Posted December 13, 2011 by Julie Casault, Gardener
Growing vegetables can be one of the most gratifying gardening experiences. It is amazing to watch seeds, bulbs, and small plants grow to become a productive food harvest. For children, this can be the first exposure to horticulture and a very educational experience in nutrition, health and science.
The space outside of the Morrison Center, previously the Sensory Garden, was left undeveloped during construction of the Mordecai Children’s Garden during fall 2010. The original plan for this space was to add six simple vegetable beds. With 1,000 square feet of space, it became a challenge to create something that would be impactful.
Read more »
Posted December 2, 2011 by Julie Casault, Gardener
It is amazing to look back over the past year and see the amazing transformation that Mordecai Children’s Garden Green Roof has gone through.
Fall 2010: The garden began to establish, welcoming families to experience the alpine ecosystem.
Read more »
Posted November 26, 2011 by Julie Casault, Gardener
As construction began on the Mordecai Children’s Garden in winter of 2010, it was hard to imagine the future of the space. Few had the opportunity to see the construction and engineering that created the garden that we see today.
The parking structure became a foundation for what would become a one-acre green roof. Layers were constructed to protect the space from weathering; the concrete paths began to take shape and the garden beds took form.
There are many significant layers to the green roof.
Read more »
Posted November 21, 2011 by David Rubin, Brand Manager
The following blog post was written by Josh Gold, a Gardens member and proud supporter of Mordecai Children’s Garden.
The first time I entered
Mordecai Children’s Garden, I was taken aback by this hidden gem in the Mile High City. A garden on a rooftop? Yeah, maybe in New York but not in Denver.
As I entered the garden on top of the new parking structure at Denver Botanic Gardens, I thought, “Oh, this is going to be a small garden where my son will be able to look and smell some plants.” However, as I walked further in, I saw it was so much more. From bridges, ponds, streams, plants, nature trails and more bridges, this is not your average garden.
This is an adventure in the city. Stroller races on the bridges, digging in the sand, splashing in a stream, playing with the stuffed animals on Marmot Mountain and exploring new plants. Where else can you do this with your kids in one afternoon?
Posted November 8, 2011 by Tonya Kelly
Colorado has always been a great source of pride for me. I am a native of this beautiful state and find its natural environment therapeutic. Despite moving out of state for school or work, I often found myself returning to my home state. I knew I would eventually settle here as I envisioned my future. I had dreams of having a family; taking my children hiking on Mount Evans, exploring the banks of the great Grand Lake and camping in Rocky Mountain National Park. However, five years ago my dreams suffered a set-back when my daughter Marley was born with Down syndrome and developed pulmonary hypertension. As a result, her medical condition prevents us from traveling into the mountains and taking advantage of all Colorado has to offer.
Photo copyright Scott Dressel-Martin
It wasn’t until last year when I discovered the Mordecai Children’s Garden that I realized my dream wasn’t completely gone. In fact, my daughter is now able to discover and learn about Colorado’s native plants and landscape in an innovative way.
In a three acre urban setting, Marley can experience the feeling of being in the middle of large pine trees in Mist’ery Forest and explore life along Pipsqueak Pond. She can even hike the Fourteener Range all the way to Marmot Mountain! Although, we haven’t braved it yet, we are excited to participate in next year’s Cottonwood Campout, giving her the full experience of sleeping under the stars.
In addition to her being able to safely explore the Children’s Garden, staff and volunteers frequently provide activities that allow her to learn at her own pace, while being challenged by the other children playing in the garden.
Read more »
Posted October 13, 2011 by Lisa Davis, Associate Director of Education
Families are invited to pack their flashlights and blankets for Campfire Tales, a special evening in the Mordecai Children’s Garden on Friday October 28, 2011 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Families can bundle up around the campfire in Sagebrush Stage as you roast marshmallows, make S’mores and sip apple cider. The family-friendly tales of Jonathan Knox, master storyteller, will fill the air and provide a perfect touch to a fall night. In addition, families can explore the garden under the glow of the stars. Special evening activities include invent your own constellation, create a night critter mask and plant an autumn seed to take home.
Read more »
Posted September 16, 2011 by digger
Families are invited to join us on Friday, September 23 to explore space and discover what it is like to be an astronaut. Our special guest, NASA, will be featuring special space-related activities. From 5:30-8:30 p.m. in Mordecai Children’s Garden, there will be many ways for families to explore, discover and celebrate space.
Posted June 29, 2011 by digger
Hello, friends!
Summer is such an exciting time in the Children’s Garden! The summer series of the Gardens’ toddler and preschool classes start next week. Some of the summer class activities include exploring the plants that make a pizza, mixing up a batch of fresh squeezed lemonade, and following the life cycle of a monarch butterfly.
Read more »
Posted in: At the Gardens, Education, Green Living, Mordecai Children's Garden - Comments(2)