Posted March 27, 2008 by Celia Curtis Adamec, Public Programs Manager
Who was the best, most inspiring or thought-provoking speaker you’ve seen recently? I’m sure a couple of people stand out above the noise for each of you. We have the honor of hosting such a speaker next week. On Tuesday, April 1st at 7 pm, Rick Darke is promising us a provocative, edgy (his word) view on urban ecology – the human landscape.
Both Panayoti Kelaidis, our Senior Curator and Director of Outreach, and I heard Rick talk at ProGreen, and although it was 7:30 in the morning and the topic was supposed to be “Grasses,” we found ourselves engrossed. Rick combines the intellect and wit of Michael Pollan with the plant-driven perspective of your favorite traveling horticulturists. His thoughts on what defines a livable landscape have never been more relevant. Rick’s photography is phenomenal; this talk is likely to be a visual and intellectual journey to remember.
Quoting Panayoti:
“I think Rick Darke is far and away the greatest mind and finest artist in American horticulture today. I have heard him speak three times in the last year or so, and each time I have been more deeply impressed with the breadth and depth of his artistic talent and his intellectual prowess. He is a giant talent who has a fascinating story to reveal. You must not miss this.
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Posted March 26, 2008 by Matt Cole, Director of Education
I visited our Cactus and Succulent collection today and was pleased to see the blooms. Their thickened forms and outlandish shapes hide their underlying solidarity with our more familar landscape plants, at least until they bloom and reveal their true affiliation. The blooms seem all the precious when you contemplate them in contrast to their dry, challenging habitats in the wild.
The Colorado Cactus and Succulent Society is having a show at Denver Botanic Gardens this Saturday, March 29 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sunday, March 30 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.). The show includes recognized experts available to answer questions, brief yet informative seminars, hourly drawings for free plants, and a variety of plants and supplies for sale. I just hope to see more beautiful plants!
Posted March 21, 2008 by Matt Cole, Director of Education
When I wrote that bulbs have a tough life, I was looking at only one side of the story. They have a wonderful life! Just look at the exuberant Iris and Crocus and how they add color and exuberance to the early spring landscape. They were under the snow earlier this week, but they really shook it off and kept going.
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Posted March 19, 2008 by Celia Curtis Adamec, Public Programs Manager
What does Feng Shui have to do with gardening?
Gary Hendrickson of Feng Shui Design International tells us the answer. Look for him at our Feng Shui for Your Secret Garden workshop which starts this weekend. Sign up by 5 p.m. Thursday to participate!
What does Feng Shui have to do with gardening?
Lots. Over 6000 years ago, the early principles of feng shui, the ancient Asian art and science of design and placement, were used to create the largest gardens – farms to feed the masses in China. Masters of the discipline evolved and were sought after to guide farmers to find the best location that would produce the most food.
Feng shui developed into many more uses over the years including siting new building locations, and improving the beauty and comfort within existing buildings. Segueing forward to today’s world, entire community developments are now being designed embedding feng shui principles into the very core of the design.
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Posted March 14, 2008 by Matt Cole, Director of Education
So I was walking through the Laura Porter Smith Plains Garden photographing something else and saw… What? Can you tell what is in the picture? Yes, its of a plant, but which plant, what part of the plant and why does it look that way?
Knowing its in the Plains Garden may give you a clue, but not directly. However if you’ve followed any of the local news, you may know at least part of the mystery… Post your guesses in the comments.
Posted March 11, 2008 by Celia Curtis Adamec, Public Programs Manager
If the recent warm temperatures have got you scrubbing windows and digging around in the garden, poking through piles of leaves to see what’s growing on, you are not alone. We’re not out of the woods yet in terms of snow, but it sure does feel like it’s time to get into spring action!
There are many ways that people use this time of year to overhaul or refresh their garden and home. Perhaps this is the year you want to redesign part of your yard (like mine). Gary Hendrickson’s class on Feng Shui for Your Secret Garden might have just the new twist on an old idea that you are looking for. His hands-on workshop will examine each student’s garden in detail and provide concrete, inspiring solutions to creating your own nurturing, private relaxation space.
Or perhaps you – like me – have been saving your cash diligently for a truckload of new xeric perennials to give your garden that lush rainbow of year-round color that will make it the envy of all your neighbors (especially when they see your water bill is less than theirs!).
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Posted March 11, 2008 by Matt Cole, Director of Education
I saw works by a few of the artists contributing this summer’s Urban Nature exhibit here at Denver Botanic Gardens on York Street just recently. Their work is so striking! Unfortunately, the official announcement of the material is still under wraps so all I can say is “It’s gonna be great! Stay tuned!”
Fortunately, I can say that Rick Darke’s public appearance on April 1st is titled In Your Face: Ethics and Urban Ecology. Both prolific writer and speaker, he seems perfect to set the stage for a conversation here in Denver. The New York Times recently visited his home in Pennsylvania to learn about his world gardening philosophy. According to the article, Mr. Darke said, “A sensible palette takes a global ethic. You never want to do anything potentially damaging to any habitat. But if we are going to keep spaces green around the world, we can’t restrict the garden to plants that existed before anybody touched it.”
Posted March 8, 2008 by Matt Cole, Director of Education
The Spring Orchid Show is up today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday, March 8 and 9). I snapped this shot (above) of a Phragmipedium and feel lucky to have seen it. It reminds of the ladyslipper orchids I used to see growing up in the Eastern woods. But it was so red and striking! I was quite taken with it. But if its not to your fancy, look to the bottom photo and see what a range of blooming beauties the Denver Orchid Society has on display.
