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 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.
Posted March 4, 2008 by Matt Cole, Director of Education
The melt-off seems terrifically quick after such a thorough snow storm. Spring will take hold before you know it. Now is a great time to watch a garden for changes between one day and the next. Come stroll through the Gardens and see the transformations right before your eyes.
Other ways to celebrate include gardening and green living programs. For gardeners interested in beginning new projects, Planting Design with Travis Beck will cover practical ways to plan success and draw up plans for their use.
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Posted March 3, 2008 by Matt Cole, Director of Education
The life of a bulb is a tough one. For the bulk of the year, the plant lives underground and dormant, enduring until it’s time to shine. These Iris just get themselves up and going and Sunday’s snow put the brakes on. Nonetheless, winter will end and more and more bulbs and flowers will take advantage of warming spring to make their entry into life above ground.
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