Winter Wonderland

John Temple’s column in the Rocky Mountain News today, ‘Simple moments, rich rewards’ was very inspiring. Not just because I work at Denver Botanic Gardens, but also because the article hits it in the nail regarding the little things in life that really matter. Every morning I look out my kitchen window and the sight of geese in the golf course behind my house or the Daphne that still refuses to stop blooming or the water bubbling in my pond or the dried seed heads of the ornamental grasses swaying in the wind all inspire me as I start my day. It is these simple pleasures in life that are truly memorable.

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‘Pink Ribbon’ waterlily sends holiday wishes

‘Pink Ribbon,’ a Wonderful Christmas Wish…Time flies and before you know it the waterlilies will be doing their thing again, flowering profusely and brightening the lives of  people world-wide. The brilliant pink hardy waterlily Nymphaea ‘Pink Ribbon’ (hybridizer: Songpanich) was a hit once more in the summer of 2008 at Denver Botanic Gardens. A portion of the sales of ‘Pink Ribbon’ goes to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation in the fight against breast cancer.

A REAL Trail of Lights!

Trail of Lights on member night . . . As we drove onto Deer Creek Canyon Road, my breath was taken away for a minute. Just imagine seeing the lights all aglow in the depths of a dark field, with the crescent moon glowing over the entire scene. Even viewing the car lights snaking down into the valley was surprising—making for another trail of lights! What an amazing sight. My family had some time to catch up on what was going on in our worlds as we slowly drove into Chatfield. Even at a distance, the huge cottonwood trees shot up into the dark night. As we got closer and more details came into view of the thousand and thousands of colored lights glowing, my anticipation grew.

Walking through the winding trail, we ooohed and aaahed like we were watching fireworks. Take your time and enjoy the walk. There is so much to see if you just slow down and look all around you.
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Dr. Neale’s Research Honored

It is with great pride that we share the news with you that a research paper published by our own Jenny Neale was recently selected to receive the “PSB Best Paper Award 2008″ from the presitgous Plant Species Biology journal.  Dr. Neale’s research was on the population genetics of a rare sunflower. The full citation is ‘Conservation of rare species with island-like distributions:’ A case study of Lasthenia conjugens (Asteraceae) using population genetic structure and the distribution of rare markers.’ Plant Species Biology 23: 97-110 (2008)

Considering the thousands of papers from professionals across the globe, this is a real distinction. The awards ceremony will be held in Japan.  

We are also excited to announce that Dr. Neale will be leading the charge in the establishment of a new of a new Conservation Genetics program at Denver Botanic Gardens. With the support of an endowment named for Gladys Cheesman Evans
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Wonder

Wonder enlarges the heart.
When you wonder,
you are drawn out of yourself.
      ~ John O’Donohue ~

Occasionally, someone will call Denver Botanic Gardens in autumn or winter and ask if there is anything to see at the Gardens during these seasons. My reply always includes an unequivocal yes; the Gardens are full of beauty throughout the year. To experience this magical time, simply walk into the Gardens with your sense of wonder intact.

It’s true, currently the Gardens are transforming in other ways; there has been an abundance of caterpillar tracks, excavators, hardhats, and  
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UnReal Art at the Gardens

Real/UnReal: Botanical Studies by John Bonath, the current art exhibit in Gates Garden Court at our York Street location, sets our concrete walls ablaze with color. From afar, the works are simply appealing interpretations of botanical subjects. Portraits, perhaps. There is more than meets the eye, however. This manipulated digital photography by the well-known Denver artist is born out of the ideologies of Magic Realism and asks viewers to contemplate their definition of reality. A companion display provides secrets to understanding the artist’s process and provides clues to which portraits are of “real” flowers. Or - are any of these images “real?” Be sure to visit the exhibit before January 4 to decide for yourself.

Trail of Lights Family Fun

Last night Denver Botanic Gardens wowed visitors at the Member-Only preview of this new holiday lights event at Chatfield. My family and I were among the many who enjoyed the spectacular display and country charm nestled in the foothills. Complete with the new children’s Discovery area, historic wagons, and a kids’ craft – we all enjoyed a new tradition to kick off the season. My thanks to all the staff, volunteers, and lighting experts who made it happen! (Mother Nature cooperated, too.)