that contain plants found at Denver Botanic Gardens. This experience allowed me to apply my creativity and technical skills in a practical setting. I was able to contribute to meaningful projects that engaged and educated others. </p> This internship has shown me that graphic design is much broader than I initially thought. I had the chance to meet some professionals at the Gardens who incorporate creativity and design in their daily work. They shared their design process and explained their career journey as graphic designers. </p> Additionally, I was stationed to support the visitors' experiences in the galleries. This role was important because it allowed me to see how artists with different backgrounds use different designs to interpret art. This role helped me understand why good design matters in making art accessible and engaging for the public. </p> I intend to carry the experience and skills I have strengthened this summer into my future graphic design career. I hope to emulate some of these same skills from the internship at Denver Botanic Gardens with clients and collaborators. As I continue to explore career opportunities in graphic design, I hope to showcase my diversity and apply my creative talents to projects that not only reflect but celebrate the experiences of everyone. </p> This article was contributed by Volunteer Services Intern Keown Taylor</strong>. </em></p>
August is a great month to take a walk around the water gardens to see our aquatic plant collection in its full glory. </p> Begin your stroll at the small pool in the Ellipse garden</strong> –</span> home to the Chihuly artwork Colorado</em>. A unique plant displayed in this pond is mosaic plant (Ludwigia sedioides</em>). This South American native thrives in warm water, making this pool the ideal spot for it to show off its intricate pattern of tiny floating leaves arranged in a mosaic pattern on the water’s surface. Hardy and tropical waterlilies (Nymphaea </em>hybrids) such as ‘Ultra Violet’, ‘Carla’s Sonshine’, ‘Wanvisa’, ‘Albert Greenberg, ‘Laydekeri Fulgens’ and ‘Joey Tomocik’ along with Colocasia</em> ‘Diamond Head’ and Canna</em> ‘Chiquita Punch’ round out the display in this pond.</li> Next, head west to the Romantic Gardens pool</strong>, where you will find a display of star waterlilies. These waterlilies are named for the shape of their blooms, which are stellate and held high above the water’s surface. One waterlily species, Nymphaea gracilis</em>, has been used by hybridizers to create cultivars of star waterlilies with flowers in a rainbow of colors. N. gracilis </em>is native to Mexico and has solid white blooms and green leaves. Cultivars displayed in this pond include the pink flowered ‘August Siebert’, ‘Rhapsody in White’, which boasts white blooms and mottled leaves, and ‘Rhonda Kay’, which rounds out the collection with purple flowers.</li> Continuing to the west, you will find the Four Towers Pool</strong>, which borders the south and west sides of the Science Pyramid. Showcased is a collection of hardy intersubgeneric waterlilies (crosses between hardy and tropical waterlilies that have proven to be winter hardy here in Denver) as well as hardy waterlilies, tropical waterlilies and an assortment of marginal plants (plants that typically grow in shallow water around the margins of a pond). These include Canna</em> ‘Red Wine’, Canna</em> ‘Belinda’, red-stemmed thalia (Thalia geniculata</em> f. ruminoides</em>), SUMMERIFIC® swamp hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos</em> ‘Berry Awesome’) and ROYAL HAWAIIAN® taro (Colocasia esculenta</em> ‘Black Coral’). Entries in the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society (IWGS) New Waterlily Competition are displayed closest to the sidewalk on the west side of this pond, and water platters (Victoria</em> ‘Longwood Hybrid’) grown from seed in our greenhouse complete this display.</li> The next pond on our walking tour can be found at the west end of the Steppe Garden just as you enter the Annuals Garden</strong>. This pool highlights the Rocky Mountain Legacy Collection – waterlilies that have been tested for performance at Denver Botanic Gardens over the years and which have historical significance. This collection includes the hardy waterlilies ‘Colorado’, ‘Denver’, ‘Denver’s Delight’, ‘Joey Tomocik’, ‘Bea Taplin’, ‘Attorney Elrod’ and ‘Cynthia Ann’. Tropical waterlilies in the collection include ‘Stan Skinger’, ‘William McLane’ and ‘Bob Hoffman’.</li> As you walk through the Annuals Garden, you will come to the ponds situated on either side of the walkway at the north side of this garden</strong>. The east pool boasts a collection of night-blooming tropical waterlilies including Nymphaea</em> ‘Red Flare’, ‘Juno’, ‘Texas Shell Pink’ and ‘Rosa de la Noche’ while the pond on the west side is brimming with showy tropical waterlilies like ‘Doris Holt’, ‘Star of Zanzibar’, ‘Peach Twist’ and ‘Innocence’. Two Santa Cruz water platters (Victoria cruziana</em>) make the perfect aquatic companions for the show-stopping annuals bordering this pond.</li> North of Sacred Earth and the Hive Garden Bistro, Monet Pool </strong>stretches to the border of the Japanese Garden and is our largest display pond. This water garden features the always popular water platters (Victoria</em> ‘Longwood Hybrid’ and Victoria cruziana</em>) as well as hundreds of hardy and tropical waterlilies, water-loving Canna</em> hybrids, aquatic Iris and other marginal plants like pickerel plant (Pontederia cordata</em>), lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus</em>), powdery thalia (Thalia dealbata</em>) and common rush (Juncus effusus). Stands of lotus (Nelumbo</em> cultivars) can be found throughout the pond as well. These begin blooming in mid-July and continue into August before dropping their petals to reveal showy, decorative seed pods.</li> The final stop on our walking tour is the pond in Le Potager at the southwest end of Monet Pool</strong>. Here, hardy and tropical waterlilies in a rainbow of colors are paired with numerous Colocasia</em> and Nelumbo</em> cultivars to create a colorful display surrounding the bright and intricately patterned sculpture "Deer-Butterfly," part of the Spirit Guides</em> exhibition.</li> </ul> Gallery photos by Tamara Kilbane</em></p>
It’s fascinating to wonder when it happened. For millions of years of human development, consciousness was deeply integrated into daily experiences within what we now call the natural world. Of course, it is and has always been, well, the world. </p> Then, as we learned more about fungi, flora and fauna, and especially about how to cultivate them for our ease of use, many populations began to think of human and nature as two distinct groups of life. We started to think of ourselves as dominant. </p> That’s where science came to play. Trial and error, developing best practices and of course making huge mistakes along the way – all led to procedures and protocols for rudimentary agriculture and more reliable success at tracking and hunting.</p> As the relationships with other life changed, so did our ability to express the feelings we had toward all types of life, especially those who resisted our urge for control. Animals and plants became powerful characters in human cosmology. Our myths included daring tales of encounters and beautiful visions of balance. Throughout the early stages of this changing relationship, humans maintained a powerful sense of respect for the rest of the natural world. We were still a part of it.</p> Then, around 5,000 years ago, some emerging human civilizations, though still not all, began to craft a world view that there was human nature and nature nature. Two different and often opposed constructs of life. In most of our society, the distinction of nature from ourselves is deep in our psyche now and has daily consequences. On the one hand, everything that builds our actual lives comes from the rest of the natural world because we are co-created. On the other hand, much of what we contribute to the rest of earthly life has been less than beneficial.</p> Let’s take horticulture as a germane example. In the arid high steppe of Colorado, we long ago decided that an East Coast or European aesthetic was somehow a good idea. We laid out our yards, gardens and parks with inappropriate trees and shrubs, and massive bluegrass lawns. We overuse scarce water, destroy habitat (except for pariahs like Japanese Beetles), and roll up high costs for chemicals and maintenance. Yet, when we wander the foothills of our mountains, if we came across a broad meadow of bluegrass, we would be appalled. </p> The most amazing things begin to happen, though, when we remember that we are indeed part of the natural world. When we respect that fact and work to restore the land around us, life comes roaring back. Indigenous animals, insects, plants and fungi reappear, seemingly overnight. Health is refreshed.</p> These lessons, it turns out, are not that difficult. They often save time and money. The result is more than appropriate, it is truly joyful. So, let’s do it.</p> The summer issue of Inside the Gardens is out now. Read it today</a>.</p>
Conservation is the careful maintenance and upkeep of natural resources to prevent them from disappearing. A natural resource is the physical supply of something that exists in nature, such as soil, water, air, plants, animals and energy. At the Gardens, we care for all these, especially plants and their environment. </p> How does storytelling relate to conservation and why does it matter? We can harness the power of storytelling to inspire a love for wildlife and the environment. If we read a wildlife story and connect emotionally with characters and their happiness and struggles, we are more likely to empathize with real-life conservation challenges faced by nature and wildlife today. </p> Storytelling provides insights into the past, bridging generations, and empowering communities to be stewards of the land. Storytelling transcends boundaries and makes conservation accessible to everyone.</p> By showcasing the beauty and fragility of nature through narratives, we empower individuals to become guardians of the environment and inspire the next generation of nature enthusiasts. Whether it's planting native wildflowers to support pollinators or advocating for protected habitats, every action inspired by a story contributes to the collective effort of a wilder future.</p> Visit York Street and enjoy stories of all kinds from fiction to non-fiction at the Helen Fowler Library</a>. The Gardens also produces films related to conservation and stewardship, on view in the Sturm Family Auditorium</a> and included with admission. Additionally, you may encounter a Learning Cart while onsite, where you can get a closer look at elements of nature.</p> We also hope to inspire future generations to engage in environmental stewardship and conservation by connecting them to plants and the world around them. In Mordecai Children's Garden</a> at York Street, kids can explore a place just for them. At Chatfield Farms, they can</span> hear more about the lives of butterflies from experts at the Butterfly House</a> or participate in Strolling Stories</a>, which combines story time and nature hikes. And at the Plains Conservation Center in Aurora</a>, visitors of all ages can learn about life on the prairie, from the wildlife living there now to the homesteaders and Cheyenne people who lived there in the 1800s.</p> On your next visit to the Gardens, be sure to dig into some of nature’s stories. </p> This article was contributed by Laboratory Technician Theresa Melhem</strong>. </em></p> </p>
